Watch Strat Pack - 50 Years of Fender

Strat Pack - 50 Years of Fender is a documentary-style concert film released in 2005 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster, an iconic electric guitar that has helped shape the sound of popular music since the 1950s. The film features live performances by some of the world's most talented guitarists, all of whom have been heavily influenced by the Stratocaster.

The star-studded lineup includes Jamie Cullum, David Gilmour, Albert Lee, and Hank B. Marvin, along with many others who have made their mark on the music industry with the help of their trusty Stratocasters. The film documents a live concert held at Wembley Arena in London, where these guitar legends come together to pay homage to the instrument that has played such a vital role in their careers.

The concert is hosted by broadcaster and musician Mark Radcliffe, who shares stories and insights about the history of the Stratocaster and its impact on music. The film is interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the performers, giving viewers a glimpse into the creative process and the personal connections that these musicians have with their instruments.

The concert itself is a showcase of the Stratocaster's versatility and power. From blues to rock to jazz to country, the guitarists on stage demonstrate the many different ways that the Stratocaster can be used to create a wide range of sounds and styles. Highlights of the concert include David Gilmour's soulful rendition of "Marooned," a track from Pink Floyd's 1994 album The Division Bell, and Jamie Cullum's energetic performance of "Twenty Something," a single from his 2003 album of the same name.

Other standout performances come from Albert Lee, who puts his own spin on classic rock tracks like "Tears in Heaven" and "Country Boy," and Hank B. Marvin, who performs "Apache," a hit song from his time with The Shadows in the 1960s. The concert also features collaborative performances, with several of the guitarists coming together to play as a group, showcasing their skill and teamwork on stage.

One of the most striking aspects of Strat Pack - 50 Years of Fender is the visual spectacle of the concert. The guitarists on stage are supported by a full band, complete with backup singers, and the entire stage is bathed in vibrant colors and psychedelic imagery that harkens back to the guitar-heavy rock shows of the 1970s.

At its core, however, the film is a celebration of the Stratocaster and its enduring legacy. As Mark Radcliffe notes in the opening of the film, the Stratocaster has been "the sound of cool for half a century," and the performances in Strat Pack - 50 Years of Fender prove that its appeal shows no signs of diminishing.

Overall, Strat Pack - 50 Years of Fender is a must-see for fans of electric guitar and rock music. The film captures the energy and passion of some of the world's greatest guitarists, while also offering a fascinating look at the history of one of the most important instruments in modern music.

Strat Pack - 50 Years of Fender is a 2005 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.