“And do you believe in rock and roll? Can music save your mortal soul?”
Director Mark Moormann’s documentary is probably one of the more interesting stories about one of the most important, if not the most important rock and roll song ever made. Don McLean’s epic ode to “The Day the Music Died” is a compelling rock epic that bemoans the end of a more innocent time in rock music. This is not only a time where three titans of rock and roll perished in a tragic crash, but it also seemingly ushered in a wave of events that began to change America and society.
For the unaware, “American Pie” is a nearly ten minute epic rock song that is an accounting McLean’s life that also interweaves the ripple that the deaths of The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper had on society in 1959. It it’s an allegory not only for the loss of America’s innocence but McLean’s innocence. McLean who saw three rock idols at the beginning of legendary careers suddenly perish, caused him to consider not only his mortality but the concept of mortality in general. Despite the seemingly sad message behind it, “American Pie” is an infinitely catchy, wonderful anthem that you can sing along to. It’s also a notorious ear worm.
It’s something of a bracing reality when our rock idols suddenly die. “American Pie” isn’t just a tale about losing just McLean’s rock idols, but also our personal loss of every generation’s rock idols. “The Day the Music Died” takes a thoughtful look in to the creation of the song, McLean’s development of the song, and so much more. There are some great interviews but some of the best involve the discussions with the relatives of Valens, The Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly. Holly’s younger sister tearfully recalls hearing about the death of Holly. There are also some vintage interviews with Waylon Jennings who was set to fly on the “American Pie” before he lost the seat to Valens.
That said Moormann’s documentary does lose steam in the final twenty minutes as he interviews more modern pop stars and their love for the song. As well he pays a visit to the field where the “American Pie” crashed. This might seem like fascinating fodder but it really isn’t. Aside from having McLean sing with him on stage, I didn’t see anything unique about interviewing Garth Brooks in particular. “The Day the Music Died” is nevertheless an engaging and fascinating look in the conception and continued effect Don McLean’s rock anthem has on the world. It’s a must for any rock and roll buff.