As you might have guessed, "Bay Area Godfathers" takes place in the Bay Area, and centers around a group of musicians and their connection to the thriving music scene in San Francisco. The film features some pretty big names in metal, including Metallica's Lars Ulrich, Dave Meniketti of Y&T, Exodus' Steve Souza, Tom Hunting from Exodus and Slayer, David Ellefson of Megadeth, and Dave Lombardo, formerly of Slayer.
The movie follows the group as they navigate the ups and downs of the music industry, dealing with everything from money and fame to personal relationships and the struggle to keep writing new, fresh material. There are scenes of recording sessions, concerts, and backstage shenanigans, as well as plenty of discussion of what it takes to succeed as a musician in the notoriously cutthroat world of heavy metal.
One of the key themes of "Bay Area Godfathers" is the sense of community that exists within the Bay Area music scene. Many of the musicians in the film speak about the importance of supporting one another, whether it's through playing on each other's albums or just providing encouragement when times are tough. There's a sense that these musicians are all in this together, and that their mutual success depends on their willingness to work together and lift each other up.
Of course, there are also plenty of conflicts and rivalries between the different bands and personalities involved. Some of the film's most interesting moments come when these tensions boil over, whether it's in a heated argument in the recording studio or a confrontation backstage at a show. These scenes provide a glimpse into the less glamorous side of the music industry, reminding us that even for the most successful musicians, there are always challenges to overcome.
Throughout the film, we get to know each of the musicians on a personal level, learning about their backgrounds, their aspirations, and their struggles. We see Lars Ulrich reflecting on the early days of Metallica and the challenges they faced as a young band trying to make it in a crowded field. We hear Steve Souza talking about the toll that touring can take on a musician's personal life, and we see Dave Lombardo opening up about his decision to leave Slayer after decades of playing with the band.
"Bay Area Godfathers" is a compelling look at the world of heavy metal music, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of some of its most iconic figures. It's a must-see for any fan of the genre, offering up both inspiration and a dose of reality for those who dream of making it in the biz.
Bay Area Godfathers is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
