The Death and Resurrection Show

Killing Joke, one of the most pioneering and influential British post-punk bands, has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Their tumultuous history has been marked by controversy, creative upheaval, and unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of their art. 'The Death and Resurrection Show', a documentary that delves into the tumultuous 30-year history of Killing Joke, presents a candid and unflinching portrayal of the band's trials, tribulations, and, ultimately, their triumphant resurrection. At the heart of this narrative lies the band's lead singer, Jaz Coleman, whose unwavering passion and creative drive have been the bedrock upon which Killing Joke has stood. Formed in 1978 in the midst of the post-punk movement, Killing Joke emerged with a distinct sound that blended elements of reggae, post-punk, and heavy metal with a deeply philosophical and often surreal lyrical outlook. Jaz Coleman's enigmatic and provocative songwriting style, combined with the band's unique sonic palette, quickly garnered them a devoted following and critical acclaim. The documentary 'The Death and Resurrection Show' begins by introducing the audience to Killing Joke's early days, when they were hailed as one of the most exciting and innovative new bands on the burgeoning post-punk scene. Featuring a wealth of rare and unseen footage, as well as candid interviews with Jaz Coleman and other band members, the film reveals a band driven by a fierce determination to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what was possible within the constraints of popular music. However, as the band's popularity grew, so too did the tensions and conflicts within the group. Jaz Coleman's increasingly dominant role in the band led to clashes with his bandmates, particularly guitarist Geordie Walker, who felt stifled by Coleman's control. These creative and personal differences eventually led to Geordie's departure from the band, marking a turning point in Killing Joke's history. The documentary explores the band's subsequent period of upheaval, during which time they underwent a series of lineup changes, with different musicians coming and going over the years. Despite these internal struggles, Killing Joke continued to release innovative and uncompromising music, often incorporating elements of industrial and experimental sounds into their work. One of the most pivotal moments in Killing Joke's history is addressed in 'The Death and Resurrection Show': the band's highly publicized and tumultuous relationship with Jaz Coleman's mentor, and the band's long-time collaborator, Youth (also known as Martin Glover), a renowned bassist and producer. Coleman and Youth had a deeply complex and often fraught partnership that spanned many years, fueling both some of Killing Joke's most celebrated works, as well as the tensions and conflicts that ultimately led to Youth's departure from the band. Throughout the documentary, Jaz Coleman is the guiding force and driving force, but Youth emerges as an integral part of that story. The narrative is a complex dance of creative partnerships, conflicts, and ultimately, survival against all odds. As tensions within the band continued to escalate, it seemed as though Killing Joke might never recover from the internal struggles that threatened to tear them apart. However, just as all seemed lost, the band experienced a stunning rebirth, ushered in by Jaz Coleman's decision to abandon mainstream life and seek spiritual renewal in the depths of the Icelandic wilderness. 'The Death and Resurrection Show' presents this pivotal moment in Killing Joke's history with unflinching honesty, revealing how Jaz Coleman's spiritual quest had a profound impact on his personal and artistic life. Coleman's journey to Iceland, where he immersed himself in the mystical energies of the landscape, marked the beginning of a new era for the band, one that would be characterized by a renewed sense of purpose, creativity, and spiritual depth. Back in the UK, Killing Joke welcomed new blood, incorporating additional musicians into their lineup and rejuvenating their sound with fresh ideas and perspectives. It was a moment of catharsis and rebirth, as the band shed the baggage of their past and embarked on a new path of creative discovery. The documentary 'The Death and Resurrection Show' concludes on a hopeful note, as Killing Joke, reborn and revitalized, embarked on a new chapter in their storied history. With Jaz Coleman's unyielding passion and creativity at the helm, the band entered a period of remarkable innovation, releasing a string of groundbreaking albums that cemented their reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the past 30 years. 'The Death and Resurrection Show' is more than just a documentary about one of Britain's most celebrated bands; it is an enthralling narrative about creativity, perseverance, and redemption. With its rich archival footage and incisive interviews, this film is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Killing Joke's enigmatic world, a realm marked by artistic vision, spiritual quest, and unwavering passion.