The members of the Pixies were all young – in their 20s – when they burst on the scene and quickly exploded in popularity. Six years and four albums later, under the stress of the success and the desires of both Charles Thompson (Black Francis/Frank Black) and Kim Deal to pursue solo projects, the band disintegrated. Fans of the band have been clamoring for just one more album or one more concert from the distinctive alt rock band ever since.
In 2004 that dream came true as Black Francis, Kim Deal, Dave Lovering, and Joey Santiago decided to come together for one more tour. In the foreword of the booklet included with the DVD, directors Steven Cantor and Mathew Galkin tell the tale of how they had the epiphany (while waiting to buy tickets for the first show) that they should make a film about the reunion tour and decided, "To hell with buying tickets, we'll get backstage passes." Luckily for fans it worked out, because what's included in the 85-minute documentary and 33 minutes of deleted scenes and commentary is a telling look at what makes the Pixies so great as a band – and why it is nearly impossible to envision them continuing to function as a group for any length or time.
The film opens with what is going on in each individual's life prior to coming together for rehearsals for the tour. Charles Thompson is working on his solo career and building a life with his girlfriend and her two kids while expecting one of their own. Kim Deal is making music in Breeder, a band she started with her sister, and working hard at her one year sobriety from alcohol and drugs. Joe Santiago is working on the soundtrack of a documentary and anticipating the birth of his second child. Dave Lovering has been performing as a magician and is grieving over the recent death of his father.
Article comments