The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark (2013) User Reviews

High and low-flying Byrd

[Lejink · 7/10 · 3 April 2014]

I really didn't know much about the life and times of Gene Clark other than that he wrote some of the Byrds' best early songs until he left the group in 1966. After that I confess to knowing next to nothing about his subsequent music, evidenced and parallelled I guess by the lack of commercial success of really any of his following projects, but for me, this only attracted me the more to this documentary.

With very little film footage of Clark talking, his story is told in time-honoured back-to-front fashion with narrative commentary and interview insertions by family, friends and fellow-musicians. The story they tell of this maverick, who as one commentator says at one point, with a self- destructive quality which would metaphorically see him put out on a boat after the fleet had already gone, is certainly intriguing, his mystique added to by his rebellious personality, addictions to drink and drugs, plus of course his songwriting talent.

To be honest though, I'm no fan myself of country music, especially the hillbilly bluegrass type (I hate "Sweetheart Of The Radio" and "Nashville Skyline") so I'll not be looking to download his expeditions with Doug Dillard anytime soon, but the film certainly made me curious about his 70's work, wayward as it sometimes seems to have been. I was sorry his marriage broke down, although his ex-wife and children still seem to remember him with affection and then of course he surrendered to the ever-available drink and drugs which probably contributed to his early death in his 40's.

Clark comes across as a complex man, talented but shy, ill-served by record-label owners and producers looking only for the next big hit. Like I said earlier it would have been nice to see more footage of the man himself, especially in conversation but he clearly touched the lives of those around him, if the reactions of band-mates McGuinn, Hillman and especially a mordant David Crosby are anything to go by.

This well put-together biography has already got me fishing out my early Byrds CD's and I'm looking forward to getting to know more of the man's solo music.

A Fair and Loving Portrait of Gene Clark,founding member of the Byrds

[traceharrill · 9/10 · 26 November 2013]

The Producer,Paul Kendall set out with one goal.To honor Gene Clark,not only as the man he was but in hope to introduced a talent all but relegated to a simple foot note in the annals of the most creative "Singer,Song Writer,Boom" of the last 50 years. Kendall and "Four Son Productions" deftly and clearly,via exclusive interviews with former Bandmates,Managers,Producers,Record Industry Moguls,family and friends reveal the true Gene Clark with answers carefully designed to protect one's own self interest. Years in the making,untold interviews,headaches and personal monies spent,all due to the love Gene gave freely to everyone he met.A story I know personally and heard repeated time and again and the driving force behind this documentary.Yet more than that.Tiz a beautiful treat for the eyes,up lifting and informative featuring a cast of legendary writers,singers and players such as David Crosby,Chris Hillman,Roger McGuiin and many others.This is one DVD you will want to revisit time and again,and soon I promise you will be searching for all the Gene Clark songs you can lay you're ears on… Trace Harrill

I express my admiration of the film 'The Byrd Who Flew Alone'

[bjpickersgill · 9/10 · 20 November 2013]

I love this DVD partly because it takes me back to my teacher training college days of the early 1970s. I only wish that, then, I had been more aware of the talent that was Gene Clark. But this film fills the gap. Considering the limited footage that was available, Four Suns Productions have created a deeply sympathetic film of a fantastic musician, but is also honest about the flawed man. I find the interviews with family, friends and musicians frank and thought provoking and I have to express my admiration for the interviewee(s). The choice of background music is wonderful and the end footage left me with wet eyes... Thanks must go to Paul Kendall and his sons for the commitment and dedication that went into this tribute to Gene Clark.

Long anticipated documentary is everything we hoped for - and more!

[catoohey · 10/10 · 19 November 2013]

Those of us familiar with Gene Clark's music - both with the Byrds and after finally have a cinematic glimpse into his life and psyche as one of the originators of country rock. Interviews with Gene's compadres help fill in some of the blanks about his life and the reasons for his lack of success in his post-Byrds music career. We finally get to meet his ex-wife Carlie Clark and hear from both of his sons as to their experiences with their dad. The repeated theme is of an extremely soulful and talented songwriter always on the brink of success, who always falls back at the last moment. Anyone who enjoys music will enjoy this film and the tasteful use of Gene's music throughout! Kudos to the production team of Paul Kendall and his sons!

Gene Clark Sadly Underrated

[geoffreyreynolds · 10/10 · 7 February 2014]

This is a brilliant DVD that tells the story of Gene Clark so well. From his early influences to his latest incarnations the story is riveting. I think, only now, that his band mates in the Byrds are only just starting to realise what an immense talent he was. Chris Hillman is fulsome in his praise but does include the warts. David Crosby is a little more understanding than he was and Roger McGuinn is well, Roger McGuinn. His later collaborators, such as John York,Pat Robinson and Carla Olsen saw a different side of Gene Clark - brilliant song-writer but also a bit inebriated when called upon to do his thing on stage. His demons resurfacing again. All in all though very satisfying.

Intimate and deserving...

[chrissables · 10/10 · 7 February 2014]

Although lacking certain dynamics; I found this film incredibly moving. It almost felt like a family history, contributions from Gene's lovely sister and brother and his two sons made this feel so intimate and up close. A very warm human story with some great contributions, you can almost wait for the tide to come in and go out while David Crosby finds the very most appropriate words to describe Gene's...soul. It is clear that Gene Clark had a profound effect on just about everyone he met. I also found it a valuable guide on how to grow old gracefully, or graciously - some fantastic insights and wisdom from Gene's former band mates, Chris Hillman deserves a special mention as the guy you would probably most wish to be like when in your mid-late sixties. I learn't a lot by watching this film and felt enriched by the experience. An extremely worthy tribute to a mercurial, searching, cosmic American dreamer.

Like a theatrical partner to John Einarson's biography

[conroyshawnr · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

If anyone has read Einarson's biography of Gene Clark, Mr. Tambourine Man, this movie will tell a familiar tail but what is wonderful is hearing those stories from the musicians and friends that were there when it all went down. David Crosby, who is not known for humility, seems in awe of Clark at times and The Byrds in their original lineup. McGuinn is matter-of-fact but Hillman seems like the warmest of the bunch, the only Byrd who also smiles and laughs in his segments. This also reminded me of Be Here to Love Me, the wonderful film about Townes Van Zandt, in that is does not deify its subject but rather portrays them for the talented but trouble person that they are; the talent is celebrated but you feel the pain that they caused their family, friends and band mates. Enough detail for the casual Clark or Byrds fan, but an abundance of clips and audio to satisfy the die-hards. Well done indeed.

Really enjoyable documentary that filled in a lot of gaps...

[adambw87 · 10/10 · 7 February 2014]

I've seen and own a lot of rock DVD's, so I can spot a formulaic documentary when I see one. This was an exception, really evoked the times and feeling well, the interviewee's were insightful. A major coo to get the surviving Byrds involved, well done guys. Further to that, it adds credence to the fact that a lot of people rated Gene very highly, both as a Byrd and a solo artist. The fact that alongside the high profile covers (Mr. Tambourine Man, Turn Turn Turn) it was mostly Gene's songwriting keeping the band afloat initially...the drop dead one of the greatest pop/rock singles ever conceived (I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better) and gorgeous ballads like Set You Free This Time. Contributors also note Gene's excellent post Byrds work. So to sum it up, really enjoyable film, that didn't pander, told the truth and was all the better for it. I ordered it from Four Suns Productions and received the film promptly, well packaged. Good work again guys, look forward to what you do next. Get a Terry Reid film done! All the best, Adam

The truth about Gene Clark's life and music.

[katgoose1 · 10/10 · 7 February 2014]

"The Byrd Who Flew Alone" is a labor of love and dedication from Four Suns Productions. It has high production values and great pacing and focus. In addition to the excellence of the film itself, the added features provide even more knowledge and enjoyment.

This movie about Gene Clark is an honest assessment of the triumphs and tragedies of his life. For long-standing fans, it offers intimate details of who Gene was as a human being and as an artist, told by those who knew him and were there as it happened. For those unaware of how important Gene Clark was and is, this movie provides an excellent introduction to a singular talent who deserves to be heard and enjoyed for the richness of his abilities as a songwriter, singer and musician.

Anyone who wants to know more about Gene Clark and his music will be satisfied with what they learn in this film and will come away understanding more about the depth of Gene's music and his life than they can imagine. Highly recommended!

Great Film on Gene's Life, but Another is Needed for his Music

[markdiedrich · 9/10 · 7 February 2014]

This is a great film on Gene Clark's life--nicely produced with a lot of good interviews with people who knew Gene. I especially enjoyed the contributions of McGuinn, Crosby and Hillman, and of the three, Hillman in particular. Of course, all these guys need documentaries as well. You might have guessed that I have been a life-long fan of these artists. I have been listening to them ever since the release of Mr. Tambourine Man. As a musician, and singer-songwriter, I emulated them and have performed their music. Feel a Whole Lot Better was always a staple in my bands, as was Tambourine Man, Mr. Spaceman, Long Time Gone, and so on. As much as I appreciate the Kendalls for the time, effort, money invested in their film, I personally am/was ready for The Music of Gene Clark documentary. I don't suppose the Kendalls can do a Part Two. Some of what I was looking for was relegated to a feature on Clark as an "artist." Perhaps, for most people, they need to have a sense of who Clark was, but I feel that too much time is given in the film to the mayhem of drunkenness and drugs which eventually destroyed Gene's life. This leaves me feeling very sad. Again, I'm ready for an emphasis on Gene's music, which for at least ten years was a soundtrack for my own life.When I wrote some articles on the internet some ten years ago, I suggested that Turn Turn Turn would have been a huge classic if only several songs had been dropped in favor of She Don't Care About Time and She Has a Way. (Yes, I know the others wanted to get songwriting royalties.) Set You Free This Time was wonderfully done, but as some in the film intimated--his songs were generally melancholic and slow. Did anybody have a clue whether he was clinically depressed? Eight Miles High was a classic! And I would like to hear discussion at this point about what were the greatest singles of rock during the Sixties. I would vote for Eight Miles High being in the top five! These songs lay the groundwork for "Echoes." This song should be discussed for its poetry and how Clark rates against the songs Dylan had written (Could Leon Russell not be found for an interview?) Tried So Hard and Keep on Pushin' make Clark a candidate for being a founder of country-rock, along with Hillman and Parsons, and even the Beatles for that matter. Surely, this is not a point to dismiss. I always wondered why Clark chose the Gosdins for backup singing, and why the producer practically drowned out Clark's voice at times. I recall Dillard and Clark not getting very favorable reviews, but Clark was yet writing very poignant songs. A particular favorite is "Something's Wrong" on the first album. There should be some speculation as to Clark's lyric on "leaving here just to die." Again, was he depressed? Or, is this a yearning for meaning in his life? Does anybody know if he was searching spiritually speaking (Somebody once wrote an article on this topic?) "Polly" is another melancholy Clark classic, which we know was recently covered by Kraus and Plant. I always loved the song from the day the album came out. Matthews did it as well. Its the beginning of Clark's more mystical-type lyrics (although She Don't Care about Time hints in this direction). It would be great if someone could do a "best of Gene Clark" disc, if not a boxed-set at some point. I think "White Light" is perhaps the most cohesive and high-quality single body of work that Gene did (beyond No Other). The laid-back production by Jesse Ed Davis is perfect for Gene's work. "With Tomorrow" was one of my personal favorites. How about some discussion of the poetry of "The Virgin." How about some praise for "Spanish Guitar." Byrds Reunion. Clark shined foremost on this. Too bad infighting ruined what could have been such a great album (Too bad those earlier Gene-Byrds recordings of Full Circle couldn't have been used). Again, was Full Circle pointing to a philosophical/spiritual direction that Gene was heading? Anyway, you get my drift. Gene was the "Gypsy Rider", the musical vagabond, singing his "two-wheeled symphony." His music deserves better than a chronicle of his tortured soul. Other questions that occurred to me: Why was the "silver raven" solo performance included in the features, when it clearly shows his voice being in very bad shape--this should not have been included; 2) Where was Clark's second wife?, 3) Could not Rick Roberts have been interviewed? 4) Where was an interview with John Einerson? And finally, why close with "I Shall be Released?" Surely, there is some Clark/Olson footage with some of Gene's songs--we don't need to hear him doing Dylan as a closing statement. I applaud the Kendalls for their gift to us. I only hope that maybe they could build upon this for a second film on the music.

Really, Really Good!!!

[tokyor88 · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

"TBWFA" so exceeding my expectations. I was so sad when it was over though the extras were quite good as well. Having known Gene a little and having seen him perform live many times, this was a treasure for a much missed performer and acquaintance. Having produced TV, music videos, and studied documentary making, I know how hard it is to achieve the level of excellence that "TBWFA" has hit. I only regret that pictures I took of Gene didn't make their way into the project because of a communication snafu. As a side note, I was surprised and delighted at the candor of all the interviewees, both positive and negative towards Gene.Especially nice to see David Crosby finally cop to Gene's genius as a writer and vocalist. That was a long time coming.

Enjoy if you haven't watched it yet!

Peace, Toke

Fans of Gene Clark must see this documentary and those who don't know about him will be blown away.

[bakerbyrd · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

Lovingly produced documentary about the brilliant Gene Clark, who was a prolific singer/songwriter, first with The Byrds and then with a solo career. Gene was grossly under appreciated during his lifetime, but this documentary has sparked a resurgence of interest about his music. Recently, four indie bands performed several tribute shows, highlighting Gene's ignored masterpiece, No Other, which was released in 1974. It exposed his brilliance to a new generation of listeners. Portions of this awesome documentary were shown at each performance with the young audience sitting in rapt attention. My only complaint, which is not the fault of the producers, is that there is precious little concert footage of Gene. But it is a fascinating story to those unfamiliar with him and an emotional experience for old fans, like me.

The BIG why?

[fifteenpiecesofflair · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

I'm soon to be 62 and it was a real fortunate time in my life to know Beatlemania and following with the DC5, and others of the British Invasion, but when the Byrds answered the call with Tambourine Man, I was hooked.

It wasn't till much later in life that I got to know Gene's music. Both Dillard & Clark and Allison Krausse/Robert Plant.

I began delving into songs like "Through The Morning, Through The Night" and I wasn't even aware that it was the same man who wrote and sang I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better.

The enigma that began to show itself over and over again with the deaths of Gram Parsons, Hendrix, etc. making me ask the question; Why? That culture that consumed so many lives, a mix of decadence, drugs and fame, all being a cruel mistress who doesn't care a whit of one's accomplishments and notoriety. We see it still with the Lohan's and Biebers to this day.

This DVD certainly hit dead on straight, watching a life spiral down and crash. It felt like watching a train crash in slow motion, much like the Gram Parsons DVD. You want there to be a good ending, but its not to be.

Thank you to the Four Sons production team who put this together. The many, many interviews showed us a very vulnerable man.

He Did Not Care About Time

[quire1 · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

Understand why Gene Clark is so respected and enjoyed so many years after his death. This movie provides the context for where he came from (nowhere) to the the center of American music This is finally the doc that this this man deserved!!! So well told, so touching, and tragic. Great footage of the people who knew him best. It shows the remarkable arch of his life - rise, decline, rise,decline,rise and crash. Wonderfully respectful of his work without sugarcoating. I think that anyone who is a fan would want to see this and own it.A great way to understand the man and his music and understand why he has so many fans - like T Bone Burnett. Great rare footage of music insiders.

A gem discovered by chance

[roger-bateson1 · 10/10 · 11 February 2014]

Tipped off by Uncut magazine this was well worth the wait and, although mixed with the joy that is the music of Gene Clark and the sadness that he flew from us too early, or perhaps too high like Icarus, I approached this DVD with some trepidation in fear of tainting my misty memories. No cause for concern though as, albeit with limited footage available, the producers have gathered together a fitting tribute encompassing the insight of fellow Byrds, wife and family, friends and fellow journeymen troubadours. Thank you!

After watching the film and delving through the extras, most of which warrant inclusion, it only led me to dig out all the old vinyl and indulge and immerse once more. Pride of place went to listening to and pouring over my signed copies of White Light, but especially my Dutch pressing of Roadmaster which back in 1976 I think it was at the Leeds Uni McGuinn Clark Hillman gig, provoked the response from the great man of "Did I make this?" as he had never seen the sleeve before. Suffice to say our ten minutes conversation was a time to treasure on my part.

Perhaps I am preaching to the already converted but if anyone has any interest in probably the most enigmatic Byrd then do not hesitate to watch this worthy film.

And in conclusion, yes, "No Other" is still firmly ensconced in my top 5 albums of all time!

Perfect !! They did it right.

[letshaveanotherbeer · 10/10 · 8 February 2014]

This was great! I had a feeling beforehand how good it might be when I saw the list of the participants who appeared in it. Getting McGuinn,Hillman and Crosby to talk was the clincher all around in my opinion.

Thankfully they made a documentary that was straightforward and focused on Gene and all facets of his story as it was, not turning into something different like the Oliver Stone Doors movie. Ray Manzarek continually ridiculed that movie and what a missed opportunity it was.

Not here. It was really nice to see participation from not only other musicians, but Gene's family members as well.It's great when you've been a fan of someone and they get a tribute like this. And just as great is that Gene's music is still getting rediscovered.

Fantastic Expedition of Gene Clark

[ruthnoah · 10/10 · 22 March 2014]

This an excellent documentary, featuring members of Gene's family, friends as well as ex band members. It is thoughtfully presented and gives a good insight into Gene, the man, and what was happening in his life while we were listening to his beautiful, emotional music. A very fitting tribute to a mesmeric man, both on stage and off. I really recommend buying this documentary, it is a compassionate journey through Gene's life. I have watched it many times since I bought it and will do so many more times! The production, as well as the direction, is first-rate. Four Suns deserve plenty of praise for this work and I, for one hope they will give us more! Anything else in the pipeline?

My Favourite Byrd

[christine-neary · 10/10 · 19 February 2014]

After watching this spellbinding film I appreciate how little I really knew about Gene Clark, and it was humbling to learn what a truly great talent he was. I first discovered the Byrds in the sixties, fell in love with that 'jingle jangle' sound and learned all the lyrics off by heart, but it was only through this film that I discovered Gene's creativity and sensitivity of soul, and the musical roots that inspired him. So ineffably sad that he always seemed to 'miss that boat' (as Chris Hillman observed in his narrative) and never realised the commercial success he deserved, although he probably wouldn't have been able to handle it and may have self-destructed even earlier than he ultimately did. 'Feel a Whole Lot Better' made my heart sing the first time I heard it, and still does; after seeing this film, it means even more to me.

Great film about a great man

[dfinocchio · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

A beautifully made documentary about an enormously talented man with a rather sad story. I've been a fan of Gene Clark since the first Byrds album and I was so very moved when I saw this. Chris, David and Roger seemed forthcoming and sincere when talking about Gene in a way I had neither seen nor read before. After so many years of reading stories about Gene's inability to embrace success when it came his way,I felt that this film explained circumstances in depth and I came away feeling as though I know the true and whole story now. Any fan of Gene will absolutely love this, but I can readily suggest it for anyone who enjoys a well made film about a great artist. Definitely worth of it's subject.

Gene Clark Like No Other

[andrewriggs78 · 9/10 · 7 February 2014]

The enigma of Gene Clark is laid out in this superb film. Whilst Crosby & McGuinn took the limelight it was Gene Clark who wrote some of the finest songs of The Byrds canon. There's no doubting his ability for a great melody and some succinct lyrics. There's a sadness in this film of what should have and could have been but there lies the tale about many talented 'rock stars'. This film shows Gene to be a charismatic yet introverted chap - perhaps living in the shadow on the opinionated Crosby may have accounted for this. Gene's music still lives on in The Byrds and his crowning achievement 'No Other' - Chris Hillman comes across well and is able to see how it all went wrong for Gene with the money, drink & drugs etc. A familiar story but this high flying byrd deserves this flight.

Gene Clark - Full Circle

[emisme-761-112056 · 9/10 · 8 February 2014]

As a dedicated Byrds fan for the last 40 years, I was quite excited to hear of this new documentary. Although the question of how amazing Gene Clark was as a songwriter is for me a matter of individual taste, and I personally feel that the superlatives about Gene having been a genius were a bit overdone, I did find this film quite enjoyable and revealing. I must admit that although I loved Gene's voice, and was fortunate enough to see him performing live on the first McGuinn Clark Hillman tour back in the late 70's, I knew very little about his biography, other than the story about his being afraid to fly... This documentary exposed me to an entirely different part of Gene's life, and helped to explain a few mysteries and fill in the blanks about his life, and also a few new bits of background information about the Byrds. This movie brought Gene Clark full circle for me.

A Byrd for all seasons and all times.

[pococharles · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

The title of the documentary is very fitting in telling the unusual story of the genius of Gene Clark. When the Byrds landed in 1965 I was a teenager caught up in the rock'n'roll revolution that changed the course of music forever. The Byrds and Gene Clark were one of my favorites then and still remain so today. I am glad I was there to see and hear it from the start. This feature will certainly be a blessing to all who remember the day and the times. For those who were not on the scene in the 60's this feature will serve as a launching pad into a time that will never be again. Gene Clark was one of those pioneers who was way ahead of his time. His style of writing and singing is like no other; he was truly "one of a kind." He left us way too soon, but he left us with a treasure of work that will never be duplicated. May this Byrd continue to soar forever.

Gene Clark the brilliant enigma

[thobrien-917-707 · 10/10 · 7 February 2014]

This is a wonderful account of a great artist who l will remain forever one of the true inspirations for the progress of modern music. I am 71 years of age, and can remember the spine tingling impact that Mr Tambourine Man, the album had on me back in 1965. For this fan Gene's solo album "No Other" is my favourite, it wasn't a huge commercial success, but boy, It has stood the test of time, the track '"Silver Raven" transports me to a wonderful time in my life when the world was a much more kind and gentle place, like the great man himself. Gene still soars far above the darkened waters, far above the troubled sky! This DVD is a must-have for any music fan.

Well done Mr. Kendall and FOUR SUNS!!

[pietenrianne · 9/10 · 7 February 2014]

(sorry for the English, I'm Dutch):

It was about time someone made a documentary about our hero! Gene was, as we fans know, indeed a hero. On and of the stage, positive or negative, always a hero. Beautiful music and a hard live! The documentary was well made, and pays honor to Gene, as it should. It was nice to get to see some family members and to learn how they lived with Gene. An emotional documentary for people who admired Gene, and even an eyeopener in some sense. Hope a lot of people will get to know Genes talent better through this film and will enjoy his music the same way I enjoyed it for about 50 years now. Well done Mr. Kendall and FOUR SUNS!! Piet Verberkt

Long-Time GC Fan

[brinash · 10/10 · 18 February 2020]

No other artist has affected me in quite the same way as has Clark. I was fortunate to see him five times before he passed. I've collected hours of his music-LPs, cassettes, CDs-and read thousands of pages on him (as well as his various band mates). I'm typical of many, many others in their pursuit of all things Gene. This documentary deliversriveting tribute to the artist. It includes many interview segments with people whose lives intersected with his. Even a Gene Clarkophile like me discovered a lot about his life and music watching it. Without divulging too much, suffice to see that the ending will makes an emotional impact, presenting something I'm sure 99% of the audience will have never seen. Get one while you can.