Review: ‘Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night’ (2024) and the story of Ike Reilly

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As a seasoned gamer of life with over three decades under my belt, I can confidently say that the release of “Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night” is a game-changer for music documentaries. Having witnessed the rise and fall of countless bands, from garage rockers to metalheads, I can attest to the raw, unfiltered emotion captured in this film.

On August 27, 2024, the much-acclaimed documentary titled “Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night” will be released for viewing on numerous TVOD platforms such as iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube, courtesy of Gravitas Ventures. This documentary offers a glimpse into the life and music of Ike Reilly, an accomplished singer-songwriter renowned for his powerful and emotionally charged narratives. The film has already garnered attention with sold-out world premieres in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Denver, and Fort Wayne.

The film, released by Clean Blood Pictures LLC under the Comandante Manifesto banner, is led by co-writers and co-directors Michael O’Brien and Mike Schmiedeler. Both have extensive experience in documentary filmmaking. Notably, O’Brien has worked on shows like American Greed and The First 48: Missing Persons, while Schmiedeler is well-known for projects such as Parole Diaries and Collector’s Call.

Working together on the film “Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night“, they crafted a distinctly unconventional narrative style, exploring the intricate life of Ike Reilly in ways that deviate from standard rock documentaries. This project, developed over a span of five years, showcases more than four decades of footage, providing an artistic portrayal of Reilly’s life and career.

It skillfully combines old and new visual content, sound, and studio recordings to create a captivating narrative about Reilly’s music and life experiences. Despite his talent, he remains somewhat underappreciated in the music world.

More about Ike Reilly and Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night

In this film, they delve into Ike Reilly’s critically praised first album, titled “Salesmen And Racists,” as well as his later successful album, “Born On Fire.” The title song from “Born On Fire” garnered extra attention when it was used in a biographical film about Ike Reilly’s late friend, the comedian Chris Farley.

The documentary showcases not just Reilly’s music, but also features thrilling live concerts, private glimpses into his life, and talks with a variety of people who have been involved in Reilly’s career. These individuals include critics, admirers, relatives, and esteemed musicians like David Lowery and Johnny Hickman from the band Cracker (with Hickman commenting, “I believe he’s the finest American songwriter active today”).

A significant part of the movie features Tom Morello, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and guitarist for Rage Against the Machine. As the film’s executive producer, Morello has long supported the work of Reilly, whom he likens to Jimmy Stewart’s character in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” He notes that Reilly’s life story, as a heartland troubadour who is incredibly talented yet underappreciated, is filled with unforeseen twists and turns that are beautifully captured in the film.

Other key stars

Ike Reilly’s group, known as The Ike Reilly Assassination, boasts a top-notch roster comprising Phil Karnats, Dave Cottini, Pete Cimbalo, Adam Krier, Tommy O’Donnell, Ed Tinley, Shane Reilly, Kevin Reilly, and Mickey Reilly. The New York Times has even labeled them as one of the finest live bands in America.

As a gamer, I found the movie featuring some familiar faces too. There’s David Pasquesi, known for his stints in Veep and The Book of Boba Fett, the versatile Tony Fitzpatrick, who’s an artist and actor, and Mars Williams, the saxophonist from The Psychedelic Furs.

Ike Reilly’s interesting life

As a gamer, I’ve had my share of highs and lows throughout my life. From working as a doorman and a grave digger, to building a passionate fanbase and cherishing my loving wife more than anything, my journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Even when I lost my beloved log cabin home to the bank, I never let it dampen my spirit. I continue to stand tall, putting on a show for those who appreciate me.

Apart from his regular performances, he occasionally hosted shows at home, giving the impression that it was just common sense to do so. During the pandemic, when traditional touring wasn’t feasible, Reilly conducted live-streamed family shows, establishing a unique and personal bond with his online audience. His sons even joined him on stage for live performances, reinforcing the family’s rich musical heritage.

A lot is about the music

In the movie, one of Reilly’s memorable tracks spotlighted is “Put a Little Love In It”, a potent song that delves into the topic of mortality.

In his own words, Ike Reilly acknowledges that he infuses a mythical quality into things that once drove him to contemplate tragic acts, showcasing the raw, genuine emotions that characterize his work. The movie portrays Ike as a multi-layered and powerful artist whose sound sculpting strikes a chord with many who engage with it. The upcoming digital launch of “Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night” provides viewers an opportunity to explore the captivating world of this unconventional musician, Ike Reilly.

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2024-08-29 15:01