Watch Queen City Rocker

Queen City Rocker is a drama film directed by Larry Peerce which was released in 1986. The movie revolves around the music industry and the lives of the rock band members as they try to make it big in the industry. The movie is set in an industrial city in the American Midwest, and shows the struggle of young musicians who are trying to make a mark in a fiercely competitive world.

The film introduces us to the lead character, Johnny, played by Matthew Hunter, who is the lead vocalist of the band named "The Barbusters". Johnny is a proud musician who is passionate about his music and is determined to make it big in the industry. However, his ego and temper make him hard to work with, which causes a rift in the band.

Mark Pilisi plays the role of Billy, the drummer of the band. He is the complete opposite of Johnny, and his laid-back personality makes him the peacekeeper of the group. Kim Willoughby plays the character of Peg, the lead guitarist of the band. She is a talented musician who constantly struggles to be heard in a male-dominated industry.

The movie follows the band as they go through the ups and downs of being unsigned artists. They have big dreams and aspirations but are often met with rejection and disappointment. They play in small clubs and bars where they barely make ends meet.

One night after a gig, they meet a man named Eddie Glass, who is a record producer looking for fresh talent. Eddie offers them a chance to record a demo tape, which could potentially lead to a record deal. The band jumps at the opportunity and starts recording their songs in Eddie's studio.

However, their dreams are quickly shattered when they realize that Eddie has his own agenda. He wants them to change their sound to fit the popular genre of the time, abandoning their rock and roll roots. The band members are conflicted about whether to compromise or stick with their original sound, but their passion for their music ultimately drives them to stay true to themselves.

As they navigate the ins and outs of the music industry, relationships between the band members are tested. Johnny and Peg's love-hate relationship takes a turn when Johnny becomes verbally abusive towards her. Billy tries to keep the peace but is helpless as he watches the band break apart.

The film effectively captures the desperation and hopelessness of young musicians trying to make it in the industry. The pacing of the film is slow at times, but it is carefully crafted to depict the realities of the music industry. The film's soundtrack, composed primarily of rock and roll songs, adds an authentic touch to the story.

Overall, Queen City Rocker is a good movie that accurately portrays the struggles of young musicians trying to make it big in the music industry. The movie's hard-hitting message about the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising for fame is still relevant today. It is a must-watch for any music lover who wants to experience the harsh realities and the true spirit of rock and roll.

Queen City Rocker is a 1986 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.