Thank You Friends

[haltmusic]

Bellissimo!

[jontv]

That was fun. I've never seen footage of the band in its prime before.

[ribinfo]

Sounds like a mix between the byrds and the beatles!Love it!!

[cottageorgan]

Thank you friend for uploading this...brilliant!!

[StandardLamps]

Thank christ this exists!

[Manu404]

love the mix board soldering at 01:33 :D

[L0os1]

I spent $60 on them at FYE when I bought Keep an Eye on the Sky. I had heard briefly about them, but I didn't know anything about them except for the name. That was the best $60 I have spent in music. This music changed my life more than any other band. Thank you Big Star!

[Philmod68]

Wow! AWESOME footage! I always wondered if there was any surviving footage of these guys! I'm sure this will come up in the upcoming documentary of them...nice to know that it exists! Cool to see Chris and Alex in such great spirits! : ) R.I.P to them both!

[onlyhope201]

hay quá

[fromawindowtoascreen]

Two people got kinda lost.

[mookiebomber]

Seriously, who would not like this video, I just hoping the two dislikes are misclicks.

[Fazolina]

so extrememly cute at 0:37 as well as at 1:05 =) born in the wrong era....

[aviatrix5391]

Ahh, this is why the name Alex Chilton sounded so big and respectable. This is my second time to hear a Big Star song and I'm so glad I did find them.

[BCZF]

This song appeared on the Third/Sister Lovers album

[zuider77]

I had heard this footage existed, but I had no idea I'd ever actually see it!! Thanks a MILLION for posting!!

[romeosyne]

God bless you, Chris. I believe you are up there looking down at us. You were too good for this world.

[solerydr]

Is that a 1974 Camaro at 2:24? Odd..........

[deweydoit]

I am so hooked on this song. 

[PAULisDEADMANnumber9]

is that chris bell at 1:08?

[conan1982]

@PAULisDEADMANnumber9

Yes it is :-) :-(

[IncandescentInsanity]

A very nice video of Big Star....the song does not correlate with the video-- which was from Big Star 3rd...and this session was from No. 1 Record.

[DNDis4Suckas]

The footage is fascinating and the song choice to soundtrack it couldn't have been nicer. Great stuff.

[laurensbible]

footage of crhis bell!!!!!!!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH amazing

[MckyMseNTarotCrds]

Just effin' incredible.

[closertotheheart]

Holy crap I didn't even know footage of Big Star in their heyday existed! This is so cool.

[floydthebarber777]

This has got to be the only footage of Chris, and the only footage of Big Star during their golden era (during the making of #1 Record). R.I.P. Chris, Alex. and Andy.

[EMemRefugee]

who are the kids at 2:03?

[bluefakeplastic]

Ahh, Andy - no more suffering.

[anusfrehley]

Andy Hummel. RIP. Damn.

[basha07]

heartbreaking to watch wish there was more footage especially live from back in the day

R.I.P

[HarveyDentLives]

Is this the only live footage of Chris Bell?

[pearlthegirl]

I love alex soo much!!

[thatmuse76]

Very cool. I didn't think there was any footage of Big Star. By the way, what's Jody drinking at 0:40. Ice water? Get it, Ice Water. Anyway if you did get it, you are up on your Big Star trivia.

[1969Hoot]

Just heard today of Chilton's passing. Thought "Thank You Friends" was the song to thank Alex for everything.

Thank you, Friend!

[gonetowin]

If you look at approx 122 in this video; that is the Draft Board office in Memphis. I remember it only too well.

Great video

[gonetowin]

If you look at approx 122 in this video; that is the Draft Board office in Memphis. I remember it only too well.

[squeapler]

@gonetowin thanks for explaining that, I wondered given the flag and the man in uniform going by...fits in nicely with the overall irony of the song

[ackermaster]

heard wilco cover this last night in wellington new zealand. an amazing and fitting tribute.

tweedy sang the first verse, stiratt the second, and sansone the third

it was incredible

[MrViuhu]

Alex, thank you friend, I´m so grateful for all the things you helped me do. RIP

[Tomaspistola09]

Thank God Chris Bell thought of this, one of the first, best rock videos of all time. There is an entire world of musical history, past and present, in both the audio and visual portions of this clip. RIP Alex- we miss you already!

[NanoInGalera]

RIP, Alex :-(

[elfyagamoto]

Its really ashame how many people still dont know about Big Star and how great they were.. RIP Alex

[muttilo]

The get a lot of retrospective ink the the Brit music Mags Uncut and MOJO which you can find at Borders and Barnes in the US otherwise I'd a never heard of em ' . If you love Music you should buy those (very expensive like 11 bucks ) But its like the last bastion of Music lit (RIP ROLLING STONE ,SPIN<CREEM ETC ) ,OH They have a mix tape of music CD ith each edition which is worth 25 bucks a month !!Best New BesatOld . Cant beat it , and I dont but would love to move and work there LOL

[rotunda07]

I'm deeply upset over the death of Alex. I wish I could say something more profound but i'm numb.RIP

[muttilo]

Hard to believe..I wish i was at SXSW this yr ... RIP Chris and Alex , I think they were really both GOOD GUYS !

[bucktkd]

Alex Chilton's death is the end of an era.. it's really sad how we never consider these things, and yet it occurs.. R.I.P

[derek4ur]

@bucktkd let's pray together that it isn't the end of great pop songwriting. when you listen to what is most saleable now, there is cause for concern. the record industry has always been a little shady, to say the least, but now the big labels are not developing acts like they once did, and the acts that are making it are mostly crap. there are probably great songwriters out there just toiling away anonymously. i hope the era returns somehow.

[anothercommon]

I've been crying over time...they are moved! Alex,please come back to our place...please don't go...so sad.

[Nancoman]

Great footage! Thanks for everything Alex and Chris! We'll all get there someday!

[XxDesertFoxX31]

Thank you, Alex. A true legend. R.I.P.

[tubeadelic]

MAN WE SURE LOVE AND ALREADY MISS ALEX......I looked up cool, and right there man was The Box Top's and Big Star's front man William Alexander Chilton's picture.....rest in peace my friend......maybe we can jam on the night shift when I get up there maestro.....two hearts are better than one.....BUT hey, we won't need old dusty hearts any ol' way..........just a little bit a soul baby.

[greenapplewords]

thank you !

[SonofThor73]

Thank You Friend, Alex Chilton....heaven's got a new songwriter.

[makebadsound]

Thank you, Alex.

[drusand810]

RIP Alex

[Smarigdine]

Miss you so much, Alex. Play a few songs with Chris for Jesus and crew up in Heaven.

[FramatMalmoe]

Thank you Alex!

[juliano66]

Thank you, poster! Seeing this rare footage from more care-free days (Big Star and the country) puts A.C.'s passing in a different light--celebrate the man and the band--they deserve it!

[disantinon]

Thanks Alex.

After the perfect pop songs: Thirteen, September Gurls, etc... this! If you think this is a happy song, think again. This song is bitter, dejected, angry...

[jsilence418]

@disantinon so was Alex a lot of the time !

[tvoh01]

R.I.P. ALex

[northduc]

Godspeed, Alex, godspeed.

[aikicinema]

This footage is amazing! And so is this song. Thank you again Mr. Chilton.

[smbschrader]

Such a beautiful song. goodbye Alex and thank you!

[tbzeee]

RIP brother Alex and brother Chris. Thank You Friends for all the great music.

[rhysowan]

RIP :(

[pigeon67]

RIP, Alex. :( Say hi to Chris.

[everestthunders]

Gracias Alex.

RIP

[mcfarber]

R.I.P. Alex Chilton

[goldminetrash]

I think every comp I HAVE EVER MADE contained at least one Big Star song.

Seriously bummed today...

[robodoll]

back in the day, i would buy Big Star records in the cut out bins and give them away free to spread the word. i was fortunate enough to see them perform in the early 7t's...some of the best memories i have. fyi - he was the producer of the first Cramps album too!

Alex and Lux at that great gig in the sky....imagine that.

[iTubeYou]

Thank you Alex!

[whsonic]

R.I.P Alex

[Trevoirio]

I'm really sad.

[sayid11111]

RIP Alex

[snarfblatt]

Thank you, Alex. RIP

[HarveyDentLives]

RIP Alex Chilton. You were truly great.

[gravysopper]

No, thank you.

[sejrec56]

Thanks for the video footage, perfect timing to view today, as Alex Passed away yesterday, March17, 2010. Miss Ya already...R.I.P.

[diskochimp]

Gone forever. x

[specialbru]

WHO IS HE?

[leenlouie]

Thank you Mr Chilton for your beautiful beautiful music...It was wonderful to see you with the Posies in Utrecht 2005.

Keep an eye on the sky.....R.I.P.

We will miss you very much.

[journeythruthepast]

R.I.P. Alex Chilton (1950-2010).

[leprdskinpillbox]

R.I.P Alex, we miss you already. thank you for everything

[deepwelltheband]

Say it ain't so. RIP Alex Chilton.

[myradioon]

Thank You Friend! So Long Alex - thanx for your music

[DanWally]

R.I.P. Chris Bell, now Alex Chilton...You had a huge effect on my musical life...

[ILICKdogs]

RIP alex. take care

[manjothegreat]

THANK YOU Alex for all of the great music. You've been a huge inspiration. Love to your family. R.I.P.

[huntre58]

R.I.P. Alex Chilton.

[pedrosomartins]

Thank you, Alex Chilton! You've made my life so much more bearable! Eternal gratitude.

[vonwegen100]

R:I.P. Alex Chilton.

[williamtobinjr]

I feel like I've lost a dear friend...

[GrigoriSom]

Thank YOU, Alex, and may you rest in peace.

[MrAuspice]

RIP Alex.  :(

[kthutton]

RIP ALex

[FunhouseJr]

Thank you Mr. Chilton. R.I.P.

[smoramarco]

Thank You ALEX CHILTON!!!

[derikgranz2]

R.I.P., Alex! God Bless You!! :(

[hobocakes]

only 59 years old...oh alex. not fair.

[TheOnzezone]

RIP Alex - one of the greats.

[immojopin]

R.I.P. Alex Chilton, thanks for all of the inspiration.

[TallBuildingsShake]

Thank YOU Alex.... R.I.P. You will be missed greatly.

[kurt11110]

amazed there was any footage to speak of, as big star came and went so fast. have always been a fan of chris bell and big star, and seeing this is almost like having them back here today. i miss those guys and that time in our musical era.

luckily the posies, this mortal coil, and others still keep going

[dharpe13]

i want this song played at my funeral

[surferofromantica]

This footage is available in the Big Star box set "Keep An Eye On The Sky", but it is edited differently and set to the song "Thirteen."

[bakismaki]

Cool footage. Awesome to see something like this, because there isn't much stuff like this for this band.

[Oncetwicethreetimes]

I love this group

[guitarkat99]

A band that should have been HUGE. All 3 of their records are classics.

[BrightEye60]

@guitarkat99 They may not be well known to the public, but thankfully other musicians heard them. Big Star and The Velvet Underground had the biggest impact on other bands of any American bands in the 70's I would say.

[mookiebomber]

@guitarkat99 You are absolutely right! I seriously listen to the rest of the albums of the same era and it's not even comparable, this is one of the most genius and awesome bands that ever existed, but in a way not having the riches and fame made Alex Chilton the genius and the ambitious artist we remember him from. He will get his glory just like Vincent (Van Gogh) did and other geniuses who were recognized well after their existance.

[freqazoidiac]

nice personal footage..thanks for sharing.

Hilarious to see one of them soldering components on the mixing board.!!

[rookiecard]

Thanks so much for posting this. Never thought I'd see moving images of 'em. Many moons ago, there was an ad in the back of Goldmine that listed rare videos that included them on Memphis TV. Who knows if it ever really existed?

[YOHUMAMONTEZUMA]

I am gonna give a copy of #1 to my Mom. Another really good band that I learned about recently is Pink Fairies.

[Redvaliant]

thank you friend. excellent.

[joaojhonj]

Big Bosta esse lixo.

[abeautifultomorrow]

Big Star Rules!

[leamanc]

Great footage, but isn't this supposed to be the "video" for "The Ballad of El Goodo"? According to the biography that came out a few years ago, it seems like it is. And, this song is not even from #1 Record at all. :-)

[abeautifultomorrow]

Big Star should be legends and inducted into the Rock N Roll of Fame!

[mrballistix]

Should, but never will

[icallmybabystp]

fuck the "rock and roll" hall of fame.

[clean3]

I'm gobsmacked. I've listened and been influenced by Big Star since I heard record #1 in '77, it's fantastic to film of them obviously enjoying their only to brief flirtation with stardom. It's great that finally, people are waking up to this brilliant band's music.....in spite of Alex Chilton's reticence.

[ArthurSteele59]

Wow, excellent find! Thanks for posting it.

[ChasBeauregarde]

Thanks for this rare find. The original Big Star was one of the most unique sounding groups, underrated and least understood groups of their era. They were light years ahead of their time. I read the brief Bio on Chris Bells CD I Am The Cosmos and its tragic. Someone should make a movie of it. These guys are legends.

[highburyhills]

Terrific footage, many many thanks.

[barabusik]

I never get tired of this footage.....greatest band ever.

[huddie71]

Fantastic!! Never expected to see footage of them like this before as I've already looked. A great, almost forgotten band.

[1ndi64]

A great band, yes indeed. Not quite forgotten though. All three LPs recently got re-released on vinyl... they sound good.... and they look good as well!

[sionxxii]

Fuck yeah!!!!!

[theteak]

Most underrated band of all time. Awesome. Listen to them everyday, they have privileged "not compressed" status on the ol' iPod.

[cheevers4ever]

This is great footage especially if it's filmed by sadly missed Chris bell. I still think 1 record is the best record they've done but Radio city is every bit as great.

Great footage of hughly under rated but much loved cult Band

[unzari55]

Yeah, prolly my favourite album by my favourite band.

[myoungk]

i love the 70s girls hangin' out with the 70s boys

[diskochimp]

Wow, this is really REALLY great! So cool to see Chris Bell on here too. Thanks so much for posting...

[skivvyjones]

I love this song. It feels sincere and sarcastic at the same time.

[patrix1231]

Nie chcący przeczytałam (to co jest ponizej to nie ja pisałam) i jednak.. chociaż w zabobony nie wierze nie mogłam tego nie zrobić.

NIE CZYTAJ TEGO

JA PRZECZYTAŁAM I ŻAŁUJE !!! WYBACZCIE!!!!

JESLI NIE SKOPIUJESZ I NIE WKLEISZ TEGO NA 10 WIDEO TWOJA MAMA UMRZE W 4 GODZINACH!!!

[mrballistix]

Man was I happy to find this, I didn't think their was any footage left.

[emwprops]

~ This might be the first time in the history of the internet that something was posted that was completely originally sourced and un-contrived. If the world had more of that, we wouldn't need stupid digital technology. Thank you.

[LosHangovers]

Damn! I'm in tears...

Thank you, Conan1982, for making this all so probable!

[raggedy]

"Thank you Conan, this video wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

[conan1982]

Thank you :-) I'm glad you all dig it.

[wolfman19999]

You made my day! "Thank you..."

[deyoungparker]

I never travel far without a little Big Star.

[pernicketty]

Wow! Some amazing footage there! Great to see. Thanks very much!

[sydbarrett5]

I can hear the influence they had on the Replacements/Paul Westerberg

[pelicanmouse]

thank you thank you thank you thank you thankyou thank youthank you thanks

[mojavemoog]

wow..this is REALLY fantastic. what an interesting place, memphis. and the people that came out of there. this really captures the zeitgeist of the era. i kept expecting william eggleston to appear with his sony portapak any second. big star were really something special.

[MoviexRegret]

really great work. it was super from 30 seconds on

[LeSexisme]

These guys were amazing, especially Chris Bell

[mjanovec]

If you replace "Thank You Friends" with "My Life is Right" (starting the song at 0:27 in the above footage), you end up with an even better video...and the footage actually seems to go better with the lyrics too.

[deeeecraig]

It works really well.  Thanks!!

[ronoman88]

A magical musical moment in time.

[cbinflux]

Chris' hometown paper printed a good article on his life and music Dec. 28, 2008.

commercialappealdotcom

[conan1982]

Thanks for the info. I've posted the text, and link to this article on the Alex Chilton Yahoo group.

[fromawindowtoascreen]

Seeing this footage is like Christmas all over again.

[stankler]

did jeus and the disciples ever jam?no one filmed it.they had wine.they had song for sure.

[slimtimslide]

fantastic to see this, where on earth???? however just to be picky, that track is from the 3rd lp (so no chris bell on that one) great footage though - thanks!

[larrybob]

Wow, that is great to see the footage, and it's nicely edited.

[whalerofthestars]

big star is the shit.

[constantreader09]

Thank you friend!

[colemann76]

wow what a good song

[tvparty1974]

Beautiful man. Chris Bell in the flesh, never knew this existed. So strange seeing it after being a Big Star fan for 15 years & just knowing pictures of em.

[SteveKlim]

WOW -- what a treasure. Unbelievable. I never thought I would get to see a snippet like this. Thanks for posting it.

[flambofactor]

this is so great...when i clicked i thought i was going to see live footage of a big star reunion. little did i know!

[progcoor]

Wow! wow wow wow! Thank you, friend!

[mascarasnake26]

wow. thank you so much man....this is such a gem

[conan1982]

Fast and bulbous!

[kingcrimson1973]

Holy. Shit.

[Misterkevinsweeney]

Hayride recently played at a bowling alley....

[Hayride]

So it looks like the tag at the beginning is the title of the Rhino comp? "Thank You Friends?" That might explain the later song with the early footage.

How fucking glad are we all to see this?

Thanks for posting!!

[deerparts]

RE: Upcoming Rhino anthology?

[tsokay]

WOW!

Funny I was just on the OA website tonight looking at back issues & stuff. And I had this issue in my hands a couple weeks ago but didn't buy it. Well, I'll correct that!

Absolutely beautiful footage!

Thank you Jeff!

[chamberstring]

First moving pictures I've ever seen.

Thanks so much for posting this!

[deeeecraig]

Who ever thought that this fabled Super 8 footage would ever see release? It's so cool to see what the band looked like playing together. Dig that famous Big Star sartorial aesthetic-the tweed jackets, mufflers, argyle knits. Just groovy.

[st4155]

Why do Thank You Friends when it's about #1 Record?????

[conan1982]

The irony maybe ... Chris Bell was dead by 1978 and Andy Hummel left the band after the first album ...

[mjanovec]

Andy was there for the recording of Radio City, but left before the band toured for that album (with John Lightman filling in his shoes).

Chris, of course, left after #1 Record, but did briefly return to do some demo work for Radio City...though he quickly split after that.

[deerparts]

Upcoming Rhino Big Star anthology? Any info? Got solid proof?

[conan1982]

By this magazine; it's worth it ... and if you order it from their website and you are in the US the shipping is FREE!!!

[PLANCKZOO]

This looks really cool. BTW, Oxford Americans annual Music issue is always really good, and the CD that comes with it always has some great stuff on it. Sounds like the Rhino Anthology will be great!

[transparentglobe]

It is just a taste of what is to come on a upcoming Rhino Big Star anthology !

Another gem worth waiting for is the studio construction of the #1 Record cut "Give Me another Chance". Complete with audio and all. The rest of the 1971 footage was silent film.

PS ! The Memphis footage reminds me of William Eggleston's 1972-73 classic movie "Stranded in Canton".