The T.A.M.I. Show (1964)

1964's The T.A.M.I. Show (T.A.M.I. is short for Teenage Awards Music International) was the very first live-concert movie of the rock era. And, believe me, this long-unavailable, landmark film is a real groovy treat for any ardent fan of early pop music.Featuring a bevy of over-zealous go-go dancers and hysterically screaming fans, The T.A.M.I. Show proficiently showcased the budding talent of early-1960's pop music sensations from both sides of the Atlantic.Filmed in b&w, at Santa Monica's Civic Auditorium (a 3000-seat venue), The T.A.M.I. Show's biggest highlights were The Beach Boys (performing "Surfer Girl"), The Supremes (performing "Baby Love"), and The Rolling Stones (performing "Time Is On My Side").Directed by Steve Binder - This 2-hour music extravaganza also featured the singing talents of James Brown, Marvin Gaye and Lesley Gore, to name but a few of the 14+ performers.

I'm one of the few who (mercifully) did not see the mutilated PBS version earlier this (2010) year. Finally, SHOUT was able to release (and, yes - WITH the Beach Boys performances restored) this totem of a time of amazing music and performances.I saw this WHOLE film in the early 80's, here in NYC, at the (original) Irving Plaza. It was a 16mm print, and the place was PACKED (for those who don't know - Irving Plaza was THE place to go to for REAL punk music and alternative music concerts back then. It's still around, but - as far as I'm concerned, in name only).The pandemonium on the screen was emphasised by the crowd attending this showing (if you don't know, The TAMI Show - and The Big TNT show were held in legal limbo for many years, so to see it - in any format was a treat). Watching it in this setting, one almost felt as if we were there. It was a very special night.I'll agree with the consensus - James Brown's performance - RIVETING! REAL showmanship! One of my favourite performances (saying one was better than another in this film is impossible)was Marvin Gaye's. I don't want to just throw out superlatives, but - this movie is a must see for anyone interested in seeing a landmark bit of rock & roll. See this, and you'll get sick, thinking about the (very sad) state of music today. There was NO: auto-tuning, misogynistic, violence-riddled garbage. This was the whole SPECTRUM of rock music - with EVERY style represented.For many years after, I pondered the thought; to try and do a TAMI show today would be impossible. The egos. The costs being demanded. Sure - everyone performing got paid, but, it was more than for the money they did this show.I'm a huge Teri Garr fan, and seeing her (and Toni Basil!) doing the pony, , the jerk, the frug, the swim.... and so much more is just wild. Add to this, the incomparable Blossoms (and Ms. Darlene Love!).... there are no words to describe the talent encapsulated in this film.If you're a parent, or just curious to see what rock music was REALLY like, then I highly recommend you purchase this landmark film.

I saw this show on video for the first time in 1983. I was in a 50's/60's band at the time so we considered it as "homework" and were looking for material. What we found was amazing! Everyone mentions James Brown (great performances here) and some mention the Rolling Stones (with Brian Jones, no less - now we know what started the phenomenon), but only 1 person mentioned Leslie Gore (if "You Don't Own Me" doesn't give you goose bumps, check your pulse) and what about Ike and Tina Turner. She has that audience spellbound. They had no clue what they were gonna get when they bought those tickets! She shakes, gyrates and shimmies with more energy than any performer I have ever seen! To be honest,I wasn't a fan of the 50's/60's music (especially on records) until I began to catch films like this that captured the true live feel of the performances. There was an edge to the music that the records didn't capture. Even Sting makes reference to it in a Police song (Turn on my VCR. Same one I've had for years. James Brown The TAMI show. Ain't heard that style in years). There are no lame performances and this should be a staple of any musicologists library.

A few weeks ago, I purchased "The TAMI Show 1964" DVD on eBay. It's copyrighted 2002 Apple Records and 2002 Capital Records. The stars on this version include: Jan & Dean, Chuck Berry, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and the Blossoms, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, Lesley Gore, The Beach Boys, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Barbarians, James Brown and the Flames, and The Rolling Stones. Also Delilah films are mentioned on the back cover.I checked eBay today and there are others selling TAMI DVD's. Just search using DVD and TAMI as your keywords.Be advised that the video quality is 1960's standards black & white. But true lovers of this kind of music won't mind at all.