A Band Called Death is the story of three musician brothers, born to a Baptist preacher and his wife in 1950s Detroit. In their teenage years, the three brothers (to five other siblings) emerge first as a budding rock/funk band, heavily influenced by Motown & Parliament, ultimately evolving into pioneers of punk music,
Death. Influenced by
Alice Cooper and
The Who, the group was heavily steered by the guidance and decisions of visionary eldest brother and guitarist, David Hackney. The story follows the brothers' unsuccessful attempts to get radio
airplay and a record deal, largely due to David's adamant refusal to change the name from Death. An eventual trek east finds the boys in
Burlington, Vermont, living with relatives and reflecting on the failure of David's vision. The film then explores post-Death projects in The 4th Movement, a gospel/rock band with the same line-up. However, after two years of being homesick, David returns to Detroit, leaving Dannis and Bobby to form a lively reggae band called Lambsbread. The film also focuses on the intense brotherly bond between the group members and their personal lives, including David Hackney's battle with
alcoholism, his death in 2000, and his family members' reactions to these events. The film follows the re-discovery of the group through record collectors leading to an eventual release of Death's album
...For the Whole World to See by the
Drag City record label and the group's eventual reunion and touring with a new guitarist. ==Production==