Abramorama and filmmakers Brett and Cassandra Berns have announced that the documentary film BANG! The Bert Berns Story is coming exclusively to Apple Music. Following BANG!’s successful film festival run and North American theatrical release, a fall global release is planned on Apple Music followed by a global offering via iTunes Movies. Abramorama originally released the film theatrically in April, and it has been playing in theaters across the country.
According to the press release: “Music meets the Mob in this biographical documentary about the life and career of Bert Berns, narrated by Stevie Van Zandt and featuring Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Ben E. King, Solomon Burke, and many more. BANG! The Bert Berns Story tells the story of one of the most important songwriters, producers and label chiefs of the 1960s that you’ve never heard of whose hits include “Twist and Shout,” “Hang on Sloopy,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Here Comes the Night” and “Piece of My Heart.” He helped launch the careers of Van Morrison and Neil Diamond and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. The film was executive produced by Sid Ganis and directed by Brett Berns, Bert’s son, and co-directed with Bob Sarles who also edited the film.”
Related: BCB’s feature story on the enigmatic Bert Berns
Bert Berns and Van Morrison (Source: Bang! The Bert Berns Story Facebook page)
“This film was a journey of discovery, a labor of love for my siblings and I that brought us closer to the father we never knew. We had inspiring screenings at over 35 festivals and knew we had something very special,” said director Brett Berns in the press release. “When Abramorama came on board with a vision to release the film theatrically, their efforts built an awareness that exceeded our most optimistic expectations. I know my dad would be proud to be with Apple Music, who like him have always been fair to the artist.”
BANG! is part of what The New York Times called “the Berns boomlet,” which began in 2014 with the acclaimed Joel Selvin biography Here Comes The Night: The Dark Soul of Bert Berns and the Dirty Business of Rhythm & Blues. The musical Piece of My Heart – The Bert Berns Story originally premiered Off-Broadway in 2014 and is currently preparing for a 2018 Broadway bow.
Watch the trailer from the documentary
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