New Film Checks Into the Sunset Marquis, the Hotel That Hosted the Biggest Rock Stars
by Best Classic Bands Staff
A 2026 documentary film, If These Walls Could Rock, explores what is described as “one place in L.A. that has served as the home-away-from-home for the biggest names in rock and roll,” the Sunset Marquis Hotel. “For more than 60 years, tucked just off the Sunset Strip,” says an announcement, “the Sunset Marquis Hotel became more than a place to stay while on tour. It became a creative sanctuary where songs were written, debauchery was shared, and music history unfolded behind closed doors. Now for the first time that story is being told.”
According to a press release, the film, directed by Tyler Measom (Murder Among Mormons, An Honest Liar) and Craig A. Williams, If These Walls Could Rock “features rare archival footage, vivid animation and candid interviews. The film tells the story of rock ’n’ roll through the lens of this legendary hotel as shared by the artists who call it home,” including Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Billy Bob Thornton, Slash, Dave Grohl, Cyndi Lauper, Morrissey, Sheryl Crow, Roger Daltrey, Joe Elliot, Nancy Wilson, Steve Van Zandt and many more.
“But beneath the iconic guest list and tales of rock misadventure,” it continues, “lies a deeply personal story: the remarkable partnership between founder George Rosenthal and his son Mark, who transformed a modest West Hollywood ‘motel’ into one of the most iconic destinations in music history.
“Within five minutes of walking in the Marquis, you may hear a rock ’n’ roll story that sounds completely made up, but come to learn is true,” say directors Measom and Williams in the announcement. “Still beyond the many amazing musical stories, the father-and-son tale at the heart of the hotel is what truly inspired us to create this film.”
The film opens August 14 at the Landmark Sunset theater in Los Angeles, accompanied by special post-screening Q&A events with the filmmakers and guests from the film, while launching simultaneously on Apple TV and Amazon.
If These Walls Could Rock was produced by MTV veterans Rick Krim, Robert Friedman, and Mike Powers (Bungalow Media Entertainment) along with Mark Rosenthal, David Thurston, and Alexis Thurston.
Watch the official trailer
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