North by Northeast 2008

Joe Meek was a creative maverick who became one of the world’s first independent record producers. In his early days as a sound engineer in swinging London, Joe was in demand with pop singers like Diana Dors and Petula Clark. Later, in his own studio, he helped shape the career of now-legendary artists including Jimmy Page, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Steve Howe and Ritchie Blackmore. Still, as an openly gay man living at a time when homosexuality was illegal, he endured gay-bashing and blackmailing. In 1967, when he was 37 years old, a desperate Joe shot his landlady, then turned the gun on himself in front of his horrified assistant, Patrick Pink. A LIFE IN THE DEATH OF JOE MEEK tells Joe’s story through archival footage and interviews with Joe's family, friends and colleagues, including members of The Outlaws and The Honeycombs, Steve Howe, Patrick Pink, Mike Stax, Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand), Keith Strickland (The B-52s), Edwyn Collins and Huw Bunford (Super Furry Animals). With underscore by Italian psych-pop band Jennifer Gentle and DIY recording artist John Tabacco.

Co-director Howard S. Berger in attendance!