From Onstage Brawls to Epic Drug Binges: Revisiting the Chaos of Indie Bands in Dig! XX

The film 'Dig!', directed by Ondi Timoner, first released in 2004 and fetched the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, continues to be a thought-provoking and entertaining documentary as it returns with a new extended cut, 'Dig! XX'. This compelling piece chronicles the turbulent journey of two iconic '90s indie bands, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dandy Warhols, capturing their highs, lows, and the whirlwind friendship that turned into rivalry. With the backdrop of the '90s music scene, the film portrays the struggle between art and commerce, the toll of addiction, and the chaotic lifestyle of band members driven by ambition and creativity. Dig!, hailed as perhaps the most rock'n'roll documentary, delves deep into the music industry's darker side, exposing not just the struggle for fame but the cost it comes with – self-sabotage, friendship fallouts, and shattered dreams. The film allows viewers to peek behind the curtains into the contrasting trajectories of Anton Newcombe's Brian Jonestown Massacre, whose chaotic onstage antics often led to gigs resembling more of a battlefield than a performance, versus The Dandy Warhols, led by Courtney Taylor-Taylor, whose commercial savviness brought them mainstream success. The rereleased 'Dig! XX' adds further context and digs into more than the rivalry – it reflects on the changing dynamics of the music industry over the past two decades. With streaming reshaping the music business, the romantic dream of 'starting a band' is analyzed in today's context. Interviews with band members and Timoner herself enrich the documentary's narrative, touching on relevant issues such as mental health and the ongoing challenges faced by artists balancing integrity and audience reach. For those who experienced the grungy, psychedelic rock era first-hand, Dig! is a nostalgic thrill ride; for newer generations, it serves as a cultural time capsule of decadent creativity and volatile conflicts. Yet, its core remains relatable – the eternal battle between artistic dreams and reality. Hailed by industry heavyweights like Dave Grohl and celebrated for its authenticity, Dig! successfully immortalizes a definitive moment in indie music history, questioning the very essence of fame and artistry. As the timeless raw music documentary makes a grand return, it fuels contemplation around whether a punk or psychedelic renaissance can occur amidst today’s hyper-curated music culture.