It's a little hard to fathom, the line-up of the legendary T.A.M.I. Show film that was recorded over two days at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in 1964. There's James Brown and the Flames (before they became “Famous”), Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, the Miracles, Lesley Gore (!), the Supremes, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Jan & Dean and more. That the producers of this film were able to capture all these big heads (and Diana Ross's massive hair) under one roof is a testament to something or other; that each artist was able to give such a blistering performance in front of four tank-like cameras, hot spotlights and a room full of screaming teens is a miracle to behold.
The T.A.M.I. Show — short for “Teenage Awards Music International” — hasn't been issued since its theatrical release 45 years ago, but it's finally being released on DVD from Shout Factory on March 23. West Coast Sound was lucky enough to get an advance screener, and out of gratitude and necessity we feel it's important to spread the word about one of the most amazing concert films you'll ever see. None other than Quentin Tarantino has dubbed it “in the top three of all rock movies.”
It's worth the price of admission just for the opening sequence, which sees unsung heroes of skate culture Jan & Dean rolling by the Whisky A-Go-Go on pre-polyurethane-wheeled skateboards ending up in Santa Monica moments later (that's editing for you). Or to watch the Miracles and Marvin Gaye running out of the Hollywood Knickerbocker Hotel and into a waiting car.
Or, later, to watch a totally hot, bikini-briefed pre-fame Teri Garr as a go-go dancer bouncing around behind Chuck Berry during a raucous version of “Johnny B. Goode.” (The go-go dancers, choreographed by a young Toni Basil, will make any red-blooded sexual being get a warm in the loins; these men and woman are HOT.)
Then there's this, which might just be the single greatest performance ever recorded (sorry for the quality; this is an unauthorized clip. The T.A.M.I. version is much better):
Despite their pre-show protestations, the Rolling Stones had to follow James Brown's performance, and somehow managed to pull it off. Mick has never looked sexier; Keith looks ragged and destined for drug addiction; Bill Wyman looks cooler than any of them.
And then there's the Beach Boys' legendary performance, which the band had removed from the original theatrical release of the film for reasons unknown. The long-bootlegged version of the film didn't include their songs; they're restored on this Shout Factory release. You can watch Brian Wilson do a seamless falsetto on “Surfer Girl” in one of his last-ever live performances with the band. Or watch a Mike Love do an awesome dance:
The restored T.A.M.I Show collector's edition comes out next month on Shout Factory. It features great liner notes by music historian Don Waller, and lots of extras. Totally worth it.
Set list for the T.A.M.I. Show film:
Jan & Dean
SHOW OPEN: (Here They Come) From All Over The World
Chuck Berry
Johnny B. Goode
Maybellene
Gerry And The Pacemakers
Maybellene
Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
It's Gonna Be Alright
Chuck Berry
Sweet Little Sixteen
Gerry And The Pacemakers
How Do You Do It?
Chuck Berry
Nadine (Is It You?)
Gerry And The Pacemakers
I Like It
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
That's What Love Is Made Of
You've Really Got A Hold On Me
Mickey's Monkey
Marvin Gaye
Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
Pride And Joy
Can I Get A Witness
Hitch Hike
Lesley Gore
Maybe I Know
You Don't Own Me
You Didn't Look Around
Hey Now
It's My Party
Judy's Turn To Cry
Jan & Dean
The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena)
Sidewalk Surfin'
The Beach Boys
Surfin' U.S.A.
I Get Around
Surfer Girl
Dance, Dance, Dance
Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas
Little Children
Bad To Me
I'll Keep You Satisfied
From A Window
The Supremes
When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes
Run, Run, Run
Baby Love
Where Did Our Love Go
The Barbarians
Hey Little Bird
James Brown & The Flames
Out Of Sight
Prisoner Of Love
Please, Please, Please
Night Train
The Rolling Stones
Around And Around
Off The Hook
Time Is On My Side
It's All Over Now
I'm All Right
All Performers
Show Close: Let's Get Together
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.