In the late 1970's through the late 1980's I worked in the Christian Music
Industry. I fell in love with Rob Cassels and the genre early on in my
Christian life. I first met Rob at The Son Festival in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.
Later on after doing concert promotions, I started working for Rob in
1984/85. I still say, Rob is as legit as
anyone ever in this industry, but I don't think Rob ever got the respect he
deserved and it is one of the reasons for my early skepticism of this movie. I was
going to be upset if Rob and his music was presented in a negative light.
I finally decided, I needed to see the movie so after contacting the filmmakers and being sent a screener for the film, I decided to sit down and watch it, and boy, oh boy, was I surprised. The film captures beautifully much of the early history of the Christian Hair Band era and the early transitions of what was known of as Jesus Music into what became CCM or the Contemporary Christian Music Industry.
I know I'm giving some personal injection here, but bare with me. Some, including Bob Hay one of the founding members of the FCCM, Fellowship of Contemporary Christian Ministries which included many of the early pioneers of Jesus Music has stated that The Rob Cassels Band was the first to successfully cross over into the non Christian market and I was the one that put them there. I traveled much of the time with Rob in those days as not only the bands manager, but as a road manager, running lights and sound at various times. While I am now in the International Blues Hall of Fame as a Great Musician from the State of Kansas, those years in "Christian" music in a non musician capacity was responsible for much of my views of the industry of "CCM." It is here that Electric Jesus in so many ways is spot on and I found myself identifying so much with the character of Erik, a sound man who is kind of like a "ministry coordinator" who sees it as part of his responsibility to keep the band rooted in their faith and purpose. There are a couple of scenes that mirrored reality so much that I wondered if the producer and writer of this film, Chris White had ever been listening to some of those conversations taking place on busses and back rooms in the Christian Rock days.
Now don't get me wrong, while there are some noticeable actors in this movie, i.e. Judd Nelson, Brian Baumgartner and others, most of this cast is not well known or going to on their own fill a theater. They are however, as an ensemble quite good and complementary to each other and the characters they play. The story is also top notch along with the direction. One for example doesn't have to be a "Christian" or a fan of "Christian Rock" to enjoy this movie. I will say however, with me living during and working in this era, it is quite enjoyable to reminisce those days that now, well, now, have become history. To that era in fact, I have to give major kudoos to the producers and makers of this movie for holding true to the authenticity of the music as well as honoring and mentioning many of those who contributed to this genre of music.
Electric Jesus does something else, while not mentioning names, it does a good job of illustrating some of the issues with those in the early days of this industry, especially to many of those who I think were shady at best, down right manipulative and liars at worst; those in the industry. Many were promoting an agenda to make money or to "become popular in their own way with little concern for the artists and musicians. Now don't get me wrong, there were a lot of good ones during those days promoting the music, but as anyone who was a part of that history, I can tell you, there were more than a few shady ones. In fact, if anything authenticity could have been presented more than it was it would be the times the bands didn't get paid or were taken advantage of . While it touches a little on this, I would dare say, not enough. Those bands made tremendous sacrifice and with little spiritual help. There was a price to pay for some and thankfully, in the movies closing moments, it touches on this.
I liked Electric Jesus, far more than I anticipated, I laughed, I sang along, I even teared up. The story is well told and for many like me who lived through this era, it is an authentic reminder of what was, and for many, could have been. It's done in an honest way, showing the flaws and desires of some to do it right.
This isn't a perfect movie, but it is extremely good. I hate that with the current state of movies we are in with most theaters shut down, this may not get a run in the theaters. It can be seen at various film festivals. It is up there as far as entertainment value goes.
Electric Jesus could have just focused on the music and I would have likely appreciated it. It does so much more though; it pays respect in an honest way to a time and style of music that changed many lives. I know I was there, it molded me and I saw it first hand. I even hear on occasion from people who made decisions to follow Jesus at a Rob Cassels concerts, some, where I shared the message.
For paying tribute to an era and style of music that really did make a difference, I give a very deserving and much higher than expected on a scale of 1 - 10 a beautiful eternal 8.
To see The Trailer for the movie, click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnNE1vyCCJk
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