Release Date: May 13th 2023. Film Company Details: New Terms Productions. Formats: DD/DVD
Credits
Director/Producer/Editor - Sharlee Patches
Review
If anyone deserves to have a full length documentary to be made about them is Scott “WINO” Weinrich and this film delivers on that premise. WINO is a legend within the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock scenes with his active participation of the respective scenes coming close to fifty years now.
WINO: The Documentary is made by Sharlee Patches who provides an uncompromising and unflinching style of film-making with a Punk Rock spirit. The movie is not overly produced and matches the DIY aesthetics that WINO has been known for all of the bands and project’s he’s participated with. The film is unapologetic and highly controversial in places which the film doesn’t shy away from. As the film boldly shows a clip from 2012 where WINO predicts a man-made epidemic is forthcoming and the worldwide government plans to inoculate the population. Fast forward to 2020 and WINO still holds these views and he doesn’t mince his words.
However, I knew what to expect of WINO’s personal and political views with the many great bands and classic albums he’s released over the last fifty years or so. WINO has always been a revolutionary and a free thinker within this Heavy Metal scene. Whilst his music can be vastly dark, his music can also be very uplifting and even life affirming.
This film has contributions from famous folks that WINO has worked with over the years and famous people who are fans. You have contributions from people such as Dave Grohl, Henry Rollins, FUGAZI and Phil Anselmo stating how they’re fans of WINO and commenting what an awesome guitar player there is and pointing out WINO probably doesn’t even realise this.
However, the film truly comes alive when Sharlee interviews and features contributions from his close circle of friends, family and most importantly - THE FANS. The view of the fans makes this documentary truly work as they all state - WINO is a truly humble soul and honest wonderful human being who would give you the shirt off his back. The film showcases this aspect many times with uplifting examples from fans of WINO’s never-ending list of projects such as Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Planet Caravan and many others.
There isn’t a narrative as such for the film. As the film chronicles all the projects that WINO has been involved over the years with many of the key players who WINO played with at that time. The film is highly complimentary of the great man himself with contributions from Jason Taylor, Brian Constantino, Jimmy Bower, Dave Sherman and Bobby Liebling.
The film includes all the classic hits that WINO is known for and the soundtrack is amazing with vintage clips of WINO performing many of these great tracks LIVE. The quality of these clips varies but all undeniably showcase that a wonderful performer that WINO really is.
There are some moments that could make for uncomfortable viewing for some such as WINO’s interaction with a female fan on stage and WINO’s intake of illegal substances that took me by surprise. However, Sharlee showcases some tender magical moments with WINO enjoying time with his mother, his three children and interactions with his fans.
The documentary ends on a sombre and uplifting moment as Sharlee asks WINO why he has quit Alcohol and Drugs which he advises to live a healthier and longer health style. Which is great to hear and showcases the great man may have mellowed and is now living for the right reasons but he’s still a beacon of truth for the Doom/Stoner Metal community.
With the promise of a new The Obsessed album on the horizon, I’m grateful WINO is still here and that he’s around for a long time to release more great music in the future.
Sharlee does a stellar job in creating a beautifully raw, unflinching and highly unapologetic film that pulls no punches from start to finish. This is one of the best musical documentaries I’ve seen since Such Hawks Such Hounds. WINO: The Documentary should be essential viewing for all followers of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene.
WINO: The Documentary is a true original, a bit like the great man himself.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the copy of the film.
WINO: The Documentary is available to buy now on Digital Download here and DVD via Wino-Art
