HBO has unveiled the trailer and release date for its upcoming documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire.
The trailer showcases archival footage of Earth, Wind & Fire on stage, as well as interviews, while fans outline the soul group’s impact. It also notes that the likes of Prince and Michael Jackson drew inspiration from the band, while Michelle Obama says, “They made you feel like anything is possible.”
The documentary, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial Vs. That’s The Weight of the World), stars key band members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson alongside fellow musicians, managers, authors, former band members, family members, and fans.
There’s plenty of famous faces, too: in addition to Barack and Michelle Obama, the film will feature Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, H.E.R., and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea.
The forthcoming film is directed and produced by musician and entertainer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. It lands on HBO and its streaming service, HBO Max, on Sunday, 7 June in the US – it should premiere in Australia the following day. Check out the trailer below.
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According to a press release, Questlove shares the story of Earth, Wind & Fire by tracing their career through the eyes of the late founding member, Maurice White. The film will follow the band’s many highs and lows, from their ‘70s peak to the present day.
Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial Vs. That’s The Weight of the World) contains never-before-seen footage from the band’s incredible archives of visual, audio and written items. It features candid new interviews and examines the group’s musical evolution.
Earth, Wind & Fire, renowned for their genre-defying blend of soul, funk, and R&B, were formed by Maurice White in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969.
Across their career, they’ve sold over 100 million albums, hit #1 on singles charts with eight different tracks, released 23 studio albums, and taken home nine Grammy Awards—including a Lifetime Achievement Award. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
Known for timeless hits such as Shining Star, September, Let’s Groove, Boogie Wonderland, Reasons, and many others, Earth, Wind & Fire have consistently shown off unparalleled creative range and talent.
The band were set to visit Australia for the first time since 2012 in April, but following the cancellation of this year’s Bluesfest, they ended up cancelling their entire Australian run, which included headline shows in Melbourne and Sydney.
