What Is Classic Rock?

While the title of the movie may make its intentions crystal clear, the answer to its question is a lot more complicated. What exactly is classic rock? Is it a genre? Is it a radio format? What criteria are involved in determining if something fits the bill? For some, the term defines a period of hard rock usually associated with the 1970s; legendary acts like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Deep Purple being prime examples. Others are more loose about it, excluding contemporary rock but including grunge, which after three decades of existence is now considered vintage. Director Daniel Sarkissian set out to explore the intricacies of the topic, interviewing musicians from such bands as Megadeth, Guns N' Roses, Twisted Sister, KISS, The Doobie Brothers, The Guess Who, Styx, Billy Talent, and many others. He also chats with radio DJs who do their best to explain the ambiguous phrase. The film also explores various socio-political elements of the history of rock music. In the end, Sarkissian takes the viewer through an extensive journey into the enigmatic world of classic rock. (Cleveland International Film Festival)