Tomorrow marks the first authorized release of 1964’s The T.A.M.I. Show, a made-for-TV concert which featured seismic performances from a lineup that included Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, and the Rolling Stones. Despite cheesy, American Bandstand-style backup dancers and shrieking screams that threaten to overwhelm, it has a reputation as one of the best concert films of all time primarily due to the explosive, legendary 18-minute set from James Brown.
A beaming Brown showcases ungodly footwork, slipping across the stage so quickly you expect his leather shoes to melt from sheer force of friction. He drops into splits without warning, like gravity’s sole function is to bring him down on the dance floor, and whips through his standard throwing-off-the-cape routine as if it’s the last movement he’ll ever make. You’ll feel like sweat is slapping you in the face after witnessing the intensity of what Rick Rubin called “the single greatest rock’n’roll performance ever captured on film.”
After the jump, do yourself a favor and watch bootlegged videos of Brown and some other available performances to whet your appetite until tomorrow’s official release.
James Brown – “Out of Sight” and “Night Train”
James Brown – “Please Please Please”
Chuck Berry – “Johnny B. Goode”
The Beach Boys – “I Get Around”