It’s normal for icons to have movies made in their honour. Malcolm X, Gandhi, and Johnny Cash have all had amazing films created to chronicle their amazing lives, but now it’s the turn of one of the most iconic, if not the most iconic instrument in dance music. The Roland TR-808 is the soundtrack of my musical heritage — from Electro to Acid and many stops since, the 808 is ubiquitous and to this day continues to be influential across scenes and genres. And now there’s “808” where suitably influenced people honour the lump of electronics that has helped give them careers.
Industry sources tell me that Beardyman was due to take the lead roll but couldn’t squeeze into the life sized 808 costume. Talks continue with Warwick Davis and Vern Troyer.
Looks like it could the best movie about decent music since ‘Scratch’. Let’s hope it gets a wide release…
Tiger Music, Brighton, 1985, £170, mint condition …and it even came with a flight case!
I love the TR-808, but the story would be incomplete without the TB-303 and the TR-909. Maybe they’re gearing up for a trilogy set with the other two being sequels. Seriously though, how long is the documentary? Any chance that the Rebirth RB-338 is mentioned (which has a virtual TR-808) as the onslaught of virtual synths? So many questions…
But it’s the 808’s story – not Roland and dance music. They’ve doubtlessly wheeled out the usual suspect for the camera, but the 808 has been used by a huge number of people.
the TB-303 is mostly known for Acid House music. The 808 is mostly known for early Electro and R&B like Sexual healing by Marvin Gaye, the Juno 6 synth is a great combination with the 808 or the later Juno 106 wich im sure the Egyptian Lover has used with the 808.
As much as i love the 909 (check the Bronx by Kurtis Blow wich still sounds great), however the 808 is most legendary and prob has most value.
Im not sure but i think this is a movie rather than a documentary, in movies things always get exaggerated too much, like 8-Miles, another bad movie based on urban culture.
Egyptian Lover brings his TR-808 to all his gigs and programs live on it. 303 and 909 are the foundation of house music. 808 is the foundation of hip-hop/rap and from that sprang electro all the way to trap/dub step and deep house.
No electro artist other than Afrika Bam… If you wanna know where the real bass music came from peep this documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89-zCaDIJ2w