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.