Music,Documentary
United States of America
Mean Man: The Story of Chris Holmes is a feature-length documentary that chronicles the life and career of legendary heavy metal guitarist Chris Holmes. The film begins by detailing his early years, from growing up in Glendale, California to his formative years playing in local bands in Los Angeles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It then explores his tenure as the lead guitarist of W.A.S.P., the pioneering heavy metal band he co-founded with Blackie Lawless, which went on to become one of the most successful and controversial acts of the 1980s.
The documentary also delves into Holmes' personal struggles with addiction and the toll it took on his life and career. After being fired from W.A.S.P. in 1990, Holmes struggled to maintain his sobriety and his career, eventually losing the publishing rights to his own songs and being forced to start over from scratch. The film follows his journey as he rebuilds his life in Europe, working as a construction worker and living in his mother-in-law's basement in Cannes.
Despite these setbacks, Holmes remains a dedicated musician and showman, and the film showcases his enduring talent and charisma as he tours the world with his new band and meets his fans. Along the way, Mean Man features a wealth of archival footage, live performances, interviews with friends, family, and collaborators, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the life of a hard-working rock musician. Through this powerful and inspiring story of one man's struggles and triumphs, Mean Man offers a gripping portrait of the highs and lows of the rock and roll lifestyle, and the enduring power of music to uplift and inspire.
