On the surface, a rock band’s concert film might seem like a straightforward affair: a band, a stage, and a crowd. But for London punks Medusa, their new film, 'Medusa Live in London: The Motion Picture', is anything but. What began as a simple idea for a gig on a boat turned into a sprawling, three-and-a-half-year saga of mishaps, improvisation, and creative tenacity, culminating in a release so unique it’s being considered for archiving by the British Film Institute.
Frontman and director Julian Molinero admits the project was a series of unfortunate events. The original plan—to film a high-quality cinematic show on a boat on the River Thames—was quickly derailed. A last-minute sound engineer cancellation the night before filming was a crisis averted, but the true disaster struck when two camera operators overexposed their footage. To fill the gaping holes, the band organised a second shoot at a nuclear bunker, offering free beer to fans in exchange for their participation. When that didn't provide enough footage, they tried again at the legendary Dublin Castle, only to be kicked out early due to a double booking.
With all traditional avenues exhausted, Molinero took a truly unconventional turn. He commissioned a marionette puppet to be made in his likeness, complete with an exact replica of his outfit and a miniature guitar. This project, which took six months to complete, proved to be an unexpected challenge. The final 23-minute film, now available on YouTube, is a wild mix of the original boat footage, the partial live shows, and a Hanny-Barbara-style cartoon of the band.
Despite the monumental effort and countless setbacks, the end result is a one-of-a-kind document of the London punk scene. The film captures the raw energy of live music and the dedication of a band determined to overcome every obstacle. It’s a testament to the DIY spirit of punk and a surprisingly honest look at the chaotic process of creation.
In a strange twist of fate, the disasters that plagued Medusa's film became the very things that made it a groundbreaking success. You can stream the full film above via YouTube, and for more, be sure to connect with Medusa on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
