500 Days of Silence 2024

The documentary 500 DAYS OF SILENCE offers an insightful look into the profound struggles faced by rock bands and musicians during the global pandemic—a period when the entertainment industry came to a standstill, leaving many in limbo. As venues shut their doors and tours were canceled, bands ranging from small clubs to massive stadiums found themselves grappling with uncertainty and despair. Amidst this turmoil, the breakout rock band The Black Moods from Tempe, Arizona, achieved a notable milestone by reaching the Billboard Top 20 charts. However, they soon faced the daunting question: what was next?

Determined to persevere, the band embarked on a journey to reconnect with their fans and reassess their priorities. Through honest conversations with seasoned musicians such as Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, Rick Springfield, and members from prominent groups like Gin Blossoms, REO Speedwagon, Slipknot, and Steel Panther, viewers gain a glimpse into the personal challenges encountered by these artists as they navigate the implicit dangers of their professions being abruptly silenced. The narrative reveals their efforts to adapt and keep the music alive, uncertain if they would ever perform live again.

Filmed over two years during the pandemic, 500 DAYS OF SILENCE captures the rollercoaster experience of The Black Moods as they strive to maintain the essence of rock ‘n’ roll across various locations, including Arizona, Mexico, Missouri, South Dakota, Florida, and Southern California. This documentary is not just a chronicle of hardship but also a story of resilience, inspiration, and personal growth, showcasing musicians’ relentless spirit in their quest to reconnect with their audiences.

Written and directed by Jeremy Simmons, 500 DAYS OF SILENCE features an array of notable artists including Corey Taylor, Kevin Cronin, Robin Wilson, Eddie Trunk, Eddie Kramer, Josh Kennedy, Chico Diaz, Jordan Hoffman, Jim Adkins, Michael Starr, Vic Johnson, and Roger Clyne.

As filmmaker Jeremy Simmons poignantly expresses, > “When the music stopped, I wanted to tell the story of our shuttered local music scene in Tempe, Arizona.” He aims to convey the emotional weight of losing one’s livelihood and the uncertainties and fears that musicians encountered along their journeys, regardless of their stage in life. The film beautifully encapsulates the moment when The Black Moods and Sammy Hagar finally step on stage again, marking a significant event that echoes the resilience of the music industry.