A deep dive into the legacy of Redd Kross: ‘Born Innocent’ documentary
A new chapter for Redd Kross
The iconic Los Angeles rock band, Redd Kross, is set to make waves once again with the release of their feature documentary, Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story. This film, directed by Andrew Reich, has been acquired by Abramorama for worldwide theatrical distribution, with a fall release on the horizon.
The journey of Redd Kross
Born Innocent delves into the lives of brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald, the founding members of Redd Kross, and their significant impact on the Los Angeles music scene from the 1970s to the present day. The documentary, produced by Reich and Julian Cautherley, features interviews with members of renowned bands such as Pearl Jam, The Go-Go’s, Sonic Youth, Soundgarden, The Bangles, Black Flag, and Dinosaur Jr.
The film has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the Jury Award for Best Documentary at the 2023 Sound Unseen Film Festival and being showcased at numerous other festivals.
A band ahead of its time
Redd Kross has always been a band that defied conventions. Their eclectic mix of hardcore punk, grunge, glam metal, and influences from pop culture icons like The Partridge Family and The Runaways set them apart in the Southern California music scene. As highlighted in Born Innocent, their visionary approach influenced a wide range of bands, from Black Flag to Nirvana, and even Guns N’ Roses and Stone Temple Pilots.
Personal reflections from the band
Jeff and Steven McDonald expressed their excitement about the documentary’s release, stating, “We’re so excited that Abramorama has agreed to help us show our story on screen as it should be seen. Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story is an honest, funny, and poignant look into our lives, and we’re thrilled to share what’s behind all of the music, laughter, bummers, and smiles with a new world.”
A must-see for music enthusiasts
Evan Saxon, president and head of international distribution at Abramorama, shared his enthusiasm for the project, saying, ”Growing up in Los Angeles, Redd Kross has been a fun, important, and colorful band in my musical landscape. I had the pleasure of working with Redd Kross years ago, and I am stoked to once again be in their sphere. This is a must-see documentary for anyone that likes music.”
The broader context of music documentaries
Born Innocent joins a growing list of recent documentary releases by Abramorama, including Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, AJ Schnack’s election reform documentary Majority Rules, and David Smick’s America’s Burning, executive produced and narrated by Michael Douglas. Upcoming releases include Elisa Levine’s Sweetheart Deal and the rock documentary Placebo: This Search For Meaning.
A literary companion
In addition to the documentary, Redd Kross fans can look forward to the release of a new book, Now You’re One of Us: The Incredible Story of Redd Kross, written by music journalist Dan Epstein. The book will be available on October 10 in the U.K. and October 29 in North America, offering an in-depth look at the band’s history and influence.
Discover more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Redd Kross, check out the trailer for Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story here. This documentary promises to be a captivating exploration of a band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Final thoughts
Redd Kross’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring impact of music. Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story not only celebrates the band’s legacy but also offers a poignant and humorous look into the lives of its members. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this documentary is sure to provide a fresh perspective on one of Los Angeles’s most influential bands.