Review: ‘Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night' (2024) and the story of Ike Reilly

The release of the multi-award-winning documentary Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night was released on August 27, 2024, and will be available across various TVOD platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube, thanks to Gravitas Ventures. This documentary, which showcases the life and music of Ike Reilly, a singer-songwriter known for his raw and poignant storytelling, has already made waves with sold-out theatrical world premieres in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Denver, and Fort Wayne.

Produced by Clean Blood Pictures LLC under the Comandante Manifesto label, the film is helmed by co-writers and co-directors Michael O’Brien and Mike Schmiedeler, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in documentary filmmaking. O'Brien’s credits include American Greed and The First 48: Missing Persons, while Schmiedeler is known for Parole Diaries and Collector’s Call.

Their collaboration on Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night brings a unique, non-linear narrative that delves deep into the life of Ike Reilly, eschewing the conventions of typical rock documentaries. Over five years in the making, the documentary features over 40 years of footage, offering an impressionistic view of Reilly's life and career.

It artfully blends archival footage together with relatively fresh visual media, audio, and studio recordings, taking viewers on a journey through Reilly’s music and personal stories. He is a bit of an unsung musical act.

More about Ike Reilly and Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night

Ike Reilly's critically acclaimed debut album, Salesmen And Racists, is explored in the film, as is the celebrated Born On Fire album. The title track from Born On Fire gained additional recognition when it was featured in a biopic about Reilly's late friend, comedian Chris Farley.

The documentary not only highlights Reilly’s music but also includes electrifying live performances, intimate personal moments, and interviews with a range of individuals who have been part of Reilly’s journey. Among those interviewed are critics, fans, family members, and legendary artists such as David Lowery and Johnny Hickman of the band Cracker (Hickman says "I think he’s the best American songwriter working right now").

Another big piece of the film is Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. Morello, who also serves as the film’s executive producer, has been a long-time supporter of Reilly’s work. He describes Reilly as a "real-life version of Jimmy Stewart’s character in It’s A Wonderful Life, noting that Reilly's journey as an "incredibly talented yet underappreciated heartland troubadour" is filled with unexpected twists and turns that are captured beautifully in the film.

Other key stars

Ike Reilly’s band, The Ike Reilly Assassination, features a talented lineup, including Phil Karnats, Dave Cottini, Pete Cimbalo, Adam Krier, Tommy O’Donnell, Ed Tinley, Shane Reilly, Kevin Reilly, and Mickey Reilly. The New York Times called it "one of the best live bands in America."

The film also showcases appearances by David Pasquesi, known for his roles in Veep and The Book of Boba Fett, artist and actor Tony Fitzpatrick, and Mars Williams, saxophonist for The Psychedelic Furs.

Ike Reilly's interesting life

Reilly's life and career have been marked by ups and downs. He has worked as a doorman and grave digger and is known for his passionate fanbase and deep love for his wife. Despite losing his log cabin home to the bank, Reilly has continued to perform.

He also sometimes hosted shows in his home and made it look like common wisdom to do so. During the pandemic, when touring was not possible, Reilly livestreamed family shows, connecting with chronically online fans in a new and intimate way. His sons have also joined him on stage for live performances, further cementing the family’s musical legacy.

A lot is about the music

One of Reilly’s standout songs highlighted in the film is "Put a Little Love In It," a powerful track about death.

Reilly himself has commented on how he mythologizes the things that used to make him want to "suck in a shotgun," reflecting the raw, unfiltered emotion that permeates his work. The film captures this spirit, showcasing Reilly as a complicated and formidable artist whose sound sculpting resonates deeply with many who encounter it. With its upcoming digital release, Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night offers audiences a chance to delve into the world of Ike Reilly, a musician whose path has been anything but ordinary.