That’s right, the unsung hero of rock ‘n’ roll gets his own spotlight.
If you’re the kind of person who thinks rock history is all about Mick, Keith, or John, The Session Man will happily blow that idea to bits — with a piano riff, no less. This doc dives headfirst into the life of Nicky Hopkins, the session pianist whose fingers helped make some of the most iconic tracks of the ‘60s and ‘70s unforgettable. And yet, until now, most of us probably couldn’t have picked his face out of a lineup.
The film has the charm of a rambling conversation with a really knowledgeable friend who just happens to know every legendary rock star ever. Hopkins’ story isn’t just about talent; it’s about being the quiet engine behind some of rock’s greatest hits. We’re talking The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, and solo Beatles projects — essentially, if it was a hit in that era, Nicky probably played on it. Tracks like Revolution, Sympathy for the Devil, Angie, and Jealous Guy? That piano you never noticed but couldn’t live without? That’s him.
What’s great here is how human the film feels. You get the sense that Hopkins wasn’t chasing fame; he just loved playing. And the way the doc stitches together interviews with legends like Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, Dave Davies, Bill Wyman, and even the occasionally hilarious Harry Shearer, you start to see the quiet reverence these giants had for him. Bob Harris narrates with the perfect mix of warmth and rock-and-roll gravitas, guiding you through the man’s life like he’s sharing backstage gossip at a pub — and you’re right there, pint in hand.
Visually and sonically, it’s a treat. You’ll see archival footage that practically smells of vinyl, and hear those iconic piano riffs in ways that make you realize just how much Hopkins elevated the music. There’s humor, there’s heartbreak, there’s that satisfying glow when a background player finally gets the recognition he deserves. By the end, you’re not just appreciating the music differently — you’re rooting for the man behind it.
And here’s the kicker: Nicky Hopkins is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this November. If that’s not a vindication for a lifetime of genius lurking just behind the spotlight, I don’t know what is. The Session Man isn’t just a doc; it’s a love letter to a musician who made the hits sing and the legends shine.
For anyone who’s ever bobbed their head to a classic rock track and wondered who made it feel so damn good, this film is mandatory. Equal parts heart, humor, and history, it finally gives Nicky Hopkins the standing ovation he’s been waiting for.
The Session Man will be in UK cinemas from 21st November and on digital platforms here in the states shortly after.
MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime: 90 mins
Director: Michael Treen
Writer: Michael Treen
Cast: Bob Harris; Chris Kimsey; Julian Dawson
Genre: Documentary | Music
Tagline: A Film by Michael Treen
Memorable Movie Quote: "He played with absolutely everybody"
Distributor:
Official Site:
Release Date: December 13, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: UK cinemas from 21st November and on digital platforms here in the states shortly after
Synopsis: The story of highly gifted pianist and unsung hero, Nicky Hopkins, who played with the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks and many more.
