I love this song. I think it is one of the most perfectly written songs ever made. It is a piece of poetry, cultural analysis, history, and nostalgic sadness.
Well said Live Oak144. Song to think this song 6:24 never charted when it came out. Best Hollywood song ever made. This song and Randy Newman’s I love LA are the best Southern California songs ever written.
You won’t hear this great song on any radio station. Or on TV. Or even in a movie. But I was born in the 50’s and grew up in the 60’s where I discovered the Kinks. You will find them in my old singles, albums, CD, and digital collection world. Both Celluloid and Vinyl Heroes never really die.
I hadn't heard "Celluloid Heroes in many, many years until I came across this video. A very underrated song by an underrated group. The lyrics and the music mesh together so well, and the very well-constructed video adds to the song's poignancy. Thank you Joe.
These guys have been horribly and sadly overlooked in the halls of early British wave rock. As far as I'm concerned Ray's material matches if not exceeds many of Lennon n McCartney's Beatles penned songs and blows any Jagger n Richards ones out as well. When Ray wrote this one I was stunned by the beauty in his lyrics and the way he wove the music around them. One of Davies songs that leaves me on the cusp of shedding a tear and a true masterpiece that I have a ton of admiration and respect for. There will never ever be another Kinks and there will never be another Ray Davies.
+David Rogers Well said! This is one of the best songs ever written,by one of the best singer/songwriters in pop music history. a true masterpiece. In 1990 (finally) the kinks were decorated in the rock and roll hall of fame.
you are so correct. I believe the kinks are the most underrated classic rock group ever. and believe me I'm a Pink Floyd ,Who, etc fan but the Kinks never got the recognition that they deserve .
David Rogers: Absolutely brilliant comment. This, and "Waterloo Sunset" get me more "on the cusp" of shedding not just a, but several tears. Ray was always such a magnificent observer of traditional British life which makes this song even more lyrically poignant. Too bad the abominable classic rock format reduces their Kinks playlist to no more than a handful (maybe one or two fingers less) of their output.
I heard this song for the 1st time yesterday when my KJ sang it for Karaoke. It goes down as one of the best and most emotional songs I have ever heard. The lyrics are incredible. Thank you Kinks for this gift. If you never gave us anything more, this would be enough. What a tribute to old Hollywood. The stars are smiling. I hoist my glass to all who's lives were not always the happiest of endings but I toast their moments of happiness and when they lived as lions. In fact, I toast us all, like the song says, whether you know it or not, you are in the movies however it turns out. Enough said!
One of the greatest songs ever written. Brilliant lyrics and music. Hard to understand why it is so underappreciated. Your video is excellent and actually enhanced this musical masterpiece. Thanks for posting in 2014.
There are two songs that define the 20th Century: "American Pie" and "Celluloid Heroes", as long as CH has the line about "...dearest Marilyn..." Only the one version of the song has that line.
This is one of the best song there ever wrote! I love the song very much! This is just as good as the one in the Lennon and McCartney or Richards and Jagger song!
Hollywood is in my backyard here in SoCal, and this is so exquisitely written. The Kinks nailed this and we’re unfortunately outplayed on the radio by their British counterparts. Not as popular, but not so in my book! This and “Apeman”, my favorites . I’m gonna play it again now so bye.
Beautiful video to an AMAZING song. I can’t think of any other that captures the nature of fame, the painful price that immortality costs, and the aura of tragedy hiding behind the stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Something in particular about the verse to Marilyn-and it’s a stroke of genius to ONLY use her first name...none of the other stars named in the song have that treatment, but that’s because that one word, “Marilyn,” is all it takes to capture her memory-makes me tear up every time...she was an incredible actress, forward thinker (look up her relationship with Ella Fitzgerald), and pensive soul who lived an impossibly difficult life, but she’ll be forever remembered as the perfectly dolled-up beauty who every man wanted. It’s heartbreaking.
Excellent! I've only just found this video put to one of Ray Davies's best songs. It's probably my favourite Kinks song. I love the images you have chosen to go with Ray's words.
A beautiful showcase of all the greatest stars who seem to never stop shining. We will never see such great talent again. Take time to enjoy every beat and lyric.
I've been listening to this song since 1972. Just a great great song and, always will be. Reminds me of a time I wish all of you could know. Enjoy everyone after all, celluloid heros never really die. Right?
Ray Davies is such a genius in writing lyrics. I hadn't sing this song for years but can easily get the words back. Like Chuck Berry's tunes, when you got the start of the verse, the rest comes naturally. Nice pictures paying tribute to Hollywood classics and this great song writer.
Gone now. All of them from the Golden Age. I am sixty five and I remember them all. Even Monty Wooly. I'll be joining them soon enough, I suppose, but I am glad I have hung around long enough to have seen them all. There were way more of those who suffered in vain than succeeded. They all deserve stars. Great vid, BTW.
Ray Davies wrote some wonderful stuff that really touches my heart, none more than this one. Plus, I've become a sentimental old softie over the years. I love old movies, many of which I grew up with on TV. Some of the stuff that really sweetens life.
Written more than a year before Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind'. So often the Kinks were the frontrunners copied by others. Think : 'You Really Got Me' 'All Day and All of the Night' 'Sunny Afternoon' 'See My Friends' 'Waterloo Sunset' 'Wonder Boy' 'Lola' 'Celluloid Heroes'. Ray Davies is a brilliant songwriter, the Kinks a way under rated band.
That song is one of my very favorite Kinks tunes... and more than that, one of my very favorite tunes EVER! This video moved me to tears... thanks for making this wonderful little celluloid fantasy...
A HUGE Thank You to the State Theatre in Easton, Pennsylvania for having the Kinks appear during my lifetime.... I will NEVER forget that night.... they performed flawlessly and stated how much they loved the acoustics the theatre offered....as I said, what a night to remember!
@@sashasue00 I cannot say where else they played back then, but I remember the show as if was yesterday.... The acoustics of the theatre provided for some incredible sound! I was blessed to have seating a bit to the left of the stage, about 12 rows back. Was an incredible night for sure.....
@@jeffreyhancock8831 Thank you! I believe that's where I must've seen them! I was "new" to the area for college, and can't remember where we saw them, but know it was awesome ...I still have my t'shirt! (I believe I was on the left side, too)...
I agree that "The Kinks" were the most overlooked Band's, songwriter's and gifted musician's from the 60's to the 90's, finally being inducted into the Hall of Fame of Rock and Roll!💕
This is a GREAT version of this touching memorable song!! I have seen many different versions of this great song, but this is a particularly great one. The song itself is great, so what more can I say. Sometimes I sit and cry listening to this song, because it came out when I was a teenager (or younger) and I miss all the members of my family (and there were alot) who are now are deceased and gone. Younger people today, please take heed, enjoy your family members and holiday gatherings more than I did, because once all these loving people are gone, you will never get them back!!! I used to be annoyed in my 20's because I had to get moving on the holidays after "partying" all night and all I wanted to do was be left alone and be able to sleep till 3 pm. Now that I no longer do this BS for 20 years or more, I would give "ANYTHING" to have those great times back, but as we know, it doesn't work like that, so enjoy your family, friends, etc. while you still have them!!!
The first time I heard this song was when Joan Jett covered it on "Hitlist". My father heard my playing it and took me to the local record store (yes, this was the early 90's) and bought "The Kinks Greatest Hits" for me to listen to and hear the original. It was a live track, but it blew me away. So much was going on in my life at the time and so many bad things had happened to me. I wrote the lyrics, "I wish my life was a non-stop Hollywood movie show. A fantasy world of celluloid villains and heroes. Because celluloid heroes never feel any pain. And celluloid heroes never really die," on my books, on everything. I finally heard the studio version and it opened a whole new world with the verses that weren't played in the live release. Thisis such a beautiful song and a cautionary tale. But back then, you had to have some merit to get a star. Now, you just have to have some money.
First time I heard this song, I was that mid-western boy, all alone staring at the lights of Poway, Ca. Moved back to Texas, and was fortunate enough to find a rock station in Ft. Worth that had taste enough to play this and other Kinks songs....1979.... Hearing it now still brings tears... What a classic song th at is as ageless as its subject!
If Glen Frey wrote this song it would have been number one. Ray never has gotten the respect he deserves. He worked and suffered and struggled for fame.
"Let's all raise a glass. To the Rock Stars of the past. Those that made it, those that faded, those that we thought would never last." - The Kinks (Ray Davies) from their song "You Can't Stop The Music", their 1975 album Soap Opera -
Excelente video. Me hizo llorar. Es el complemento perfecto de tan hermosa canción. The Kinks, qué banda! Algún día se hará justicia. Leí cada uno de los comentarios y me alegra saber que son muchos quienes los aman y admiran tanto como lo hago yo. God save The Kinks!
What a composition, what a melody. So beautiful, it was written as if Ray was present in the studios and alleyways of Hollywood for a hundred years. There is no other song that sums up show business like this
A simply beautiful tribute. This is my favorite song of all time. The live version. It's odd that the verse involving George Sanders and Mickey Rooney are often omitted from this song --depending upon who's playing it. Ray Davies surely had his pulse on Hollywood with this one. A legacy song if there ever was one.
Beautiful piece, some of the best lyrics ever written. I have never understood why The Kinks have been so overlooked. They are to me a corner stone of rock music. I remember listening to Dedicated Follower of Fashion in 67 or 68. Blew me away, and the brothers continued to produce great music over many decades. Confusing as to why they are mostly unplayed and unmentioned.
Loved all the Kinks songs back in the day. This was always my absolute favorite. Just a helluva of song. The video is fantastic. The simple melody, adds to the terrific lyrics, and the words hold true right to this day.
Oh my gosh. What a beautifully amazing song! I just felt so fluttery in my chest listening to this and wanting to sign along. It's a tribute to all of Hollywood's classic film stars! And it's such a lovely tribute. As a Film nerd and History Buff it's so beautiful!
I sure am glad I put the two best videos of this song on my playlist because I just now realized that the other one doesn't have the versus about Marilyn Monroe Mickey Rooney George Sanders... So I'll be watching this one more obviously.
One of the top songs of 20th century> All of it so much engrained in our collective consciousness. One of the best vids I have ever seen as well, Kudos to creator and team.
I could not take my eyes off this video. I also cannot fathom how this song never charted. I grew up with it playing on the radio and have grown to appreciate the lyrics more and more as I've gotten older.
+kemteach42 You say: " I also cannot fathom how this song never charted." I can help you here. I, too, was around when this was released as a single. I only ever heard it played on British radio once. That was on BBC Radio 1. The DJ said that the reason it wasn't being played much was because of its length.
+Son of Alba Steelman I suppose I was lucky to have the one classic rock station in NYC. Someone at the station loved this song and played it frequently so I heard it a lot while growing up.
The Kinks are such an intelligent bunch of artists ,one of the greatest bands my country will EVER produce ,they are a National Treasure ans certainly in the same division of Stones,Beatles, Who ,Zep,,,,,Bowie The kinks are so amazing
I might add I left out a monster thank you to Joe Daugherty who did a knock out job putting this video together. And equally a big thanks goes out to all the folks or fans who suggested this song of Ray's should of, or perhaps still can, be highlighted at the Oscars or Academy Awards presentations. Ray deserves that accolade and so do his fans.
Ja Juice Leskisen suomennos tästä, ihan parasta suomeksi! osuu juuri kohdilleen. Olin pari vuotta sitten, kun mieheni kuoli Kölnissä yksin, hotellihuoneessa juomassa.kaljaa, ja kuuntelin tätä, lohdutti kyllä, voin sanoa
Ray hit it right on the head with this song! We see a lot of celebrities these days as pompous, arrogant, narsisitic spoiled brats etc..because they ARE! But back in the golden age there was still some integrity & class to being famous! It wasn't as easy to get there & it wasn't easy to stay there! And as we all would find out later Lots of them struggled with insecurity, mental illness, drugs & alcohol etc.There was a lot more pressure back then to stay on top & some couldn't take it! It really makes you feel for them. And every time I hear this song......I do! Damn it I even cry!
Thanks for the really great roll of images to accompany this great great great Kinks song. Love movies from 1920-1950ish, this was a great reminder of why.
This video was outstanding! It so successfully captures the magic of Hollywood as the brilliant lyrics of The Kinks roll on. What a great job. I'm subscribing!
Over the years, I have played this song for a lot of people, many who had never heard it before. "How did I miss that one," is the refrain I hear from many of them. I feel very fortunate that my senior year in high school was spent at a boarding school in San Marino, California and the guy who slept next to me had a big stereo with a turn table and an 8-track tape player. We're talking 1981 and 8-track tapes were fast becoming a thing of the past - as was vinyl until it's recent surge in popularity - but my friend had The Kinks album "One for the Road" and when I heard this number I loved it at once. Like NathanArnoldCharging, who wrote a fantastic comment just 7 down from this one, I, too, have walked up and down Hollywood Blvd many times, and when I did, this song was oft times playing in my head. Thanks to whoever made this video, I don't know if The Kinks had anything to do with it but if not, I doubt there would be any objections from them. It absolutely captures the spirit of the song and 100 years from now and longer, I'd be willing to bet this will still be watched. Peace
Evidently a ton of people missed it even upon release and just after, as the video said it didn't chart. It wasn't on any album, but was released solely as a single. I'm shocked it didn't chart. By 1972 it had been years since long singles became acceptable, first with the groundbreaking "Like a Rolling Stone" in 1965 and then basically standardized with "Hey Jude" three years later.
Great song and amazing amount of work put into this video, Well done! Agree with others here that Ray Davies is WAY underrated. Was fortunate to have seen him once in the 70's.
I love this the full version of the song. The band every time I have seen them leave out the verse about George Sanders, Mickey, and Marilyn... my fav verse! I do not know if some legal issue prevents them or what; but the song is not ther same without that verse.
Yes although we love the song the Kinks understand it is too long and so leave out a verse. They can never quite live up to their own expectations and to the opinions the people have of them. People say they are one of the classic rock bands but the Kinks know it,s not true but reproach people for ignoring them.
Great poetry and an homage to the people in the entertainment profession. Ray Davies has written so many great songs. I would like to thank him for that. I saw The Kinks play at the Community Concourse in San Diego. It was a small intimate crowd. Ray Davies smiled through the whole show. These guys love their work. Me too. A friend of mine fixed Ray's guitar one time. He was given a backstage pass. He framed it.
The first time I heard this song was when Joan Jett did it on :The Hit List". I was enamoured with it. my father bought The Kinks live Come Dancing cassette for me to hear it. I loved it even more. it wasn't until about 10 or so years ago that I got to hear this version. It completely blew me away. it was a whole new song with what was omitted by The Kinks live and Joan Jett.
Snuck out of my house for my first “rock-n-roll” concert. Sometime in early 70’s to a college campus somewhere in New Jersey! Don’t remember how I got there, don’t remember how I got back, but I do remember singing LOLA all the way home!
Another fabulous album from the Kinks. My nephew is 10 years younger than I but we have been always been very close. He has complete collections of the Kinks, beatles, and pink floyd thanks to his dear old aunt. So I made a good impression on at one person.
its hardly possible to put tóó much praise onto this masterpiece of a song and its creator(s) , mostly Ray Davis , i suppose ,,, probably 'with a little help b.a.f...' , taking absolutely nothing away from him , just adding respect and gratitude to others ... re-visiting those memorable images - the sensations they caused us , then ,,, when we were young ..... now , it shakes the ol' nugget , --- no - well , those movies , images , they , what these people and all the countless others worked , often hard , to produce - 'create' , they are really the Nuggets to be valued , now still as much as then . - to appreciate a good flic you gotta watch some ! no different with music neither ! A LOT OF THANKS for posting !!!
I remember when it was kind of a sketch-ass neighborhood in the mid-80s. I also remember when this song came out on the radio and I thought it was kind of plaintive, trying to drum up interest in classic movie stars that no one would care about. Lo and behold, it's decades later and people do indeed care. And this song is absolutely lovely.
Fantastic song and video , unbelievable it did not chart, true song writing genius from the great ray davies, one of the most underated singer song writers of all time, up there with the best of them.
First time I heard this song in the Seventies on late night FM in LA KMET. I thought it was one the greatest songs I ever heard and now 45 years later it is still one of the greatest songs ever written. Ray Davies a true musical genius
I love this song. I think it is one of the most perfectly written songs ever made. It is a piece of poetry, cultural analysis, history, and nostalgic sadness.
3 hips and a decision for humanity!
This song and Gordon Lightfoot’s Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, these 2 songs are great, perfectly written and executed.
Well said Live Oak144. Song to think this song 6:24 never charted when it came out. Best Hollywood song ever made. This song and Randy Newman’s I love LA are the best Southern California songs ever written.
You won’t hear this great song on any radio station. Or on TV. Or even in a movie. But I was born in the 50’s and grew up in the 60’s where I discovered the Kinks. You will find them in my old singles, albums, CD, and digital collection world. Both Celluloid and Vinyl Heroes never really die.
Consider yourself extremely lucky ✌️
I hadn't heard "Celluloid Heroes in many, many years until I came across this video. A very underrated song by an underrated group. The lyrics and the music mesh together so well, and the very well-constructed video adds to the song's poignancy. Thank you Joe.
These guys have been horribly and sadly overlooked in the halls of early British wave rock. As far as I'm concerned Ray's material matches if not exceeds many of Lennon n McCartney's Beatles penned songs and blows any Jagger n Richards ones out as well. When Ray wrote this one I was stunned by the beauty in his lyrics and the way he wove the music around them. One of Davies songs that leaves me on the cusp of shedding a tear and a true masterpiece that I have a ton of admiration and respect for. There will never ever be another Kinks and there will never be another Ray Davies.
+David Rogers The Kinks and Badfinger.
+David Rogers : For me, the kinks are the second greatest pop-rock band from the sixties... The beatles are the first.
+David Rogers Well said! This is one of the best songs ever written,by one of the best singer/songwriters in pop music history. a true masterpiece. In 1990 (finally) the kinks were decorated in the rock and roll hall of fame.
you are so correct. I believe the kinks are the most underrated classic rock group ever. and believe me I'm a Pink Floyd ,Who, etc fan but the Kinks never got the recognition that they deserve .
David Rogers: Absolutely brilliant comment. This, and "Waterloo Sunset" get me more "on the cusp" of shedding not just a, but several tears. Ray was always such a magnificent observer of traditional British life which makes this song even more lyrically poignant. Too bad the abominable classic rock format reduces their Kinks playlist to no more than a handful (maybe one or two fingers less) of their output.
The kinks came up with timeless treasure a song that make me cry celluloid heroes
Love the Kinks. This is one of the best songs ever.
You never hear this on the so called classic rock stations. Truly a great song by one of my favorite bands.
This song is the kinks best ever. It makes me cry.
I heard this song for the 1st time yesterday when my KJ sang it for Karaoke. It goes down as one of the best and most emotional songs I have ever heard. The lyrics are incredible. Thank you Kinks for this gift. If you never gave us anything more, this would be enough. What a tribute to old Hollywood. The stars are smiling. I hoist my glass to all who's lives were not always the happiest of endings but I toast their moments of happiness and when they lived as lions. In fact, I toast us all, like the song says, whether you know it or not, you are in the movies however it turns out. Enough said!
One of the greatest songs ever written. Brilliant lyrics and music. Hard to understand why it is so underappreciated. Your video is excellent and actually enhanced this musical masterpiece. Thanks for posting in 2014.
Such a great and under appreciated song
One of my favorite songs ever. The lyrics have brought a tear to my eye many many times. Truly masterful.
One of the 10 best songs ever written, period!
Yep. What's more, it happens to be the best of out of those ten.
100% Agree my friend 🤙🤙🤙🎸🎸🎸🎸😁👍
@@ChrisSeahorse Maybe.....
There are two songs that define the 20th Century:
"American Pie" and "Celluloid Heroes", as long as CH has the line about "...dearest Marilyn..." Only the one version of the song has that line.
frank zappa is looking down
One of my all-time fave songs EVER - thanks a lot for the lovlingly assembled video, mate!
This is a brilliant song both musically and lyrically.
This is one of the best song there ever wrote! I love the song very much! This is just as good as the one in the Lennon and McCartney or Richards and Jagger song!
@@kennethhalley8317 To me more in Bob Dylan, "Like A Rolling Stone" -canon.
A masterpiece among masterpieces by my favorite band, the Kinks. The accompanying video is a wonderful addition too.
Hollywood is in my backyard here in SoCal, and this is so exquisitely written. The Kinks nailed this and we’re unfortunately outplayed on the radio by their British counterparts. Not as popular, but not so in my book!
This and “Apeman”, my favorites . I’m gonna play it again now so bye.
This song will live FOREVER!
この曲を初めて聴いたのは高校生の頃でした。
当時はカセットテープにラジオから流れた曲を録音してウォークマンで聴く。
AFNを聴いてダビングしていました。
通学で毎回聴いていたこの曲を、字幕で見れて本当に嬉しい気持ちです。
私の中では何年経っても素晴らしく、ずっと聴いていたい曲です。
Such a deep tune . And every single word is said in this sometimes very lonely life 😢, that needs being said
Beautiful video to an AMAZING song. I can’t think of any other that captures the nature of fame, the painful price that immortality costs, and the aura of tragedy hiding behind the stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Something in particular about the verse to Marilyn-and it’s a stroke of genius to ONLY use her first name...none of the other stars named in the song have that treatment, but that’s because that one word, “Marilyn,” is all it takes to capture her memory-makes me tear up every time...she was an incredible actress, forward thinker (look up her relationship with Ella Fitzgerald), and pensive soul who lived an impossibly difficult life, but she’ll be forever remembered as the perfectly dolled-up beauty who every man wanted. It’s heartbreaking.
Excellent! I've only just found this video put to one of Ray Davies's best songs. It's probably my favourite Kinks song. I love the images you have chosen to go with Ray's words.
A beautiful showcase of all the greatest stars who seem to never stop shining. We will never see such great talent again. Take time to enjoy every beat and lyric.
I have always thought the kinks have always been one of the most under rated groups. thanks for posting this great job
A favorite Kinks song. And Historicus Joe did a nice job mixing in classic Hollywood images and showing the lyrics to this song.
Yes, those images belong in the video and are timed just right. Nice job of mixing them into the song.
I've been listening to this song since 1972. Just a great great song and, always will be. Reminds me of a time I wish all of you could know. Enjoy everyone after all, celluloid heros never really die. Right?
I completely agree with your statement 🤘
I just happened upon this video. Such a great one too. Love all the old Hollywood stars!
I've always loved The Kinks too!!
Ray Davies is such a genius in writing lyrics. I hadn't sing this song for years but can easily get the words back. Like Chuck Berry's tunes, when you got the start of the verse, the rest comes naturally. Nice pictures paying tribute to Hollywood classics and this great song writer.
Gone now. All of them from the Golden Age. I am sixty five and I remember them all. Even Monty Wooly. I'll be joining them soon enough, I suppose, but I am glad I have hung around long enough to have seen them all. There were way more of those who suffered in vain than succeeded. They all deserve stars. Great vid, BTW.
I feel those who watched the silent movies felt the same at some point. Your not done yet. Be Here Now.
very poignant ..I too will be seeing them soon . I also am65.
The lyrics, music and singing ... Superb! One of the All Time Great Groups THE KINKS!!!
Ray Davies wrote some wonderful stuff that really touches my heart, none more than this one. Plus, I've become a sentimental old softie over the years. I love old movies, many of which I grew up with on TV. Some of the stuff that really sweetens life.
One of my favorite songs of all time. Certainly fits them both with the humor they brought out and the seriousness they could rip into you.
Written more than a year before Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind'. So often the Kinks were the frontrunners copied by others. Think :
'You Really Got Me'
'All Day and All of the Night'
'Sunny Afternoon'
'See My Friends'
'Waterloo Sunset'
'Wonder Boy'
'Lola'
'Celluloid Heroes'.
Ray Davies is a brilliant songwriter, the Kinks a way under rated band.
I sure as hell don't underrate them! ❤️🌸🌹💜
I grew up watching all of them and many more. Thank you Kinks such a magical song! Thanks for the wonderful video. The best I've seen for this song.
I very much agree I was insecrure my boy friend/husband introduced me to them. Esp this song teaching me a I could be one of those celliod heros.
That song is one of my very favorite Kinks tunes... and more than that, one of my very favorite tunes EVER!
This video moved me to tears... thanks for making this wonderful little celluloid fantasy...
A HUGE Thank You to the State Theatre in Easton, Pennsylvania for having the Kinks appear during my lifetime.... I will NEVER forget that night.... they performed flawlessly and stated how much they loved the acoustics the theatre offered....as I said, what a night to remember!
@@sashasue00 I cannot say where else they played back then, but I remember the show as if was yesterday.... The acoustics of the theatre provided for some incredible sound! I was blessed to have seating a bit to the left of the stage, about 12 rows back. Was an incredible night for sure.....
@@jeffreyhancock8831 Thank you! I believe that's where I must've seen them! I was "new" to the area for college, and can't remember where we saw them, but know it was awesome ...I still have my t'shirt! (I believe I was on the left side, too)...
I agree that "The Kinks" were the most overlooked Band's, songwriter's and gifted musician's from the 60's to the 90's, finally being inducted into the Hall of Fame of Rock and Roll!💕
This is a GREAT version of this touching memorable song!! I have seen many different versions of this great song, but this is a particularly great one. The song itself is great, so what more can I say. Sometimes I sit and cry listening to this song, because it came out when I was a teenager (or younger) and I miss all the members of my family (and there were alot) who are now are deceased and gone. Younger people today, please take heed, enjoy your family members and holiday gatherings more than I did, because once all these loving people are gone, you will never get them back!!! I used to be annoyed in my 20's because I had to get moving on the holidays after "partying" all night and all I wanted to do was be left alone and be able to sleep till 3 pm. Now that I no longer do this BS for 20 years or more, I would give "ANYTHING" to have those great times back, but as we know, it doesn't work like that, so enjoy your family, friends, etc. while you still have them!!!
The original is always the best. Ray is the best.
Excellent & haunting...the Kinks should've added, after: "Celluloid heroes never feel any pain, Celluloid heroes never have to die in vain."
One of many favourite #Kinks tunes
The Misfits album is one of the best of all time
The first time I heard this song was when Joan Jett covered it on "Hitlist". My father heard my playing it and took me to the local record store (yes, this was the early 90's) and bought "The Kinks Greatest Hits" for me to listen to and hear the original. It was a live track, but it blew me away. So much was going on in my life at the time and so many bad things had happened to me. I wrote the lyrics, "I wish my life was a non-stop Hollywood movie show. A fantasy world of celluloid villains and heroes. Because celluloid heroes never feel any pain. And celluloid heroes never really die," on my books, on everything.
I finally heard the studio version and it opened a whole new world with the verses that weren't played in the live release. Thisis such a beautiful song and a cautionary tale. But back then, you had to have some merit to get a star. Now, you just have to have some money.
First time I heard this song, I was that mid-western boy, all alone staring at the lights of Poway, Ca.
Moved back to Texas, and was fortunate enough to find a rock station in Ft. Worth that had taste enough to play this and other Kinks songs....1979....
Hearing it now still brings tears...
What a classic song th at is as ageless as its subject!
If Glen Frey wrote this song it would have been number one. Ray never has gotten the respect he deserves. He worked and suffered and struggled for fame.
Glen Frey?
"Let's all raise a glass. To the Rock Stars of the past. Those that made it, those that faded, those that we thought would never last." - The Kinks (Ray Davies) from their song "You Can't Stop The Music", their 1975 album Soap Opera -
If only he put on Kiss makeup he would be worth as much a Gene Simmons
LOL great
They never sold out. That's why. Kudos to the Kinks for not commercializing.
Wow, can't believe I never heard this before! What a great song!
great job. I enjoyed it. Wish the kinks would play together again as a band
Excelente video. Me hizo llorar. Es el complemento perfecto de tan hermosa canción. The Kinks, qué banda! Algún día se hará justicia.
Leí cada uno de los comentarios y me alegra saber que son muchos quienes los aman y admiran tanto como lo hago yo. God save The Kinks!
Tienen al más grande letrista Británico, cuando se vaya Ray Davies es cuando van a valorarlo.
"...did not chart." There's no accounting for taste. I guess it wasn't written for pop radio -- but it's great music, nonetheless.
I wish my life was a nonstop Hollywood movie show. Celluloid heroes never feel any pain. Celluloid heroes never really die.
Ray Davies is the greatest songwriter pop music has ever known and this is the greatest song ever written.
What a composition, what a melody. So beautiful, it was written as if Ray was present in the studios and alleyways of Hollywood for a hundred years.
There is no other song that sums up show business like this
Great song, and the video is spot on.
A simply beautiful tribute. This is my favorite song of all time. The live version. It's odd that the verse involving George Sanders and Mickey Rooney are often omitted from this song --depending upon who's playing it. Ray Davies surely had his pulse on Hollywood with this one. A legacy song if there ever was one.
Beautiful piece, some of the best lyrics ever written. I have never understood why The Kinks have been so overlooked. They are to me a corner stone of rock music. I remember listening to Dedicated Follower of Fashion in 67 or 68. Blew me away, and the brothers continued to produce great music over many decades. Confusing as to why they are mostly unplayed and unmentioned.
Loved all the Kinks songs back in the day. This was always my absolute favorite. Just a helluva of song. The video is fantastic. The simple melody, adds to the terrific lyrics, and the words hold true right to this day.
Gives me the chills. Love this song
Oh my gosh. What a beautifully amazing song! I just felt so fluttery in my chest listening to this and wanting to sign along. It's a tribute to all of Hollywood's classic film stars! And it's such a lovely tribute. As a Film nerd and History Buff it's so beautiful!
I sure am glad I put the two best videos of this song on my playlist because I just now realized that the other one doesn't have the versus about Marilyn Monroe Mickey Rooney George Sanders... So I'll be watching this one more obviously.
imo, this song is relevant to so many people today who lust for internet fame ... sooo many empty lives
One of the top songs of 20th century> All of it so much engrained in our collective consciousness. One of the best vids I have ever seen as well, Kudos to creator and team.
I love this song, and the video you made with it is not only excellent, it enhanced song!! This is my new favorite song!!
I could not take my eyes off this video. I also cannot fathom how this song never charted. I grew up with it playing on the radio and have grown to appreciate the lyrics more and more as I've gotten older.
+kemteach42 You say: " I also cannot fathom how this song never charted." I can help you here. I, too, was around when this was released as a single. I only ever heard it played on British radio once. That was on BBC Radio 1. The DJ said that the reason it wasn't being played much was because of its length.
+Son of Alba Steelman I suppose I was lucky to have the one classic rock station in NYC. Someone at the station loved this song and played it frequently so I heard it a lot while growing up.
The Kinks are such an intelligent bunch of artists ,one of the greatest bands my country will EVER produce ,they are a National Treasure ans certainly in the same division of Stones,Beatles, Who ,Zep,,,,,Bowie The kinks are so amazing
Very nice...Special place right here for the Kinks..
I might add I left out a monster thank you to Joe Daugherty who did a knock out job putting this video together. And equally a big thanks goes out to all the folks or fans who suggested this song of Ray's should of, or perhaps still can, be highlighted at the Oscars or Academy Awards presentations. Ray deserves that accolade and so do his fans.
Overlooked? We who love the best songwriters are still listening also this gem. I could write pages. Who would you blame. Radio? TV? People?
Uh, maybe the fact that they recorded for RCA???
Ja Juice Leskisen suomennos tästä, ihan parasta suomeksi! osuu juuri kohdilleen. Olin pari vuotta sitten, kun mieheni kuoli Kölnissä yksin, hotellihuoneessa juomassa.kaljaa, ja kuuntelin tätä, lohdutti kyllä, voin sanoa
Ray hit it right on the head with this song!
We see a lot of celebrities these days as pompous, arrogant, narsisitic spoiled brats etc..because they ARE! But back in the golden age there was still some integrity & class to being famous! It wasn't as easy to get there & it wasn't easy to stay there! And as we all would find out later Lots of them struggled with insecurity, mental illness, drugs & alcohol etc.There was a lot more pressure back then to stay on top & some couldn't take it! It really makes you feel for them. And every time I hear this song......I do!
Damn it I even cry!
Me too!!
Thanks for the really great roll of images to accompany this great great great Kinks song. Love movies from 1920-1950ish, this was a great reminder of why.
A truly brilliant song. Thanks, Ray. Great work.
This video was outstanding! It so successfully captures the magic of Hollywood as the brilliant lyrics of The Kinks roll on. What a great job. I'm subscribing!
Another fantastic song by the Kinks. What a songwriter. Brilliant
Sweet and perfect song! Kinks are wonderfull!
Over the years, I have played this song for a lot of people, many who had never heard it before. "How did I miss that one," is the refrain I hear from many of them. I feel very fortunate that my senior year in high school was spent at a boarding school in San Marino, California and the guy who slept next to me had a big stereo with a turn table and an 8-track tape player. We're talking 1981 and 8-track tapes were fast becoming a thing of the past - as was vinyl until it's recent surge in popularity - but my friend had The Kinks album "One for the Road" and when I heard this number I loved it at once. Like NathanArnoldCharging, who wrote a fantastic comment just 7 down from this one, I, too, have walked up and down Hollywood Blvd many times, and when I did, this song was oft times playing in my head. Thanks to whoever made this video, I don't know if The Kinks had anything to do with it but if not, I doubt there would be any objections from them. It absolutely captures the spirit of the song and 100 years from now and longer, I'd be willing to bet this will still be watched. Peace
Evidently a ton of people missed it even upon release and just after, as the video said it didn't chart. It wasn't on any album, but was released solely as a single. I'm shocked it didn't chart. By 1972 it had been years since long singles became acceptable, first with the groundbreaking "Like a Rolling Stone" in 1965 and then basically standardized with "Hey Jude" three years later.
Thousand Thanks from Germany for this wonderful video with a great kinks-song. I love this band since their "You really got me" in the mid 60th.
Great song and amazing amount of work put into this video, Well done!
Agree with others here that Ray Davies is WAY underrated. Was fortunate to have seen him once in the 70's.
Yes, Celluloid Heroes never feel any pain, AND Celluloid Heroes never ever really die! Amen, another Kinks Classic! Thank You, Ray! :)
very few songs are written this well anymore, great video! awesome job!! Thanks for the memories...
sod Candle In The Wind this is REAL SONGWRITING!
I love this the full version of the song. The band every time I have seen them leave out the verse about George Sanders, Mickey, and Marilyn... my fav verse! I do not know if some legal issue prevents them or what; but the song is not ther same without that verse.
oldnewbie47 have you seen this before band
Yes although we love the song the Kinks understand it is too long and so leave out a verse. They can never quite live up to their own expectations and to the opinions the people have of them. People say they are one of the classic rock bands but the Kinks know it,s not true but reproach people for ignoring them.
Great poetry and an homage to the people in the entertainment profession. Ray Davies has written so many great songs. I would like to thank him for that. I saw The Kinks play at the Community Concourse in San Diego. It was a small intimate crowd. Ray Davies smiled through the whole show. These guys love their work. Me too. A friend of mine fixed Ray's guitar one time. He was given a backstage pass. He framed it.
The first time I heard this song was when Joan Jett did it on :The Hit List". I was enamoured with it. my father bought The Kinks live Come Dancing cassette for me to hear it. I loved it even more. it wasn't until about 10 or so years ago that I got to hear this version. It completely blew me away. it was a whole new song with what was omitted by The Kinks live and Joan Jett.
I'm writing this in 2017. Never liestened to this ong before. I just loved it!
Great visuals to go along with the song.
Great tribute to the actors mention in this song. Awesome
Great video which does this amazing Kinks song full justice, thanks for putting it together.
epic song.
Christ what a great writer Ray is....long may he carry on.
This song is perfection..
Brilliant in every way!
The song's pretty good too... Kudos!
👍👍👍
Snuck out of my house for my first “rock-n-roll” concert. Sometime in early 70’s to a college campus somewhere in New Jersey!
Don’t remember how I got there, don’t remember how I got back, but I do remember singing LOLA all the way home!
Another fabulous album from the Kinks. My nephew is 10 years younger than I but we have been always been very close. He has complete collections of the Kinks, beatles, and pink floyd thanks to his dear old aunt. So I made a good impression on at one person.
its hardly possible to put tóó much praise onto this masterpiece of a song and its creator(s) , mostly Ray Davis , i suppose ,,, probably 'with a little help b.a.f...' , taking absolutely nothing away from him , just adding respect and gratitude to others ...
re-visiting those memorable images - the sensations they caused us , then ,,, when we were young ..... now , it shakes the ol' nugget , --- no - well , those movies , images , they , what these people and all the countless others worked , often hard , to produce - 'create' , they are really the Nuggets to be valued , now still as much as then .
- to appreciate a good flic you gotta watch some ! no different with music neither !
A LOT OF THANKS for posting !!!
A whole different world entirely. You really had to be there to remember it. But it was EVERYTHING until TV.
I remember when it was kind of a sketch-ass neighborhood in the mid-80s. I also remember when this song came out on the radio and I thought it was kind of plaintive, trying to drum up interest in classic movie stars that no one would care about. Lo and behold, it's decades later and people do indeed care. And this song is absolutely lovely.
Fantastic song and video , unbelievable it did not chart, true song writing genius from the great ray davies, one of the most underated singer song writers of all time, up there with the best of them.
A Masterpiece ! Thanks Ray .
Nice lyrics. Thanks.
This gem got a lot of air play on FM radio in the 70s. It’s even more relevant in the social media age.
brilliant video. wel done. and a fantastic song from the kinks,and great lyrics from ray davis.
TJ VP Thanks TJ!!!
A masterpiece from a classic band.
This song just oozes nostalgia.
First time I heard this song in the Seventies on late night FM in LA KMET. I thought it was one the greatest songs I ever heard and now 45 years later it is still one of the greatest songs ever written. Ray Davies a true musical genius