Legendary Rock Drummer Alan White’s Life and Music to Be Celebrated in Music Documentary
Project led by Alan’s Widow, Gigi White, producer/musician Michael McMorrow, and actor/producer Tom Skerritt’s production company, will showcase fabled Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s music and legacy
Seattle, WA April 19, 2024 – His story is one for the ages, and now it will finally be told.
Alan White was a man who lived a higher purpose: as a teen phenom, playing on John Lennon and George Harrison’s biggest solo hits; as an explosive, artful precision drummer and percussionist who achieved hall of fame status as a member of one of the biggest progressive rock bands of all time; and as a dedicated and beloved husband, father, mentor, and philanthropist. In a world of high-flying rock stardom, Alan White remained a loyal and constant force in the ever-changing world of the rock band YES, the only constant member of YES for 50 years. Living his life free from the trappings of rock stardom, Alan’s artistic purpose throughout his career was to serve the music. Now, more than 50 years after stepping foot in the studio with John Lennon, his story will be celebrated in an upcoming documentary.
“Alan continues to inspire generations of musicians and will long be remembered as the driving pulse of a powerful body of music treasured by people all over the world,” says Alan’s widow, Gigi White. “This film captures some of Alan's wondrous stories and magical music.” Gigi White and acclaimed producer and musician Michael McMorrow are teaming up with Emmy Award-winning film and television actor, producer, and writer, Tom Skerritt, and his wife Julie Tokashiki, founders of the media company, Triple Squirrels Inc., produce a musical documentary on the fabled life of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
“Anyone who ever met Alan has a story to tell, and he had stories about everyone he ever met,” says Gigi White. “In this film you'll hear tales of Alan's lifelong love affair with music from the people he met along the way. From a small suburb of Newcastle, England, to a session drummer in London, to the infamous phone call from John Lennon to join the Plastic Ono Band, to becoming the drummer with the trailblazing progressive rock band ‘YES’ for 50 years, he was a master of his craft.”
“Music is my first love, and I’ve always wanted to produce and be involved in a music-oriented film sharing the life of a legend,” says Tom Skerritt. “I can’t think of a better story to tell than Alan’s. His authenticity, compassion, and supreme talent serve as much-needed inspiration to every one of us in this day and age.”
Throughout his life and six-decades career, Alan was many things to many people: a certified rock star to fans around the world, a band mate to a select few, a philanthropist combatting world hunger, and a gentleman and friend to all who met him. His life was dedicated to serving a larger purpose, from his dedication to rising above the constant clatter and destructive lifestyle of being a superstar rock drummer, to his devotion to his wife, Gigi, and his family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States.
“Alan had a tremendous impact on both the international music world and his home community of Seattle,” says McMorrow. “From partnering with him on benefit concerts to fund music education, to sharing a stage, it has been an incredible honor to become a close friend to him and Gigi. Helping share his remarkable story will be the privilege of my life.”
Alan White passed away after a brief illness at the age of 72 at his Seattle-area home on May 26th, 2022. On October 2nd, 2022, fans, friends, and family gathered at the historic Paramount Theatre in Seattle to celebrate his life in a benefit concert produced by McMorrow. Bandmates past and present, as well as a star-studded lineup of musicians, performed selections from Alan’s 50-plus year career, including music from John Lennon, George Harrison, YES, Jimmy Page, and more. This new documentary beautifully captures the essence of that event, showcasing outstanding live performances, insightful interviews with legendary musicians, collections of rare, historic photos, and previously unreleased footage offering a unique, intimate glimpse into Alan's life. McMorrow enlisted the help of Radio Hall of Fame Disc Jockey, producer, and close friend of the White family, Bob Rivers, along with Mix Engineer Ben Karlstrom to mix Alan’s Tribute Concert Soundtrack for the documentary.
"We've achieved something truly extraordinary with the mix so far," McMorrow expressed. "The genuine performances and the love felt at the Paramount that concert night were truly overpowering. The mixes are conveying that energy with a big record sound. It's almost indescribable. We've managed to encapsulate a blend of lightning and love in a bottle. I'm eagerly anticipating the moment when fans get to experience the overflowing love resonating through the speakers."
Alan often spoke of his time with John Lennon and the feeling in the room the first time John, accompanied only by his piano, played and recorded ‘Imagine.’ "I am proud to have played on ‘Imagine’,” he said, “because its message is for the world, has been played worldwide, and is well understood. It is a song of hope – for then, for now, for the future. The message is still so relevant. For me, it’s the most important piece of music I have ever recorded.”
Proceeds from the concert documentary will benefit one of Alan and Gigi White’s favorite causes, WhyHunger, a charity that focuses on transforming lives through access to nutritious food in underserved communities.
Contact:
Producer: Michael McMorrow
Email: Michael@onetakellc.com