Louder Than Love tells the epic story of the Detroit Grande Ballroom’s heyday in the late ’60s. While the west coast was stoked on psychedelic sounds, Detroit was the epicentre of a gritty new rock ‘n’ roll sound.

Producer/director Tony D’Annunzio tells the story through members of the legendary bands who once graced its stage, including Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper and MC 5, and managers and patrons of the legendary live music venue.

While the Grande Ballroom’s run was short-lived (it closed in the early ’70s and is now in a state of complete ruin), it had a serious impact on music enthusiasts in Detroit, as well as the bands who played there.

With interviews, archival concert footage and gig posters (there was one for a triple bill featuring Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and The Who for $3), contrasted against images of the Grande’s current, crumbling state, D’Annunzio brings the story to life.

Louder than Love is an interesting and nostalgic look at the state of rock ‘n’ roll in the late ’60s. It’s sure to be a hit with music historians and music fans alike. M

Sat., Feb. 2 • Empire #5 • 4:45pm