In tonight’s original episode of Night Flight (Air Date 4/19/85) we Take Off to Rock Documentaries. Hop on board for a journey through some of the most famous Rock Films in history starting with the 1964 T.A.M.I. Show up through the Talking Head's Jonathan Demme-directed classic "Stop Making Sense." In between we'll cover Rock Docs like Neil Young's Rust Never Sleeps (Distributed by Night Flight creator Stuart Shapiro), Bob Dylan's "Don't Look Back," and much more.

“Here’s a look at the second British Invasion of America…” says Pat Prescott ahead of this brand new arrival from the vault featuring music videos from Adam Ant, Heaven 17, and Eurythmics. The first British music invasion was of course lead by The Beatles in 1964, so we start the show tonight with a rare performance from a 1982 documentary called The Compleat Beatles.

This Night Flight segment from one of our early seasons ('81-83 era) features a 1955 episode of "Showtime at the Apollo," featuring an ensemble of African American performers live from the the landmark Apollo Theater in Harlem. The show is hosted by "Mayor of Harlem" Willie Bryant and features incredible performances from Bill Bailey, Ruth Brown ("Have a Good Time"), Cab Calloway and his Orchestra ("Minnie the Moocher"), Lionel Hampton ("Cobb's Idea"), Leonard Reed, "Big" Joe Turner ("Oke-She-Moka-She-Pop") and Sarah Vaughan ("Perfidio").

Tonight we "Take Off" to Violence in Music Videos in this 1984 original episode of Night Flight; perfect for triggering your local PMRC chapter. “The following program contains controversial material…” Pat Prescott warns before contrasting the "psychological violence" of the Ramones against the "comic book violence" of Iggy Pop in this '80s time capsule that also features music videos from Golden Earring, and a piercing scream from the infernal beyond courtesy of Alcatrazz.

Welcome to Night Flight’s “Take Off” to Rock Around America, with songs and videos that celebrate American life, it’s people, the land, and its musical history. Born out of a revolt against society, and nurtured by a rebellious of the ‘60s, Rock has often carried the banner of Revolution. Featuring Matthew Wilder’s “The Kid’s American,” Randy Newman, Frank Sinatra’s smooth jazz cut “L.A. Is My Lady” (from his final solo album), western-tinged new wave act Rubber Rodeo, and nu-pop crooners Randyandy.

Night Flight covers the origins and politics of reggae music, featuring interviews and performances from artists such as Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley. English musicians influenced by reggae such as UB40 and The Police are also featured.

In this essential Night Flight interview, John Waters reflects on the transgressive ethos that defines his filmmaking. He recounts his humble beginnings touring prints from the trunk of his car, the neighborhood Baltimore crew of collaborators including Divine (“I don't trust anybody that hasn't been arrested at least once”), and a career built on offending multiple generations. A timeless snapshot of a Night Flight icon, and the perfect way to celebrate ten years of the streaming channel!

“Rock music continues to have a close connection with contemporary politics,” host Pat Prescott says at the top of this newly restored "Take Off" episode. From Bob Dylan’s political symbolism to Nena’s apocalyptic pop, this 1984 episode traces the music and politics across a rapidly shifting global landscape.