Amazon Reviews of "Out of Our Dens"

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Trials & Tribulations of Rock & Roll Bands, September 4, 2004
Reviewer: David Kapulsky "Dave the Rave" (No Static Attic, NJ USA)

Wow! That pulsating, gyrating infectious 45 of Richard and the Young Lions "Open up your door" that I bought as a kid in the summer of 1966, and that had HIT written all over the Philips record label, now has a DVD story behind the song and the band?

Okay, well learning something, anything, about this band from my home state, that recorded one of my all time favorite records that shoulda been a #1 national hit, was enough incentive for me to have to get the Richard & the Young Lions documentary.

I wondered though, why would there be a documentary on a group that never had a top 40 national hit? Who would even care?

Well truth be told that the documentary not only told the story of Richard and the Young Lions, their incredible 45's, and why Richard & the Young Lions got robbed out of a top 10 hit, but the story should also be mandatory viewing for all aspiring bands.

The story of Richard & the Young Lions is probably the story of so many groups that never realized their commercial appeal due to label mismanagement, or simply poor management.

" Out of Our Dens" has done a fantastic job of researching and gathering photos, surveys, posters, along with presenting interviews of current and former band members.

The story is factual but yet funny. You can laugh, and you can cry. When it's all over, you will know so much more about those cool 45's released by Richard and the Young Lions. You will know what it's like to be in a rock & roll band!

Dave Rave-XM Radio

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A powerful story, well told, August 25, 2004
Reviewer: Steve Elliott "alapoet" (Seattle, WA USA)

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. It is a powerful story, well told. The point -- that this music that RYL made together was strong enough, even after 30 years(!) to pull them back together and to get the ailing Richard Tepp out of bed in the morning, to keep him going and to make him willing to drive long distances just to play -- is very evident.

Director James Hannon's own love for the music and respect for RYL is also palpable in the way the story is told.

I love all the interviews; Hannon seems particularly adept at pulling vivid memories and sparkling stories from his subjects. Lenny Kaye, in particular, is so ON when interviewed for "Out Of Our Dens"! Kaye's insightful comments lend the movie a degree of oomph, clout and credibility.

Richard Tepp's untimely death just after completion of this film adds poignancy to the scenes of the reunited band joyfully resuming their 30-year-interrupted musical conversation.

For a real story of underdogs who get bad breaks left and right but simply refuse to give up, you just can't beat "Out Of Our Dens." An impressive directorial debut for James Hannon!

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Lionize It!!!!!, August 25, 2004
Reviewer: Heather Guglielmo (Portland, ME)

Who is Richard and the Young Lions? That's the first thing that popped into my head. I've always been a sucker for movies like "Almost Famous" and such, so, I figured, what the heck.

After watching it I realized that I've heard the "Open Up Your Door" song before at the "Life Is Good Pumpkin Fest" in Portland, ME up where I go to college. I'm sure it wasn't the same guys but that song really gets stuck in your head.

The documentary was awesome, what can I say. I really liked when they talked about Cobo Hall when they were playing and they were one of the top bands--just the Temptations were playing after them. It's the kind of moment you always dream about being in, especially if you're one of those people that has sung in the shower or played the air-guitar. I also like when Louie talks about what got thrown at him...he mentions panties and just the way he says it makes you laugh.

The story gives you hope, even though I found out that Richard has passed away, they're still making it happen. If nothing else it shows how strong the bond of friendship is, as well as, and most importantly: you should have no regrets.

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Lion Hearted, August 24, 2004
Reviewer: Brent Hopkins "Garage Door Opener" (New York, NY)

If you were fortunate enough, as I was, to see Richard & the Young Lions perform before Richard (Howard) Tepp passed away this past June, then you know what a powerful rock & roll show these guys could put on. Few bands I've seen--and I've seen a lot--could conjure up as much enthusiasm and sheer joy in an audience as RYL. If you haven't had the opportunity to see them play live, but you've heard them on the Nuggets Box Set or are a fan of "authentic" rock & roll, then I urge you to pick up this DVD. You'll get a sense of what they sounded like live, although it doesn't compare to actually being there, and you'll be told an interesting story as well.

At the risk of sounding too sentimental -- these guys have heart, and it comes through in the music.

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NJ Filmmaker Documents Richard & The Young Lions, August 24, 2004
Reviewer: Jimmy Diamonde

This documentary is about a New Jersey band, Richard & The Young Lions. Heard of them? They had a huge hit in 1967 called Open Up Your Door, and it's featured on the Nuggets CD box set.

The DVD includes interviews with Steve Van Zandt and Lenny Kaye, producer of the Nuggets collection--and you _must_ see the "interrupted" interview with Little Steven that's included as an extra on the DVD!

It is quite bittersweet that Howard "Richard" Tepp passed away on June 17, 2004, just before the release of the movie. He's in it, too, along with all of the other members of the band.

There are seven remaining members of the band and they have a new CD coming out. These guys are real MUSICIANS. They had some misfortunes in the music business, got on with their lives, then came back 35 years later to play again in front of audiences--and they have a loyal following.

This is the main appeal of the film: Rock'n'Roll never dies!

I did a search and came up with the band's official site:
http://www.richardandtheyounglions.com