ROCKERS DON’T STOP: THE REVIVAL OF ROCKERS REVENGE // ARTHUR BAKER
A comeback story with grit and groove. New York’s 1980’s Dance pioneers Rockers Revenge reunite decades later to finally record their debut album, transforming nostalgia into a powerful journey of friendship, resilience, and unfinished dreams. From the frontlines of New York’s COVID crisis to the pulse of Black Lives Matter, their music channels loss, hope, and defiance. Directed by legendary DJ and music producer Arthur Baker – whose collaborations with New Order, Afrika Bambaataa, Bruce Springsteen and Al Green defined an era – this film spans 30 years yet feels urgently of the moment – a testament to survival, second chances, and the unstoppable spirit of Rockers Revenge.
The story begins in New York in the early 1980s, with a chance encounter between Arthur Baker, a young,ambitious record producer and Dwight and Donnie, two brothers who managed a hip new record store in Brooklyn. Set against the emerging NYC club scene, the band Rockers Revenge is formed, and we watch theirrise as they strike a global hit with their first single Walking on Sunshine. The band are in demand, youngand in their prime, gigging often three times a night, travelling in limos across the city and partying likecelebrities until late. However, as their career builds momentum and in the height of their success, the band do not seize the opportunities offered to them. Dwight and Donnie, children of hard-working immigrant parents with a traditional work ethic, opt for safety and a steady check and the band fails to capitalise on their success. The group disbands and the members drift apart – losing contact for over 20 years.
Then in 2011, out of the blue, Dwight reaches out to Arthur with a suggestion to get the band back together,although Arthur is not interested at first, he reluctantly agrees to send Dwight some music. Impressed byDwight’s lyrics, Arthur agrees to record a new song in the studio. Arthur soon learns that Dwight is battling terminal cancer, and after a failed spinal procedure is now in a wheelchair. In awe of Dwight’s drive, passion and commitment, Rockers Revenge officially get back together and vow to release their debut album – as they should have done all those years ago.What ensues is joyful reconnections with old friends and a venture to record an album and get back on tour – including a stint in Europe – the first time Donnie has ever left the US!
The resurrection of RockersRevenge breathes new life into everyone involved and provides a unique opportunity for the members tocome to terms with what should have been, the choices they’ve made in life and to most importantly dream big for the future.The film builds to a climax as Rockers Revenge support New Order in Miami, playing to a sold-out crowd of 3,000 fans.
The stage is all set for a triumphant return when Covid-19 hits, and the pandemic forces live music to halt across the world. Two members of Rockers return to their day jobs in healthcare and find themselves on the frontline of the fight against the virus leaving everything in the balance and their lives in danger…On the verge of success, a second time around, Rockers revenge dreams are once again thwarted. But the band refuse to give up and are hopeful for a future when they can get back on the road together. For Rockers,this story becomes not actually about finally making it big, but about their journey, together as a new found family, and this last opportunity to do what they really love is all the truly matters