Directors and Writers: Michael O’Brien, Mike Schmiedeler
Featuring: Ike and his band The Ike Reilly Assassination – Phil Karnats, Dave Cottini, Pete Cimbalo, Adam Krier, Tommy O’Donnell, Ed Tinley, Shane Reilly, Kevin Reilly, and Mickey Reilly, also featured in the film – David Pasquesi, Tony Fitzpatrick, Mars Williams
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Language: English
Country: U.S.
“Don’t Turn Your Back On Friday Night” ingeniously explores the life and career of Ike Reilly by culling over 40 years of footage and masterfully weaving in Reilly’s songs and stories to reveal a complicated and formidable artist. From his critically acclaimed major label debut album “Salesmen And Racists” to the celebrated “Born On Fire” album whose title track was featured in Ike’s friend Chris Farley’s biopic along with interviews from Ike himself. The film includes electrifying live performances, intimate personal moments and interviews with critics, fans, family, and legendary artists including David Lowery and Johnny Hickman of the band Cracker and Rock & Roll Hall Fame inductee Tom Morello. Morello, who also serves as Executive Producer says, “Ike Reilly is kind of like a real-life version of Jimmy Stewart’s character in It’s A Wonderful Life. Ike’s path as an incredibly talented yet underappreciated heartland troubadour has taken many unexpected, hilarious, rocky, and ultimately redemptive twists and turns that are all beautifully captured in this great film.”