John Waite: The Hard Way

I became aware of John Waite in high school and listened to the No Brakes album so many times. I followed him for a few years afterwards, but I was not aware of his more recent work until this summer and fall when I saw him on tour. After a fantastic experience at few of his shows this year, I decided to order the documentary. It is a fascinating look at someone who has been an artist for decades, with many highs and lows. I appreciate his honesty, and willingness to share thoughts and feelings during such a stressful time for all of us. Thanks for your artistry.

Truth! It’s not all easy but… it’s worth it. John never lost sight of his dreams. Even when your a major act that’s been hosed by the record company. So much talent and it’s layered throughout the movie. 👍

An honest lookback of my favorite musicians’ regrets and sacrifices while he’s still touring and bringing joy to so many. I’ve travelled to see John perform over 100 times so I’m biased - but the story is raw, real and will give you an appreciation for this musician’s life!

An intimate, truthful look at John’s career spanning The Babys to his solo material…the perspective of the music industry at the time was particularly interesting. This documentary is not to be missed!

Great documentary.

If you are an artist, you will love the grit and honesty. If you are a fan, you will see WHY you are a fan. And if you are everyone somewhere in between, this is an interesting 90 minute journey that comforts you to know maybe you are not different, after all. I try to think of any other singer/songwriters who were in a successful band, a successful solo career, another successful band, and back to a solo career - maybe Paul McCartney? How did John come to create such a massive hit in Missing You? Does great art grow from failure in the face of stardom and/or stardom in the face of failure? How does our "real life" express reality to our minds and our imaginations? As an artist, how do they manifest their own reality back out as art for the rest of the world to feel EXACTLY that way, too - that we're not different after all? I submit it is only possible if the artist is true to themself, even if it leaves them stranded and lost in the face of a worldwide pandemic. In this documentary we witness struggle begets success begets struggle begets success. And isn't that the bittersweet beauty of life? Highly recommend this Master Class on TRUE expression.

The anticipation of this documentary has been real for me. Finally it has been released. I stood in front of my 60 inch flat screen TV waiting for the clock to turn 1201 on December 6, 2022 the release date of John Waite’s documentary. Right away my favorite song in the world comes on of his - Change. It pumped me up like it had when I was 15 watching the premiere of the No Brakes concert on MTV. Then comes John talking about his schooling and then his music career ups and downs. It was a reminder of how desolate places were during the pandemic with the video scene of Santa Monica. No one was to be seen anywhere. John talked about how not going on the road was effecting him. Some nice videos of live shows were played. Which I enjoyed them when I attended them and in the documentary. Other people were present in the documentary talking of John. The best one was his girlfriend Joni Allen. She didn’t hold back and was drop Dead honest about John. She is just like John tells it like it is! She was a great addition to the movie. I thank whoever for adding her in. The western scenes were cool! It ended with Change again!!! The video snip of John going back on the road during the credits was wonderful with his big smile cause he is singing again. I’m not a Baby’s or Bad English fan - I’m a John Waite Solo artist lover. As he would sing - He’s Back On His Feet Again. Thanks so much to the people who made this happen. All I know is that JW ROCKS!!

I’ve been a fan since The Babys. John Waite has always been an incredible talent - one of the best vocalists around. His voice is as strong as ever. The Hard Way takes a close look at John’s career, the record industry and how he dealt with the isolation during the pandemic. John is truly grateful for his fans, and performing live is his life. To have that suddenly stop had a profound effect on him. This documentary is a must see for any fan. And see John live any chance you get.

Very interesting documentary about one of the greatest of all time; left me wanting more. Love!

I’ve been a huge fan since the Babys and haven’t let up. I was looking so forward to this documentary and it did not disappoint. I thought I knew it all about John Waite, but definitely learned things. Will be watching again and again.