Christian Rock Band Love Song To Release ‘A Band Called Love Song’ Documentary

NASHVILLE –
The movie “Jesus Revolution” shocked the entertainment industry, earning more than $50 million since opening in February. Countless moviegoers left the theater wanting to learn more about a powerful move of God that continues to change lives today.

Now they can. “A Band Called Love Song,” a documentary film about the pioneering Christian band featured in the movie, is close to completion. Just as in the movie, evangelist Lonnie Frisbee and Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, Calif., were instrumental in giving the band their start.

“We were baby Christians, but we loved Lonnie and thought, `he looks like Jesus and we look like Pink Floyd, so maybe we could play here and be a good fit,’” said Chuck Girard, a founding member of Love Song. “We actually interviewed with Pastor Chuck. He later told me, `I wasn’t really too hot to let you guys on the platform.’ But we played `Welcome Back,’ and it melted him. The Holy Spirit fell on him and the next thing we heard was, `can you play tonight?’”

That one night would launch a long and influential performing and recording career, as well as what later would come to be known known as contemporary Christian music. Love Song, originally comprising Girard, Tommy Coomes, Jay Truax and Fred Field, has had a profound influence on Christian music that still reverberates. “I am not sure I would be doing what I am doing today if it hadn’t been for Love Song,” singer Michael W. Smith said.

The documentary grew out of a live concert recorded at a Christian coffee house in 2017. “What I hope our documentary does is correct some of the perceptions that were incorrectly conveyed in the movie,” Girard said. “If you see our documentary, you will get the true backstory of what really happened.”

The documentary combines archival and new footage with interviews with musicians such as Michelle Pillar, Bob Bennett and Jeremy Camp. The production team is putting the final touches on the project, such as securing clearances for the songs and photos used in the film. It expects to announce distribution details and release dates soon. All of the funding has come from individual donations, and tax-deductible contributions to complete the project are welcome.

Pastor Greg Laurie, whose story is told in “Jesus Revolution,” is excited to see a new generation experience the lifechanging music of Love Song.

“Love Song changed music,” he said. “They were the unwitting pioneers of a whole new genre of music later to be called contemporary Christian music. But what they were was good – really good. In my opinion, these songs will stand the test of time, like all good music does. But more than that, I hope it will take you where it originally took me – right into the presence of God.”

For a preview of the documentary, production updates or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.lovesongtheband.com.