HBO has shared the first trailer for Questlove’s upcoming documentary about legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire.
The film, titled Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial Vs. That’s the Weight of the World), finds Ahmed “Questlove” Thompson bring his storytelling technique to the band’s history, from their hit-making Seventies to present day, while also examining late founder Maurice White’s evolution as an artist.
In addition to speaking with members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson and those in the Earth, Wind & Fire orbit, the documentary also features interviews with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, H.E.R., and Flea.
“Drawing from the band’s rich visual, audio, and written archives, including never-before-seen footage, the film plays like an experiential kaleidoscope of images, colors, and music, transporting viewers to the vibrancy of live performances that have electrified fans past and present,” HBO said in a synopsis.
“Exploring the band’s evolution from jazz to soul, R&B, Afro-funk, disco, and beyond, the film details how White strove to weave his spiritual, metaphysical, and astrological passions into the band’s genre-spanning songwriting and increasingly theatrical live shows in an effort to unite a wide and diverse audience,” per the synopsis.
Following its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival next month, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial Vs. That’s the Weight of the World) will arrive on HBO on June 7.
