Lambert & Stamp

Lambert & Stamp is a 2014 documentary that hones in on the lives of two audacious individuals who effectively transformed the culture of rock music in the 1960s – Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp. Directed by James D. Cooper, the film presents an intriguing and insightful exploration of the duo’s unanticipated impact on the music industry. Key figures featured in the film not only include Lambert and Stamp themselves but also icons such as Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend from the world-renowned rock band The Who.

Kit Lambert, a well-educated Oxford graduate and aspiring filmmaker, and Chris Stamp, a working-class son of a tugboat captain with his own dreams of breaking into film, initially set out with the shared ambition of creating a revolutionary movie. Their journey, however, led them to cross paths with an unknown band, called the High Numbers at the time, which would later achieve global fame and recognition as The Who. Lambert and Stamp saw the potential in this band for their endeavors and thus, their shift from aspiring filmmakers to band managers took place.

The film showcases how their diverse backgrounds and unique personalities, merged with a shared passion for culture and music, made them a powerful driving force behind The Who’s ascent to stardom. Yet Lambert & Stamp is much more than just a rock and roll tale. It delves deep into the psyche of these two influential figures, exploring their motivations, challenges, and triumphs in a decade that was as tumultuous as it was transformative.

To share this captivating narrative, director James D. Cooper employs a multitude of cinematic strategies such as archival footages, artistic montages, and insightful interviews with both surviving band members and other key figures from the period. This blend of techniques allows the audience to peek behind the curtain of the music industry in the 60s and understanding the obstacles Lambert and Stamp faced on their journey.

Kit Lambert, with his charisma, intellect and profound appreciation for art and culture, played a crucial role in shaping The Who's distinct identity. Of equal importance was Chris Stamp's grounded nature, wit, and adaptability. Together, their innovative management approach pushed boundaries, helping to propel The Who into the spotlight. Daring enough to take big risks and audacious enough to break the barriers of conventions, Lambert and Stamp proved to be instrumental in reshaping the narrative of rock music in the 1960s.

Much of the movie is framed around interviews with Stamp who provides an honest and moving commentary on his relationship with Lambert, the highs and lows of their career, and his interactions with The Who. Sadly, Lambert, who passed away in 1981, could not contribute to the film himself. His life, his struggles with substance abuse, his contribution to The Who and his relationship with Stamp are, nevertheless, beautifully communicated throughout the film with respect and depth.

The movie also benefits from the input of Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, who reflect on their early experiences with Lambert and Stamp, and how the duo’s influence helped shape their sound, image, and overall progression as artists. The artists’ down-to-earth reflections on Lambert and Stamp’s management style, vision, and the profound impact they had on the band’s journey, provide valuable insights into the two men’s characters and their respective roles in the trajectory of The Who.

Alongside the enthralling story, the film is infused with a stunning soundtrack, filled with classics from The Who's discography. These tracks provide a nostalgic backdrop that infuses the film with an energy and vitality echoing that of the very era it reflects.

In essence, Lambert & Stamp is a visual and aural feast for fans of The Who, lovers of rock music, or anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of the music industry during one of its most formative periods. It plunges into the untold story of the fascinating duo who, though initially united by a desire to create cinema, wound up influencing one of the biggest bands in rock history and leaving an indelible impact on the music industry as a whole.