‘If These Walls Could Rock’ Trailer Chronicles Sunset Marquis Hotel’s Rock ‘n’ Roll History

A trailer has been released for “If These Walls Could Rock,” a documentary tracing the story of West Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis Hotel through interviews with the musicians who have stayed there over the decades. The film is set to premiere on August 14 at the Landmark Sunset theatre in Los Angeles, with the same-day release arriving on Apple TV and Amazon.

Located at 1200 Alta Loma Road just off the Sunset Strip, the Sunset Marquis has functioned as a go-to lodging spot for touring rock stars for more than 60 years. The documentary uses a mix of archival footage, animation and interview segments to unpack how the property became so intertwined with rock and roll culture.

• Directors: Tyler Measom (“Murder Among Mormons,” “An Honest Liar”) and Craig A. Williams
• Premiere: August 14 at the Landmark Sunset theatre in Los Angeles, followed by a Q&A with filmmakers and guests from the film
• Streaming: Simultaneous launch on Apple TV and Amazon
• Producers: Rick Krim, Robert Friedman and Mike Powers of Bungalow Media Entertainment, alongside Mark Rosenthal, David Thurston and Alexis Thurston

Who Appears in the ‘If These Walls Could Rock’ Documentary?

The film’s interview roster includes Bruce Springsteen, Slash, Dave Grohl, Nancy Wilson, Morrissey, Sheryl Crow, Roger Daltrey, Cyndi Lauper and Joe Elliott. Also named among the interviewees are Gene Simmons, Ringo Starr, Billy Bob Thornton and Steve Van Zandt.

The Rosenthal Family Story Behind the Hotel

Alongside the celebrity anecdotes, the documentary digs into the relationship between the hotel’s founder, George Rosenthal, and his son Mark Rosenthal. Their partnership is credited with turning what began as an unremarkable West Hollywood motel into one of the music industry’s most recognizable landmarks.

Director Tyler Measom on the Hotel’s Untold History

Speaking about the project, director Tyler Measom said even the hotel’s regular musician guests are unaware of its full backstory. “Most people have no idea of the history,” Measom said. “Even the musicians who stay there, I don’t even think they know the vast history of this hotel. And they won’t know until this film is out.”

The documentary traces back to a chance meeting between Measom and Williams while the pair worked on the Paramount+ docuseries “I Wanna Rock: The ’80s Metal Dream.” Measom has said he wasn’t aware of the Sunset Marquis’ significance until he came across a book on the subject written by Williams, which prompted him to pursue the film.

More Info

• Watch Bruce Springsteen, Slash, Dave Grohl, Nancy Wilson, Billy Gibbons and more share memories of LA’s most rock ‘n’ roll hotel in trailer for new documentary If These Walls Could Rock | Louder / Classic Rock
• See Trailer For ‘If These Walls Could Rock’ Documentary Featuring SLASH, DAVE GROHL And GENE SIMMONS | Blabbermouth