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

A trailer for the documentary “If These Walls Could Rock” has been released, chronicling the history of Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Marquis Hotel through interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Slash, Dave Grohl and others. The film premieres August 14 at the Landmark Sunset theatre in Los Angeles and launches simultaneously on Apple TV and Amazon.

Located at 1200 Alta Loma Road in West Hollywood, just off the Sunset Strip, the Sunset Marquis has served as a home away from home for rock stars for more than 60 years. “If These Walls Could Rock” combines rare archival footage, vivid animation and candid interviews to tell the hotel’s story.

• Directors: Tyler Measom (“Murder Among Mormons,” “An Honest Liar”) and Craig A. Williams
• Interviewees: Bruce Springsteen, Slash, Dave Grohl, Nancy Wilson, Morrissey, Sheryl Crow, Roger Daltrey, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Elliott, Gene Simmons, Ringo Starr, Billy Bob Thornton and Steve Van Zandt
• Producers: Rick Krim, Robert Friedman and Mike Powers of Bungalow Media Entertainment, along with Mark Rosenthal, David Thurston and Alexis Thurston

What Is ‘If These Walls Could Rock’ About?

The documentary explores the personal story of Sunset Marquis founder George Rosenthal and his son Mark Rosenthal, who transformed a modest West Hollywood motel into an iconic music-industry destination. Director Tyler Measom told The Hollywood Reporter, “Most people have no idea of the history. 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.”

How the Documentary Came Together

The idea for the film arose after Craig A. Williams and Tyler Measom met while working on the Paramount+ hair-metal docuseries “I Wanna Rock: The ’80s Metal Dream.” Measom has said he had no idea the Sunset Marquis existed until he read a book on the subject by Williams.

When and Where to See It

“If These Walls Could Rock” opens August 14 at the Landmark Sunset theatre in Los Angeles, with the screening followed by a question-and-answer event featuring the filmmakers and guests from the film. The documentary launches simultaneously on Apple TV and Amazon.