Synopsis

Bill Bartell is not famous, but those who knew him think he should be. Bill was a musician, band manager, record label owner, police officer, rodeo bull rider, an attention-seeking recluse, and the ultimate fan-boy. He led an exceedingly compartmentalized life, keeping a tight lid on his background, his occupations, relationships and sexuality, hiding the jarring conflicts. The whole of his life was an enigma and maintaining it took a toll. Friend and band-mate to Sean Lennon, Pat Smear, Kurt Cobain, Thurston Moore, KISS, Iron Maiden, Ronnie Barnett, Jeff and Steve McDonald, Drew Barrymore, The Melvins, Shonen Knife, Quentin Tarantino and countless others, Bill was the conduit through which many relationships were established and successful careers launched. It was Bill that introduced Billy Idol to Kiss' manager Bill Aucoin who fostered Billy's solo career. In 1981, Bill's friend Steve Harris asked what his band, Iron Maiden, should name their new ep, a live recording from their Japanese tour. "Maiden Japan," Bill replied. Harris pronounced him a genius and the band went with Bill's suggestion. Through extensive archival footage and interviews, Bill's friends and collaborators compare notes on what they knew and what Bill kept hidden from them, ruminating on the causes of his secrecy. This film unravels, reveals and ultimately, deepens the mystery of who Bill was and what secrets he took with him when his life came to a sad and unexpected close.