Roadie

Year: 1980

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Alan Rudolph

MusicComedy

A young Texas good‑ol’ boy who’s a whiz with electronic gear lands a gig as a roadie for a wild, traveling rock‑and‑roll show. As he powers up amps, lights and stages, he discovers the high‑octane world behind the music, where roadies keep the show rolling.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Roadie yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Roadie (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Roadie (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Shiner, Texas; Austin, Texas; Hollywood, California; New York City, New York

The story unfolds across a cross-country touring circuit that begins in Shiner, Texas, home to Travis’s family salvage business and a rough, independent spirit. It moves through major hubs like Austin, Hollywood, and New York City, anchoring the road crew’s evolution from local gigs to high-profile shows. The varied settings emphasize the contrast between rustic Texas life and the adrenaline of big-stage rock.

🎭 Small-town to big-city rock 🚚 Road-tripping tour 🎵 Music industry backdrop 🗺️ American road culture

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:55

Main Characters – Roadie (1980)

Meet the key characters of Roadie (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:55

Major Themes – Roadie (1980)

Explore the central themes of Roadie (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:55

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about quirky journeys and unlikely heroes like Roadie

Quirky characters find their place in strange new worlds with humor and heart.If you liked the whimsical, feel-good adventure of Roadie, you'll enjoy these movies about charming oddballs finding their place in the world. These are similar comedy stories with a steady pace and a light emotional touch, featuring endearing characters on offbeat quests.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives follow a gentle arc where an unconventional protagonist, often from a simple background, is thrust into a new and bizarre environment. Their unique skills or perspective allow them to succeed, leading to a journey of self-discovery, the formation of a found family, and a generally optimistic conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a whimsical tone, a focus on character over plot, and a lighthearted sensibility. They blend comedy with heartfelt moments, creating a consistent, carefree vibe where the journey itself is the reward.

Movies about the rock 'n' roll road life like Roadie

Stories that capture the energy, chaos, and camaraderie of life on tour.Fans of Roadie who loved its behind-the-scenes look at a traveling rock show will enjoy these movies. Discover similar films about music, travel journeys, and the found families that form backstage, all capturing the steady, carefree pace of life on the road.

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Narrative Summary

The plot typically follows a character joining a musical tour, experiencing a series of episodic adventures from one gig to the next. The focus is on the technical challenges, the interpersonal dynamics of the crew and musicians, and the protagonist's integration into this unique, transient community.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their setting and subject matter: the rock 'n' roll road trip. They share a specific energy, a sense of travel and movement, and themes of found family and technical mastery within a musical world, creating a distinct and relatable subgenre.

Unlock the Full Story of Roadie

Don't stop at just watching — explore Roadie in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Roadie is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Roadie Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Roadie, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Roadie Timeline

Track the full timeline of Roadie with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Roadie Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Roadie that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Roadie

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Roadie: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Roadie that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.