Secret Lives of Bill Bartell, The

Secret Lives of Bill Bartell, The

Bill Bartell is not famous, but those who knew him think he should be. A musician, band manager, record label owner, police officer, rodeo bull rider, attention-seeking recluse and ultimate fan-boy, he was a massively influential presence in the punk scene and a conduit through which many relationships were established and successful careers launched. Bill, however, led an exceedingly compartmentalized life - keeping a tight lid on his background, relationships and sexuality. The whole of his life was an enigma and maintaining it took a toll. Through extensive archival footage and interviews, Bill's friends and collaborators compare notes on what they knew and what Bill kept hidden, 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.