The Best Summer: Lost Footage of Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters & 90s Alt-Rock

In December of 1994, filmmaker Tamra Davis found herself with unexpected downtime. Having recently completed directing Billy Madison, a film credited with launching Adam Sandler’s movie career, she had a few months before its theatrical release. Simultaneously, her husband, Michael Diamond – known as Mike D of the Beastie Boys – prepared for a series of concerts in Australia. This wasn’t a typical tour, however; a friend, Stephen “Pav” Pavolic, envisioned a Lollapalooza-style festival in Australia called “Summersault,” scheduled to run from December through February.

A Lineup of Influential Artists

Summersault’s roster extended far beyond the Beastie Boys. Sonic Youth, Pavement, Rancid, and Beck were all confirmed to perform. Kim Deal’s side project, The Amps, also joined the lineup, as did Dave Grohl’s newly formed band, Foo Fighters. Davis was already acquainted with Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, having directed their music videos for “100%” and “Bull in the Heather,” the latter of which featured Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill. Mike D recommended Bikini Kill to Pavolic, resulting in their inclusion on the festival bill.

Did You Know? Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters were a relatively new band at the time of the Summersault tour, emerging from Grohl’s post-Nirvana project.

With numerous friends and collaborators already involved, Davis decided to accompany the tour. She brought her cameras, documenting not only her husband’s performances but also those of the other artists, and conducting informal backstage interviews with Hanna. Upon returning home months later, she stored the unmarked tapes in a box, where they remained for three decades.

Rediscovering Lost Footage

The tapes resurfaced during the 2025 Los Angeles fires, as Davis evacuated her home. Initially hesitant to view the footage, she purchased a Hi-8 camera to access the tapes. What she discovered was a wealth of material, including early performances by the Foo Fighters and candid backstage moments. This led to the creation of The Best Summer, a concert documentary that premiered at Sundance.

A Unique Documentary Approach

Davis initially considered adding commentary to the footage, providing context about the artists and the era. However, Kim Gordon advised against it, urging Davis to simply present the footage as it was, transporting viewers back to 1995 without interruption. The resulting film offers an unfiltered glimpse into the tour experience, capturing the camaraderie between the bands and the energy of the performances.

Expert Insight: Davis’s decision to forgo traditional documentary narration, based on Gordon’s advice, is a notable stylistic choice. It prioritizes immersion and authenticity, allowing the footage to speak for itself and offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in music history.

The film showcases the close relationships between the musicians, including a glimpse into the early stages of the romance between Kathleen Hanna and Adam Horovitz. Davis emphasizes that the footage captures a fan’s perspective, albeit one with all-access privileges, and highlights the exceptional live performances of bands like Sonic Youth.

Securing the Rights and Finishing the Film

To turn the footage into a finished film, Davis contacted John Silva, manager for the Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters, and several other artists on the tour. Silva encouraged her to pursue the project, even with concerns about the footage quality, citing the successful restoration of audio in the Aretha Franklin documentary, Amazing Grace. Davis then embarked on the process of tracking down the musicians and securing the necessary music rights. This involved reconnecting with artists she hadn’t spoken to in decades, such as Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong.

After assembling a rough cut with editor Jessica Hernández, Davis received approval from all the musicians involved. She intentionally self-financed the project to maintain creative control, avoiding potential interference from executives. The reactions from the artists were often emotional, with many recalling the tour as a highlight of their careers.

Davis also expanded the film to include footage from a subsequent MTV-sponsored tour in Asia, where the Beastie Boys were banned from Singapore, leading to an impromptu vacation in Indonesia. This footage includes a scene of the Beastie Boys smoking from a makeshift pipe, a moment Davis jokingly suggests might have involved tobacco.

A Personal Reflection

Davis notes that the film has been a deeply personal experience, allowing her to reflect on her past and her relationship with Mike D, from whom she is now separated. She also expresses pride in sharing the footage with her sons, who are now musicians themselves, offering them a glimpse into their parents’ lives during that era. The film, she says, is a testament to the power of perseverance and a celebration of a vibrant moment in music history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the “Summersault” tour?

Summersault was a music festival conceived by Stephen “Pav” Pavolic as an Australian equivalent to Lollapalooza, taking place from December through February.

Which bands performed on the Summersault tour?

The lineup included the Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Pavement, Rancid, Beck, The Amps (Kim Deal’s side project), and Foo Fighters, among others.

How was the footage for The Best Summer rediscovered?

The footage was rediscovered in 2025 when Tamra Davis was evacuating her Los Angeles home during the wildfires.

Looking at this rediscovered footage, what aspects of the 1990s music scene do you find most compelling?