MovieChat Forums > Greetings from Tim Buckley (2013) Discussion > One thing I don't understand...

One thing I don't understand...

posted 9 years ago by stevenx9
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I like this movie very much. Both Buckleys were super-talented, and interesting as people. But I keep reading that Tim's music was never commercially successful. He made 9 studio albums. How was it that he was permitted to keep making albums that didn't sell? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he did. But he was also permitted to drastically change styles several times, none of it resulting in commercial success. I don't think this could happen today. Any thoughts?

[–] chas437 8 years ago

I believe Tim Buckley was well known and respected by a segment of the public, such that his records did sell. He just never reached mainstream success in his life time. He sold out small venues when he toured.

His story is very similar to that of Nick Drake. Both were loved by music industry insiders, yet neither reached the widespread acclaim that they so desired. Both died in their late-20s.

Their music is somewhat similar, and they were contemporaries, passing within a year of each other. The parallels are sort of eerie.