Overview: Run DMC were one of the true pioneers of rap music. Formed in the early eighties they had a string of hit singles and multi-platinum albums through the decade, which helped to define the sound of contemporary rap music. They also pioneered the crossover with rock and pop typified by their worldwide hit "Walk This Way", which they recorded with Aerosmith. This concert at Montreux in 2001 was one of the last they performed before the tragic death of Jam Master Jay in 2002.

DVD Verdict: In the 1980's, Run-DMC was one of the most prolific and popular hip-hop bands around. Judging by the response of the crowd at the 2001 Montreux Music Festival, they still are. Presented in 4:3 screen format and Dolby surround 5.1, Eagle Eye Media presents Run DMC, Live at Montreux 2001. Excellent filming and sound quality combine to create a clean and well-edited DVD.

The band pulled from a catalog of old songs and even threw in a couple of new songs from the then-newly-released album Crown Royal. The late Jam Master Jay kicked off the show dressed in the band's usual Fedora hats and Adidas brand clothing. Working the crowd into a ball of excitement in anticipation of the founding members of the band, Jay ripped through scratches and beats.

Run and DMC hit the stage in an explosion that overflowed onto the crowd. Slamming through favorites and keeping the crowd worked up, the trio delivered a show that was amazing. It is hard to capture the electricity of a live show on DVD and expect the viewer to get an idea of what it must have been like to be there, but I found myself tempted to throw my hands in the air and bounce around at the request of DJ Run.

Run DMC did what many bands are still trying to do today. They crossed genres, appealed to a very diverse audience, and stayed true to what they set out to do in the first place. No talk about blasting fools or getting high, instead they focused on having fun and gave us hip-hop that was fun to listen to and put a smile on our faces. Dirty without being filthy and hardcore without ripping your face off, Run DMC did it.

This DVD is excellently done. The lighting and audio blend very well together and show off the amazing skill of this band. It is one of several DVDs from the Montreux Music Festival and I would have to think it stands pretty tall among them. This is a 4:3 screen format and comes with the following Track Listing: 1. Intro 2. It's Like That 3. It's Tricky 4. Medley: Rock Box/Sucker MC'S/Freestyle/Here We Go/Beats to the Rhyme 5. King of Rock 6. Mary Mary 7. Walk this Way 8. School of Old 9. Who Wants My Hat 10. It's Over 11. Run's Freestyle 12. Peter Piper 13. Down with the King 14. Who Wants My Shirt 15. Who Wants My Hat, Part 2 16. Got to be Real.