“I had no intention of making a documentary. Maybe that’s why it’s so raw and emotional,” Linda Perry tells Billboard of Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, the revealing documentary about the Grammy-nominated artist/songwriter/producer that launches its theatrical release in New York on May 8.
“If I knew I was making one I probably would have tried to control the narrative,” she continues. “[Director] Don Hardy captured an extremely intimate time in my life and I am so grateful he did. Though this film is about me, through his lens, I learned so much.”
In this exclusive, vulnerable clip from the documentary, Perry details how she wrote “Beautiful,” the poignant, self-affirming ballad Christina Aguilera took to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2002. “I wanted to write a song about David Bowie,” she says. “That was it, I was just playing these chords and all of a sudden…” she trails off as she begins playing the song.
Though she plays the song on guitar in the clip, Perry originally wrote it on piano and as she listened back, she cried because “it just didn’t ring true saying that because it’s so opposite from what I feel.”
The documentary, filmed over several years, examines Perry’s role as a songwriter, producer and 4 Non Blondes frontwoman, as well as her work with such artists as Dolly Parton, Aguilera, P!nk, Adele, Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani, The Chicks, Ariana Grande, Weezer, and more.
4 Non Blondes experienced a resurgence last year after its 1993 hit, “What’s Up,” went viral on social media as a mash-up with Nicki Minaj’s 2012 tune “Beez in the Trap.”
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Fest in 2024, but the “Beautiful” clip was added to the doc after Tribeca. Since the premiere, Perry has also been busy writing and recording the first new 4 Non Blondes album in more than 30 years. The set will come out through new Kill Rock Stars imprint, 670 Records, which is being launched with Perry.
In the trailer below, Perry confesses, “I can be so many things, but the person I want to be the least is myself.” Parton, Brandi Carlile, Aguilera and others are interviewed for the film.
Evan Saxon Productions is partnering with Mercury Studios and Perry’s managers, Shawn Dailey and Jason Gibbs of Red Light Management, to coordinate the film’s global theatrical release.
“We’re strategically rolling out the film in select U.S. markets and the UK, with additional international territories under consideration,” says Evan Saxon. “Our priority is to partner with exceptional venues and create meaningful, communal experiences that celebrate Linda Perry’s fan community, ensuring each screening feels special, immersive, and truly unforgettable.”
Saxon has previously overseen worldwide theatrical campaigns for projects on The Beatles, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol and Rush.