Netflix to Premiere Official Cozy Powell Documentary in….
In a surprise announcement that has electrified rock fans across the globe, Netflix has confirmed the release of an official documentary chronicling the life and career of legendary drummer Cozy Powell. Set to premiere in July 2025, the documentary promises to be a comprehensive and intimate look into the life of one of rock’s most revered percussionists.
**A Long-Awaited Tribute**
Born Colin Trevor Flooks in Cirencester, England, Cozy Powell became a household name in the 1970s and ’80s through his thunderous drumming style and charismatic stage presence. Known for his work with bands such as Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, and Emerson, Lake & Powell, Powell’s career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the world of hard rock and heavy metal.
The upcoming documentary, tentatively titled *”Dance With the Devil: The Cozy Powell Story”*, will be the first officially sanctioned deep-dive into his life. Produced in collaboration with Powell’s surviving family members, former bandmates, and close friends, the film aims to do more than just celebrate his music—it will explore the man behind the kit, including his personal struggles, inspirations, and the high-octane lifestyle that ultimately defined him.
**Star-Studded Interviews and Rare Footage**
According to early production notes, the documentary will feature never-before-seen archival footage, rare concert recordings, and exclusive interviews with many of the legendary artists Powell collaborated with during his storied career. Interviews are expected to include Brian May of Queen, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, David Coverdale of Whitesnake, and Roger Glover of Deep Purple and Rainbow, among others.
The documentary will also include insights from contemporary drummers such as Dave Grohl, Lars Ulrich, and Chad Smith—artists who have cited Powell as a major influence. “Cozy had that rare combination of power and precision,” Grohl is quoted as saying in an early press release. “He wasn’t just keeping time—he was creating drama, adding something almost orchestral to rock and metal music.”
**From Drum Prodigy to Rock Icon**
Cozy Powell’s journey began in the 1960s as a teenage drum prodigy in England. After early work with the Jeff Beck Group, Powell quickly rose to prominence, releasing his first solo hit “Dance With the Devil” in 1973, which became a surprise chart success and showcased his flair for theatrical, hard-hitting drum solos.
But it was his time with Rainbow in the mid-to-late 1970s that solidified Powell’s place among the rock elite. As part of Ritchie Blackmore’s post-Deep Purple band, Powell’s explosive performances helped define the group’s sound and laid the foundation for what many consider the golden era of heavy metal.
The film will chart these milestone moments with depth and visual flair, offering fans not just a historical record, but a compelling personal narrative. From arena tours to television appearances, and from studio sessions to his infamous love of fast cars and motorcycles, the documentary paints a portrait of a man who lived fast and played faster.
**A Life Cut Short**
Cozy Powell died tragically in a car crash in April 1998 at the age of 50. His death sent shockwaves through the music world and left a void in the hearts of countless fans and fellow musicians. The documentary does not shy away from the darker sides of his story, including the physical and emotional toll of a life lived at full throttle.
“Cozy was larger than life,” said director Nick Broomfield, best known for his work on music documentaries like *Kurt & Courtney* and *Whitney: Can I Be Me*. “But he was also incredibly human—flawed, passionate, and driven by something deeper than fame. This film is about understanding that drive and honoring a legacy that deserves to be remembered.”
**Netflix Expands Its Music Documentary Portfolio**
The release of the Cozy Powell documentary is part of Netflix’s continued investment in high-profile music documentaries, following acclaimed titles such as *The Beatles: Get Back*, *Miss Americana* (Taylor Swift), *This Is Pop*, and *Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now*. With a growing global audience for long-form musical storytelling, Netflix aims to shine a light on iconic figures who may not have always been in the mainstream spotlight.
“Cozy Powell may not be a household name like some of his bandmates,” said Netflix VP of Documentaries, Lisa Nishimura, “but his influence is everywhere. Rock drumming would not be what it is today without him. We’re honored to bring his story to screens worldwide.”
**Coming This Summer**
*”Dance With the Devil: The Cozy Powell Story”* will premiere globally on Netflix in July 2025, coinciding with what would have been Powell’s 78th birthday. The documentary will be available with multiple language subtitles and include a companion soundtrack featuring some of his most iconic recordings, remastered for a new generation.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this promises to be a moving, high-energy tribute to a man whose drumming powered some of the greatest rock music ever recorded—and whose legacy continues to echo decades later.
