Oscar-winning filmmaker Dustin Lance Black (Milk) dives into the hidden queer history, influences, and subtext thrumming beneath the surface of the rock, heavy metal, and punk music genres. Alongside queer icons like Elton John, David Bowie, Little Richard, Rob Halford, and Freddie Mercury, backstage figures are brought out front-and-center — some for the very first time — to show that the entire history of rock ‘n’ roll is filled with unsung LGBTQ+ heroes. Gay movers and shakers behind the biggest bands of all-time like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones take stage, but the spotlight extends onto unexpected bedfellows like Hole drummer Patty Schemel, modern popular artists like Lil Nas X, and iconic allies like Dolly Parton.

With an unrivaled soundtrack featuring classics both popular and underground, Rock Out is a personal mixtape to the director’s recently passed brother, a closeted punk rock musician who believed his sexuality hindered his success. Through Black’s investigation, he finds peace in all the noise, and that family is often hiding in plain sight, sometimes in full glam drag and behind shredding guitars.