Looking Back At The Band’s ‘Last Waltz’ Following Robbie Robertson’s Death
The music world has lost a true icon and brilliant artist in Robbie Robertson at the age of 80 after battling illness. Robbie was the principal songwriter and lead guitarist of The Band. From the amazing Canadian-American group…we were treated to such classics as “The Weight,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” and more.
Thankfully, this all-time rock group was captured by genius film-maker Martin Scorcese for The Band’s final show, which they called The Last Waltz. The movie just may be the greatest rockumentary ever.
It features amazing performances from The Band…playing their best songs. It also has performances from Neil Young, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, and more.
The film covers The Band’s story as a backing band for Ronnie Hawkins…and then later Bob Dylan. It was Dylan who gave them the simple moniker of “The Band” and they decided to use it as the name for their group.
By the late 1960’s, The Band was developing original music of their own….as Robbie had grown into a talented songwriter. He would be the main composer for most of The Band’s music for the rest their career.
With Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson by his side…Robbie led one of the most talented groups ever. Everyone was a multi-instrumentalist and insanely talented. And Robbie’s fantastic songwriting abilities made them into an iconic act.
In fact, Eric Clapton, after he saw The Band perform one night, said he wanted to quit the music he was playing and join them. It never happened in a full-time capacity…but Clapton is on the doc.
All in all…it’s one of the most captivating movies ever. And since the film was shot on Thanksgiving Day of 1976…it’s become my go-to Thanksgiving flick. Check out some great songs from The Last Waltz…and rest in peace, Robbie.
– Davey Mac
Don’t Do It
Up On Cripple Creek
It Makes No Difference
The Weight
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Baby, Let Me Follow You Down with Bob Dylan
