From the archives: Robbie Robertson of The Band
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- Musician and songwriter Robbie Robertson, best known for his work with The Band, died August 9, 2023 at age 80. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that originally aired December 18, 2016, Robertson talked with correspondent Anthony Mason about his memoir, "Testimony"; his years playing with Bob Dylan; and the rift with drummer Levon Helm that spelled the end of one of rock's most influential groups.
@jrobbierobertson @BobDylan #TheLastWaltz
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I guess the only people who know whether or not Robbie and Levon really settled their differences are Robbie and Levon. Neither of them can tell us now. I hope they are both at peace. Long live the music of The Band.
✌🏽🇺🇦😇🙏✨
It was said that Levon was incoherent at that time....but in my heart, I want them to be the 5 guys they once were in those backwoods upper New York days. It hurts to think of a sad ending.
The reality is they were on drugs, end of story. Anybody that knows anybody in an addiction knows its hard to have a 'normal' relationship with them.
For the record, on his last interview Robbie admitted that Levon WAS incoherent and didn't wake, Robbie just sat next to him and held his hand. Ironically it was only settled for the one who claims that he had no real grudge against Levon, it was all one sided. He even said he talked to him and Levon claimed it was mostly stuff to sell the book.
I bet Robbie and Levon are making music together right now.
Robbie is getting most of the writing credit like always. 😇
@@mikearchibald744 I agree with your comments about dealing with people who are addicts. It's next to impossible. If I remember the legend correctly, Robbie wanted to take a break in the hopes that it would give the others the opportunity to clean up. Then again, that's Robbie's side of the story. Only Garth Hudson can rebut the story now.
I always loved the irony of a bunch of Canadians, writing and performing music that defined an era of Americana.
Doesn't matter where you're from, it's all about the music.
Maybe it was “North Americana”😆. People from all over the world loved what they did. Good music knows no boundaries.
Levon Helm was from Arkansas
Exactly!!!!@@davenorman6717
@@davenorman6717 Perhaps. But of 5 members, only he alone was. And he'd spent a decade gigging in Canada by the time the group formed.
I was fortunate to attend the Last Waltz in person, @ Winterland, San Francisco. A MAGICAL event from start to finish. The Viennese Waltz orchestra, the chandeliers, the excellent Thanksgiving feast, the amazing warmth of everyone who shared that night in their hippie finery, the outrageous live performances 🎉. And even Gov Jerry Brown and his date Linda Ronstadt standing right next to me in front of the stage like the rest of us fans….Van the Man, B Dylan, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Hawkins, Joni Mitchell, Neill Young, etc etc etc. Whew…I like to watch it on TGiving to this day. Concert of a life time.
Wow, that’s fantastic, I’m so happy for you to have that once-in-a-lifetime experience!!
Amazing experience!
I read a quote that the atmosphere was starting to lag until Van the Man came on and got people going again with his rendition of Caravan
@okee9 yeah and that story is so funny to me as Van was supposed to be so nervous and worried about how tight his suit was. Apparently they had to kick Van on stage after the brilliant Richard Manuel had to do the Irish song Tura Lura lay or something? Thing is Van kills it on Caravan like you said lol
I guess you was aware of how historic an occasion it was then. I swear you can see white marks on Neil Young’s nose during Helpless which was later explained by the promoter provided bowls of cocaine backstage lol
I knew Robbie. I was honored to have him play guitar on my 2nd album. Robbie used to say he wrote a song about me. ‘Somewhere Down The Crazy River’ His Guitar On my song ‘Heroin Tango’ was like a spacey whale’s love song so gorgeous and hauntingly beautiful. So different than anyone. Magic. Robbie put the Heroin In ‘Heroin(e) Tango’
A great songwriter, a great guitarist, a great human being.
I miss you Robbie Robertson already- another shocking experience for me after Jeff Beck leaving the scene.
A great life well lived. So much beauty in musical gifts to the world 🌎.
Thank you Robbie. In our hearts forever. 🕉 🎉
Robbie has been released from the bonds of this earthly existence. Godspeed.
We have to face it that all those legends who are still alive and are mostly in their 70s and 80s will gradually go. There are not many musicians today to carry their legacy.
@@OneSupreme08I wouldn't bet on that.
@@danielhays608🚬🤠 absolutely
@@OneSupreme08we have to face that we will all be in our 70's and 80's soon and go life is short man...
I had no idea.
May his memory be a blessing to us all, especially his family.
I fell in love with the Band when I bought Stage Fright on 8 track in 1970; I wore that tape out, then bought the album which I still have. in the ensuing 53 years, I've listened to all their music and turned as many of my friends on to them as I could; they weren't as well known to people younger than me as their career was pretty much over by the 1980's. I'd say their body of work receives far less credit and accolades than it truly deserves.
Robbie and The Band made authentic music that sounded 100 years old the day they wrote it. They invented Americana when there was no name for real American music without genre walls. Pretty good for 4 Canadians and 1 Arkansan. Rest in peace, Robbie; take a walk with Levon and kiss his cheek. We miss you.
That is an experience to remember. Wish I’d seen it live. I went to the premier of The Last Waltz at the Hollywood Cinerama Dome. Everyone was in attendance, and at one point I was standing with a few friends and Bob Dylan. I worked in the music biz then, so got an invitation. My best memory of Robbie Robertson is from the Village Recording Studio where he was recording around 1980-81. Robbie sat in the stairwell with his guitar, working on a song. That simple song he sang was so beautiful. I told him they should just record it like that. Of course they didn’t! RIP to a well loved songwriter, person, musician and human. I listened to Broken Arrow in my car today.
And the rest is history, as they say. Levon, Robbie, Dylan, the Band - impossible to put it into words, but that’s what music does, isn’t it. I bought The Last Waltz on DVD years ago for old times sake. Listened to it once. Cried like a baby. Haven’t listened to it since. I’m crying now. Can’t put it into words why, though.
I listen/watch it over and over, all the commentaries also! Just beautiful
. . . It’s because … “ Truth is sad “ to quote Neil Diamond . And it left a long time ago.
We were blessed to have had Such a wonderful musician!!
Clapton heard a tape by the Crackers (as the Band was formerly called) and immediately it changed his life. He wanted to quit Cream and join the Band.
robbie said his peace when alive and now is resting in peace. he left the world in a much better state than when he arrived.
Beautiful. It took me about 15 minutes to watch this 7-minute video because I had to keep pausing it to gawk at all the incredible photos. Thank you, Robbie Robertson. What a life. And what a legacy.
Not only a great musician, but also a fantastic story teller! Love to listen to him! RIP, Robbie!
I love The Band, their music and their journey. They absolutely had one of the most interesting careers in American popular music. RIP Robbie. Party on Garth!
Wow,I'm glad I found this!
Robbie, you were amazing, and I along with many others, will miss you terribly. Rest In Peace.
💔😥💔
Legend... RIP Robbie.
Rest in Peace✨ Robbie✨✌️.... Your songs make you immortal.... 💪☮️
Beautiful man, beautiful heart & beautiful soul. RIP
Saw the film while a freshman in high school. Fell in love with Robbie. RIP.
"And in the End, the Love you take - is equal to the Love you make."
I was very sorry to here of Robbie's passing recently and although I was never a big fan of "The Band" I do remember the great album he made in the mid-80's which was excellent! RIP Mr. Robertson.
His Last Waltz indeed. The ultimate Bandman.
No it wasn’t it was a dillon love fest that last song my god pass the sick bucket
I had the high honor of interviewing Levon circa 2005 and when asked about the Last Waltz he told me "well, that wasn't my idea..I had nothing to do with that." Robbie was an immensely talented songwriter and guitar player, but also an egomaniac. And, at least in my opinion, would not have become who he did without the other guys--most especially Levon, the only Band member who WAS "Dixie" to his soul. RIP
If you read Robbie's book, he loved all his band mates. However, he wrote all the songs, Levon, Richard and my favorite Rick Danko were doing heroin. They ALL contributed to what The Band became, I don't think Levon (and I have some problems with his personality)would agree that he was the soul, he had tremendous respect and fondness for Rick, Richard and Garth. Levon was upset when Robbie wanted to call it quits, however Robbie had was exhausted and had enough of the drugs, car crashes, he was exhausted, he was also married with 3 young children. They Band had been together for 16 years more than most Bands.
So right. 😊@@hannejeppesen1809
I saw this when it first aired. Thanks for uploading it again. RIP Robbie 🙏🌞🌹🕊️🌈
Miss you so much Robbie. You played the most beautiful guitar on my 2nd album. Thank you for your friendship. Love 4Ever.
I never get tired of watching this extraordinary musical documentary. Thank u all.
The Band taught us about Love and Mercy. Let us celebrate their majestic sounds and stories as their journey continues.
Their journey came to a conclusion a while back..
Only one member still alive
Ciao Robbie, thanks for you music, for you beauty, and..
Have a good trip❤
He was a GREAT poet. RIP
I've been plexingon this since 1974,when I was 12, "The Weight " is a blueprint for life.
There is very little doubt that Levon and Robbie loved each other. Levon’s daughter Amy seems to understand the love and complexity of their relationship. It’s why she and others close to Levon connected with Robbie and brought him to be with Levon on his deathbed. I also think Levon and Robbie suffered tremendous guilt over Richard’s death which exacerbated the fracture in their relationship. When Rick passed I’m sure it did not help. I want to think that the tremendous love they had for each other has brought them back together now. I want to envision Levon, Robbie, Rick, and Richard are now back in their prime making beautiful music together. G-d Bless Garth Hudson. G-d Bless The Band.
Too many memories man
I was into 'The Band'.. Thanks for the good time.. 👍 😍
Levon’s “going out of business concert” comment is hilarious 😂
its fuq weak
The Band - greatest musicians and band - ever!
Rock in Peace Robbie 💔🙏💔
The band was literally perfect.
For a time…
Rest in peace🙏 May you join those that have left us in the heavenly band😇. The Band will always be with through the incredible music 🎶❤️
His 87’ release is its own musical journey
I remember a song he had on MTV and similar stations- I liked it, and I knew he was ex-Band but it didn't click who he was. Now I'm of course a fan of those early songs too. What was his solo hit from that era?
@@phila3884 “somewhere down the crazy river” comes to mind
@@phila3884 "Fallen Angel," a song about Richard Manuel that also features Peter Gabriel and drumming from Manu Katché, is a beautiful tribute. My other favorites are "Broken Arrow" and "Sweet Fire of Love," with guest vocals by Bono of U2.
I hear that it's great.
Storyville, his next was even better. Those two are all I've heard of his solo work.
I love The Band, i have every LP and bootleg stuff and also read the biography of Robbie. The ending of the Band and how Richard and Levon suffered with the situation ....I can imagine how hard that must be....it makes me sad that nearly all members have died....
I went to visit the big pink house to see where history was made, i just stood there for a moment thinking what really went on there, unbelievable
I’ve been there too. About 5 yrs ago. It looks just like it did on the album cover, Levon Helm road takes you right in to town..
Very Cool..,
These days, I find myself on death watch for heroes, feeling good everytime I DIDNT see a name in wiki obits. Safe. Relieved these Shamen were still in this Earthly life. For years Gordon Lightfoot stuck it out. Alas, he was there. I've yet to truly pull out his music. Now, Robbie a Canadien peer of Gordon. These guys were my Northern Michigan Au Sable backwoods go to music along with Van Morrison. Their music aged like a good whiskey, a quality cigar and a river walk and campfire. I know...poor anologies, but I hold them dear. However their music came to me, I'm glad it's them and I'll go to battle, whatever life brings, with their music between my ears.
me too....and the battles, like King Harvest, will surely come
Beautiful thoughts and tribute. Thanks.
@@bellinghammond Some songs paint a literal picture, the mood, the voice....this was one such and a great closer to a great album.
Rest in paradise
Go well on your spirit Journey Robbie!
Hahahaha!
I'm sad to hear of his passing. I'll be re-listening to a lot of tunes today.
the fact that the weight was inspired by the stamp inside a martin is just phenomenal
I heard an alternate version of events. Where they were touring and took a detour to Nazareth to visit the Martin guitar factory but arrived too late, after they were closed. So they spent the night in the bus until they opened in the morning. The song came out of that experience.
The band is nothing without Robbie or Levon…or even all the other members…all of them were amazing….amazing music…I am glad I am able to enjoy it…every time I listen to their music it is like it was the first time…too bad they are gone…
This is the only American tv show i miss by not having cable tv . Miss you Robbie. RIP brother.
If you stream tv, CBS News streaming app streams all episodes of CBS Sunday Morning every week. That’s how I watch it since I cut ties with Directv.
Guess times have changed? Haven’t had a tv in years, & have never had cable, but always watched Sunday Morning on tv, when I had it.
Levon Helm, great drummer
These were the most genuine artists ever! kind, Smart and sincere! Wow!
Great interview
Missing Robbie a lot. Grateful for his works! RIP.
RIP Robbie R Thanks to the Band for all the wonderful music.
As much as I admire Robbie and his songwriting I wish he would have given more royalty credit to the other members. As I recall The Doors did an even split. This would have been a great help to them all. Robbie would likely never have been a celebrated songwriter without the Band bringing his songs to life. Since he wrote the songs perhaps he could have taken a lion’s share of the split, but even a small percentage to the other members would have been a major help to them. I understand Levon’s frustration that he received no royalties from the film- money never made it to him. In turn, Robbie got film work from Marty and all the Band royalties. If he was truly a brother I believe a bit of largesse towards his most important collaborators would have been honorable. I believe that is the core of Levon’s bitterness. Robbie’s songwriting was not in a vacuum, but in a creative family that was the vehicle for his success.
Well said. Exactly right.
They did all receive royalties, just not songwriting royalties. They got mechanicals. By the way, if you feel bad for Levon, how about Ringo!
Seems to have been the leif motive of all that caused so much consternation from and to all concerned. It is a ‘team sport’. And that was a most remarkable ‘team of players’.
@@allanwilson8878 Ringo went on the road with his Big Band and raked in millions, married the hottest Bond girl, and got Knighted. He’s good!
I feel the same but you wrote it much better.
The way he's singing that first song is significant. I think when he wrote that one, it was important to not wake the baby.
Anthony does a beautiful thing here. Anytime Robbie was interviewed, he shared wisdom.
RIP Robbie,thank you for the great music.
🙏 Robbie
Right or Crazy 🤪 gosh i love this ! Wonderful music really such good times,1976 the last Waltz Levon i love that name, thanks for the music thanks for sharing such sweet memories
It really saddens me that we are loosing all of these great musicians that changed the course of music history... I'm now 62 and also a musician and a huge history of music buff...I feel sorry for this generation because they have no idea about these great influences like Robbie's and Levon's contribution to the great musical landscape....🎸🎸
Robbie an Levon, back together.
So about 6 months ago I heard a song on some alt-mountain radio station (The Sierra Wave California), and thinking it was a newer band, did a quick Google search and added it to my YT Music playlist. I don't always catch the name of the band or the song when i do this, I just listen to it when I'm able. This song had strong Iron Butterfly/In-a Gadda-da Vida vibes, and i thought wow, for a new song, these guys are channeling some heavy 60's rock here! Imagine my surprise when I saw the song was by a 60's band, The Band! The song is "Chest Fever"- a musical tour-de force. Goodbye, Robbie.
Great history! 😀
RIP sir, thank you for some great music
RIP. 🌹
Dziękuję Robbie. W moim sercu... w mojej pamieci pozostaniesz na zawsze.
😢
I always love how these so called American legends of rock . Can’t even afford a decent wig. Yet their legend will live forever.
Yeah that rug was like..." Really" - "People are buying that that's really your hair? " ...which tells you quite a bit about Robbie...
May you dance swiftly Into the arms of the Great Spirit.🙏
Loved them all!
RIP J Robbie. You were one of the greats!
Rest In Peace, Robbie. 🎸
i know Robbie was tired but this is questinly the greatest band ever in my mind and Robbie was tiered but what i don't think Robbie THOUGHT ABOUT WAS NOT ONLY DID HE LET HIS BEST FRIENDS DOWN BUT HE LET IM SURE OVER A MILLION FANS DOWN BUT HE DEPRIVED THE WORLD OF WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN MORE OF THE GREATEST SONGS THE WORLD WOULD NEVER HEAR. HE SHOULD HAVE TOOK A BREAK AND CAME BACK THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN WHAT THE WORLD NEEDED I LOVE ROBBIE TO DEATH BUT I THINK HE WAS VERY SELFEISH IN WHAT HE DONEBUT I HOPE HIM LEVON AND THE REST ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME IN HEAVEN RIP THE BAND
Robbie did a top ten songs of all time list that included two of his own songs.
Who does that?
Not any other songwriter I've seen asked to make a favorites list.
So it is unsurpring that his bandmates felt aggrieved. The Band was the quintessential joint venture, that gelled so beautifully. Rick and Richard were just as big a part as Levon and Robbie.
But hey ho. A fine talent nonetheless. RIP.😢
This makes me emotionally dreading the day Bob Dylan is going to pass.
I only feel bad for those who's life ended way before it should have like Tom Petty or Taylor Hawkins or Richard Manuel as examples due to either drugs and drink or suicide. Those like Dylan and Robertson have lived full lives that most people will never accomplish. They have done most everything they wanted to do and did it well. Robertson was still working on several projects up until the end and Dylan has something going on from time to time.
I know. I've been thinking about that too.
Bob is going to live forever. 👍
RIP Hero
Fantastic, at 4:43, when he tells the story of how he created the lyrics of The Weight. "Nazareth"... We could think of something more spiritual, but such word was simply written on the body of his guitar. And magic happens...
♥ '✌ + MUCH RESPECT-ALWAYS To Our Rock HERO, Bob Dylan & The Heartbreakers
This Is Pure Magic & Pure Genius 👍
Levon at the helm!!
Rip Robbie 🙏🏼
What a short wondrous story
Anyone who has lost a beloved friendship because of drugs and alcohol can understand the duality of feeling that exists. Bands are family ,friends ,business throw in drugs alcohol - Boom. To hold onto bitterness is poison
George Harrison considered that The Band was the greatest rock band. He admired their versatility and vocal harmonies
❤ ♬ "I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin' about half past dead" ♬ ❤
😔Robbie Robertson.. 🎸♬ 💔 is so loved and he will be sorely missed.
May He Rest In Heavenly Peace.. 🙏 🌻 ~Thank you.. Robbie & The Band ~ 5🌟
❤ " It's a time I remember.. oh so well." 📻
🎸 🎼 🎹 🪗 ♬ 🥁 🎷 🎸
Great band
I spent about two years with several musicians that worked for Levon while he was suffering from throat cancer. The feud was quite bitter. Not for me to judge, though. I am happiest when i just enjoy the incredible music they made.
What a miracle meeting ❤
RIP ROBBIE
3 bands shaped my youth the band little feat steely Dan it just doesn't get any better than that.
legendary story
Resentments suck , music heals
The thing that all bands should do from the start is to be clear whose roles and what percentages they should have as all the problems arise from not being clear
Even with a contract all spelled out, some members will still argue about what they "deserve" later on.
Robbertson played again with the band in the roxy los angeles in 78 when danko was doing solo tour, he invited all the member on stage, they did the shape i'm in and the weight all together . That was the last time he played with them !
Rip 😢
Watched the movie 26 days in a row!
Never had any time for him, Rick Danko now he was the one that did it for me!..
“Lay a flower in the snow.”
RIP Robbie 🙏✌🏼🏴
I hope they worked it out. Our pride sometimes is a terrible thing. Ive had a similiar following out with a friend of 44 yrs thats still not reconciled. It sucks.
There's already a meme going around that has a picture of Robbie and Levons tombstones next to one another and the caption reads "all feuds end like this".
The night. drove old Dixie down best song of all time
Your courage
well done
Robbie wanted more glory and credit than he earned... But he did earn a lot !!!
How do you know?
I've always had a hard ear to please. It's not any artist's 'fault' it's like art, I know what I like. I don't remember being THAT fond of music from big pink, but I've heard it hundreds of times. After that album, I couldn't tell you what they've done as The Band since.
Commiserations
RIP, Mr Robertson
Couple of things.
1st Robbie played that song for the Classic Albums doc in the 90s. Apparently didn’t remember. That was on a piano.
2nd, Robbie said that “He” was done. Although 3 out of the 5 members were struggling whether it be drugs, alcohol, jealousy, or procrastination, the other 4 didn’t wanna stop touring.
3rd, although Robbie wrote the majority of the lyrics, it was still collaborative in creating the melodies, harmonies, etc.
4th, despite that he had an asthmatic condition & was a smoker who sang on the 1st record, he apparent would lip sync on stage.
5th, in the 1st interview of the Last Waltz, he kept saying The Band or “We” put on our final concert. As proven years later, the group reformed without Robertson though clean & sober. Robertson spear head this thing from start to finish. He wanted the group to act as if they were gonna be the Beatles or The Beach Boys by making albums without touring. This never occurred. Robertson was done with touring.
Regarding No. 3, it's really just wishful thinking that the other members of the band consistently contributed to actual songwriting, as opposed to arranging, which almost every band takes part in regardless of the songwriting logistics. In other words, RR came to the rehearsals and studio with complete songs (melodies included), and the rest of The Band fleshed 'em out. As is evident on the early albums, others got songwriting credit where warranted. With all due respect to Levon, he just got bitter and unnecessary stirred up a bunch of stuff. He was many things, but a songwriter was not among them.
@@ptownscribe1254 collaborator yes. However, as it pertains to specific rhythm dynamics between Rick & Levon, Robertson didn’t necessarily orchestrate that. Also, The Band also had ideas & inputs that made the tracks come alive. It’s apparent all over the 2nd album.
@@ROSTAFA Yeah, RR never said he orchestrated everything. The songs wouldn't have existed for the band members to make come alive had Robertson not written them. Similar dynamic in Dire Straits, CCR, Allmans, Dead, etc. But generally speaking, you don't get songwriting credits for helping to arrange songs.