Tears running down my face … here I am 86 fucking years old, still remember, still feel this … life has been great, the music was even better … wish you were here!
I first got a vhs copy in about 1986 or 87 , then a cd in about 98 or 99, anyhow I've viewed it hundreds of times with countless others and most importantly I've started friendships because of this glorious concert. Those friendships are my favorite type, they start with music and never seem to end. Peace to all
The Band, Neil Young & Joni Mitchell on the same stage at the same time, performing this classic song, makes this listener feel like he is in heaven.❤ Peace!
A Canadian thanksgiving celebration - the whole last waltz celebration/ concerts/ movie- documentary is unparalleled.. it was a grand ballroom feast surrounded by a concert of all rock’s / folk’s greatest- Clapton, Dylan, van Morison, Neil diamond!! Martin captured it perfectly for film
Is Canada accepting American immigrants? If trump gets his fat butt into our White House I won't stay here. I'm 96 percent British according to the ancestry thing. Maybe that's an option.
This was one of my dad's favorite concert dvds, after he passed I didn't have the strength to put it on because it would remind me of him. I would break down in tears hearing the music, I get really choked up listening to this even now. Still remembering that big smile he had when my dad would watch Neil Young come stage. I look to my left to the empty chair where he sat and think on the time I would spend with him. Now even that house, the chair is gone. All I have now are my memories, and damn good ones they were for sure.
As someone whose mother was born in Toronto and father was raised on a farm in Ontario, this song has always "struck a chord" in my heart. I spent nearly every summer of my youth in Muskoka, Ontario, and recall waking up in the middle of night, walking out of our rented cottage, and watching the Northern Lights paint the sky, with stars galore as a backdrop. Thank you Neil, The Band, Joni (wow!), and Marty.
This song embodies what so much of North Ontario was really like in the 70s. A lonely place, a beautiful wilderness, but whatever it was to anyone it touched your soul. Amazing memories.
I was so lucky to be born 1960 and my two older musician brothers filled our home with all the legendary artists including Neil Youmg♥️♥️♥️♥️ I loved his record Zuma. 🌹🌹🌹🌹 I’ve always wanted to see him play in person. ♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹such a tender voice.
I was there - in my usual spot stage right, aligned with the mics and just above - watched Joni come out behind all the speakers and do her part. One of the greatest shows I ever attended, starting with the waltz itself, then Thanksgiving dinner. I even bought a tux for the occasion...a few dozen of us were similarly attired. Tickets at the time were an un-heard of $35.00 as I recall. I later regretted not having bought twenty to bring friends along. Three days before, The Band played a warm-up concert down in Santa Cruz to a few hundred of us. The whole thing felt like...family. Truly remarkable. I still smile to think of it all.
Joni Mitchell came across to most of us as highly vulnerable. Joyful too with inner confidence. Her lilting, almost haunting voice drifting up that evening was like wafting smoke - very ephemeral. I would say that fewer than 25 of us could see her where she stood and sang for Helpless - she later came on out. Curiously, for me this was the high point of the evening.
Well, we've just passed the 40th anniversary; someone else sang from that stage that "there's nothing you can hold for very long...." These memories are ephemeral, they are here in our minds and hearts. I will say that the film is a fair approximation, but is a bit over-produced and that the event was (pleasantly) more raw. Joni's vocals drift through my mind as the true high-point of the show for me; I'm sure many in attendance would choose different moments. It was truly touching. All you can ask for!
Takes me back to my days growing up with my husband . Close my eyes and I am back in his arms. Hope heavens great as we thought Hon. Still missing you and forever will .
I love that silhouette of Joni Mitchell singing that beautiful falsetto seemingly without any effort. Her stunningly beautiful voice soars like a big bird flying across the sky. Thank you, Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Scorsese for getting me out of an emotional mess.
Neil sang this beautiful song despite being totally coked out of his lid. Well done Neil, Joni and the brilliant Band. The Last Waltz is an incredible experience. Everyone who loves music should watch it and be educated, amazed and then watch it again, and again and watch it maybe once a week.
I see from the comments that many people have questions about this song. The woman in the background is Joni Mitchell. By coincidence, Neil and Joni contracted polio in Canada as children in 1951 during the last epidemic in North America before the Salk vaccine solved polio. They were thousands of miles apart, they did not know each other, they both grew up to become amazing folk/rock musicians. Neil Young has never explained the meaning of "Helpless" and rock critics think it is about the feeling of being stuck in a small town but I am convinced that it is about the emotions of having Polio and not having any idea if you are going to get better or spend years inside an iron lung. That is why having Joni kind of sneak in behind the curtain and sing background vocal during this performance is so special and powerful.
The true story of this song, in 1969, while on his Canadian Tour, their bus broke down, early evening, on Highway 17 North, at the crossroad, leading into Wawa. The shadow emanating from the Wawa goose, covering their broken down bus, inspired this talented man. Well, I’m 78 now, so, if my memory serves me right, they had a one night gig here, before hitting the highway.
As told in Neil Young: Long May You Run: The Illustrated History, this song is about the town of Omemee in Ontario. In 1949, Neil's parents moved there with him when he was just four years old. Young describes it as "a nice little town. Sleepy little place... Life was real basic and simple in that town. Walk to school, walk back. Everybody knew who you were. Everybody knew everybody." Neil had polio at age six and his family moved to Florida, believing that the warmer climate would aid in his recovery. It is the emotion and sleepy sadness in this song that brings tears to the eyes of those who experienced Neil Young when we were young (i.e., the Forum in Inglewood, late 1970s).
I grew up in the late 60's early 70's........what an incredible 'time slot' that was for music. This song along with many others of Neil Young's are the soundtrack to my youth. What a childhood it was.... Neil, you are a treasure!
No matter what, Neil Young, the genius he is, nailed a song. Thanks to u-tube. Without these videos how could I listen to all this amazing music. True love for rock.
His voice is pure gold. He is unique. No one else sounds like him. This is one of my favorites. He expresses pure emotion. Helpless. He expresses the pain of loss perfectly. What a great artist. Thanks Neil Young.
My father, born in 1950, was watching this part of The Last Waltz while rocking my 5 month old baby. All of the sudden, she fell alseep in his arms and laid her head on his chest. Another beautiful moment in my life to the soundtrack of 70s rock
This is the Greatest Live Version Ever of the Song “Helpless” from Neil Young .... Simply Breath-Taking ... all of them singing and the mouth organ music takes you to another level of heavenly happiness
This is by far the best live version, I have ever heard ... the song takes you out in a oblivion of blue sky away and away from this earth in to the heaven.... beautiful notes
This truly is a magical moment captured for eternity. From Robbies smile when Neil starts to sing to Rick looking at Neil with a sense of knowing anticipation of the next verse to Rick and Robbie jokingly looking skyward at the "big birds flying across the sky". Hard to put into words but I'll try and say there is a feeling of comraderie exuding from this clip that warms the heart. Yes kids, drugs are bad.....but in this moment in time I believe they accentuated what was already a special moment.
I think you are right. Robbie wrote in his book, a few hours before the concert he went back to his hotel, to try to get a little sleep, he couldn't. He realized he was exhausted and had been going to adrelin and drugs (probably cocaine), instead of proper nutrition and sleep. His wife brought him some food, and again adrelin kicked in, and most likely cocaine when he go to Winterland.
FYI about why Joni was backstage: Joni came out later to perform Coyote and they wanted to keep it a surprise, so she stayed behind the curtains during "Helpless". It's kind of brilliant, imagine not having any idea she was there, and then during the song you hear her gorgeous voice complementing this song....goosebumps.
@@jeffreyhall2136 Should you happen to run across any owls, screech or otherwise, that can write songs like Joni be sure to drop me line as I'd sure like to see that...
@@ianbartle456 Oh now Joni is a great lyricist too? Thought this was a Neil Young song though. Screeching behind the guitar amp is definitely the highlight of her career.
Probably because Mr. Young shared a huge line of blow with him before hand lol. They almost didn’t put this song on the movie because Neil young had a massive rock of cocaine hanging outta his nose but they edited it so you couldn’t see it
This song rings so true to my life. It was 1979, Cedaredge Colorado. I went to live with my aunt and uncle. I left a bad life and at 16 was reborn. I love that town, I finished my last 2 years of high school. I graduated in 1981 and then left for the Navy in 1984. It will always be my home....
Are you referencing the Drive-By Truckers song "Ronnie and Neil"?. If not check that song out. It's literally about what you said.....or anyone else reading this, check out that song.
@@scottbird6423 There are tons of aspects to it. It's worth a google. I just did and learned a lot I didn't know about the whole situation. Very interesting story for sure.
@@analogkid4957 I grew up on the west coast of Canada in the 60's and 70's and Rush was NEVER played on the radio. They were strictly an eastern band. So no, Rush was NOT the most popular Canadian band.
Man where does the time go? Yesterday it was the 70's I was buying the latest 45 record and playing it non stop...Saturday Night Fever is playing at the local theater...I am listening to music on my transistor radio (FM only) as I deliver my newspapers in Victorville CA....I graduated from High School a girl I barely knew hugged me with passion as she whispered my name softly in my ear (why didn't I know she liked me before now?)..I am in the Air Force I am 17 (I turned 18 in basic training), my Mom sold me her Vega, I listen to Pink Floyd on my 8 track as I drive around Nellis AFB, I make Staff Sargent at 21... After 5 years I get accepted to attend the Culinary Institute of America I say goodbye to the Air Force, England and...Alison. It's raining the day I leave and she says "All of England is crying at your departure"....I have been a Chef for 30 years...It's now 2020 I will soon be 59 my knees prevent me from cooking professionally any longer....I am looking at this video and as I listen to the music I keep wondering....where has all the time gone??
my senior hi school teacher took our class to see this in 1978 and it changed my world. to this day I still love to watch and listen to the BAND its as awe inspiring today just as it was 40 yrs ago and if it wasn't for Robbie Robertson the BAND never would have been ...
Samuel, I don't know if NY has ever been on any drugs or alcohol-he has been type 1 diabetic since childhood, also had epilepsy and contracted polio as a child...fragile health he has guarded well, despite coming of age during drug scene...
There is a passion that takes over and this is an example. Neil Young does not play the game. He is what he is and that is a passion for his music. He sings with life rolling off his tongue and his guitar. Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience him in the 70's were blessed, definitely blessed. God Bless you, Neil Young. Thank you for standing for what you believe. I love you, we love you.
Debra Blackwell Ya- Neil is from Blind River, Rick from Stratford, Robbie ,Garth, + Richard also are from Ontario. Only Levon Helm is from Elaine, Arkansas but he lived in Woodland, N.Y.
It does help that Neil Young had an enormous rock of cocaine stuck up his nose through this performance, that was later edited out at the behest of his manager
This the greatest concert ever to be on screen!!!! I just can't say enough about it!!!! The Band was just SO F'N GOOD!!!! And then there is Neil Young, with Joni howling in the back!!!! Jesus Christ can it ever get better than this?!!! HELL NO I SAY!!!!!! THE BAND.....WHAT A GREAT NAME FOR THEM!!!! THEY WERE ALL SO TALENTED.. HELM, DANKO, HUDSON, ROBERTSON AND MORE, NOT TO MENTION THEIR GUEST ON HERE!!!! I WATCH IT TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR, AND HAVE FOR FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING!!!❤️❤️✌️✌️❤️❤️
The first time I gave myself to my ex boyfriend this album was on vinyl and immediately after ...this song came on and we laid there and held each other and I will forever remember him by this song and that perfect moment... it ended on bad terms and we haven’t talked in 3 years but thankyou Justin for showing me the gift of Neil Young. Beautiful
Neil Young. My all time favourite artist. He is music personified. That voice - that inimitable voice. And that inimitable guitar. My God. He is heaven to me.💕💘💞
I won a pair of tickets off “The Mighty Q” Q-107 to the World Premier of “The Last Waltz” in Toronto, Canada...Joni Mitchell’s background vocals still bring chills...a legendary performance by Uncle Neil & The Band...simply sublime...
And Joni is not even a featured face on stage, to boot. Now imagine you had a traveling Joni Mitchell, a "fact" about which very few know, and via personal fiat, you layered songs with her voice without the audience knowing from whom or where it was coming. Joni OnDemand ... look stage right, nod, and Joni will take her place in an unlit corner next to her mic, ready to back up any song (or, to truly mess with the audience, have her sing a cover with no supporting vocals and have the entire band act as if nothing is different). Fun times!
I'm in rehab and this gives me so much motivation to go on. Without Last Waltz and other favourite music I might had jumped out of the window days ago.
Silmapuoli I think music is a gift.. given to us.. what we do with it is like all gifts.. If we value its ability to calm us and give peace in our hearts then it can be used as it was originally intended.. granted there is some bad music and musicians but they were given the gift too.. they just didn't treat it like a gift.. maybe they took it for granted or just let it age and not keep its value.. I value Music like you do.. it keeps me sane. I need it fairly often.
How on this earth, nearly 50 years ago, can these guys make sounds like this. I am sitting In my English garden, in the late afternoon of an English summers day, covered in goosebumps and with emotion high. When there is so much hate I. The world right now. Thank you guys. You’ll never know🤗
I have deeply enjoyed this song for years and have experienced an even deeper joy reading all these comments. Neil Young…yeah a tear stained experience for sure
No video, but audio is priceless - thank-you very much!!!! ............. all of my changes were there.............such a magical art of my growth - younger than these musicians, who taught me to LIVE..............thank-you for this post........cheers
Tears running down my face … here I am 86 fucking years old, still remember, still feel this … life has been great, the music was even better … wish you were here!
You may think you are cool…. But you will never be “Joni Mitchell singing backup from off stage cool” 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Before this song ends, I just wanna say what a true pleasure of my life it is to be able to hear these people anytime I want to.
Dam straight!
Amen, god ie.goo
F
Absobloodylutely !!!
I first got a vhs copy in about 1986 or 87 , then a cd in about 98 or 99, anyhow I've viewed it hundreds of times with countless others and most importantly I've started friendships because of this glorious concert. Those friendships are my favorite type, they start with music and never seem to end.
Peace to all
The Band, Neil Young & Joni Mitchell on the same stage at the same time, performing this classic song, makes this listener feel like he is in heaven.❤ Peace!
A Canadian thanksgiving celebration - the whole last waltz celebration/ concerts/ movie- documentary is unparalleled.. it was a grand ballroom feast surrounded by a concert of all rock’s / folk’s greatest- Clapton, Dylan, van Morison, Neil diamond!! Martin captured it perfectly for film
@@daveburns3886: I cannot disagree with one word you wrote. ❤ Peace!
I would give my kidney and a finger to have been there that night. I should have been a musician. They have the best life 💓
Is Canada accepting American immigrants? If trump gets his fat butt into our White House I won't stay here. I'm 96 percent British according to the ancestry thing. Maybe that's an option.
@@ShereeBarrow-dz3ws: I rarely encounter a person who feels that strongly about any subject. Peace!
This was one of my dad's favorite concert dvds, after he passed I didn't have the strength to put it on because it would remind me of him. I would break down in tears hearing the music, I get really choked up listening to this even now. Still remembering that big smile he had when my dad would watch Neil Young come stage. I look to my left to the empty chair where he sat and think on the time I would spend with him. Now even that house, the chair is gone. All I have now are my memories, and damn good ones they were for sure.
James McLeod You dad had great taste and it was obviously a shared passion.
That is pretty cool!!
and you have TH-cam through the tears
Thank you for sharing this with us, let this be a beautiful reminder of the power of music
Damn...
As someone whose mother was born in Toronto and father was raised on a farm in Ontario, this song has always "struck a chord" in my heart. I spent nearly every summer of my youth in Muskoka, Ontario, and recall waking up in the middle of night, walking out of our rented cottage, and watching the Northern Lights paint the sky, with stars galore as a backdrop. Thank you Neil, The Band, Joni (wow!), and Marty.
You know Ronnie Hawkins had a farm out there in Ontario somewhere.
This song embodies what so much of North Ontario was really like in the 70s. A lonely place, a beautiful wilderness, but whatever it was to anyone it touched your soul. Amazing memories.
Not much has changed up north.
I was so lucky to be born 1960 and my two older musician brothers filled our home with all the legendary artists including Neil Youmg♥️♥️♥️♥️ I loved his record Zuma. 🌹🌹🌹🌹 I’ve always wanted to see him play in person. ♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹such a tender voice.
I love Robertson's expression at 1:21 when Neil starts singing. How we all feel! Just can't get over that voice! What a great concert.
True!
I think it was the first part that got him as well because most of them are good ole Canadian boys.
i think it was mainly because he knew what neil was playing, who was notorious for improvising and not going onstage with a plan
I scrubbed to that and HOLY CRAP!
@@ninjavigilante5311 Canuck pride- Robbie is Indigenous too
I was there - in my usual spot stage right, aligned with the mics and just above - watched Joni come out behind all the speakers and do her part. One of the greatest shows I ever attended, starting with the waltz itself, then Thanksgiving dinner. I even bought a tux for the occasion...a few dozen of us were similarly attired. Tickets at the time were an un-heard of $35.00 as I recall. I later regretted not having bought twenty to bring friends along. Three days before, The Band played a warm-up concert down in Santa Cruz to a few hundred of us. The whole thing felt like...family. Truly remarkable. I still smile to think of it all.
Give us more stories, Jonathan!
More stories!
Why was Joni hidden? Did she not want to attract any attention away from Neil and The Band?
Joni Mitchell came across to most of us as highly vulnerable. Joyful too with inner confidence. Her lilting, almost haunting voice drifting up that evening was like wafting smoke - very ephemeral. I would say that fewer than 25 of us could see her where she stood and sang for Helpless - she later came on out. Curiously, for me this was the high point of the evening.
Well, we've just passed the 40th anniversary; someone else sang from that stage that "there's nothing you can hold for very long...."
These memories are ephemeral, they are here in our minds and hearts. I will say that the film is a fair approximation, but is a bit over-produced and that the event was (pleasantly) more raw.
Joni's vocals drift through my mind as the true high-point of the show for me; I'm sure many in attendance would choose different moments. It was truly touching. All you can ask for!
Takes me back to my days growing up with my husband . Close my eyes and I am back in his arms. Hope heavens great as we thought Hon. Still missing you and forever will .
I love that silhouette of Joni Mitchell singing that beautiful falsetto seemingly without any effort. Her stunningly beautiful voice soars like a big bird flying across the sky. Thank you, Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Scorsese for getting me out of an emotional mess.
The Angel in the background
When immediately I realized it was really the one and only I PLUSSED!
You may be cool, but you will never be “Joni Mitchell singing harmony from off stage” cool.
Scorsese? is this performance in a scorsese film?
Neil sang this beautiful song despite being totally coked out of his lid. Well done Neil, Joni and the brilliant Band.
The Last Waltz is an incredible experience.
Everyone who loves music should watch it and be educated, amazed and then watch it again, and again and watch it maybe once a week.
I see from the comments that many people have questions about this song. The woman in the background is Joni Mitchell. By coincidence, Neil and Joni contracted polio in Canada as children in 1951 during the last epidemic in North America before the Salk vaccine solved polio. They were thousands of miles apart, they did not know each other, they both grew up to become amazing folk/rock musicians. Neil Young has never explained the meaning of "Helpless" and rock critics think it is about the feeling of being stuck in a small town but I am convinced that it is about the emotions of having Polio and not having any idea if you are going to get better or spend years inside an iron lung. That is why having Joni kind of sneak in behind the curtain and sing background vocal during this performance is so special and powerful.
When Neil said, "all my changes were there", I immediately thought of teenage angst-
The true story of this song, in 1969, while on his Canadian Tour, their bus broke down, early evening, on Highway 17 North, at the crossroad, leading into Wawa. The shadow emanating from the Wawa goose, covering their broken down bus, inspired this talented man. Well, I’m 78 now, so, if my memory serves me right, they had a one night gig here, before hitting the highway.
Even after all this time this version still brings a tear to my 64 year old eyes
Why
Same age, same response. Bawling my eyes out right now :)
@@cbennett196631why? Who ripped your heart out?
@@cbennett196631 If you were there, no explanation is necessary.
If you weren't there, no explanation will suffice.
Rock on.
As told in Neil Young: Long May You Run: The Illustrated History, this song is about the town of Omemee in Ontario. In 1949, Neil's parents moved there with him when he was just four years old. Young describes it as "a nice little town. Sleepy little place... Life was real basic and simple in that town. Walk to school, walk back. Everybody knew who you were. Everybody knew everybody." Neil had polio at age six and his family moved to Florida, believing that the warmer climate would aid in his recovery.
It is the emotion and sleepy sadness in this song that brings tears to the eyes of those who experienced Neil Young when we were young (i.e., the Forum in Inglewood, late 1970s).
I grew up in the late 60's early 70's........what an incredible 'time slot' that was for music.
This song along with many others of Neil Young's are the soundtrack to my youth.
What a childhood it was....
Neil, you are a treasure!
ditto that my brother.
No matter what, Neil Young, the genius he is, nailed a song. Thanks to u-tube. Without these videos how could I listen to all this amazing music. True love for rock.
His voice is pure gold.
He is unique. No one else sounds like him.
This is one of my favorites.
He expresses pure emotion. Helpless. He expresses the pain of loss perfectly.
What a great artist.
Thanks Neil Young.
thank goodness this legendary greatness was captured on film for generations to appreciate. these artists are irreplaceable.
My heart trembled. I am still moved by this Helpless,from Japan.
Neil's nose all full of fun stuff, Joni killing it on the vocals, the band being the band.....One of Canada's finest moments truly :)
Good ole Canadian boys playing great music before the 90s boom of Canadian music came back
If there is ONE thing i'm proud of about being a "Canadian" It's this performance. Neil is all of us, we are all Neil.
yeah, I think they had to rotoscope the coke out lol. Still one of the most iconic moments in rock history.
and he had a flawless performance. Extraordinary actually.
@@usware5240 Levon's playing drums for Lightfoot now.
My father, born in 1950, was watching this part of The Last Waltz while rocking my 5 month old baby. All of the sudden, she fell alseep in his arms and laid her head on his chest. Another beautiful moment in my life to the soundtrack of 70s rock
The greatest version of this song. Seeing them look so happy singing together with Joni's echoing vocals is simply breath taking
and we are fighting against covid now .... i wish i had 30 in 1976
I agree with you, it's probably the greatest version of that song.
This is the Greatest Live Version Ever of the Song “Helpless” from Neil Young .... Simply Breath-Taking ... all of them singing and the mouth organ music takes you to another level of heavenly happiness
The mutual respect on display is palpable. They are so pumped to be sharing a stage. Wow.
And a bit of chemical hepl.
That too.@@roseannparker5800
He may not be your cup of tea, but he was a genius and his greatness cannot be underestimated.
When Neil joins the band at 4:11 says everything about Neil and The Band. Respect and love
Tons of Canadian talent and the irreplaceable Levon Helm. Thank you America for your influence. Cheers from Montreal.
I think they were all irreplaceable.@@johngore7744
This is by far the best live version, I have ever heard ... the song takes you out in a oblivion of blue sky away and away from this earth in to the heaven.... beautiful notes
The others are Down by the River and . . . ?
Neil Young and The Band together, how lucky to see that.
The shadow of one of the most beautiful women in the world is a testament to her beauty.
When Neil starts singing, I can't help but notice Robbie's huge smile! I love it!
ZwienerZ He realises he is about to be part of something special, yes.
ZwienerZ i agree Robbie's huge grin gave me goosebumps
its still a great jam
+ZwienerZ It's a bunch of Canucks having a special Hoser moment. Gotta like it.
...and taking a deep sniff, never seen a finer performance by peops higher than these guys.
This truly is a magical moment captured for eternity. From Robbies smile when Neil starts to sing to Rick looking at Neil with a sense of knowing anticipation of the next verse to Rick and Robbie jokingly looking skyward at the "big birds flying across the sky".
Hard to put into words but I'll try and say there is a feeling of comraderie exuding from this clip that warms the heart.
Yes kids, drugs are bad.....but in this moment in time I believe they accentuated what was already a special moment.
I think you are right. Robbie wrote in his book, a few hours before the concert he went back to his hotel, to try to get a little sleep, he couldn't. He realized he was exhausted and had been going to adrelin and drugs (probably cocaine), instead of proper nutrition and sleep. His wife brought him some food, and again adrelin kicked in, and most likely cocaine when he go to Winterland.
FYI about why Joni was backstage: Joni came out later to perform Coyote and they wanted to keep it a surprise, so she stayed behind the curtains during "Helpless".
It's kind of brilliant, imagine not having any idea she was there, and then during the song you hear her gorgeous voice complementing this song....goosebumps.
Pure magic and greatness....
RIP Robbie. What a beautiful tune this is👏
Joni Mitchell's voice on this is UNREAL. She sounds like a falling angel.
Joni Mitchell has always been, a Rising Angel.
🇨🇦✌️🎶🎸❤️✨🌎💫
@@rinalore Angels are figments of your feverish imagination.
Sorry, sounds more like screech owl.
@@jeffreyhall2136 Should you happen to run across any owls, screech or otherwise, that can write songs like Joni be sure to drop me line as I'd sure like to see that...
@@ianbartle456 Oh now Joni is a great lyricist too? Thought this was a Neil Young song though. Screeching behind the guitar amp is definitely the highlight of her career.
when they all start singing together on the same mic...that is some magical shit right there
Hell yeah
+bryan smith Until Joni Mitchell started howling in the background.
+Lori Hill omg i just started laughing so hard at that thank you
+bryan smith TRUE DAT
+bryan smith very true.
Rick Danko's backup vocals are so rich and underrated.
So true!
We all love Rick, he was unique.
Gifted Under-rated
Watching this in 2024 with a few retrospective beer..,.. i want to seriously shed a tear
Me too. This is life
I was told Eric Clapton said this was the best live song he had ever heard. If true, that's an awesome compliment.
He was probably proud because it's so Canadian.. Eric is half Canadian as well if didn't know.
@@ninjavigilante5311 that guy needs to remember to close the windows
Probably because Mr. Young shared a huge line of blow with him before hand lol. They almost didn’t put this song on the movie because Neil young had a massive rock of cocaine hanging outta his nose but they edited it so you couldn’t see it
@@lamolambda8349 He wasn't home when that happened
@@mr.mayhem8904 I noticed that before this video was edited
One thing I like about Neil is that he is unique. His own style. He didnt follow others, they followed him.
Joni Mitchell on this performance gives me chills and tears at the same time.
Joni has said many times that this is the greatest song ever written!
Sorry Joni has a unique voice, but not here. I'd rather just listen to the guys. She sounds like a screech owl in this.
Yes! I have no idea why she isn't credited here.
She adds a lot, and it's already a glorious piece of work.........
This song rings so true to my life. It was 1979, Cedaredge Colorado. I went to live with my aunt and uncle. I left a bad life and at 16 was reborn. I love that town, I finished my last 2 years of high school. I graduated in 1981 and then left for the Navy in 1984. It will always be my home....
I'm a full blown southern boy. I don't give a damn what Ronnie say, this southern man needs ole Neil Young around!
Roonnie and Neil admired eachother
I grew up in NC in the 70s .....we all thought Southern Man was complimentary.We weren't reading too deep into the lyrics
Are you referencing the Drive-By Truckers song "Ronnie and Neil"?. If not check that song out. It's literally about what you said.....or anyone else reading this, check out that song.
I heard it was a joke between them
@@scottbird6423 There are tons of aspects to it. It's worth a google. I just did and learned a lot I didn't know about the whole situation. Very interesting story for sure.
Joni’s voice is a presence and the silhouette of her is such a great shot… its enough to bring tears to your eyes.
This is one of the greatest live performances captured on film - Joni lending her magic to Neil and the guys at the legendary Winterland
Doesn’t touch Rooftop
Here I am on Canada day listening to perhaps the most Canadian music moment of all time.
Wouldn’t Rush be elevated as the most popular Canadian band?
@@analogkid4957 Hard to say. Rush has a huge cult following but I dont know if they have the mainstream following of Neil or the Band.
@@analogkid4957 I grew up on the west coast of Canada in the 60's and 70's and Rush was NEVER played on the radio. They were strictly an eastern band. So no, Rush was NOT the most popular Canadian band.
Just some Canadian kids back in 76. Watched this with my whole family sitting around the living room.
his harmonica speaks louder than any lyrics ive ever heard. I love it
U.S. citizen here. So glad to have these great people in my life from north of the border.
"They got it now Robbie". Cool as fkn milk...
Man where does the time go? Yesterday it was the 70's I was buying the latest 45 record and playing it non stop...Saturday Night Fever is playing at the local theater...I am listening to music on my transistor radio (FM only) as I deliver my newspapers in Victorville CA....I graduated from High School a girl I barely knew hugged me with passion as she whispered my name softly in my ear (why didn't I know she liked me before now?)..I am in the Air Force I am 17 (I turned 18 in basic training), my Mom sold me her Vega, I listen to Pink Floyd on my 8 track as I drive around Nellis AFB, I make Staff Sargent at 21... After 5 years I get accepted to attend the Culinary Institute of America I say goodbye to the Air Force, England and...Alison. It's raining the day I leave and she says "All of England is crying at your departure"....I have been a Chef for 30 years...It's now 2020 I will soon be 59 my knees prevent me from cooking professionally any longer....I am looking at this video and as I listen to the music I keep wondering....where has all the time gone??
Victorville, CA? Hey guys!
Damn Hippies r so kool
Sweet memories of days now long passed. Man sure has taken a dive down since those days of peace and love !
This is perfection. There's nothing better than this.
this song could wash down on me forever, and I'd still hit replay. The best.
Stoned as F*ck and making music for the love of music - miss these days when music was real and "all my changes were there" Simply magic!
my senior hi school teacher took our class to see this in 1978 and it changed my world. to this day I still love to watch and listen to the BAND its as awe inspiring today just as it was 40 yrs ago and if it wasn't for Robbie Robertson the BAND never would have been ...
Teacher of the Century
Neil Young is so bad ass that even on cocaine he is a nice guy
💚🧡
Just being Canadian
Samuel, I don't know if NY has ever been on any drugs or alcohol-he has been type 1 diabetic since childhood, also had epilepsy and contracted polio as a child...fragile health he has guarded well, despite coming of age during drug scene...
@@nonniejill Trust me, I know what I saw phicklephilly.com/2017/09/22/tales-of-rock-neil-young-needs-special-effect-to-hide-coke-in-his-nostril/
@@nonniejill diabetes and cocaine aren't incompatible, Jill
There are no words to explain all that talent including Joni singing like the Angel she was. Leaves me helpless and speechless!!!
There is a passion that takes over and this is an example. Neil Young does not play the game. He is what he is and that is a passion for his music. He sings with life rolling off his tongue and his guitar. Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience him in the 70's were blessed, definitely blessed. God Bless you, Neil Young. Thank you for standing for what you believe. I love you, we love you.
Your comment combined with this beautiful music just gave me goosebumps
Debra Blackwell Ya- Neil is from Blind River, Rick from Stratford, Robbie ,Garth, + Richard also are from Ontario. Only Levon Helm is from Elaine, Arkansas but he lived in Woodland, N.Y.
It does help that Neil Young had an enormous rock of cocaine stuck up his nose through this performance, that was later edited out at the behest of his manager
@@juliettemacdonald5792 .....and Neil is singing about a town up the road from where I live....little Omemee, Ontario,
Hes an awesome Canadian, & human bean!
The universe is billions of years old and I got to exist at the same time as Neil Young
makes me cry, what a time to be alive...
One of my all time favorite performances!..
Truly beautiful ❤❤❤
Hello Molly 👋 How are you? So sorry for the infringe on your
privacy. Beautiful song
Not sure how you can press thumbs down on this. One of the most beautiful songs ever.
Jeff, some people are just negative by nature.
Jeff Clark
It's always been my favorite ❤️️ ! I could listen to this one song all day .
SgtVirg they are not negative they just have no feeling for music and no education .
It's easy to confuse the thumb icons when your eyes ares are filled with tears.
love playing this song with my friends band, the MOUNTAIN BROTHERS BAND I play the bass, easy to play, and I enjoy that
Gives me goosebumps everytime..
R.I.P dad x..
You was right all along.. neil young one of the greatest.
What a track 👌
Just love how Robbie looks up to see rising yellow moon and big birds flying across the sky.
Took my bike and ran to see this movie for 10 kms in 1976.....the people were clapping hands at this song
This the greatest concert ever to be on screen!!!! I just can't say enough about it!!!! The Band was just SO F'N GOOD!!!! And then there is Neil Young, with Joni howling in the back!!!! Jesus Christ can it ever get better than this?!!! HELL NO I SAY!!!!!! THE BAND.....WHAT A GREAT NAME FOR THEM!!!! THEY WERE ALL SO TALENTED.. HELM, DANKO, HUDSON, ROBERTSON AND MORE, NOT TO MENTION THEIR GUEST ON HERE!!!! I WATCH IT TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR, AND HAVE FOR FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING!!!❤️❤️✌️✌️❤️❤️
The first time I gave myself to my ex boyfriend this album was on vinyl and immediately after ...this song came on and we laid there and held each other and I will forever remember him by this song and that perfect moment... it ended on bad terms and we haven’t talked in 3 years but thankyou Justin for showing me the gift of Neil Young. Beautiful
I still have this album on vinyl😊😊
Neil Young. My all time favourite artist. He is music personified. That voice - that inimitable voice. And that inimitable guitar. My God. He is heaven to me.💕💘💞
Damn, really!! Sorry Led Zeppelin sometimes you just have to step aside. This is just magnificent 👏
I think this whole concert will play at my funeral
Rick Danko my favorite rock star of all time
+Trev Mac rick danko deserves serious kudos.
What? Favorite all time? He just has a cool name that’s probably not real man. You can’t trust those Canadiens😂
@@bamadeadhead fuck you ricky is the best
I've always admired Neil taking time to say "it's one of the pleasures of my life to be able to be on this stage with these people."
This is one of my favourite singular moments in music history. Not sure what it is, but Joni harmonizing always gives me goosebumps.
that moment when Neil starts singing and you see Robbie go into a complete different state of mind.
Neil Young is such a class act it’s a blessing for him to still be with us today, or to even have him at all in our culture. Thank you Neil Young.
Neil hit a little of that nose candy, and then knocked it out of the park.
What I came to say
Rest in peace Robbie, you will be missed.
“They got it now Robbie!” Always gets me.
Robert
Robbie real name was Jaime Royal Robertson, but he was always called Robbie@@richardthelionheart5594
Calm down@@richardthelionheart5594
Gets me too coz I never knew what he meant.
What does he mean?
Me and my brother has been saying this for years
Now 71 years old myself after following this guy since I was seventeen years old that says a whole lot for a genius in music.
I won a pair of tickets off “The Mighty Q” Q-107 to the World Premier of “The Last Waltz” in Toronto, Canada...Joni Mitchell’s background vocals still bring chills...a legendary performance by Uncle Neil & The Band...simply sublime...
Every song from the last waltz, is the best version of that song
imagine your back up vocal is JONI MITCHEL, shes a goddess! Wow!!
Joni and Neil were always friends.
And Joni is not even a featured face on stage, to boot. Now imagine you had a traveling Joni Mitchell, a "fact" about which very few know, and via personal fiat, you layered songs with her voice without the audience knowing from whom or where it was coming.
Joni OnDemand ... look stage right, nod, and Joni will take her place in an unlit corner next to her mic, ready to back up any song (or, to truly mess with the audience, have her sing a cover with no supporting vocals and have the entire band act as if nothing is different). Fun times!
Harold and Kumar ?
She is 100 percent a goddess
@@ThaiThom not true, she could not stand him this night
I'm in rehab and this gives me so much motivation to go on. Without Last Waltz and other favourite music I might had jumped out of the window days ago.
+Silmapuoli if you look closely you can see the cocaine in Neil's nose.
+Kyler Mondello lol well placed comment
You can make it brother. You have good taste. Carry on✊🏻
Silmapuoli I think music is a gift.. given to us.. what we do with it is like all gifts.. If we value its ability to calm us and give peace in our hearts then it can be used as it was originally intended.. granted there is some bad music and musicians but they were given the gift too.. they just didn't treat it like a gift.. maybe they took it for granted or just let it age and not keep its value.. I value Music like you do.. it keeps me sane. I need it fairly often.
Praying
This song is beautiful. Songs today can't compare with this.
Good symphpony.with
Good musician
One.suoer
.canadian.❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉😂
How on this earth, nearly 50 years ago, can these guys make sounds like this. I am sitting In my English garden, in the late afternoon of an English summers day, covered in goosebumps and with emotion high. When there is so much hate I. The world right now. Thank you guys. You’ll never know🤗
This movie is like the 60s finally bowing out
well said..
The band, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell, all singing on the same stage doing the song, helpless amazing❤
I have deeply enjoyed this song for years and have experienced an even deeper joy reading all these comments. Neil Young…yeah a tear stained experience for sure
3-20-2020 5:20 AM in my dark basement this blasting from the speakers. Tears. Hope Want.
No video, but audio is priceless - thank-you very much!!!! ............. all of my changes were there.............such a magical art of my growth - younger than these musicians, who taught me to LIVE..............thank-you for this post........cheers
Watching this is about going back in time to an easier era wherein people were willing to open their hearts to what was real.
Joni in the background is fantastic
best version of helpless ever
This song rocks so hard!!! I have watched so many times over the years.
My heart and soul hurt today...i needed this.
I loved the entire concert, but this has always been the highlight for me.
Best Neil song ever, plus this concert showed the the world Robbie is one of the best guitar players ever
Got the DVD. It's great. Got to see Neil Young back in the day. Only performer who could captivate an entire audience by himself.
The Band along with Neil Young and Joni's vocals you can't help but cry at this classic ☝🏾♥️🎶🎸🔥🎶
Neil Young - all the songs I learned first on guitar were his songs. He's the best thing that ever came out of Canada.