The Last Waltz has a special place in my heart. When I was 15 years old (now 57) my father was in our living room watching HBO and he says to me "Come check this out". This was my introduction to The Band and The Last Waltz with my fathers narration of all the other people playing on stage. It is a great memory.
I have a very similar story. I was just thinking I wish I could tell my Dad how right he was about the significance of The Band and this concert The Last Waltz. These guys are many of my favorite musical heroes.
It's quite telling of The Band's abilities that all of the Last Waltz versions of the guest artist songs wipe the floors with their original versions. The Band just somehow both knew exactly what to play and were able to execute it perfectly.
@@oskarileikosTo be fair, the Band re-recorded some songs post show, for the film of The Last Waltz. I think they spent a week polishing up some songs, including 3 days on The Weight. There’s a bit of video where Marty and Robbie were interviewed about it. Marty was very chatty, if you know what I mean, and talks about reshooting The Weight. In the original performance, Robbie plays a guitar he had bronzed before the show. The popular version of that song on TH-cam with the Staplers was recorded in the days after the event, with no bronzed guitar. I’d provide the link with Marty and Robbie, but people can’t trust links anymore.😊 EDIT. I did include the link. It’s a retro bite by CBC. th-cam.com/video/w_v3zbSEhaE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=yNLaw1C4xga9A6JE
I went to my local theater with friends to see The Last Waltz when I was 17, and was always sad that I was never able to see them live. Since 2012 when Levon passed away, I've found a renewed connection to their music, along with Levon's solo work. Thanks to the internet, this ol' 62 year old can watch interviews and documentaries at a push of a button! Thanks for the memories!
The band is fabulous and one of my favorite bands all time! Superb musicians The last waltz is a must see for anybody that loves music just a fabulous concert.
Saw Warren Haynes and several other greats recreate this concert in Chicago a few years ago. Took my then 22 year old son. We were both so grateful to have this opportunity. Those songs are timeless!!
best music doc. ever and just one of the best concerts ever.....wish I was there. My wife and I watch it almost every New Years Eve.......party movie. RIP all you lovely musicians that have left us.......we'll see you down the road.
Coke had become so pervasive by that time, and popular music was taking a hard and final turn to disco, the Bee Gees and the commercialized Fleetwood Mac (RIP Christine McVie) had taken over the airways. It was a weird time and about to get weirder. I’m not sure The Band’s music would have managed the short term success to survive into the 80s. Only a few years before came Court and Spark and Songs in the Key of Life, kind of the pinnacles of their sub genres. So I think The Last Waltz was a fitting title on a far larger scale than just The Band.
This was a Bill Graham produced concert. It was Bill's house. Bill knew what the capabilities of Winterland were. Fans knew what Bill could produce and trusted him to put on a great show even if tickets were twice as much as normal and they didn't know who would be there. Say what you want to about Uncle Bobo, but he knew how to throw a party.
I miss Bill to this day, he could be a real tough guy when he needed to be but was a gentle soul. One hell of a promoter, he had the respect of the musical community and made a lot of careers for young up and coming musicians
Also for that price for the ticket the fans got a nice thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. If you count that in the price I think it was a good deal!
I love the ticket prices and you are correct that was a lot. In 1973 I got tickets to see Clapton inside at our local outdoor concert arena, SPAC. It was$2 to sit on the lawn and I had never sat inside but I wanted to for Clapton. It was $15 to sit in the very back and I couldn't believe I spent that much.
This dinosaur knew all of that I’ve never bought a Neil Diamond record ever But Neil Diamond did a great performance of "Dry Your Eyes" That shocked us cool kids It was great I’ve watched the Last Waltz on every video medium, BETA & VHS tapes, OG 12” laser discs, in the theater, cable movie channels, 4K UHD. From the late ‘70’s til today. The Last Waltz is the absolute best concert film ever made. Btw I haven’t ever had a GF or wife who wasn’t familiar w the Band.
I want to send a thank you shout out to the little art theater in yellow springs ohio for showing the last waltz many times. Just a small intimate theater with a great sound system for its time. Great memories for me. P.s. yellow springs is also the hometown of Ritchie Furay of poco.
"You'll get more than Sinatra" became a favorite tag line of mine after this movie. I love Neil Diamond but always chuckle when he comes out on stage and somebody from the audience shouts out "Engelbert Humperdinck!". Google if you must...
One of the best shows I ever saw was the Band at the Academy of Music in NYC . It is a shame they ended up like they did . I am sure you read "Wheels on fire " It's funny how Levon left out the fact that Robbie put his own money up for the movie . I had never heard that . Any way big fan videos are great
I’ve read both Robbie Robertson & Levon Helms books.I’ve owned the DVD for years.Grew up in Stratford,Ontario lick Richard Manual.Another element was drug & alcohol addiction.Robbie seemed to be the family guy who along with Garth Hudson stayed away from the heavy drugs.This was the 1970s!
Not quite. Robbie snaffled a mountain of The Devil's Dandruff with Martin Scorsese. They were so coked up to the eyeballs that their wives threw them out, so they moved in together, and put black-out curtains over the windows. Scorsese ended up being hospitalized, because he did so much coke, his blood platelet count went way down and he began bleeding internally.
@@carlmassengale1027 Robbie was not a heroin user, he was afraid of heroin. Exactly where it is "documented" that he used heroin? He got into The Devil's Dandruff for a while. Richard, Rick & Levon got into heroin. Check your facts.
That $25 in 1978 is about $115 today. Which, sadly, is surprisingly cheap. Indication of how ridiculous concert tickets have gotten. And Baxter took me back to my college radio days when he mentioned The Connells. now, I have to go digging through those old CDs to see if I still have a copy
My favorite part of the film is when Levon is lighting Robbie's cigarette. Levon had that match burn forever. Any other person would have put it out before a finger burn.
What I’d heard about the Muddy Waters segment was it was an accident that only one camera was running. The rest we’re getting film changes and hadn’t been for them to be down during Muddy’s segment.
They weren’t able to film everything because those particular cameras are used for film work, and unlike television cameras would get too hot with prolonged use, plus having to constantly reload with film meant downtime at least for some portions.
LOVE THE BAND !! So sad Robbie is Gone Now 😢 everything he ever Touched Turned to Gold. My girlfriends God Mother use to Baby Sit for Rick & Liz Danko she's got the most incredible story's & memorabilia in her home on Waterfall Way in Woodstock. Every time we visit her I Stop & go the the Local Cemetery & Chill with Levon & Rick's Family. Great Video Guys Love it when Clapton's guitar strap slips off & Robbie just takes Over ❤ ✌️
I feel like the bands that have survived have been the ones that focused more on touring than recording. Like the Stones put out albums but it's being out on the road that seems to keep them from completely imploding. The Dead...
One of the things that didn't make the cut of the film was when Clapton had become so intoxicated late into the evening he didn't want to or couldn't walk on stage so Bill Graham picked him up and carried him onstage. Footage exists of this but it's difficult to find. It was covered by Rolling Stone. I also noticed the big cocaine booger in Neil Young's nose wasn't discussed either.
I was the Band geek hanging around the radio on Thanksgiving day 1976, waiting for updates of the concert to be mentioned. I can't remember if they even mentioned it - so at least I got to hear Alice's Restaurant a few times.
You are right there seems to be those who adore Levon and hate Robbie, or vice versa. I happen to love Robbie, as a songwriter, guitarist, and human being, he is just so fascinating and of course very good looking and charming, so much charisma. Many Levon devotees, read his book and just took his word for what happened. The truth is a little more complicated, Barney Hoskyns biography of The Band gives a more balanced view. None of them were perfect, but Levon had some personality issues, and he was addicted to heroin for a while, as were Rick and Richard. Robbie and Garth stayed away from heroin, although they did other drugs. Robbie is very open about it in his book. Levon became very distrustful of managers, accountants, lawyers, all needed when a band is successful, so it felt to Robbie to deal with them, the others weren't interested or did have the business sense or were too stoned. Garth was an introvert. Besides The Last Waltz didn't make a lot of money, Robbie made a lot of money off the songs, he wrote most of them. However, they ALL made a lot of money according to Hoskyns. Robbie made a lot of money after The Band making movie scores. Levon spent money recklessly, whether he had it or not, and then years later when he was broke he wrote a book blaming Robbie. I love Levon's singing and drumming, his personality not so much. My favorite after Robbie, is Rick Danko, his voice is so soulful, can break your heart, he had an endearing personality and lot's of charisma.
The Bob Dylan part became even funnier when Dylan’s Manager claimed that Bob had contract to play one or two songs but get hooked to play with his fellows. So the manager tried to interfere when Bill Graham grabbed him and locked him away. Plus stories about Dylan’s hat. I always thought Neil Diamond was there and he didn’t really disturb the thing.
I live near and service Woodstock and surrounding areas. I’m not going name check the many luminaries, but I wil declare that the fragrance of their society is delightful should one be fortunate enough to visit with one of these artists, intellectuals, and so on. I grew up listening to my elder siblings music. And they were cool and had good taste. I was born in 1959, a year that was a hinge, a semicolon between the ancients and the moderns in the western world. I was eight, nine and really getting the popular music with the same deep appreciation for all of its nuance, newness, humor, and righteous indignation as I do as an adult. I’d lay on m older yippee sister’s fleece rug, burn her strawberry incense, and be transported by The Band. I was a curious kid that was familiar with The Civil War, American roots music and so on. The Band tied it all together and made a new stew, a new dish that we all savor and had never in our dreams tasted any creation as good. The hight of my memories of The Midnight Rambles at his barn was one particular night that Donald Fagen sat in with band. They did Shakedown Steet! It served Donald well. He sang really well. He is the closest thing to a mortal that I put on a pedestal. And Levon is similar to me as well. I am overflowing with gratitude that of all towns to get lpugged into, it would Woodsock and neighboring hamlets. Oh, and I found Waits shopping in our nearby College Town. I saw him him across the street and we looked at each other and I gave him a low wave from my hip. He responded in kind. When my friend came out of art store, I told him Tom went into the bookstore. He bagged me to follow him to meet Tom, but I was afraid he’d cut me for sicking my friend on him.
I've been to Medieval times, not convinced it's chicken. However, I noticed there were no Seagulls for years. The Band members hated Robinson after the show and never forgave him for ending the band.
Neil's album Beautiful Noise was just released and had been produced by Robbie, The song he did was co-written with Robbie. I also think Robbie had respect for other great songwriters and Neil fits that bill.
He had produced two albums by the date of ‘The Last Waltz’. The concept album ‘Beautiful Noise’ - first time anyone had seen a ‘Produced By’ credit on the front cover and Neil’s return to ‘The Greek’ in L.A. for an 8- night stand after his 3 1/2 year break from the road . Both ‘Beautiful Noise’ and ‘Love at The Greek’ sold millions.
I’ve seen The Waltz numerous times. I love the movie. When I think of Thanksgiving though I always think of Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant, (the song not the movie). You didn’t need to see Neil Young’s cocaine booger to realize he had probably stayed backstage of little too long. 😬
Search youtube for Neil Diamond and Buffalo Springfield on the TV show Mannix in the 60s-70. They play in the background in the night club scenes. That would be a good show if you did bands/musicians that appeared in old TV shows. Bowie on Dinah Shore is one of my favorites.
Another Thanksgiving tradition is watching the movie Alice’s Restaurant, with Arlo Guthrie ( Woody Guthrie’s son). The song Alice’s Restaurant is an anti war, very long story song, which they made into a movie. The story takes place during Thanksgiving Arlo is also famous for recording City of New Orleans, which was written by Steve Goodman. It’s one of those kitchen songs; someone plays and sings it, and everyone claps or stomps or sings along as best they can. I’ve heard it many, many times at parties, and I’m not even American.
theres a greal box set of the whole 4-5hr show, has a lil book inside. That Muddy Waters shot was almost mnissed, all the cameras were reloading but 1, so thats why you pretty much have 1 angle that slowly draws in.
Ppl need to see the recent documentary Once Were Brothers. Yes it's Robbie centric but gives a good account of why they fell apart due to the drug addiction of Levon and others
Old Band lover fan here.... seen live many times and boy they would sound amazingly just like the recordings.... a testament to their virtuosity. Regarding the Neil Diamond story at TLW... he was all Robbies idea just a Muddy was all Levon's and I agree.... Neil had no right to be on that stage with all the others on that night! Damn good thing they didn't cut Muddy as that woulda sent some fur flyin!
Best ‘cut’ of the whole show was ‘N.D.’s & R.R.’s song ‘Dry Your Eyes’ And , almost everyone was playing ‘Ovations’ through that decade - and the next. Best in-concert sound .
I was there. When Neil Diamond came out, everybody was surprised -WTF? Diamond had just recently done residency at the Aladdin Hotel in Vegas, which was viewed as "selling out" and most of his fans were our moms. So he comes out and people started yelling "Go back to Reno". He said "I'm just gonna do one song for you" and someone in the back, farthest from the stage, yelled out "How about HALF a song?" And then he said "But I'm going to do it GOOD" But I gotta admit, he killed it and he won the audience over - we applauded loudly as he walked off the stage to have his little exchange with Dylan.
There was a rumor that Levon Helm said some bad things about Robbie Robertson. when he was on his death bed. but I'm not so sure of that. it's possible but no one has ever said anything for sure. they were from Canada originally. but they fit in well with the southern Rock and Roll scene. at the begining of the DVD it comes up on the screen. this should be listed to really loud and that is true.
Levon bashed Robbie in his book "This Wheel is on fire", which came out in the early to mid nineties, Levon died in 2012. Levon's family thought enough of Robbie to call him and tell him Levon was dying, Robbie went to see Levon, but he was not concious at the time.
I'm not in Robbie or Levon's camp. But I will say that Levon seemed to have some weird bitterness about the whole thing after the fact. I've heard people who were close to him say that. Plus I've never heard Robbie say one unkind word about Levon. Plus I've never heard anyone else in the band badmouth Robbie. Now that Robbie's gone, hopefully they can get it all patched up in Heaven.
Levon had some major financial problems later in life, I believe due to his cancer diagnosis, which seemed sad to me. I know that he and other Band members had some serious drug issues in the 70’s, which may have affected their finances. But it seemed to me that Robbie wasn’t really fair to the others. In any case, it’s too bad the Levon carried his resentment to the grave.
the bitterness likely stems from Robbie negotiating them out of their publishing rights in exchange for a recording studio that never materialized. Once Robertson had all the publish rights and the rest of the members realized later that was where the future money was, all but Levon felt compelled to kiss Robertson’s butt to avoid being cut-off. Levon could go out and make money on his own talent. Also, Scorsese is/was some Robertson fanatic and there was quite a favoring of Robertson in the editing. Overall, the veterans of the Band were taken to the cleaners but the young-gun Robertson, who was arguably treated poorly when he first joined. It is similar in some respects to CCR in that you should have attorney represent you-not your drug filled stupid-self.
@@CJinsooSome of the people that I’ve seen argue on the side that Robbie screwed over everybody else make it sound like they didn’t earn a dime and practically lived in poverty. I can almost guarantee you that over the course of their careers they all earned many multiples of what a normal middle class American could ever hope to earn in spite of this royalties issue. Maybe the business dealings weren’t fair, but maybe they were - none of us were there. With that said it should be noted that multiple members of the Band were hardcore heroin / cocaine addicts and as such probably didn’t exercise good judgement when spending / investing their money over the years. 🤷🏼♂️
@@JRRob3wn Good point about them living decent lives despite the business deal with Robertson. The Band members exercised poor judgement and if they are unhappy with the outcome then they have only themselves to blame. If they had consulted with a decent attorney they would have achieved a better outcome. one thing where this is different from CCR, is that with CCR Fogerty was EVERYTHING, writing, arrangements, and singing. Whereas Robertson was only one part of the Band. If Robertson did not live up to his end of the deal, or took advantage of the other members, then that pretty low. But, non of them ever sued Robertson, unlike CCR. Still, you can take advantage of your friends and everything still be legal. If Levon later realized that the publishing rights were worth more than anything else, welll, that’s why you get an attorney to start with.
@@CJinsoo I’m new to learning about The Band, but I read somewhere that Robbie wrote almost every single song. Apparently, Levon felt that since the songs didn’t come together in their final form until the entire band had worked on it together in sessions that he should have gotten an equal share in the royalties. Apparently that’s not how royalties work - the songwriter gets a higher percentage of the payout. I’m not sure of how accurate the above is as I am not an expert in the situation, but if it is true, if he wanted credit for helping write songs he should have demanded proper attribution at the time. Once again it sounds like he and the others just never really cared enough until they started running out of money after their popularity waned.
$25 dollars in 1976 would be $128.45 in today's dollars. Not too bad considering Stone's tickets in 2021 average price was $373. Considering their relative level of fame (if not considering the many guest acts) it is comparable to today's ticket prices..
Smart brother I'd say .... I and my buddy also cut out early from the family Thanksgiving to go to the concert: can't say that I ever had any remorse about that particular Thanksgiving choice!
Hey, I was at that Connells show at Walnut Creek. Probably the first show at Walnut Creek. My son was there and my daughters was in her mommy's tummy. So the whole family was technically there. :) Sometimes when my son and daughter are around we do round robins with music and we (my wife, me and whoever else) play music videos. My daughter (@malloryhawk) who is currently living in NYC playing in her bands (Customer, Slight Of and sometimes How Says) was down here in OCT and played The Weight as one of her songs. I was shocked.
I don't know if its in print anymore, but there was a book that went into more detail about that show. Like how Richard Manuel was really depressed at the time and Levon had his drums setup so that he could look into Charlie's eyes.
Neil Diamond has always been the "one of these these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn't belong" act in The Last Waltz for me. I know many people love him, I am not one of them. Same for Elvis Costello, I ask my self "What am I missing here?" I just don't get why they are considered "Great performers". Oh well, different strokes for different folks, right? I know, experience has taught me EC fans will flood this reply with comments doubting my taste and or my manhood. Haven't been flamed by hordes of angry Neil Diamond fans yet, so that will be new for me.
Reading the comments as ever you see the two factions emerge: Robbie ripped off the rest of them; and Robbie was the glue which held The Band together. If anything I'm in Robbie's camp (RIP) for this reason. For most of the time leading up to the singer/songwriter era which was a novel concept in the 60s, the Brill Building / Tin Pan Alley model was just the way it worked. For example: The Animals (one of my favorite bands from this time) recorded "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place" which was written by the Brill's Mann and Weil duo. The Animals changed quite a lot about the song; some of the words to make it a bit more Newcastle-ish and some of the bass riffs and more. But it was never anything but a Mann/Weil song. That's just the way it was. Robbie wrote the songs and the other band members (especially Garth I think) said 'I can do this here' or 'Let's change this chord progression here' and made it better. But it was a Robbie song.
Yeah, I guess that’s the way royalties worked. But there’s no question that Levon, his background, and his stories were the inspiration for many of Robbie’s songs. They also gave the impression that they all worked together musically on the first two albums at least. It seems like Robbie could have acknowledged that when it came to royalties.
@@Sarah113ify They other got 20 percent of the publishing rights until they willingly sold their share to Robbie, except for Levon. According to Hoskyns they all made a lot of money, much was wasted on drugs and bad money management.
#11 - Robbie Robertson was a phenomial guitar player and should be an inspiration to anyone who plays. He was also an amazing writer and storyteller. That being said, he couldn't sing. I'm told it was so bad that they turned his mic off so it looked like he was singing, but no one had to hear it!
More bullsh*t from Levon’s book. Robbie’s mic was always in at their shows but lower than the rest. And you don’t get songwriting credit for showing up and playing your instrument. That was their JOB.
@@jquinlanRobbie could sing, he just was not a great singer compared to 3 of his band mates. Richard, Levon and my favorite Rick. Read some of the comments about sharing the credits, it is not as one sided as you think.
I paid either $4.50 or $7.50 - don't recall exactly, it was a looooong time ago - to see Wings on the Wings Over America tour in 1976. I saved allowance money for WEEKS to see them!
I watched the movie once and own it on dvd or blue ray. The tune " Chest fever " has only about 3 seconds? Did see camera over heat , I thick that tune has one the best keyboard intros of all time.
Neil Diamond was in the movie, I believe, because Robertson was producing Diamond's next album. Also, I remember one New Year's Eve on TCM they played a Elvis concert movie, The Song Remains the Same, and the Last Waltz...I thought that would become a tradition, but alas, too good to come to pass.
Caravan by Van was my intro to him. I loved all those guys and Joni except Diamond. But l like him now. Dylan standa above all. He rules the rock n roll era.
The Last Waltz has a special place in my heart. When I was 15 years old (now 57) my father was in our living room watching HBO and he says to me "Come check this out". This was my introduction to The Band and The Last Waltz with my fathers narration of all the other people playing on stage. It is a great memory.
Same!
I have a very similar story. I was just thinking I wish I could tell my Dad how right he was about the significance of The Band and this concert The Last Waltz. These guys are many of my favorite musical heroes.
My physics teacher gave me his CD to borrow and told me I should watch this. Been in love ever since.
The Band were one of those rare times when a mix of individuals creates an unforgettable legacy of music.
It's quite telling of The Band's abilities that all of the Last Waltz versions of the guest artist songs wipe the floors with their original versions. The Band just somehow both knew exactly what to play and were able to execute it perfectly.
..kinda like the underrated Traveling Wilburys...such a collection of egos that made great music
@@cbroz7492 THE BAND , THe Travelling WILBURYS . ? THE B , to state the obvious , the Band had 10 albums , the Willburys had 2 or 3 .
Facts
@@oskarileikosTo be fair, the Band re-recorded some songs post show, for the film of The Last Waltz. I think they spent a week polishing up some songs, including 3 days
on The Weight. There’s a bit of video where Marty and Robbie were interviewed about it. Marty was very chatty, if you know what I mean, and talks about reshooting The Weight.
In the original performance, Robbie plays a guitar he had bronzed before the show. The popular version of that song on TH-cam with the Staplers was recorded in the days after the event, with no bronzed guitar.
I’d provide the link with Marty and Robbie, but people can’t trust links anymore.😊
EDIT. I did include the link. It’s a retro bite by CBC. th-cam.com/video/w_v3zbSEhaE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=yNLaw1C4xga9A6JE
I went to my local theater with friends to see The Last Waltz when I was 17, and was always sad that I was never able to see them live. Since 2012 when Levon passed away, I've found a renewed connection to their music, along with Levon's solo work. Thanks to the internet, this ol' 62 year old can watch interviews and documentaries at a push of a button! Thanks for the memories!
You should check out Chest Fever! They celebrate The Band's music and are currently on tour.
@@hollywhite995 I actually follow them on Facebook! Waiting for them to come to my area ;)
The band is fabulous and one of my favorite bands all time! Superb musicians The last waltz is a must see for anybody that loves music just a fabulous concert.
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My favorite CD and DVD..
I also love the way Levon describes their first trip to New York: "It was an adult portion."
I’m sure it was if you’re from rural Arkansas!
I love The Last Waltz. Seen it so many times, but still can’t turn it off when I bump into it.
By far the best concert/film ever, as if it happened last week. I love ever second. There are some great books on it..
A masterpiece - one of many from Marty.
Saw Warren Haynes and several other greats recreate this concert in Chicago a few years ago. Took my then 22 year old son. We were both so grateful to have this opportunity. Those songs are timeless!!
It was the 40th Anniversary tour, saw it in Boston. It was one hell of a show.
No matter what these two characters say - The Last Waltz remains Great!!
best music doc. ever and just one of the best concerts ever.....wish I was there. My wife and I watch it almost every New Years Eve.......party movie. RIP all you lovely musicians that have left us.......we'll see you down the road.
Coke had become so pervasive by that time, and popular music was taking a hard and final turn to disco, the Bee Gees and the commercialized Fleetwood Mac (RIP Christine McVie) had taken over the airways. It was a weird time and about to get weirder. I’m not sure The Band’s music would have managed the short term success to survive into the 80s. Only a few years before came Court and Spark and Songs in the Key of Life, kind of the pinnacles of their sub genres. So I think The Last Waltz was a fitting title on a far larger scale than just The Band.
Van Morrison was fantastic on Caravan. It might be the first ever official “Mic Drop” as he’s leaving the stage.
Always knew it was fueled by blow. Now know it was a horse sized portion. The leg kicking is just the best.
This was a Bill Graham produced concert. It was Bill's house. Bill knew what the capabilities of Winterland were. Fans knew what Bill could produce and trusted him to put on a great show even if tickets were twice as much as normal and they didn't know who would be there. Say what you want to about Uncle Bobo, but he knew how to throw a party.
I miss Bill to this day, he could be a real tough guy when he needed to be but was a gentle soul. One hell of a promoter, he had the respect of the musical community and made a lot of careers for young up and coming musicians
Also for that price for the ticket the fans got a nice thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. If you count that in the price I think it was a good deal!
right on✊🏽
Loved Bill
Loved Winterland
Loved The Band
💕🌸💕🌸💕
I love the ticket prices and you are correct that was a lot. In 1973 I got tickets to see Clapton inside at our local outdoor concert arena, SPAC. It was$2 to sit on the lawn and I had never sat inside but I wanted to for Clapton. It was $15 to sit in the very back and I couldn't believe I spent that much.
Good discussion, thanks Baxter & Jonathan. Scorsese nailed it, one of the best films about rock and roll...
The Band is one of my most favorite bands. I rank it with Pink Floyd. They did so much for music.
This dinosaur knew all of that
I’ve never bought a Neil Diamond record ever
But
Neil Diamond did a great performance of "Dry Your Eyes"
That shocked us cool kids
It was great
I’ve watched the Last Waltz on every video medium, BETA & VHS tapes, OG 12” laser discs, in the theater, cable movie channels, 4K UHD. From the late ‘70’s til today. The Last Waltz is the absolute best concert film ever made.
Btw I haven’t ever had a GF or wife who wasn’t familiar w the Band.
The greatest concert film of all time.
Is Scorsese would’ve directed the Brady Bunch it would’ve been a great movie
I want to send a thank you shout out to the little art theater in yellow springs ohio for showing the last waltz many times. Just a small intimate theater with a great sound system for its time.
Great memories for me.
P.s. yellow springs is also the hometown of Ritchie Furay of poco.
"You'll get more than Sinatra" became a favorite tag line of mine after this movie. I love Neil Diamond but always chuckle when he comes out on stage and somebody from the audience shouts out "Engelbert Humperdinck!". Google if you must...
So funny!
One of the best shows I ever saw was the Band at the Academy of Music in NYC . It is a shame they ended up like they did . I am sure you read "Wheels on fire " It's funny how Levon left out the fact that Robbie put his own money up for the movie . I had never heard that . Any way big fan videos are great
Van the man! Greatest " one more time" of all time!
I’ve read both Robbie Robertson & Levon Helms books.I’ve owned the DVD for years.Grew up in Stratford,Ontario lick Richard Manual.Another element was drug & alcohol addiction.Robbie seemed to be the family guy who along with Garth Hudson stayed away from the heavy drugs.This was the 1970s!
Not quite. Robbie snaffled a mountain of The Devil's Dandruff with Martin Scorsese. They were so coked up to the eyeballs that their wives threw them out, so they moved in together, and put black-out curtains over the windows. Scorsese ended up being hospitalized, because he did so much coke, his blood platelet count went way down and he began bleeding internally.
Robbie was NO saint...altho in his telling, he was.
@@maryperez1235 Robbie never portrayed himself as a saint. He was candid about his heavy cocaine period. He was just never a heroin user.
@@ericmalone3213My friend, I think it's documented that "was just never a heroin user" is not accurate.
@@carlmassengale1027 Robbie was not a heroin user, he was afraid of heroin. Exactly where it is "documented" that he used heroin? He got into The Devil's Dandruff for a while. Richard, Rick & Levon got into heroin. Check your facts.
That $25 in 1978 is about $115 today. Which, sadly, is surprisingly cheap. Indication of how ridiculous concert tickets have gotten.
And Baxter took me back to my college radio days when he mentioned The Connells. now, I have to go digging through those old CDs to see if I still have a copy
Even though it was twenty five dollars. it was worth every penny of it for sure.
My favorite part of the film is when Levon is lighting Robbie's cigarette. Levon had that match burn forever. Any other person would have put it out before a finger burn.
lol I always laugh at that too.
That was my first year away at college and instead of going with friends, I decided to go home.
Yes, I'm still kicking myself.
What I’d heard about the Muddy Waters segment was it was an accident that only one camera was running. The rest we’re getting film changes and hadn’t been for them to be down during Muddy’s segment.
I’ve never understood why the movie was never later recut to show the entire concert. Presumably the footage exists or did for some time.
They weren’t able to film everything because those particular cameras are used for film work, and unlike television cameras would get too hot with prolonged use, plus having to constantly reload with film meant downtime at least for some portions.
@@BrunoMorphet still and yet, certainly there is/was a lot of unused concert footage .... is it greedy to want it ALL?
I was 18 when "Music from Big Pink" was released. Love for the band was tribal. The "Last Waltz" was seminal. Garth is the last man standing.
I was about that age, too. Was it ‘68? I saw them 4 times if you count Woodstock and once in the 80’s.
@@Sarah113ify yep, 1968
Me, too. Didn't know what prompted me to.pick out that LP in JC Penney that day. Now I know it was Devine intervention.
LOVE THE BAND !!
So sad Robbie is Gone Now 😢 everything he ever Touched Turned to Gold. My girlfriends God Mother use to Baby Sit for Rick & Liz Danko she's got the most incredible story's & memorabilia in her home on Waterfall Way in Woodstock. Every time we visit her I Stop & go the the Local Cemetery & Chill with Levon & Rick's Family.
Great Video Guys
Love it when Clapton's guitar strap slips off & Robbie just takes Over ❤ ✌️
I feel like the bands that have survived have been the ones that focused more on touring than recording. Like the Stones put out albums but it's being out on the road that seems to keep them from completely imploding. The Dead...
Alice's Restaurant is the quintessential Thanksgiving album.
One of the things that didn't make the cut of the film was when Clapton had become so intoxicated late into the evening he didn't want to or couldn't walk on stage so Bill Graham picked him up and carried him onstage. Footage exists of this but it's difficult to find. It was covered by Rolling Stone. I also noticed the big cocaine booger in Neil Young's nose wasn't discussed either.
"big cocaine booger" = 3:14 😉
I was the Band geek hanging around the radio on Thanksgiving day 1976, waiting for updates of the concert to be mentioned. I can't remember if they even mentioned it - so at least I got to hear Alice's Restaurant a few times.
You are right there seems to be those who adore Levon and hate Robbie, or vice versa. I happen to love Robbie, as a songwriter, guitarist, and human being, he is just so fascinating and of course very good looking and charming, so much charisma. Many Levon devotees, read his book and just took his word for what happened. The truth is a little more complicated, Barney Hoskyns biography of The Band gives a more balanced view. None of them were perfect, but Levon had some personality issues, and he was addicted to heroin for a while, as were Rick and Richard. Robbie and Garth stayed away from heroin, although they did other drugs. Robbie is very open about it in his book. Levon became very distrustful of managers, accountants, lawyers, all needed when a band is successful, so it felt to Robbie to deal with them, the others weren't interested or did have the business sense or were too stoned. Garth was an introvert. Besides The Last Waltz didn't make a lot of money, Robbie made a lot of money off the songs, he wrote most of them. However, they ALL made a lot of money according to Hoskyns. Robbie made a lot of money after The Band making movie scores. Levon spent money recklessly, whether he had it or not, and then years later when he was broke he wrote a book blaming Robbie. I love Levon's singing and drumming, his personality not so much. My favorite after Robbie, is Rick Danko, his voice is so soulful, can break your heart, he had an endearing personality and lot's of charisma.
The Bob Dylan part became even funnier when Dylan’s Manager claimed that Bob had contract to play one or two songs but get hooked to play with his fellows. So the manager tried to interfere when Bill Graham grabbed him and locked him away.
Plus stories about Dylan’s hat.
I always thought Neil Diamond was there and he didn’t really disturb the thing.
Had tickets to see CSN at Poplar Creek in suburban Shitcago in the 80s. We found out The Band was opening. The Band put CSN to shame.
I live near and service Woodstock and surrounding areas. I’m not going name check the many luminaries, but I wil declare that the fragrance of their society is delightful should one be fortunate enough to visit with one of these artists, intellectuals, and so on. I grew up listening to my elder siblings music. And they were cool and had good taste. I was born in 1959, a year that was a hinge, a semicolon between the ancients and the moderns in the western world.
I was eight, nine and really getting the popular music with the same deep appreciation for all of its nuance, newness, humor, and righteous indignation as I do as an adult. I’d lay on m older yippee sister’s fleece rug, burn her strawberry incense, and be transported by The Band. I was a curious kid that was familiar with The Civil War, American roots music and so on. The Band tied it all together and made a new stew, a new dish that we all savor and had never in our dreams tasted any creation as good.
The hight of my memories of The Midnight Rambles at his barn was one particular night that Donald Fagen sat in with band. They did Shakedown Steet! It served Donald well. He sang really well. He is the closest thing to a mortal that I put on a pedestal. And Levon is similar to me as well. I am overflowing with gratitude that of all towns to get
lpugged into, it would Woodsock and neighboring hamlets.
Oh, and I found Waits shopping in our nearby College Town. I saw him him across the street and we looked at each other and I gave him a low wave from my hip. He responded in kind. When my friend came out of art store, I told him Tom went into the bookstore. He bagged me to follow him to meet Tom, but I was afraid he’d cut me for sicking my friend on him.
Levons drumming is so perfect.
Robbie had just produced a Neil Diamond record.
RIP Robbie Robertson
A friend asked me to go to a show she won tickets for on Thanksgiving day, that came with dinner: The Last Waltz... WOW!!!!
My Thanksgiving tradition is to listen to "Alice's Restaurant."
My favorite doc ever!
I've been to Medieval times, not convinced it's chicken. However, I noticed there were no Seagulls for years. The Band members hated Robinson after the show and never forgave him for ending the band.
Except they kept performing as The Band for years. And everyone except Levon worked with Robbie after he left.
@@handle-schmandle are you sure, at the second Woodstock, they didn't allow him to play with them. He left the band. Took all the Seagulls as well.
Robinson? Crusoe? Frank or Brooks or Jackie?? I'm confused ....
When I first saw the movie when it first came out, when I saw Neil Diamond, I thought, 'what is he doing in this concert?"
Neil's album Beautiful Noise was just released and had been produced by Robbie, The song he did was co-written with Robbie. I also think Robbie had respect for other great songwriters and Neil fits that bill.
I watch the film every Thanksgiving morning.
I watch Alice’s Restaurant on thanksgiving
Van Morrison !!!!!
Geee guys. Give him the credit he deserves
I think Neil Diamond was on the show was because Robbie had produced
Neil's album at the time. Robbie's no fool when it comes to bidness
He had produced two albums by the date of ‘The Last Waltz’. The concept album ‘Beautiful Noise’ - first time anyone had seen a ‘Produced By’ credit on the front cover and Neil’s return to ‘The Greek’ in L.A. for an 8- night stand after his 3 1/2 year break from the road . Both ‘Beautiful Noise’ and ‘Love at The Greek’ sold millions.
Great show, thanks!
RIP Robbie Robertson. Who else is gonna bring us broken arrows.
This is my favorite video you've made so far...
I’ve seen The Waltz numerous times. I love the movie. When I think of Thanksgiving though I always think of Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant, (the song not the movie). You didn’t need to see Neil Young’s cocaine booger to realize he had probably stayed backstage of little too long. 😬
Robbie wrote in his book, "when Neil walked out on the stage I knew no one at Winterland, was feeling better than Neil".
Search youtube for Neil Diamond and Buffalo Springfield on the TV show Mannix in the 60s-70. They play in the background in the night club scenes. That would be a good show if you did bands/musicians that appeared in old TV shows. Bowie on Dinah Shore is one of my favorites.
Derek & the Dominoes on the Johnny Cash show was a good one too.
Janis Joplin on Dick Cavett. I think they were sweet on each other. Funny tension when he interviews her.
Another Thanksgiving tradition is watching the movie Alice’s Restaurant, with Arlo Guthrie ( Woody Guthrie’s son). The song Alice’s Restaurant is an anti war, very long story song, which they made into a movie. The story takes place during Thanksgiving
Arlo is also famous for recording City of New Orleans, which was written by Steve Goodman. It’s one of those kitchen songs; someone plays and sings it, and everyone claps or stomps or sings along as best they can. I’ve heard it many, many times at parties, and I’m not even American.
Neil Diamond? R.R. had just produced his new album. Levon commented "We are bumping Muddy Waters for him?"
theres a greal box set of the whole 4-5hr show, has a lil book inside. That Muddy Waters shot was almost mnissed, all the cameras were reloading but 1, so thats why you pretty much have 1 angle that slowly draws in.
Ppl need to see the recent documentary Once Were Brothers. Yes it's Robbie centric but gives a good account of why they fell apart due to the drug addiction of Levon and others
Old Band lover fan here.... seen live many times and boy they would sound amazingly just like the recordings.... a testament to their virtuosity. Regarding the Neil Diamond story at TLW... he was all Robbies idea just a Muddy was all Levon's and I agree.... Neil had no right to be on that stage with all the others on that night! Damn good thing they didn't cut Muddy as that woulda sent some fur flyin!
Best ‘cut’ of the whole show was ‘N.D.’s & R.R.’s song ‘Dry Your Eyes’ And , almost everyone was playing ‘Ovations’ through that decade - and the next. Best in-concert sound .
I was there. When Neil Diamond came out, everybody was surprised -WTF? Diamond had just recently done residency at the Aladdin Hotel in Vegas, which was viewed as "selling out" and most of his fans were our moms. So he comes out and people started yelling "Go back to Reno". He said "I'm just gonna do one song for you" and someone in the back, farthest from the stage, yelled out "How about HALF a song?" And then he said "But I'm going to do it GOOD" But I gotta admit, he killed it and he won the audience over - we applauded loudly as he walked off the stage to have his little exchange with Dylan.
Please note that Mr. Diamond also used his own drummer for his song: Levon took a "break".
Muddy Waters & The Band, brilliant!
Favourite song-in-movie moments! That could be a great video!
There was a rumor that Levon Helm said some bad things about Robbie Robertson. when he was on his death bed. but I'm not so sure of that. it's possible but no one has ever said anything for sure. they were from Canada originally. but they fit in well with the southern Rock and Roll scene. at the begining of the DVD it comes up on the screen. this should be listed to really loud and that is true.
Levon bashed Robbie in his book "This Wheel is on fire", which came out in the early to mid nineties, Levon died in 2012. Levon's family thought enough of Robbie to call him and tell him Levon was dying, Robbie went to see Levon, but he was not concious at the time.
I'm not in Robbie or Levon's camp. But I will say that Levon seemed to have some weird bitterness about the whole thing after the fact. I've heard people who were close to him say that. Plus I've never heard Robbie say one unkind word about Levon. Plus I've never heard anyone else in the band badmouth Robbie. Now that Robbie's gone, hopefully they can get it all patched up in Heaven.
Levon had some major financial problems later in life, I believe due to his cancer diagnosis, which seemed sad to me. I know that he and other Band members had some serious drug issues in the 70’s, which may have affected their finances. But it seemed to me that Robbie wasn’t really fair to the others. In any case, it’s too bad the Levon carried his resentment to the grave.
the bitterness likely stems from Robbie negotiating them out of their publishing rights in exchange for a recording studio that never materialized. Once Robertson had all the publish rights and the rest of the members realized later that was where the future money was, all but Levon felt compelled to kiss Robertson’s butt to avoid being cut-off. Levon could go out and make money on his own talent.
Also, Scorsese is/was some Robertson fanatic and there was quite a favoring of Robertson in the editing.
Overall, the veterans of the Band were taken to the cleaners but the young-gun Robertson, who was arguably treated poorly when he first joined. It is similar in some respects to CCR in that you should have attorney represent you-not your drug filled stupid-self.
@@CJinsooSome of the people that I’ve seen argue on the side that Robbie screwed over everybody else make it sound like they didn’t earn a dime and practically lived in poverty. I can almost guarantee you that over the course of their careers they all earned many multiples of what a normal middle class American could ever hope to earn in spite of this royalties issue. Maybe the business dealings weren’t fair, but maybe they were - none of us were there. With that said it should be noted that multiple members of the Band were hardcore heroin / cocaine addicts and as such probably didn’t exercise good judgement when spending / investing their money over the years. 🤷🏼♂️
@@JRRob3wn Good point about them living decent lives despite the business deal with Robertson. The Band members exercised poor judgement and if they are unhappy with the outcome then they have only themselves to blame. If they had consulted with a decent attorney they would have achieved a better outcome. one thing where this is different from CCR, is that with CCR Fogerty was EVERYTHING, writing, arrangements, and singing. Whereas Robertson was only one part of the Band. If Robertson did not live up to his end of the deal, or took advantage of the other members, then that pretty low. But, non of them ever sued Robertson, unlike CCR. Still, you can take advantage of your friends and everything still be legal. If Levon later realized that the publishing rights were worth more than anything else, welll, that’s why you get an attorney to start with.
@@CJinsoo I’m new to learning about The Band, but I read somewhere that Robbie wrote almost every single song. Apparently, Levon felt that since the songs didn’t come together in their final form until the entire band had worked on it together in sessions that he should have gotten an equal share in the royalties. Apparently that’s not how royalties work - the songwriter gets a higher percentage of the payout. I’m not sure of how accurate the above is as I am not an expert in the situation, but if it is true, if he wanted credit for helping write songs he should have demanded proper attribution at the time. Once again it sounds like he and the others just never really cared enough until they started running out of money after their popularity waned.
I paid $19.95 in 1989 to see Metallica on the And Justice For All tour! Can you imagine? Things have changed!
I always loved the Band. Levon was my favorite!
$25 dollars in 1976 would be $128.45 in today's dollars. Not too bad considering Stone's tickets in 2021 average price was $373. Considering their relative level of fame (if not considering the many guest acts) it is comparable to today's ticket prices..
Born and raised in San Francisco. My brother ( 4 1/2 years older than me) passed on our family Thanksgiving and went to Winterland. .Smarty Pantz
Smart brother I'd say .... I and my buddy also cut out early from the family Thanksgiving to go to the concert: can't say that I ever had any remorse about that particular Thanksgiving choice!
The band was one of the great ones. Love there music
Ya know, I'm 64 now and I've never seen "The Last Waltz" like, ever. What the hell is wrong with me?!!
It is available for free on TubiTV
It is available for free on Tubi TV.
Last line of the credits: Thank you to Paul Allen. What an amazing guy
I think o read somewhere that att some point, maybe in the 90s(?), Bob Dylan frequented a boxing gym. It was a workout trend.
I read that around that same time he had an assistant named Jim who would frequently clean up and put his stuff in boxes for him.
Hey, I was at that Connells show at Walnut Creek. Probably the first show at Walnut Creek. My son was there and my daughters was in her mommy's tummy. So the whole family was technically there. :)
Sometimes when my son and daughter are around we do round robins with music and we (my wife, me and whoever else) play music videos. My daughter (@malloryhawk) who is currently living in NYC playing in her bands (Customer, Slight Of and sometimes How Says) was down here in OCT and played The Weight as one of her songs. I was shocked.
I don't know if its in print anymore, but there was a book that went into more detail about that show. Like how Richard Manuel was really depressed at the time and Levon had his drums setup so that he could look into Charlie's eyes.
Richard Manuel
@@cameronduffy8115 Haha oops. Had the old Phillies manager in my head for some reason... edited
Who's Charlie. Do u mean Richard?
@@maureenhorrigan7151 see response above
Jeffrey Wright also played Commissioner Gordon in The Batman
Not mentioned is Robbies paralyzing stage fright nor the devide between members with certain issues and those without - both factors
Well this wasn’t the concert where he had the stage fright , the first time they played Winterland was, when they first became The Band
@@terryblankenshipmusic1322 And he wrote a great song about it, and Rick sang it to perfection, as Rick always does.
I just enjoyed the show I dont pay attention to the politics or inner struggles that happen in all bands.
Neil Diamond has always been the "one of these these things is not like the others, one of these things doesn't belong" act in The Last Waltz for me.
I know many people love him, I am not one of them.
Same for Elvis Costello, I ask my self "What am I missing here?"
I just don't get why they are considered "Great performers".
Oh well, different strokes for different folks, right?
I know, experience has taught me EC fans will flood this reply with comments doubting my taste and or my manhood.
Haven't been flamed by hordes of angry Neil Diamond fans yet, so that will be new for me.
Boy you guys fizzled out at the end of this one
Reading the comments as ever you see the two factions emerge: Robbie ripped off the rest of them; and Robbie was the glue which held The Band together. If anything I'm in Robbie's camp (RIP) for this reason.
For most of the time leading up to the singer/songwriter era which was a novel concept in the 60s, the Brill Building / Tin Pan Alley model was just the way it worked. For example: The Animals (one of my favorite bands from this time) recorded "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place" which was written by the Brill's Mann and Weil duo. The Animals changed quite a lot about the song; some of the words to make it a bit more Newcastle-ish and some of the bass riffs and more. But it was never anything but a Mann/Weil song. That's just the way it was.
Robbie wrote the songs and the other band members (especially Garth I think) said 'I can do this here' or 'Let's change this chord progression here' and made it better. But it was a Robbie song.
Yeah, I guess that’s the way royalties worked. But there’s no question that Levon, his background, and his stories were the inspiration for many of Robbie’s songs. They also gave the impression that they all worked together musically on the first two albums at least. It seems like Robbie could have acknowledged that when it came to royalties.
@@Sarah113ifyBut that’s not how it works.
Neil Diamond and Carole King were Brill Building writers who transitioned to singer/songwriters. Lots of things were possible at that time.
@@Sarah113ify They other got 20 percent of the publishing rights until they willingly sold their share to Robbie, except for Levon. According to Hoskyns they all made a lot of money, much was wasted on drugs and bad money management.
#11 - Robbie Robertson was a phenomial guitar player and should be an inspiration to anyone who plays. He was also an amazing writer and storyteller. That being said, he couldn't sing. I'm told it was so bad that they turned his mic off so it looked like he was singing, but no one had to hear it!
unfortunately, he refused to share any credit for writing those great songs.
More bullsh*t from Levon’s book. Robbie’s mic was always in at their shows but lower than the rest. And you don’t get songwriting credit for showing up and playing your instrument. That was their JOB.
Cripple Creek is the song- it becomes obvious his mic is off.
@@jquinlanRobbie could sing, he just was not a great singer compared to 3 of his band mates. Richard, Levon and my favorite Rick. Read some of the comments about sharing the credits, it is not as one sided as you think.
I paid either $4.50 or $7.50 - don't recall exactly, it was a looooong time ago - to see Wings on the Wings Over America tour in 1976. I saved allowance money for WEEKS to see them!
Neal Diamond was there for the very early Dylan group at the beginning. He met them around the same time they met Dylan.
I watched the movie once and own it on dvd or blue ray. The tune " Chest fever " has only about 3 seconds? Did see camera over heat , I thick that tune has one the best keyboard intros of all time.
We watch it on Thanksgiving for the last 20 years or so.
I've often wondered why none of the grateful dead were added Is to the line up.
Great music!! Saw a lot of bands cheap!! Zep. Chicago 77, 3rd. Row center. 9.50! Hell of a buzz too!! Ha Ha Ha!!
I love The Band.I love The Last Waltz.You know when Bob Dylan sold his music The Weight went with it.
😢 R I. P Robbie Robertson
Neil Diamond was in the movie, I believe, because Robertson was producing Diamond's next album.
Also, I remember one New Year's Eve on TCM they played a Elvis concert movie, The Song Remains the Same, and the Last Waltz...I thought that would become a tradition, but alas, too good to come to pass.
they do musicals now
The last waltz was one of the best movies ie up there with easy rider.and all the greatz
Beautiful
EmmyLou Harris❤️❤️❤️
worth the watch,
Connells!! Love them
Caravan by Van was my intro to him. I loved all those guys and Joni except Diamond. But l like him now.
Dylan standa above all. He rules the rock n roll era.
Saw Cream for $4 in Chicago circa 1968….bottle of water now 😂😂
I heard they overdubbed most of the instruments and vocals, in the studio.
More B.S. from the Robbie haters. Watch the concert: they are playing what you’re hearing.