DU Album of the Day: The Band's "The Last Waltz" - discuss

[LynneSin]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Waltz

The Last Waltz was a concert by the rock group The Band, held on American Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The Last Waltz was advertised as the end of The Band's illustrious touring career,<1> and the concert saw The Band joined by more than a dozen special guests, including Paul Butterfield, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Bobby Charles and Neil Young.

The event was filmed by director Martin Scorsese and made into a documentary of the same name, released in 1978. The film features concert performances, scenes shot on a studio soundstage and interviews by Scorsese with members of The Band. A triple-LP soundtrack recording, produced by Rob Fraboni, was issued in 1978. The film was released on DVD in 2002 as was a four-CD box set of the concert and related studio recordings.

The Last Waltz is hailed as one of the greatest concert films ever made, although it has been criticized for its focus on Robbie Robertson.

Amazing album. Now that I have this great TV with a decent sound system I want to get the concert on Blue Ray.

[Richardo]

1. Saw it at the Cinerama Dome in Hollllll-ywood, CA

One of my favorites. Have the vinyl and the CDs. The Staple Singers are one of the best guest acts.

[era veteran]

2. The best R&R movie, period.

Sublime

[kayakjohnny]

7. Yes.

[NoGOPZone]

3. One of several excellent live albums they had a part in.

Although I'm partial to Live 1966. Hard to pick a favorite moment, maybe Caravan, Don't Do It or Mannish Boy.

[Brickbat]

4. Good stuff.

[taterguy]

5. As an album, just well-above averge. The movie is really special, partially due to Scorcese

He was able to capture the facial expressions of the players which makes it really great.

Just audio doesn't translate quite as well.

Still damn good though.

[applegrove]

6. Never seen the flic. I love Robbie Robertson though.

[graywarrior]

8. I have the video

I love it. LOVE IT!

[nolabear]

9. Take a load off Fanny/Take a load for free.

Love the movie and LOVE The Band. And LOVELOVELOVE "The Weight".

[tinymontgomery]

10. I shall be released

The whole group performing "I Shall be Released" is my favorite. The whole concert is outstanding also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scgR7cS2Nvk&feature=related

[nolabear]

11. It is one of those films that give me the Paul Sheaffer hiccup, though.

I know he has enormous cred in the music industry but my first reaction is always "wtf?"