30 Years Ago Today: The Last Waltz

[Zomby Woof]

The Band celebrated what was then feted as their final concert, on Thanksgiving Day 1976. At the Winterland Palace in San Francisco, where the former Hawks played as The Band for the first time a decade earlier, they brought it all back home with several of their closest musical friends and influences. Thanksgiving dinner was served to the lucky ticketholders who witnessed history that day.

Director Martin Scorsese captured many of the highlights of the performances on film, and added interview footage, with the final edited feature being released to theaters in 1978. The soundtrack was a triple-vinyl set, and was a welcome breath of great, timeless rock and roll in the era of slick disco.

Highlights included their road mentor and first frontman, Arkansas rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins, performing a rowdy "Who Do You Love?", which was a hit single for him and the Hawks back in 1960, with a then 15-year old Robbie Robertson burning up the fretboard. Neil Young offers up a deeply heartfelt "Helpless", and Eric Clapton and Robbie trade fiery blues licks on "Further On Up The Road". Muddy Waters tears through "Mannish Boy" with his customary grace and authority. Van Morrison made a rare stage appearance for "Caravan". Dr. John brought a bit of the Crescent City to the Bay with "Such A Night". Paul Butterfield rips out his blistering harp for "Mystery Train".

And of course, Bob Dylan, who gave the Hawks a major break (and a lesson in road toughness unsurpassed by any group since) when he chose them to back him up on his first, contentious electric tour in 1966. The rousing finale with Dylan, the Band, and all of the players for Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" brings a tear to my eye every time.

And in memory of Richard Manuel and Rick Danko, who have joined Muddy and Paul in that great blues band in the sky...

[mike_c]

1. I have the soundtrack and have watched the movie several times....

The Band provided much of the soundtrack of my youth. "It Makes No Difference" is still one of the saddest, most affecting songs I've ever heard.

[speedoo]

2. Thank you.

That was a great moment in rock history.

Here's the last number... I do believe Richard Manuel sings the second verse, With Danko joining in at the end with that great high harmony. I love it when Dylan lets it all go as he did in the third verse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLjNjSpZxzg

[cwydro]

3. Great pics

wondering why so many musicians die too young..?

[speedoo]

4. Well, let's look at some of the causes...

(this is off the top of my head so it's possible I'm wrong in some cases)..

drug overdose or related: Janis, Jimi, Jim Morrison.

motorcycle accidents: Duane Allman, Berry Oakley. And Dylan came pretty close.

small airplane crashes: Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, Big Bopper, Jim Croce, Stevie Ray Vaughn, some guys from Leonyrd Skynrd.

suicide: Richard Manuel.

murder: John Lennon.

"natural causes": Rick Danko, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Elvis. (you have to wonder if lifestyle, eg excessive alcohol and drug use, contributed to these early deaths)

As Robbie Robertson said to Scorcese, it's a dangerous life... the "road".

[cwydro]

6. Wow, quite a list.

Yeah, always wondered with the ones that at least made it out of their 20's and 30's, but died in their 50's or early 60's. Did George Harrison smoke (cigarettes) I wonder?

[speedoo]

7. He was "formerly a heavy smoker"...

according to wiki...

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

He died at 58. His mother also died from cancer, apparantly she was fairly young also.

edit - corrected link

[hippywife]

5. The best concert video ever!

It makes tears well up in my eyes to see them all again and so young. Some incredible talent and artistry on that stage.

[skygazer]

8. Great concert video!

I never realized it was on Thanksgiving. I think I'll have to watch it again now!