Robbie Robertson, the lead guitarist and songwriter for The Band, passed away at the age of 80. During a press conference for his film “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band” at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019, Robertson spoke about his career and the impact of his music. The Band, consisting of Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, and Garth Hudson, performed their final live show in 1976. Robertson, known for songs like “The Weight” and “Up on Cripple Creek,” played a significant role in shaping contemporary rock by incorporating American music and folklore into his work.
When I discovered The Band and Robbie Robertson as a teenager, the documentary “The Last Waltz” left a lasting impression on me. Though I wasn’t old enough to experience their music when it was first released, I became a fan thanks to my brother who introduced me to their greatest hits on a cassette tape. As my friends listened to popular artists of that time, I found myself drawn to The Band and Bob Dylan.
“The Last Waltz” captivated me from the start with its command to play the film loud, followed by an incredible lineup of musicians like Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and Dylan himself. At the age of 13, I had the opportunity to see The Band in concert for the first time, and their performance left a lasting impression on me. Although they continued to tour without Robertson, that was the only time I saw them live. It was a memorable experience, and even my brother, a seasoned concertgoer, was surprised when The Band returned for an encore, as it rarely happened.
Little did I know that years later, I would get to interview Robbie Robertson for an article about the release of “The Last Waltz” on DVD. It was a dream assignment for me, and I was eager to capture Robertson’s thoughts on the film. When asked about why The Band disbanded, Robertson expressed his love for making music with the group but believed it had run its course. He felt grateful for the contributions they made to music and the experiences they had together.
I also couldn’t resist bringing up the infamous heckle during Dylan’s 1966 tour where someone yelled “Judas.” While some speculate about who encouraged the band to play louder in response, Robertson couldn’t recall the exact details, leaving me slightly disappointed. However, he did share his memories of that night and how the band had faced criticism throughout their tour, which built their resilience.
The film “The Last Waltz” has become a holiday tradition for many, and Robertson’s death leaves Garth Hudson as the last surviving original member of The Band. The music they created, however, continues to live on and touch the hearts of fans year after year. As Robertson once said, “This film should be played loud!”