Truly amazing performance from Levon, beats the original studio take hands down. No overdubs for him either. Quite possibly one of the greatest live performances caught on film
Truer words were never spoken. I first heard the song in this incarnation at the age of 10, fell in love with it and heard the studio version 5 years later. The studio version doesnt have the same emotional impact.
We were privileged to be a part of the sixties and seventies and I myself would not trade it for anything. I mean what do you trade for when you already have the best
You just won't hear any good music like this on radio stations anymore. These guys performed in a better, simpler time. That's what makes their outstansing music so great!
No time is simple. Robbie was years ahead of his time in guitar playing. Their brilliance was all of them together. They were hid away in big pink. It made them and heroin destroyed them.
A highly respected rock critic once said ,that playing drums and singing lead simultaneously,is like flying 2 jets at the same time ! Levon Helm did this feat with the simplest of ease and of a standard unsurpassed in music history .... To this day ..
If you listen closely , you can hear the audience in raptures ,half way through 'Dixie ' it was that good ..... As Robbie said of Levon : 'Amongst all drummers , they all had this tremendous respect for Levon .' This guy was the real item ! He made everything look so easy , he was that talented and supremely gifted
@@guitarman1477 As far as musicianship and musicality goes ,The Beatles were not in the same category and status of The Band ! John Lennon is on record as saying he wished The Beatles could play as well as The Band
They were different, why compare. They were both great, but had different styles. Loved The Band from when I first heard "Up on Cripple Creek" in the late sixties, didn't care that much for the Beatles until Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart.@@James-sy6ji
This was my favorite song from 1969 until 1973 when Pink Floyd came out with Dark Side of the Moon, and I loved many from that album. And I loved Levon’s voice.
Always interpreted the line "they should have never taken the very best" as "they" being the war that effectively wiped out out the best and the brave of the South which crippled it for generations.
The Rebs deserved every bit of that beating, and the punishment that came with it. They've never fully accepted their whipping---that's why they try to revive the confederacy every generation. General Sherman tried to make them truly surrender and "study war no more." That's what the pilfering was about!
So most know this is a remarkable group but when you check out various takes you know some stand out and this is a great example. The band hit it this night with the slower tempo a deeper base and an attempt to blow it all out...to his deep heart feeling, to sing the song as a group, united. it's impressive but more it's probably the best take of the song by them or any group since.
Levon and the Band might've been a more fitting name for this group. Mr Helm performed this song as though his life depended on it... as if he truly were Virgil Caine recounting tragic personal history. He continually nailed the Band's story songs. What a performamce!
@@sadhvacman7238 agreed, love levon, but Richard singing "Sleeping" or "Hobo Jungle"... beautiful. Every member made The Band what it was, if one member was gone it would not have been even close to the same.
@@matthewdwyer8350 , Richards singing is what gets to me the most. I love him so much. Feel like I have to mention Rick too.Those 3. Three of the greatest white rock and roll singers ever. Now I’m gonna ramble. Gregg Allman, greatest white blues singer. Otis Redding greatest soul singer ever. But rock and roll... for me it’s Richard, Rick and Levon.
Yesterday Robbie Robinson passed away.What an incredible band!Four Canadians and an Arkansan performing Americana that's unparrelleled."The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" is one of my all time favorites. Dave Y
Historians will dispute the claim this song makes that people sang "Nah, nah, nah etc., etc. when Dixie fell. Eyewitness accounts report quiet sobbing.
Even though four of the performers are of Canadian extraction, The Band was pure Americana. Or should I say, pure North Americana!!!! What musicians and storytellers!!!
THE LAST WALTZ BIO Held on American Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.... The Band was joined by more than a dozen special guests, including their previous employers Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan as well as Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, and Neil Young. The musical director for the concert was The Band's original record producer, John Simon. The concert was produced and managed by Bill Graham and was filmed by director Martin Scorsese, who made it into a documentary of the same title, released in 1978. Performers: The Band Rick Danko - bass guitar, fiddle, vocals Levon Helm - drums, mandolin, vocals Garth Hudson - organ, piano, accordion, synthesizers, soprano saxophone, clavinet Richard Manuel - piano, organ, drums, clavinet, dobro, vocals Robbie Robertson - guitar, piano, vocals Horn section Rich Cooper - trumpet, flugelhorn James Gordon - flute, tenor saxophone, clarinet Jerry Hey - trumpet, flugelhorn Howard Johnson - tuba, baritone saxophone, flugelhorn, bass clarinet Charlie Keagle - clarinet, flute, saxophone Tom Malone - trombone, euphonium, alto flute Larry Packer - electric violin Horns arranged by Henry Glover, Garth Hudson, Howard Johnson, Tom Malone, John Simon and Allen Toussaint Other musicians Bob Margolin - guitar (Muddy Waters) Dennis St. John - drums (Neil Diamond) John Simon - piano on "Tura Lura Lural", "Georgia On My Mind" and "The Last Waltz Suite: Evangeline" (concert version) Guests Paul Butterfield - harmonica, vocals Bobby Charles - vocals Eric Clapton - guitar, vocals Neil Diamond - guitar, vocals Dr. John - piano, guitar, congas, vocals Bob Dylan - guitar, vocals Bill Graham - master of ceremonies Emmylou Harris - acoustic guitar, vocals Ronnie Hawkins - vocals Joni Mitchell - acoustic guitar, vocals Van Morrison - vocals Pinetop Perkins - piano, vocals Carl Radle - bass Cleotha Staples - backing vocals Mavis Staples - vocals Roebuck "Pops" Staples - guitar, vocals Yvonne Staples - backing vocals Ringo Starr - drums Stephen Stills - guitar Muddy Waters - vocals Ronnie Wood - guitar Neil Young - guitars, harmonica, vocals Michael McClure - Poet
They were burning out fast. Richards voice was weakening, and along with Levon Helm, his voice was the soul of the band. Without him to nail the really painful songs (aside from this one here. This song is Levon at his best and most soulful), the band would just not be as mighty. I think they did go out too soon thanks to Robbie, but I would’ve given them a break to recuperate and then maybe 10 more years tops. Nothing lasting into the 90’s though.
Honestly, they went out on a high note with The Last Waltz. The musical landscape was changing and I doubt that The Band would have weathered the 1980s too well. Look at how many classic bands tried to adapt to the 1980s sound only to fall flat on their asses.
I basically agree with your. First of all they were together for 16 years, a lot longer than most bands. They started out with Ronnie Hawkins, then became the Hawks, the Dylan's back up band, and finally The Band. Robbie got it right there too many drugs and other stuff going on, they were heading for something bad, Robbie sensed that, and wanted to move on.@@christiangasior4244
You are right about Richard, his alcohol and drug abuse got worse. Robbie was worried about him all the time. always checking if his hand were shaking. Levon and Rick were heavy into drugs as well, Robbie was no angel, did a lot of drugs, but not heroin. By the time they did The Last Waltz, Robbie was married and had 3 small children that kept him grounded, and music always came first with Robbie. For some of the others fun and drugs came first, Rick was supposedly always stoned on something (and he is probably my favorite along with Robbie). I agree that Levon knocked it out of the park on this song and several others, Up on Cripple Creek. All 3 singers were great in their own way, my favorite though is Rick, his voice really touches your soul and can break your heart.@@christiangasior4244
Yes they did. I’ve seen an analysis of the vocal tracks and his mic just wasn’t on. You would know, he has a very hoarse, rangeless voice. Pretty unmistakable.
Why is everyone on Robbie, for not having the greatest voice? He wrote the songs, he played killer guitar, he has had an illustrious solo career, writing many songs and music score, oh and he was so good looking when younger. The Band had 3 outstanding singers, what's the deal with always pointing out that Robbie can't sing? As much as I love Levon's singing Rick is my favorite. Just watch and listen to him at the beginning singing "That Old time Religion", it is priceless. Even though it is obvious he is hammered.@@christiangasior4244
I understand this song is controversial and perhaps insensitive to the suffering brought on by the south But it’s the fuckn best god dam song ever n I straight up don’t give a fuc
This is one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen, the raw emotion and talent behind it. I know the issue of the Confederate monuments is getting heated these days, but sometimes the pain of the common people affected by the Civil War is forgotten. I think the only place the US government should sanction or fund monuments to the Confederacy is in museums. They should not be in front of houses of law or legislation. Regardless of how one feels about the Confederacy, it was a traitorous movement against the US government. But innocent southern people were swept up in the ensuing war, and I think this song reflects the pain of the people that, for one reason or another, found themselves in the suffering and hell of war and trying to contend with the losses afterwards. Slavery and racism are obviously wrong, and our country carries a dark history of those repercussions even to this day. I'm a southerner myself, and my upbringing gives me a lot to be proud of, but the motives of the Civil War are not a cause of pride. That history should not be forgotten, nor should the common man be so overwhelmingly trampled under its burden. Just my own idea of the song.
underalbert You will never understand how it feels to be a Southern citizen. State's came into the Union Voluntarily because it was a asset to have brothers in state's around you. But when a bully starts to put their boots on your neck it's time to make a change. Freedom means you have the Freedom to leave doesn't it? Lincoln started blockading Southern Ports. The North has only three ports and the South had 15. Cotton and Tobacco we're the two cash crops that supported the Union but the North didn't have cash crops not one. The South was 30% of the population and paid over 85% of the revenue of the Union. New York kinda was way over taxed than other Union State's and they also came close to leaving and supporting the South. Maryland Legislature was jailed by Lincoln without a trail and Lincoln flooded the state with Federal Troops forcing them to to stay in the Union. The Stars and Bar's has 13 stars and the middle star is Maryland's star. One if the reasons Booth killed the tyrant and racist Lincoln. Delaware also was probably going to secede until Lincoln threatened them. Five States didn't secede until Lincoln raised a Army to invade Southern State's for Tarrifs. Lincoln said he didn't care how much blood he has to spill to collect the duties of state's meaning the South before they split from the Union. Tennessee and Virginia we're two of those state's. Thomas Stone Wall Jackson explained it perfectly. The People of the South and their Generals fought wars for the Union and are ancestors of those who fought the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 and the American Mexican War. Thomas Jackson and Lee we're hero's if the American Mexican War. So it was a light heart that they had to fight their friend's. Longstreet was Grants best friend. Hooked was Armisteads best friend. Buaregards best friend was the top officer at Fort Sumter he had to fire on. Buaregard fired only where he knew his friend and his men wouldn't be. Not one person was killed or even got a scratch at Fort Sumter. Not really a reason to justify 750,000 deaths. But it was a heavy heart they fought for their homes against a invader. Thomas Stone wall Jackson speech to the men of the Valley in part was " We would never raise a army to invade state's of others and terrorize their people. Not will we allow other states to raise a Army to invade our state's and terrorize our people. Lincoln's Secretary of War asked Lee to lead the Union Army and Lee replied my home and family are all over Virginia and I can't believe Lincoln is going to raise a Army to invade his own country. I ask you how can a man be a traitor when he fights to defend his family and home? One thing Northern History can't get away from is Lincoln's illegal invasion of the South resulted in 750,000 American lives and history has been twisted to justify a war that a President destroyed the Constitution to wage war for Southern taxes and Tarrifs
@@kurtsherrick2066 Such a synopsis! Would you have recommended reading to find this information? I find myself looking for old, primary accounts that have survived the revisionist history raiders. Please and thank you.
@@boadiceameridionalis3732 There are numerous writings on the Tyrant Lincoln. You can Google so much. But there is a great Article by Tara Dodrill. The White Washed Tyranny of Abraham lincoln. This is a great short explanation of the years before the war. It explains how the North treated the South terrible and Legislation against the South. Also there is 15 pages on Google. Books like Lincoln Unmasked, The Real Lincoln, The Lincoln Myth. I hope this helps.
@@boadiceameridionalis3732 Also in that Article by Tara Dodrill "The White Washed Tyranny of Abraham Lincoln" she explains how the Union Army forced the slaves from their homes on the Plantations. You see if the slaves stayed it would not have looked good on the North. She explains how terrible the Northern Manufacturers used little children, 18 days, terrible working conditions and starvation wages. A slave on a Plantation had a better quality of life. She explains the 16 ways Lincoln destroyed the Constitution to form a Military Dictatorship. How Lincoln imprisoned 13,000 Northern Citizens without a trail. I believe new studies have shown he actually imprisoned 30,000. I don't know how to put a link to the Article in my comment. You should be able to find it through Lew Rockwell.com it explains Lincoln is why we have a overpowered Central State.
@@christiangasior4244 Pro-confederacy is a little strong. It certainly paints a sympathetic picture of the wounds felt by the post-war South, which... yeah, that doesn't always sit well with me. HOWEVER, I think we should all be able to feel empathy for that sense of hope alongside the despair of defeat. This song conveys those feelings in such a raw way, it's hard to deny how powerful it is. I'm a northerner through and through with an absolute, pro-Sherman, they-were-too-kind-in-ending-Reconstruction view on the south, the confederacy and the Jim Crow that replaced it. But even I can get past that enough to appreciate the emotion of this song. Side note: I played it on a loop from my brother-in-laws' front lawn two blocks from Lambeau Field after Wisconsin beat LSU there a few years back. Which was delightful.
Amazing they haven't memory holed this. The slave owners were rich Jews, not the Southern working class who have been punished way too long ~ including today.
If that be true, then why are there so many Black folks with IRISH last names? Not Jewish names? Think about it. If they took their masters' last names and you claim they were Jews, where's all the African Americans with Jewish surnames?
@@56Veggie Because Jews took anglicized names because they weren't exactly welcome by anglos either at the time same as why so many European Jews took German names. When you think of "Jewish surnames" what language is it usually, actually? Not Hebrew but German
@@johnnotrealname8168 No, I wouldn't say anti-war. More of a lament. Historians of the Civil War agree that many Confederate leaders, even though hopeful of victory, knew that it was not a righteous cause. Confederate soldiers were mostly young sharecroppers and sons of sharecroppers without a nickel to their name and they got paid to fight the war. They did not own slaves; they were too poor and worked the land themselves. The rich plantation owners who carried a lot of political clout were the ones who wanted to win the war at all costs. Even as they watched their crops or houses burn, they cried out in favor of killing every last yankee. GO AND READ a real history book, not some of the garbage they shoved at you when you were in school.
The back story to TLW is better than most of the show! Except for this version of Dixie…! But you will not see many views of Levon in the documentary because he was elsewhere, pissed about the whole notion of ending The Band just because RR wanted to make a statement! So when they reunited, RR was not welcome. He threatened to sue. But didn’t. And The Band was much better without him!
They were all great. I guess we all have our favorites, mine is Rick, his singing is so soulful and Robbie. Could have something to do with that they both were very good looking in their youth, and had so much charisma.
Egomaniac might have written this, but it's Levon's song. For me Levon was always the heart and soul of the band. I just finished "This Wheel's On Fire" and I certainly gained a greater appreciation for Rick, Richard, and Garth. And I also gained more disdain for the other one who cannot sing but loves to look pretty for the cameras 🤢
lildouche731 Bitter crap. I loved Levon. But I also love the facts. Forgive Robbie for surviving. And it couldn’t be clearer that he wrote this. Mr Helm was many great things. Songwriter was not one of them
@@peterzang when I commented about the song the point I was making is that although Levon did not write the song he "owned" it because nobody else can sing it like Levon. Plus what I got from his book is that in the beginning all the band members were in it together kind of like the Musketeers, and I do believe their music was a collaborative effort regardless of who wrote the various lyrics. I came out at the end of the book feeling like Mr. Robertson betrayed that brotherhood. And I think I would have came to the same conclusion even if I had not already loved Levon.
Robbie Robertson said in an interview on SiriusXM radio that in addition to wanting to “make a musical movie” (a paraphrase), he wrote the song with Levon’s voice specifically in mind. He wanted to write something that Levon “could sing better than anyone else in the world.” Whether you think that is ego on Robertson’s part is your opinion (and you’re absolutely entitled to it). But no doubt the song is written in such a way that it’s conducive to Levon “owning it.”
You are right no one could sing this like Levon. However, no one could sing "It makes no difference or Stage Freight like Rick, or Richard singing The Shape I'm in. Robbie did not betray them, they all made a lot of money. Read Barney Hopkyns biograhpy of The Band. They were all talented, some were more into getting stoned or strung out on heroin. Does not mean they didn't contributed, I love all of them, especially Rick. Robbie was the only one writing song after song. From reading several accounts, Robbie was more ambitious and for him the music came first, although he did drugs as well, he stayed away from heroin. @@lildouche731
Richard was not in great shape, and Garth, although a musical genius is an introvert, he didn't like being on camera, and didn't like being interviewed.
A great song and great performance. I love the accurate history. But hey, the Rebs deserved every bit of that beating, and the punishment that came with it. They've never fully accepted their whipping---that's why the South stays in rebellion against a unified USA, with liberty and justice for all. General Sherman tried to make them truly surrender and "study war no more." That's what the pilfering was about!
Truly amazing performance from Levon, beats the original studio take hands down. No overdubs for him either. Quite possibly one of the greatest live performances caught on film
No question about it Chris this is far superior to the studio version its like two different songs also quite better than the Joan Baez version
Yep
What chris said ^
Truer words were never spoken. I first heard the song in this incarnation at the age of 10, fell in love with it and heard the studio version 5 years later. The studio version doesnt have the same emotional impact.
You know it, brother!
How lucky we are to have this moment of musical perfection captured, by Scorsese nonetheless.
Levon's voice is the equivalent of an 18-wheeler hauling an 80-thousand pound load.
That is an apt description
You are right my brother
mason miller it’s stupid but so damn good
Yeah someone should tell Robbie that the smack wasnt cheap to sing like this
Damn right, brother. Power, passion, and the will to see it through. In other words, a Man.
People just don’t realize, and you can’t explain, how great they really were.
Couldnt have put it any better
We were privileged to be a part of the sixties and seventies and I myself would not trade it for anything.
I mean what do you trade for when you already have the best
I am amazed at how much energy Levon put into his music. It is as if the sound is pouring out of his soul; and maybe it is.
What a great song. Levon was in musical nirvanna that night. From one of the greatest bands ever...
This song brings in such emotion. Incredible. You can feel the pain of hard times in the storytelling through this song. Truly incredible.
You just won't hear any good music like this on radio stations anymore. These guys performed in a better, simpler time. That's what makes their outstansing music so great!
This song is anything but simple
No time is simple. Robbie was years ahead of his time in guitar playing. Their brilliance was all of them together. They were hid away in big pink. It made them and heroin destroyed them.
I am from Alabama. And a lot my family was in the war .but that is a good song .thank you leon we miss you brother
Love the pan mistake at 3:45. Levon Helm nailed this tune on this performance, rocked it, watched this 30 times in 2 days.
drumming, as well as having the gift of vocal ability, is a very rare thing. ......he nailed it, nuff said 😎
Snoop dog is better, agree or your a......
It's the emotion in his voice that made this good
And this is what? Nothing to me..
@@josephsokoloski7010 dude. Go away.
A highly respected rock critic once said ,that playing drums and singing lead simultaneously,is like flying 2 jets at the same time ! Levon Helm did this feat with the simplest of ease and of a standard unsurpassed in music history .... To this day ..
That is so F'ing Pure. O--M--G......
What a soulful voice!!! An American Classic no matter what the woke crowd might think!!!
4 of the five are canadian
@@Katrinagrad I know right! Levon Helm, singer, songwriter, and drummer was from a wide spot in the road over in the state of Arkansas.
Woke is broke as it never was woke to begin with.
What do the 'woke' crowd think then?
@@miketreacy5712 Are you woke?
If you listen closely , you can hear the audience in raptures ,half way through 'Dixie ' it was that good ..... As Robbie said of Levon : 'Amongst all drummers , they all had this tremendous respect for Levon .' This guy was the real item ! He made everything look so easy , he was that talented and supremely gifted
This man getting throat cancer is the sickest joke I can think of
Chills. No matter where you're from.
God i miss Rick Levon and Richard.
the perfection of this bring me tears
Give me that old time religion! Good enough for my grand dad, GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME
That clip is priceless, especially Rick, he is hammered, but still great.
He has one of the most soulful voices
Thank You . . .
Hands down, the best rock band ever! Collectively and individually no one has them beat.
Only the Beatles
@@guitarman1477 Nope not them
@@James-sy6ji that’s a matter of opinion. And, I love both bands,
@@guitarman1477 As far as musicianship and musicality goes ,The Beatles were not in the same category and status of The Band ! John Lennon is on record as saying he wished The Beatles could play as well as The Band
They were different, why compare. They were both great, but had different styles. Loved The Band from when I first heard "Up on Cripple Creek" in the late sixties, didn't care that much for the Beatles until Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart.@@James-sy6ji
This was my favorite song from 1969 until 1973 when Pink Floyd came out with Dark Side of the Moon, and I loved many from that album. And I loved Levon’s voice.
RIP LEVON,woodstock is not the same since your passing
Amazing footage. Looks like it was shot yesterday. And what an incredible singer the drummer is. Wow.
Scorsese directed it in 1978.
Rick Danko was a better musician fucked up than 99% of musicians today
This version, without the brass section at the beginning, loses meaning, power, sense and love. Thanks for keeping this one!
Damn this one's good.
Always interpreted the line "they should have never taken the very best" as "they" being the war that effectively wiped out out the best and the brave of the South which crippled it for generations.
ShawdowsAndDust it was the Union pilfering the best goods to be had.
You're so damn right!
Black eye on our history. It sadly had to be done.
The Rebs deserved every bit of that beating, and the punishment that came with it. They've never fully accepted their whipping---that's why they try to revive the confederacy every generation. General Sherman tried to make them truly surrender and "study war no more." That's what the pilfering was about!
@@speechrighter Yeah, 'cause as Germany made plain, that always works
Really good job of tranfering from the film. The best version I have found from the Last Waltz! Thanks.
So most know this is a remarkable group but when you check out various takes you know some stand out and this is a great example. The band hit it this night with the slower tempo a deeper base and an attempt to blow it all out...to his deep heart feeling, to sing the song as a group, united. it's impressive but more it's probably the best take of the song by them or any group since.
Everyone who really loves music has to experience the last waltz
Yeah, tell me you weren't singing along... great stuff!
Levon and the Band might've been a more fitting name for this group. Mr Helm performed this song as though his life depended on it... as if he truly were Virgil Caine recounting tragic personal history. He continually nailed the Band's story songs. What a performamce!
This comment is one of the most spot on things I've ever read. Well stated.
Amen and Amen!!!
Couldn’t disagree more. I love Levon tremendously but their work was such a collective. They all considered Richard the lead singer.
@@sadhvacman7238 agreed, love levon, but Richard singing "Sleeping" or "Hobo Jungle"... beautiful. Every member made The Band what it was, if one member was gone it would not have been even close to the same.
@@matthewdwyer8350 , Richards singing is what gets to me the most. I love him so much. Feel like I have to mention Rick too.Those 3. Three of the greatest white rock and roll singers ever. Now I’m gonna ramble. Gregg Allman, greatest white blues singer. Otis Redding greatest soul singer ever. But rock and roll... for me it’s Richard, Rick and Levon.
Back when artists had perfect careers and left fans wishing for more!
Best song everyday to listen too ;)
Best live show ever made wish I could of been there
This is by far my favorite part of this doc.
Wow!! Just Wow!!
The greatest band in music history!!!
Happy Birthday, Levon
♡
Perfection 👍👍
Oh wow.. this is a absolutely one of the most beautiful songs ever.. I am so happy that you guys sent me this song .... I absolutely love this one
THE BAND EVER CAN GET ENOUGH OF THEM. EVER BAND HAS PROBLEMS. THE MUSIC STILL LIVES, WERE BETTER OFF HAVING THEM.
Brothers killed their Brothers.How much emotion do you need!
This section and Bob Dylan's feature are the most emotional!!
Yesterday Robbie Robinson passed away.What an incredible band!Four Canadians and an Arkansan performing Americana that's unparrelleled."The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" is one of my all time favorites. Dave Y
Love that true Southern draw amazing talent American music at its best!
Except the band was 80% Canadian, and the song was written by a Canadian. So I would submit it is Canadian music. :)
@@seanparker5373 yea But its about us not you canadians😋
@@seanparker5373 and also the one who narrates it is American (levon helm)
Great song great group RIP Levon.
Great song!
very fine MUSIC
This is Levon’s song - nobody can sing it like Levon! Robbie wrote the perfect tune for him to convey.
The absolute best!
I love this man, n the band
Happy birthday Levon!
Historians will dispute the claim this song makes that people sang "Nah, nah, nah etc., etc. when Dixie fell. Eyewitness accounts report quiet sobbing.
Even though four of the performers are of Canadian extraction, The Band was pure Americana. Or should I say, pure North Americana!!!! What musicians and storytellers!!!
THE LAST WALTZ BIO
Held on American Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.... The Band was joined by more than a dozen special guests, including their previous employers Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan as well as Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, and Neil Young. The musical director for the concert was The Band's original record producer, John Simon. The concert was produced and managed by Bill Graham and was filmed by director Martin Scorsese, who made it into a documentary of the same title, released in 1978.
Performers:
The Band
Rick Danko - bass guitar, fiddle, vocals
Levon Helm - drums, mandolin, vocals
Garth Hudson - organ, piano, accordion, synthesizers, soprano saxophone, clavinet
Richard Manuel - piano, organ, drums, clavinet, dobro, vocals
Robbie Robertson - guitar, piano, vocals
Horn section
Rich Cooper - trumpet, flugelhorn
James Gordon - flute, tenor saxophone, clarinet
Jerry Hey - trumpet, flugelhorn
Howard Johnson - tuba, baritone saxophone, flugelhorn, bass clarinet
Charlie Keagle - clarinet, flute, saxophone
Tom Malone - trombone, euphonium, alto flute
Larry Packer - electric violin
Horns arranged by Henry Glover, Garth Hudson, Howard Johnson, Tom Malone, John Simon and Allen Toussaint
Other musicians
Bob Margolin - guitar (Muddy Waters)
Dennis St. John - drums (Neil Diamond)
John Simon - piano on "Tura Lura Lural", "Georgia On My Mind" and "The Last Waltz Suite: Evangeline" (concert version)
Guests
Paul Butterfield - harmonica, vocals
Bobby Charles - vocals
Eric Clapton - guitar, vocals
Neil Diamond - guitar, vocals
Dr. John - piano, guitar, congas, vocals
Bob Dylan - guitar, vocals
Bill Graham - master of ceremonies
Emmylou Harris - acoustic guitar, vocals
Ronnie Hawkins - vocals
Joni Mitchell - acoustic guitar, vocals
Van Morrison - vocals
Pinetop Perkins - piano, vocals
Carl Radle - bass
Cleotha Staples - backing vocals
Mavis Staples - vocals
Roebuck "Pops" Staples - guitar, vocals
Yvonne Staples - backing vocals
Ringo Starr - drums
Stephen Stills - guitar
Muddy Waters - vocals
Ronnie Wood - guitar
Neil Young - guitars, harmonica, vocals
Michael McClure - Poet
I cry
That’s a slice of Americana!
Does it get any better than this?
No. It does not.
Miss you B.
Goose-Bumps...Helm and The Band are in fine fettle here.
LOVE FROM AARHUS
Nice to see a comment from a fellow Dane. I'm from Koege, but have lived in US since the sixties have always loved The Band.
Karen Carpenter played drums and sang, as did Levon Helm (The Band) and Phil Collins - no so very unusual.
anyone else noticing the two commercial up-tick lately?
...that said, epic and relevant.
What do you mean?
Levon, still 1
Grrr baby.
Yes Quasar you are correct, I should have remembered of the top of my head all the members of The Band when I commented.
So sorry Dude, Dennis
These dudes got so high they been buried for years and still havnt hit the ground
It's like it not not use to be
I have trouble tapping my foot in time.
Dave Fromstave it’s a two tapper
❤
If you don’t know ‘The Band’, then I don’t wanna know you.
wow
let me..yell
THEY TALIKG ABOUT THE SOUTH
RDR3 playlist pls!!
Levon Helm
Sang at his own funeral
And he’s still got the shovel
Huh
Just a damn shame that human ego has ruined so many good things in life..... What the Band could have done in the 1980's and 90's.
They were burning out fast. Richards voice was weakening, and along with Levon Helm, his voice was the soul of the band. Without him to nail the really painful songs (aside from this one here. This song is Levon at his best and most soulful), the band would just not be as mighty. I think they did go out too soon thanks to Robbie, but I would’ve given them a break to recuperate and then maybe 10 more years tops. Nothing lasting into the 90’s though.
Honestly, they went out on a high note with The Last Waltz. The musical landscape was changing and I doubt that The Band would have weathered the 1980s too well. Look at how many classic bands tried to adapt to the 1980s sound only to fall flat on their asses.
I basically agree with your. First of all they were together for 16 years, a lot longer than most bands. They started out with Ronnie Hawkins, then became the Hawks, the Dylan's back up band, and finally The Band. Robbie got it right there too many drugs and other stuff going on, they were heading for something bad, Robbie sensed that, and wanted to move on.@@christiangasior4244
You are right about Richard, his alcohol and drug abuse got worse. Robbie was worried about him all the time. always checking if his hand were shaking. Levon and Rick were heavy into drugs as well, Robbie was no angel, did a lot of drugs, but not heroin. By the time they did The Last Waltz, Robbie was married and had 3 small children that kept him grounded, and music always came first with Robbie. For some of the others fun and drugs came first, Rick was supposedly always stoned on something (and he is probably my favorite along with Robbie). I agree that Levon knocked it out of the park on this song and several others, Up on Cripple Creek. All 3 singers were great in their own way, my favorite though is Rick, his voice really touches your soul and can break your heart.@@christiangasior4244
NA-NA-NA-NANANA !
Thank God they had Robbie's mic turned off.
Yes they did. I’ve seen an analysis of the vocal tracks and his mic just wasn’t on. You would know, he has a very hoarse, rangeless voice. Pretty unmistakable.
Why is everyone on Robbie, for not having the greatest voice? He wrote the songs, he played killer guitar, he has had an illustrious solo career, writing many songs and music score, oh and he was so good looking when younger. The Band had 3 outstanding singers, what's the deal with always pointing out that Robbie can't sing? As much as I love Levon's singing Rick is my favorite. Just watch and listen to him at the beginning singing "That Old time Religion", it is priceless. Even though it is obvious he is hammered.@@christiangasior4244
I understand this song is controversial and perhaps insensitive to the suffering brought on by the south
But it’s the fuckn best god dam song ever n I straight up don’t give a fuc
This is one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen, the raw emotion and talent behind it. I know the issue of the Confederate monuments is getting heated these days, but sometimes the pain of the common people affected by the Civil War is forgotten.
I think the only place the US government should sanction or fund monuments to the Confederacy is in museums. They should not be in front of houses of law or legislation. Regardless of how one feels about the Confederacy, it was a traitorous movement against the US government. But innocent southern people were swept up in the ensuing war, and I think this song reflects the pain of the people that, for one reason or another, found themselves in the suffering and hell of war and trying to contend with the losses afterwards.
Slavery and racism are obviously wrong, and our country carries a dark history of those repercussions even to this day. I'm a southerner myself, and my upbringing gives me a lot to be proud of, but the motives of the Civil War are not a cause of pride. That history should not be forgotten, nor should the common man be so overwhelmingly trampled under its burden.
Just my own idea of the song.
underalbert You will never understand how it feels to be a Southern citizen. State's came into the Union Voluntarily because it was a asset to have brothers in state's around you. But when a bully starts to put their boots on your neck it's time to make a change. Freedom means you have the Freedom to leave doesn't it? Lincoln started blockading Southern Ports. The North has only three ports and the South had 15. Cotton and Tobacco we're the two cash crops that supported the Union but the North didn't have cash crops not one. The South was 30% of the population and paid over 85% of the revenue of the Union. New York kinda was way over taxed than other Union State's and they also came close to leaving and supporting the South. Maryland Legislature was jailed by Lincoln without a trail and Lincoln flooded the state with Federal Troops forcing them to to stay in the Union. The Stars and Bar's has 13 stars and the middle star is Maryland's star. One if the reasons Booth killed the tyrant and racist Lincoln. Delaware also was probably going to secede until Lincoln threatened them. Five States didn't secede until Lincoln raised a Army to invade Southern State's for Tarrifs. Lincoln said he didn't care how much blood he has to spill to collect the duties of state's meaning the South before they split from the Union. Tennessee and Virginia we're two of those state's. Thomas Stone Wall Jackson explained it perfectly. The People of the South and their Generals fought wars for the Union and are ancestors of those who fought the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 and the American Mexican War. Thomas Jackson and Lee we're hero's if the American Mexican War. So it was a light heart that they had to fight their friend's. Longstreet was Grants best friend. Hooked was Armisteads best friend. Buaregards best friend was the top officer at Fort Sumter he had to fire on. Buaregard fired only where he knew his friend and his men wouldn't be. Not one person was killed or even got a scratch at Fort Sumter. Not really a reason to justify 750,000 deaths. But it was a heavy heart they fought for their homes against a invader. Thomas Stone wall Jackson speech to the men of the Valley in part was " We would never raise a army to invade state's of others and terrorize their people. Not will we allow other states to raise a Army to invade our state's and terrorize our people. Lincoln's Secretary of War asked Lee to lead the Union Army and Lee replied my home and family are all over Virginia and I can't believe Lincoln is going to raise a Army to invade his own country. I ask you how can a man be a traitor when he fights to defend his family and home? One thing Northern History can't get away from is Lincoln's illegal invasion of the South resulted in 750,000 American lives and history has been twisted to justify a war that a President destroyed the Constitution to wage war for Southern taxes and Tarrifs
Kurt, I think he can actually understand what it’s like to be a Southern citizen, since he is one. Like he stated.
@@kurtsherrick2066 Such a synopsis! Would you have recommended reading to find this information? I find myself looking for old, primary accounts that have survived the revisionist history raiders. Please and thank you.
@@boadiceameridionalis3732 There are numerous writings on the Tyrant Lincoln. You can Google so much. But there is a great Article by Tara Dodrill. The White Washed Tyranny of Abraham lincoln. This is a great short explanation of the years before the war. It explains how the North treated the South terrible and Legislation against the South. Also there is 15 pages on Google. Books like Lincoln Unmasked, The Real Lincoln, The Lincoln Myth. I hope this helps.
@@boadiceameridionalis3732 Also in that Article by Tara Dodrill "The White Washed Tyranny of Abraham Lincoln" she explains how the Union Army forced the slaves from their homes on the Plantations. You see if the slaves stayed it would not have looked good on the North. She explains how terrible the Northern Manufacturers used little children, 18 days, terrible working conditions and starvation wages. A slave on a Plantation had a better quality of life. She explains the 16 ways Lincoln destroyed the Constitution to form a Military Dictatorship. How Lincoln imprisoned 13,000 Northern Citizens without a trail. I believe new studies have shown he actually imprisoned 30,000. I don't know how to put a link to the Article in my comment. You should be able to find it through Lew Rockwell.com it explains Lincoln is why we have a overpowered Central State.
Beltaloda
Why would anyone vote this down?
There’s also people who think this song is pro-confederacy, which it is not.
@@christiangasior4244 Pro-confederacy is a little strong. It certainly paints a sympathetic picture of the wounds felt by the post-war South, which... yeah, that doesn't always sit well with me. HOWEVER, I think we should all be able to feel empathy for that sense of hope alongside the despair of defeat. This song conveys those feelings in such a raw way, it's hard to deny how powerful it is.
I'm a northerner through and through with an absolute, pro-Sherman, they-were-too-kind-in-ending-Reconstruction view on the south, the confederacy and the Jim Crow that replaced it. But even I can get past that enough to appreciate the emotion of this song.
Side note: I played it on a loop from my brother-in-laws' front lawn two blocks from Lambeau Field after Wisconsin beat LSU there a few years back. Which was delightful.
Wow, the volume. My ears are bleeding.
Lol he just sat there letting us blast his ears out without turning it down
I guess you can’t raise a Kane back up when he’s in technological defeat
Amazing they haven't memory holed this. The slave owners were rich Jews, not the Southern working class who have been punished way too long ~ including today.
Based and true.
If that be true, then why are there so many Black folks with IRISH last names? Not Jewish names? Think about it. If they took their masters' last names and you claim they were Jews, where's all the African Americans with Jewish surnames?
@@56Veggie
Because Jews took anglicized names because they weren't exactly welcome by anglos either at the time same as why so many European Jews took German names.
When you think of "Jewish surnames" what language is it usually, actually? Not Hebrew but German
They sang this song? I love this song. Edit: Wait is this a Confederate song?
Yes, but it's about the Confederates admiting defeat.
@@56VeggieI have read that it is an anti-War song. Is that what you meant?
@@johnnotrealname8168 No, I wouldn't say anti-war. More of a lament. Historians of the Civil War agree that many Confederate leaders, even though hopeful of victory, knew that it was not a righteous cause. Confederate soldiers were mostly young sharecroppers and sons of sharecroppers without a nickel to their name and they got paid to fight the war. They did not own slaves; they were too poor and worked the land themselves. The rich plantation owners who carried a lot of political clout were the ones who wanted to win the war at all costs. Even as they watched their crops or houses burn, they cried out in favor of killing every last yankee. GO AND READ a real history book, not some of the garbage they shoved at you when you were in school.
Levon Helm & his Band
The back story to TLW is better than most of the show! Except for this version of Dixie…!
But you will not see many views of Levon in the documentary because he was elsewhere, pissed about the whole notion of ending The Band just because RR wanted to make a statement! So when they reunited, RR was not welcome. He threatened to sue. But didn’t. And The Band was much better without him!
Levin was the. Best. And the only true talent
They were all great. I guess we all have our favorites, mine is Rick, his singing is so soulful and Robbie. Could have something to do with that they both were very good looking in their youth, and had so much charisma.
Smoking weed and singing old time religion? Say whaaat!!! Wish they had sung the whole song. Weed and religion don't mix boys
They thought they did sing the whole song.
Egomaniac might have written this, but it's Levon's song. For me Levon was always the heart and soul of the band. I just finished "This Wheel's On Fire" and I certainly gained a greater appreciation for Rick, Richard, and Garth. And I also gained more disdain for the other one who cannot sing but loves to look pretty for the cameras 🤢
lildouche731 Bitter crap. I loved Levon. But I also love the facts. Forgive Robbie for surviving. And it couldn’t be clearer that he wrote this. Mr Helm was many great things. Songwriter was not one of them
Well Said....
@@peterzang when I commented about the song the point I was making is that although Levon did not write the song he "owned" it because nobody else can sing it like Levon. Plus what I got from his book is that in the beginning all the band members were in it together kind of like the Musketeers, and I do believe their music was a collaborative effort regardless of who wrote the various lyrics. I came out at the end of the book feeling like Mr. Robertson betrayed that brotherhood. And I think I would have came to the same conclusion even if I had not already loved Levon.
Robbie Robertson said in an interview on SiriusXM radio that in addition to wanting to “make a musical movie” (a paraphrase), he wrote the song with Levon’s voice specifically in mind. He wanted to write something that Levon “could sing better than anyone else in the world.” Whether you think that is ego on Robertson’s part is your opinion (and you’re absolutely entitled to it). But no doubt the song is written in such a way that it’s conducive to Levon “owning it.”
You are right no one could sing this like Levon. However, no one could sing "It makes no difference or Stage Freight like Rick, or Richard singing The Shape I'm in. Robbie did not betray them, they all made a lot of money. Read Barney Hopkyns biograhpy of The Band. They were all talented, some were more into getting stoned or strung out on heroin. Does not mean they didn't contributed, I love all of them, especially Rick. Robbie was the only one writing song after song. From reading several accounts, Robbie was more ambitious and for him the music came first, although he did drugs as well, he stayed away from heroin. @@lildouche731
A wasted opportunity. Scorsese didn't have a clue.
What exactly are you referring to? What didn't Scorsese have a clue about, and what opportunity was missed?
'splain why this song was cool fifty years ago but today it's taboooo. I'm talkin' to you, Joan.
Gawd It pisses me off that Richard and Garth are mostly invisible in this film and they predominantly focus on the lead guitar player, what a waste
Richard was not in great shape, and Garth, although a musical genius is an introvert, he didn't like being on camera, and didn't like being interviewed.
A great song and great performance. I love the accurate history. But hey, the Rebs deserved every bit of that beating, and the punishment that came with it. They've never fully accepted their whipping---that's why the South stays in rebellion against a unified USA, with liberty and justice for all. General Sherman tried to make them truly surrender and "study war no more." That's what the pilfering was about!
Kiss my southern ass!!!
The perfect song.