I'm in my 60's now, and after listening to rock for 50+ years, a lot of it I just can't stand to hear anymore. But The Band and their music are like evergreens; always fresh. No formula; just great musicians playing great music.
I've had front stage seats for Cream,Hendrix,The Doors,Stones,etc. But if I had a time machine and could go back to see just one concert,this is easily the one. Not a second of hesitation.
I remember watch The Last Waltz at like one in the morning on PBS when I was 13 years old - I'd never heard of these guys, but my mind was BLOWN by watching this film - nothing musically was EVER the same for me - Levon and The Band Lives! and always will!
Saw The Last Waltz 78 at the Base theater in Rota Spain. Already been listening to them for years but after that pretty much bought everything they ever put out. Twas a magical evening.
Charles Thomas Considering the fact that each could play several instruments VERY proficiently, were great vocalists, (except Garth-and Robbie is passable) & just blended & played together so effortlessly, l like. to think that they were better than any other group of musicians during their time.
They were better than most anybody who ever played a live show. Incredible singers, great songs with an epic sense of drama and a sly sense of humor. INCREDIBLE musicians and performers. These guys operated at a higher level than just about anyone. There are too many examples to talk about, but Rick Danko singing It Makes No Difference.... it does not get any better than that.
The Band had an electricity live that goes understated. Saw them right before this at the Greek in LA. Best concert I ever attended. The Band was LIVE.
"Happy Thanksgiving!" Rick Danko just might have been the most likeable guy on the planet... No pretense, no preening, or mugging, would've loved to have a beer with him.
Christopher simpson Couldn't have said it better. I usually don't get choked up when a famous person dies. We all die eventually and it was just their time. But the loss of Rick, who didn't have the fame of say Prince really got me down. He was such a likeable human being. Like BB King & Leon Russell & when Dr. John passes. Those are the ones I have & will cry a little bit at their leaving us.
Kyle Ellis Keep that groove for as long as you can. l wish you many years of happiness & good health. Appreciate your health for as long as you can because when u have IT u have everything. lf u lose it you will never wish you could have something back like u will your healh.
i must have been 13 when i first watched it and i'd watched it over and over again. only just re-discovered. So amazing coming back to them being older now, i love them even more. The best.
Some of the cameras malfunctioned and hence not enough footage of Richard and Garth. Also, let's face it; this is a Rock band and guitar, base and drums are featured heavily for all bands. Also, all the band history stuff was done months later when Robbie had provide a narrative thread for the film. He was the film's executive producer. Also Richard and Garth were not good interview subjects. Richard was always high and Garth, well, was Garth.
I was 16 in 1974 when my older brother took me to the Los Angeles Forum to see the Dylan and the Band 74 tour, part of "Before the Flood" was recorded then
"The object is to keep your balls on the table and knock everybody else's off." That was Rick Danko's sly explanation for how Robbie Robertson's game worked.
or maybe an analogy to protect number one which is you, hence they went into "don't do it" BUT i like your way of thinking and agree with what you said about robbie, but i like to think of it in the former
Levon and Rick get featured plenty - Levon especially with "Ophelia" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". Ricky shines on "Stage Fright" and "It Makes No Difference" (which also features the amazing guitar/sax coda from Garth and Robbie). I agree with you that there's a little too much Robbie and nowhere near enough Garth and Richard, but Levon and Rick do just fine.
Logan Riggs Rick and Levon are two of the "celebraties l would love to party with. (Primarily because they never had that wierd celebrity ego thing). Two of the coolest, most down to earth rockers to ever take the stage.
Of course, I also think there are a couple of places on this here UA-cam where you can also hear it, because those are the undubbed, completely unedited versions of The Last Waltz...
Interesting how they started the film with the last song they performed that night. Also quite a powerful and concise ending. No maudlin sentimentality for The Band.
Cause it's actually the first song they played. Martin S. used a lot of artistic license for this film. If you watch the line feed straight from Winterland they open with this song. Also The Weight was done in a studio Martin did not use the live version from the actual concert. Don't ever believe everything Hollywood throws at ya my friend! LOL!
One positive about the release of the official Last Waltz box set (which I have a copy of) is that you can hear the full length version of this VERY LAST performance of the ORIGINAL 5 of The Band on that, rather than the truncated version here to begin the film with.
I love this version of the tune, but from what I understand- this was actually overdubbed later in the studio and what we're hearing is not what the audience heard that night. Very surprising, if that's true.
The thing that gets me about Robbie Robertson's comments in the film is that he makes it sound like these guys were on the road forever. They weren't. They didn't become famous until they functioned as Bob Dylan's backing band in 1966 on his world tour (only ten years earlier than this concert), and they didn't release their debut album, "Music from Big Pink", until 1968. Now here it is, 1976, and they are giving their FINAL concert ?? These guys had SO much more to give, both artistically and as a performing unit. And if they needed to, they could have taken breaks from the road like other major bands do. It was only Robbie who wanted to put an end to things. If he was dreaming of solo glory...well...his solo career hasn't gone too far. And depression over the entire situation (plus, to be fair, drinking and drugs) led to Richard Manuel's eventual suicide.
Robert Bykowski They played lots before 1966 when they were with Ronnie Hawkins. They were absolute road dogs and played all sorts of dives throughout the US and Canada.
The Beatles recorded everything they did in less than 7 years, and they were gone. The 60’s and 70’s wasn’t like now. There wasn’t the level of professionalism and support to enable bands to take breaks, that period is riddled with people who became casualties of excess. It’s easy to say now that it was only 10 years but 10 years then was like 50 years. We live in a very sedated time in comparison.
The two cinematographers of this film are from Hungary, Zsigmond Vilmos and Kovács László. Hungary is the land of most genious people of the world. I'm proud to be a Hungarian. The Beatles and The Band, best musical groups forever. Not any band touches them. Thanx for the uploading.
I was gobsmacked to be watching jacques demy’s model shop recently and discover that the cut-throat scene is an almost cut-for-cut homage to demy’s film
The only problem I have with The Last Waltz is that opening title screen. It is The Band, we were going to play it loud anyway. (But thanks for the reminder)
Yes it was Marvin Gaye's song originally, although I don't love his version that much. I enjoy both the Band and the Who playing this number, but my favorites are the Isley Brothers.
Academy of Music video is much better. Always thought they played the road-weary veteran thing a bit too much in this movie. Felt fortunate to see them live earlier in the summer of 1976 at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Pretty special and glad I caught them before it was over. One of my FIVE "B"s-Beatles, The Band, Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield and Byrds. Not completely but those bands had a lot to do with changing the face of music as we know it now.
Yes this is the beginning of the movie, but it was the last encore and last one all 5 played in front of an audience. The show began @ 9p and they walked off that stage @220am (40 min intermission) so we dont need to rip RR for the Cher/Streisand like costume change.
The greatest moment of the Band! The greatest moment of rock 'n roll! The greatest rock 'n roll concert ever!
That's it!
The end of this video is so sad, though. Most say good night, and Robbie says goodbye.
I'm in my 60's now, and after listening to rock for 50+ years, a lot of it I just can't stand to hear anymore. But The Band and their music are like evergreens; always fresh. No formula; just great musicians playing great music.
I've had front stage seats for Cream,Hendrix,The Doors,Stones,etc. But if I had a time machine and could go back to see just one concert,this is easily the one. Not a second of hesitation.
Mannn tell me about those shows.
Were they in there prime?
What years were they?? Your fucking god damn lucky
Yup..
Monterey Pop 1967
Brian Murphy Yep Brian. That would have been something to tell your kids, grandkids and hopefully great grandkids.
Saw the Doors, Hendrix, Stones, the Who, Yardbirds, et al in the late '60s, but I agree Eugene. I would give anything to have seen this concert.
I remember watch The Last Waltz at like one in the morning on PBS when I was 13 years old - I'd never heard of these guys, but my mind was BLOWN by watching this film - nothing musically was EVER the same for me - Levon and The Band Lives! and always will!
This song cooks. I love Helm and Danko singing together - perfect combination.
clafong9 Yes rocking version of a Holland Dozier Holland Motown tune.
There are better live versions of this by The Band though
The Rock of Ages album version is unreal. Check that one out.
It's amazing how well they harmonized when their voices are so different
Saw The Last Waltz 78 at the Base theater in Rota Spain. Already been listening to them for years but after that pretty much bought everything they ever put out.
Twas a magical evening.
I grew up on The Beatles and still love them, but every time I watch or hear The Band they fuckin' blow my mind! Fantastic cover song!
Marvin is my favorite singer. But this just crushes his version
@@peterzang THE BAND OWNS THE SONG...
Likewise.
For at least this one night these musicians, this astonishing Band, were as good as anyone who ever played.
True That!!!
Charles Thomas Considering the fact that each could play several instruments VERY proficiently, were great vocalists, (except Garth-and Robbie is passable) & just blended & played together so effortlessly, l like. to think that they were better than any other group of musicians during their time.
They were better than most anybody who ever played a live show. Incredible singers, great songs with an epic sense of drama and a sly sense of humor. INCREDIBLE musicians and performers. These guys operated at a higher level than just about anyone. There are too many examples to talk about, but Rick Danko singing It Makes No Difference.... it does not get any better than that.
The last waltz is the most perfect sounds I've heard ...gots everything ,Robbie I can't my eyes off him ..Tina
Love these Guys!!! RIP Rick, Levon and Richard
Ditto
THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD!
Simply the best show ever ........
The Band had an electricity live that goes understated. Saw them right before this at the Greek in LA. Best concert I ever attended. The Band was LIVE.
Best Canadian Band EVER
The only way to listen to any of these Last Waltz videos is LOUD!!! What a great movie.
When a movie has the notice "THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD!", you know it has to be a classic.
We are still here too , Robert ... in 2019 ... thru all those years that never come but we not forgotten
Best way to begin a movie......at the end. Genius!!!
I can listen to the Band all day!!
"Happy Thanksgiving!" Rick Danko just might have been the most likeable guy on the planet... No pretense, no preening, or mugging, would've loved to have a beer with him.
Christopher simpson Couldn't have said it better. I usually don't get choked up when a famous person dies. We all die eventually and it was just their time. But the loss of Rick, who didn't have the fame of say Prince really got me down. He was such a likeable human being. Like BB King & Leon Russell & when Dr. John passes. Those are the ones I have & will cry a little bit at their leaving us.
Pretty fond of Rick myself!
@@pkf81366 I always liked how the movie kicks off with Rick at the pool table explaining "Cutthroat."
Lol it was Thanksgiving they ever served a turkey diner before the show. Rick was the man though RIP
@@RoyFive i need to play that game
Life should simply be enjoyed. Good for you if this is your groove. It is mine as well. Best to all. Peace.
Kyle Ellis Keep that groove for as long as you can. l wish you many years of happiness & good health. Appreciate your health for as long as you can because when u have IT u have everything. lf u lose it you will never wish you could have something back like u will your healh.
i must have been 13 when i first watched it and i'd watched it over and over again. only just re-discovered. So amazing coming back to them being older now, i love them even more. The best.
The best live rock &roll band of the world.
one of
Some of the cameras malfunctioned and hence not enough footage of Richard and Garth. Also, let's face it; this is a Rock band and guitar, base and drums are featured heavily for all bands. Also, all the band history stuff was done months later when Robbie had provide a narrative thread for the film. He was the film's executive producer. Also Richard and Garth were not good interview subjects. Richard was always high and Garth, well, was Garth.
Tears in my eyes the whole show
This is one of the greatest films ever made - must be played loud!
Love it! When out and bought it. What a great show. Thanks Martin!
why arn't people cool like this anymore ?
We just got older
One of the Best concert film openings!!!!!!!......
Another Thanksgiving 2020, time to dust off the Waltz after the parade
I was 16 in 1974 when my older brother took me to the Los Angeles Forum to see the Dylan and the Band 74 tour, part of "Before the Flood" was recorded then
I beg forgiveness...I found The Band late.
But....better late than never, no?
I'm 62 and saw the Dylan and the Band 74 tour show at the LA Forum
Lincoln would have loved them at Ford's Theater !!
I'm glad you mentioned that. It always struck me how they move in harmony, too.
one of the best drummers , and singers around, hes with danko, and ritchard maneul now. rest in peace.
Brilliant! I never noticed that in all the times I've watched this clip.
Levon, you will certainly be remembered fondly. Take it easy in the next life.
I gotta go watch this now
LEVON!!!! LOVE YOU MAN!!! Rest,you have done well brother.
Best introduction ever.
+TwinScroll
Absolutely. MS is an even better music documentarian than film maker. The Intro let us know we were about to see something special.
Is there a better opening four minutes in cinema history?
The Band. The Best.
RIP Robbie!!!
I wrote a paper about this in community college and my professor dude made it an example on how to write a paper.
they are my hero when I was a high school student! from japan
"The object is to keep your balls on the table and knock everybody else's off."
That was Rick Danko's sly explanation for how Robbie Robertson's game worked.
Cutthroat is a real game and that is the general object of it lol
Yes, and Robbie was cutthroat to the rest of the members of The Band.
Such foreshadowing
or maybe an analogy to protect number one which is you, hence they went into "don't do it" BUT i like your way of thinking and agree with what you said about robbie, but i like to think of it in the former
Well, he did say Albert Grossman was his mentor. Not fer nothin'.
Levon and Rick get featured plenty - Levon especially with "Ophelia" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". Ricky shines on "Stage Fright" and "It Makes No Difference" (which also features the amazing guitar/sax coda from Garth and Robbie). I agree with you that there's a little too much Robbie and nowhere near enough Garth and Richard, but Levon and Rick do just fine.
Robbie Robertson makes me nauseous. Love Levon!
marthajf73 Robbie:"You're still here huh? We're gonna do one more and that's it".
I guess a thanks for coming out would be too much to ask.
happy thanksgiving😂i love rick such a shame he is gone
Logan Riggs Rick and Levon are two of the "celebraties l would love to party with. (Primarily because they never had that wierd celebrity ego thing). Two of the coolest, most down to earth rockers to ever take the stage.
What a great song!!!
Of course, I also think there are a couple of places on this here UA-cam where you can also hear it, because those are the undubbed, completely unedited versions of The Last Waltz...
Goodnight Levon.....thank you....
Best "Band" Ever
Interesting how they started the film with the last song they performed that night. Also quite a powerful and concise ending. No maudlin sentimentality for The Band.
Cause it's actually the first song they played. Martin S. used a lot of artistic license for this film. If you watch the line feed straight from Winterland they open with this song. Also The Weight was done in a studio Martin did not use the live version from the actual concert. Don't ever believe everything Hollywood throws at ya my friend! LOL!
One positive about the release of the official Last Waltz box set (which I have a copy of) is that you can hear the full length version of this VERY LAST performance of the ORIGINAL 5 of The Band on that, rather than the truncated version here to begin the film with.
I love this version of the tune, but from what I understand- this was actually overdubbed later in the studio and what we're hearing is not what the audience heard that night. Very surprising, if that's true.
Danko on bass: Sheer joy.
Love this so much!
1:16. Levon streching. What a guy.
First saw them do this song live back in 1971 and LOVED IT. At that time there was no 'horn section'. Adding horns has ruined it for me. My 2 cents.
The definition of cool.
Just marvellous!
The thing that gets me about Robbie Robertson's comments in the film is that he makes it sound like these guys were on the road forever. They weren't. They didn't become famous until they functioned as Bob Dylan's backing band in 1966 on his world tour (only ten years earlier than this concert), and they didn't release their debut album, "Music from Big Pink", until 1968. Now here it is, 1976, and they are giving their FINAL concert ?? These guys had SO much more to give, both artistically and as a performing unit. And if they needed to, they could have taken breaks from the road like other major bands do. It was only Robbie who wanted to put an end to things. If he was dreaming of solo glory...well...his solo career hasn't gone too far. And depression over the entire situation (plus, to be fair, drinking and drugs) led to Richard Manuel's eventual suicide.
Robert Bykowski They played lots before 1966 when they were with Ronnie Hawkins. They were absolute road dogs and played all sorts of dives throughout the US and Canada.
The Beatles recorded everything they did in less than 7 years, and they were gone. The 60’s and 70’s wasn’t like now. There wasn’t the level of professionalism and support to enable bands to take breaks, that period is riddled with people who became casualties of excess. It’s easy to say now that it was only 10 years but 10 years then was like 50 years. We live in a very sedated time in comparison.
Richard's nod at 2:36 is as cool AF!
Gotcha, I saw it too
The two cinematographers of this film are from Hungary, Zsigmond Vilmos and Kovács László. Hungary is the land of most genious people of the world. I'm proud to be a Hungarian.
The Beatles and The Band, best musical groups forever. Not any band touches them. Thanx for the uploading.
Legends..... greatness!!!!!
great great version..........
The Band enough said
I was gobsmacked to be watching jacques demy’s model shop recently and discover that the cut-throat scene is an almost cut-for-cut homage to demy’s film
Ironically Cutthroat was the financial game Robbie played with the rest of the band members
GONNA MISS HIM BIG TIME!!!!
Iconic
They went off stage around midnight and came back two hours later to sing this
Oh really? The crowd must have been shouting for one more song lol
The only problem I have with The Last Waltz is that opening title screen. It is The Band, we were going to play it loud anyway. (But thanks for the reminder)
I could watch a whole movie starring just Rick Danko
Robbie chewing the invisible sandwich.
Coke Jaw Overload.
The 'Rock Of Ages' version kicks this one out the park...
Cool.
The actual album version of this song sucks. They slapped overdubs all over it in the film.
great music
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
happy thanksgiving !
RIP Levon. My cat is named Levon and my 5 year old son called you Uncle Levon.
This is a real movie ‘bout music! Most unfortunately the Get Back one featuring the Beatles is just a sum of footages and unlinked images
love this love the band to bad robbie punked out
The whole thing is amazing but 2:20 gets me every single time.
Nice break Rick
Michael Burke I think Rick shot more than a game or two to kill time on the road. He handles a stik like he's been playing his whole life.
My plea to every woman I've ever known...of course it falls on deaf ears
RIGHT THERE WITH YOU BROTHER
that's why i only date hookers.
Hey rare but we are here
✌️🌸💕
Yes it was Marvin Gaye's song originally, although I don't love his version that much. I enjoy both the Band and the Who playing this number, but my favorites are the Isley Brothers.
only people that are worthy of the name
About a year ago I decided that when I get a dog I would name him Levon.
And now there is one.
two
There aren't enough things these days meant to be played loud.
Happy thanksgiving!
r.i.p. Levon Helm
Manuel and hudson got shat on in the last waltz, its still legendary and immortal though
Robbie getting the last word in... Douchenozzle.
I think Richard was even more drunk than he was high, but good point.
Academy of Music video is much better. Always thought they played the road-weary veteran thing a bit too much in this movie. Felt fortunate to see them live earlier in the summer of 1976 at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Pretty special and glad I caught them before it was over.
One of my FIVE "B"s-Beatles, The Band, Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield and Byrds. Not completely but those bands had a lot to do with changing the face of music as we know it now.
Yes this is the beginning of the movie, but it was the last encore and last one all 5 played in front of an audience. The show began @ 9p and they walked off that stage @220am (40 min intermission) so we dont need to rip RR for the Cher/Streisand like costume change.
Danko's bass line is the dankest!
The version on Rock of Ages is better, but then, the version on Rock of Ages is better than anything ever recorded.
Magic