The Last Waltz 1978

The cinematic experience begins with a bold declaration: “This film should be played loud!” - a fitting introduction to a documentary that pays tribute to the legendary rock group, The Band. This iconic ensemble comprised five talented musicians: Rick Danko on bass, violin, and vocals; Levon Helm on drums, mandolin, and vocals; Garth Hudson on keyboards, saxophone, and accordion; Richard Manuel on keyboards, drums, percussion, and vocals; and Robbie Robertson on guitar, songwriting, and vocals. The quintet’s impressive roster of influences is reflected in the diverse array of genres covered throughout the film, including blues, rock and roll, New Orleans R&B, Tin Pan Alley pop, folk, and rock.

The documentary takes audiences on a sonic journey through the world of music, featuring special guest appearances by renowned artists such as Muddy Waters, Paul Butterfield, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Dr. John, Neil Diamond, and Eric Clapton. Genres are further explored in later segments, filmed on a soundstage with Emmylou Harris (country) and the Staple Singers (soul and gospel).

The film commences by capturing The Band’s electrifying performance of their cover version of Marvin Gaye’s hit “Don’t Do It” as an encore. From there, it flashes back to the start of the concert, following the group’s journey in a roughly chronological order. Backed by a large horn section, The Band performs many of its hit songs, including fan favorites like “Up on Cripple Creek”, “Stage Fright”, and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”.

Throughout the documentary, live performances are interwoven with studio segments and candid interviews conducted by director Martin Scorsese. In these insightful exchanges, The Band’s members share stories about their history, offering a unique glimpse into the group’s evolution. Robertson recounts Hudson’s condition for joining the band - that each member would pay him $10 a week for music lessons - allowing the classically trained musician to present himself as a music teacher rather than just a rock-and-roll musician. Robertson also vividly describes the surreal experience of playing in a burnt-out nightclub owned by Jack Ruby.

Manuel reminisces about some of the early names considered for The Band, including “The Honkies” and “The Crackers”. Because their friends and neighbors in Woodstock, New York simply referred to them as “the band,” they decided that was the perfect moniker. Danko takes Scorsese on a tour of The Band’s Shangri-La studio, playing a recording of “Sip the Wine”, a track from his forthcoming 1977 solo album Rick Danko.

As Robbie Robertson reflects on The Band’s storied history, a poignant narrative emerges - that of a bygone era slowly coming to a close. The forthcoming concert, dubbed The Last Waltz, serves as a poignant coda to their 16-year odyssey, a journey that has taken them from the rustic heartland to the bright lights of the city. As Robertson shares with Martin Scorsese, the weight of those years on the road is beginning to bear down, casting a shadow over the future. “Sixteen years,” he muses, “that’s what The Last Waltz is - the culmination of all that travel, the accumulation of memories and miles.” And yet, even as the prospect of continued touring begins to unnerve him, Robertson knows that 20 years on the road would be a different story altogether. The very thought is enough to leave him breathless, as if the mere idea of such a long stretch of time on the open road has become too much to bear.