British guitarist analyses 'The Band' live in 1970!

Tonight we're taking a look at The Band back in 1970 performing 'The Weight'!
Original video - • Rare Concert Footage o...
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[@patriciahill1101]

What I love about the "British guitarist" is how much he appreciates almost every artist he analyzes. Doubles our enjoyment!

[@melliehobson8299]

Fil has become only one of two reviewers I watch. I won't mention the other because, as an obviously very knowledgeable virtuoso, Fil's in a different class. He's more like a professor!

[@davidcoomber4050]

No such thing as good or bad music if you understand music

[@cutchopweld5717]

The Band truly had it all in spades. Insane musicianship, 3 killer singers who could harmonize like no other and Song writing that took you on a voyage and told a story! Unmatched even today IMHO! 🇨🇦

[@MichaelBoyle514]

So many bands have trouble getting one really great lead singer - these guys had 3. I'm biased, being Canadian, but for my money, The Band is the epitome of late 60s/early 70s rock culture.

[@MoeSlislack]

there are definitely some really great Canadian rock bands from this era.

[@chuck62891]

Don't forget Richard Manuel sang also. A favorite for 50+ years.

[@ottavva]

nothing wrong about being ''biased'' 😀

[@mikelasater2016]

@@chuck62891 he is one of the 3. Richard, Levon and Rick

[@treebeard8475]

Hello from America (I’m a hop and a skip south from you lol) if your biased then I am too Levon Helm was the only American member I believe and he’s a gem. I’m a dead head but The Band has a special place in my heart and I can’t even rank them because they are on their own level. I saw Amy play with Phil and I would trade that for nothing

[@atlanticity]

I'm old enough to have seen them live in the 70s. Talented is an understatement. RIP Levon.

[@jlbaker2000]

And RIP, Richard Manuel.

[@timothy8017]

I don't know if I'm proud, respectful, fascinated... That I live near "the home of Levon Helm" in Arkansas. I just know it makes me smile everytime I drive pass that road sign.

[@51tomtomtom]

RIP Robby as well ! And Rick ! 3 of the those guys are go

[@gcnmah1]

As good as they are, they are still massively underrated. Everyone can sing. Everyone can play. Robbie's songwriting along with the musicianship and the amazing harmonies. I consider them a top 3-4 music group of all time. The Weight should be rated right up there with "Stairway to Heaven", "Good Vibrations" and all of the other great music from the era.

[@bruceeipperle2770]

Robbie can't sing a diddle. Never has. Never did. They used to shut his mic off during sets.

[@rebbeshort]

@@bruceeipperle2770 He gives it the good old college try these days.

[@kjelleriksson2793]

@@bruceeipperle2770 Oh, he can sing but not that good as Helm, Danko and Manuel. It was Robbie's own choice to have his mic disconnected.

[@jimdonn8679]

@@bruceeipperle2770 Out Of The Blue wasn’t half bad

[@alicesvideos]

I can't say they were massively underrated. During their time they were pretty big and loved by everyone I knew - 60s/70s rock. And they were terrific with Dylan!

[@richardpowell1220]

And they're not just a singles' band. "The Band" is one of the greatest albums in rock history. You get to the end and you feel like you're a part of a big, rambling America. A masterpiece.

[@bradneubauer9541]

Even after 50 years, this puts a shiver in my spine every time!

[@mikes6970]

I just love .. the last waltz ... tnats me for tears and memmorys for me ... what a line up that night ...

[@samanthab1923]

Brad Neubauer Same here & a tear 😢 to the eye.

[@brentscott5359]

Saw them perform this in Calgary during Festival Express in 1970. Joplin and The Grateful Dead performed there as well. I have been blessed.

[@zigwald]

lucky dog!!!!!!

[@brentscott5359]

@@zigwald It was a spectacular show and the weather could not have been better. Joplin Live featured a great deal of Calgary and there is a Blu-Ray of the Festival available. The Band of course were outstanding.

[@kathypiazza4567]

Brent Scott hi from Calgary, lucky you I was only 12. Couldn’t go but I heard about this concert for years after.

[@brentscott5359]

@@kathypiazza4567 Was 17 and the folks were NOT going to stop my brother, 15, and I from going. As I stated earlier it's on Blu-Ray.

[@tedkoppel4199]

I am a really big fan of the recording of I Shall Be Released from the movie.

[@elgenetiamzon1062]

Watching this after hearing of Robbie Robertson's passing yesterday. They were quite unique and the combination of Robbie's writing, Levon, Rick and Richard's singing plus Garth Hudson's musicianship really elevated their sound. Too bad that three of them have now left us with Garth being the sole surviving member.

[@procopiojrpalacios9702]

With Robbie's passing, four members of "The Band" have left us... We were lucky to have had their musical talents.

[@jaenmartens5697]

My favorite band ❤️” The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down” still makes me tear up, and I’m a northerner. There was a poignant past life review feeling about their songs!

[@marysmith805]

That song sounds like it was written at the time of the civil war... I thought it was a traditional song passed down (like "House of the Rising Sun").. nope. they wrote it. Such a cool song.

[@ArcoZakus]

Jaen Martens, "... still makes me tear up ..." For the brief part of my life that I lived in Atlanta I was busy re-adapting to "the real world" after getting out of the army and I did not appreciate the history that surrounded me. Later, when hearing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" while living elsewhere I felt a stronger connection to that area and what it must have been like during that war. Great songwriting by Robbie Robertson. (I also enjoyed Joan Baez's performance of that song.) If you have any tears left, try not letting them go while listening to "Tears of God" written and performed by Josh Turner, kzbin.info/www/bejne/i36bYp1moM5gmpo or "'Til the Last Shot's Fired" by Rob Crosby and Doug Johnson, performed by Trace Adkins. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYKZlmeFnJ5qm7c

[@jaenmartens5697]

ArcoZakus Thank you.

[@ArcoZakus]

Jaen Martens, You are welcome. I have hundreds more where those came from, if you're ever bored. All about warriors, wanderers, cowboys, musicians, outlaws, lovers, leavers... Some'll make ya' cry, others will make your toes tap until you get up on them and dance. Some will make you homesick for places you have never been, or places that no longer exist. I shoulda' been a juke box (sung to the tune of "Should've Been a Cowboy", written and performed by Toby Keith).

[@KayEl58]

@@marysmith805 I also thought it was traditional. That's great song writing.

[@martymcgill1312]

I just watched Levon the other day as Loretta Lynn's father on Coal Miner's Daughter. A great actor to boot.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

He played Ridley in "The Right Stuff" about the space program. Did a superb job. Great in Coalminer's....

[@slothbros7607]

I was looking through all my streaming channels for that movie last night. He is wonderful in that. I recall a story about the scene at Loretta's father's funeral where he is in the coffin and people were singing and he sat up and told them how to sing it- they weren't singing to his liking. :) The scene was awesome so they must have taken his advice.

[@Fretless99]

Yes he was

[@samanthab1923]

Marty McGill Low-retty exactly the way her dad said it.

[@cazgerald9471]

If you've never listened to "Music from Big Pink" or watched "The Last Waltz", you need to immediately XD

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

True dat....

[@stuartmcgill6800]

So good

[@bernadettelanders7306]

Caz Gerald I still have my original vinyl Music from Big Pink and a few other of the The Bands albums - Brilliant

[@snodgrassgerald2352]

Caz Gerald the last waltz is one of the best albums ever. Right up there with the White Album, Exile on Main St, Allman Bro’s at the Fillmore.

[@philiphalpenny9761]

Rock Of Ages by The Band is a great place to start. Allen Toussaint arranging of the horn charts is superlative, to put it mildly!

[@EmeraldCityGuy]

One of the most adept and brilliant analyses I’ve ever heard. Great job! Very articulate.

[@stefangolubek8219]

What I like about You is that You are openminded guy. You are not restricted to "trendy" style or type of music, You seems , that You appreciate all kind of MUSIC as long the music is good. I'm much older than You, so You are the hope of my generation - maybe not all young people are music deaf.

[@stephenpeterson7940]

This song has been covered a million times, but no one could sing it like Levon Helm.

[@stonerabbit344]

In an interview on CBC’s three-part series “Heart of Gold”, Robbie Robertson describes Ronnie Hawkin’s obsession with band rehearsals and how these considerable hours of practice made The Hawks just get better and better. With a wry smile, Robertson concluded the interview by saying, “We got so good, we left him.”

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Ronnie Hawkins said in an interview, when he first hired Robbie he worked harder than anybody, practicing all the time. Later on Rick, Levon and Richard let their drug use get in the way of the music, and Robbie had trouble getting them to practice. I read Robbie's book, he actually writes that Rick could play almost any instrument without much practice. You get the feeling that Rick was a natural whereas Robbie had to work at it, except for his songwriting skills, that came pretty natural to Robbie, he wrote his first 2 songs for Hawkins when he was just 15 or 16.

[@danielfronc4304]

The Band has always been my favorite American band. Along with all their other hits, far and away my favorite song of their's is Rick Danko singing "It Makes No Difference" from The Last Waltz. Absolutely gut wrenching if you've ever had the love of your life break up with you.

[@mickeysoltys6960]

They played American music but all except for Levon were from Canada.

[@kevspicer]

I love that song too, nice call!

[@Yausbro]

@@mickeysoltys6960 therefore a Canadian band eh?

[@pawlaswider8182]

I love them too!❤ They’re a Canadian band! 🇨🇦

[@SisterMidnite]

80% Canadian & 20% American

[@virginia3619]

I really appreciate that you highlight how a song is made up of layers--some interlocking, some stratified--which speaks to the song's complexity and how it actually works. Your analysis unlocked so much of that and gave me a sort of visual of the song. And I love the intensity of expression on Helm's face as he sings. That, too, for me is part of the song's effect.

[@TorToroPorco]

The story of their coming together is rather remarkable. When they joined Hawkins Robertson was 17, Danko & Manuel were 18, Helm was 21 and Hudson was 24. It's an accomplishment to write hit songs but it's a whole other thing to create music that lays down cultural signposts and moves the musical landscape. They first did that when they played with Dylan and helped give legitimacy to rock as "serious" music. Then later with their own music they redefined the notion of Americana and their fusion of rock with country set the stage for new genre. You can draw a direct line from them to bands like the Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons and the Eagles. For me the most amazing thing is the way their songs touched so profoundly on deeply American themes and stories but yet they were four Canadians and a lone American. The ability to connect on such an emotional level is the true definition of artistry.

[@jezebeljones659]

I one hundred percent agree!

[@SisterMidnite]

That’s because the stories were Levon’s.

[@Ignats75]

@@SisterMidnite Actually, the "stories" were from a lot of sources. Dixie and W F Walcott were inspired by Robbie sitting up late at night drinking moonshine with Levon's Father, Diamond. It was Diamond's stories and attitude about how the South would rise again that inspired Dixie.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Not to be nitpicking, but Robbie, and Rick were both born in 1943, Robbie in July, RIck in December, and I think Richard was born in 43 as well. Robbie wrote his first songs for Hawkins when he was 15-16. I agree they were unique. I have loved them since I first heard "Up on Cripple Creek", I'm of their generation, just a few years younger than Robbie.

[@drewpall2598]

Robbie Robertson had died at age 80 he is recognized for his work as lead guitarist for Bob Dylan in the mid-late 1960s and early-mid 1970s; as guitarist and songwriter with the Band from their inception until 1978, and for his career as a solo recording artist. (RIP) Robbie Robertson July 5, 1943 - August 9, 2023

[@drewpall2598]

Yes, a bunch of talented musicians! "Up on Cripple Creek" is another song I like. great analysis on a band you could have done a week of analysis on. thanks for all the hard work you put into all of your analysis videos for our enjoyment and education.

[@ArcoZakus]

Drew Pall, Ditto. "Up on Cripple Creek" kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5rWiX2JqLp_fa8

[@johnm3152]

See the man with the "Stage Fright" - standin' up there to give it all his might.

[@johnm3152]

"If I spring a leak she mends me"

[@iansing5278]

Thanks Fil, Levon Helm, Drummer Supreme. Excellent "Band"...

[@philiphalpenny9761]

@@johnm3152 Maybe she could attend to Slash as well .He may require an urologist for bladder issues. Lol!

[@StrangeArrangements]

Have loved that song since it came out.

[@gregdiffenthal2384]

I named my son Luke because of this song. He's 27 now.

[@StrangeArrangements]

@@gregdiffenthal2384 That is very cool. :)

[@jonnno2439]

1969, Isle Of Wight. The Band, Bob Dylan, The Who and so many more. What a weekend we had..

[@EgilSOdegard]

The Band: I really hope they'll never be forgotten! One of the greatest bands ever: Four top vocalists, three top songwriters, five top musicians!

[@teacup3133]

4 vocalists? I never heard Garth sing and Robbie’s voice sucks

[@hannejeppesen1809]

True actually Robbie's voice does not suck, listen to his albums after he went solo. Having said that he could not compete with the voices of Richard, Levon and my favorite Rick Danko. Garth was a genius on several instruments, and Robbie wrote most of the songs and play killer guitar, besides being very good looking and full of charisma the same for R@@teacup3133

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Yes, it is pretty well known that there were 3 great singers, not to take away from the other 2, but Rick is my favorite. Robbie wrote majority of the songs, only a few were written by Rick, Richard and Levon. Robbie's voice does not suck, he recorded some nice songs as a solo artists, however, it is true that his voice was no match, for Rick, Levon and Richard. In any case you are right they were all very talented.@@teacup3133

[@bugvswindshield]

when I was a kid my dad would listen the BAND all the time. I had forgot how good, mellow and relaxing their music is. thanks mate. I needed this song today :)

[@Patriot_Drone_Services]

RIP “Levon” Helm. A very multitalented musician, who made a musical comeback after in ‘98 from throat cancer. He was also a pretty good actor as well. He was from a place right up the road from us in Elaine, Arkansas. The “Band” was a simplistic compilation of folks with a great sound.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

The Last Waltz is my Most favourite movie of all time ,music wise ! My younger brother,introduced me to this,and I. Forever grateful. 💕

[@suryclind]

The Last Waltz.. produced by Scorsese, is one of the finest music docs ever. The last scene shows their diversíty using different instruments. Some incredible guest musicians, really top notch. I used to watch so many concerts on KZbin, now most are monitized. I'd love so much to see The Last Waltz again. A couple mémbers have passed on. Thanks for the great reviews !!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Well said !

[@suryclind]

@@freespiritwithnature4384 Thank You !

[@richdiddens4059]

The problem with both the movie and the album is that the producers cut, chopped, re-ordered, and over-dubbed the actual 4 1/2 hour, 40-some song concert and reduce it to 116 minutes for the movie and 129 minutes for the album. Watch the whole show either here on KZbin or on Wolfgang's Vault to see their true genius. It's pure genius and includes a couple dozen guests, most of whom they played backup for as studio musicians.

[@johncarlson7338]

Rich Diddens I totally agree. Chest Fever is not in the movie. That is the Band at it’s best.

[@AhNee]

@@richdiddens4059 I've watched it, but not closely. Was that before they airbrushed out Neil Diamond's coke booger?

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Bravo Fil! This is the best, non-judgmental, recap of The Band’s history I’ve ever read. Thank you for that. I have never seen a fretless bass before. What a beautiful instrument! I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard The Weight for the first time. There is something about this tune that sets my soul on fire. Dramatic? Yes, but so true. Levon is a brilliant singer/drummer/mandolin player. Rick and Richard’s vocals and instrumentation were outstanding. Robbie’s storytelling songs lit my imagination on fire. And Garth’s keyboards were perfect for this motley crew genius musicians. Thank you for this review. 💕

[@marjoryrainey5761]

Thank you for your review also!

[@stevenpardon5363]

Katie S Jack Bruce of Cream played a fretless bass from time to time. I would think that instrument would necessitate very precise fingering, if that’s the correct terminology.

[@kevinkelly9956]

That is an Ampeg Fretless bass.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I think the fret less bass gives a jazz and blues feel. Kind of a tribute to the standup.

[@steveullrich7737]

I remember when I first heard this song too. Such a fantastic sound and great lyrics as was typical of all their songs.

[@carlswenson5538]

I was fascinated by Big Pink as a young-un. It was like the harmonies were trying to catch up with the lead vocal. Their influence is immeasurable. The Last Waltz as a concert film is a true must see and listen. The Night ... Down is EPIC! Levon was so unique as a drummer and vocalist.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZSthXmOq9CLoaM

[@Jeff-bm9vr]

With the recent death of Robbie Robertson it was heartwarming to find Fil's analysis. One album that I loved was a live album with Bob Dylan called Before The Flood. It has my favorite version of All Along The Watchtower.

[@rickjensen1480]

I don't know how I missed this analysis. After Robbies passing I've been looking back and ran across this. All I feel right now is thanks Robbie, Levon, Rick, Richard, and Garth. Lots of good times to this music. And thank you Phil for looking at artists I enjoyed in my youth.

[@msfl54]

The Band was a musician’s musicians. Levon was such a great drummer and singer. I always loved the organ parts, reminded me of some of Dylan’s earlier records.

[@joelsimms4636]

They probably played on the albums.

[@Miatacrosser]

@@joelsimms4636 Planet Waves by Bob Dylan and The Band.

[@kendallmccall6604]

He was also a good actor

[@christopherbent2359]

Garth is also the one who set up the first recording equipment for The Basemnt Tapes which is Dylan and the Band

[@JeffWaynee]

Richard Manuel (the piano player) was from my home town of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. He sadly died in 1986 at the young age of 42. May he RIP.

[@alhaskell242]

The first time we saw The Band was at an epic outdoor concert in Toronto in the early 70s where it rained all day. But to keep thing moving the rest of the line up was Jesse Colin Young ,Crosby Stills Nash and Young and a solo concert by Neil Young. As I said and epic day long and into the night event ,took us a few days to recover but it was worth it.

[@climber1954]

I saw them on the same tour in Oakland. For that show, the promoter added Joe Walsh and Barnstorm to the bill. It still ranks as the best concert I have ever seen.

[@fewwiggle]

"took us a few days to recover" I don't understand what you mean ;-)

[@kevingrady8736]

I was there at the Varsity stadium concert, It was AWESOME.

[@alhaskell242]

fewwiggle it was outdoors raining and we were not dressed for 12 hours of rain .Some of us ended up sick or with colds.

[@jackwalker1822]

Wow what a concert lineup. Would have loved to be there.

[@richeaton7436]

Good one. Fil. Cheers. Atlanta Rhythm Section was another group of studio musicians that formed a great band.

[@johnleonard3806]

Had a friend who sat next to Levon Helm on a flight out of LA in the 80's. Said he was very cool and chatted the whole time.

[@davidcantwell2489]

Hi Fil !!!! Thanks for taking me back to my hippie days.

[@onthe1481]

Nostalgia.. Reminds me of my parents, my brother and my sisters- good memories. Fil you're right Levon did keep time well. He practice a lot the metrodome. Cool choice...I feel good inside. Thanx Fil 🤙🙂🤙

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

They'll always remind me of my parents because they met each other at a dance these guys played at (pre The Band) in my mom's tiny hometown in Ontario.

[@onthe1481]

@@buckodonnghaile4309 Very cool 🤙

[@theguitarbunker]

Thanks for using my upload and providing most fitting analysis.

[@johnbates5118]

Richard Manuel, what a loss - so young. Maybe one of the most talented people in music.

[@avlisk]

"Fallen Angel", from "Robbie Roberson" 1987 album.

[@craigmarks7217]

One of the finest, most soulful, singers in rock history. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipKudWSMmcalpNk

[@johnm3152]

Oh hell yeah.

[@bjorngillefalk8965]

The heart and soul of the Band.

[@phantomrockerr]

Love these guys! Levon Helm is a Great singer and story teller.

[@callmeishmael7452]

Their pure musicality was amazing. They always play as if they have practiced for a thousand years but loose at the same time.

[@twikid4134]

Got my coffee mugs last night!!!! Love 'em, Fil. Rock

[@ginnyb7655]

I just ordered mine yesterday. :)!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@jetobey5656]

Thank you for your respectful way of telling the story of "The Band." So many younger people have never heard of them. But, when folks hear them, even young people of today,, "The Band " penetrates their minds. They are ,in an inexplicable way, universal. One must work at not feeling the force of their music.The best anyone can come up with is "roots" music. Seems fairly accurate to me-- traditional blues underlies all of their music and it just grows exponentially from there.

[@hildareynolds231]

One of my all time favorite bands! Loved everything they did! Thanks for this reaction!

[@danielroncaioli6882]

The Band: my favorite group of all time. You should check out the video when they made “Up On Cripple Creek”. The smile on Garth Hudson’s face while playing the keyboards. That smile says it all.

[@ednoponen2943]

The Band was my favorite back in the day. I saw them at least half a dozen times, including two great shows at the intimate Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. These guys were "far out", indeed. Richard Manuel was one of the all-time great rock singers. He had this compelling "strained" element to his vocals. Rick Danko was also a very good singer. Levon Helm usually took the helm, so to speak. They were SO tight, yet sounded so loose. It was magic.

[@caretaker158]

Love this song..... it's just got a "feel" to it. I can't describe it but it puts me in a really mellow place and I like it there.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Levon Helm. A great musician. I loved him in the Shooter with Mark Walburg.

[@charlesross9260]

Ol Levon, great musician, actor, cancer survivor. Good old country boy. The Band was just so together. Good Good music.

[@michaelglick1287]

They also said that artificial sweeteners were safe, WMDs were in Iraq and Anna Nicole married for love.

[@sville0513]

Great subtle performance as Loretta Lynn's dad in "Coalminer's Daughter"

[@AhNee]

@@charlesross9260 Uh, not a cancer survivor, it's what killed him.

[@sumrica]

I love the sound. The piano when it chimed in does it for me.

[@procopiojrpalacios9702]

Thank you for spotlighting this legendary group of musicians! Incredible instrumentalists/vocalists coming together with their unique talents as The Hawks, maturing into The Band. Been listening since their first LP, and saw them, at 16, in concert after their second album in 1969. What a treat! Timeless music...!

[@ianshortall3356]

The Band where such a great band and created some timeless classic songs 'The Weight' being one of them. They are just so good at making it feel laid back and effortless, but as usual when a performance feels effortless that does not mean its easy to play and replicate. Thanks for the analysis as usual Mr. Fil...

[@sharonn9676]

Absolutely Fabulous is such a funny show I still watch repeats. They are so funny. Love them.

[@23theseeker50]

They were a great band so talented all of them sadly most of them have left us now but they will never ever be forgotten R.I.P. Robbie, Levon, and Rick BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.

[@tyrapp262]

Robbie is still alive. You probably meant Richard.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

@@tyrapp262 He was then, he died this past August at age 80. Will be missed.

[@robinjones6999]

The version with the Staples is the best mate

[@dlux703]

Thanks for covering one of my favorite groups of that era. They got saddled with backing Dylan during his transition into electric music, and that was why Dylan fans heckled. Most of those fans wanted Dylan to be frozen in time as an acoustic folk artist. I'm so glad that they managed to endure that touring experience and make their own mark.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Didn't know the drummer sang this tune...Cool.....thanks Fil

[@CJTELE]

Levon Helm

[@pintpot]

Neither did the camera operator!

[@xpmark1]

Fil, "The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down" another one that Levon's voice is just perfect.You mentioned Ronnie Hawkins.Watch him do the forward moonwalk on youtube song "Mary Lou". Ronnie Hawkins was very popular in my Oklahoma and the next thing we knew in 1959 Ronnie had moved to Canada and just dropped off the scene in the US.Another local note in Tulsa there is this big stone faced Church, probably built in the 1920s or 30s that has been turned into a recording studio.I think Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, J.J.Cale likely recorded there.It's still is a recording studio to the best of my information.

[@melvynobrien6193]

I still remember BLUEBIRDS OVER THE MOUNTAIN by Ronnie.

[@kamaliancirranoush1916]

Great job Fil, I love this band so much, you have no idea. Excellent analysis, but I would say they had 3 lead vocalists, Richard Manuel was such an amazing heartfelt singer, gone too soon.

[@edford1693]

I love The Band. I read Levon's book, "This Wheel's On Fire", last summer and according to him most of their songs were written in pieces by the whole group and their manager or the label gave Robbie the credit which helped drive a wedge among the group. Levon was not happy about the breakup. Robbie and Garth are the only members left. 👍👍 Levon played Loretta Lynn's dad in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter".

[@subversivelysurreal3645]

Ed Ford :Interesting...I really only know those basement tapes, and the last waltz...but I don’t consider them yodeling.

[@Miatacrosser]

Hey Ridley, got any Beemans? Ya I might have a stick or two. Well loan me some, I'll pay ya back later. Fair enough

[@obbor4]

Robbie wrote 100% of the words. That is usually the way songwriting credits work. You write the words, it's your song.

[@Frip36]

@@obbor4 This is a silly statement.

[@edford1693]

@@obbor4 I am just stating what Levon said in his book because 1) I was not there & 2) I was not a twinkle in my dad's eye at the time of The Band's stay at 'The Big Pink' so please do not go off on me. Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful day. Oh he didn't write all of the songs because Rick Danko wrote the song "This Wheel's On Fire" which he gave Levon permission to use for the title of the book.

[@B81Mack]

Real musicians, real talent, real music... a rarity, if not non-existent anymore. Great job Fil. 👍

[@Ianbond21]

In the Last Waltz, the Staples singers join them for this song. Incredible!!

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

My favourite band . To young to see them in person, D! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

I saw The Band with Bob Dylan in the Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston, Texas back in 1974....that was one righteous experience...Bob walked right by us and said Hello....we had no idea he would be walking that way...I near soiled myself.

[@rexvisitor44]

Fil, thanks for covering one of the all time great bands. Rick Danko and Levon, so sad they left us too early. No doubt they’re jamming (with Richard, too!) as we speak. Blessed they were around at all to create such amazing music.

[@2510katjo]

I have seen the Last Waltz many times and any chance i get to see it again i am all in. Thank you for analyzing this song. Another song i have loved since the first time i heard it. You know so much about music it's very impressive. I'm so glad you are here.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Garth Hudson CM (born August 2, 1937) didn't play the ubiquitous Hammond B3 organ. Nope! He played a *Lowrey* brand organ. Models: *Festival* (FL) *console*, which was replaced by a *Lincolnwood TSO-25* during 1969, and later still a horseshoe console *H25* *[Heritage model]* , *[ I have probably 300 model names/ model numbers in my head 😊]* , as depicted in The Last Waltz. SOMETHING WURLITZER AND LOWREY HAVE IN COMMON NO OTHER BRANDS HAVE IS- *PEDAL GLIDE (or PEDAL SLIDE as Wurlitzer calls it). It is a little momentary switch(only operates when depressed, let go it's off again) located on the organs volume pedal on the upper left side edge of the pedal. When the organist pushes it with the upper inner side of the foot it *LOWERS THE PITCH OF BOTH KEYBOARDS BY 1/2 STEP, OR ONE NOTE TO THE LEFT OF EVERY KEY DEPRESSED OR DEPRESSED ANYTIME WHILE THAT MOMENTARY SWITCH IS HELD IN, OR MORE COMMON TAPPED A SPLIT SECOND TO TWO SECONDS ( an 8th not to a whole note, or whole measure). The purpose of the pedal slide is just that, it sounds like a guitar bending a note. You might ask: *"But when a guitarist bends a note it goes **_up_** in pitch, not _down, right?"* That is correct. Except they way one achieves a bend _upwards_ is to press the slide switch with the foot a spit second before the note(or chord) in the melody on the key(or chord) is played. Then when then the note is played it will actually be flat since the slide switch is pressed in. So to bend the note upwards the switch is _released_ and wallah there is your intended note bent upward from a half step below. This is pretty much always how the slide is used since the ear always wants to resolve a note a half pitch below to it's actual note in the melody, the note to the right...of course I'm speaking within the limitation of this slide system. If you have, say a keyboard with a PITCH BEND WHEEL, these can bend notes down _and_ upward several steps. I encourage you to consider procuring a nice vintage organ from your local area. They are practically nothing, and if they are rock solid fully operational it's certainly worth paying two, three, four hundred dollars or pounds for one. The most reliable organs are actually the ELECTROMECHANICAL TONE GENERATION MODELS- HAMMOND AND WURLITZER. Hammond TONE WHEEL ORGANS 1935-1975 ,and Wurlitzer ELECTROSTATIC REED up to 1963 (electrostatic reed, which is NOT an acoustic instrument, the reeds are used purely for their harmonic content and are manipulated electronically to produce beautifully smooth rich flute, strings, horns, diapason ( *_Diapason is the only origin-to-the-organ voice_* all other organ voices are borrowed from other instruments in the orchestra- String, Reed/Horn, and Tibia/Flute). Note, HAMMOND TONE WHEELS PRODUCE ONLY ONE VOICE -FLUTE (which in actuality sounds more like clarinet). However Hammond organs use a draw bar system to change the harmonics of the Fundamental notes. It is the blending of the harmonics that create approximations of FLUTE, REED, STRINGS, and DIAPASON. Watch the video *LEGENDARY THEATER ORGANISTS* and go to the 40 minute mark (watch whole video if you can) and at 40 minutes they show and explain the inner workings of the Hammond organ. Also check out the *NORTH SUBURBAN HAMMOND ORGAN SOCIETY* technical articles for the Hammond tone wheel organ , Wurlitzer electrostatic reed organ, and the incredible Hammond X-66 . The X-66 is my avatar. cited Wiki(and me).

[@dougpotosky4102]

You knew about Clapton! So I took that post down. Mountain Jam will be having a 80 birthday tribute for Levon this year! A lot of the members from his last band. Including Amy Helm. Ps. I have had photos of Levon from his later years published. What a great person!

[@yoursoulknows6444]

Memories of my youth... love the Band, they made fantastic music. Stagefright - one of my favorite of their great albums...

[@sidgdansk6017]

I met Levon with a good friend of his and introduced us. Janis Joplin's guitar player and I were good friends and have worked together. anyway; they played here and we went to a private party and I met Richard Manuel. was talking to Rick Danko. what a nice guy he was. thanks for your great vid. Richard is buried here in Stratford Ontario. heard them back in the mid 60's but I was too young to get in but at least I heard them outside. peace man and keep the great show you do coming! 🎸🇨🇦

[@wayneguess7946]

IMO, the loosness of the harmonies, and the instruments, is what makes this song work so well! I LOVE IT!

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Such great storytelling and musicianship. We miss the band.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

It's amazing how a Canadian band became one of the quintessential American bands. Robby Robertson is a Canadian National treasure.

[@paschkefan]

Farrell McGovern Same goes for Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson...all are Canadian National treasures.

[@charsibaba6960]

@@paschkefan agreed. Since robbie took most of the money he is more like the national treasurer

[@george5120]

No other group has ever harmonized like that, and no other song has ever had lyrics like that. The song is distinct because of it; and being distinct is what makes it interesting and timeless.

[@themroc8231]

Thank you for that. On Dylan's 66 tour it wasn't really the Band that was hated, it was Dylan playing with electric instruments. The folk revival was at its peak back then and Dylan was viewed as the flagship to that movement. Folk fans tended to tribally distinguish themselves from the rock crowd.Even though the band was not associated to Dylan's first electric efforts on record it's the 66 tour that crystallised this opposition between Bob and his original fanbase. Of course the irony of that was that the Band with the Creedence Clearwater Revival would arguably become the initiators of a second folk revival when they showed that there was a way to create new songs that played with folk traditional tropes and sounds on the rock scene and paved the way for artists like Neil Young and CSNY and crystalized the idea of "americana" in rock music. They even were huge influences on british bands. When you think about it in 66 all the british bands were all into psychedelia and multi-layered recordings inspired by Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. The Stones were doing Their Satanic Majesties Request, The Beatles, were doing Sgt. Peppers, etc. All these boys listened to Dylan, they went and saw Dylan and the (not yet) Band on this tour and jammed with the boys backstage and that was a huge influence at the origin of the "back to basics" movement of albums recorded as much "live" as the recorders of the time allowed them to with simpler orchestration and looking for that feeling, that emphasis that can only be captured when all the musicians share the same physical space in the studio. The Beatles start recording The White album and "Let It Be" , The Stones do Beggars Banquet and Let it Bleed, etc. And that's also influential on the birth of british Folk-Rock with bands like Fairport Convention and Pentangle where british folk musicians start mixing their influences electrifying and adding drums and expanding their horizon to abolish the frontier that divided the folk scene from the rock scene. There is that famous video from the 66 tour that captures this opposition when Dylan is about to play "Like a rolling Stone" and a folk fan in the audience screams "Judas" and Dylan answers "I don't believe you. You're a liar. (to the band) Play f**ing loud!" : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYndaIqci76rpc0

[@cindypowers4993]

"The Last Waltz" is a concert video I have watched over and over again during the years, never have I tired of it. Besides Levon Helm, there was another drummer I admired as a lead singer (who also sang harmony) whom I was not going to mention in my comments here, until you did Fil : Don Henley. Getting back to The Band, I just loved the songs, the stories they told, the total integration of bass , drums, guitar and vocals. Every song was a masterpiece. I treasure"The Last Waltz" concert, every song you wanted to hear was played, along with the most fantastic guest players. Also, I learned from you that Clapton wanted to join The Band? Wow, didn't know that! Facinating..... As far as Don Henley goes, I was (still) enthralled at how he could play the drums, and sing so well at the same time. Lastly, The Eagles original bass player Randy Meisner is the whole reason why I discovered you on KZbin. You analyzed Randy's vocals on "Take it to The Limit", having been a life long fan of The Eagles I checked you out and the rest is history!! Love your love of music Fil Henley (any relation to Don Henley LOL?) Peace & Love🤘

[@rickbarton9130]

Had a copy of *The Last Waltz* on VHS tape in the mid 80's. I need to get a blue ray copy here one day too.

[@AhNee]

I have it on VHS, DVD, CD...

[@HALberdier17]

I have it on VHS, CD and DVD,;I need to get it on Blu-ray.

[@ckom0007]

Thanks for the birthday gift Fil!

[@standoucet8292]

You could probably do an entire month of "The Band" analysis. One of the best road bands ever.

[@steveschmitz2839]

OMG, you are so spot on! the Band was the greatest band! LEVON HELM is the greatest Sanger (as he would say) drummer ever!!! so so great. Thank you for doing this, I feel these guys get forgot too easily. Thank you.

[@robertsmyth4998]

steve schmitz , after recovering from throat cancer Levon premiered his album Dirt Farmer at The Ryman, Emmylou took her mum to the show, she said we all thought Levon would never sing again and there he was, singing like a god, Emmy had sang Evangeline with Levon on The Last Waltz, The Staples Singers sang The Weight, still thought to be the best rock movie ☘️☘️☘️

[@steveschmitz2839]

@@robertsmyth4998 I agree completely, Last Waltz is so great (love Stop Making Sense too). As a older shitty drummer I so admire his playing and singing! Stellar. Love how he old school chokes up on his drum sticks, uses traditional grip, he was a treasure. The video of Don't Do It is incredible, although audio and video not sink great, love Levon's performance and technique.

[@billalbritton4972]

Nobody could capture the feel of a song like these guys

[@pagejanik6550]

Am cellist & pianist & ancient female. Adore your productions pq I become entranced by your love of production & performance. Your fanship is beguiling. Yours truly, Page Janik.

[@daf827]

Nice analysis, Fil. So much can be written about the Band. Long before the genre Americana was in vogue, they were playing it. Four Canadians and Levon. Their influence far exceeded their record sales and AM radio play, much like Fairport Convention did in the UK.Here’s another cool fact: the owner of Big Pink, located in Saugerties, NY, near Woodstock, rents out rooms as if it were an inn. Not cheap, but well worth the expense. The owner has preserved the house exactly as the Band left it - furniture, artwork, and, in the basement, all the recording gear they used. It’s extraordinary. I slept in Rick Danko’s bedroom! Also, you mention Allen Toussaint. Years back, I had the pleasure of seeing a taping of Elvis Costello’s show on Sundance, “Spectacle.” Among the guests were Levon, whose throat cancer prevented him from singing but did not hinder his drumming one iota. Other guests were Allen Toussaint, Nick Lowe and Richard Thompson. Levon passed away less than a year after the taping. Thanks for shining a light on this iconic band!

[@jlow4214]

A great rhythm section, Levon with those snaky sneaky fills and backbeats so tasteful and solid a great drummer!

[@ricklalonde2740]

Another brilliant analysis. A great band that was so influenced by the roots of American music that people often forget they were 4/5ths Canadian. But what a fifth Levon made. There was so much bad blood between Levon and Robbie up until Levon passed away. In retrospect, it's obvious that songwriting was, for the most part, a collaborative effort and not just Robbie's creations. The financial decisions made in the seventies came at a time when the rest of the band members had various drug issues, including heroin, and would have sold their mothers at bargain-basement prices. I don't consider myself to be an expert in publishing rights and the like but I can imagine that, as a co-creator of such timeless musical gems, it made sense to maintain control of them rather than let them fall into the hands of unscrupulous corporations. In the end, as a Canadian, I love the Band and consider them one of our greatest exports (and Levon as an honourary Canuck).

[@maryj.3876]

These guys were amazing. And the songs so unique, so amazing. Loved all of 'em.

[@julieann522]

my faveratet group . grew up near my home town ..yes rick danko

[@marcjohnson4385]

If I was a lot younger I'd be knocking on your door wanting to learn everything, maybe in My next life

[@tomst.antoine7742]

The Band was the greatest for me in 1969, and still are today. Great talent....

[@BlinDefender]

If you asked Rick and Levon, they would name Richard Manuel as their "Lead Vocalist." Yeah, so much talent.

[@hywel4605]

the last waltz has some of the best music footage ever; levin danko and robbie were legends. i have not seen this footage before.

[@byronmitchell3784]

The Band, one of the most excellent documentaries I've seen. Is the "Last Waltz ", featuring "The Band" and their last public concert. With several special guests. Definitely worth watching if you like. Not only Concert footage but several interviews with The Band's members. As Fil would say, "Rock"!

[@flamencoprof]

When I found myself attracted to numerous artists who, as I will put it, "fall under the umbrella" of the label "Americana" I found quite a few artists I had already followed for years were also considered to qualify. I was able to say, "Gee I am an Americana fan and didn't even know it!" I rate "The Band" album as the first of those.

[@fayedunbar2912]

Always loved this song. Wish I could have seen them.

[@davidjohnsen3245]

In case you don't know the guitar player's mic was turned off all the time...the guy singing the other harmony is Richard Manuel playing the organ in the back.

[@tinadurski4717]

The Last Waltz is a must to watch!!!

[@cynergy4]

Love The Band! Great analysis Fil!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@M0odyBlue]

Slowly working my way through your videos. Love, love, love this group. Saw them live and they were just as tight and incredible live and in person as they were on their studio albums.

[@honeybadger2122]

genius group and massively underrated. If Scorcese makes one more movie it should be a Band biopic based on Robbie's book.