I Survived A Weekend With Keith Richards and Levon Helm

[@otisgibbs]

What's your favorite Keith and/or Levon song? Solo or with the Stones or the Band. Let me know what ya love!

[@eolle43]

Can I go a bit off script? I think "The Last Waltz" film by Scorsesse is one of the best band documentaries. Plus the versions in this film of "I shall be release" and "helpless" are freakin' phenomenal.

[@doolittlegeorge]

"Keith's One Song." Too funny..

[@christophersmith2737]

Thanks Otis, more great stories every time I turn on your channel. The Band and the Stones are two favorites, of course. Keith songs by the Stones are a double favorite, Before They Make Me Run being the top of that one. The Band with Emmylou doing Evangeline is a favorite, although everything they ever recorded I could listen to constantly. P.S. two of the best live bands. Thanks, Otis, keep it up.

[@artemisXsidecross]

Keith Richards could never be divided into a best song or lick. :)

[@OldHenryLee]

With Levon Helm I tend to go back to this most: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXuwfoiQhNZmhbc = Anna Lee live at Ryman Larry Campbell kills it on violin 🎻. ... Whole performance is well done. Really like Wide River To Cross off Dirt Farmer as well. ....... Never listened to much Keith Richards on his own stuff, but do recall him on that Hank Williams tribute Dylan put together around the turn of the millennium called Timeless & enjoying this rendition ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6vNlneJaMeArrM You Win Again, Keith Richards - Thanks as always Mr. Otis. ... Take care ... ✌️

[@otisgibbs]

When Chuck mentions Donnie playing Happy with Keith, He's talking about Donnie Herron. Donnie has been in Bob Dylan's band since 2005. FYI and stuff.

[@nanchanger]

Tony has him beat...

[@JoshLooperMusic]

I was about to write this question. Donnie also played with Hank lll. Heck of a musician.

[@jamesneace5559]

"I'm trying to quit but I'm weak... well, I'm a fortnight, take two" haha great quick wit from Keith, what an amazing story, I love it!

[@lukescar8823]

I don't understand the joke, can someone explain it to me please?

[@jamesneace5559]

@@lukescar8823 It's a play on the fact that 'weak' and 'week' are pronounced the same way, and a fortnight means two weeks.

[@patderrick3401]

@@lukescar8823 Doh!! Really?? Weak - no strength. Week - 7 days A fortnight (2 weeks!!!) Geddit?

[@good_king_guitarman1334]

Otis you gotta milk this dude, he's got some good stories!

[@iggypyro78]

Favorite Levon song - probably All La Glory - but man, all of them. Me and my buddies used to sit around and listen to The Band all the time and wonder how the hell they weren't the most beloved band in America. Levon, and all the rest of those guys - that's probably the greatest collection of voices that will ever be. Anything sung by Levon just beaks my heart every time, and he had a feel to his drumming that just can't be put into words. I can't even imagine what it must have felt like playing with him.

[@jamesg9609]

“Don’t Do It” from the Academy of Music/ Rock of Ages stand. Astonishing singing and drumming!

[@benmanatt6066]

Interesting choice.

[@matthahn6463]

Feel so tall like a prison wall hell I dig that tune man

[@kevinmurtagh4996]

I have so many, but I think my favorite Levon performance is “The River Hymn”. It can bring you to tears!

[@mojo6778]

This interview has to rate at the top, it was great. We need more Chuck Mead stories, and he still has a Marlboro from Keith Richards, how cool!

[@EverestMystery]

I keep coming back to this one. Makes me laugh. Love this one, great interview! Did a bunch of filming and interviews with Gatemouth Brown....can concur!

[@roncarter2188]

This little interview was so good I think it could have been the basis of a movie - this was freaking awesome!

[@levistubbs8949]

Could listen to Chuck all day, great stories !

[@andigisler]

SO GOOD! I was on a 'Country Cruise' in Europe about 4 years ago where Chuck Mead was also on the bill (great artist + band!) and he DID borrow a cigarette off me!! I'm not kidding.

[@purplereigninblood]

I love , Coming down again, Man what life, what a story. Thanks.

[@SteveBoltz]

I had the pleasure of being the guitar player backing all these guys on this show...what an event...I ended up at Levon's house in Woodstock ..hanging for a couple of days...can you imagine what a trip that was for little ole me from Manchester UK?! x...Hubert Sumlin saying to me "Hey Boltz..you're the man!"...I'm like "No you're the man!"...Steve Jordan comes over and says " When you 2 lovebirds have done we have a show to rehearse!"

[@otisgibbs]

That's tremendous, Steve and I appreciate you sharing this! : )

[@SteveBoltz]

@@otisgibbs nice one sir..I really love your clips.. ta!

[@Kmarty2000]

Levon's version of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" never fails to leave a lump in my throat. As a drummer, I've always appreciated Levon's funk & soulfulness of his drumming. I love his understanding that less is more. May he RIP.

[@roycraig3236]

That is by far the best version of that song without a doubt !! Nothing like it ever before or will there ever be !! What a voice what feeling

[@joshhorn5131]

Same with "Atlantic City". Levon was in fact the Man. What a voice!

[@dougwhite7584]

Hey again..The Weight of Chucks hanging with levon (Lee?-) and his hilarious Keef impression made an amazing Connection to his Epic story . Incredible stuff Otis..Love and peace..

[@jamesrexsannatracy8318]

Man. It’s always been my dream to be a professional musician. But like a lot of us life gets in the way. But I can live vicariously through your stories. I absolutely love this channel. Your awesome Otis. Keep them coming

[@tomstiel7576]

I always fancied that too,,,but probably would have self-destructed

[@buzzbabyjesus]

"I Could Have Stood You Up (But I Didn't)" is one of Keith's best for sure.

[@jeffsmith1945]

Otis, man I love your stuff. This is my favorite! I’ve watched it 4 times and laughed every time.. Chuck Mead seems like a guy I’ve known forever. What a great storyteller! BR549 And The Grassy Knoll boys are baddass! Thanks

[@Gratefulman1965]

Favorite Keith song: “Whip it up” Favorite Levon song “The got song” what a damn fine story as well. Absolutely hilarious 😆 Thanks for the share Otis!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@brianjennings1624]

As always, awesome storytelling. Thanks Otis. Keep up the good work.

[@bertstadnyk6467]

Great stories of some of my favorite hero's ........ thanks

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Bert!

[@douglove2412]

Chuck is a Major Leaguer, but still in awe of the Stars. So cool. Same with Otis. I love the humility, associating with likes of us, but really among the elite in the music world, and stars in their own right. Thanks for your dedication and hard work bringing great songs and music into the world. And Otis, thanks so much for these videos. I’m hooked.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Doug!

[@glenninsouthtexas2514]

That's some good stuff right there! Hats off to Chuck Mead for being such a great storyteller. Love me some BR-549!

[@TheOldYellers]

I think Levon is one of the greatest drummers ever. He’s just so greasy and good. He’s so lyrical. I love all his music with the band and in his own. Too hard to pick one song. I got to see him play live and it was special. My favorite Keith Richards is sticky fingers record follows by goat heads soup and exile on main st. I can only do albums not songs. Hope that’s ok. Thanks for sharing the goodness Otis. Also always did dig Clarence gatemouth brown.

[@abw48]

The Old Yellers: I seen Levon and Rick Danko on stage in a small Club in Greenwich Village in 1983 or 84, maybe 82, Im British living at 9th St and 2nd Ave in the east Village, and had my Japanese girlfriend with me as she had no idea who these guys were, it was one the highlights on my life in the Big Apple way back then, as Levon was so close to where I was sitting, a very smallstage, one step off the floor, I do regret I didnt lean over and shake his hand afterwards, or Ricks. They played so many different instruments that night and made such wonderful sounds, plus their voices... R.I.P. to them both.

[@TheOldYellers]

That sounds like an amazing show

[@aliofly]

@@abw48 incredible!

[@benmanatt6066]

The only drummer that can make you cry.

[@ardenevox]

You Got the Silver is my fav Keef song. Love Happy of course. Levon's voice on anything is great but The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and Ophelia are sublime.

[@doughill8475]

I'm with you on You Got the Silver.

[@tillitsdone]

@@doughill8475 Same. Check out the cover by Tedeschi Trucks Band

[@bummahoney7328]

chuck mead tells the best stories

[@nancyquinn522]

I am listening to your stories while I work- thank you so much, lovely person you are!!

[@peacock74]

Chuck Mead!! Those stories man, so great! Gotta remember to hug him next time i'm in Nashville 💗

[@angelicamichel9392]

Great story !! Thank you for sharing

[@Ivearted]

This is my favorite channel!😎

[@otisgibbs]

Thank ya kindly!

[@unclebudbeasley]

I love these videos so much! These first hand stories about legends are priceless!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Bud!

[@shanek6582]

I like how he had to clear up the coke was coke a cola lol.

[@joshuaprice3769]

Love chuck mead and br549. I too am from ks and those guys were all over the scene when i lived in lawrence from ‘95-00. Saw many a show and loved em all!

[@fairenoughthenwhat]

Thanks Otis, that was cool. Of the non-Stones Keith stuff, 'Crosseyed Heart' is a cool bluesy little number that I enjoy.

[@llylep]

This may be the best channel on all of KZbin. Some of the funniest stories ever. Otis , keep on keeping’ on!

[@scottrankie]

As for Keith songs, You Got the Silver and Before They Make Me Run are at the top of my list. There's a live clip of Levon singing Anna Lee at the Ryman about a year before he died that is such an incredible soulful performance. Levon ruled!

[@WatcherGamingRb]

I love your channel!!! The best thing in the world I love other than my son is all of these stories from all your friends and yourself!! My favorite Levon Helm is The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down!!!

[@MarkErickson-Painter]

Fantastic Chuck, really enjoyed that. Wow...what an experience. Great story teller you be. Some gems in there and that ciggy. A Keef ciggy. Ohhh man. Be well and never forget.

[@CharlieTWilbury]

Awesome as always, Otis! Love catching up on these old vids. All your guests, like you are so damn down to earth. Good people, great stories!

[@danobrien8671]

Thanks Ottis that’s an awesome story.Happy is my favourite and could be the best rock and roll song ever.atlantic city is my favourite levon song cheers.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Dan!

[@dacethejackofhearts7209]

Well Atlantic City is a Bruce Springsteen song. I’d go for ophelia , probably written by Robbie anyhow. Keith’s gotta be before they make Me Run

[@danobrien8671]

@@dacethejackofhearts7209 right on great tunes

[@jasonslayton2970]

This is absolutely one of the best stores I’ve ever heard!!!! Thanks Otis

[@primitivejoe553]

Chuck Mead is a great story teller. I love hearing Levon play and sing Don't do it.

[@robertparsons5295]

Such a great storyteller. ‘I have a cigarette collection’. Awesome.

[@ardenevox]

I loved BR-549 and this is a hilarious story. And, tinged with sadness and regret at the end, making Chuck Mead as human as all of us for the things we didn't do.

[@Thomasgene]

Thank you for your hard work. your stories and friends are gold!

[@donaldallen1276]

Thank you Otis that was a trip✌️😎

[@BackstageMusicChannel]

Shit I love this guy....more please!

[@tomp.6239]

Thanks again, Otis - my fav. site, always great!!!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Thomas!

[@stevewuertz3598]

"If you enjoyed this video and you'd..."- hell,Otis, it's 7:30 in the morning and I've snorted coffee OUT my nose twice. Love it, love it, love it. Seen most all those guys and hung with Huburt Sumlin and Dr John each. I love those crazy stories. Reminds me of the 80s in Austin. Clarance Gatemouth-that guy was a fireball....Look for the LP San ANtonio Ballbuster speaking of balls

[@edwardkuzma2988]

The Weight Levon nails it while playing drums without missing a beat. Unbelievable!

[@THUNDERWORX]

Really cool!!! There couldn't be a better country band name than 5R549!!!

[@chsitler]

Don't know if this counts, but I love Levon singing Springsteen's Atlantic City.

[@ChilliCheezdog]

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - The Last Waltz. Seriously, were The Beatles ever THAT good!

[@ToadMeister313]

Love Chuck .. A very interesting fellow. I could listen to him for hours. Excellent story teller. Thank you Otis for sharing these “keep sakes.” 🌵

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Kyle!

[@ibleebinU]

What a great story. We can only wish to hang out and play with ANY of these guys!

[@JKlasen]

How many times have I returned to hear this? Much love indeed. Wide River to Cross my friends

[@joecole8658]

Excellent video! Keep em coming.

[@MrEarle999]

Best story and storytelling I've heard in years

[@kirby711]

Awesome love 💘 kef and Levon Thanks for this

[@michaelmessitt2405]

Chuck Mead is the real deal. Great story!

[@regunter6599]

Well if anyone doesn't like this they really need help, and I am serious about that. I don't know when I have enjoyed any story more than this one. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for the kind words! : )

[@jerrythomas1161]

Awesome stories. Keep em coming.

[@joecalandrella3330]

That was great, and thanks! My favorite Levon is his version of Tennessee Jed; my favorite Keith is All About You, though You Don’t Have to Mean It is very close…

[@jayjaynella4539]

I love Levon's portrayal of Loretta's father in Coal Miner's Daughter movie.

[@washingtonbob49]

Absoeffinloutly more more more!!! Thank you so much Otis for sharing the stories of your friends with us....priceless!

[@colinwilliams553]

Dude, you are one magnificent story teller.wish I could hang out with you.

[@pamelaturman8553]

All of Levons songs are my favorites

[@tjgarrison5248]

Levon is a hero. My favorite solo tune he did is a Buddy Miller song. Wide River to cross.

[@3340steve]

Great story...Chuck has talked to the man who saw the Lion....my fave Keith song is Last Time..that song cranked out of a transistor radio when I was 10 years old started the wheels in my head turning way more than Love me do ever did....favorite Levon song is Rain down tears....thanks Otis...

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Steve!

[@earloutdoors3286]

God, how cool was that! Thanks for the story!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Earl!

[@BBQuick1969]

What a great story 👍😂 Thanks

[@philipdavis8423]

Haha! What a good story teller - those impersonations are dead on! Dr. John's 'who the f is that?' Keith's enjoyment in handing out that smoke, etc. Really enjoyed this - thanks!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Phillip!

[@guciowitomski3825]

I love the way he imitates Keith 2:50 „It was fantastic!”

[@dougwhite7584]

Hey again..The of Chucks hanging with levon (Lee?-) and his hilarious Keef impression made an amazing to his Epic story . Incredible stuff Otis..Love and peace..

[@brucegwynn8509]

I loved this story , well, stories , I've watched this particular episode probably 5 times and it never gets old

[@nanchanger]

Great stories, I saw BR5-49 in Central Park and also survived a night with Keith Richards and Delbert McClinton at Tramps Irish Pub...

[@timshelley8635]

Awesome! Love this!

[@jammininthepast]

Otis, I particularly enjoyed this show man....good stuff cousin.

[@drummingwithjeff]

This was awesome!

[@terryballard4674]

Love this station! I enjoy watching LeVon singing "The Weight" & "Up on Cripple Creek"....don't understand how he can sing & drum at the same time!

[@RandyH400]

Thanks Otis for another great story! Really glad I found your channel.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Randy!

[@wentcornatzer1971]

Wow! Such good story telling! I love hearing musicians describe big stars behind the scenes.

[@melodymakermark]

A Marlboro Red from Keef. That’s a rock n roll trophy.

[@macdaddy63]

Awesome thanks for sharing

[@chrisowenmusic4960]

Just loving the videos and podcasts Otis. Found Townes this year, and currently 'drinking in' your shows [like oxygen]. Thank you so much brother.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Chris!

[@nicksmith8808]

OMG, this has be the best interview yet. Especially when Keith couldn’t remember the words to happy. 🤣🤣 my favorite Levon song has to be Ophelia or life is a carnival . Both are awesome songs

[@jimjiminyjaroo300]

His impression of Keith was spot on.🤣😂

[@donscott763]

Great Interview; Great Stories.

[@MikeyC613]

ive watched this several times thank you

[@Marcus_C51]

What a great story by Chuck! The Keef "Happy" situation was priceless! First going and getting a copy of Exile so Donny could learn the part, then Richards couldn't remember the lyrics? Steve Jordan being incredulous that he couldn't was classic! Oh my God, thank you so much for the hilarious story!

[@Snakefinger1000]

What a great story and Chuck makes it sound so good, makes me wish I was there. What's the world going to do when all of us boomers have left?

[@FasterFaster196]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@groovegoon88]

Great stories Otis, followed the Band for many years and know most of Levon's solo and ramble material, very hard to pick just one of his gems but "When I go away" has been circling in my memory. As for Keith & Levon Deuce & A Quarter.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Great story. Caught BR549 quite a few times in the northeast, opening for Bob Dylan during late 1990s. Excellent band.

[@artemisXsidecross]

'Green Haze' is a wonderful description. Thank you both for sharing your stories.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Artemis!

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Such a great interview! 😂

[@jesseregenauer630]

I'm torn in multiple directions. The opening riff in "Can't you hear me knocking" not to mention the rest of Keith's guitar in that song is legendary. The attitude drenched swaggering guitar work in "Monkey Man" is also a favorite of mine. I have other favorites too but it becomes too long to list...... :)

[@jesseregenauer630]

@@lawrencecanning5424 Agreed. Keith's approach to guitar is one I connect to as a guitarist. His influence on my own approach is immeasurable. His use of open G and E tuning really impacted the unconventional way I first started playing & learning guitar years ago......

[@jaylongino8225]

Saw BR549 back in ‘96 at a crappy dance hall in Amarillo, Texas. They poured their hearts out despite the small turnout. Gotta respect that! Chuck has good stories. Keep em comin, Otis!

[@moseskravitz]

what a fookin great story and great storyteller!

[@docjeffry]

Love this channel!!

[@jackamason4683]

I had ever BR549,c.d.until the day I went to the joint,good thing my ex-wife,liked em too,least they went to go use.Still,a great portion of the soundtrack to my life, and I am forever grateful.

[@traceyswanberg9340]

What a gem and all the great musicians i love Levon with a passion hes amazing and Clarence Gatemouth Brown

[@hickeybond7395]

Levon was such a good vocalist, let's not forget When I Paint My Masterpiece