In Conversation With...ROBBIE ROBERTSON | TIFF

In celebration of his highly anticipated memoir Testimony, legendary songwriter and guitarist Robbie Robertson joins George Stroumboulopoulos for a unique onstage conversation about his life, music, and artistic influences both with The Band and as a solo artist, as well as his collaborations with award-winning musicians and filmmakers such as Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, and Martin Scorsese.
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[@brandonmclendon5368]

RIP Robbie. Your music is unlike anything I’ve ever heard, and you will live on through your music. Hope you, Levon, Rick, and Richard are jamming in heaven.

[@procopiojrpalacios9702]

Remembering and honoring Robbie, the great songwriter/guitarist of "The Band." Such a well spoken and interesting storyteller! May his spirit soar with the winds of his Native ancestors! RIP, J.R. Robertson.

[@majorthestbernard5831]

Now he lives in a big pink house in Heaven, reunited with his old pals. Rest in peace, Rob.

[@SuperC888]

Garth still lives 😊

[@mariaschiffer3401]

I was at the end of my best decade, the 70s, when I discovered the Band ! I watched "The last waltz" several times, it was hypnotic... The masterful, sublime creator Mr. Scorsese took the ideas and wishes of 'The Band', a much exhausted (at that time) group of extraordinary musicians, and, channelling Merlin, gave the 5,000 fans in attendance, a 'Thanksgiving' an unforgettable musical feast!!! And, to all of us, a perfectly crafted film, to replenish our thirst of The Band’s iconic sound.! And 40 years later, God bless KZbin and looping, I'm still dancing and singing!!! 'The Band' made my 70s complete, most excellent, and good!!! Thanks, God, for you! All of you. !!! 🤗👏💃

[@drennendowning]

im an 18 year old who just found The Band back in August and the rest is history.. one of my band mates showed me The Last Waltz and it was life changing. ive always loved classic rock/southern rock but never heard of The Band and im so glad I found them, even all these years later

[@kevinvilmont6061]

Robbie had a flare. His voice was so calming.

[@Jarjarjar21]

"...This hunger is something that I can never satisfy...so I'm always on this search..." That is the Artist...There is always more to express or manifest than is expressed or manifested.❤

[@prajnachan333]

Robbie Robertson- you are a blessing to this world 🌎 🙏 ❤️. Musician, songwriter, guitarist 🎸 human being supreme. A proud son of Mohawk nation, Canadian. So sorry you left the stage- but what a lifetime, a life well lived indeed. Your music 🎶 touches me so deeply; melodies, native Indian Spirituality, rhythms, songs. All gratitude 🙏 and love Robbie. Fly on brother- see you at the next gig! 🕉

[@tomgebarowski8156]

Robbie, we are going to truly miss you, R.I.P. Not only were you a great musician, but a great great storyteller! Love this!❤😂😊

[@woodybalfour8213]

Thank you Robbie...Por todos...My dad's not here anymore bit I will never forget his excitement when your first solo record came out...Come down Gabriel and blow your horn...Some day we will meet again...Love

[@lukejones0826]

RIP Robbie, ever since I’d first listened to The Band he became my favorite guitar player. What an incredible talent we’ve lost

[@TeleCaster66]

Love Robbie... The Band wouldn't have gone as long as it did without him.

[@robertvandenbos6680]

This man had such a great speaking voice, I love hearing this.

[@missymissymiss5192]

He was lucky to have worked with such great musicians and singers. It’s unlikely we’ll see the likes of such an amazing band again.

[@lastname6584]

RIP. Thanks Robbie R for your music. It has enriched our lives.

[@deborahwargo8888]

Robbie Robertson " solo tape I bought in 1995 saved my soul. I didn't know who he was at the time but the music healed me. Been following him ever since. He is an ambassador of truth and love

[@johngallaghermusic9777]

Robbie is the most engaging and and no bullshit interviewee ive ever heard. his stature as a musician and writer is something to be really acknowledged and appaulded. R.I.P Robbie.

[@cbasacik]

What a conversationalist and what a story teller - bless his soul …

[@halbie71]

At 17:54 of the video, when Robbie talks about going to Arkansas, my Uncle Charlie Halbert let Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks stay at his motel, the Rainbow Inn Courts in West Helena, Arkansas. Ronnie Hawkins worked at the motel for my Uncle & he helped Levon buy a set of drums & paid for his membership in to musicians union.

[@davidallen346]

If you don't like a musician why would you watch his interview and reply to someone else's comment strange ?

[@lorneberkun9564]

May his memory be a blessing

[@johngibbs799]

Great interview. And Robbie left a lot out and even downplayed himself. I love him!!! 😇

[@Caperhere]

The word Robbie called The Last Waltz was a celebration. I naturally thought he meant a party. But recently I read a book called Keeper’n Me, by Richard Wagamese. It’s about a teenager who had been taken from his family at 4 years old, and sent to a school to take the Indian out of him . He lived in foster care until he aged out, then found himself alone in a big city. He had no knowledge of his family.He lands in prison, and his family located him, and wrote to him. When he’s released, he goes goes to his reservation, meets his family, and is assigned a mentor I called Keeper. The teenager, Garnet begins to learn the traditions of his people, and how to become a respected man. It’s an easy read, or listen if you choose the audiobook route. It’s a good book which insight into indigenous culture, and one of the things described is a celebration. It’s different from what we call a celebration. There is meaning to it. Ever since .I listened to Keeper’n Me, I think of The Last Waltz differently. I don’t know if Robbie meant celebration as a party, or in the indigenous way. It’s too late to ask him, but I like to think he insisted on calling it a celebration for a specific reason. The book takes place in Ontario. The tribal folks call themselves’ bush Indians’. It’s a really good, easy to read or listen to. I liked the audio version( borrowed it from my library for free. ) It gives insight to the traditions of Natives in a simple, but interesting way.

[@gwen6453]

There’s no one like Robbie Robertson, and the band and all the founding musicians who made him! 💘 ❤️🎼🎹🥁🪕🎧🎸🎻🎷🥰

[@janhensley3617]

Much love and respect Robbie Robertson. RIP ❤

[@edwardlarkin4279]

Sure glad i caught this interview of Robbie. So wonderful. Great storyteller. Mesmerizing.Have to listen to the Last Waltz again for the third time. Thanyou for this.

[@carlubambi5541]

One of Canada's greatest talents

[@gaylethomson6614]

I met Robbie and Rick Danko when l was 15 years old. We were playing at the same concert in Ottawa, called Pineland! We were friends for many years. Rick and l were in contact shortly before he passed. They we wonderful young men then very, very talented, especially Robbie. I am so proud of Robbie! Beautiful person.

[@JohnnyCanuck32]

#MINDS #THEBAND i was lucky enuff 2 once get an email from the Hawk's secretary :) #Danko #RIP www.minds.com/groups/profile/465636023821410313/activity

[@scotsman6712]

I handed Rick a pen once.we did not remain in contact.

[@kevinjoseph517]

@@ThisIsMusic1985 sssh

[@kevinjoseph517]

@@ThisIsMusic1985 sssh

[@johnalderon7692]

@thisismusic You clearly never get laid and probably live in your moms basement.

[@1rwjwith]

Such a great interview!

[@Dr10Jeeps]

This was an amazing interview. Thank you Robbie Robertson for all of your wonderful music, especially with The Band! The Last Waltz is an absolute classic.

[@triciahope2377]

SO loved the backstory here. VERY proud of these two talented Canadians! The Last Waltz was the first music I bought at 14 that wasn't a K Tel record! Was the soundtrack to a wonderful part of my life and helped me clean the cabins in the home I grew up in in Banff, Alberta!

[@1207tase]

Regardless of what's been said regarding his relationship with certain bandmates, he speaks of them with nothing but love and respect.

[@gaylethomson6614]

1207tase He always has.

[@aladinhadzic3384]

Off course when he ripped the off.

[@brucerobinson9321]

That's odd, what little I read of the book begins with him painting Levon, Richard, & Rick as addicts.

[@ryanharris869]

@@brucerobinson9321 They may have been but if they didn't get the same pay, Robbie took a little the money. Wonder what he is high on in that rambling interview

[@GTseven]

@@ryanharris869 Robbie was the lucid organizer and driver of the group while his bandmates were riding in the back of the bus. They all made plenty of money, but Robbie didn't put his cash up his nose or in his veins. He reinvested and reinvented. Produced albums. Built a studio. His bandmates stayed on the road and it killed them all but the organ player.

[@darlenealessio7609]

Outstanding!!! Love this man, revered confident, comfortable kind articulate intelligent, great orator as a lyricists writer and talented musician. I'm so happy to have the privilege to listen and watch this video of Robby Roberson amazed!

[@camlendrim7609]

Robbie is one hell of a storyteller. So willing to share such intimate details of his and the Band’s musical journey in such a passionate and colorful way.

[@frankcarr6920]

Amazing interview that I've finally seen and listened to . . . Thank you RR for your music, your inspiration, your love, your kindness and frankness! May God bless you and keep you!!

[@BernieHollandMusic]

His skills as a raconteur are as exquisite as his musicianship - he brings everything to life

[@davidbentley145]

Some of the most heartfelt music ever heard came from this man...still brings tears to my eyes...Hugz brother...

[@davidallen346]

When someone is wiling to sit down for a hr and half to talk bout their life experiences u really have to appreciate esp from this great musician Robbie Robertson

[@davidaronek5913]

1-[phone]

[@galanvoorhis3]

Yeah nothing for respect of a man with delight in talking about himself, especially the clout he gained with the work horses all dead. What man.l, glorious and free coked out of his mind with his mic muted on stage. Was great.

[@TigerDriver66]

Yeah Robbie is thrilled to blab about himself. Especially after everyone is dead.

[@tyrapp262]

@@TigerDriver66 What's your point?

[@hannejeppesen1809]

It is an interview with Robbie, what do you expect him to talk about, I have listened to several interviews with Robbie, he often talks about his band members, his visit to the Six Nations, his mother, even his stepfather who beat him up when he was a teenager. I don't know what you expect in and one to one interview. Anyway i and many others find him fascinating. Your English leave something to be desired, not sure what you mean, but you are misinformed.@@galanvoorhis3

[@billypilgrim7838]

music in the. air I hear it everywhere..rags bones and old sad songs keep haunting my memory..

[@curlessmania4708]

What a great interview…Robbie was such a unique talent. What a writer. I miss him!

[@thomasburrell3253]

Absolutely brilliant interview! Thank you Robbie and George.

[@BlankUberEverybody]

Enjoying this immensely --went to a meet and greet last week and got to shake hands ask a couple of questions and have my picture taken with Mr,. Robbertson--it was only the second time I've been in the same room with him, like I told him, I last saw him when I got a seat close to the stage back in March of '66

[@lewstone5430]

Lame.

[@deanhenry1229]

Thank you for the music, RIP Robbie ❤

[@marilynbanks-meditation]

What an amazing storyteller! His excitement is lusciously contagious! Great interview. Thx for sharing.

[@boerni1976]

Robbie is a wonderful storyteller

[@qalbiwilson574]

Saw the Band in Frankfurt in late ‘60’s. (70? ) Few Germans knew them yet. Maybe three hundred folks showed. Got to hang out at the stage. So cool.

[@d.b.hankinster5952]

This is great. Can`t wait to read the book.

[@MWL4466]

Thank you Robbie. You are a Canadian treasure.

[@dreamwell2020]

Here we meet a truely extrordinary person. American music became an essential part of him, and then he became a driver of music in America and beyond - and he's an indigeonous Canadian.

[@patderrick3401]

I was a Band fan way back in late 60/70 s. It s amazing to think that we re listening to songwriter of the Band all these later & still enjoying the music & the story of the very remarkable group of musicians that were the BAND.

[@Maguirearch]

Is he not "Part" indigenous native American Indian...as in "Half- Caste".....Half Indian / half White ???

[@meb2126]

I'm reading the book now. I love all the references to music and movies. Some of those were completely new to me.

[@CrossPurposes]

What a truly wonderful storyteller.

[@joeceonnia1954]

Robbie Robertson I'm with you brother .

[@torontorox]

it was an honour to be there! looking forward to better indigenous relations!

[@peterrobertson2580]

It really strikes me that Robbie foresaw that the road was going to destroy them and their music and pushed to stop touring. Levon, Rick and Richard couldn’t get there, continued to tour, had significant health and lifestyle issues and were all gone too soon. Only Levon had a few more unforgettable moments in the spotlight. Robbie chose to be in command of his craft; the others were controlled by theirs and were consumed by it. The Band wrote the score for the screenplay of my life but when I think about how things turned out for them, I can’t help but be sad. The blend of those voices was incredible and I regret so much their passing.

[@joeborland7547]

The rest of the band lived the music, and Robbie, no judgment, decided to find a way to make an easier living. Can’t hate Robbie for it but I love that Levon didn’t take that route. Neil diamond, a young Scorsese, was about getting ahead but the blowout for the partnership was Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Neil Young the Staple singers got Levon. Maybe Robbie made the right choice for his own self, probably did, but he won’t live forever like Levon. Levon gets Valhalla for musicians, Robbie gets a comfortable life in nice restaurants in LA, both are valid choices but I know the choice I admire more.

[@joeborland7547]

Can’t believe I forgot about Carnie. Ridiculous movie but way better than people give it credit for. In the end as we stand I might not cross the street to see Robbie but I’d forge a river just to hear Garth Hudson touch one key.

[@craigjohnson7913]

A devoted Dylan fan from his first album, I first saw him in 1962 at the Ann Arbor High School auditorium. I went to every concert within reach. When I saw Robertson on the stage next to him in Detroit as the Band began their tour with him, I knew this was the future. I agree 100% that Levon was astonishingly gifted. So is Garth, so was Rick, and so was dear Richard. I don't know if you're a guitar player or not, but if you are, you've likely heard Robertson play some of the most guttural, intense, and perfect leads ever performed in rock and roll. His leads and absolutely, his lyrics, provided much of what's remembered from the Band. I love Levon, too, I love them all, but what kept the group plugged in was Robertson, more than anyone there.

[@jimbob12404yahoo]

Just one listen to the Jason Isbell song Danko/Manuel tells you all you need to know about the allure and danger of the road. Lucky for Mr Isbell that he learned the lesson before the road got him too.

[@jimbob12404yahoo]

Drive-By Truckers - Danko Manuel Lyrics: Let the night air cool you off. Tilt your head back and try to cough. Don't say nothing 'bout the things you never saw. Let the night air cool you off. I ain't living like I should. A little rest might do me good. Got to sinking in the place where I once stood. Now I ain't living like I should. Can you hear that singing? Sounds like gold. Maybe I can only hear it in my head. Fifteen years ago we owned that road now it's rolling over us instead. Richard Manuel is dead. God forbid you call their bluff. Like the nightmares ain't enough. Remember when we used to think that we were tough? God forbid you call their bluff. First they make you out to be the only pirate on the sea. Then they say Danko would have sounded just like me. "Is that the man you want to be?" Can you hear that song? It sounds like gold. Maybe I could make it bigger overseas. Fifteen years ago we owned this road now it only gives us somewhere else to leave. Something else you can't believe. Can you hear that singing? Sounds like gold. Maybe I can hear poor Richard from the grave singin' where to reap and when to sow when you've found another home you have to leave. Something else you can't believe. Jason Isbell © House Of Fame Music (BMI)

[@AngFelton]

I love this, thanks for uploading 😘

[@keykiyox]

Listening to him speaking, I realized that he has been a great entertainer. He doesn't mean to be, but he is. That is, to me, something we call intellectuality. which is modest. which relies greatly on his ability to recollect events of his life so minutely, sometimes with his creation perhaps, but who cares? It IS ENTERTAINING.

[@patderrick3401]

Absolutely right. His memories & recollections are remarkable & thoroughly entertaining. He has a lovely melodic, soft voice which tops the whole story/picture off. It s quite a remarkable talent really.

[@ximerodrig]

When I first heard him speak had me thinking he is about to do “somewhere down the crazy river”

[@gaymccormick6602]

yeah, me too.

[@julianterris]

Terrific -thank-you for that -what a treat.

[@johncarlson7338]

G

[@corra7]

Canada’s National treasure!

[@angeloiodice9304]

Robbie certainly is not bashful. I will not say proud or arrogant but bold, confident and unwilling to compromise. He really is an amazing speaker. He really takes his time, unrushed, unhurried and just unabashedly tells his tale. Very interesting and engaging speaker.

[@erikt454]

Roll In Peace, Robbie Robertson. One thing about his popular contention the road was killing The Band - they didn't actually tour much after 1971. I think they took 1972 and 1975 off, for the most part, and they did all of 4 shows or something in 1973. I love the group, when I collected tapes I couldn't understand why there were so few Band tapes for this hard-touring band, but compared to a lot of artists at the time, The Band didn't play as many shows as Robbie would have us believe.

[@drummer78]

The 74 tour with Dylan was pretty big and they did a pretty comprehensive tour in the summer of 76…culminating f course with the Last Waltz in November.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Yes, that is true. When they were about to go out on their first or first tour Rick Danko had a bad car accident, broke his neck and back, was in traction and out of commission for a long time. There were other times where they wanted to tour, but Richard was not doing well (heroin and alcohol). When Robbie wanted to stop touring he felt they would be tempting fate if they continued. Too many car accidents and too much drug use out of control.

[@skipwilliam5639]

That was awesome.

[@cindytaylor4644]

I did much fund raising for standing rock and had a brother and sister on the ground sending me videos of the abuse I had them posted globally by six everyday , love you always Robbie my beloved passed two years ago 21 happy years we both love your music , the last three months of wills life he played your music constantly it gave him comfort 🙏🏽💛🕊💛

[@donnapuopolo2118]

No Matter What Robbie, Thank You👍

[@lynnturman8157]

Loved it! Thank you for uploading.

[@jackreed7287]

Great conversationist.

[@catcat5280]

I just love everything about this man....Hes just something to behold in so many ways...just a wonderful human being,

[@tamayagarner1542]

there is so much information in this video. I am blown away and so inspired.

[@mikefobear589]

What a life!

[@philipmazonson4694]

This was really great!

[@bobbys4327]

Yeah, The Weight................heard it in 1969 after returning from Viet Nam..................amazing song in an amazing time!

[@brianfisher6165]

Great interview, so interesting, Thanks!!!❤👌👍✌😁

[@monaedwards8688]

I love this man.

[@MrAMO73]

What a pleasure that was. Thanks for uploading!

[@ruiseartalcorn]

A great musician!!! An awesome band!!!!

[@kevinflood7495]

I was flabbergasted when Robbie said he went to ST.Theresa's in Scarbrough, the same church I was baptised in down Kingston RD and stop 13, cool as fuck hey!!!

[@SweetParadise68]

This was fantastic

[@terriejohnston8801]

SO SMOOTH...SO HILARIOUS....SOOO VERY GIFTED.

[@marvinsannes9397]

That guy is one CLASS act.

[@brachio1000]

Fascinating.

[@RGMiron]

One of the Greats.

[@brandoboyer731]

glad to hear the history behind the last waltz and how much it meant because it literally changed my life

[@galanvoorhis3]

You should read on what Danko, Manuel, and helm had to say about it. You'll find it wasn't so glorious and Robbie tried to act like such a defacto leader in front of the camera...

[@tyrapp262]

@@galanvoorhis3 Only Helm dissed him. Danko and Manuel helped him on his solo projects.

[@pts5217]

It’s a shame how often fans of The Band trash Robbie and make him out to be a villain. He’s definitely a complicated guy, but he wrote the songs that everyone loves. The Band needed a leader. They were all complicated guys. Robbie had to deal with the others egos, mood swings, addictions, and lack of songwriting ambition. He didn’t write the majority of songs to get rich, he did it because he had to at the time. One guy coming up with a new album of songs is a lot of pressure. People didn’t realize the money in publishing back then. He apparently would be up in the morning writing while the others were passed out and strung out. Levon is probably my all time favorite singer and drummer but he seemed like a difficult person to work with. Robbie had to deal with Richard getting completely shitfaced and almost killing his wife and totaling her new car. Robbie gets the same hate McCartney gets from some Beatles fans. It’s unwarranted

[@robertajeanrogers7623]

What? SAINT robbie robertson? Like The Band didn’t have to deal with HIS “attitude”? Yeh, it sure ‘nuf IS a “shame” when someone focuses on the challenges the other four men had and then have the ping pong balls to describe robbie as just “complicated “. Guess that’s why it’s OK for the complicated leader to F_CK OVER his “Brothers”! Course he only did that ONCE. That was all it took. Yeh. ONCE WERE BROTHERS But let’s get down to the bottom line. robbie WASN’T solo. Do you really suppose that he could’ve done it by himself??? There WERE FOUR, 4, other ARTISTS in The Band. TALENTED ARTISTS every bit, if not more, capable as him. And the very talented Mr. Robertson TOTALLY “forgot” about them. He deftly took more, as in ALL, that he DID NOT deserve. Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko & Levon Helm were totally SCREWED OVER plain and simple. And, YES! He most definitely IS a VILLAIN. And PLEASE don’t compare robertson with Paul McCartney! There IS no comparison. Period. Oh, and btw, holding LEVON HELM’s hand when he was unconscious, dying THAT makes everything he STOLE all right??? You know what that shows? It shows what a grandstanding, opportunistic COWARD he is A truly Gutless Wonder. It IS A SHAME. AND it IS WARRANTED , Pt S . You, condescending, judgmental ping pong ball.

[@cavscout62]

You apparently don’t know that it was Levon who was actually the backbone and “leader” from the beginning when they were Levon And The Hawks. Robertson is a shitheel and that just indisputable.

[@mbellizia75]

They wouldn't trash him if he wasn't such a giant peckerhead.

[@candelise]

​​@@robertajeanrogers7623Sometimes these reactions written says something more about the writers.

[@Jarjarjar21]

Ask people who are or have been in bands...ha...what it's like... 😂🎉🎉🎉 Hail THE BAND Hail Robbie Robertson

[@Fanofane]

I'm coming from the other side of the world, but Robbie makes me wanna be joining his "tribe" called Canada !! G'bless R.R.

[@Stephanjnj]

A captivating story teller.

[@AustinALiboiron]

I'm playing the main e. piano line from Somewhere Down the Crazy River on guitar while he's telling the story about the music lessons note and it's a BRAND NEW VERSE.

[@mlbolts72]

thx 4 the video

[@ernieolea101]

Matt Lidyoff Robbie was great ! From Canada,But got his music influence from America !! The best music,

[@pamelaturman7176]

Yes the man is a real amazing musician, as was Garth, Richard, Levon, & Rick. He did have a knack for words and writing music. But they ALL COLLA BERATED in their songs and music. Makes no difference if they was addicts. He took all of Kevin's life and growing up and turned it into songs that earned lots of money. Had it not been for Levon telling all those stories those songs would of never happened for Robbie is to make ANY OF THAT MONEY. SO Levon should of absolutely been paid just like Robertson along with all those royalties. Of course he's going to speak of all of them with love and respect. They all helped make him very my rich. Don't you think?

[@cindytaylor4644]

Robbie has so much independent music I have then all !! a crossroads for Robbie ! Him ( Levon putting his head in my shoulder precious memory though he was tirerd and still I’ll !

[@tyrapp262]

Levon wrote no songs. Ask Larry Campbell. If he's not going to put out writing words or music. It takes work and discipline. Helm liked to party instead.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Yep

[@stanjaskiel406]

Yeah, Levon had all these stories and could have turned them into songs.....but he didn't, did he. Robertson turned them into the songs...no one else.

[@mrjasondylan]

Don't disagree but the facts are in any band only the songwriter gets the royalties from the songs unless it's co written. Actually Dylan owes a lot of the Bands songs I know he owns the weight. Ringo never got John and Paul's royalties.

[@stlunitedfc]

This is phenomenal!

[@TheDickeroo]

Robbie Robertson, you are a very special human being. You are as genuine as can be. I really admire your honesty. I salute you for being the person that you are.

[@karenpeters8646]

RIP beautiful man.❤️

[@geekay1349]

riveting!

[@larryholland7192]

Awesome interview!!!

[@shuswapian]

Without Robbie's song writing "The band" was just "a band". Sure they were all great musicians and likeable enough guys but their career after Robbie left pretty much tells the tale of the tape, they lived off the legacy of The Band until their dying days. It was the song-writing of Robertson that took The Band out of the bars and elevated them on to the world's stage. Even after backing Dylan they could easily have drifted back into obscurity without epics such as "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", these are works of creative genius. The main things that set Robbie above his band-mates were his incredible song writing ability, his imagination and his drive and ambition to create. His ambition and determination was demonstrated early in his childhood when he was told by the people he grew up with, "not to expect much" and "not to try too hard". His response, "what is the matter with you people?", to me this says a lot. Same situation later on with the Band, 4 members were content to ride on the laurels of The Band's success and were not ambitious enough to contribute constructively to continuing the process of building upon it. Instead they took the easy road and became victims of their success and the industry, and became disabled by indulgence and addiction. Again Robbie must have said "what is the matter with you people?". Robbie went to incredible lengths to make things happen throughout his career, including "The Last Waltz", he is by definition a leader, not a follower. I think Robbie was more driven by the creative process than the perks of the lifestyle and wanted to continue exploring that road but could not do so dragging 4 uncooperative bodies along with him. For similar stories read "Neil Young" and "John Fogerty".

[@terencequinn2682]

Dear Walter Branch - Just saw this - what a thoughtful and well written comment. So much better than much of the comments written here.

[@brucerobinson9321]

Yeah, those 3 Grammys Levon earned are meaningless. Meanwhile Robbie became Marty's music boy?

[@emiltrees]

Dylan said that Robbie was the best guitar player he ever heard. Google it.

[@rogernetzer1054]

Without the Band what was Robbie?

[@chuckyoneill6867]

@@emiltrees Ive heard Dylan say that about George Harrison 2 and i believe Harrison was way more gifted than robertson gimme a break.

[@emilyfalcone1858]

Superb interview! That'll do, Canada. That'll do.

[@keatsgipsy9991]

❤️🇨🇦❤️ love Robbie

[@claumeister1]

Can't believe how good Robbie looks, and how happy and healthy he seems. He was smoking like a chimney (and doing God knows what else) throughout The Last Waltz, at age 33. It's 40 years later and he still has every brown hair on his head, that great voice, still handsome. Some guys have all the luck.

[@michaeldonovan4793]

dyed brown hair for sure..

[@frandanco6361]

CL - It's a very badly made wig on his head, not his hair...

[@edgarcardiel157]

I love you rob

[@Snakefinger1000]

I know why it happens but nevertheless it pisses me off when the musical footage is cut from these interviews. Corporate greed and power over the producers of these docos. forces KZbinrs to spoil their work by cutting out the music.

[@marekzaun4814]

zawsze zasypilem z ta muzyka na uszach. walkmann

[@pablopickasso4098]

what a great bbbband

[@tas22222]

you lucky SOB george!!!