Richard Thompson - The Weight

Richard Thompson plays guitar and sings a verse of the "The Weight" by the Band.

[@ronkopald]

I'm sorry but did my brain just explode or did I just watch a video with Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson, Levon Helm and ALLEN TOUSSAINT all on the same stage? This can't be real. I must be dreaming this.

[@williamthelast1]

And now Robbie Robertson died too... Sad week, sad days, sad life... We always love you brothers musicians. Coz life is a little bit easy with you areound us....😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@goodun2974]

In his memoir "BeesWing", Thompson writes of how The Band's "Music from Big Pink" record was a huge influence on Fairport Convention ---- not stylistically, but upon hearing how the Band blended and melded traditional American music with modern instruments and a rock sensibility, it inspired Fairport to do the same with the traditional music of the British Isles. Joni Mitchell was another big influence ---- Fairport had access to some of Mitchell's early demos through their shared producer Joe Boyd before they were properly recorded and publicly released. Thompson admits to doing something he now considers unforgivable, which was to take a peek through Joni's songbook backstage as she was on stage playing!

[@wendysgarden4283]

Davey Graham was also an influence on Fairport and on Thompson. I just watched the unbroadcast bio of him that's here on youtube and was thinking about how great he was, how many he influenced (not to mention those who stole directly from him and never paid him, which Thompson is not one of, to be clear), and what a lousy businessman he was. Revolutionary guitarist and composer whose ideas still reach into today's fingerstyle guitarists and how they compose. Like Allen Toussaint, here on keyboards, also influential beyond reckoning but he never wanted to leave New Orleans for long, and while it left him a bit poorer in cash, I have no doubt it also left him happier in spirit.

[@leofosse]

Rest on peace, Levon Helm. The greatest combination of singer and drummer of all time, and pretty high on the list of just plain singers and just plain drummers.

[@Bodyknowledge77]

The amount of talent on this stage is chillingly staggering! The obvious has been stated..

[@douglasalan5783]

I was there at the Apollo for this. Fantastic.

[@Timothy23P]

You, sir, are what we call a lucky bastard.

[@iamtheeggman0036]

RIP Levon, thank you for your life’s work.

[@archiegoodwin7050]

And the legendary Allen Toussaint on piano and one verse!

[@simonlee8889]

Yeah! Thanks, nice spotting

[@reveddro319]

Levon, Elvis, Richard, Ray,Allen what a cast!!

[@normanhall8435]

Excellent performance. I am a big Richard Thompson fan. Another version to listen to is The Band with the Staple Singers.

[@tpsmith800]

My favorite version is Gillian Welch w/OCMS

[@user-sf3xl4nv6q]

One of the all time great rock songs, and a great performance - what a stage of musicians and singers

[@jackdedert2945]

There have been days where I spent hours down a rabbit hole viewing various versions of this piece, yet I've never seen this particular one. The 'Playing for Change' version done as a tribute to Robbie Robertson is one of my favorites, as well as the Americana Awards show at the Ryman, the year of Levon's passing.

[@davidcrofts848]

Wonderful, especially for the joy on Levon's face.

[@texascarl]

About 500 years of experience and at least that many tons of talent on that stage.

[@34hedgehog]

Awesome pick-up band... and just look at Levon's face when Allen Toussaint comes in on the 3rd verse... he's lovin' it.

[@borisbadenov8957]

WoW...so many legends on one stage..don't forget Nick Lowe

[@whitetigress7448]

I love, love.love this. Been to church once or twice, and this so much better. Pope and Cardinals right up in there. I'm good with God now. Thanks!

[@pentelikos]

Wow! All that talent on one stage! And not to forget the self-effacing, excellent Larry Campbell.

[@roybutterfield9368]

Can't get a better line up of talent as this.

[@mikelisacarb]

First time I really got the words to the "Crazy Chester" verse. Gritty as hell, but clear as a bell. Thank you, Richard Thompson!

[@silverblade757]

mikelisacarb Me too-always thought' fog' was 'barn'-for 40 years!

[@sloanmichael]

@@silverblade757 After he caught him in the fog, the verse is about a bed (fix your rack) and he wants him to put down his dog (but he can't because he is a peaceful man)... gotta see the video where Robbie talks about this.

[@sarina1014]

Man, if this isn't the pick up band of geezers but my god, what talented geezers they are, it doesn't get any better than this. Ah Levon looks like he is having the time of his life, RIP Levon. Too many artists (and I use the term loosely) are just going through the motions these days, but few possess the passion for their craft the way this group does.

[@cravinbob]

They say about old and grey: May be snow on the roof but there still is fire in the furnace.

[@AndrewStuartBrown]

I know it's silly to respond to a comment three years old, but I do it for the reader of today. So, "pick up band of" what? "But my god, what talented" what? Are you as casual about using hate speech when you refer to women or POC as you are when you talk about old people? I think I represent quite a few other seniors when I say that I resent being referred to as a geezer. No, it isn't an "affectionate" term. It's demeaning. Keep saying it in public and see what happens.

[@derykbarker9634]

@@AndrewStuartBrown You appear to misunderstand the term "pick up band", which means essentially a group assembled just for the occasion. Also applied to orchestras. Absolutely nothing to do with picking up women, which I presume is why you are getting vicariously offended. Nor am I offended by "geezer", which has nothing to do with old people in Britain, where I was born nearly 70 years ago. Lighten up.

[@Kareliz]

Well said Mr. Brown! 😮❤

[@Phil-tb2yz]

Levon Helm was in a class of his own, shame what 1/2 million roll ups can do to a great man and his wonderful voice. RIP LH

[@sianwarwick633]

Oh the talent on that stage, i swear

[@amywvful]

Even the angels can't help but sing along...

[@BigDog_76]

Levon from the band on drums! RIP Levon

[@krisscanlon4051]

elvis nick and Richard were I'm heaven since the LOVED the Band!

[@filmerado]

Wow never saw this before and I am blowowowown away. Thompson & Helm in the same city at once, too much. !!!

[@PeteD1884]

"spectacle elvis costello with..." season two. What an amazing group of musicians. Check out "Shoot out the LIghts" from this same program - incredible.

[@Turgorful]

That's quite a lineup of talent

[@jejesus]

What a heavy weight reunion! Love it. Thanks for sharing!

[@cherylbianchi9616]

swoooon! what a line up

[@jonstern7511]

Absolutely amazing having this lot together on such a great song 👍

[@alanjones4080]

I couldn't believe this line-up! Nick Lowe, Ray Lamontaigne, Allen Toussaunt - but not only them, but also the two of the best British singer-songwritersof the past 45 years (Richard and Elvis) and the best ever British electric guitar player (RT again)...

[@stephendsullivan]

Amazing band!

[@graemecreegan6749]

Levon Helm 🙌

[@marklong4980]

Have to disagree about RT being the "best ever British electric guitar player"! Great voice, amazing song writer, and a fine guitar player, the dude is multi talented. But when there are players like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, need I go on. It's a stretch to call him the best ever.

[@graemecreegan6749]

@@marklong4980 adding RT to the list you give proves that ‘best’ is a fallacy, we should stick to ‘favourite’ (and we all know favourite can change depending on our mood too 😁)

[@lesleybroughton6103]

@@marklong4980You forgot to mention Peter Green. Maestro.

[@louisehawes4317]

Well, time has certainly made physical changes in this group. ...But OH, they've still got it inside!!! Thanks for this vid!

[@fabrikk60]

In Richard's 2021 book "Beeswing", he writes about how The Band were a major influence on him and Fairport. I'm sure everybody else in this clip would concur.

[@misslantana52]

Splendid! I always loved this song, and to hear all of these fab musicians sing this song...AMAZING to say the least! LOVE IT!!!!!

[@LibertarianBob]

Awesome version of one of my favorite songs!

[@johannbogason1662]

I love the way all these musicians just grow rolling over the weight still poignant

[@skylarkman2000]

Amazing musicians and one amazing song !

[@jonstern7511]

What a line up! ❤️💚💙

[@dthebassman7999]

That is a great all-star and talent line-up. Great tune and they did it proud!!

[@flyoneagleswings]

Total brilliance

[@norajosie6883]

One of my favorite bands.

[@jedtattum9996]

look at that line up.... awesome

[@DavidNewlandz]

I was up an apple tree when I first 3 versions of this on the radio, this ones a new one on me some considerable time later. Thanks for a stella post.

[@alanollier9683]

And Levon looks so much like He wished He could still sing, mouthing the words..Sadly missed, an honest working Man's voice, but what a cast to take up the slack.

[@keithfitzsimons815]

+Alan Ollier indeed

[@simonlee8889]

Got that right, AO

[@surfwriter8461]

This is one of Richard Thompson's best songs, definitely. It's kind of fun to see him playing it with Elvis Costello as a sideman. This isn't quite up to the standard of the recorded version, but it's well-done. I suddenly thought of Tom Verlaine, maybe some overlap or influence between them, or maybe not. But some of the playing puts me in mind of Tom Verlaine as in the live performance of an extended "1880 (or So)" with Richard Lloyd and the Television band as it was off and on. That live performance from the Jools Holland TV program is available on this site.

[@kirkaracha]

Umm...the original is by The Band.

[@mekes12]

this is just too cool, love it!

[@mainmaam]

Thank you for posting this!!

[@krissyramsey3934]

And to top it off. produced by Sir Elton John. Sweet!

[@ChosenHandle117]

Alan yes! What a gig... stellar.

[@ticticboom1]

What a line up! 😳

[@Robbbo64]

Good to see Levon enjoying himself there. Rest In Peace....

[@gtrrobster]

Joyous !

[@jkennan]

Great version!

[@markroberts1301]

What a lineup!

[@martinevensen406]

Good singer good richard

[@richardcondon3797]

Go back to 'the last waltz. it is and will remain unmatched. that defines great music.

[@JPFP1958]

What a BAND (Y)

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Man, I sure miss Levon...

[@billparry3591]

R.t.and levon , don't get any better.

[@mariebriand9493]

Wonderful..!!

[@SuperAllanjames]

There are times when Elvis Costello looks so much like Eric Morecambe that it is hard to take him seriously!

[@jagtone]

That must have been when Levon was still sick--no mic. But aren't those Allen Toussaint and Nick Lowe, beside Ray Lamontagne? They are worthy of mention too, I would think.I love that RT got Rick's verse--perfect edginess for that.

[@simonlee8889]

Exactly so

[@popsfereal3192]

All star lineup!

[@iancunningham5576]

A SUPERGROUP JAM. To put it mildly.

[@ChrisLawton66]

"Richard Thompson - The Weight" as if everyone else on that stage was a simple touring musician.

[@paulsmith6963]

They were.

[@JackT13]

@@paulsmith6963 Levon would take issue with that

[@wendysgarden4283]

haha. indeed. How many of these guys are gone. I miss Toussaint terribly.

[@buckchile614]

Your pain is palpable

[@ChrisLawton66]

@@paulsmith6963 troll on

[@VonRaveOn13]

RIP Levon, Rick & Richard

[@franktaconelli9095]

what a stellar lineup; Levon in his ‘can’t sing’ period but who better to drum for this?

[@macfeoffensivemacflatearth9887]

Oh my goodness!!!

[@TheJennyJams]

This is so sweet - where was this recorded? Levon will be greatly missed. Rest in peace sweet man.

[@chiphead777]

ah, levon helm, the legend, rip

[@salliepine1210]

All the stars came out that night…

[@kathrynphillips84]

Excellent post, thanks. We got Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson, Levon Helm, Ray Lamontaigne, but who were the others?

[@seanparker5595]

Richard Thompson.... and Levon Helm, elvis Costello etc....

[@engenhero42]

uau great

[@BMWLDRider]

Groovy!

[@7stanmac7]

Elvis is in the building...

[@im4out]

super..

[@BoBo0807]

There is an alternate reality in which this is the 5th or 6th incarnation of the Traveling Wilburys.

[@stephenandersen4625]

wait... Richard Thompson, Nick Lowe, & Elivis? Ho;y shit!!

[@TinaCamp71]

God, why wasn't I there?

[@Jantze]

Who ISN'T on this stage?

[@Bietel]

And Declan McManus (aka Elvis Costello)... and none of them would make it on American Idol but... good grief, this is some talent on one stage here!! Check out the vesrion by Gillian Welch and Old Crow Medicine Show, too, if you can.

[@dennispfohl3004]

American Idol is for those who want to make it as big pop stars not great musicians.

[@im4out]

still good

[@Bamaboompa]

Thanks for the great upload. I am ASSuming this is one of Levon's Midnight Ramble shows in Woodstock. There's an article on his website about Toussaint's friendship and him showing up to play. As for comments on Costello, I've never "gotten" him. From being lucky enough to snag Diana Krall to showing up in more places that Jessie Jackson, I just don't get it. But opinions are like assholes. Everybody's got one. Thanks again and RIP Levon

[@montalbans]

It's not one of the Rambles -- those were held at Levon's barn, which is a much smaller and more intimate space. Not sure when/where this was, but I think it was done for a TV special. Here's one of the barn shows: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2XJaqqbjLipq6M

[@olafbigandglad]

It's from Elvis Costello's T.V. show Spectacle, which was shot in Vancouver. I'm not sure if it aired outside of Canada.

[@RTFan52]

@@olafbigandglad Probably silly to reply to a three year old comment, but Spectacle was filmed at the Apollo theatre in New York, and most certainly did air outside of Canada.

[@tomholihan4850]

RT rocks indeed. I'm a bit of a smartass, but he is just smart.

[@jamespage7998]

Levon!!!!

[@TRCOnline1]

I know that's Allen Toussaint on keys!

[@SuperAllanjames]

"Have a nice day"!

[@MarkJVSomers]

Great moment when Alan Toussaint came in ...

[@Bietel]

@gaspode18 That's correct :-)

[@jumpfortyfour9965]

nick low what what a guy

[@RaymondHelfrich]

I like all these folks and this performance, but I wish you wouldn't have worded this like it was an RT solo.

[@wildthistle535]

Yeah, no kidding. I see Allan Toussaint, Elvis Costello, Levon Helm...I don't know the white-haired guy with glasses. Is that Nick Lowe?

[@juliethelps1361]

Chad Thorne p

[@MatthewCrocker]

Who did the second verse? Yeah, that's the Jesus of Cool.

[@davidcrosskill9137]

Looks a lot like Nick Lowe.

[@KathyBennett27]

Because it is Nick Lowe

[@latinology]

Nick Lowe and Allen Toussaint are in there.

[@JesseCaine]

I'm not normally a musical pedant, but love the bass (?) mistake at 1.30 ....

[@bjl11663]

Also seemed like Allen Toussaint didn't really know the words for his verse(!)

[@philipclifton3058]

CHRIST!!! and fffK ME! this isjust beauiful!

[@DToye91]

...Levon Helm was the only member of The Band from America, the rest of them were all Canadian.

[@miou-miou-]

because we all know that canada is not part of the americas.. and how can alaska belong to both USA and canada, when they arent even on the same continent if you ask a 'murican.

[@justpaulette]

Are some or all of these members of the band that was Big Pink?

[@caseygreen8531]

Paulette Dilks just the drummer, Levon Helm

[@Raelspark]

Hate this song, but love Richard.