Rick Danko/NTO "It Makes No Difference"

Metro, 1999, First Waltz. Guests, Adam Horowitz- piano, Hambone-organ, John Rice-mandolin, Alice Peacock- backing vocal. Mixed to film by Rob Fraboni and Jim Tullio. Live sound by Jay O' Rourke. Directed by Dan Andries.

[@taxisteve929]

Nowhere as bad physically as he would become in just a few months, but his health was bad at this point, but being the great performer he was, he delivered with a beautiful soulful performance from the heart. I remember reading Marvin Gaye saying that when you sing a song, you have to get into the same mood on stage and get the same feeling as when you first sang it. Rick was always able to do that. RIP Rick. You DID make a difference!!

[@johnlewis3518]

Amen

[@Horiatis76]

Said so well. God Bless The Band.

[@codydavidyates72]

Big Heart.

[@MrThedonhead]

That's rubbish! You cannot control your moods and get into moods, you are what you feel at that moment,Rick is awful here and obviously a lazy person

[@intuneorange]

​@MrThedonhead you cant

[@BigDaddy-se7xh]

Robbie wrote it but Rick owned it! Sure miss you Rick Danko.

[@normancrew4935]

there are some songs, that no matter how many people cover them, will always belong to just one singer. danko / 'it makes no difference' is one of them

[@TheSamoht67]

norman crew So true Norman, nobody else can sing this,or should they..

[@RellaMcQuillen]

norman crew so absolutly true

[@cravinbob]

I knew him and I sing it, most times I cannot finish it... what a great human being he was.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

cravinbob My parents met at a Levon&Hawks show in Port Dover (my mums hometown) , it it wasnt for these guys and my dad's ability to dance I wouldn't exist. I must listen to thos song once a week minimum. RIP Rick, Richard, Levon and my dear old dad.

[@stephen195]

I've watched many covers of this song, and no one puts the emotion into it that Danko did. Without that emotion, the song is just flat and boring.

[@rogerblankenship3235]

Poor guy. What a sweetheart and a pure incredible talent

[@VS-ok3mz]

Incredible talent without arrogance or self-obsession. We will never see the likes of Rick Danko again. The world suffers for it.

[@joeybellfurie]

Damn man. A dagger of a comment.

[@markhindmarsh9360]

Yes the end of our youth when our generation loses our idols.

[@colincraig685]

Just doesn't get any better what a tremendous talant

[@barakpick]

Are you referring to Robbie Robertson?

[@VS-ok3mz]

danko

[@whittakerwalt4790]

painful to watch, but glorious to listen to...rick dank is sorely missed.

[@philiphalpenny9761]

Exactly the same sentiment I felt. He still sang with that Prairie boy innocence, but it was shocking to see that onetime lithe, good looking soul in such physical disrepair...

[@caroldevitt1156]

OMG. For the life of me, I cannot make it through any version of this song without crying. Only Rick...

[@jamesobrien7338]

Honestly

[@chounig]

Same for me😢

[@Horiatis76]

This is the magic he lived for! God bless you Rick and the talent you shared with us.

[@michaelredick8898]

Love this song and Rick owns it forever. It's sad to see him toward the end. Saddest note, he was buried next to his son who died of alcohol overdose at age 18 at college. As a parent I dont know the heartbreak but know it cant have helped Rick's own addiction sickness.

[@Filterite5]

Damn i didnt know that. Fk thats so sad

[@JohnBrown-vx3rx]

I didn't know that. I'm sad

[@chriscosby2459]

We lost Rick Danko far too early, what a cool dude he was.

[@PeterBush-s1s]

So fine

[@Resenbrink]

I love this song and Rick singing it.

[@RockPunkFloyd]

That voice, so fucking special. Every time I hear this, no matter from what year, I tear up.

[@Filterite5]

RIP Rick, Levon, Richard. Thank you for the great music my friends! ❤

[@danwhyte3524]

And now as of the week ago or so Robbie!!

[@mkweedonful]

Only Garth still here....

[@Stan-r2h]

Happy Birthday In Heaven Rick, would have turned 80 today.

[@jmgmarcus808]

Rick takes the guitar solo. Fucking awesome.

[@kimh5566]

Danko does flamenco!

[@nickdoormaster1930]

So bad ass !!! He was feeling it ✌️✌️

[@leebay6093]

Most beautiful song ever written and sung- loved you Rick 💕and the sun don’t shine anymore

[@greengiant3815]

Rick always gave his all when he sang ,that's why he is so good, and played aswell.. true talentedvand inspiring .... 👍👌😎

[@silyknow]

Today would be his birthday 💔 rest in piece

[@josephcalderone9687]

Rick always pushing his voice to make the song feel the way he feels... That's a true artist!!! Never satisfied

[@nordenstammmalinois1]

Reminds you of Elvis - falling apart physically, trapped in a music paradigm of repeating the same songs over decades and from this ruin of a beautiful man, an angel's voice emerges unchanged in the quality of it's plaintive, desperate emotion. 22 years since his death - makes you want to cry. What a waste.

[@salbonshwahggi8132]

Beautiful words my friend.

[@gaylethomson]

Yes it was and it didn't have to be that way. I knew him most of my life and he was the sweetest man l have ever known. RIP Baby!

[@1978garfield]

I am really glad this was caught on film. Thanks for sharing it.

[@debbieedwards711]

This is one of the absolute best versions of this cherished song. Thanks Rick Danko for the music and rest sweetly in peace. Thanks for sharing this treasured bit of history.❤

[@c.j.bueche9332]

No kidding, Debbie I Soo Loved THE BAND, and ALL they did. Love you Ricky, Garth ……

[@johntoohey2354]

Debbie, yes brilliant but so hard to watch.

[@monteyoung7126]

So wonderful to see him doing what he loved! God bless him for sharing his amazing talent through his struggles. Watching him sing with Janice on the train in Festival express is a rare moment in history. They were Soo wasted! 1970 that's how it was.

[@markloveridge-i9b]

A true master talent , nothing he couldn’t do once on that stage……….just goes to show how magnificent THE BAND were

[@Horiatis76]

It’s so nice to have this as his record of contribution! God Bless Danko!

[@johnscialfa7391]

stunning...never lost his talent

[@peterlittlehorse5695]

I hope the kids at that concert were aware of how privileged they were that night just to be there.

[@colleenshea2293]

Rick seemed a lovely soul. RIP darling.

[@stubaker2574]

still can't believe Rick's gone...big loss to music

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

We don't live forever unfortunately

[@philiphalpenny9761]

20 years already , Stu...

[@procopiojrpalacios9702]

Ricky made a BIG difference... RIP.

[@Flash023]

I never knew he got so big, such a talent. Was it it health that caused his weight gain?

[@irishcoffee5412]

Rick n Robbie used to play an Irish bar on Mission Hill in Boston back in the 1980’s. I saw Rick there more often playing solo but Robbie floated in once in a while. It was a dive and surreal.

[@CooManTunes]

It hurts to see footage of those like Rick Danko, Elvis Presley, and Rory Gallagher, during the last year of each of their lives. Their health issues became so visibly obvious, but their talents never stopped shining bright. Much brighter than others.

[@luke3807]

Rick gained a lot of weight in a short span of time. There should have been an intervention to get him help.

[@MICKEYDELFINO]

Luke an addict has to reach a point to quit and be ready. Surrender. Unfortunately Rick has lost all hope and he’s fortunate to have made it to 57.

[@davidkalinowski9922]

At least he was having a good time.

[@sunking1504]

I agree poor Rick such a talent

[@whowell04]

jerry garcia too

[@fgsp8909]

" the road is taking all of the greatest " robertson said in the last waltz ... Damn such an example of a wonderful singer / bass player who ruined his health on this god damn impossible way of life as robbie would also said in the movie ... RIP Mr.Danko !! Great music great guy ! and RIP robbie now ... May the good lord shine a light of garth as would say mick jagger !

[@robinaqureshi]

Truly beautiful. Heartbreaking too to hear of their final end. I never knew of the sad individual stories. I only ever remembered and knew them from The Last Waltz, and their albums.

[@robinaqureshi]

The guitar beautifully played towards the end . Beautiful Rick.

[@darrensmith6801]

I met Rick and the band in 74, I was 5 yrs old. Had no idea at the time who they were. My father took me to visit Uncle Russell, who was Rick's Uncle as well.

[@Horiatis76]

God calls those worthy to be the example. Danko is the example.

[@joestraughan3944]

Phew! What an amazing version! Rick, you break our hearts!

[@golds04]

Very sad to see an angle falling. Rip Rick- a Canadian with heart bigger than Kansas. ❤

[@jamespriest9658]

Read em and weep, thank you so much Rick. Was a pleasure.

[@TheSamoht67]

r.i.p. Rick, What a voice, rest easy my brother.

[@charleshendrix232]

Love Danko. Always did, always will

[@swlafollett9963]

I love Rick Danko and this song... it is more beautiful with every listen.

[@walterfrog2840]

Rick you where loved by so many people, was it worth it ? we still love you Rick

[@scottrusling]

A natural born musical genius whose huge heart shines through his performances. I wish we could bring him back!

[@chrisjackson1023]

Not a lot of people mention it,,but he was a great and very distinctive bass player! Like McCartney, You don't notice how awesome they were til its gets pointed out!

[@georgefraser7143]

What a beautiful song always been one of my faves, well done Rick and RIP. SIR.

[@bigpink3269]

Despite his spiraling condition he is able to evoke beauty in the melancholy....a lonesome serenade ....a heartwrenching yet poetic splendor.

[@melissaralstonjones1550]

Met Rick a few times, saw him play at the Old Town Crier one of his last performances....he was such a nice guy.....so missed...simply beautiful

[@johnlewis3518]

Live right next to it and he rocked my world

[@markusrose9667]

Close your eyes and you can’t tell what year this is.

[@markusrose9667]

@Twilight 8368 my comment was a compliment and concurs with your statement that authentic music is timeless. Ain’t got no time to hate.

[@scott8xxx532]

@Twilight 8368 why are you so godawdful nasty here? are you a Trumper deplorable? no need to answer that, it is obvious. meanwhile, you showed yourself to be the pretty stupid one as you essentially agreed with him after insulting him. unless your point is that this performance was not authentic....

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Since you been gone it's a losing battle, stampeding cattle they rattle my walls.....been there before. God bless you Mr.Danko

[@jjlockridge4237]

Thank you for everything, Rick. ☮️

[@joestraughan3944]

There ain't many that make me cry! But I cry bucket loads over Rick!

[@coreypraweckyj2178]

Rick Danko ,true genius, RIP! truly missed but not forgotten!

[@stanhorowitz5114]

corey praweckyj fuck those people who down this song

[@littlewing6231]

He looked stunned on the Last Waltz during Interviews with Scorsese. He didn’t want to stop and I’m sure he had demons that had they continued might of expedited his death but you could tell it was gonna hurt him the most. Richard and Rick were the two most vulnerable guys I believe.

[@colleenshea2293]

Car accident pain !

[@chiplovitt8538]

Twenty years later, I'm still amazed by Rick Danko's musical legacy, and that voice! Just watched the new Band rock-doc, Once Were Brothers, it again shows what an amazing original talent he was. And I just watched his acoustic version of When You Awake which blows me away every time I watch it. Thanks for posting this performance!

[@jamescampbell3891]

my high school English teacher took the class of 78 to the cinarama dome to see the last waltz it changed the way I would view the world they broke the mold after them sounds as magical now as then

[@martinmcdonald4207]

James Campbell What a cool teacher you had. I put The Last Waltz on often for the sheer pleasure of that concert

[@jonjeffries3265]

I think the greatest R&R movie to date..

[@markhindmarsh9360]

I went to see the last waltz as a teenager in the movie theatre as a teenager,didn’t know anything about the musicians.Definitely life changing,went back the next day to see it again.

[@jequma8613]

Sounding as good as he always did, Thanks for sharing your huge talent Rick

[@marybeatty-brooks3272]

Crying here too. Just love his voice and sincerity.

[@robertbrandes7929]

Perfection

[@craigsimon7658]

RIP Rick 12/10/99🎵🎤🎸

[@We_are_the_light]

The deep sadness and joy I feel at this moment for The Beautiful Rick Danko. Sounds like Gold. 💗

[@michaelwells7792]

First time I have seen this. One of 5 incredible musicians whose music I play every day.

[@TWDay-sy6nq]

I have loved this song since it was first released on "Northern Lights." My wife and I had the incredibly luck to see The Band with all of the important members (sans-Robertson) in '86 at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, CA. This song and Manuel's version of "Georgia" about ripped the hearts out of all of us.

[@catchinbass86]

The best BAND song.

[@stevetautog880]

in a way I had a very sad feeling when I saw the front few rows and realized that this is the generation that was not even born when I saw the Movie The Last Waltz, and fell in love with this song in 1977 when I was 20

[@martykate6836]

On the day Rick Danko was born, the angels sang. Rick sang harmony

[@Filterite5]

🙏👍

[@sadhvacman7238]

I’ll never stop missing that man. His left elbow swinging back and forth... as he bounces around... shuffling his weight between his left and right foot.... Never be another Danko. Danko, Manuel, Helm forever...

[@commanderk3829]

And Robbie too.

[@EatAPeach72]

@@commanderk3829 Garth

[@buckminsterfuller7252]

So near the end, but he still sounded so good.

[@johnscialfa7391]

What an incredible performance musically and vocally

[@jackstarr4726]

Wow! Stunning acoustic performance!!!

[@JustAnotherBlader]

The way he delivers the line “it makes no difference who I meet, it’s just a face in the crowd on a dead end street” in this particular rendition destroys me.

[@montysloungetv]

And tremolo picking - wow

[@vidarlarsen748]

Heartbreaking to hear and watch.

[@rogerblankenship3235]

Maybe. Actually I think it’s an incredible performance

[@williamadamsmusic3025]

This is in no way meant to say anything negative about Rick... He has always been my favorite vocalist in The Band, and in my top 3 favorite bassists of all time! What I know is that when we gain weight we lose lung capacity which directly effects our ability to hold notes out, AND it even effects our range... And of course, smoking (anything) has an impact on one's ability to hit AND hold notes. Sadly, Rick had both working against him! It's difficult to hear and see this performance and NOT compare it to the version from The Last Waltz... Rick was in infinitely better form and better health at the time they filmed the aforementioned film! This is one thing that has always perplexed me about opera singers; so many of them are SO HEAVY, but still have an amazing ability to hit and sustain notes. What's their secret? Please, if anyone can answer that question, please do. I truly interested! Whatever else is true, I miss The Band and especially Rick! Farewell my dearly departed hero! May you R.I.P. ✌🏼&❤️!

[@tedcase8213]

Yup

[@CooManTunes]

@@williamadamsmusic3025 "when we gain weight we lose lung capacity which directly effects our ability to hold notes out" Wrong. Case and point = Pavarotti.

[@williamadamsmusic3025]

@@CooManTunes that's exactly what I meant! Pavarotti was so heavy but still had an AMAZING voice... Now that I think of it, Aretha Franklin got very heavy near the end of her life, but never lost her voice... Perhaps it depends on the artist... Plus, those people we just mentioned weren't smoking cigarettes, pot and cocaine/heroin, but Rick Danko was definitely doing those terrible things to himself. It's what caused his death for God's sake! Put all that together and I think ANYONE'S voice would have been negatively effected! I'm with you man! Still miss The Band every damned day! RIP all you lost Brothers!

[@jyotityler2261]

Such a moving version. Thank you Rik Danko... You live on.

[@Ram-by2gz]

Sad to see the toll the drugs (heroin, coke and who knows what else) and alcohol took on Rick. This is the first time I've seen and heard him like this. The energy he used to show bouncing around when he played the bass and the amazing he had voice is no longer there. I remember and can still picture listening to Big Pink the day it came out. It made such an impression on me and everyone else listening to it that day. That was in a limo ride from NYC to Philly with Mitch Ryder and a couple of his other band members when Mitch had an 6 or 7 piece band with a horn section (we had 2 limos). He was opening a show for Sly and the Family Stone at the Kennedy Stadium. The stadium was much less than half full, kinda sad. Only stayed for long enough after Mitch played to see a little of Sly which sucked. Anyway we listened to the album, on 8 track tape which Mitch got that day all the way back to back to NYC also. Blew everyone away. Was a completely new sound. What a great band. They sure lived the hard rock and roll life like so many who it cost dearly. RIP Rick! Truly a great one and one of my all time favorites.

[@AlwaysHalloween000]

*LOVE RICK DANKO* we miss you so much my friend

[@keseysvenisonchili]

I'm not sure those three dudes in the front row at the end realized what they were seeing...

[@gerardhaubert8210]

2022 and this song is still one of my favorites. Did No know about Rick’s health issue, RIP

[@fgsp8909]

Alcohol and drugs related. Great singer and character till the end tho! A good man!

[@gaylethomson]

So sad, Rick was such a handsome man when he was on top of things.

[@DirkNelson-e3e]

An amazing human being in the best meaning of the word. A true gentle person, and so, so beautiful to hear that unique voice on this tune; a Rick Danko trademark.

[@Horiatis76]

The Danko masterpiece.

[@tjcolatrella943]

Aaron Hurwitz also known as Professor Louie on Piano, Rick and Aaron both good friends of mine..one of my dogs a Great Pyrenees is named Danko..The Golden Retriever is named Butter for Paul Butterfield..so at my house Butter and Danko who were dear friends are together again..

[@billlanganke5632]

saw him at the backyard in austin 97 great

[@abogage]

Love the way he quiets the band early in the song.

[@latestunique2175]

Too soon gone, RIP Danko!

[@martykate6836]

Eerie to think that he's going to be dead by December of that year. Miss you rick

[@dixiefallas7799]

Great song from Rick RIP to all who passed from The Band you were all superb!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@davevanfunk8917]

At this point it’s just Garth.

[@joekosobucki2141]

Still one of most talented bassists ever!

[@heynowls3058]

Almost Rick’s swan song. Love this tune. Beautiful.

[@taylor-vl1re]

Saw Rick Danko with his own band in a small club in the late 70's. I don't remember much about it. I was probably spending my time trying to meet girls in the bar. A little upset with myself I didn't appreciate the legend who was standing in front of me.

[@culpritcanine6059]

Rick handed the torch to a whole new generation with this beautiful song! R.I.P.!

[@paulgeorgia8013]

I've often made the comparison of Rick's singing to that of Ray Charles, in that he never sings this song quite the same each time. Each time is a unique and perfect version.

[@bertbecker7532]

Richard Manuel would be the comparison in sound and delivery.

[@paulgeorgia8013]

@@bertbecker7532 agreed

[@blackcrow7049]

I fell in love with Rick's voice years ago when i heard by first time Stage Fright on Dylan's Before the Flood ... I still miss his voice , that way he used to be . RIP Rick .

[@FolkSongsEtAl]

He was still delivering a supremely emotional and genuine performance, even more heart wrenching and great as time went on.

[@cynthiamadrid1430]

I love this... We saw the BAND at Winterland...long ago when we made real FAIRYTALES . I like RICK DANKOS AGED SOUND HERE..Lifes pain, Makes feelings bleed. Whether a song or a Good talk....Peace X

[@billywatson]

Best thing on youtube.

[@salbonshwahggi8132]

Oh my God what a beautiful voice and performance. I love you Rick. .

[@g-man7883]

Although still a soulful performance, Rick’s alarming bloated appearance showed the years of drinking and who knows what else. When did the heroin start? He passed in his sleep and it was the day after his 56 b-day. Good christ, he weighed close to 350 pounds. How can slim guy like him climb up to that weight level. Look at Robbie, he liked his weed and the bread. And I am not talking about bread that we spread butter on here. High or not, he always kept his eye on the money. RIP but You should have spread more bread, Robbie.

[@marydee1946]

This is so sad. He’s dying. And he’s great

[@Horiatis76]

He sang his Masterpiece.

[@garyhenderson1717]

As a bass player i look up to you so much one of the best ever you rocked