The Band- Don't Do It

(live 12/28-12/31/71, the Academy of Music, NYC) [performance previously unissued]

[@BrooklynJackBlue]

Genuinely one of the most rapturous live performances of a song I've ever seen. They're all so dialed in! Such a tight band, with an absolute groove in their heart. For my money, there's never been a better band. Maybe a lot of folks have drawn level, but never have they surpassed The Band.

[@cynthiadavis3749]

I listen to this every night! ❤

[@mikea9365]

Every tune they made was like this. These guys were the real deal.

[@DH-xm3hc]

​@@mikea9365 I was fortunate enough to see them live in 1974 with Bob Dylan. 😳 3rd row on the floor. The Band played first and the whole place was rockin 😳 I just couldn't get over Levon Helm being the lead singer. At the time no album could ever justify seeing a band live. They had intermission before Bob Dylan came out. Of course security got tighter when Bob Dylan performed. It was the '70's and I believe Bob Dylan still had, maybe, death threats against him because of his stand on the Vietnam War. Security was cops walking up and down the aisles. The floor section was deliberately set up so they could cover that well. To this day I believe it was the right thing to do because of the circumstances surrounding Bob Dylan and even the Band. Something I won't ever forget. When I play these songs my mind goes back to that night, just pure love in the whole place ❤✌️❤️🌼

[@plooker39]

People just don't realize what great music The Band produced until they hear!

[@Dermot2927]

That’s normally how it goes with music.

[@TheGravygun]

Bobby D knew it

[@rhondajohnson6247]

Just watched the movie Shooter. Levon showed up _ saw him play a older man - it brock my heart! Why are the best gone ! I so admired Levon and the Band!

[@Dermot2927]

It takes a lot to make me cry but this does it every time. When Levon makes the horn section stand up and applauds them, it's one of the most moving musical moments I've ever seen.

[@josephgrumet]

For real me too so so amazing beautiful great makes a grown man cry

[@conradschafman3627]

Love how Levon immediately gets up and makes the horn section do a bow for their outstanding performance. what a class act

[@ColtHLantz]

I never met the man. I know he was an Arkansas boy, I believe he was a genuine humble southern country boy.

[@Dermot2927]

Exactly what I thought at the end.

[@MajorFanHere]

How can you not love Robbie, Levon, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson and Richard Manuel. PERFECTION.

[@deniseluckie9535]

I was 14 when this song out. Im 60 and still listening

[@dbldee22]

One of the best pocket drummers and such a soulful singer. Thanks for all the great music Levon...RIP

[@patrickhite3026]

No shit..Pockets deep he was.

[@buckfan1969]

These guys were what countless other groups from the 60's tried to be; straight up outstanding musicians who could play anything and excel without the gimmicks or the formulas so prevalent at the time. I loved their music then and I've grown to appreciate the beauty of what they created even more over the last 40+ years. How many groups can you say you like more now than you did when you were young? They're like evergreens; never getting stale or passe'. I think as I've gotten older and seen the musical trends come and go their timeless music remains fresh and vital and takes me back to my younger days, and for that I'll always be grateful to this wonderful group of musicians. Thank you Levon, Rick, Richard, Garth, and even Robbie for that.

[@donquixote1955]

buckfan1969 100 PERCENT AGREE!!!!!!

[@thatgirlinitaly]

+buckfan1969 AGREED 100%. I am 26 years old, and I feel like their music takes me to a place I have never been but am so incredibly nostalgic for. I love The Band.

[@buckfan1969]

+Audra D. I find it encouraging to see young people like you appreciate this music. In a way, it validates what I was saying about their music being a timeless evergreen. As long as there are people like you getting turned on to this music, The Band will live on long after my generation is gone, and that's a wonderful thing. Thanks for sharing!

[@pacificole]

+buckfan1969 I sing this song, no roar this song all this time. It is timeless like like the rest of these boys' songs. Biggest mistake of my life: not skipping out on Thanksgiving dinner and taking my sorry ass down to Winterland to see the Last Waltz.

[@stevenoname3175]

+buckfan1969 All courtesy of the Ronnie Hawkins boot camp.

[@philnewton2011]

No one will ever be this cool again.

[@nancyries2534]

u got that right

[@echojohnny714]

You must be speaking of the late Levon Helm? Or anyone in The Band

[@eugenemalush9284]

Sure they will but it will be a stretch...

[@quick8009]

Levon!!

[@chillywater9455]

the man.

[@memagic570]

Anyone who loves this music needs to take a stand to preserve it. Just like the forests and endangered species, old music like this needs to be revitalized in the psyche of today's society. It's been said millions of times that the music of today doesn't have the depth and creativity that music from this time did. If you feel that way take any opportunity you have to introduce it to others. It's not lame, it's ambitious and I'm sure the guys playing it here would appreciate it.

[@anything4382]

Imagine how hard it is to sing while playing drums, Levon's hands are both play, both his feet are playing at different beats, and on top of that he has to sing through it. A lot of respect for Levon.

[@nucrusader8609]

Many folk keep touching on Levon's hard drug use but if it was as bad as all that he sure was one high functioning addict. I mean cmon you see the coordination and powerful singing he doing. He's the timekeeper!....for The Band! He couldn't have been as whacked out as it seems to be portrayed.

[@christiangasior4244]

Yeah he was a dabbler. You can dabble a lot but you can put it down. Not so with some.

[@Flammiedrum]

@@nucrusader8609 The problem isn't being functional for awhile, the problem is when the DT's come.

[@DBLVIDS]

Levon had the soul of the red dirt and the delta in him. Plus arguably the greatest limb independence of all time.

[@robertsarsfield4695]

it's actually quite easy but he was somethin' special for sure..

[@Elidoransgar]

This was never one of my favorite songs by The Band, but this performance is just so damned good I can't help but re-evaluate the song. Great stuff.

[@sloganloanseal]

As a 29 year old beeboppin around bars with older buddies I heard my fair share and surely enjoyed. But this was the first song of theirs I found on my own and loved.

[@charlespierce5453]

RIP also to the great Allen Toussaint, who wrote all the horn charts on the fly. Real taste of New Orleans through the whole set.

[@ryanmcmahon7005]

fact!

[@davidpfeifer9489]

Charles Pierce didn’t know he wrote them, rip

[@TombstoneHeart]

Yes, yes, yes! Allen Toussaint was musical giant who walked through this world unseen, except for his eternal foot prints of sound. One of New Orleans' greats.

[@timrolls2854]

Never knew that, thank you!!!

[@mdf3962]

Made the song!

[@TheTonyanance]

The Band is the greatest group ever!! Nobody rocks like they did. They will always be my favorite BAND!!!!!!

[@DouglasF68]

Hence, THE Band.❤

[@johnmcquiggan9509]

Robbie wrote some of the most amazing songs ever but the heartfelt vocals,takes it way over the top!

[@terryblankenshipmusic1322]

Agree 100%

[@terryblankenshipmusic1322]

@@johnmcquiggan9509well This is actually a cover song Robbie didn’t write this one

[@drlepper72]

Levon is on a very, very short list of coolest men to ever walk the earth.

[@suesimpson7664]

I can count them on one hand. RIP Levon. 💔

[@adamwest956]

drlepper72 you is exactly correct sir.im from Arkansas just like Levon.... !!!!! # super bad

[@BCBlue]

Man, you got that right. And this song too!

[@JayChevako]

I'm a bit partial to Rick Danko myself. Jay

[@Pancakessssssssssssssss]

Oh hell he is

[@fsubones]

I don’t think any rock song can be more perfect. Everyone is killing their instruments and the lyrics speak to me so much. Those horns and Richard Manuel killing it on the piano!!

[@johndef5075]

And making it look easy. Levons drums are sooooo perfect.

[@fishtownboy]

As good as it gets.

[@gherritwhite8966]

Robbie on that guitar killing it.

[@SKIADK]

As a bass player myself this is butter

[@LaGrandeBayou]

Levons' timeless voice and musicianship on full display .... singing with the soul of an angel,

[@christiangasior4244]

It’s a shame he had to handle so much here as they’re all hammered but it’s still great despite it being a bit coroporate cash grab and retirement of the band.

[@davidpfeifer9489]

Christian Gasior “Don’t talk about the habits, just the music and the man”-WJ

[@suesimpson7664]

David Pfeifer Amen

[@GavinGT]

I love watching Rick Danko perform. The way he bounces around is so fun to watch.

[@nicholaslong4360]

GavinGT One of the most underrated bass players. Incredible pocket player. Of course they all were, that's why they were so great.

[@V8trickshot]

+Nicholas Long can't agree more he is a freaking amazing with some of the bass lines he puts down I dig it

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

Rory maher l believe that he is playing a fretless bass during this concert. l remember Robbie commenting on being amazed that Danko never had to look at the neck to see where to place his fingers. The first few notes sound so deep,ckean& pure l believe it's a fretless.

[@Rick_McDick]

the tweaking chicken!

[@Conn88]

It's an Ampeg Fretless. He used it extensively during this period of his career.

[@gmm3579]

One of the best performances ever. Levon was a beast

[@dirkevans3443]

Well here it is, rapidly approaching 2023 and I still miss all these guys SO much. Indeed, they were.......THE BAND!!!!

[@fightclubdurden]

You can feel this music in your bones. Incredible stuff

[@DH-ij9pe]

We'll never see such a gifted group of musicians like this again.

[@adamwest956]

Dan H word up...I'm from Arkansas...like Levon

[@shorthandedby2]

Now that is music....Fan for most all my life....Remember listening to my dad's vinyl as a kid....after becoming a novice guitar player....really love the musicianship....great music played on real intruments by real people....Thanks for Keeping It Real!!! God Bless!!!

[@vonprango]

I've always been one of those guys who only knew The Band's "hits", without ever sitting down and listening to a whole album. One of my favorite bands, Dr. Dog, have been compared to these guys, so I decided to give a listen to a lot of The Band's work. Needless to say, I waited too long to hear this ridiculously brilliant work, but better late than never. Can't get enough of this shit!!!! You rarely see this kind of heart and effort in music nowadays, which is why I love Dr. Dog as well.

[@makzee19]

Just heard this in goodwill. Good song. I was tappin my feet.

[@lovechild007]

the band wouldnt be the band without each one of them all of their contributions blended into an amazing and priceless sound. the band is and always will be in a class of their own

[@larssondj]

This is film of the "Rock of Ages" recording: never knew it existed. What great shots of Levon Helm (the only non-Canadian) from behind, so that you can see that amazing pedal work he does. That's a really intricate but driving beat he's laying down ... not to mention he's singing the damn song! Thanks for posting.

[@jmacpherson9292]

As a drummer, I subscribe to all kinds of drum channels on Facebook, where I see posts everyday of drummers playing these amazing technical drum solos with chops up the bazoo. And my reaction to watching these drummers is always" Yeah they have super fast chops, amazing technical skills, but I'd rather be able to play and sound like Levon Helm.

[@debomb721]

J MacPherson musicians focus on flash nowadays not what’s important: the actual song

[@josephcovelli2689]

You are so right my man. Levon was the king of groove and giving exactly what the song needed, not a note more. RIP to the Genius.

[@Jimbodiddley1]

Same with guitarists. Lots that impress me; few that move me.

[@canadianroot]

He had groove in spades. Dude could swing with the best of them. He always served the song perfectly. One of the best drummers of all time.

[@mickkollins]

Thanks for this post..a historical record for sure

[@kaybercor6836]

That is damn fine musicianship right there! Love you forever Levon!

[@2zxodcfm]

The Band we're such a blend of complimentary quality flavors aged and blended to perfection that I'm not anticipating any such comparable to surface in my lifetime.

[@tomdunakin176]

46 yrs later and still kicks ass the band will always stand the test of time great music always does

[@andysmizzymacca5525]

This is some classic stuff right here 👍👍👍

[@CannelleInOK]

The Band was, is and always will be one of the best. I grew up with this music, among other greats, and unfortunately took it for granted that music would always be as wonderful as this. How wrong I was. I so miss the music of the late 60's and early 70's.

[@davepaskalik2091]

+Robin Creamer look,now,we lost glenn fry and sir david bowie(the thin white duke).it's ridiculous,so young!Man could they playn and sing,god bless em!

[@CannelleInOK]

dave paskalik It's sad really. =( I didn't know either of them were sick. We are losing the great ones faster and faster it seems

[@danielstein5290]

+dave paskalik and now Merle Haggard RIP....we still got Jerry Lee still :)

[@sophiapde6679]

My Thoughts exactly. They were "The Band".

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

Robin Creamer. I know exactly what you are feeling. l too thought that music this great would naturally always continue to be created...took it for granted also. Didn't realize what we had until it was gone. Luckily we can still enjoy it because it never grew old & stale

[@chandravene]

Thanks for the upload. The greatest Band who ever lived were never recognized. If I had a buck for every Beatle's song I have ever heard, or every song of any incarnation of of the Beatle's after they broke up, I would be rich beyond my wildest dreams. The Band got nothing of the recognition they deserved for their talent.

[@landontaylor6971]

My parents raised me right! Thankful this was my childhood soundtrack and I’m 37 😜

[@greggalbritton7223]

I would have given anything to be at that concert once in a lifetime

[@carolwells2345]

If only all music could be mixed as well as this live recording of the Band. This is so excellent.

[@davenichols5156]

Anyone who puts a thumb down to the greatest musicians that we had for all of us too be blessed to have is either not good people or something mentally wrong with them .

[@mragren9853]

Now thats singing!!!, and drumming

[@michaelcoll5701]

Just One word……Ok, 2 words SIMPLY AWESOME 😊

[@0otee]

Robbie Rest in Peace Gave so much on good happy music You will be here always 🌺🎶💫🌺

[@sophiapde3947]

You don't get to hear music like this anymore..Miss these guys..To The Band ! will always love ya!

[@rmoon01]

Absolutely Epic! One of the single greatest performances in rock and roll history! If I hada been in the theatre I would have been completely flipping out!

[@michaelcoll5701]

Agreed….this is right there. I personally think “The night they drove ol Dixie down” from THE LAST WALTZ was absolute Best live performance I have Ever witnessed…..From Any Band. Period 😊

[@JohnnyMoonshine7]

one of my favourite performances. Beauty mix of danko and helm. The very best

[@goldiecob]

I can't stop hitting repeat on this amazing song!

[@ddrosin]

I was at the show on 12/31/71 at the Academy when the Band brought out the horn section led by A. Toussaint. What a show - what a band - what a night! R.I.P., Levon

[@jmccullough]

I was at this show and it was incredible. Then, a few years later, I heard the intro to this song on the radio when Rock of Ages came out and I got the same thrill again. What a night!

[@jeffrichard1626]

Wow! I'm jealous man

[@masterofthetelecast]

Was für eine großartige Band - zeitlose handmade music, die mich immer wieder begeistert.

[@genesiegel2884]

50+ years since I first heard this and it still … STILL! … brings goosebumps with each listen. When they sing “PLEASE!! … ” OMG … ❤️

[@jimlynch1333]

Had the great pleasure to see them in 1986 in Providence RI at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. I got there 5 hours before doors opened and got a spot right in front of Rick Danko with Levon right behind him. It was like being in Americana music church. Richard Manuel passed a few weeks later. Got to shake hands with Danko and Levon. Never never will forget that night. God bless you boys - damn you set the standard!

[@leemartin1095]

Some seriously talented folks. Their like will never be seen again. Their music is a gift.

[@laurenanncryan]

Stooting 🌟 s

[@stevecook180]

This song never gets old.. Levon takes it to a whole other level.. Truely rock n role

[@pipeandslippersman]

jesus h. christ this is good! fantastic to see them so close up so you can really watch how each part locks in. so beautiful. just watching levon's feet is worth all the drum lessons in the world...

[@jonnybeck6723]

yeah, he makes it look so easy...

[@brucerobinson9321]

In one video or another of his playing/singing style, Levon gave my favorite Helm quote: "Ain't it easy when you know how to do it." True for so many things in life (try to enjoy LeBron while you can).

[@chiefmachine24]

Damn they're on fire here.

[@wesleyh6308]

chiefmachine24 that's exactly what I was thinking!

[@mdgdm]

I could watch this again and again, it's so good. Thanks for posting.

[@thyamelate]

There's so much going on in this song, musically.... but I gotta say I do love that bass line Rick puts down!

[@rjleblanc68]

The Band was my first adult concert. I was at "Concerts on the Common" in1985 when they opened up for Crosby Stills and Nash. Also I work with two 24 year old guys and they listen the stuff that most people there age listen to. However, their favorite music is the Band. They both have watched the Last Waltz a hundreds times, like myself they don't get tired of it. Nice to know that some of the younger generation appreciates music with soul

[@cicsperf]

to have to open for crosby stills and nash.

[@stevenoname3175]

4 guys from Canada + 1 guy from Arkansas = Magic.

[@FrankGiannantonio]

Which dude is from Arkansas?

[@stevenoname3175]

***** Levon Helm....The drummer.

[@FrankGiannantonio]

Steve NoName Thanks, friend.

[@V8trickshot]

+Frank Giannantonio a little place they call turkey scratch Arkansas

[@dennisstender1743]

+Steve NoName Robertson is from NY's Mohawk Valley so 2+2 The Band

[@olgaramirez4569]

The best I've heard your really play in it.keep it up

[@njabbfan]

This is a gem. Thanks for posting this video. The Band was so under appreciated

[@gregnydegger3313]

Not in my mind and many others, the Band is the greatest rock and roll band ever! Bar none!

[@Nanku42]

Woord Indeed Right up there with Skynyrd

[@TankWilliams__Jr]

One of the all-time best live performances of rock-n-roll recorded on film. MAGICAL.

[@avidrob]

Well said buckfan! I have had the extreme pleasure of not only being a huge fan of the Band from the beginning and enjoying the boys live back in the day, but also of now having a 16 year old son who is himself a talented musician and who genuinely says this is his favorite band, no hesitation. He listens over and over and points out things to me I never even saw about their playing. Very lucky man I am.

[@bigmikeyburk]

The finest musicians to walk this earth, by far. Prove me wrong

[@stephenchase3352]

the energy, & the sheer talent of this group really shines on this one. Levon & RR are incredible musicians.

[@fenderfunk]

I can never get tired of this.

[@danjenkins4639]

The electricity is palpable. Simply bone-chilling. The horns boosting the energy to a sonic level, the Band amping up through their quintessential professional craftsmanship. It'd have been a real event to see this show, but the raw footage is the next best thing. This is on of my top 10 "excellent energy" tunes.

[@careym3901]

I dare anyone to tell me their heel isn't bouncing up and down like a pogo stick in the instrumental part near the end of this song

[@cmackwell]

Who are the 10 who voted thumbs down? Amazing song, amazing band and Levon is the man.

[@gslittlesoul]

Still makes my spine tingle. My favorite version of this song. Gosh, I miss Levon, but it is fantastic to be able to see The Band live on KZbin. P.S. Do folks know that this was the first time The Band had played with these horn players? Wasn't much if any rehearsing before this show. They just did it!

[@nivagsmada2854]

Just amazing

[@dlennnon]

what a great sound...what a great band!

[@MuzicmanPresents]

It really doesn't get any better than this. Truly great music.

[@kurtjung751]

LEVON gave his heart and soul to his music....LOVE this

[@jgwilson5]

It just doesn't get much better than this. I don't know what else to say!!

[@ilmrynorlion]

Incomparable musical synergy. Even the Beatles fall short of this combination, which is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

[@dorianedwards8522]

If the Beatles had been allowed to play together, for years, in public, without it being like the end of the world every time they went out, then yes, they would have been as good as The Band.

[@donaldeife7559]

PERFECTION

[@cutchopweld5717]

These guys oozed talent. Real music from real Musicians!

[@garbo3682]

Love this song....its a jam that MUST be turned to 11..😊

[@ronr7905]

As a Canadian , I rate them our greatest musical export ever. That includes Levon too, bless him. Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and Rush are great, but The band just goes into a special, timeless, transcendent place, and it's a group effort that gets them there. What an incredible version of that song. I'd love to have a version of that concert too, they were really putting it out there in that performance.

[@abakiplas]

Ron R me too

[@kennethrussell1158]

Marvin Gaye 1965

[@bettacanochedda]

There aren't a lot of modern bands that sound this good live. Take away the pre-recorded sounds and loops and you aren't left with a whole lot. Just a group of solid musicians doing what they obviously love. Phenomenal.

[@MrSausagess]

People always say to me why do you keep listening to 70s music so much? Then we listen to this and only then do they finally shut their cakeholes and agree!

[@robb3657]

Man, you posted a GREAT VIDEO. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@zekeporter205]

this is the grooviest song I have ever heard...you cant help but feel it in your bones

[@shanenelson7527]

zeke Porter Amen!!!

[@DanielThomas234]

Thank you for this post. Best live performance ever. Tis a song that just puts one biiiiiiiiiiiiiig grin on the face.

[@seamusrmful]

They started an unforgettable performance w/ an absolute show stopper. Damn them boys is good!

[@MrJoelyms]

And don't you just love it when he sings "My biggest mistake was lovin' you too ma-eech" (around 1:21) in that deep Arkansas accent. I could listen to this song all day. I think I will........

[@randyriches2530]

Followed by, "and letting you know. Now you got me where you want me, and you won't let me go!!!" Great !!!!!!

[@MrJoelyms]

Did you see Levon in the 2007 film "Shooter"? Ole boy could act, too!

[@mikekydd8818]

Magic. Pure and simple

[@RonanOShea]

These concerts are The Band at their best. It's a shame the last waltz gets all the pub.

[@tomasbrown4822]

***** Hi could you tell me what you think are their best concerts please. Thanks

[@haysfordays]

***** Love this record. And Last Waltz isn;t even that live....I heard it has a ton of overdubs.

[@bmbacchus]

I feel the same. Last Waltz wss cool, but Rock Of Ages had something special. toussaint''s arranged horns etc.

[@wgb01001]

Truest comment on KZbin.

[@newm0rning]

What a superb recording. I looked up the engineers - Phil Ramone and Mark Harman. Fair play to them. Just a joy to hear the best at their best with such clarity. Many thanks for posting.

[@jamandersen]

One of the best versions of this song ever!! Perfect!

[@jeaninerose3836]

For my Brother Doc from Colorado. Sure do love and miss you. Thanks always. You are one of the best people I ever met. You are amazing and my kid James sure loves ya too, for who ever misses you like I do. We loved the band. So take a load off, bro.

[@ruthdixon7807]

definitely one of their most rocking recordings.

[@pettersvensson6020]

Best of the best!!

[@ingrid8654]

Listening through good headphones makes it sound that much sweeter. This was put together perfectly....thats why they are The Band!!!

[@lyongraulty]

Great to see so many shots of the rest of the band. I actually found myself wanting to see more of Robbie this time.

[@coreybondurant]

Amazing band - so full of soul! Rest in Peace my drumming brother, Levon! One of the greats!

[@rusty1273]

this is absolute perfection. to actually see Rick and Levon doing their thing on this track live is heavenly. i grew up loving this performance, and this video just makes that much greater.

[@ilonahesseling4821]

seeing this makes me wanna travel back in time

[@kathywarrick2084]

Wish that I could! I never got to see them live.

[@annemcneill4287]

My heart is broken but also uplifted every time I watch this.....

[@abanana2561]

My deal aswell

[@thatlovejones]

Great to see them do this live in their absolute prime. The Last Waltz one is great too, of course. Love Leavon's singing here, as full tilt as it gets.