THE BAND - "THE WEIGHT (LIVE)" (reaction)

[@cletushouse906]

The drummer- LEVON HELM did a lot of vocals in their songs . He was a real gem. RIP Levon.

[@trog.lodyte]

Levon did a cameo in the movie Shooter with Mark Wahlberg. I think he could have had an acting career as well. RIP Levon.

[@SightAfterDark]

RIP

[@stpnwlf9]

And give Rick Danko some love, too. He added some great harmonies and the occasional lead like here.

[@stpnwlf9]

@@trog.lodyte he was fantastic as engineer Jack Ridley in The Right Stuff, which he also added voice to the narration.

[@trog.lodyte]

@@stpnwlf9 Thanks, I didn't remember that, time to re-watch!

[@jg1liner]

The Band and The Staples ....Don't get much Better Than That

[@jg1liner]

Thanks BKLYN ...From a former BKLYNITE Now in NC

[@jaubrey543]

Pops’ voice is just a warm lyrical hug

[@SightAfterDark]

Facts

[@robertdyer8322]

THe Last Waltz is one of the greatest concert movies ever!

[@jasonmartin5154]

When "Pops" Staples sings, We All Go to Church

[@SightAfterDark]

Truth

[@nielskjr5432]

Amen 🙏

[@robinreiley1828]

"The Last Waltz" is such a special film, an exclamation point on the Decade of the 70's

[@ragjamrock]

I love this live version with the Staple singers.Mavis Staples voice is one like no other.🎶🌴

[@SightAfterDark]

You can say that again!

[@songsmithy07]

The Band was Bob Dylan's band for his early electric period. Their story is mythic. You need to see "The Last Waltz" in its entirety whether you react to it or not

[@SightAfterDark]

We’ve reacted to a few performances from this concert and yes, we agree!

[@michaelkeefe8494]

The band saw themselves as revival tent singers, so the Staples gospel was a pretty natural fit. Same film, Neil Young doing his classic Helpless with the band and Joni Mitchell grabs a hot mic offstage to throw in some harmonies. You know you're going to end up doing the whole film even if it's piece meal.

[@SightAfterDark]

Lol pretty much. Seems like this doesn’t have many rivals for best concert film ever

[@michaelkeefe8494]

@@SightAfterDark Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads), Rattle and Hum (U2), Gimme Shelter (Stones), Shine a Light (later Stones, Scorsese directed), Alchemy (Dire Straits) ate all pretty good films but, yeah, Last Waltz is imho the best.

[@ninjavigilante5311]

Neil young said it was the greatest honour in his life to play with the band.

[@jameshannagan7830]

I always loved Van Morrison song from this film.

[@stevehouse2529]

To hear more of Rick Danko's singing, try "It Makes No Difference", also from the Last Waltz. It's totally sung by Rick and he does a superlative job.

[@SightAfterDark]

Sounds good! Thanks Steve!

[@victorsixtythree]

As a few others have mentioned, in 2019 in honor of the song's 50th anniversary there was a fabulous version of The Weight done by "Playing For Change" that featured Robbie Robertson and Ringo Starr along with many other artists from around the world (and I do mean AROUND THE WORLD). it's one of my favorite videos on KZbin! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppmUeIhnprZksLM

[@SightAfterDark]

Awesome!

[@flipppy83]

That is a great version, the other one I really like is this tribute, you could feel their emotions in the performance having been not too long since Levon's passing kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ3KdXZsorSIZtE

[@pabsts____3964]

@@flipppy83 thank you. I was going to post this as well. It’s a great tribute.

[@kamkelevra]

I was introduced to the Staple Singers by this song and I'm grateful for that...I watch this movie every Thanksgiving

[@BrandonHoyt]

Best holiday movie of all time! Haha

[@cindydepriest3720]

The Band were huge fans of the Staples. What a great reaction!

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Cindy! Glad you enjoyed!

[@janeewalker]

Bob Dylan asked Mavis Staples to marry him once.

[@tekay44]

It Makes No Difference, from this concert is a great song.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks!

[@charlesmclaughlin3578]

The whole album is a gift to the world

[@gypsyrobin]

@@charlesmclaughlin3578, yes, The Last Waltz. 😟

[@gypsyrobin]

"Out of the Blue" is another great love song written by Robertson that was also on that album.

[@randlnickel9196]

This Movie is Brilliant

[@ronviejo4994]

For those that didn't know....The Staples were the music for Dr. King during his travels in the equal rights movement. They were really special.

[@SightAfterDark]

Amazing

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

I saw Mavis Staples live some years ago. She played with her band and her sisters as backup singers, and they played this song and I cried like a baby 😅 I don't have words enough to describe how great this woman is

[@SightAfterDark]

She's a legend!

[@gabgarcia5446]

The Band. A generation when great music just exploded on us young-ins

[@neilredmond1011]

You should watch the whole concert it’s brilliant

[@howardkip99]

This was one of two songs in the "The Last Waltz" (plus the theme music for 'the last waltz') that were recorded live on a sound stage .The other song was 'Evangeline' an original song written for the movie by Robbie Robertson which was a duet between the band and EmmyLou Harris which is also well worth a listen.

[@victorsixtythree]

Yes, those are The Staples Singers singing with The Band. (Mavis Staples, now 81 years old, will be performing this year at the Boston Pops July 4th Concert!)

[@SightAfterDark]

Unreal! Good for her!

[@carterstanley561]

I can't remember who the quote is from, but "singers should never sing, unless that drummer is Levon Helm".... SO true...

[@ChadWiggin]

The Band got its name by being Bob Dylan's touring "Band" for years before fleshing out guitar player Robbie Robertson's songs and going out on their own starting with their incredible debut album "Songs from the Big Pink".

[@SightAfterDark]

Awesome! Thanks Charles!

[@denroy3]

This is not totally correct...they were Dylan's backing band for his first electric tour, 1966, they didn't back Dylan for "Years". They were originally with Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks...then by themselves as The Hawks, before joining Dylan as his band on the 66 tour. Also, their first album was a mix Robertson, Manuel, Danko and Dylan songs.

[@ChadWiggin]

@@denroy3 I was trying to make it a simple story. In reality, while the shows only lasted a little less than a year, they played on and off with Dylan for nearly four years beginning in 1965, and were on retainer with him while working up their own stuff in the pink house. Here's a pretty thorough history of the relationship: theband.hiof.no/history/part_4.html

[@careym3901]

@@ChadWiggin They also reunited in 74 I believe!

[@nielskjr5432]

Absolutely fantastic version! Haven't heard it before. My favorite.

[@SightAfterDark]

Its so good! Thanks for watching Niels!

[@williamcabell142]

Great number...great concert!

[@SightAfterDark]

Indeed! Thanks for watching William!

[@finnigan5630]

They are called THE STAPLE SINGERS!!! they were their own band. They and the Band collaborated on this song written by the band

[@johnnayler9335]

Pure class enough said

[@dougieyou]

Watch the movie and you will see why the Drummer Levon Helm was the coolest guy God ever put breath in. He didn't have to even try being cool he just was.

[@giannag4581]

I totally agree with you I loved Levon Helm!

[@SightAfterDark]

Cool! Thanks!

[@davidmaholchic6146]

This is the definitive version of this song glad you both chose it. Wonderful wonderful stuff love you

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks so much David! Glad you enjoyed!

[@jackmiller4946]

Love The Band! Not afraid to play a different style than everyone else was at the time.

[@SightAfterDark]

Gotta love em!

[@heleneberger2429]

Love love love this version!!

[@SightAfterDark]

:)

[@static6OOO]

Last month I went into a restaurant and a live duo was playing this song. I couldn’t help but sing along in the corner to myself. The next thing they did after the show was over was give me one of their CDs. I’m still very grateful and listen to it every other night.

[@steelyd2]

Who is the Gaucho amigo?

[@static6OOO]

@@steelyd2It’s me. I’m standing in your spangled leather poncho and your elevator shoes haha

[@SightAfterDark]

That’s awesome!

[@todwest]

Also, watch Mavis closely at the end of the clip. She says "Beautiful!" very softly. And she's quite right.

[@SightAfterDark]

Indeed! Thanks for watching Tod!

[@cindyp1033]

Definitely do this concert film!

[@timcardona9962]

A Band album definitely needs to be in the next poll

[@cindydepriest3720]

Yes! The Brown Album!

[@timcardona9962]

@@cindydepriest3720 Yes anything from those first 2 records would be awesome since all the youtubers seem to be doing the same 3 songs from last waltz

[@SightAfterDark]

Haha we have a feeling it’ll happen

[@annmills3163]

I recently watched the whole concert, it was pretty amazing

[@SightAfterDark]

We bet!

[@hongfang2508]

Past commenters caught you up on The Band (Dylan's backup band) and The Last Waltz. Robbie Robertson was a fav of mine. This band was 'hip'. The best people from that era showed up for this farewell concert.

[@SightAfterDark]

Hell yeah! They’re dope!

[@birddoug8297]

The Last Waltz is a masterpiece

[@SightAfterDark]

Seems like it!

[@richardrobinson4020]

Always do more of The Band!

[@SightAfterDark]

The Band is the Best!

[@richardrobinson4020]

@@SightAfterDark except Steely Dan and Rickie Lee Jones and, and, and...

[@kevingrady8736]

My all time fave song by my all time fave band.

[@SightAfterDark]

All time greats!

[@lancevaughn432]

I saw Levon Helm at the Greek theater April 2011, he died April 2012. Great memories great show

[@SightAfterDark]

Glad you got to see him!

[@apostle6100]

Great reaction...

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Paul! Glad you enjoyed!

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

Love The Band...Levon Helm was a brilliant drummer. They were a complete band (no pun) they could play around 60 instruments. .

[@gsmarin1]

I was a kid living in the San Francisco Bay Area when Bill Graham announced they were gonna do a special show at Thanksgiving at the Winterland Ballroom. It cost $25.00 and included a full dinner with all the trimmings. It was called the Last Waltz.

[@GregCombs100]

Yes, mandolin on his double neck, these guys were always unique and one of a kind.

[@SightAfterDark]

Hell yeah! Thanks Greg!

[@mikeriley8507]

Some may already know this, but the Band played their last live concert at Winterland in San Franciscoin 1976. The concert was filmed by Martin Scorsese and raleased as a feature film called "The Last Waltz." The Band played this song (The Weight) at the concert, but the version that was shown in the film and on this you tube video was performed in a studio nearby, and not during the concert. I believe it was the only performance in the movie that was not from the original show.

[@douglemay7989]

I have heard that the sound on many songs is doctored from the live versions

[@loriannrichardson7644]

Love this song. Mavis gives me chills -- My God!

[@SightAfterDark]

For real! Her voice is incredible!

[@williamcabell142]

Yes it’s a mandolin. I have seen three necked. Mandolin, Six, and Twelve string!

[@murenismail1399]

The band love the staples is so

[@iainprendergast8311]

That was amazing

[@SightAfterDark]

It really was!

[@davemcbroom695]

First time viewer here. I love this song especially with Pops and Mavis but what I really want is the recipe of whatever she's on.

[@jimflynn5507]

the guitarist Robbie Robertson was instrumental for guitarists, he didn't like the heavy Guage so he used a banjo string for his high E so he could bend and now we have lighter Guage strings. Also love Rick on the fretless bass

[@alecfed]

The Band was a Canadian-American rock band formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1967. It consisted of four Canadians and one American

[@SightAfterDark]

Shoutout to Canada eh!

[@briansussman863]

Levon Helm. the drummer / singer was the leader of The Band. He was the only American in The Band and the others were Canadian. This video was from The Band's last concert in 1976, and they had released a number of excellent albums before this video. They had been Bob Dylan''s backup previously, and the album The Basement Tapes should be listened to. Before that they were the Canadian band known as the Hawks, and they were backup for Ronnie Hawkins, a rockabilly singer popular in Canada. Ronnie Hawkins also appears / sings in The Band's last concert, 'The Waltz' which was in San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom. It is worth listening to all of The Band's album. Many of their musicians also sang.

[@SightAfterDark]

Hell yeah! Shoutout to Levon!

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

The drummer, Levon Helm played Jack Ridley in the film The Right Stuff. Remember Jaegers line, "Hey Ridley, you got any Beemans?" He wanted a stick of gum from Ridley.

[@SightAfterDark]

That’s awesome! Thanks Don!

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

@@SightAfterDark Just discovered you guys. I'm subscribed and ringing the bell. Keep it up.

[@heavenlyvinesdistinctiveca6870]

check out all the tunes from this concert!

[@songsmithy07]

That is definitely a mando on the double neck, but he didn't play the mando at all. I think that guitar has flatwound strings, which is probably why he used this particular instrument. Flatwoods have that soft, super clean sound.

[@cindyp1033]

Probably my favorite concert movie!❤️🔥

[@arjaylee]

The Band defied Genre, and were forerunners of what we now call "Americana"

[@SightAfterDark]

Shoutout the the legendary Band!

[@janeewalker]

Levon also played Loretta Lynn's (Sissy Spacek) dad in Coleminers Daughter. He also played an old Confederate war general in the mivie In The Electric Mist with Tommy Lee Jones.

[@SightAfterDark]

Legendary

[@supasoulproductions]

Levon Helm (The Band), Phil Collins (Genesis), Pete Rivera (Rare Earth), Don Henley (The Eagles), Buddy Miles (Band of Gypsies,Electric Flag), Karen Carpenter (The Carpenters), Alice De Buhr (Fanny), Don Brewer (Grand Funk).......Just a few of my favorite singing drummers. It is an amazing skill set to do both really well.

[@SightAfterDark]

Agreed!

[@Pstephen]

For singing while playing drums, maybe try Robert Wyatt with early soft machine. The Weight: All this time, and I never realised it was Fanny they were singing about.

[@mrnobody9104]

the perfect song with the perfect paring! Aretha does a version as well with Duane Allman on guitar. Pops Staples and his daughters featuring Mavis taking it to church as always. The Band is absolutely iconic and so much talent is almost not fair!

[@SightAfterDark]

Amazing all around!

[@stretchgilbert]

Mavis Staple = Legend. Love Rick Dankos verse too. Oh and Rapture is one of the finest RnB/Jazz/Soul albums ever made IMHO

[@SightAfterDark]

Mavis stole the show!

[@kimmib1987]

This band had a star in each member. All were tremendously talented. Richard,Rick, and Garth. Who are seldom mentioned

[@jeanharris2408]

I've been a long-time fan of the work of Bob Dylan, The Band, and Bob's son, Jakob. (Jakob is well known for his song "One Headlight" Thanks for this!

[@lucasroth7922]

I lived in Nazareth PA and my name is Luke kinda partial to this song✌❤🤘

[@SightAfterDark]

Love it!

[@21anthem12]

Just here down the road in Easton. 😉

[@cindydepriest3720]

Can't wait!

[@SightAfterDark]

:)

[@ohfour-seven6228]

Thanks for mentioning Anita Baker. Yes we need to hear more real r&b music. I wish I could have attended the final concert of The Band, but I did get to see them live when I was in high school and they were stunning. Such great musicians.

[@pfestebanestebanruiz4325]

Check the playing for chance version celebrating 50 years of this song with robie robertson from the band, the guitar player. The were friends of van the man Morrison, and hoja should react to some of his songs.

[@SightAfterDark]

We did a whole Van Morrison album once, and KZbin took it down :(

[@danielhead8123]

Rip levon helm incredible voice and drummer

[@thekingcobra63]

It is a Gibson EMS guitar/mandolin.

[@SightAfterDark]

Love it!

[@charlottevan_8]

To add to pfesteban's mention of it, here's the link to the cover of "The Weight" done back in September 2019 and featuring Ringo on drums, and Robbie Robertson (not only the guitar player in The Band cut, but also the composer of "The Weight"), and a myriad of other artists from around the world. The video was produced and directed by Robertson's son Sebastian, who's also a musician. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppmUeIhnprZksLM

[@victorsixtythree]

One of my favorite videos on KZbin!

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Charlotte!

[@billshelly5332]

Lol, you youngins. That's one of the things I like about your reactions; pointing out stuff that I may have missed. Yeah, The Last Waltz is concert film/documentary; lots of great stories about their years on the road in between great performances.

[@SightAfterDark]

Hell yeah! Thanks Bill!

[@chrisjamieson3452]

A very covered song. I think my favorite though is still Areatha Franklin w/Duane Allman sitting in.

[@SightAfterDark]

Legends!

[@richardrobinson4020]

Danny's All-Star Joint!!!

[@52ndWarhawkGerbil]

I think if the other guitar isn’t a 12 string it might be a mandolin. I know that The Band used the mandolin on ocassion and it’s a popular instrument in folk/country/blues music.

[@SightAfterDark]

Sounds about right. Thanks for watching Josh!

[@ninjavigilante5311]

Levon helm usually played mandolin.. Rick played a mean fiddle

[@cazgerald9471]

They performed this during the concert, but this version in the film was recorded / filmed on a sound stage with no audience.

[@SightAfterDark]

Interesting

[@michaelboismier1863]

It is a Gibson 6 string plus 8 string Mandolin

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Michael!

[@bobschenkel7921]

THE definitive version of this great song. By the way, you're right, you should do concert films, and you should start with The Last Waltz. Then maybe Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones), Rust Never Sleeps (Neil Young), The Grateful Dead Movie, The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus, just for the Jethro Tull featuring Tony Iommi, and The Dirty Mac, (John Lennon, Eric Clapton - Guitars, Keith Richards-Bass and Mitch Mitchell-Drums) doing The Beatles song Yer Blues. Classic, and unavailable anywhere else, it was their only appearance. Oh yeah The Who make an appearance also.

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

Bob...I'd love to get together with you my friend and listen to some of the classics.........you are spot on !

[@bobschenkel7921]

@@Newfie-zc7ug Thanks man.

[@SightAfterDark]

Hell yeah! We did Stop Making Sense by Talking Heads a few months ago, but haven’t done a full movie since

[@vedantapdx]

Drummer, Levon Helm is a Tennessee boy and always was a large part of The Band's performances

[@Beerded69]

No, he’s from Arkansas

[@vangannaway1015]

The Band were the Hawks with rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. Robbie Robertson's lead on Who Do You Love was legendary. He was 16.

[@SightAfterDark]

Sounds excellent! Thanks so much Van!

[@byronmitchell3784]

THE BAND, AND STAPLES... "THE WEIGHT"... FROM THE CLASSIC LAST WALZ MOVIE... GREAT DOCUMENTARY, AND CONCERT...A GREAT SINGING DRUMMER IS FROM RARE EARTH... "YOUR LOVE IS FADING"

[@SightAfterDark]

GOTTA LOVE IT

[@kevint9125]

I completely agree that what is missing is great soul singing, singing about life and the things which connect us as people...I cannot and do not listen to music that isn't based in R&B, which is why I don't listen to the pop music of today. If the music doesn't produce emotion it is pointless and not worth my time.

[@SightAfterDark]

Well said

[@laudanum669]

"The Last Waltz" is just a fantastic film. Directed by the great Martin Scorsese and filled with amazing singer's and musicians. Hopefully you will react to "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" Levon Helm's heartfelt vocals are stunning. Thanks, I'm hitting like and subscribe.

[@SightAfterDark]

We've loved everything we've seen from this film so far! Thank you so much for being here!

[@jackbutler2989]

That's a"Pop" Staples and his three daughters what a classic what a talent.. live 10/10 agree with ye girl nothing like it now ...

[@MarkJohnson-gc9cf]

You want som r&b? Ruthie Foster Mavis gave her permission to cover the ghetto The best cover I have ever heard. You will love it

[@SightAfterDark]

Oh cool! Thanks for the suggestion Mark!

[@giannag4581]

Levon Helm who is playing the drums is not getting enough attention here in the comments! He was a legend and there were not that many drummers that sang the lead in a lot of songs like Levon did. He had a falling out with Robbie Robertson on the writing of this song The Weight. They co-wrote the song and Robbie claimed he wrote it. Levon didn't even attend the Rock and roll Hall of Fame honors when they got inducted. He went back up to Woodstock in New York where he lived and he continued to play in smaller venues. He also played Loretta Lynn's father in coal Miner's daughter and had a guest appearance in the Shooter with Mark Wahlberg.

[@SightAfterDark]

Damn. Hate to hear they hade a falling out, but the song is great! Thanks for watching Gianna!

[@j.w.matney8390]

He was also in The Right Stuff.

[@peterthompson8014]

Robbie Robertson is playing an 8 string mandolin and 6 string guitar double neck.

[@mvellis3863]

The Band is an iconic group. And Mavis Staples is a National treasure

[@SightAfterDark]

100 percent!

[@williamcabell142]

You should watch the Last Waltz...it was the Bands last concert.😎👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SightAfterDark]

We’ve heard it’s amazing. Thanks William!

[@scottsmith1712]

The other separate recording they did from The Last Waltz sessions... The Band and Emmylou Harris doing 'Evangeline' is great too.

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottsmith1712]

@@SightAfterDark I appreciate your take on things... it's my pleasure

[@gp8209]

Chest Fever!

[@Peter-oh3hc]

You should check out The Weight by "Playing for Change". Song is done with Robbie Robertson, Ringo Star and singers and musicians from around the world. It may be common knowledge, but Nazareth is Nazareth PA in the us - Home of Martin Guitar

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Peter!

[@dbc105]

Levon Helm, the singing drummer, was also an actor. Go watch Shooter with Mark Walberg and see if you can pick Levon out. As to reaction, I always thought The Band was required listening, any reaction I had was in the 70s.

[@SightAfterDark]

That’s awesome! We’ll have to check out some of his acting. Thanks for watching!

[@garysheffield5445]

Levon Helm also played Loretta Lynn's father in the movie coal miners daughter

[@hongfang2508]

The best concert movie, IMO, is Stop Making Sense, Talking Heads (1984). It was directed by Jonathan Demme, Academy Award winner and director of Silence of the Lambs. Demme also directed a concert movie from Neil Young (forgot name but it's a google away). Stop Making Sense is magical, musically and theatrically. The Last Waltz is magical for the its music and the outstanding guests who showed up to perform with The Band.

[@SightAfterDark]

kzbin.info/aero/PLrQk6HwcCOFcBcARM9GYXG2bqUBQpe2_b :)

[@darrylaldrow7274]

Reminds me of Easy Rider times!!!

[@harlanginsberg7269]

Listen to It Makes No Difference by The Band from The Last Waltz an absolutely amazing vocal performance

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Harlan!

[@nostalga44jo]

Robbie Robertson interviews in this movie are the bomb!

[@SightAfterDark]

We’ve heard he’s the man!

[@BornRandy62]

Singing Drummers. The Grand Funk Railroad is a three piece band. There were more members as time went on. The Lead Guitarist and Drummer sing on different songs. Otherwise sing backup on the songs they arent leading on. The Bass player just lays down a perfect rhythm track . You can hear what he is playing on Inside Looking Out

[@SightAfterDark]

Thanks Randy!

[@jamiehanna45]

once again our generation that created this music says to future generations..."your welcome"