The Weight 1983

[@tu__tone]

I could listen to Richard delivering that verse for hours in this performance. Incredible.

[@sartainja]

It is my opinion that The Weight is one of the best song ever written. It is a perfect balance of folk, rock, and country. Everyone like the song. it is like vanilla ice cream. it goes over so well with so many people.

[@mightymartianca]

Like the best Band songs, it doesn't seem to sit in any particular genre.

[@sartainja]

mightymartianca So true. 👍🏻

[@kaughtphyre]

Yea this ones up there with suite Judy blue eyes and operator from Jim Croce. Just timeless

[@brucegwynn8509]

I hate vanilla ice cream but I do in fact love the band and ALL of their music

[@judyengle7728]

Much more complicated than vanilla ice cream

[@mikemcnamara6119]

When it's my time to leave this world I asked my friends for two songs The Weight and John Prines Please don't Bury Me I'll leave a happy man

[@brettwilkinson8904]

If you have goose bumps, you are not alone.

[@pennierose1]

They played real music back then. Real instruments. This is art

[@darrellperkinson7038]

Best in the world it was then I was about 16 what a good time to be a live And God is so good

[@shirleybowers7251]

Still loving Levon and The Band in 2022! 🙏❤✝️✡🇺🇸⚖🇮🇱🎺📢

[@johnsheffield6640]

Earl Cate, guitar; Ron Eof, bass; Terry Cagle, Levon’s nephew, drums-all from The Cate Brothers Band.

[@jackwelch8452]

If I only had one song I could hear stuck on an island for the rest of my life, this is THEE ONE. $

[@kenanthony7004]

Absolutely brilliant this song will never be dated .

[@janeewalker]

I saw The Band backing Dylan in Chicago in January 1974. I glew from Louisiana to Chicago to see this great show !!

[@1962RJP]

Goosebumps in 2021, tears too.

[@sartainja]

😢 It brings a tear to my eye that the members of The Band are all gone on now except for Garth.

[@auldendavis3919]

2025 tear's too

[@raymondbriscoe9467]

They played at the CORAL REEF in the Town of Newburgh 1968-1970, performance was spectacular very professional.

[@WalterCondi-us3im]

Hey guys and fans, is it me or do you guys miss as much as i do seeing leon with his scruffy beard and stash screaming into the mic singing? lol isn't he just awesome?! RIP Leon! We love ya brother!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EmeldasDad]

Everyone talks about RR's, Levon's, and Rick's voices, but Richard Manuel was very underrated. An incredibly soulful voice.

[@monoped8437]

only underrated by those that didn't know the band

[@matterrington5135]

I think Richard Emanuel is one of the best singers ever let alone in the band

[@bzfgt1]

Everybody talks about RR's voice?!

[@robertpacino8796]

Ok, Richard Manuel was the singer of several hits of the group but he only sings one verse in this song (the most famous of the group) and he hardly sings in the complete live of 1983 as well as in The last waltz of 1976 (Apotheosis of the band). Watching this short verse on repeat makes me sad every time. It's a wasted talent that has remained in the backgroung of the group and could have offered so much more before to die prematurely :'(

[@stevesullivan8705]

@@bzfgt1 Only when they forgot to turn his mike off

[@thekeeper3822]

Im form the other side of the world, and I would say this is the best folk, country rock song ever....

[@richardrybinski2320]

I spent a week partying with Rick Danko in one night after one of his solo gigs. What a great guy with some fantastic stories and a truly humble guy. Miss him.

[@unclerudy9797]

Miss my old friends Levon and Rick... Great Music.

[@ronfrankl]

Wonderful version. The early Eighties line-up was legit.

[@jettyprice179]

I saw Earl Cates at an outdoor concert last night and he was playing the same guitar that he played when they recorded this song in 1983 ! Earl is a humble musician spreading joy to this day with incredible talent !!!

[@gregmiell3037]

love Danko's voice

[@rawblues]

This is beyond good. How could anyone put a thumbs down on this? Great song, great band, great performance.

[@sealevelbear]

Maybe they don’t like the haircuts? 🤷‍♂️😉 Some people are truly missing out!

[@petertalalla]

What can I say! Awesomeness is precisely that. ❤️❤️❤️

[@chuckschillingvideos]

All 28 of Robbie's fans....

[@petertalalla]

@@chuckschillingvideos hahahahaha

[@lizardlady4011]

This is 6 years old post. And this music is 11 years old. There is really no more music except rap. There was and is real music I didn't live in these times. But this was greatest music

[@Resplencemelodi]

jesus, rick had a beautiful voice

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Listen to him sing "It makes no difference" and Stage Fright from The Last Waltz, and also A long black veil from about the same time this one is from.

[@JustAnotherBlader]

Wow I never seen Richard take a vocal lead on this song alongside Levon and Rick. Made my day.

[@anuteamsterium]

So much sorrow for the way things panned out. Maybe the best music is the music that breaks your heart.

[@busenitzsucks]

My God I miss Richard Manuel's voice. He was missed back in '86, missed now, and will be missed forever.

[@sartainja]

If Richard only knew how much all of us loved him.

[@moosecat]

May Richard, Rick and Levon be rocking on in the Great Beyond.

[@sartainja]

Let us all hope so. 👍

[@LocalFoe]

Even there Robbie Robertson will want all the royaltes.

[@BrettThomas-ol3we]

@@LocalFoewell he is up there to now

[@ddomotor66]

Yah don't hear too many good new songs like this lately .I will just put my old tunes on repeat just cant get enough of a good thing.

[@kmousie49]

When I get to heaven,the very first thing I want to see is rick and levon playing and singing this song....my family will have to wait !

[@a.g.santos]

bigbossfan065 Include Richard, man

[@stevencurtis3693]

JUST TO HEAR "THE BAND" IS SATISFYING TO ME, KNOWING WE'RE GONNA BE HAVING A GOOD TIME!

[@mikeervin3147]

Man what a beautiful band they were pardon the pun

[@stianhagebakken9874]

Listning too this i am 100% sure that the best music has already been made..

[@billparry3591]

Ricky,levon, Richard. Never seen this footage. My hearts in my stomach, l can't express how much these guys have inspired me down the years .R.i.p. boys and thanks for the music.

[@ronjanis5321]

My feelings exactly. My first time seeing this footage. Bringing tears to my eyes.

[@sartainja]

Amen, Ron and Bill.

[@WalterCondi-us3im]

I hear you brother Bill!

[@fcernig33]

Richard had a gorgeous voice! Some people think he's an acquired taste but I played The Shape I'm In and Tears Of Rage for my friends and after Tears Of Rage, everyone was dabbing their eyes

[@TorkG8]

This is the ONE band I would've loved to have seen live..but sadly never did.

[@mcmike100]

I saw this version of them around 1983.

[@johnscialfa7391]

Agree

[@CharCanuck14]

I had the amazing experience of seeing The Band live twice in Toronto - 1970 & 71. Never lost my love for them and their music.

[@riabouma9317]

Me too TorkGirl8

[@mlsjuge477]

Why isn’t Robbie here ?

[@autumnmerner8388]

levons voice is so beautiful in this one sounds like he's having good time God bless levon helm

[@joepierce7103]

Every time I see Richard in this era, it makes me so sad. Such a talent that was ultimately weakened and destroyed by addiction and depression. Thank you for the amazing body of work while you were here

[@uptownfunk2890]

rick and levon lovin' it up on stage . what a show

[@stevelandry6027]

rick danko was the man.

[@MrTravisCS]

True American music...A song that takes you somewhere. RIP Levon, Rick and Richard, music will never be the same.

[@idesofmarch1001]

Not Americans. Overwhelmingly a Canadian band.

[@sealevelbear]

I love The Band, they are top three of my favorite bands, just excellent all around ❤️

[@jamootoo5200]

Love ya Levon! This song.... performed the way it was meant to be!

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

I love how Richard Manuel sings a verse here, gives an extra piece to an already great song

[@walterfrog2840]

The best band in the world

[@pluggy86]

Saw them on that tour, which was my first introduction to their music. Unfortunately I've never seen Robbie Robertson, but at least I got to see the other four.

[@jayt.1163]

Great Rendition! Long live The Band!

[@moosecat]

The harmony between Rick and Levon on the last verse always gets me.

[@rawblues]

The Cate Brothers complimented Garth, Levon, Rick and Richard so beautifully in the 80's. Didn't mind Robbie not being there at all. Great version with perfect vocals by all three original Band members along with Garth's playing so tasteful throughout.

[@teacup3133]

Thank you for sharing this awesome performance!

[@karenmousie1504]

So sad knowing they're gone now.....breaks my heart that the future will never know what amazing music is....or where it even evolved from. Thanks guys for filling my heart and soul with nothing but Great Music and Songs. 💜

[@davidblatchford2605]

I saw Levon in Lewiston ME Fairgrounds in 1980 with the DEAD . Eighty Thousand People

[@jessedaly7823]

That song is so fucking cool! Criminally underrated band.

[@phobalmik]

Missing Levon too.... Greatest live recordings of the greatest of bands - these ones form 1983....

[@rickwidlund3512]

Miss that man & his voice. That band is fantastic !👍❤️

[@teacup3133]

Richard sounds pretty damn good and this is 1983!

[@tianaranee2014]

Love how at the end, Rick and Levon were singing to each other. Now they can sing together again. R.I.P. Rick and Levon.

[@janeewalker]

Definitely in The Angel Band. Love them so much.

[@sartainja]

They are buried next to each other.

[@MsTdougherty]

A fantastic version of a great song!😊

[@CommercialVehicle]

the Cate Bros. really added a lot - this is the best !!!!!!

[@clarkboozer3801]

They were perfect here. Just perfection. Next level good.

[@duder9245]

Levon you are solely missed. Hope you found your heaven. Thank you for so many years of incredible talent and work. Cannot believe it's been 5 years already

[@Armentitron]

Although I'd hate to say so since it is Robbieless this has to be my favourite rendition of the song. Has a more grand, epic ballady feel and pace, a killer guitar solo AND Richard finally gets his own verse

[@eddiewillers1442]

Yeah. I always wondered why Richard didn't get a verse in the original recording.

[@gaylethomson]

Must agree with you. Not the same sound without Robbie. But then again Robbie was the writer and and the most underrated guitar player. He is so talented!

[@Rilez616]

There's something about this version that makes it my favourite also, I think it's just because it's a bit slower and Richard's verse is tragically sad

[@grannysgonerabid7425]

Not only does he have such a GORGEOUS tenor voice, but Levon was the only "rock" drummer that Buddy Rich admired -- and Buddy HATED rock music, particularly rock drummers. What a great version -- even without Robbie. Richard had such a great voice, too.

[@rogermckamey8299]

They sure left us some GREAT music.

[@srdono100]

The talent on that stage is incredible

[@chuckyanus3563]

Their voices are older and sound weathered, but dang they sound great. And that guitar player is amazing; pretty sound from his playing.

[@sartainja]

Aged like fine vino.

[@geoffreycurtis1307]

Just in case you don’t know the lead guitarist it’s Earl cate from the Cate brothers band who backed levon and the band on their comeback tour in 1983

[@mrfofboy]

3:03 is pure magic

[@ForeverMan91]

Just too freakin good...!!!

[@gsueparke6147]

For sure, my brother and my favorites LUVED 'EM!!!!

[@mikemccarthy4765]

levon's voice in that, how good did that sound. Honestly best I've ever heard him sing, fantastic stuff

[@stillpissedoff]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Like the other guy said how could anybody put a thumbs down on this. Oh well lots of idiots in this world.

[@JustAnotherBlader]

I wish they there were a version from the Big Pink days with Richard singing this whole song

[@brucegwynn8509]

Rick and levon was such great friends. You can see them looking at each other and reliving the memories of all the years they shared on stage ! Great video ! Thanks for this

[@BassPlyr23]

They’re both buried in the Woodstock Cemetery. Their graves are within 150 yards of each other. Brothers for eternity.

[@MikeFerguson-yq2jh]

This was when. The Band was the strongest musically and culturally. The Cate brothers put in the right amount of stuff!

[@riverrance8804]

That's Earl Cate coming in about 2:04 should confirm why Levon had so much respect for the Cate Brothers....nephew Terry Cagle on drums beat for beat, Ernie Cate on organ staying out of Garth's way but throwing in some tasty cords, and , Ron Eoff, Bass just incredible artists all lead by Levon....miss Richard,Rick, and Levon...

[@roygunter3244]

I was in Helena, Ark in 1992 when Levon and the Cate Brothers were there for the King Biscuit Hour festival. Wow, it was something. At one point there were three drummers on stage and no telling how many guitarists, it was something. Never got to see the Band, I was too busy making a living and raising kids. I haven't been back in years but I may try this October.

[@ronjanis5321]

Wow! Thanks so much for the information. I was watching and listening and thinking to myself that I wish I knew who those other boys were! Thanks

[@michaelpatrickmoore8900]

I don’t get the two drummers. Levon was always plenty good by himself!

[@Jinshiling01]

Superb!

[@rickyred12]

Wow wow wow!! Powerful maybe a religious revival experience, stands the hair up on the back of your neck......(real musicians real instruments...real talent)

[@PerryOConnor123]

Loved this

[@robertpacino8796]

Watching on repeat Richard Manuel singing this short verse makes me sad every time. Him voice os so beautiful. He hardly sings in the complete live of 1983 as well as in The last waltz of 1976. It's a wasted talent that has remained in the backgroung of the group and could have offered so much more before to die prematurely :'(

[@ps100able]

You are so right,it’s a spiritual experience

[@leemagrish3432]

I loved Rick Danko's voice.

[@fredjones1238]

LEVON HE HAD IT ALL F----N GREAT

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Except he couldn't write songs.

[@mickkollins]

Having seen them live at the Fillmore..this incarnation with Levon's friends Cate Bros. from Ark. and Mr. Ron Eoff on bass absolutely nailing his job..(which of course was keeping up with Levon on drums..) listen to Garth pouring it on..Levon, Richard and Rick's ,looks and voices ...amazing.....WOW..IMHO the best version LIVE!

[@jennyrogers6045]

I LOVE this video. So amazing.

[@bbrcummins1984]

It's just a normal crowd of people enjoying great music 🎶

[@danielgallik3961]

I never figured out what's it really all about (hell, I'm a poet), but it's damn goooooood work.

[@wwetheorylife]

I've heard it said it's about an angel or death or person whatever visiting the people in his town to ease their hearts so they can die at peace. He arrives in the first verse and much like Mary and Joseph, is told there is nowhere for him to stay. Second verse he sees Carmen, and eases her pain by taking away her 'devil'. Third verse he tells Miss Moses just go on down, it's ok, Luke will be with you soon. Then he tells Luke I'll watch over Anna Lee and he is at peace. Crazy Chester in the fourth verse is worried about leaving his dog behind, but the man assures him he will feed him. In the last verse he's filled his bag with the souls and must get back to Miss Fanny because she's the one that sent him. The chorus is all about taking your loads off and putting them on the singer so you will be at peace. Seems like an interesting take even if it's not what was truly meant by Robbie.

[@franzvonriedel378]

One of the best versions on youtube! THANK YOU for sharing with us!

[@jannepelindberg7439]

I'm just crying my eyes out hearing this song...

[@avbikerdad]

Lyrics I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin' about half past dead I just need some place where I can lay my head "Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?" He just grinned and shook my hand, "no" was all he said Take a load off Fanny Take a load for free Take a load off Fanny And (and) (and) you put the load right on me (You put the load right on me) I picked up my bag, I went lookin' for a place to hide When I saw Carmen and the Devil walkin' side by side I said, "Hey, Carmen, come on let's go downtown" She said, "I gotta go but my friend can stick around" Take a load off Fanny Take a load for free Take a load off Fanny And (and) (and) you put the load right on me (You put the load right on me) Go down, Miss Moses, there's nothin' you can say It's just ol' Luke and Luke's waitin' on the Judgment Day "Well, Luke, my friend, what about young Anna Lee?" He said, "Do me a favor, son, won'tcha stay and keep Anna Lee company?" Take a load off Fanny Take a load for free Take a load off Fanny And (and) (and) you put the load right on me (You put the load right on me) Crazy Chester followed me and he caught me in the fog He said, "I will fix your rack if you'll take Jack, my dog" I said, "Wait a minute, Chester, you know I'm a peaceful man" He said, "That's okay, boy, won't you feed him when you can" Yeah, take a load off Fanny Take a load for free Take a load off Fanny And (and) (and) you put the load right on me (You put the load right on me) Catch a cannon ball now to take me down the line My bag is sinkin' low and I do believe it's time To get back to Miss Fanny, you know she's the only one Who sent me here with her regards for everyone Take a load off Fanny Take a load for free Take a load off Fanny And (and) (and) you put the load right on me (You put the load right on me)

[@TANA693]

I can't believe what 7 years did to Danko and Helm. Hard living. Ironically Manuel looks pretty good - and sober. Nice to see.

[@sloganloanseal]

Any time Richard gets any extra I wanna cry. God I love that man. Only Established in 1990 myself but my God do I love these deep tracks.

[@sloganloanseal]

I was obsessed with levon enough to get me on the bus but man does Richard steal the show. Richard is the reason I hold them above the dead and the eagles as THE #1 best band.

[@TheReelRiles]

Besides The Band's performance of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down during The Last Waltz, this is their next best live performance of any of their songs.

[@TheReelRiles]

best take of this song besides the original. Love it.

[@2zxodcfm]

This footage, I believe, is from the Band touring Western Csnada with some additional friends after Robbie left the group. I have this on VHS. It's absolutely smoking hot in my opinion. They are ultra tight and at the top of their game. I'd love to find this in a remastered hard copy. The performances by all involved are that deserving of special treatment.

[@scottharrison4453]

Always wondered what Robbie was doing singing into a mic for background vocals...and I've realized, nothing at all. His mic was probably turned off all these years.

[@Memorex996]

+Scott Harrison it was turned off

[@elizabethcoopers901]

+Memorex996 it wasn't at Woodstock and when he hits certain notes I cringe..

[@davideats9255]

@Rick B Yes it was turned off, there is no additional voice heard to even account to Robbie even though it always looked like he was belting into a mic in most official live footage. I can recall hearing his tone deaf singing at Woodstock and I think in a couple of the songs on Festival Express if I'm not mistaken.

[@davideats9255]

@Rick B It's not that I'm interested in taking anything away from Robertson's legacy, I have always been a fan of his since the beginning.(I used to sneak in with my friends to see him and the boys as supporting band to Ronnie Hawkins in my old college days at Ryerson University, every chance we could and continued to see them play live dozens more times as The Band after that). So I have the utmost respect and admiration for him and what he can/could as far as expression of his vast musical abilities but singing was just not in his wheelhouse. Unfortunately I think he felt insecure about that along with the fact that the bands image of the members trading leads as well as their moving harmonies that he felt like he should at least appear to be accompanying the singing. Whether he himself instructed his mic to be very, very low in the mix or if it was a direction from the rest of the band, it was so often the case that his mic's level was inaudible that he had to be aware. p.s. I don't know if you are a singer yourself but if you are you will know how nearly impossible it can be to sing tight harmonies in a live concert setting with loud rock n' roll instruments blaring away, etc. If one of the singers can't hit his parts, one by one all of the other singers will either start to harmonize the right intervals to the wrong pitches or even follow the bad pitch and wrong notes of the bad singer or they will fluctuate their pitches in and out and between the wrong and right, to compensate which sounds horrible each time they go out and each singer will be suddenly making any one of these mistakes(or any other) in a way that will be at odds with each and any additional singer(s) who may be getting it right but it will still sound all wrong. In other words, The Band wouldn't have been able to perform like they did for all of those shows if they were dealing with something like that. If you want proof of Robbies lack of ability to sing, check out the Hall of Fame performance where The Band, sans Levon, sing the weight. Robbie takes Rick's verse and it is clear evidence that he is in fact tone deaf. Legendary player/composer but he's just not no natural singer.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

@@davideats9255 Why is everyone harping on Robbie's voice. The Band had 3 great singers, one genius on several instruments (Garth) and one incredible songwriter and guitar player. So what if he couldn't sing. Seems very nitpicky to me. Robbie preferred the other guys singing, and in his solo career he did sing some nice songs. I'm a huge fan of Robbie's when it comes to singing love Rick Danko.

[@rameshnambiar8237]

Superb!!!

[@FreddySneakers]

They opened for the Dead my first dead show, with the Cate Brothers, 10-22-83 🙂

[@suewarner1781]

Love the Band - the greatest band ever! Thank You!

[@richcastle6796]

Randomly played on my Spotify! Absolutely knocked me. One of the greats!!!

[@OldManRiver63]

Was at this show with buddy Dave ..... leaning on the stage in front of Levon . Kevin showed up with a bottle of Southern in his jacket . In my top 10 shows all time . Miss them .

[@julieann522]

Great sound