Tom Waits Interview 2021 - Excerpts From Documentary About Stage Director Robert Wilson HD

Tom Waits sat down for a rare interview to talk about the stage director Robert Wilson in the recent French/German ARTE documentary; "The Beauty of the Mysterious".
Waits has collaborated with Wilson in three theatre plays; The Black Rider (1990), Alice (1992) and Woyzeck (2000). This interview is a retrospective on that collaboration.
Waits wrote the music for these plays and later featured some of the music in arrangements recorded for the studio albums; The Black Rider (1993) (from the play of the same name), Alice (2002) (from the play of the same name) and Blood Money (2002) (from the play Woyzeck).
The full documentary that this interview is featured in can be watched here: • Robert Wilson ARTE Doc...

[@lucylillypad1512]

Can NOT explain to anyone just how much Mr. Waits means to me. His music has gotten me through the hardest times of my life! Man, this guy is (maybe) supernatural!

[@110341]

I totally hear you 💪

[@lucylillypad1512]

@@110341 been listening to Mr. Waits since the 80s. He's a great writer, poet, and one amazing guy! Would love to have lunch with him and his lovely wife! Then, I could die happily!

[@110341]

@@lucylillypad1512 Yeah I've been a big fan since my teenage years, he is definitely my number one musician. I saw him perform in Milan in 2008, that was magical!

[@lucylillypad1512]

@@110341 wow! Seeing him in person! I could die happily after that! Lucky You!!

[@110341]

@@lucylillypad1512 Yeah I'm so happy I went! Flew from Sweden to Italy solely for the concert. Been waiting for 14 years to get a second chance but it seems less and less likely to ever happen again unfortunately 😒

[@theguynextdoor4978]

Tom Waits helped me get through a lot of my sad mancave days. Many grievances processed while listening to waits. Tango till they're sore is one of my favourites.

[@robertkees6048]

I've probably been through 36 Tom Waits fazes since I first discovered him in 1989. To this day Rain Dogs, Swordfishtrombone, and Franks Wild Years are still the musical foundation of my Tom Waits house. I went backwards and discovered his earlier work after the fact, and then been with him ever since. His great talent is that we his fans all feel like he's talking directly to us, as if he knows us, our heart, loves, fear, whatever, it's personal to we the faithful. Listening to Tom Waits is like an old friend come to call and sit on the porch and have some tea and conversation. Sometimes I come to call on him when I need a little drop of melancholy, he helps me reconnect my heart to my head from time to time.

[@Hungry_Hunter]

The antidote to Yoko Ono a pure musical genius a man with one foot in the depths of despair and the other dancing in the rain. Brilliant thanks for sharing.

[@webkahmik]

Absolutely. He's an Anti-Neo-Yoko-Dadaist.

[@williamadamsmusic3025]

Tom Waits is a hero of mine... Hero being too small a word... A God of musical theater, it took me years to understand him and what he does... That he doesn't write songs as much as he creates miniature films out of sound... I've never been blessed to see him in concert, but this interview gives me hope that he can still do what he does, and perhaps, if the stars align just right, I still might get to see the most important performer and purveyor of musical theater 🎭 in my life! He is number one at the very top of my list of musical influences and favorites! Thank you Tom, for all you've done and all you'll do!!!

[@OdditiesandRarities]

beautiful comment

[@PaganFaerie]

"creates miniature films out of sound" Somehow, I know he'd approve of this lovely comment 😎

[@Kit-se3zs]

This is incredible seeing such a recent interview with Tom, thank you. It really gives me hope seeing him looking and sounding so well! I've been concerned, having not heard much of anything new, about whether he's been too frail or something to tour or release new music anymore. Maybe I will really get to see him live one day! One can dream.

[@cquilty1]

@@pashadyne 1. I did not initially reply to you so how can I possibly be trolling you or anyone? *LOOOL!!!!* 2. I am a Tom Waits fan. 3. I merely - and correctly - said he looks old for 72 and even cited credible reasons. This is something that clearly angers and upsets you like an indignant pouting child. 4. Get over yourself, fangirl.

[@davidgolpires7492]

I share your dream!

[@cahillgreg]

@@pashadyne Pipe Down man

[@4characterusername]

The last time he came around here on tour was 2008. I had plans on going, but it was either $160 for 2 tickets + gas for a 250 mile round trip drive, or, pay my car insurance that month. I have regretted not defaulting on that insurance payment constantly for the last ~15 years.

[@timharper4246]

Good luck, friend. I've been waiting almost 25 years to see him tour! One can dream, as I'd kill to see him

[@parisachilles2682]

Tom Waits is the goat lyrically, and I remember first hearing his music thinking how I was in absolute rapture. He is unparalleled, period.

[@joelcarlson1091]

I agree that Tom is the greatest songwriter of all time. Townes Van Zandt may be 2nd place, but Tom wins the Blue Ribbon.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@joelcarlson1091 Tom and Townes

[@aallerton]

I first heard Tom when I was 19. It was "Frank's Wild Years" album played off a cassette recorder by a friend of mine. I didn't know anything about the guy yet I fell in love instantly. That was back in Poland in 2000.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@aallerton Franks Wild Years "He never did like that dog" 😀

[@Tina-di4lx]

We saw Tom Waits once at the SONY centre Toronto years ago. He was great. A total professional We where not disappointed

[@intotherainbowvain2994]

Tom Waits got me to the hardest stuff of my life, from exgirfriends, parents, addiction to benzodiazepine and opiates and suffer suicides of other friends and stuff. hes much more for me as an artist. he probably safed my life a few times. i love him.

[@ravensmythe1]

My late brother introduced me to Mr Waits' music while I was deployed in the early 90's. Few things can build a bond as strong as music. Mr Waits - if you ever read this: thank you for creating so many memories, sparking so much creativity, and bringing people together with your music!

[@brianhunter5047]

I wish Tom would bless us with his versions of children’s and holiday albums. What an upside down perspective he would give kids and Christmas.

[@hakukuze7947]

They don’t make artists like Tom Waits anymore, hell, they didn’t make them as unique even back then. Glad I found this, connects me back to his work and down a great path.

[@violinsinthevoid4579]

Robert Wilson is incredible and has worked with so many of my heroes, from Arvo Pärt and Philip Glass to the immortal Waits and William Burroughs. What a life!

[@ceef8688]

great to see Tom in 2021. I dig his work often and deep, many of the days.

[@stellabandante2727]

First heard Tom live in Seattle in the early 1970s, and I was immediately a devoted convert. His persona is so multidimensional and singular. Only one Tom Waits. Loved him as an actor in "Short Cuts", loved his crazy music and his tender songs. He was a beautifully handsome young man and I love this older version too. Would have loved to see this theater production. He is a lucid dream.

[@tammycampbell112]

I dreamed of Tom last night. He came to my family reunion and everyone became a fan!!

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Tom & Bob are two of the most impactful, influential artists I've ever come into contact with... amazing! Their collaboration with William Burroughs is the most incredible stage performance I've ever had the honor of witnessing.

[@ebwally]

I was there too. Unforgettable.

[@jac185]

Thanks for uploading this

[@LukeMaynard]

What a treasure this footage is. Thank you.

[@arthurcrime]

This is bloody fantastic, thank you for digging this up & posting.

[@OdditiesandRarities]

Have you guys noticed that this interview is taking place in a recording studio? Also, the director tells a story that Tom waits is still experimenting with his voice. This gives hope that he could be working on new music!

[@sclogse1]

The studio is right on the highway south of Sebastopol.

[@OdditiesandRarities]

@@sclogse1 wow how do you know that?

[@jonreid1632]

Holy Shitballs! yo cold be right!

[@smack9835]

@@td315 Seriously? Tom Waits once lived in Sebastopol?

[@owlteachereducation]

We can but dream...

[@billyodamit8709]

Tom Waits is the most original and too the point artist there ever was or will be.

[@hayleyanna2625]

I adore him so much since I was a adolescent. I related so much to what he said about wanting to be an old man when very young..I was very much the same. Listening to blues, Frank Sinatra, Big Band music, Dylan and of course, Tom Waits! Fabulous guy.🎩🖤

[@Yanto-The-Bard]

Tome Waits: Beautifully Unique, Rare, Magical and Mystical. A Giant among tiny, tiny others.

[@barriestyles5013]

He influences me, to this day, I'm the same age and have been a fan since the late 70's, He's a "modern day" genius, I'm still practising my Tom Waits covers and I write my own songs, which, I think sound alright, so keep on keeping on Tom, I'm 6 months older than you and I've been with my woman 2 years longer! Keep working on it, Tom Barrie Styles

[@barriestyles5013]

Thanks for liking my comment, it's heart felt

[@Pugtruffles]

Except, Barrie, he is Tom Waits. And you…aren’t. Exactly who are you to be giving Tom Waits advice?

[@barriestyles5013]

Well spotted! I will be seeing my shrink today, to discuss. Big thanks.

[@angryamygdala1588]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@MaggieMorrissey1916]

Holy crap. I LOVE tom waits. ♥️ huge crush 😍

[@lonestarlouie]

Waits is an ALL AROUNT ARTIST! More than most public will ever imagine... beyond awesome.

[@hankgutter8669]

he certainly put his soul into his live performances...his poetic lyrics..delivered by the rawest of raw gravelly voices to end all gravelly voices...and especially with swing big band jazz..rips right into me..pure brilliance...played one of mmy faves lastnight...Blue Valentine

[@patricianewman1272]

I love this interview. ❤️

[@banba317]

Wow! I never knew Tom did impressions! His Yoko Ono is spot on!

[@Draeka]

Tom doesn't look a day over 50. Of course he's looked that way his entire life.

[@phadde]

Up until 1:31 I thoght they were talking about Bob Dylan, and then I thought the person crawling was Bob Dylan. Greatest moment of my life!

[@blipblip88]

Love his music..more than the commentary. Thanks

[@olivierhaussaire2590]

Super interview 👍👍👍🙏🏼 magnifique poète Tom.♥️🙏🏼 From France✌️👻🤣😂👍🇫🇷

[@jpcolindesign517]

As a Visual Artist, Musician, Writer, and Actor, one of my greatest dreams in life would be to work with Tom Waits. He is everything I want to be as an artist. If I can ever become 1/10 as good an all-round artist as he is, I will be a master.

[@vonniehull6992]

To Tom Waits: PLEASE!!! One more tour... just one more!!!

[@mushroomleg]

Saw Tom live in cleveland in 2006. Best show of my life next to Lubricated Goat.

[@markus.reyhani]

I could watch the first 2 seconds over and over again, the song "You don't have any socks on".

[@vtheb1299]

There is a Tom Waits song for every feeling I've ever had in my life.

[@resonancebody8380]

cool to see Waits so well, keep up Mann

[@reglisse42]

Tom is so great, I like to much this guy

[@robertwoodward9231]

I had never noticed before but the last time I watched The Last Waltz, there he was in the left background on a keyboard. He seems to be everywhere, whether his fantastic music, acting or whatever. A true entertainer in every sense of the word..

[@squeakystool]

He wasn't there.

[@robertwoodward9231]

@@squeakystool You need to watch the whole show again my friend. He did not perform but just for a couple of seconds the camera pans to the deep left corner and there you will see a young Tom Waits.

[@shodopoet]

I was fortunate enough to catch “The Black Rider” in B’klyn and see TW 🙏🏼

[@DETROIT1948]

Priceless ✨✨

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

This is so priceless

[@eduardoramos5792]

I'd love a remastered version of that performance of The Black Rider. It's my favorite Tom Waits album

[@xavinaut]

same

[@stellabandante2727]

my ex-husband played bass on that record and had some tales about Tom in the studio.

[@eduardoramos5792]

@@stellabandante2727 he should record it and post on KZbin, I'd love to hear what he has to say!

[@TheRealFamespear]

Saw Tom in the early 80s at a small theater in Dallas because I went to see Leon Redbone. Tom opened for Leon so I discovered him, too. It was awesome!

[@Supercruiser66]

Thanks Tom

[@roddydykes7053]

“A science student from the 50s” is a perfect self description. Walking the halls of the Engineering building and seeing the graduating class pictures over the last century is a really interesting experience by the way

[@louiseetherson1455]

a total one off individual, fab-u-lous, thanks man

[@darylcumming7119]

Thanks.

[@callummack7098]

saw the title and said ''WHAT!'' hahaha, crazy to see him around and kicking still

[@nissi.k]

Thanks for this! Love the Art insights and ideas.🙌

[@sleepytomnc]

I just stumbled on this vid. I've been a fan of Waits' music for 20 or 30 years. I never paid much attention to who he was working within the theatre world. I loved the movie Down By Lawn that he did with Jim J. Also, love all three of the records mentioned here that he did with Robert Wilson but when I started listening to this and Waits kept saying Bob this and Bob that I didn't which Bob he meant. Bob Dylan? William Burroughs???? wasn't his first name really Bob? No that isn't right. What a maroon I am. Well, anyway thanks for enlightening me! Now on with the show!

[@smack9835]

Today Dec. 7 is Tom Waits birthday. Happy Birthday Tom.

[@alexharper36]

This man is one of the worlds greatest entertainers...also s genius

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

He's a great character actor also.

[@JovanDudic]

what a legend!

[@idontgetit2938]

They should release filmed performances of Wozzek. And maybe also Frank's Wild Years.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

And _The Black Rider!_ I saw it in LA in the mid-2000s... it was awe-inspiring!

[@idontgetit2938]

@@Jimmy1982Playlists 👍

[@houdinididiit]

As huge fan of both Waits and Burroughs, one of my biggest regrets was not seeing The Black Rider when it was near me. At the time, I was pretty broke and tickets were hovering near $100. Somehow, I should have gotten the dough up. The lesson? SEE your heroes before it's too late.

[@happyrudolf9134]

You've done an amazing job Burger Shaved. 😀

[@LonnieBrownell]

Hey, Robert Wilson...I had Phillip Glass autograph the booklet from my copy of the Einstein on the Beach LP set. He said to me "You should have Bob sign it too!" Great idea, still working on it...

[@robale202]

Tom still has that nervous energy, minus the cigarettes. A true American original, I'm still partial to his jazz combo format. But it's all good, from "Closing Time" to " Bad as Me". Saw him at the Warner years ago.

[@filmusikchannel7596]

An Idol

[@jacksonvega7751]

christ i love tom waits

[@CarlMarksmoney]

i remember that old wooden upright from the Serrano house!

[@thefancullinibrothers1983]

Comments are so interesting 🧐- As a songwriter I can understand when they say someone “drunk the well dry” I mean you only need to know a little bit about music to understand how much one person can regurgitate lyrics, music and melody 🎵- I rarely think write more 🤔, I just know a time has passed and the the greats captured it well. Paul Simon, McCartney etc, as for Mark Knofler, Don McLean, David Byrne etc etc, it just wouldn’t be the same 🫤

[@janecme]

Tom Waits and Dylan Thomas. Is there anyone else with such a genius for words and emotions

[@Brandon-th4xx]

Neil

[@blueishxx]

I love this , Tom Waits should be cloned , I love Tom Waits and what he represents about humility and artistic freedom , he is fabulous in the ballad of buster scruggs if you have not seen it

[@teacup3133]

I think Tom Waits has earned a comfortable chair!

[@Pauldjreadman]

This is art, pure and simple.

[@VAPIDISM]

Tom`s screeching (starting at 4:02) was reminiscent of the Yoko Ono school of melody.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

I didn't particularly care for it 😀

[@innaminute523]

That's the way the gravy stains, and that's the way the moon wanes.

[@SoopSoopa]

the "it ain't no sin to take off your skin" line is originally from Lee Morse's song T'aint No Sin

[@robertcaffrey6097]

Tom was always an old soul, still and always a young head on old shoulders, while everyone rushes around like a headless chicken, Tom Waits, patiently in the now.

[@hughgard4707]

Got my first waits on cassette tape..small change..wore that thing OUT ! ..

[@ecyranot]

I wonder about his rocking back and forth. I kind of remember that as a thing he did when younger, but I'm wondering if there is a neurological issue and that accounts for his lack of productivity in the last 10 years. Or maybe he just retired.

[@endhai]

Maybe youÄre right. Abusin alcohol for so a long time, like Tom did, is nothing that the body stands without damges.

[@ritahorvath8207]

. comforting himself ? .

[@brooksdemo]

Greatest artist that ever lived, don’t care about anyone’s opinion on this.

[@jorgeocampo1794]

One of my favorite performances of Austin city limits is when Tom Waits was on there try to find it if you can it’s incredible

[@colujomes]

If you ever have the honour of meeting Tom Waits, wear some goddamn socks for Christ's sake.

[@claudioorlandi73]

È una leggenda vivente

[@mariacuesta6062]

Traducción al Español, please!!!! ♥️

[@annalisavajda252]

The way he has his arms crossed and rocks back and forth indicates he is unwilling to be vulnerable and is self soothing perhaps he is just grieving Bob perhaps something more makes him seem anxious.

[@ihavenocontent9310]

Bob's still alive and he appears in this video as well as throughout the documentary. Tom's not grieving Bob.

[@gmc9817]

io lo amo

[@benjaminglover1570]

Like Zappa an incredible talent.

[@kevinluis468]

Tom waits is a genius, legend I wish he made more music it’s been a while

[@Muhlbach82]

Years ago I asked Tom what he was reading. He said the Short Stories of Breece D’ Pancake. I read them and liked them. Check ‘em out.

[@escaton74]

since they're buddies, I'd like to see a conversation between Tom and Keith Richards. just imagine the meaningful mumbling going on

[@chris7662]

I like the way you put that! Hilarious!!

[@sclogse1]

I think this is a bit earlier than 2021.

[@OdditiesandRarities]

apparently it was "shot during one year just before Wilson’s 80th birthday", and he turned 80 October 4 2021, so maybe you're right. maybe 2020 then...?

[@justinjefferson5831]

I was with Bob Marley when Tom Waits came on the TV. Bob said in time to the music "Stab. Stab. Stab."

[@OdditiesandRarities]

why did he say that?

[@justinjefferson5831]

@@OdditiesandRarities I presume he meant that he found it ugly music.

[@OdditiesandRarities]

@@justinjefferson5831 ah interesting. why were you with Bob marley?

[@frankvazquez5974]

Alice and Blood Money are Waits' finest works imho.

[@perpetualmaker]

Saw Black Rider in LA - Tom & Robert we’re sitting in the back. I thought I would pee my pants! TW music is my higher power.

[@paolotonolo1140]

I wish I was Mr.Waits buddy , I think he would be a Blast as a friend haha

[@michaelbeisteiner5398]

👌

[@danboyd2725]

That's one voice that smoking, drinking, and old age has only improved.

[@d_walsh]

There's Tom. Haven't seen him in some time , when was his last studio album or even his last show or tour ?

[@JTD472]

He actually looks pretty good to me

[@debonaire_nerd]

I've walked past whisky bottles at my local liquor store that aren't half as eloquent as Tom. Some have come close, but it's all imitation to me.

[@BRIZVIZ]

so what is it that tom is waiting for tom waits for something that never comes

[@MannyQuacioua]

“They’re lining up to go insane”