When do you think of the greatest musical performances of all time, which ones come to mind? There are some mega-concerts or festivals that have gone down in the history of music as some of the most important moments in music. Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock? Queen at Live Aid? There are certain performers and certain albums that have become iconic such as seeing Roger Waters performing “The Wall” in its entirety. You have the stadium rocking performance of The Beatles at Shea Stadium. There are even some global performances that are so important that they penetrate the global perspective. Look at The Three Tenors live from the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. I do love Pavarotti. But I have never been to any of these events…so how do I know they are so great? We have the world of concert films to support us so that we can immortalize these works and performers.
But why are concert films so important?
Besides the point that I already made about them immortalizing these performances, they also create access. Sure, being there in person is a whole other experience altogether. But what if you don’t have any access to them? First off, concerts are SO expensive. I missed out on seeing my favorite band of all time, Rush because I just could not afford the tickets on their last tour. But how did I get a chance to see them? Concert DVDs and Blu-rays. I have experienced Rush: R40, Rush…Exit Stage Left, Rush in Rio, and Rush: Clockwork Angels, and they were all from home. Without the rise of concert filmmaking, this would never have happened for me. I would still have never seen Rush perform…and that would have been terribly sad. What is another ease of access? What do some of those Rush concerts have in common? They were physically unattainable. One of those concerts happened in the 1980s…I was born in 1991. That just wasn’t going to happen. One of them is in Rio. How expensive would that have been? Coming from a lower-middle-class family who struggled for money my whole life, that was not realistic for me. One last aspect is my introverted personality. Large groups of people (especially those with high energy at a concert) just drain me so quickly. I try to go to a few concerts each year if I can, but they can be so much for me personally. How to fix that? I can fulfill my love for music by watching a film at home that I bought for a fraction of the price and hassle.
But what other concert films have made such an impact on me?
Besides my infinite collection of Rush concert films, I have owned quite a few over the years. My love of blues-only grew once I got to watch Stevie Ray Vaughn perform at Montreux not once but TWICE with the double collection of his trips to the Jazz Festival. Getting to see a true virtuoso on-screen was magnetic and mesmerizing. To help calm down the night before my interview for my full-time job at Rider University, I blasted Judas Priest: Epitaph. It must have worked! I worked there over five years later and still remember that memory of it. I recall getting a chance to see AC/DC with original singer Bon Scott, thanks to the cool and gritty 70’s film, AC/DC: Let There Be Rock. But those were not the only ones for this huge fan as I also had AC/DC: Live at Donington as well as Live at River Plate. I remember my grandfather walking in on Donington and questioning the current sobriety of Angus Young…lol. I could keep going on!
You can probably tell that music has a special place in my heart, right?
This conversation has led up to yet another entry into my journey through Martin Scorsese’s filmography with the iconic and transcendent concert film from The Band…The Last Waltz. You can probably tell as well that Martin Scorsese values music quite a lot. The era that was Scorsese’s early film career was a drastically shifting experience to be perfectly frank. But first off…who are The Band. Such an overly simplistic description would be a grass roots-rock band that just might be the major groundwork for southern rock music coming out into the open. Robbie Robertson, the most vocal living member of the band has an intriguing if not biased film called Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band. They were a mix of southern Americans and Canadians which created a unique sound that felt like a mash-up of sensibilities. But their film The Last Waltz was indeed the last performance of The Band.
But what makes The Last Waltz truly a FILM and not just a recording of a previously performed live show?
That is an important distinction as they are different media, and they bring added complexities along the way. Besides some fantastic live performances, The Last Waltz also gives some behind-the-scenes perspective that can help grow your knowledge of The Band and the continued import of that knowledge and data. There are a few special performances that might be helpful with my current perspective. This balance is done so well with an expertly crafted space to make sure that this film is enough for different types of audiences. If things are based on who will be viewing and how the narrative will be fleshed out. This final concert is something spell for the band as my specialty for the world of music, to begin with. The commentary sees The Band recounting an early Texas show, seeing the inspiration of New York City (which I know Scorsese can relate to) and the pursuit of women. All types of band member ideas and thoughts rolled into some charismatic behind-the-scenes sequences.
But when it really comes down to it, we are here for all the music, right?
Whether you are familiar with the world of classic rock music or not, The Last Waltz is one of the most inspiring performances ever put to film. The film also features a who’s who of the greatest music artists of all time. Not only is The Band one of the all-time greats but they also recruited quite a handful of other artists from all different genres to enjoy this performance. First off, we the audience are treated to some classic songs for their gang to start. Starting off with “Up on Cripple Creek” is inspired as it is not only one of their most successful singles but also one song that is full of energy and fun. How to start the showoff right? Levon Helms brings a raw and energetic nature with him on drums. I have heard “Cripple Creek” countless times on classic rock radio but seeing the energy of The Band all together performing was something else. Despite its present usage by certain groups, the performance of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is full of emotion and passion making it one of the show-stopping performances on the show. The last big hit of The Band is actually performed on a soundstage separate from the concert and in conjunction with The Staple Singers. “The Weight” is a wonderful song and hits so many emotions and that is just bolstered by the talents of The Staple Singers.
But then we have a laundry list of incredible and influential musical performers that help make this concert so iconic. One of the most personal additions for The Band is Ronnie Hawkins. From my viewing of Once Were Brothers (a great companion to this concert film if you can find it), Hawkins was an early mentor and leading man of many of the members. This nostalgic addition makes for a fun and enjoyable performance. You can feel the connection that Ronnie has with the rest of the group and that benefits the audience on our end. They perform “Who Do You Love?” which is a great blues addition to the show (and there are certainly more to come). As a listener of classic rock radio out of Philly growing up, I have certainly heard George Thorogood’s rendition countless times. Ronnie has a little more southern twang and a jovial presence that makes this cover a fun time.
Who would be a great addition to the show to bring some quirk and soul?
Dr. John. I am trying to remember when the first time I was introduced to his work and to be honest, it might have been in a film. Dr. John was one of the countless artists who were in the supergroup performing at the end of The Blues Brothers 2000 (yeah…not the greatest of sequels). Even from that brief encounter, I could tell he had plenty of souls and his collaboration on this concert is certainly soulful. Sitting behind that big white piano, Dr. John and The Band perform “Such a Night”. I could easily say all these songs are bangers and this one might not be one of the highest-profile performances, but it is still some great music.
The star power can only go up from here, right?
Oh…it certainly does. One of the most important and influential supergroups of the late ’60s into the early ’70s was Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. They were at the heart of the folk-rock movement and were some of the biggest names out of Laurel Canyon in California. The Band then brings out Neil Young, one of the most prolific performances of his generation. Shaggy hair, mutton chops, and bug eyes and all. That unique high-pitched voice is a unique addition to The Band (whose vocals tend to be deeper and soulful). You cannot argue with the passion and energy that Young brings to his performances making for a memorable performance amongst a sea of stars. “Helpless” was a fantastic choice as it slowed the mood down and upped the emotions. It made me want to see more collaboration…even what if they had gotten all CSNY with The Band? Legendary.
They cannot all be home runs, right?
One of the surprisingly forgettable performances is the collaboration with Neil Diamond. “Dry Your Eyes” is a fine song and the mass of talent involved makes for a strong performance, but it just doesn’t deliver the same pop as the rest of the show. But how can it? All the songs performed by just The Band are some of the highest quality live renditions of any songs I have seen and there are so many famous collaborators. The odds are some of them might be underwhelming. But the fantastic work by Scorsese capturing all these performances is just so top-notch. You can see glimpses of cinematic quality when he captured the performances in New York, New York. Those talents are fully realized in The Last Waltz as every song is beautifully rendered in lighting and shadows.
Up to this point, The Last Waltz has been quite the boys club, right?
This certainly ended when Joni Mitchell stepped on stage. Mitchell is one of the greatest singer-songwriters at the height of this creative process. The late ’60s and early ’70s featured some of the most iconic artists who wrote and performed their own music. Joni was so influential that acts to come would still be playing her songs for decades. Heck, my first exposure to one of her works was a Judas Priest cover of “Diamonds and Rust”. That certainly says a lot. The top-notch musicianship of The Band mixed with the gorgeous vocals of Mitchell is a wonderful combination. “Coyote” is one of the most unique songs on the show with bold vocalizations that show off Joni’s talents in a perfect showcase. This beautiful performance resonated with me and made me want to experience it even more.
Are you ready for something completely different?
We already discussed a bit of the blues, but you don’t get more blues than Muddy Waters. I cannot remember when I first became a fan of the blues but during a time of mass collection of CDs (and thanks in great part to The Princeton Record Exchange), I was able to broaden my horizons. B.B. King…Buddy Guy…Robert Johnson…and of course Muddy Waters himself. The blues CD that I listened to most was Muddy Waters: His Best 1947 to 1955. From top to bottom, this was truly a greatest hits album as every song was a bona fide classic. But when Muddy Waters came out on stage to perform “Mannish Boy” with The Band…that was something special. A lot of memories rushed back with every “I’M A MAN”. I hope those who check out The Last Waltz and have not experienced too much of the blues will be inspired to take a deep dive. Waters is a wonderful place to start.
How could The Band and Scorsese outdo themselves at this concert?
They got arguably the greatest guitarist of all time in Eric Clapton to grace the stage. He might be a controversial figure in the COVID era of the music industry but in the 1970’s he was king. Clapton holds a special place in my heart. I would listen to Complete Clapton SO much that I knew the robust track list from start to finish at one point. Clapton is a modern torchbearer of the blues as well as being one of the most talented and iconic rock guitarists of all time. One of my favorite biographical books is also Complete Clapton. A fascinating life brought to the page. They had countless classic rock songs to choose from to perform together but Clapton and The Band went in a completely different direction. “Further on Up the Road” is a great bluesy choice that shows off the passion and soul that both acts can muster. This might not be as iconic compared to the potential of performing something “Sunshine of Your Love” or “Layla” but it is still incredible musicianship.
Let’s get back to some of the iconic women of the music industry, shall we?
When did I first hear of Emmylou Harris? To be honest, this connection is a bit belated compared to the rest, but it has grown deeply in the past few years. I am a HUGE fan of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler. One of my favorite songs of all time is “All the Roadrunning ”. This duet is soulful, beautiful, and emotionally resonant. It puts me in a place that is warm and tranquil. I obviously knew Knopfler but I knew next to nothing about Emmylou. All I did know was her gorgeous voice that whisked me away every time I heard that song. Then I watched Linda Rondstadt: The Sound of My Voice and my appreciation for Harris grew even more (another amazing rock doc to add to your watchlist). One of my favorite performances in all The Last Waltz is this sound stage country mashup. This might be the most unique sound in the film with a wonderful mix of mandolins and other instruments. “Evangeline ” is a beautiful song that mixes great musicianship and beautiful vocals. I could listen to that performance again and again long after this concert.
After a quaint and softer performance, is it time to turn up the energy?
Who might be the perfect fit for that? Van Morrison. Morrison might give the most passionate and energetic performance on the whole entire show. Every line of “Caravan” is injected with a vigor that pops off the screen. Morrison is kicking his feet, screaming into the microphone, and overall, just having an absolute blast. How can’t the audience be having this same amount of fun when this lively Belfast singer is too? This is certainly one of the most fun songs on the card and it even made me want to sing along while sitting in my recliner at home. If you only know “Brown Eyed Girl”, treat yourself to plenty more hits from this talented singer. And that suit…that suit is a choice all.
Are you ready for the crown jewel?
Bob Dylan might just be the most influential and biggest name on this whole entire card. That is probably why he came last right? I listened to The Essential Bob Dylan quite a bit because of my brother and his love of Dylan. He helped put folk music in the stratosphere and transcended even that when he went electric. From Once Were Brothers, you realize that the connection between Bob Dylan and The Band was giant at the turn of the ’60s. They toured together and were inseparable for a time. How fitting is this performance? To close out this show, nonetheless. “Forever Young” feels so perfect as their music (and the music of all of these artists) will live on forever for new generations to appreciate. I am the perfect example. Born in 1991, my childhood and my perspective on music have been shaped by this generation of musical artists. This song is so poignant as it closes out the career of The Band.
This might not have been exactly what you expected, was it?
Without a doubt, The Last Waltz is one of the single greatest concert films ever created. Scorsese proves that there are no boundaries to his creative process as he brings every song to life in all its glory. It might not be the most memorable song but the final jam session (with Ringo Starr and Ron Wood as well to inject The Beatles and The Rolling Stones into the mix) is pure music history. “Theme for The Last Waltz” is an ethereal and unique exclamation point for this iconic film, The Last Waltz. I love every moment of this film and it has had a lasting impact on me as it brings back so many memories and sparks my passion for both music and film. This is not a great concert film. The Last Waltz is a great film. Period.
