HAPPY THANKSGIVING. IT’S 1976.
by Steve J.
Originally published Nov 21, 2016 on Medium.com/Festival Peak
For music lovers, there are few things to be more thankful for than Thanksgiving Day, 1976. Oddly, that was the day that a legendary band of four Canadians and an Arkansan would retire from public performance. The fact that this Band would rekindle interest in American roots music is well-documented; they are, in my mind, the first and last word in the music now known as ‘Americana.’ Their landmark album Music From Big Pink, shifted the psychedelic axis of music to a more intimate and pastoral worldview. It contributed to Eric Clapton’s decision to leave the supergroup Cream, who upon hearing the album, said simply, “It changed my life.” George Harrison and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters would also cite the album as a major influence.
The Band spent many years on the road as The Hawks, primarily touring the roadhouse circuit, with rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins from 1959 to 1963, before famously backing Dylan at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium in 1965 (his first show after the Newport Folk Festival debacle) and then his historic 1966 tour. Much of that controversial tour, featuring an acoustic and electric set, has been recently released in a 35 CD box set. Shortly after, following Dylan’s mysterious motorcycle accident, both Dylan and The Band would decamp to Woodstock, NY, and birth The Basement Tapes.
The Band were an extraordinarily talented bunch of musicians; all of them could write, sing and play multiple instruments. They would create a singular repertoire of songs, including “Rag Mama Rag,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “The Weight,” a monumental song of uniquely American mythology that would feature characters such as ol’ Luke, Carmen, the Devil, Crazy Chester, and Jack the dog.
The Band would call it quits and go out on their own terms in a concert called The Last Waltz at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco that would also forever change music, yet never to be bettered for its breathtaking presentation and sheer breadth of artists. A ticket to the concert, produced by Bill Graham of course, would cost $25 — steep for the time — but ticketholders could expect ballroom dancing and a full Thanksgiving dinner served beforehand. Classic Bill Graham. The music was classic Band — with friends — that would span the band’s career and the musical arcs of their time. Indeed, The Band would acknowledge almost every aspect of and influence on their unique brand of American music, featuring guest performances by Ronnie Hawkins, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, The Staple Singers, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and, of course, Bob Dylan. The entire “event” — much more than a concert — was filmed by a young Martin Scorcese.
If you’re of a certain age, it’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that this was FORTY years ago, harder still that only Robbie Robertson and Garth Hudson survive today. In the film, Robbie Robertson presciently noted, “You can press your luck. The road has taken a lot of great ones,” and then called the road, “a goddamned impossible way of life.” Richard Manuel would commit suicide in a shitty roadside motel, while touring with a reunited Band in 1986. Rick Danko battled his own demons and was arrested after receiving a parcel of heroin in Japan in 1996. He would be found dead in his bed a day after his 56th birthday in 1999. Perhaps truest to the collective and artistic vision of The Band, Levon Helm would host Midnight Ramble concerts with musical guests at his farm in Woodstock, NY. He succumbed to cancer in 2012.
Robbie Robertson said The Band wanted The Last Waltz to be “more than just a concert. We wanted it to be a celebration.” And a celebration it was. Of a workhorse, roadhouse backing band. Of an incredibly talented group of musicians. Of songwriters who contributed a unique catalog of songs to rock and roll, and helped chart a slightly different musical course. And, of course, their friends and family. On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976.
So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, sit back, relax and enjoy what was served up on this historic occasion. Here are three of my favorite moments and emotional highlights from the legendary musical feast that was The Last Waltz. Happy Thanksgiving!
