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This Film Should Be Played Loud
By Ryan Conway
(07/28/09)

The Last Waltz (1978) is one of, if not the best, concert film ever made. With great musical performances from such legends as Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, The Staples, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr among others. All of which have been brought together to celebrate one of the most revered bands to ever come out of Canada, The Band.

It was November 25, 1976 and the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco had an audience of over 5,000 music lovers who after having a Thanksgiving dinner and an evening of ballroom dancing were ready for The Band’s final performance. The Winterland Ballroom was chosen for the location of the concert because it was where The Band made their debut, in 1969.

The film begins with guitarist Robbie Robertson playing a game of cut-throat, and as the billiard balls scatter after the break, it cuts to (ironically) the final song during the concert’s encore, “Don’t Do It.” After the song is finished, we then have the opening title sequence. The sequence is made up of footage filmed during the ballroom dancing.

Once the ballroom sequence is over, it cuts to the film’s first piece of interview footage. This documentary contains several clips of interviews conducted by the film’s director, Martin Scorsese.

In this portion of the interview, Scorsese asks Robertson about the purpose of the concert. Robertson said that the concert is meant to be a celebration of how The Band has come in means of their success and as a thank you for their fans and fellow performers who served as means of inspiration.

“It’s the beginning of the beginning of the end of the beginning.”

There are other interview clips that are shown as lead-ins to certain songs. The best interview segments include a discussion on the origins of the band name and how Chocolate Subway, and The Honkies were among the alternative names.

Stories like how keyboardist Garth Hudson duped his family into approving his joining of The Band, and how they would stuff their overcoats with bologna during trips to the super market, back when they were starving artists are good for a few chuckles. It is hard not too laugh when Richard Manuel is on-screen during these interview clips as he is The Band’s most humourous personality. There was also an amusing story regarding a show they did in a club owned by Jack Ruby.

Perhaps the two most thought provoking clips involve lead singer, Rick Danko giving Scorsese a tour of the recording studio. And Robertson talking about how life on the road can lead to tragedy as he talks about the deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and others who have been both influences and friends.

After 16 years on the road, the number start to scare you, said Robertson.

“I mean I couldn’t live 20 years on the road. I don’t think I could ever discuss it.”

The music for the film is truly outstanding. You have several of The Bands best songs such as: “Up on Cripple Creak”, “The Shape I’m In”, “It Makes No Difference”, "The Weight” (performed with The Staples), and my personal favourite, “Stage Fright.”

There are also some great performances from: Neil Young (“Helpless”), Ronnie Hawkins (“Who Do You Love), Neil Diamond (“Dry Your Eyes”), Joni Mitchell (“Coyote”), Muddy Waters (“Mannish Boy”), Eric Clapton (“Further on the Road”), and Bob Dylan (“Forever Young”).

This concert may seem to be bittersweet, rather than a grander celebration too some- but this is a blues concert after all. The sombre tone of the concert is more fitting for the music itself and having it as a bigger spectacle would have defeated the purpose.

Besides, what higher note could The Band possibly go out on, than to perform for the same crowd that saw them make their debut and with those who have inspired them?

If you can find the DVD I say pick it up. The behind the scenes and commentary features make it well worth the 10 dollar price tag.

Related links:
+ The Last Waltz (website)
+ The Band (website)


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Ryan Conway is a second year student of the Holland College Journalism program. He is 23 years old and a graduate of Cape Breton University with a major in both English and Political Science. He is also a lover of all things nerd.