Best Performances from The Last Waltz Concert of The Band & Friends

The Band held a "farewell concert" on November 25, 1976, after years of touring and recording. They were joined by several prominent artists, most of whom they had worked with during their career. The concert was released as an album in 1978, as well as a documentary film by Martin Scorsese.

While it was intended as The Band's final performance (which, I believe, it was with all five members, as I don't think Robbie Robertson ever appeared with them again), the other four members did reunite at various points and venues. This continued until Richard Manuel's suicide, after which they occasionally performed with additional musicians in various combinations.

Still, this magnificent presentation, with such key and solid contributions from others, ranks among the best live "rock or popular" joint music concerts of all time. Ranking is entirely subjective, with consideration for lead artist performance in conjunction with the featured group.

It really says something when the top ten has to omit Muddy Waters, Neil Diamond, and other great songs.

The Top Ten

  1. Caravan - Van Morrison and The Band

  2. Mystery Train - Paul Butterfield, Levon Helm, and The Band

  3. Up on Cripple Creek - The Band

  4. Who Do You Love - Ronnie Hawkins and The Band

    This one was a really solid performance.

  5. Coyote - Joni Mitchell, The Band, Dr. John

    Joni owned it. The song, the delivery, her pitch, and intonation were all perfect.

  6. Further On Up the Road - Eric Clapton and The Band

    One of the best moments of the film, in my opinion, is when Clapton's guitar strap comes off. He yells out to Robbie, and Robbie takes the solo without missing a beat.

  7. It Makes No Difference - The Band

  8. Helpless - Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and The Band

  9. I Shall Be Released - Bob Dylan, Richard Manuel (lead vocal), The Band, and friends

    I'm not a big fan of this one because they didn't put enough emphasis on Richard Manuel and his voice. He doesn't even get a close-up shot.

    Among the backup performers are Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr. John, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, Ringo Starr, and Ronnie Wood.

  10. The Weight - The Band with The Staples (Mavis and Roebuck Staples featured vocals)

    I love this song and this performance, but since the recording isn't live from the concert itself, I can't rank it as high among the others.

    This is the best version I've ever heard.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Ophelia - The Band

  12. ?

    The Shape I'm In - The Band

    Richard Manuel killed it!

    13. The Contenders

  13. Such a Night - Dr. John and The Band

  14. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - The Band

  15. Mannish Boy - Muddy Waters and The Band

  16. Dry Your Eyes - Neil Diamond and The Band

  17. Evangeline - Emmylou Harris and The Band

  18. Don't Do It - The Band

  19. Baby Let Me Follow You Down / I Don't Believe You / Forever Young - Bob Dylan and The Band

  20. Stagefright - The Band

  21. Down South in New Orleans - Bobby Charles and The Band

  22. Out of the Blue - The Band

  23. Tura Lura Lura - Van Morrison and The Band

  24. Four Strong Winds - Neil Young

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