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'd worked with during their career. The concert was released as an album I. 1978 as well as a documentary film by Martin Scorcese. While intended as The Band's final performance, which I believe it was with all 5 members as I don't think Robbie Robertson ever appeared with them again, the other 4 members did reunite at subsequent points and venues until Richard Manuel's suicide, and then continued at times with additional musicians in various combinations. Still, this magnificent presentation with such key and solid contributions from others tanks this among the best live "rock or popular"' joint music concerts of all-time. Ranking is entirely subjective with xonsideration for lead artist performance and in conjunction with the featured group. Really says something when the top ten has to omit Muddy Waters, Neil Diamond leads and other great songs.This one was a really solid performance.
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.
Among the backup- Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Ronnie Hawkins, Dr John, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Wood
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.
Joni owned it, the song, the delivery, her pitch and intonation...
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.
Richard Manuel killed it!
