The Band Guestbook, April 2002

Entered at Tue Apr 30 23:59:30 CEST 2002 from cfa1.execulink.net (209.239.0.234)

Paul Godfrey

Hi Ya,

Back with a warning. You may have noticed that my email address: shineon@home.com was not a real address.

I changed my email address after running into serious trouble with a worm virus. I lost most everything on my hardrive.

Now I have the Norton antivirus installed and do not give me email address out to anyone I do not know personally.

So be warned and good luck all. shineonpaulg

Entered at Tue Apr 30 22:46:49 CEST 2002 from dialin-605-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.3.97)

Bill S

Subject: Louisiana Red CD

I just received the Louisiana Red CD. Great music been listening to it all day. Recorded at Levon Helm's Studio with Jimmy Vivino, Levon, Garth and others. Theres a great photo inside showing Louisiana Red receiving the key to Woodstock on the Village Green with Levon, Butch, Jimmy V Randy C. Jim weider and others. Can be ordered from Severn Records P.O. Box 1450 Millersville, MD.21108 TEL.877-923-2275 www.severnrecords.com (a great Co. to deal with)

Entered at Tue Apr 30 22:43:22 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Thanks for posting the update Matt. The Norton Antivirus safeguards on my PC have intercepted quite a few of those nasty buggers in the last couple of weeks. The virus contained in the attachments has been pinpointed as W32.Klez.gen@mm. The latest one today was "From EOT" with the subject listed as "End of Ads". In addition to the previously mentioned one from Peter, I also received one that appeared to be "From bubbaband" with "Spice girls' vocal concert" as the subject. Even though the Norton Antivirus automatically deleted the attachments, messages like this appear suspicious right off the bat. To make things worse, these worms appear in my in-box amidst the constant flow of the latest e-mail money scam messages from that other continent. I guess big brother wasn't kidding with those warnings about cyber-terrorism.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 21:23:58 CEST 2002 from (207.226.248.2)

S.R. Clarke

The Band Rocks!!!

Entered at Tue Apr 30 21:22:29 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: +-+-+-+-+-+ Destructive Worm/Virus PLEASE READ +-+-+-+-+-+

Folks,

Following up on Peter's note regarding infected e-mails, there appears to be a fairly new variation of a "worm" making the rounds that suggests some disturbing attempts to develop a rather sophisticated mechanism for the mass delivery of a potentially highly destructive and evasive virus.

Without getting in to the vagries of what is a "worm" vs. what is a "virus," it's important to be very careful with e-mails for the forseeable future (if not perpetually).

The current "worm" is a variant on the W3 Klez mass-mailer that first appeared in October. The latest version is at least the third mutation of this thing, and the second evolution in as many months. The latest version of the worm is disturbing because, unlike previous mass-emailing worms (e.g. "I Love You"), this latest incarnation of W3 Klez features some significantly more powerful abilities:

1) In the past, email worms would simply mail themselves to address found in the Outlook or Exchange address book on the local, infected, hard disk. This latest version will scour ALL documents, unprotected databases (ICQ chat lists, etc) for e-mails found locally and on any network volumes mapped to a drive letter on the infected PC.

2) Similairly, past worms would only send e-mails using the infected PC's owner's default e-mail address, which made it relatively easy to figure out which PC is infected and sending out the worm. The current verision is apparently able to spoof (or forge) the e-mail "header," so that it appears to the recipient that the mail came from any of the addresses the worm finds in documents as detailed in the previous paragraph.

Thus, Peter Viney, a Mac user, which is not vulnerable to this worm, ends up appearing as the sender of infected attachments to possibly dozens (or more) of people. In fact, the worm has obscured the infected PC, which can only be determined by looking at the complete e-mail header, which 99% of e-mail users never look at. This makes it harder to find the "typhoid mary," increases the longevity of the worm, and results in annoyed e-mails from people receiving infected e-mail attachments to someone who is (in Peter's case, COULD NOT) be the real source.

Additionally, this worm is apparently being developed as a delivery mechanism for virus (W3 ElKern) that has been evolving with equal sophistication on pace with the worm. The current version of the W3 ElKern virus is basically harmless (though it can cause some system degradation). However, each successive version of the virus is better at avoiding detection by anti-virus software.

This indicates a systematic attempt to create a delivery system for a virus that will eventually initiate a very destructive payload, a virus able to avoid detection by anything but the most up-to-date anti-virus tools.

A possible preview of the end-game may have been hinted at in a previous version of the W3 ElKern virus, which was programmed to wipe out all files on an infected hard drive, mounted disks, network volumes on the 13th of various months (usually Sept. or March).

This previous version failed to wreak havoc because it was unable to avoid detection by AV tools and relied on a propegating worm that used relatively familiar techniques (it didn't spoof, and it only used the address book from the local PC's Outlook or Exchange e-mail client). In the ensuing months, it seems clear that whoever is creating this is now working hard to overcome these previous limitations and find a good degree of success. Whether the ulitmate goal is to execute a date-specific malicious destruction of data, or perhaps something even worse, only time will reveal.

You can download a free tool from Symantec via the "Web Page" link on this post that will scan your PC and kill all known versions of both the W3 Klez worm and the W3 ElKern virus. If you do not have anti-virus tools on your PC, it's highly recommended that you purchase one with due haste - prefferably one that allows you to update the "viruses," "worms" and "trojan horses" the software recognizes and treats.

As with most attacks of this kind, these malicious buggers target MSFT-based PCs (Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, and ME) - which accounts for the vast majority of the world's computers. Linux users do not seem to be a focus of current attacks, but if you're using Linux, chances are you're experienced enough to know you'll be at risk EVENTUALLY.

As mentioned, Mac users are rarely the target of viruses (and especially worms). Mac users have been vulnerable to "trojan horses" (destructive programs masquerading as or embedded in benign software), so no matter what brand of OS you use, if you download software off of sharing systems like Kazaa, Morpheus, etc, you should always tread carefully. That copy of Photoshop may be something far more sinister.

A little common sense also goes a long way. NEVER open an attachment sent to you in an unsolicited e-mail. While this seems obvious when it comes from a total stranger, this worm's abilities to spoof will become a new standard, so you should tread carefully even when the e-mail comes from family or friends. If you weren't expecting it, check with the apparent sender to verify it really came from them - and even then, you should always virus scan anything sent to you before opening it.

As far as the presence of Norway based e-mails (the three spoofed e-mails had Norwegian, ".no" origins, and 99% of the non-spoofed W3 Klez carries were as well), there are a number of possible theories.

Most likely, it's simple geographic convenience. Since this web-server sits in Norway, and since there is an entire industry of people who "poach" emails from sites, it's highly possible that some unscrupulous Norwegians have been loggin our addresses, which the W3 Klez worm appropriated when their CPUs were infected. A less likely possibility is that Jan's university has been infected (universities have always been a breeding ground for trading these things) and our addresses have simply made their way to nearby computers, outside the university.

A third, more sinister possibility (and this is admittedly speculation) is that a student at Jan's university somehow appropriated a centralized e-mail file (if Jan stores these things in a separate file from the HTML generated by his PERL script), and either sold it to an unscrupulous middleman for spammers for some quick cash, or gave it away with a more vindictive, less mercenary, motive.

Jan, I'm not suggesting you run a sloppy shop, btw. These type of things have happened on some seemingly air tight commercial systems, and in some cases, involved CC numbers and other more sensitive personal information. I only bring this up because I know you're very dilligent, and the pervasiveness of the .no domain in e-mails sending this worm to GB users is curious. I'm sure you've already noted this strange connection, and I'm sure you're investigating already to see if there is something afoul at your university.

Anyway, sorry if this sounds paranoid, folks, but I've seen most of these suckers come and go, and I really believe we're witnessing a leap in evolution for these malicious attacks. The fact that this evolution seems to be the result of a highly systematic effort, suggests this may be leading to something more than the usual bored hacker trying to see what he can get away with.

Matt

Entered at Tue Apr 30 20:33:36 CEST 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: Robbie on KCRW

I'm enjoying the show...it's actually video of Robbie in the studio playing tracks....lots of fun.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 20:28:50 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Ol' Barney's review of the new box set is interesting. I truly believe that he loves the Band's music, but after his past problems with Band members, he clearly is bitter when he talks about the individuals.

Peter V: To answer your question, my understanding is that Mr. Paul Allen provided the technolgy support for the enhanced sound. I assume that Rhino(Warner) paid the tab for the rest (packaging, distribution, etc).

Entered at Tue Apr 30 19:48:06 CEST 2002 from 1cust91.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.91)

Crabgrass

Subject: Back to the (Live) MUSIC...

Good news for all you lucky people who live within a 100 mile radius of the Zipper Theater at 336 W37 St. NYC!! George Gilmore (of Brown Album Tribute fame) is producing two great shows - Tonight at 8pm The Yayhoos (featuring Dan Baird ex-Georgia Satellites frontman) with openers The Damnwells and Wednesday, May 1 the legendary Johnnie Johnson (Chuck Berry's piano man) and band featuring Jimmy Vivino. Adam Roth opens. Tue $12 and Wed $20. The Zipper is a really great venue in case I forgot to mention it!!

Entered at Tue Apr 30 18:44:37 CEST 2002 from dialup-63.210.112.64.dial1.losangeles1.level3.net (63.210.112.64)

J Quest

Subject: put your hands on the radio

Ray is right: RR will be on the NPR LA affiliate - KCRW at 11am West Coast time. He is right again that KCRW is widely available, globally. The guy, Nic Harcourt, normally has his guests in the studio with him. Its kinda the exreme-cool station for grown ups for LA, and I'm certain RR knows what he is getting himself into - we may hear something new & live.. Thanks Ray. Cheers JQ

Entered at Tue Apr 30 18:34:34 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

johnny the bone

Subject: aka Long Distance Operator

Howdy folks! I have attached a link to my weekly column for Planet 42 above. I have inserted three subtle references to the Band in the body of the piece. I can't help myself! Hope you enjoy. -LDO

Entered at Tue Apr 30 18:28:37 CEST 2002 from (38.201.148.3)

Jay

Subject: Solo Session Work - Thanks, Peter

Peter - Thanks for the input. Given the sheer volume of listings in the discography section, I was hoping for a little help separating the wheat from the chaffe. And to focus my initial search, I decided to look first for "prominent" vocal appearances by Levon, Rick or Richard (sadly, the bonus track on the Clapton album is all I've been able to uncover), and "solo" work by Garth on various artists albums. I have discovered some very interesting stuff through that search (WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN, WHITE MANSIONS/JESSE JAMES and LARGO come immediately to mind), plus reacquainted myself with a few old favorites (like John Sebastian). I do look forward to digging deeper and discovering some other artists in the process. Again, thanks for your input and your always valuable contributions to the discourse in the Guestbook.

As a quick aside on the missing Levon single sides, "Working In The Coal Mine" and "Summertime Blues" certainly would have made nice bonus tracks on the Edsel reissues of AMERICAN SON and LEVON HELM (1982), respectively. "Working In The Coal Mine" could also have been a great bonus track on the COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER soundtrack reissue. Those opportunities having been missed, I fear that these two tracks will be lost to the dustbin of history. If anyone can help me locate either, I would be greatly indebted. Both seem like naturals for Levon's voice.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 18:13:22 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Interestingly enough, the very next review is of John Cale's "Vintage Violence" - written by Ed Ward this time. Ward really likes it, and gives a positive nod to the excellent playing by Grinder's Switch - a band that included ex-Hawks Stan Szelest and Sandy Konikoff.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 17:07:36 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Here's the link for today's appearance: http://www.kcrw.com/show/mb

Entered at Tue Apr 30 17:05:00 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Subject: Robbie on KCRW-FM today

I just heard that Robbie will be speaking (live, I think) on KCRW, the NPR station in Santa Monica, CA, this afternoon, 11 AM Pacific time, in relation to Last Waltz. As far as I know KCRW is available to everyone on the internet; I get it out here in Kansas. I'll be teaching when this is happening but maybe someone out there can record it in some way for preservation on this fine website.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 16:47:44 CEST 2002 from proxy.martin.k12.nc.us (207.86.145.207)

Christy

I'm not crazy!! Since I got this new obsession with The Band, everyone at work thinks I've lost it. Judging by you guys, I'm normal! or at least one of the crazy bunch! Haven't seen the new TLW. I mean I am in rural eastern NC!!! I wonder why people take issue with Levon's assessment of HIS life. Jeez, he did LIVE it and can tell about however he wants to. Notice what a Southern gentleman he is. He's always friendly and the guests seem to defer naturally to him (except Joni and Neil) who, as I see, are the least favored anyway! I think he's probably gotten an unfair shake by being labeled "hot-headed" and "stubborn" and "bitter". I wish I could meet him myself to form an accurate opinion. I'm sure someone will tell me theirs if they disagree.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 14:28:37 CEST 2002 from host-65.subnet-76.med.umich.edu (141.214.76.65)

Steve Knowlton

Subject: Robert Christgau comments on the Band

Robert Christgau, "The Dean of American Rock Critics", finally has a web page up, and you can read his pithy comments on literally thousands of records released since 1969. The link is to his reviews of the Band's records.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 13:25:52 CEST 2002 from (193.203.142.236)

Hank

Did'ja ever notice there's one effect TLW had on all star gigs in general (or gigs where lotsa local musos show up at for charities or whatever)?........singing "I Shall be Released" at the end of the night......like a national anthem.....At one of the "Secret Policemens Balls" during the early '80ies Sting, Clapton, Jeff Beck 'n' all sing and play it........I've been at loadsa gigs where it's the end of the night song......I performed it at the funeral of a musician once.......Last night, the band who played next door to my regular Monday night gig finished up a six-year residency.....so of course Ray and I went in and jammed with 'em......what song did they finish with?

Punk rock, eh?........Why, our own RR, in hyping TLW, mentioned, during interviews, how Martin Scorcese had an interest in NYC punk bands.....Punk rock......Legs McNeil started it, right?...."Please Kill Me"........what started out as a genuine NYC artistic/musical phenomenon (Patti Smith, Ramones, Television, Talking Heads et al) was hi-jacked by the fashion industry.......who then sold it to the Record Industry......... who sold it to MTV and.....and.....and.......and (excuse me, let me finish!) and.....and is the reason for most of the bad music and fashions we've been seeing and hearing since! The way British Punk Rock was sold to the world can be seen plainly in "The Great Rock'n'Roll Swindle".......it was a rip off that took the power from youthful musicians, singers and songwriters and placed it in the hands of the media, publicists and record companies..........

Now, don't get me wrong, folks.......there's many what you could call punk songs and bands I liked.....and seeing I was 14 living in Ireland in 1977, with access to The NME and The Melody Maker, not to mention all the tabloids.........but you could see everybody getting ripped off........Punk really unleashed the demons into the music world.....and those who took it to heart in more recent times like Kurt Cobain......look what happened to him......and The Stones had predicted it with "It's Only Rock'n'Roll" in '74 "If I could stick a knife in my heart......suicide right on the stage"...........and it was obvious even then that most of these so called punks were suburban wanna-be pussycats who wanted to shock their parents........not ONE of them would stand up to the likes of early rockers like Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee or Ronnie Hawkins........and the disrespect for the past that was promoted by British Punk, in particular, was totally bullshit.......this so called "stalinist" attitude......I mean, who's scarier when they sing.....Howlin' Wolf or Sid Vicious?

Don't start me to talkin and, anyway, in 1977, I was interested in hearing and reading about a gig in San Francisco the previous Thanksgiving where..........oh, well.....you know........

Entered at Tue Apr 30 10:48:29 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-144.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.144)

Peter Viney

WARNING: There are a lot of e-mails with enclosures bouncing around that purport to come from various contributors to the Guestbook. They don’t. They enclose enclosures that should be deleted at once without opening. This morning, I got two that said “RETURNED MAIL FROM VINEY – unable to deliver. Open and check” – they were not from me or from my server and were in the same type-face and narrow measure as all the rubbish going around. Someone somewhere is desperate to spread this virus / worm or whatever and looking around the GB to do so. From what I can see many emanate from Norway, others were via New Zealand.

If I e-mail anyone here, there will be no enclosures unless by prior arrangment. It will be a straightforward text e-mail. I suggest that everyone is cautious. Eleven Africans this morning too.

Jay- you’ll find everything you’re looking for under discography on the site. There’s a list for each Band member’s solo appearances. You’re right to restrict your search to “prominent” solo appearances. In a lot of sessions it would be impossible to tell who was playing drums or the two bars on the accordion. But there are plenty with more obvious contributions – e.g. for Levon, with Los Lobos “The Neighbourhood”- two vocals, for example, or Michelle Shocked “Arkansas Traveller” – one duet., but you’ll find a long list of sit-ins, and many not worth tracking down. Some are plain awful - I tracked down Joe Cocker’s “I Heard It through the Grapevine” (on Luxury You Can Afford)because Rick played bass on it, and it’s a great tune for bass players. Unfortunately the combination of star players – Rick Danko, Richard Tee, Steve Gadd, Dr John, Allen Toussaint, Billy Preston, Jimmy Johnson, Roger Hawkins – produces a truly embarassing album. Cocker’s version of “Grapevine”is breathless, tuneless, mindless and nearly hopeless and Rick’s bass playing, while the best thing on the track, is far inferior to the Marvin Gaye version. Anyway, it’s fun trying and you’ll discover some great albums by artists you didn’t know (or at least I did), but also a great deal of mediocre stuff where they may have done a casual session on one track.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 10:39:42 CEST 2002 from spider-wg043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.38)

Joe

Hey! That's a great pic of Pat and Levon. Levon has that Mike Tyson stare...Like he's gettin' ready to bite you Pat!! (LOL)

Entered at Tue Apr 30 09:01:34 CEST 2002 from sqd104.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.162.4)

Fred

Subject: Woodstock...Ontario

Peter V.: I also got one of those "Nigerian style e-mails" from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada...funny i don't know anyone from there although i drove through the place in the 1970s!! and $25 million Canadian dollars doesn't that work out to a little over $10US!!!! I can joke about this as I am Canadian and I am old enough to remember a time when our dollar was stronger than the American dollar (briefly)!!

i also got an e-mail from one of my African "associates", about a month or so ago that was entitled "Peter Viney"..needless to say it was from Nigeria!!

Back to listening to the Last Waltz...by the way after joni Mitchell finishes "furry" you can hear somone yell "MORE"..is that Rollie who I believe was actually at The Last Waltz?!?!? Just curious?

Entered at Tue Apr 30 08:38:46 CEST 2002 from spider-wd042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.167)

Ben Pike

Some reviews of TLW (original concert) said that Neil Dimond got some sarcastic cat calls from the crowd and some called for "Song Sung Blue." Fairly or unfairly, Dimond's presence will always be a sort of metaphore for the Square turning up among the hip. He probably did the "Beautiful Noise" album, with Robbie's name so prominent on the cover, to give him some street cred. After that, he probably decided after that that it was hopeless and just gave in to being a touchstone for the corny. And Yet, Sir Lawarence Oliver, who worked with him in "The Jazz Singer" claimed he was one of the most dynamic actors he had ever worked with. NOT!!!

Entered at Tue Apr 30 07:18:13 CEST 2002 from 1cust201.tnt2.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.226.51.201)

rollie

My favorite pic so far of Anita is the one where the sword is sticking thru her head as she plays "Genetic Method" on the keys. Great Band tie in!

Entered at Tue Apr 30 07:09:26 CEST 2002 from 1cust201.tnt2.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.226.51.201)

rollie

Ok,Ok Anita! Loved that homepage!!!!!! Sign me up for some stem ware!!!!!!!

Entered at Tue Apr 30 04:56:01 CEST 2002 from spider-wa041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.36)

Jay

Subject: The Band Solo Material

Longtime reader and incredibly infrequent poster, but major Band obsessive. Sorry for the intrusion and thanks in advance for any information.

For the past couple of months, after having obtained all of the guys solo albums (save, of course, for the impossible OUR LADY QUEEN OF THE ANGELS) and while impatiently waiting for The Last Waltz re-release, I've been busying myself trying to track down "solo" material from Levon, Rick, Richard and Garth that does not appear on their solo albums (wish Richard did have a solo album). Anyway, I've restricted myself to prominent solo or duet vocal appearances. I have come up with the following list and would appreciate input on whether I've missed anything falling within that category:

LEVON

Coal Miner's Daughter - OST

The Legend of Jesse James - VA

Will The Circle Be Unbroken - VA

Staying Together - OST

Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band - VA

Out On The Street - John Simon

No Little Boy - John Martyn

Tar Beach - John Sebastian

You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone - Muddy Waters Tribute Band

Largo - VA

River of Song - OST

RICK

No Reason To Cry - Eric Clapton

Best of Mountain Stage v.1

Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band - VA

Out On The Street - John Simon

Bring It On Home, v.1 - VA

Bring It On Home, v.2 - VA

RICHARD

No Reason To Cry (remaster) - Eric Clapton

GARTH (the one exception to the vocal requirement)

Stay Awake - VA

Largo - VA

If I may ask, I would appreciate information on any albums that might have missed that fit my criteria. Also, if anyone knows of anywhere to get Levon's single-only sides "Working In The Coalmine" and "Summertime", I'd love to get to hear those two covers. Unfortunately, the copy of the Blue Moon of Kentucky" single I ordered through GEMM was the double A-sided promo version!\/n

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jay

Entered at Tue Apr 30 04:15:56 CEST 2002 from e66.goes.com (208.240.209.66)

Potsy

To get right to the point I find Wilko's new album a bit limp and greatly overated, I forget the name of the meloncoly track but it reminds me of bad Radiohead. And though I don't really care for all of summerteeth, I loved Being There and the Woody Guthrie stuff. Airline to heaven from the Jesus' Son soundtrack is one of my favorites. Right now Ryan Adams is head and shouders above everyone in the rock field. What a beautiful singer with a much wider pallette than say a Jeff Tweedy or an Aimee Mann(yuck). Adam's songs are poetry that seem to flow out of him with a natural ease. Anyway TLW box set is a must if only for the rollicking versions of This Wheel's on Fire and Rag Mama Rag, what a shame these didn't make the film. Robbie's playing on This Wheel is one of a kind and Levon's playing and singing on Rag Mama from the show builds to an awesome climax that Garth puts a cherry on with some lovelty ragtime like playing at the end. Sure would be nice to see it. The overall sound is much better and easily noticed even on the studio tracks especilly Evangeline. Robbie sure did hit the nail on the head when he penned that one, or was it Levon. Just kidding. Hope I didn't open up a can of worms with that comment.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 03:36:07 CEST 2002 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Subject: Dennis St John

I can't remember exactly why but a few years ago I came to the conclusion that it was not St John playing the drums but Alan Lindgreen (from Diamonds band) playing the piano. Maybe I saw Richards distinctive jacket behind a set of drums. There again maybe Levon stormed off the stage and St John took over. More likely an explanation is that Lindgreen was Neil Diamonds musical director so was brought along to ensure things went smoothly and to provide the piano part (Richard may not have been completely with it at this stage).

Entered at Tue Apr 30 02:53:41 CEST 2002 from ottawa-dial-64-26-139-194.d-ip.magma.ca (64.26.139.194)

9thline

Subject: TLW

Peter: Not all dismissals of "Dry Your Eyes" are due to Levon's book. People have been using that cut for relief since the film was first released.

For all of you who know so much about TLW- What is the significance of the ubiquitous bottle/can of Orange Crush that appears in many of the interviews? The bottles appear full. No-one appears to drink them (I doubt any of the Band except possibly RR would be drinking it). Was Scorcese getting a piece from OC? I am not a fan of Scorcese's films, but noticed that on "The King of Comedy" many of the scenes feature cans of Sprite and Coke (Same parent company as OC). Was this a subliminal message (or blatant ad) to go to the concession stand? Inquiring minds need to know. What about the Band's connection to REM and their song "Orange Crush". Coincidence? I think not.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 01:55:24 CEST 2002 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.101.7)

Norbert

Hey Ilkka ;-)

Entered at Tue Apr 30 01:15:34 CEST 2002 from proxy.infonet.by (62.32.33.9)

Anita

Subject: My home page :-)

Entered at Tue Apr 30 00:59:13 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: Misc.

Butch Dener...you are the man! Thanks bro.

Pat Brennan: Great picture. That's from '83..?..man Levon looks young for 43...I guess good livin' and lots of sushi will do that for ya :)

Popped in The Basement Tapes for Bessie Smith...what a great tune. Robbie's voice sounds great. I don't have Across The Great Divide but I imagine it's a different cut...Maybe the seperation helps a bit. I tell you that the thing that has always kills me is that I've never heard Rick sing poorly. His part is unbelievable throughout the whole song. Thanks for spurring me to throw it back in the cd player...must be Apple Suckling Time.

Speaking of apples...I'm originally from Upstate NY. More specifically West Henrietta. Get back every so often, I love being home. We were thinking about getting up to the Sacketts Harbour Festival June 15th....anyone ever been? Seems like a nice place to live too. Maybe I'll relocate if Levon will come through more than once every three years.

How about a rousing rally for more Chicago shows for Levon Helm and The Barnburners!!!!!!!

Entered at Tue Apr 30 00:56:44 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

Subject: Muddy Waters/Neil Diamond/Punk Rock/Pat

I would say that is a brilliant "trade-off"...Muddy Waters for Neil Diamond. Muddy Waters...the stage is absolutely HIS during that scene. I was overwhelmed by his performance. The Neil Diamond scene isn't my favorite, but not for any RR related reason. The first time I even knew Diamond existed was when he did the duet with Barbra Streisand..."You Don't Bring Me Flowers". That song was quite a big radio hit when I was about 11 or 12. A few years later when I saw TLW for the first time, Diamond's performance didn't revolt me, but it hardly sent shivers of delight up and down my spine. I guess that opinion has sort of stuck. I did find the Tin Pan Alley story interesting. I love that movie...there isn't anything about it that I find unappealing. Levon is a favorite of mine, but I hardly use his book as a reference for every decision I make. Life would get kind of dull if you looked to other people for all your thrills. Forming my own opinions is a favorite pastime of mine.

We had a great punk scene during the mid to late 80s in Dallas, Texas. We all hung out in a section of town called Deep Ellum...former Jack Ruby hang-out. I saw bands like...old timers...the Ramones and Iggy Pop. The Meat Puppets, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The New Bohemians, Fish Bone, Flaming Lips, plus all the local bands that never made it big...I saw these bands in rundown old warehouses...it was an amazing time. I think "punk" does mean something fresh and new...it has everything to do with youth, style, freedom...for alot of kids it is the first time to really be a part of something. The excitement of a music scene is contagious. Unfortunately many kids get lost in it because of drugs and alcohol. Anyway...I was trying to respond in a way to Steve Knowlton, even though I believe he is speaking of an earlier punk scene. I think that the effect of 80s punk on the music scene was that it led us directly into Grunge and what's now known as the Seattle sound.

Pat: Beautiful photo...Thanks.

Entered at Tue Apr 30 00:15:50 CEST 2002 from roc-66-66-184-69.rochester.rr.com (66.66.184.69)

Pepote Rouge (lew)

Subject: LOOKING

Would anyone be able to help me find a copy of the 1976 performance when The Band performed "in a station". Please this would be a great help. I love Richard and it would be a great privildge to get this show. Thanks, Lew

Entered at Mon Apr 29 23:55:15 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-168.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.168)

Peter Viney

Why is the review by Barney Hoskyns, assuming that it is by him, credited to “The Rev. Al Friston”? Mr Hoskyns is only mentioned in the e-mail link.

Also, what about The Rev Al. Friston’s aside that the TLW box set was financed by Paul Allen? (but thanks anyway, Paul, what an excellent use of wealth! I’m enjoying it. Why not finance a campaign to convert people to Macs next? That would be truly socially worthy.) Any truth in this story? So, why? So what?

Entered at Mon Apr 29 22:58:34 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Since Levon led the campaign to make sure Muddy Waters made it into TLW, one could assume that it was mainly through his good graces that Muddy's sidemen, Pinetop Perkins and Bob Margolin, were also included. Adding Paul Butterfield to the mix was like icing on the cake. I'd say that's a pretty good trade-off for Neil Diamond.

Muddy's song "Mannish Boy" is his classic retort to Bo Diddley's "I'm A Man" -- sort of a game of one-upmanship in playful male braggadocio.

In a side note-- The Rolling Stones, who took their name from an earlier song of Muddy's, recorded a decent version of "Mannish Boy" in 1977, live at the El Macombo club in Toronto. Shortly after that gig, Keith Richards was busted and narrowly avoided a temporary "last waltz" to his own career and possibly to that of Stones also.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 22:57:09 CEST 2002 from 24-196-235-53.charter-georgia.com (24.196.235.53)

DP

Subject: Basement Tapes

Listening today to Across the Great Divide CD #3, the cut "Bessie Smith", truly never realized that the lead is actually sung by Robbie, with Rick backing him up. Also, noticed that the credit for the writing of the song also goes to Rick and Robbie. Besides Out of the Blue and The Last Waltz, I am always pleasantly surprised when Robbie does do some of the singing. From this side of the crater, Robbie's voice has never been a distraction, any takers to this point.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 22:37:32 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Mon Apr 29 22:11:47 CEST 2002 from host-65.subnet-76.med.umich.edu (141.214.76.65)

Steve Knowlton

Subject: Reviewers' odd choices

Since the topic of reviewers has come around again (sort of), here's something I forgot to mention last week.

Jim DeRogatis turned in a harsh dismissal of TLW as "the reason punk had to happen." Yet if you read his collection of "The Great Albums" columns, he lists both Jethro Tull and Rush in his favorites. Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't these album-long suites/concept albums producers a lot more oppressively windy than anything by The Band?

While I'm on the topic of "why punk had to happen", does it seem like the critical consensus about punk is that it "blew open the doors of rock music to fresh new ideas", blah blah blah, and yet if you look at the charts from two or three years later, the big sellers are groups like Asia, Foreigner, Christopher Cross... so what exactly was the effect of punk on the overall music scene... aside from launching the careers of Elvis Costello and a few others?

Also, I noticed there's no credit in the movie for one of the guys who appears the most: the guitar roadie. Any idea who he is?

Entered at Mon Apr 29 22:11:47 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool34-24.nas1.cincinnati1.oh.us.da.qwest.net (63.232.34.24)

Jenny T

Subject: Thanks to Susan and Dirty Dan/Linda R

The amazing thing about this website is that you can ask about even the most obscure group or any song and someone will know all about it. Susan--that sounds like quite a collection!

Here's another question: Speaking of Linda Ronstadt (someone was) why is she never on the radio anymore? I heard You're No Good the other day and almost fell out of my chair. That was a great song.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 22:10:57 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Mon Apr 29 21:52:33 CEST 2002 from pub24.lrc.swt.edu (147.26.108.138)

Pehr

Subject: hoskyns review

just went over Hoskyn's bitter review of the box set. give him a table with Roger Ebert. Nice shot of you and Levon Pat B.

Well Neil Diamond isn't that bad, etc., and is all justified in being there, but it still a great pee break. Some people dont like the Poets. I love that stuff. For me, it'll always be Neil D as the halftime show.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 21:27:41 CEST 2002 from 64-80-53-63-access.surferz.net (64.80.53.63)

Diamond Lil

Ilkka: My heart too goes out to the families and friends of all those innocent people killed at the school in Germany. I was going to post this yesterday, but last time I mentioned something "news related" I got hit with a few very nasty e-mails.
People are people, and whether it be a tragedy in the US or elsewhere, I still have a hard time accepting the deaths of innocent people by violence. Somehow I hope that things..everywhere.. will get better.

Just drove for 5 hours in the pouring rain and a call too close for comfort with an 18-wheeler. Am clicking my heels and saying "there's no place like home". Have a good evening everyone.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 21:12:53 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-110.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.110)

Peter Viney

Many thanks to David for the information here on why twin drummers were used. I'd forgotten that Garth was also on the original, making even more sense of the choice of song and the line-up. Re-reading Levon on TLW, it strikes me that Neil Diamond was serving as the focus for his generalized anger, and that a lot of the automatic dismissals of 'Dry Your Eyes' is based on this account.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 19:59:00 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I think the reason why Neil Diamond brought his drummer, Dennis St. John, along to The Last Waltz was because the song he performed called for two drummers. The original version of "Dry Your Eyes" on the "Beautiful Noise" album featured both Mr. St. John and the great Jim Keltner on drums. This allowed one drummer to maintain the slow dirge-like cadence, presumably St. John, while Mr. Keltner added accents on the snare. From this standpoint it made sense to use Dennis St. John in conjunction with Levon.

"Dry Your Eyes", of course was the one song on "Beautiful Noise" on which Mr. Diamond shared writing credits with Robbie Robertson. On the recorded version, Garth also joined Robertson & Diamond, adding his trademark Lowery organ. The song also feautured another familiar name, Bob Boucher on bass, who also played on Jesse Winchester's first album which Robbie also produced.

It's interesting to note that Dennis St. John, after playing with Neil Diamond for a decade, both on the road and in the studio, reportedly had a falling out with Mr. Diamond in 1981. His replacement was no less a drummer than Ron Tutt, who had been a member of Elvis' TCB band.

Dennis St. John, along with his colleague, bassist Emory Gordy, Jr., were fixtures on the Atlanta music scene in the '60s before they both went on to national prominence. Mr. Gordy, at one time, has played with almost everyone, including Neil Diamond, Elvis, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, just to name a few. In addition to his extensive session work, he has become one of the top producers in Nashville. Among the artists he works with is his wife, Patti Lovelace.

I can't recall seeing too much about Dennis St. John since he left Neil Daimond's employ. He did a lot of session work in the '70s. He played on Linda Ronstadt's fine "Don't Cry Now" album (1974?), most notably on her cover of "Desperado". He also played on Eric Andersen's 1975 album "Be True To You".

I first remember seeing Dennis St. John back in the '60s with his great Atlanta band, St. John and the Cardinals. Unlike the current group of Cardinals, who have been in the news lately, Dennis St. John and his contingent firmly maintained their foundation on the rock. They would often backup big name artists like Roy Orbison and Otis Redding when they came to Atlanta. All these years later, I seem to be one of the few people who were glad to see him appear at The Last Waltz. It sort of brought things full circle, musically, for me; from one of the first local bands I ever saw play, to the last gig of my all-time favorite group.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 19:31:16 CEST 2002 from ppp-4-71.5800-14.telinco.net (212.1.151.71)

Al Edge

Apologies llkka - no disrespect intended to your sad post. I didn't see it before I posted - tuning into the flippancy before yours.

May those poor souls rest in peace.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 19:23:11 CEST 2002 from ppp-4-71.5800-14.telinco.net (212.1.151.71)

Al Edge

Subject: Oops

Sorry Steve - it was Paul Simon - he wrote 'Homeward Bound' while sat on Widnes railway station during his less auspicious pre-Art G period. Actually looking out on the station now thro our office window with the wind howling, the rain sheeting down and the starlings crapping as if there's no tomorrow I think I can sort of empathise with why the poor bugger wrote the thing.

Kerry - kindly fu...er...refrain if you'd be so kind please dear - still hurting badly!!! Of course the missus reckons it's just a bit of codology on my part and I should remember we're still in third plaice. Fact is tho I'm still gutted!!!

: o )

RE this Neil Diamond stuff. Has nobody else sussed the real reason why he was on? It was RR's mystery jewel link binding the whole Waltz thing together - Neil DIAMOND, Jack RUBY, Ronnie Wood [PRECIOUS STONE], Van the Man [EMERALD Isle], Ringo [whacking great SAPPHIRE ring], Interval sweets [OPAL fruits]

Come on you people - read between the lines. Pleeeeease!!

Al Edge - [off home to re-lick his wounds]

Entered at Mon Apr 29 18:58:55 CEST 2002 from du28-3.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.3.28)

Ilkka

Subject: Crystal (please see the messages after Anita's post on Sunday)

This a serious (very sad) message, nothing to do with The Band.

I have read humorous posts about CRYSTAL FROM THE HEART OF EUROPE. Crabgrass made me smile bitterly, as always. - However I have cried. Why?
1) Crystal from The Heart of Europe made me remember the Crystal Night in the 30s when the Nazis made their mean crimes.
2) Crystal from The Heart of Europe makes me remember the murders in Erfurt, Germany for only some time ago. - We have seen posts from DIAMOND LIL, DAVID POWELL (and other caring people) about the school violence in the US in this gb. Now it has happened in Europe: 13 teachers, two teen aged school girls and one police officer have been murdered by a youngster in a school in Germany. - I use to work from time to time as a half-time teacher on a high school and I have looked at a Mauser pistol two inches from my forehead at a school. I can assure that the time stands VERY still in that moment. - My prayers go to the victims at the Gutenberg Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany.
God bless the guestbook community - and if you don't believe in Him - stay close to your love ones, stay forever young. (My link is the gb vCard.)

Entered at Mon Apr 29 18:49:54 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-152.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.152)

Peter Viney

I thought the ultimate collectable was the set of dressed dolls. Mind you, I believe they're actually unsold New Kids On The Block dolls with beards stuck on. My Levon doll looks a bit like that Wahlberg guy and the plaid shirt looks as if it's been painted on.

Just received a Nigerian style e-mail purporting to come from Canada! And it mentions Woodstock. That's a new one to join Togo, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. Only $25 million too.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 18:18:08 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: glass eye? glass eye? (hair lip! hair lip!)

Damn, Lil, I AM jealous. And here I thought my "TLW Production Crew Bobble-Head Doll" collection was the pentultimate in Band collectables. BTW, I still need one more Gaffer to complete the collection - someone email me if want to trade, as I have way too many Best Boys and Key Grips.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 17:12:03 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Mon Apr 29 15:25:10 CEST 2002 from 64-80-53-193-static.surferz.net (64.80.53.193)

Crystal Lil

Have a good day everyone. I'm driving up to Watkins Glen today and I think I'll take the Brown album along for the ride. Got a hankering to hear 'Up on Crystal Creek". Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 15:14:55 CEST 2002 from stx32.library.uiuc.edu (130.126.32.133)

Susan

I just heard "Life Is A Carnival" as 'please stay on the line" music during a call to my doctor's office. The basic horn lines were the same, but the vocal lines were mostly replaced by flutes. There was some skating-rink organ underneath and a bright, chirpy quality to the whole thing. I got to hear it all, and more besides that.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 15:13:58 CEST 2002 from host-65.subnet-76.med.umich.edu (141.214.76.65)

Steve Knowlton

Subject: WIDNES

Some time ago Al Edge posted a quiz, the answer to which was a rock star from Widnes. Did the answer ever appear?

Entered at Mon Apr 29 15:07:45 CEST 2002 from host-65-164-8-8.co.erie.ny.us (65.164.8.8)

G-Man

I heard a Band mate stumbled into a table at Robbie's and broke some crystal! Robbie had a vision,,and came up with the lyrics to, "Dry Your Eyes"!

Entered at Mon Apr 29 14:13:20 CEST 2002 from (152.71.43.154)

Kerry

Subject: tableware

How else are they going to be drinking Strawberry Wine? We are talking goblets, in a renaissance style, for the discerning rock star. After the success of the edited guestbook publication, we should now be commissioning Band member replica TLW statuettes. And crystal Levon drum sticks. And 3D multi-faceted Bearded Garth figurines. IN this way, we demonstrate the good taste and sophistication of Band enthusiasts everywhere. Plus there could be little diamante buckets and stools, to represent anyone who we think has been milking it.

to Al: Spurs! Oh dear. Ever thought of supporting Everton? Stockport? I'm a Grimsby Town fan, and until you've seen them play, you can't imagine the quality. It's that good. Still, you'll have noticed that earlier in the season.... Sing when we're fishing... we only sing...

Kerry

Entered at Mon Apr 29 12:35:20 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-155.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.155)

Peter Viney

I'm not sure I agree. We need Hank's advice here, but in the early period they were probably using Waterford Crystal, ensuring a rootsy Irish influence. You get a definite change when they get to California and start depending on inferior Far Eastern crystal tableware. This is a topic that has been under-explored here and we should be grateful to Anita for bringing it to ourt attention. My short essay "Venetian glassware and When I Paint My Masterpiece" will soon be completed.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 11:58:31 CEST 2002 from 1cust101.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.101)

Crabgrass

Subject: Crystal Stemware

I'd say the opposite is more likely - that it may have been The Band's use of crystal stemware which had an adverse effect on their output to some degree.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 09:30:54 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-te024.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.159)

Ben Pike

YET this begs the question.... how did the dropoff in quality around the time of Cahoots effect the boy's use of crystal stemware?

Entered at Mon Apr 29 07:21:28 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-005castocp0876.dialsprint.net (63.187.43.114)

rollie

Now, I have seen it all!

Entered at Mon Apr 29 06:39:07 CEST 2002 from 1cust187.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.187)

Crabgrass

Subject: Crystal Store

Anita: Thanks so much for the Algerd Crystal Store site link - beautiful stuff! I anticipate placing a large order next payday but am having difficulty deciding which designs would go best with Early Orange Crate.

I found your brief post to be a most welcome oasis in a seeming desert of Favorite Last Waltz Moments and Performers Who Sucked.

Welcome to the GB!!

Entered at Mon Apr 29 06:14:23 CEST 2002 from st-catherines-ppp112531.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.160)

Richard

Subject: Inspirational Sport Statues

Hey Rollie! How about "Jesus Inspirational Sport Statues" for the discriminating Catholic sports nut?

Entered at Mon Apr 29 05:44:45 CEST 2002 from 1cust44.tnt2.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.226.51.44)

rollie

Now I know how Butch must have felt! Who in the hell is this Anita and how in the hell does this crap tie into the Band? Call me anarchistic, lefty whatever the F__K! but could we please do away with the crystal , vases, decanters stemware shite!!!??? Oi vay!:)

Entered at Mon Apr 29 04:51:03 CEST 2002 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Subject: Dry Your Eyes

There's been some references here to Dry Your Eyes being a Robbie lyric. I've no reason to disagree but I also see some Robbie influence in the melody and arrangements. The key change for example is similiar to the one in Hobo Jungle which The Band recorded aroud the same time. I can't think of any other key changes in Band songs which makes me think it was something Robbie tried once, liked it, and used again. Diamonds perfomance is OK and is actually the reason I went to see TLW all those years ago.

Entered at Mon Apr 29 03:25:29 CEST 2002 from adsl-61-133-33.rdu.bellsouth.net (208.61.133.33)

Bones

It's interesting to now hear the added verse in "Forever Young" and Ron Wood's guitar solo in the "I Shall Be Released" finale.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 23:30:16 CEST 2002 from spider-te072.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.207)

Bayou Sam

Still there huh?

Hey, I heard a hilarious take-off on the song "Old Time Religion" today on the radio called "On-Line Religion". Very funny tune.

Geez - Neil Diamond is getting the crap beat out of him in here more than ever. Did some of you folks hate him this much before it was deemed that he "didn't belong" at TLW? Even though "Dry Your Eyes" is not one of my favorite ND tunes, I like some of his music a lot.

I haven't had the pleasure of picking up the re-release (or is it the re-re-release?), I did get the new Neil Young CD though and I agree with the poster who said that it has been kind of unfairly bashed. I think it's pretty good.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 22:34:56 CEST 2002 from dialup-166.90.87.77.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.87.77)

Pat Brennan

Subject: CLW source?

Mattk said everything that needed to be said concerning the "milking" process.

I had heard (perhaps from myself) that the source of the CLW was Garth's monitor mix.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 21:54:10 CEST 2002 from pcp01386495pcs.walngs01.pa.comcast.net (68.81.88.87)

Neil

Subject: King Biscuit/Washington '76

Mike had said:

"the 76 DC (King Biscuit) show needs to be released in it's entirety on cd"

Which makes me wonder... I have two different CDs of the show, and was going to edit the different tracks back together. There's still some tracks that are vinyl/tape only: Twilight, Forbidden Fruit and This Wheel's On Fire which I don't have. Can anyone get them to me somehow? (Naturally I'd be happy to share the fruits of my labours.)

Worth a shot - thanks!!

Entered at Sun Apr 28 20:58:12 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-007.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.7)

Peter Viney

For the record: While I agree with Matt’s points about Robbie, he also performed “I Shall be released” as the closer to Agrigento- though the tape seems to be from two shows. There’s the basic show starting with Ghost dance (as it is on the off-TV videotape) then another two tracks on the tape- a different Ghost dance + I Shall Be Released. Don’t know if there were two shows or one. There are also a few more TV guest shots (but not with Band material)

Rollie: I can’t be accused of having had an original thought here. Levon’s book says “The momentum of the show had been lost halfway through Joni’s set.” I agree, “Coyote” is wonderful. Robbie has rescued the other two by brilliant remixing, but on ‘The Complete Last Waltz’ boot, ‘Shadows and Light’ does disappear up its own fundament and to quote the Record Collector review (May 02 issue), ‘(A) completely reworked Shadows and Light was beyond The Band’s capabilities, although they made much more of a fist of the more traditional ‘Furry sings the Blues.’

Other reviewers have picked out ‘Furry sings the Blues’ as the highlight of the added tracks – as I said a week ago, due to brilliant remixing. Peter Doggett in the Recortd Collector review picks out ‘a rampaging Wheel’s On Fire’ as the outstanding addition. I must say in a mood of support for the much-maligned Diamond, I put on the Bob Gaudio produced “Tennessee Moon” for a car trip today, but didn’t enjoy it as much as I used to, and soon returned to my Van compilation. Not bad, though. I can see how later Diamond works have hit his credibility, as there are some shockers in his discography, but back in 76? I mean his early hits were great radio pop, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The big pop success thing causes problems for a few artists. Cher? Cyndi Lauper? All fine singers with a great ear for material. Lauper’s contributions to Largo are outstanding. (I also heard both Cher and Cyndi Lauper today when my wife got fed up with yet more Van and we switched to another compilation with the above, Michelle Shocked, Toni Childs etc). In case you’re wondering, after a week of nothing else on the stereo, the TLW box set got vetoed before we started out.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 20:12:01 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: Cows Make Milk, Musicians Make Music

Well, hopefully I AM reiterating Bones' point in stating that RR, IMHO, has not "milked" The Band anymore than Garth, Rick, and Levon have/did. Richard probably didn't "milk" his Band legacy as much, but that's more about opportunity - the other four had an extra 16 years (14 in Rick's case) during which they were able to perform old Band material.

Still, when one considers that in his five solo performances (Seville, Argiente, SNL, NAMA, 2002 Winter Olympics), only in Seville and on SNL did he perform ANY Band songs (The Weight). Otherwise, other than performing "Dixie" with John Simon on GMA, Robbie has only performed the old material on-stage at the RRHOF induction - which is inevitable since it was The Band's induction, and 3/5ths of the original lineup were performing. I don't know what the setlist was when Levon and Robbie played together that one time post-TLW - but since it was LEVON's gig, one assumes the setlist was Levon's call, not Robbie's.

Outside of performing, if one looks at the 26 years that have elapsed since TLW was performed, Robbie was presumably concerned with Band material for:

Two years in the 1970s(1976 - 1978 for the TLW movie and Islands);

One year in the 1990s (I'm generously rounding up by lumping "The Weight" at Seville, the "Coming Home" video, and the "Classic Albums" documentary - the last two included Rick's, Garth's, and/or Levon's participation as well);

Two years from 2000 - 2002 for the reissues + the new TLW remastering.

Added up, RR has spent something less than five years of his post TLW - or a bit less than 20% - career doing anything remotely Band-Related. 80% of that time was spent on film work and solo releases (with his soundtrack work including NO Band material whatsoever, except a remix of "Out of the Blue" for "Any Given Sunday").

While Donald seems to want to minimize RR's solo output, in truth, he has spent the better part of 16 years (equal to his time in The Band/Hawks) working on solo recordings in one fashion or another, none of which included old material.

Perhaps he's tempted to claim RR's four solo records as being generally acknowledged as "worthless" (as some here often do). Such generalizations, of course, are silly, as there are any number of us who are very enamored with his solo efforts (myself among them, especially the two Native American albums, but also his eponymous debut, which is the touchstone that led me directly to the music of The Band).

By comparison, it's only been in the last 3 years that Levon has avoided playing/performing old Band material at most shows, and some of that is due to his throat cancer robbing him of his ability to sing (which is a tragedy). Rick loved the old material, and always made it a part of seemingly every performance, including (as I understand it) most of the Danko/ Fjeld/ Andersen shows. Richard also made the old material a centerpeice of his 10-year post TLW career. Garth, outside of RR, has ventured the furthest from his Band legacy in both his solo work, and various projects with The Call, Mercury Rev, etc.

Certainly no one begrudges the fact that Levon, Rick, Richard and Garth kept the original group's material as a centerpeice in their musical lives. Who could blame them? While they certainly loved the music itself, it wasn't a charity venture to re-form as The Band. Given the dearth of original material written by the actual reforming members, and the omnipresence of the original group's material in the reformed group's shows, evidence suggests they got far more mileage out of the "legacy of the Band" than RR did, at least in terms of performance. Still, I think a relative few would say they were "milking it."

Has RR benefitted professionally from his work in The Band? Of course! How else COULD it be when you've been blessed to be a member of one of rock's seminal groups? Could we say any different of the other four members? Levon and Garth in particular, deservedly, enjoy great respect and admiration for their abilities as a drummer and keyboardist (respectively) in their own right - backing other musicians' projects because of their mastery - as surely as RR has for his songwriting and guitar playing - which he too has provided to the benefit of other artists.

Regardless of their tremendous musical abilities as individuals, however, all five original members will ALWAYS be fundamentally rooted in their collective output from 1968 - 1976, and I don't think any of them would have wanted it any other way.

As far as RR's more recent efforts with the re-releases, how else would you have it? Most of us clamored for years to see the release of outtakes and alternates from the original sessions/concerts, improved clarity of sound, and a DVD of TLW. Does RR stand to gain financially from such work? Certainly - as surely as Rick, Levon, Richard and Garth sought to gain from re-forming in the 1980s and 1990s.

Is that "milking it?" If so, than RR is no more guilty of putting hand to teat than anyone else from the original lineup. Personally, I don't begrudge any of them ANY of it. Most of never experience the artistic transcendence these men enjoyed for the better part of eight years. If we did, I doubt few of us would avoid a little lactation from time to time.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 19:14:08 CEST 2002 from proxy.infonet.by (62.32.33.9)

Anita

Subject: thank

Algerd Crystal gift store offers customers wide range of crystal stemware, vases, bowls, decanters, crystal gifts from the heart of Europe

Entered at Sun Apr 28 16:09:03 CEST 2002 from 1cust187.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.187)

rollie

Alright Viney! You've gone too far now! Accusing Joni of "dropping the temperature" of the show!Come on, you saw that outfit!!! If the applause wasn't thunderous(save for the gal in front of me who can be heard plainly on the recording, shedding the remains of her vocal chords!!!) it was only because the women had all fainted , and the men were slack jawed!!! Gee willikers! I really liked "Coyote"!Funny thing though. At the time, I almost vomited when Neil Diamond came out and did his thing. In retrospect , I think the song fits, but only in the context of the movie, especially with the RR build up with that whole Tin Pan alley episode.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 11:36:26 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-039.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.39)

Peter Viney

Somewhere among all the recent reviews, Robbie is quoted as saying he's spoken with Bob Dylan, Van and Neil Diamond over the last week. Probably after they got copies of the box set. And he states clearly they are all good friends. Every review makes the obligatory cheap Neil Diamond quip. Easy to do. I've fallen into it myself (for which Ben Pike pulled me up recently). I admit I have wanted to flee screaming after being stuck 30 minutes in a shop with his recent Christmas album playing, but just give Dry Your Eyes a listen in context. It was Joni who dropped the temperature of the show, which was later rescued by Van. Neil Diamond's 'Dry your eyes' is pretty good. As I've played side two most, I begin to look forward to it. Listen without prejudice. It makes perfect sense in context, and it's a Robbie lyric which really does make a point he wants to get across. And they play it well.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 07:22:12 CEST 2002 from spider-wq073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.192)

Dave Z

Entered at Sun Apr 28 07:20:20 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Subject: Questions about the genealogy of The Last Waltz tapes

Some folks out there might be able to help me with these questions that I have as I'm listening to my Complete Last Waltz bootleg (still waiting for my order of the box set). Since the source for this tape is a soundboard tape, what exactly does that mean? Is that the same source for the remastered, cleaned up, overdubbed versions we have available now, or was there other recording going on that night? These may be incredibly ignorant questions, but on some of the songs I can hardly hear Robbie's guitar at all, while on others it's right up front. Other instruments drop out from time to time, too. It also could be that my tape is from a badly degraded source; I've never heard the CD bootleg.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 05:34:19 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-003ilchicp0874.dialsprint.net (63.184.147.112)

Susan

Subject: Be-Bop Deluxe

Ah, yes, Bill Nelson and Be-Bop Deluxe. This was the resident guitar player's favorite road music during the 80s, so I heard quite a bit. I don't remember the lyrics as being all that shocking, but I can only remember one line - "Sister seagull, you're the reason I survive" which sounds like a line from Donovan or Kansas, but trust me, has a setting unlike either of those. There's a song about 'The sleep that burns" also.

I just fished out the records and looked them over. Clearly I was not paying much attention to the lyrics, or possibly could not make them out, because some of the titles take one aback. Axe Victim, Dance Of The Uncle Sam Humanoids,, Panic In the World (I do sort of remember that one) Autosexual, Jet Silver and the Dolls of Venus, Electrical Language - oh yeah, I liked that one. " I sing to you in electrical language"

The music as I remember it is very bright and hard, but intricate and layered, like a spider's web of razor-edged metal. The vocals are brittle and sardonic. Bill Nelson was the guitar player and principal singer and writer in Be-Bop Deluxe, and he went on to release a number of solo albums that sound very much like the band.

Jenny, the album you remember with "Fair Exchange" is called Sunburst Finish, released in 1976. I count 17 albums in the Bill Nelson section of the milk crates we call our record storage. The first is dated 1974 - Axe Victim, with a charming cover of a skull with a guitar neck. The last is dated 1988 Chance Encounters in the Garden of Light, with a ficture of an angel sulpture and pentagrams and pyramids at the corners. Around 1980 the Be-Bop Deluxe titles cease, and Bill Nelson is the name on the cover.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 04:58:36 CEST 2002 from adsl-61-132-250.rdu.bellsouth.net (208.61.132.250)

Bones

Donald: You said you wanted to reiterate my point, but then you followed that up with saying that Robbie was "milking" the past. Not only was that NOT my point, but I clearly don't think that is true. Is Levon "milking" the past every time he went out and sang "The Weight"? Of course not. I don't believe Robbie is either. My point was I admired Robbie's affection for his old Band mates. He made a tape of just Garth playing for his own enjoyment. Maybe I'm just one of the few people here who still think of all five of them as a band of brothers.

Entered at Sun Apr 28 04:03:28 CEST 2002 from netcache-1115.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.222.132)

dirty dan from savannah

just picked up the last waltz box set and felt compelled to write. But first I must answer a question just posted from jenny. The Band connection with Mockingbird was that Robbie played lead guitar on it. It was on the Carly Simon Hotcakes lp back in 72 or 73. Dr john also played on it.The only unfortunate thing with the new Last waltz release is that they still included the Neil Diamond song. Dry Your Eyes.Neil opens by saying. I'm only going to do one song but I'm going to do it right. Well Neil its been 24 years and we are still waiting.Does anyone out there no how we can erase that tiny slice of history without recording the disc over and just omitting that one cut??? Anyway I'm still only on the second disc but must say so far that Robbie has done a fine job on the remix with the extended original versions and the other cuts we never got to hear. At least we won't have to hear how these cuts were tampered with seeing as how Robbie was the only one to have anything to do with it, and there is also almost no one left who can or will overdub their parts. Disc two has all the canadian stuff on it Neil young, Joni Mitchell Acadian Driftwood etc so I'll have to sign off ,look for a cold bottle of Labatts or Molson put the kids to bed and give another listen. ps I just recalled something that Bob Dylan was heard to say to Neil Diamond after Neil said to Bob backstage after he finished after his forgettable Dry your eyes performance. He said to Bob Try to top that! To which Bob said It will be easy. All I have to do is stay awake. Yeah ya just have to love Bob

Entered at Sun Apr 28 01:28:23 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool37-51.nas2.cincinnati1.oh.us.da.qwest.net (63.232.37.51)

Jenny T

Subject: Mockingbird/Bebop Deluxe

What is the connection between the Band and Mockingbird, I assume the Carly Simon/James Taylor hit version? Did they play on it?

Does anyone remember a band called Bebop Deluxe from the 70s? My across the street neighbor (who could play both Smoke on the Water AND Give a Little Bit on his guitar) had an album of theirs and I remember it being pretty good though I think some of the lyrics might have shocked my teenage ears. I remember in particular a song called Fair Exchange. Not to get away from TLW, but...

Entered at Sun Apr 28 00:24:50 CEST 2002 from dialup060-b.ts552.cwt.esat.net (193.203.157.60)

Hank

Subject: The Begining of the End of the End of the Begining of The Last Waltz

Well, folks, I've been absent because I've been all involved in releasing a new Open Kitchen album here in Ireland over the past few dazey days (see above link for preview)........but it's great reading all these LW reissue experiences......I've yet to see or hear any of the reissues........ but lemme tell you 'bout last Wednesday night, April 24th.......

Last Wednesday night we had a launch for our new album in a venue here in Cork City.......friends, relatives, partners, kids, local press/media, musical compatriots and running buddies.......listened to the album loud over the clubs sound system, played a short set....and then partied hard in various hostelries about the town......ended up in the drummers brothers house, who plays a mean squeez box, and sang and drank wine.......great fun......

.......'bout 4:30AM we put on TLW (a regular old VHS copy) and anyone who wasn't crashed out sat quietly and watched it 'till the sun came up, even tho' we've all seen it a million times and know every note and have argued about the overdubs and bad edits and all..............

I dunno.....made some sorta sense......

Thank you Levon, RR, Rick, Richard and Garth for the inspiration

Entered at Sat Apr 27 18:44:50 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-015.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.15)

Peter Viney

An excellent review of the box set is the first item in the new Record Collector (Hawkwind on the magazine cover), reviewed by Peter Doggett (Are you ready for the Country).

Entered at Sat Apr 27 18:39:57 CEST 2002 from 1cust165.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.165)

rollie

Subject: Hoskyns review

With all the shots taken at Hoskyns in the last year or so, is it any wonder he came up with such a review of the re-issued LW?

Entered at Sat Apr 27 13:14:40 CEST 2002 from zorg86.revealed.net (208.243.237.86)

Mike

Subject: TLW box set

Well, I picked up the box set Tuesday and FINALLY got a chance to listen Friday night. In fact, with so many personal things happening all week it wasn't easy to let it sit there unopened! But thats what happened. And beleieve me, it wasn't easy.

Well, good things come to those who wait. With a set like this, where does one start? Well, at the beginning? Like Alan Edge said, it does make a difference. Rick's (and The Band's for that matter) performance of "It Makes No Difference" is spot-on. There's a poignancy in his vocal that matches and magnifies the studio conterpart. As for a favorite moment? Well...Ophelia, Caravan, and Dixie are high on my list. As for Caravan, I'll never get over the two times Van sings "switch on your electric light" and Levon taps that cowbell. What a nice touch! And this set opens up the sound so all members can be heard. One big difference I noticed with this remix is that the drums and bass sound fatter. More punch and power. Hell, you'd think Levon and Rick were in San Fran not only swinging Coit Tower, but were going to topple the damned thing! My only lament is the omission of Georgia, King Harvest (from the concert) and the complete Genetic Method/Chest Fever. But I guess beggars can't be choosers :) Maybe they'll be on the box set that Robbie is planning. What a great set...I'll give it another listen.

Herbie Hancock, don't gripe ok? Just send your disc back and get a new one. It's just one those "goofs".

I forget who posted it but who cares if someone did request "4% Pantomime"? It'd have been nice to have Levon, Rick and Richard trade off on the song "live". I think the audience memebr just wanted to hear the song, that's all. Would've been nice though. And maybe the multi-tracks for "Smoke Signal" and "Strawberry Wine" from the ROA shows will be discovered and used on the box set. Also, the 76 DC (King Biscuit) show needs to be released in it's entirety on cd. I always wondered if Robbie knew of it's existence or rememebred it. Well, after reading it's mention in TLW booklet I no longer wonder. Hearing this box set makes me wish I had been there. Also, I'm looking forward to the DVD...Enough for now.

Mike

Entered at Sat Apr 27 09:20:57 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

Matthew Borins

Subject: Contact Info?

This is an amazing web site. It has been indispensible as I have tried to learn as much as I can about The Band in the months since I have discovered their music. Does anyone have any idea if/how I can reach the surviving members of the group? Also, it would be great to chat with other The Band enthusiasts from Toronto. You can e-mail me at mborins@rogers.com if you'd like to say hi or even if you'd like to say things other than hi. :)

Entered at Sat Apr 27 08:54:40 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

Long Distance Operator

Nice call, Bill. Maybe a rousing rendition of "If I Lose" would be in order, as well!

Entered at Sat Apr 27 07:57:25 CEST 2002 from spider-tk032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.187)

sam chaz

Subject: Neil vs. Neil

John W.; I found it quite interesting that you referred to Neil Young's music(caterwauling) as "acid inspired." It is widely known that Neil Young never even tried acid under orders from his doctor. Neil's doctor asked him if he ever did acid. Neil responded "No." Doctor: "Don't! With your past medical history you will probably either die or never come back to reality." Hence; Neil's hesitation to ever even try LSD. Other drugs....Well, he is a rock musician.

Entered at Sat Apr 27 07:14:40 CEST 2002 from spider-wk011.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.151)

Calvin

Subject: Robertson relation to the Band post 1978

Interesting perspective Donald, although I must admit I've always seen it as the complete opposite in that RR never even really talked about The Band until he got he first solo Grammy nomination. Other than the box set he had little to do with any Band recordings until he became a quite powerful soundtrack producer and Record Company Exec. I always saw it as proof of his gigantic ego that he ignored The Band until he felt he had made a name for himself, and a good deal of money to boot, at least inside the industry and then and only then did he return his attention towards The Band. Frankly I'd guess he made more money as the soundtrack producer of Shreck then he did from remastering all the albums other than TLW. Which BTW, I was able to see tonight at the Centrum in CLeveland. Magnificant, Utterly Magnificant.

Entered at Sat Apr 27 00:38:00 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Donald, I found your post to be incisive and provocative, and while it does not change the affection and respect I've had for the Band ever since I became a fan of LW more than 20 years ago, it does underscore a reality that affects our perception and reception of the expression and art we enjoy. All of our experiences of that expression/art take place within the way of life we call (or try to avoid calling) capitalism. LW is and always has been, on many levels, a commodity, and its status as a commodity changes with contexts, as you have rightly pointed out. To take it further, reviews of that commodity we call LW are commodities themselves, legitimately available only through the marketplace. Whether one is for or against LW, those responses get bought or left on the shelf like other products. Robertson has made a more than handsome living selling LW as a celebration, Helm, while not as comfortable as Robertson by a long shot, has offered his dissent in the marketplace as well.

This rather dry, but I hope not pompous, economic analysis isn't meant to cheapen LW. It is a product of my excessive time in educational institutions, in departments where theories (Freud, Marx) that will get a person either punched out or laughed off in the real world are the order of the day.

To say that LW is a commodity isn't to deny that for us consumers, some commodities are more important than others. The money I've spent on various versions of LW--which I could have and probably should have saved for more practical commodities--is money well spent. While it's important to acknowledge the restrictions of the markets we all work and live within, it's equally important to recognize that, on occasion, a "product" emerges to convince us that there is more to living than working for wages. For me, LW, made possible in part by capitalism, reveals what that system cannot fully contain. At one time, the "real" LW cost $25 and happened just once, on a stage at Winterland, orchestrated by Bill Graham, businessman extraordinaire. Now it costs about $50, on sale, from amazon.com, and I can track it as it makes my way across the country to my door. Does knowing all this detract from the experience, or make the experience all the sweeter, when one realizes that the art in the sound matters more than the commerce that makes it available?

Entered at Sat Apr 27 00:11:08 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Entered at Sat Apr 27 00:04:41 CEST 2002 from cache-mtc-ac02.proxy.aol.com (64.12.96.71)

Jazzbow

Subject: Garth at Byrn Mawr

Just to add what bassmanlee and Donna said about Garth last night at The Point.

The 9:30 PM show songs were:

Twilight, Don't Wait, Stage Fright, Forever Young (duet Aaron and Marie, nice steel guitar by Buddy), Next Time You See me, Makes No Difference (Aaron and Marie, Violin solo and and Garth), Endless Highway, Blind Willie McTell, Last Train(Crowmatix song sung by guitar player), Garth solo into Chest Fever, Great Beyond (Crowmatix), Mr Luck (nice drum work), Long Black Veil, Look What You Done - Muddy tune sung by Marie, Shape I'm In, Weight, Franklin's Tower (sung by guitarist), Ophelia

Nice show, very tight band all accomplished players. Garth was great. Well worth the trip. And given the first show song list, these guys mix it up. If I known that I'd have seen both shows. One thing I thought was interesting, I think Louie was wearing a shirt from the Puff Daddy line (Sean John ?). Anyone else see that or was I drunk?

Entered at Fri Apr 26 22:57:01 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Dowling

Subject: Legacy of the 2002 hype: 2 points

After thinking through all the TLW hype [pardon the redundant "T"], I think 2 major New Thoughts have emerged:

*** One is the point that Bones just reiterated: JRR may be the one who broke up the Band, he may be the one who wouldn't joint the '83-era reformed Band, he may be the lightning rod for the "feud," but he's made his post-TLW career -- as much as any of the rest -- by milking the '68-'76 era Band. When Elvis died, someone asked his manager Col. Tom Parker what he was going to do now, to which the Colonel replied "just keep right on managin' him" (which the Col. did, until the Elvis estate fired him and took over the posthumous management). Given all the time JRR spent in the '76-'78 period working on the TLW [pardon redundant "T"] film + album, given his milking the Band legacy in his "Goin' Home" & "Great Albums" videos, given his Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame omnipresence, and given his ongoing work on all the reissues, box sets, etc., I'd say JRR has ALMOST made a career of "keepin' right on managin'" the '68-'76 Band legacy. (I say "almost," because we have to give Patch credit for Carny, the 4 solo LPs, the Scorcese movie soundtracks, & the Dreamworks sinecure.)

*** The second point I've gleaned out of the latest round of TLW hype is that (DeRogatis/Ebert aside), reservations about the film's status as a masterpiece (best rock film of all time) have dropped out because rock music has gotten so plastic and over-the-top. When TLW came out in '78, as I recall, about half the pundits/critics (including Gene Siskel and, maybe, Rolling Stone) declared it the greatest rock film ever. However, the other half accused it of being over-the-top, egomaniacal, and a rip-off (there was even bitching about the $25-including dinner concert ticket). Now that rock shows are so pre-programmed and the glitz level is so over-the-top, and now that ticket prices go north of $200, what appeared to some in '78 as excessive preening now comes across, on-screen, as rootsy, real, and relatively unrehearsed. (I think it was the Fox News article that made this point best, but others made the point as well.)

Those are the 2 fresh points that I take away from the recent round of hype. That is, neither of those points was the party line about the Band a couple of months ago, but now, I think, in the wake of the 2002 TLW re-release, these are 2 fresh points that will join the body of "accepted wisdom" about the Band's legacy.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 21:49:13 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

"When I mention that each time there's a sound in The Last Waltz record that's not immediately identifiable, it turns out to be....,Robertson finishes the sentence 'it comes from Garth Hudson. I know. I made a whole track just isolating what he was playing for my own pleasure. he's really a kind of keyboard genius.' Te conversation moves to the purity of Danko's heartbraking vocal performance on It Makes No Difference, before a publicist breaks in to say it's time to wrap it up."

It's interesting that although he clearly does not miss the road, Robbie does miss playing with old brothers.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 21:49:17 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: Guitar Technique and Equiptment

David: You hit the nail right on the head. I agree that the way any musician sounds has as much or more to do with individual technique as it does with equiptment. I didn't always see it that way but the more you play the more you find out.

I saw an interview with Paul Reed Smith and he basically said that alot of great music has been made with Stella's, Harmony's, Silvertone's, and alot of other not so big name gear. I guess HEART really does make all the difference!

Peace Y'all

Entered at Fri Apr 26 21:40:15 CEST 2002 from stargate-45-193.salzburg-online.at (213.153.45.193)

Luke W.

Subject: Guitars

As I see all you experts talking about guitars and Robbie's modifications, I would like to ask something. Maybe someone of you can help. --- I am going to buy my first electric guitar this summer. I would really like to get a model, which makes it easier for me to achieve the Band's/Hawk's sound as well as stuff like The Butterfield Blues Band. The real problem is ;-), that I don't want to spend much more than 400$ (this is already much money for me...). Do you have any hints or tips?

another interesting thing I discoverd is that at amazon.de the release for the LAST WALTZ box set is on 21st of May. How can that be?

best wishes - Luke

Entered at Fri Apr 26 21:35:43 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-162.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.162)

Peter Viney

Tried to link to the "rock's Back Pages" review of TLW. hope it works.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 21:33:35 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Subject: Last Waltz in Kansas City?

I live near Kansas City and am wondering if anyone can help me with information about whether "Waltz" will be showing in a theatre there? Thanks!

Entered at Fri Apr 26 21:30:57 CEST 2002 from z.meditech.com (12.11.157.254)

Patrick

Subject: Bobby Jameson Working! album

I was wondering if anyone could help me. I'm trying to find a copy of the Bobby Jameson album "Working!" for a radio program I'm planning on him. Is there anyone who could help me and make me a copy on a cd-r or cassette? Please let me know! I understand he did a Band cover so I thought I'd leave a message here - Thanks!

Entered at Fri Apr 26 20:50:17 CEST 2002 from spider-tf074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.209)

Donna

Subject: Garth and The Crowmatix at The Point

Yesterday I was suppose to go to the 7'0 show at The Point, where I was to meet a friend of mine's mother at the front door. I called, The Point and found out that the 7'0 clock show was sold out. So I high tailed it down there to get tickets for the 9:30 showing. I was so disappointed that I was not going to meet any of the GB'ers there, since everyone was going to the earlier show. The Point does not serve alcohol, but you could bring your own beer or wine. I had already bought a bottle of white zinfendel and went to the show alone. When I got to the door, I got into a conversation with the man collecting tickets, and told him after standing out in the rain for 15 minutes what had happened. He said, "come with me" he then walks me over to the VIP table, and say's well now you have the best seat in the house. Three men and a women sat down at this table. I was happy to offer them my wine, because after the first glass I started to feel sleepy. There was also a $5.00 service charge, when you bring your own. They also charged the people at my table, $5.00 each for a glass!

When the show started I was sitting right in front of Marie and Professor Louie. I could not see Garth as well, which was a little disappointing. Garth was wearing his red baseball cap, it read something about Polka's. The stage was way too small, and it was a shame that Michael Falzarano and Larry Packer had to stand on the floor next to the stage during the show. The atmosphere was very laid back, and it was very quaint. This was my first time seeing The Crowmatix, and I was very impressed on what a great job they did singing and playing some of my favorite Band tunes. They sang "Book Faded Brown" "Forever Young" "Twilight" "It Makes No Difference" which Garth stood up and played his sax solo! They played "Shape I'm in" "Ophelia" and "The Weight." I was hoping they would sing "Scarlet Begonias" but they didn't. The show was very good and I enjoyed it very much! Garth is just amazing and for the most part of the show, all I could do was try to peek over and watch his hands work their magic over the keyboards.

In all my rush I forgot to bring my Band poster, of Levon, Jim Weider, Randy Ciarlante, Garth Hudson, Richard Bell, and Rick Danko. I have it signed by Levon, Jim, and Randy, and I really wanted Garth's autograph on it as well. Oh well, perhaps next time. I did however, buy "Sea to the North." I am looking forward to listening to it today!

Entered at Fri Apr 26 20:41:42 CEST 2002 from roc-66-66-184-69.rochester.rr.com (66.66.184.69)

Lew

Who has the time to hook a friend up with some Live Richard...ie......Danko/Manuel...last Moving shadows...please help. Thanks, Lew Yes..to the previous post...I visited Big Pink last week.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 20:34:10 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Ray: You're absolutely right about the pickup phasing. In the 1976 Guitar Player interview, Robbie revealed that he modified his Strats with an extra knob that allowed him to select a "straight Strat pickup line" or "kick in" the humbucking. Apart from his equipment preference, I think the key to Robbie's technique, like that of other great guitarists, lies in his hands and fingerings. All the fancy equipment in the world can't replace the uniqueness of playing style.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 19:24:49 CEST 2002 from (63.67.185.6)

John Karpousis

Subject: Big Pink

Hey Guys...does anybody know if Big Pink is still standing...I'm gonna be in Saugerties soon and wanted to check it out..

Entered at Fri Apr 26 18:39:03 CEST 2002 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Subject: TLW

Good News for Wisconsinites. The Last Waltz will be playing in Madison at the Point Cinema starting today. Show times at 1:15, 4:15, 7:00 & 9:30. Number for the Cinema is 608-833-3980.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 18:09:24 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: I almost forgot to say...

P.S.

I agree that Levon is a great drummer. I saw him with the BB's. As far as his drumming goes Levon gave everyone a real lesson in dynamics and the groove factor!

Entered at Fri Apr 26 17:41:51 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: Tele's and Strats

David: Very good post on how a humbucking pickup operates. My guess is that Robbie must have been able to split the two humbucking coils to get a single coil tone as well, that guitar does sound bright on The Last Waltz.

I own a Strat and a couple of Teles... I'm partial to Teles though. I have to admit that they can be un-forgiving guitars both soundwise and feelwise but once you get used to them there is no turning back, there's just know explaining it. By the way my current favorite Tele is actually a G&L ASAT (G&L is the company Leo Fender started after Fender and Music man. ASAT is G&L's version of a Telecaster).

I agree, however, that Strats are more comfortable to play and they are truly plug and play guitars... They usually sound good without much fussing.

Guitars are definately subjective though - Different strokes for different folks... Peace

Entered at Fri Apr 26 17:22:44 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Just had to drop in on this occasion to share some thoughts. I sat with my wife by my side and a glass of wine in my hand as we listen to parts of the new LW soundtrack. I recounted the week that I was in San Francisco......hanging out at the hotel........seeing a very young Miss Amy running around the room and preparing for the big night. Ordering room service with Levon......the hotel had never had so many orders for room service in their life. Then again who gets an entire hotel of musicians? I have mentioned numerous times that I felt that the rehearsals were in some ways, even better than the show itself. Hearing Van The Man once again took me back to the night after he sang that particular version of Caravan; that the stage hands all just stood there when it was over and just clapped.

What can one say about the new enhanced sound. It's brilliant. Every note as clear and pristine as the night in question. I got a tear or two listening to Rick and Richard. It all seems like so long ago. I am grateful for the legacy that this soundtrack and eventually the DVD will bring. Today I'm off to a matinee to see the Big Screen version and I'm concerned that the sound system in the theater they have chosen to view it, is NOT up to par. I hope so.

Last night listening to TLW and BTW might I add (attention Mr. Viney) Van's newest CD which will be out in a couple of weeks, made for a wonderful evening. As Van sings on his first single......"Hey Mr. D.J.".........can't beat a Hammond B3 and a great horn section......

Entered at Fri Apr 26 17:04:49 CEST 2002 from atlnga1-ar3-4-33-236-070.elnk.dsl.gtei.net (4.33.236.70)

Adam

Subject: New info about the DVD?

Any new word on when the DVD will be out in Europe?

Entered at Fri Apr 26 17:00:35 CEST 2002 from newcache1.indigo.ie (194.125.133.245)

paul flynn

Subject: last waltz dvd

can anyone help? RELEASE DATE FOR THE LAST WALTZ DVD? Will it be available in region 2 format (EUROPE)."

" only discovered this site today. Looks very impressive. Keep up the good work. Paul.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 16:52:39 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Just a clarification regarding "humbucking" pickups -- First used by Gibson, they were designed to do just what their name implies, to eliminate the noise or hum problem common when using a magnetic pickup. Their design essentially uses two single coils arranged side by side and wired together in a series. By reversing the polarity & windings of the two pickups, extraneous noise or hum is cancelled out. This design also lends itself to a "fatter" sound or more midrange than the single coil.

Many humbucking pickup designs, especially early ones, used an wide metal or plastic cover above the pickup coils. The one that Robbie used on his Rock of Ages era Tele was this type. Many designers & players alike prefer to dispense with the outside cover, exposing the two side-by-side single coils and allowing the strings to vibrate directly above the pickups' individual poles. This is the type humbucking that Robbie used with his Last Waltz era Strat.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 16:48:45 CEST 2002 from 24-196-235-53.charter-georgia.com (24.196.235.53)

Don Pugatch

Subject: John Mayer

John Mayer, is no fluke, no one hit wonder that we have all seen over the past years. He is a local wonder here, in the Atlanta area, and has a large following since he went to Univ. of Georgia. My daughter first introduced me to John Mayer, and she was right. He has a great line, something about being immortal, as long as I am alive. Play his music on WFUV, and the likes of those stations. Just hope that his recent success does not ruin his "Head", as we know that agents and record companies can do.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 16:42:43 CEST 2002 from host-65.subnet-76.med.umich.edu (141.214.76.65)

Steve Knowlton

Subject: Yet another movie review

There's a good review of the Last Waltz re-release from the Detroit Free Press at the link. Has some original points, for once.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 15:56:10 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The Fender Stratocaster that Robbie used at TLW was indeed a vintage model that definitely had some customized alterations. In addition to the bronze dip finnish, the pickup configuration had been changed. Instead of the three standard Fender single-coil pickups, RR's guitar had a custom single coil in the front, near the neck, and a humbucker back at the bridge position. Of course, with the selector switch he could chose between either of the two or various combinations or phasings. Other Strats he used, including some I've seen him use recently, seem to have a similiar, two pickup set-up.

Above all, the Strat is a guitar that many players, including RR, find to be physically comfortable to use. Unlike the other guitars, like the Gibson Les Paul, it is relatively light in weight. Instead of using a thick block of wood to achieve the desired sustain of notes, one of the secrets to Leo Fender's design (with both the Tele & the Strat) was to run the strings through the body and then up & over the bridge. Different types of wood can be chosen for the neck and body. The contoured shape of the body is not only comfortable but offers easy access to the higher frets. Many famous players like RR and Eric Clapton take the body & neck of a vintage Strat and use it as an ideal platform on which to add various custom alterations. The late, great Lowell George often used a Telecaster pickup in the bridge position on his Strats to help achieve that distinctive tone he got with his slide.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 15:56:30 CEST 2002 from (130.219.229.173)

BK

Subject: TLW & Robbies Guitars

All this talk about TLW got me to bust out my VHS copy and watch it last nite. I don't know how this is possible but everytime I see it, Levon is playing better! To me, easily the greatest drummer in Rock n Roll. So much soul! (and he's still just as good!)

Rod: I think Robbie says in a Guitar Player interview (I know it's somewhere on this site) that his main reason for switching to the Strat was for comfort reasons. The Strat has a contoured body that's that's more comfortable to wear. As a Tele and Strat player myself, I agree. I love the sound of both, but the Tele has edges that can cut into your forearm and ribcage. (of course I AM a wimp, but hey...). I think he also says in that same article that he had the middle pickup moved to the rear, which is why, although it looks like he has a humbucker, it's actually two single coils next to each other.

Al Edge: Great Post!

Great day, all....Bill

Entered at Fri Apr 26 15:27:45 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

David Powell: It doesn't seem right that Robbie Robertson would have pawned his Strat - or any other guitar - to get the money to pay his way to Arkansas. Surely Hawkins would have seen loan payments as something that he could take out of Robbie's pay, with interest. And Robbie's original 'sponsor', the Hawks' then-pianist Scott Cushnie, could have found a way too.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 14:54:36 CEST 2002 from (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

Subject: Paste Your Face On The Inside Cover

Al Edge: You are right on target with your assessment of The Band's influence on the lives of those who fully embraced not only the music but also what they stood for. Call it personal and group integrity, appreciation of family, a sense of history, homage to their predecessors, a commitment to excellence with a large dose of humility, and certainly a strong will to help (please) others. You will probably find these qualities in so many who feel that The Band were, to borrow a Big Pink phrase, like next of kin.

John From New York

Entered at Fri Apr 26 14:19:55 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Made it out to The Point (near Phila.) to see Garth. It was interesting and mostly quite enjoyable. Our first time at this venue. Next time we'll know to plan on dinner there if seeing the early show so we can get a seat. It's a small room and the staff is not friendly if you have to stand. There seemed to be nowhere to go that we weren't asked to move for some reason or other. Also their sound system and stage are obviously designed for smaller acoustic ensembles. Both Michael Falzarano and Larry Packer were standing on the floor and Miss Marie had to put her mike stand on a milk crate and lean out over the edge of the small stage to reach it. In fact, Larry had as bad a view of Garth as we did, since we both had to peer around Garth's equipment rack to see him! But it was great to see Prof. Louie and Garth doing their thing, and Garth seemed to be enjoying himself.

First set: Book Faded Brown; Wheel (done slowly with Garth on accordian, only the verses sung); Ophelia; Forever Young; Blind Willie McTell; Mr. Luck (from the Crowmatix' Jam); Twilight; The Weight; Garth's keyboard exposition with started with "As Time Goes By" and meandered through various quotes, ending with, of course, Chest Fever; Last Train Out (a Michael Falzarano tune); Scarlet Begonias into Cripple Creek. Encore: Shape I'm In; Young Blood. I may have missed a song or two. The show was about 90 minutes, starting spot on at 7.

Popped in The Sea To The North on the way home...Mrs. Lee, who had not heard it before, liked it so much it's staying in her car for further listening. She liked the place and has already announced SHE will be seeing Richie Havens there next month. (Hopfully she'll let me tag along!)

Entered at Fri Apr 26 12:16:59 CEST 2002 from cache-cro-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.30.112.1)

Al Edge [a wee bit emotional]

Subject: My Band Heaven

Off work this morning preparing for the trip down to London to lend my vocal support to my beloved Reds tomorrow in a crucial end of season game. Went in to town to get Waltz. Brought it straight home and put on disc one.

How can music do this to you? Rick is just pouring his heart out to anyone who'll listen. We're listening Rick lad. Fact is it DOES make a difference. You see when you all sing and play like that I weep. I weep tears of joy and love because you are just so overwhelmingly good and the fact is I am in love with you all so much. Just as I'm sure are all the good people on here. Though I've never met any of you, over the years you've constituted such a major part of the emotional side of my life. Without you fellas I would not be the person - for whatever that is worth for better or worse - that I am. I doubt if any on here would be, so profound is the connection most of us have with the spirit you and your music engendered [back then in my case] and continues to do just as powerfully today with anyone who is blessed enough to be captivated. I thank you once again. And special thanks and love to those poor plough boys no longer with us in person but still such a vital part of our being. We are indeed a privileged bunch to have lived through you.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 11:34:26 CEST 2002 from 203-96-154-143.tnt9.paradise.net.nz (203.96.154.143)

Rod

Subject: Robbies Guitars

I've often wondered why Robbie changed from a Tele to a Strat and I too prefer the ROA tone to the LW sound. From the pictures I've seen he played a Tele at Watkins Glenn but was playing a red strat on the Dylan tour. (IMHO Before The Flood contains alot of his best live playing.) All the strats he played in the 70's appear to be modified and I vaguely recall him saying that he had the middle pick up removed because he kept catching his finger picks on it. Certainly the bronze strat does sound too bight and has too much treble . Generally I don't like his playing on TLW that much but there are a few notable exceptions - the into to It Makes No Difference, Who Do You Love, Mystery Train,Further On Up The Road and I Don't Believe You contain some great playing. I think that he may be playing the bronze strat on the video for Showdown at BigSky - possibly with a new tremelo unit.

I haven't heard any of the extra Joni tracks but I do like Coyote. All Our Past Times takes some beating as the limpest performace of the night.

Has any one listened to The Mad Waltz yet? I understand it's a scratch version of The Well. Is it very similiar?

Entered at Fri Apr 26 09:02:01 CEST 2002 from as3-2-33.hip.berkeley.edu (136.152.194.147)

Dave Hopkins

Subject: Who? Joni Mitchell...right.

HH: I seem to remember that someone dropped by the Guestbook a while back who claimed to be the audience member who shouted a request for "Pantomime" during the taping of ROA...a check of the archives would likely turn him up.

After years of reading people's complaints about Joni Mitchell's set at The Last Waltz, I was prepared for some grand musical embarrassment of epic proportions when I finally got to hear the previously-unreleased stuff this week. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised (the benefit of lowered expectations, I suppose). Not the highlight of the evening, but a perfectly solid performance. I think playing two slow, unfamiliar tunes back-to-back was a mistake from a pacing/show-biz perspective, but "Shadows" and "Furry" are each fairly well-done. If she had dropped one of them in order to close out with a rousing "You Turn Me On I'm a Radio" or "Raised on Robbery," she probably wouldn't have earned the reputation as the weak link of the evening (or, perhaps, the second-weakest link).

"Furry" in particular was perhaps a questionable choice musically (though the presence of Young, who played harp on the original as well, was a bonus) but a terrific idea thematically. Joni's music is indeed quite different from The Band's, just as she admits it is from old blues and jazz (she's rich and she's fey, and she's not familiar with what W. C. Handy played), but she respects it enough to pay tribute to the end of The Band by performing a song, quite appropriately, about the bygone days of Beale Street and Memphis and the final years of a great bluesman. If the actual implementation was uneven, at least the gesture itself was welcome and (in my eyes) not at all selfish.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 08:58:15 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

Long Distance Operator

Entered at Fri Apr 26 05:11:32 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-003ilchicp1405.dialsprint.net (63.184.149.135)

Susan

Subject: TLW, of course

Well, Amazon and UPS came through for me; fastest delivery I've ever had. I can only hope this will repeat with the DVD. I'm taking a short break in a long evening of listening. We just stretched out on our seperate couches and drank it all in. The sound, the new mixes are wonderful I could have done without the last two Joanie Mitchell songs, but even Neil Diamond was fine to hear. I've nothing to add to previous discussion except an ecstatic Hoooooorah.

It's time to listen to the 4th cd - how I'm going to get to sleep after all this I don't know, but my dreams should be fine.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 05:04:20 CEST 2002 from spider-ntc-ta023.proxy.aol.com (198.81.16.28)

Dave Z

Oh well, first day of ad classes for me tonight... For the meet and greet, the instructor asked what's in our CD players... I did my part... and said... Garth Hudson... The Sea To The North... anybody know who The New Pornographers are?... Or The Rhinos?.... Or John Mayer (spelling?)?... Oh well, ga-nite...

Entered at Fri Apr 26 04:59:04 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poolc97.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.42.97)

herbie hancock

i just bought the reissue of "rock of ages" and it had two discs-disc one, and DISC ONE AGAIN! I just wanted to hear the bonus disc! the bastards will pay! the sound of the original album is great anyway. whats up with the guy who yells a request of "4% Pantomime" between one of the songs? what-does he expect van morrison to just appear on stage or something? what an idiot

Entered at Fri Apr 26 02:40:05 CEST 2002 from paalto-apx-1-156-99.penn.com (64.91.156.99)

Crazy Chester

Subject: Robbie's Guitars

Nice posts about Robbie's guitars. I've always liked his work on the Fender Telecaster the best.Is there anyone who really knows what guitars he used in the studio for Big Pink and Brownie? Seems he used a Gibson Howard Roberts some around the time of the Brown album. You can see it in the studio pics on the inside cover. Robbie and Dylan's sound on the Live 1966 tour is whip crackin Tele all the way.Same on some of the Blonde On Blonde tracks like Leopard-skin Pillbox Hat. Which tracks did Robbie play on Blonde On Blonde? Seems I read somewhere that Robbie liked Fender Bassman amps. Looks like a Twin Reverb on the Rock Of Ages liner pics and yes, that humbucker in the neck position. Lots of Tele players I know like to put a Danelectro lipstick pick-up in that neck slot.I like that even better than a humbucker too. Robbie had a great sound on Rock Of Ages.It sounds so sweet and funky and flowing. I don't care for the bronzed Strat sound on TLW except for the hot tunes like Who Do You Love. On the ballads it's too in your face and he's overplaying probably due to adrenaline rush or powder puff. I think he's using an old 50's Strat on some of TLW songs like with Dylan,Van on Caravan,Muddy's tunes,and Clapton's set. I can tell a big difference and much prefer the sunburst with maple neck/fingerboard over the bronzed baby. My favorite TLW moment is Van and the boys on Caravan. I watched it the other night and broke out in a sweat just from the pure joy and excitement of it all. Man, they looked like they were having the time of their lives backing Van and they were feeding off of each other. He brought out the best in them and they in him.I consider that song the best piece of live rock n roll I've ever witnessed.

Entered at Fri Apr 26 02:15:29 CEST 2002 from nycmny1-ar3-4-43-213-026.elnk.dsl.gtei.net (4.43.213.26)

Rick

Subject: Rare and cool

Any Band collectors should check this out!

Entered at Fri Apr 26 02:06:47 CEST 2002 from pcp01769617pcs.audubn01.nj.comcast.net (68.46.168.3)

CHRIS D.

Subject: Checkin' in....

I haven't signed in for a while but I have not stopped reading. You "Guest Book regulars" still offer the finest and cheapest entertainment going! I say that with the most sincerety and respect for you all. Well I made it to Philly to see TLW on the big screen 20 some years after the first time. I've watched the video though atleast once a month for all those years believe it or not. I guess either I've been drunk everytime I watch it(Good Chance)or the new version blows away the old one. Maybe I was just really excited(and had a mild buzz)when I saw it this time but I really enjoyed it!! The sound, the different angles and camera shots, Richard, Levon, Levon, Levon and so many other highlights. I was seduced by the music as a young teenager and haven't stopped listening. Every now and then the music has a new beginning with me, like I'm hearing it for the first time. It just never tires like so much music does. Sign this Jersey fan up for another 100 years! Now, as soon as possible, I gotta get my ass back out to see the finest band in all the land, The Barnburners!!! PS- Thanks for the great pictures from the premier-Yo Butch, lookin' good in that suit!!!/ Jan, thank you and keep up the good work!

Entered at Fri Apr 26 01:33:33 CEST 2002 from spider-te024.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.184)

JTull Fan

Subject: TLW

I started a 'who would you have like to have seen at TLW' a while back, and cannot believe I left out John Hammond! Also, on the country side, Waylon Jennings would have been great, with a Buddy Holly connection to boot. Got to see TLW on the big screen in Dallas! WOW! Concert volume (and quality) sound. Unfortunately, there were only 4 other people there, but it was 5pm on a Tuesday. The theater was in the 'Ewing' section of Dallas, and the parking lot was all Jaguars, Rolls Royces, Mercedes, and one rental car from Enterprise. Guess which one was mine? I wish I were wearing one of my old Band concerts shirts or Jethro Tull so I could have goten some looks.I actually found street parking, which seemed too good to be true, and when I went into a shop to ask if it was a tow zone, I got this 'you can park there if you MUST' type of responses. Turned out to be a clothing store where you sit on a sofa and the sales people bring out designer clothes to you; no off the rack there. Definately not in my price range. Anyway, my favorite scene was when Ronnie Hawkins comes out, and drinks something out of Richard's cup, and they just exchange looks. God the film was great; I almost clapped after some songs because I felt i was there. It also seemed short; perhaps I am so used to watching it on video (and the VH1 Storyteller version) and pausing it that it seemed longer. I also noticed much less the 'Robbie shots' of him with the exagerrated guitar motions, etc. Perhaps on video, we notice them more because we are doing to things at once, and the motion causes us to look back at the tv screen, whereas in the theater, watching without distraction, the whole thing appears more balanced. Still not enough Garth and Richard, though. BTW, the Dallas Morning news has a big article on the soundtrack rerelease today. I don't have a link, but if you use Amanda's old one perhaps you can navigate to it. Oh, and I'm off to DC tomorrow night with my wife for an evening of fine Indian Food (Murgh Masala for me), a nice room at the Hilton, and an evening with..........JETHRO TULL!

Entered at Fri Apr 26 01:13:03 CEST 2002 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.101.7)

norbert

new::: Liverpooooooooooooool is cooooooool?

Entered at Fri Apr 26 00:52:51 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: Crunchy Granola Suite

John W.: You accuse me of going "overboard"? Duh! Guilty as charged.

Viney: Thanks for drawing a line somewhere on this side of "Seagull." I'm now breathing easier. But still, "Crunchy Granola Suite"? By Neil Diamond? Might Jan be up for exising all GB references to that, just so as to preserve a clean record?

I, too, rate Mexico City as one of the best. I hope your talk wowed 'em.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 23:54:23 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: Robbie and Jim

Yeah Bill I think Robbie is a fantastic guitarist and Jim Weider is a great guitarist in his own right too. I've never been lucky enough to see Robbie play live but I saw Jim Weider live not too long ago, he and the Gurus put on one heck of a show. No smoke machines or theatrics just great music and great musicianship... definitely refreshing!

David P: Your right about the Tele on the DVD, go figure.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 23:53:36 CEST 2002 from roc-66-66-184-69.rochester.rr.com (66.66.184.69)

Lew

Entered at Thu Apr 25 23:12:01 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-152.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.152)

Peter Viney

Donald: Bizarrely, 1000 turned up to see me on ‘A Communication Skills Approach to English Language Teaching”. Not an alluring title. On which, Mexicans proved the most knowledgeable audience in the many countries I gave that talk. But everyone has their favourite country and Mexico is is probably mine.

Robbie didn’t produce the 73 version of “Crunchy Granola Suite” (a song that name checks Patrice Lumumba among others), But I agree. If ever I praise Jonathan Livingston Seagull, it’s time to shoot me. In the next edition of A Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy, I’m sure it will define “chutzpah” (with sound clip) as the segue from the orchestral Prologue to Crunchy Granola Suite on Hot August Night. You don’t have to like it, but you have to admire the courage!

Fred: have you considered working in Division 3? You’ve got to start your new career somewhere. What with Bournemouth just having been relegated, they could really do with someone in management who has the ability to pick up Michael Owen on a free transfer. It’s a pleasant enough place to live – with both Darren Anderton and Jamie Redknapp having local residences. Maybe you could pick them up too.

While our Nigerian friends in high places are in frenzied activity, Princesses, Generals Archbishops and Presidents and their nearest and dearest vie for our attention, I find more disturbing a series of e-mails with enclosures about games. Always delete without opening this crap.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 22:40:15 CEST 2002 from (130.219.229.173)

BK

Subject: Robbie's Gee-tars (and JW)

Ray: Couldn't agree more about Robbie and Jim Wieder's guitar tones. I'm especially fond of the sound Robbie gets on Across the Great Divide from ROA.

Jim Weider's got a video out called "Get The Classic Fender Sound". If you haven't seen it, it's worth hunting down. Great Strat and Tele sounds, he is a master.

another two cents....Bill

Entered at Thu Apr 25 22:21:16 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

It's curious that The Last Waltz DVD from MGM features a newly designed cover package that prominently displays a Fender Telecaster. The CD box set retains the original artwork design. Has anyone else noticed that MGM's webpage for TLW has a Fender ad tie-in link in the upper right corner?

Entered at Thu Apr 25 21:51:55 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tg012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.152)

Harry & Mim

Subject: Response to Bassmanlee

Bassmanlee: Mims'comment about the $25/tkt. cost of the "Music of the Band" show at The Point in Bryn Mawr, PA may deserve some clarification:

Her statement was made in a slight fit of pique. As ardent lovers of The Band (in all its' off-shoots and permutations), the thought of such a show is "interesting"; however, it would do little more (for us) than to amplify the deep sadness we have over NEVER being able to hear/see The Band (90's versions or otherwise) EVER AGAIN. The combination of The Cromatix, Cage & Falzarano with the inimitable Garth Hudson is impressive, but since we plan to attend the LH & the BB's show in May at the "Jam on the river" that should do more to satisfy our cravings for da blues more so than a commendable (but possibly frustrating)gig by ONE original Band member and the "hired guns".

Again, no disrespect intended for the listed performers... it just may turn out to be less "satisfying" than we might have hoped.

Here's hoping ALL attendees prove us wrong with their anticipated reviews.

In a friendly way, your loyal "listeners" -

Mim & Har

Entered at Thu Apr 25 21:50:18 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: Robbies guitar choice

Thanks to David Powell for the response. Judging by the pictures from Rock of Ages it Robbie appears to be playing a standard Telecaster with a Gibson humbucking pickup added in the neck position as opposed to a Fender Telecaster Custom model. I think I read somewhere that Rick suggested that particular modification to Robbie and I think they did it a few years before Keith Richards (Keith usually gets credit for being the first to use that guitar modification).

I really like that raw sound Robbie gets on Rock of Ages, the sessions he did for John Hammond, and the Ronnie/Dylan/Hawks recordings. Jim Weider sounds great playing a Telecaster too, seems to me he really has the Fender sound down to an art form.

Just my two cents worth... Peace

Entered at Thu Apr 25 21:48:48 CEST 2002 from spider-ta011.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.46)

Brien Sz

Subject: Caledonia

First off..., Mr. RR has done a masterful job mixing this outing. I liken it to working in a darkroom. As long as the information is on the negative and the shot is composed well, you can work it into your own masterpiece.

Listening to Muddy Waters Caledonia, I noticed that RR's guitar solo is very similar to the one he does on Further On Up The Road (just doesn't go as high up on the scale), then started to notice, the whole riff to Caledonia is similar to FOUTR. Also, Mr. Margolin (may have spelt it wrong) has a style that is similar to Jimmie Vaughn. Side note: I wonder if there is any film footage of this song?

One wonders if Garth's Genetic Method and the whole of Chest Fever is being saved for the upcoming box set that RR mentions is in the works.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 20:53:36 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

On the new box set during "Further On Up The Road", you get to hear Robbie's fill when Eric breaks his guitar strap. I never realized how much the first lp set was edited until I heard the new one. Besides all the new songs, I'm hearing things on the old songs I never knew were there (extra chorus here and there, added solos, etc). This is great!

Entered at Thu Apr 25 20:22:06 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Ray--I don't recall ever reading any specific reasons given by Robbie about switching from Telecaster to Stratocaster. In a 1976 interview with Guitar Player magazine (which Jan has posted in the Library/Articles section), he mentions that he started out on Strat then switched to Gibson and after that played a Tele for ten years before switching back to a Strat. I recall hearing the story, in one of the Band video biographies, that a young Robbie pawned his Strat to get money to buy a bus ticket down to Arkansas in order to join Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks.

The choice of a Tele back then was very logical because, in addition to being fairly inexpensive, Leo Fender's Tele is practically indestructable. It not only sounds great but you can take it on the road and not have to worry about it falling apart. The drawback is that you're somewhat limited in the available tones you can get from the two single-coil pickups.

During the Rock of Ages concert, Robbie is pictured using a Fender Custom which replaces the standard Fender single-coils with "humbucking" pickups. This enables the guitarist to add some Gibson-like tones, which are a little bit sweeter sounding.

I imagine that Robbie then made the switch back to a Strat in order to get a fuller palette of tone choices. With three pickups and a five-way selector switch you get a wider variety of sounds. He more than likely used custom made pickups hot wound for more punch. Unlike many Strat players, Robbie did not ordinarily use the whammy bar tailpiece. At the time of The Last Waltz he had also switched from older Fender tube amps to those made by Leo Fender's Music Man company.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 19:58:32 CEST 2002 from syr-24-169-66-175.twcny.rr.com (24.169.66.175)

Bashful Bill

For what its worth:rumors in the house the night of the LW were that Linda Rondstadt would be playing. Finally got my copy yesterday, AND talked the 21 year old clerk into buying a copy. He said he planned to anyway, but not right away. A beautiful box, even has a $2 coupon for the DVD. Been listening for the last couple hours, real disappointed that they left Georgia off while adding 2 Joni songs.But, at least Caldonia and Wheels made the cut, I thought it was a travesty that they were left of way back when. Donna, and any other lucky folks, have a great time seeing God, er Garth, tonight.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 19:23:48 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: re: Furry Sings the Blues

PSB, I think, in essence, we're agreeing on the central issue with Joni at TLW - choice of material. I'm not saying Rick would be the issue on ANY song they chose to do with her, simply that the songs they DID choose to perform were (at least in the case of 'Furry and Coyote) effective, even stirring, when she's using Jaco.

I don't see this as a slight to Rick (it's certainly not intended as such). I don't think ANY bass player, other than Jaco, could do those songs justice. A major reason for this is the fact that Jaco played a critical role in composing these songs (arguably ANY Joni material circa 1975 - 79, but particularly material on "Hejira" and "Mingus"); the two songs in question, in particular, succeed on both the studio and "Shadows and Light" renditions, only BECAUSE Jaco is the bassist.

Certainly Max Bennett (Joni's bassist of choice on "Court and Spark" era albums) is no slouch, and is one of the finest studio "bass slingers" of his era, and yet it was Jaco that Joni chose to partner with in the latter half of the 1970s (indeed, I'd argue that outside of his work with Weather Report on "Heavy Weather" and "Black Market," the work with Joni represents Jaco's most compelling playing).

That said, I do agree that earlier material would have been better suited for the TLW set and played to The Band's strengths. While I don't think her "purer" folk material would be well suited, there's any number of songs from "For the Roses," "Blue," and "Court and Spark" that would have been MUCH better than the three songs they chose to do.

My reference to Carly Simon and Maria Muldar is, admittedly, a bit of tokenism. My point is that if The Band was determined to have a well-known female artist on stage with them that night whom they'd worked with in some capacity in the past, both Carly and Maria were as viable as Joni (though Maria, at least, lacked Joni's drawing power) when you take into account the poor choice of material Joni performed.

Still, I'm glad for Joni's presence, if for no other reason than her backing vocals with Neil on "Helpless." Both Joni and Neil have referenced that moment as very special to them personally, with one story being that Neil had no idea Joni was there until she began singing behind him from backstage as "Helpless" was being performed live out front. Neil has said that he was "very much in love" with Joni at the time, and that he felt a certain joy and intimacy with that performance because of it.

I do agree, though, that the omission of John Hammond was a tremendous oversight. I suppose the powers-that-be felt that between Clapton, Butterfield and Muddy, their blues influence was well represented (as well as a blues "tinge" with the presence of Dr. John and Bobby Charles) - and I don't disagree with that. Historically, you are very correct that Hammond's omission ignores a critical event in the history of the group, and the key transitional event between Levon and the Hawks and Dylan and the Hawks.

Stylistically, the missing peice, though, is the lack of any C&W artists that night (unless you count the "soundstage" recording of Evangeline with Emmylou Harris). Since they never worked substantially with any C&W artists prior to TLW, no obvious C&W artist jumps to mind, but I confess it would have been something for them to trot out Johnny Cash for a rendition of "Long Black Veil."

Entered at Thu Apr 25 18:26:46 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: Why did he do it?

I always wondered why Robbie Robertson switched from a Telecaster to Stratocaster. I think his guitar tone is far superior on Rock of Ages as opposed to TLW. I have read interviews where Robbie discusses Fender vs. Gibson but never Tele vs. Strat. Anyone know of Robbie ever discussing the change?

Entered at Thu Apr 25 18:00:04 CEST 2002 from proxy-w.ccra-adrc.gc.ca (198.103.184.76)

Laurence Hudson

Subject: Garth's distant past

Great site - congrats to the person who conceived and executed it. Actually I have a question - Does anybody know whether Garth Hudson ever played for Ron Brown's extracurricular band at Clarke Road High School in London, Ontario? I know that Graham Lear (of Santana fame) did. I found out these "facts" when I got to Clarke Road. Ron Brown was the music teacher. He had a weekend band that gigged around London, Ontario called (in my time anyway) "A Band Called Brown." Garth bussed in from Belmont for school, and naturally graduated years before Graham Lear. Graham graduated a few years before me. Maybe my memory is playing tricks on me (as with most other things) - or maybe I was horribly misinformed in the first place.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 17:17:33 CEST 2002 from (12.33.126.141)

John W.

Subject: Neil vs. Neil

I'm not a huge Neil Diamond fan, but I think Donald Joseph went a bit overboard with the Diamond derision. Neil Diamond may have had little or no connection to the Band and therefore might not have belonged in The Last Waltz. But if I had to take a bathroom break I would rather do it during "Helpless" than "Dry Your Eyes". While Neil Diamond can certainly be hokey and sentimental, I would rather hear stuff like "Brooklyn Roads", "Heartlight", "I Am I Said", "(They Come to) America", or "Gitchee Goomie" (I know, corny title, but it's about a man singing to his baby son) than to have to listen to Neil Young's acid-inspired, off-key caterwauling. (I know this opinion won't go over too well with a lot of you hipsters but hey it's just my opinion.)

Entered at Thu Apr 25 17:09:32 CEST 2002 from sdn-ar-001paphilp061.dialsprint.net (168.191.210.45)

Peter Stone Brown

Subject: re: Furry Sings The Blues

Matt,

I am not a big Joni Mitchell fan. I like some songs, respect others. But the problem isn't Rick. The problem was Mitchell's insistence on doing her current material instead of performing songs appropriate for -- and that would work with The Band, along with the fact that to this day Mitchell is unable (because she doesn't know herself) to tell the musicians she works with the chords to her songs. Neil Young and Van Morrison obviously did songs that worked, but no, not Joni Mitchell. This makes her the most egotistical person on the show.

As I know you know, everyone on the bill (at the concert) had worked with The Band or members of The Band previously either in the studio or on-stage.

Carly Simon could have been there because of the "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" connection as well as the "Mockingbird" connection. However the major omission at the concert in terms of The Band's history, and one that is unforgiveable is John Hammond, who recorded two albums with members of The Hawks.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 16:21:01 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: Furry Sings the Blues

While I have not picked up the new TLW release, I have to say when listening to the Complete TLW boot, "Furry Sings the Blues" places #2 on my "trainwreck" list out of the guest artist sets. In fact, if not for that second Clapton song, she'd score a tri-fecta, as "Shadows and Light" is the BIGGEST trainwreck, and while "Coyote" is not a "trainwreck," precisely, it's easily my least favorite cut on the original "official" release - even behind "Dry Your Eyes."

Now, let me say that not only do I LOVE Joni, but I LOVE all three of those songs when performed by other musicians - I just think her TLW set didn't work. I find the songs she/they chose curious - though, obviously, she was choosing from her two most recent albums at the time, "Hejira" (Coyote / 'Furry) and "Hissing of Summer Lawns" (Shadows and Light).

"Shadows and Light" is essentially an acapella (with synth pads in the background) neo-gregorian dirge. In some ways, it's tough to imagine this song working at ALL in a live setting. But whereas the studio verion of this song comes off simply tedious (and the TLW version is a total disaster), ironically, the ONLY version of this song I like is another live version. When she does it on her own live album of the same name, "Shadows and Light" - with Lyle Mays' patented synth washes and The Persuasions singing backup - it comes off as more ambient gospel and less gothic dirge. Why anyone thought this was a good song to do with The Band is beyond me, though, perhaps the idea of Garth doing the keyboard underpinnings was attractive.

Both Coyote and 'Furry come off of my all-time favorite Joni album, Hejira. A lot of people don't like the "jazz era" Joni albums from '75 - '80, but I really enjoy them, generally (though Don Juan's Reckless Daughter I could lose, despite some groovy work by Wayne Shorter).

I've said this before in the past, and I don't mean any disrespect, but the reason 'Furry and Coyote fall flat (ok, 'Furry plain sucks) is Rick.

It's not due to any failing of Rick's skill, rather, it's more of a question of his style of playing. While Rick is a wonderful bass player, he's also somewhat unique - no one else really plays bass the same way he does. Because his style is so individualistic, it either works in a way that nobody else could, or it doesn't work at all. No shame in this - I'd say the same of almost anyone's playing in The Band (indeed most musicians I truly love), with the exception of Levon, who amazingly seems to be able to fit in no matter what the style.

IMHO, the Hejira versions of these songs (as well as the live versions off of the album "Shadows and Light"), are all about Jaco. In both cases, Jaco is being Jaco, and is less about holding down the bottom and punching (as it is with Rick) and more about being a soloist.

With both these songs, Jaco's counterpoint to Joni's vocal is the critical ingredient. Without them, the unstructured, poetic lyrics for both songs really just seem to ramble, and there's nothing for your ear to fall back on.

Personally, I don't understand why they didn't play "Raised on Robbery," which RR plays on in the studio version. Even better, why not "Free Man In Paris," which she wrote about her trip to Europe with Robbie and David Geffen (and which some have suggested she wrote for Robbie or Geffen or an amalgam)?

Honestly, while I get the Yonge Street/Woodstock connection and all, given the songs they chose, I'm not sure why she was there - other than she was at the height of her popularity at the time. While "Dry Your Eyes" is a less-than stunning number, at least it's performed well, and even if you don't care for Neil, at least the song was WRITTEN by a Band member.

People like to dismiss the inclusion of Neil as purely cynical marketing. And while I agree that it's an oddball juxtaposition, and that the "Brill Building" reasoning falls flat (why not Carole King or Paul Simon?), Neil's inclusion has some musical logic. But with Joni, musically, there's very little common ground between her then-current work and The Band in ANY period. The choice of material represents a BLATANT attempt to grab a big name to drive the record/movie sales. Otherwise, why not Carly Simon or Maria Muldar. Heck, they coulda done "Midnight at the Oasis!"

Anyway, I know I've said most of this before, so I apologize to folks tired of reading it.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 15:37:02 CEST 2002 from 12-249-119-233.client.attbi.com (12.249.119.233)

Donald Joseph

Subject: Diamond is rough

Viney: I'm afraid you're in too deep. Comparing "Dry Your Bladders" on TLW to the version on "Beautiful Noise" is scary enough (I don't care if Patch produced it, you don't have to BUY it, man!). But then musing about a segue on "Hot August Night" -- and having the audacity to inform readers of Jan's own Guestbook that Neil actually recorded something called "Crunchy Granola Suite" -- is entirely too much. There are some bits of attenuated Band trivia that we really don't need to know. I think that dreck exists called "Crunchy Granola Suite" -- even if by a TLW "artist" and JRR produced -- is over the line. Spare us!

Simeon: Way to go!!

P.S. I agree, Viney, that "Dry Your Bladders" on TLW is actually quite listenable -- likely because of Robbie's co-writing anf the Band's accompaniment. My point is that we really do need to strive to contain our Neil Diamond listening to that one performance. You, Viney, are on a slippery slope that dumps out at "Soulaimon," "Song Sung Blue," & "Jonathan Livingston Seagull."

P.P.S.S. On what topic were you able to draw 1000 Mexicans?

Entered at Thu Apr 25 14:44:30 CEST 2002 from roc-66-66-184-69.rochester.rr.com (66.66.184.69)

Stephen lewis

Subject: last waltz and trades

Just got TLW reissue.....outstanding...the sound makes the difference! Anyone who reads this and wants to trade some music please e-mail me.Im always looking for richard live stuff and can never find it.Please any help would be great. There is only one BAND!

Entered at Thu Apr 25 11:35:53 CEST 2002 from ppp-2-216.5800-9.telinco.net (212.1.137.216)

Al Edge

Subject: 3 tenners

Agreed Fred. And Tears of Rage for the losers, perhaps?

Entered at Thu Apr 25 11:32:09 CEST 2002 from ppp-2-216.5800-9.telinco.net (212.1.137.216)

Al Edge

Subject: Mikey Owen and FRED'S team

FRED - that is a sacrilege!!! How could you??? Turning one of our own against us!!! I shall be straight onto Gerard Houllier this minute and warn him of this desperado who swims in shark infested waters and passes Japanese kidney beans for breakfast and worst of all is out to winkle our precious Mikey away!!!

You bounder, sah!!!!

: o )

Entered at Thu Apr 25 11:31:05 CEST 2002 from sqd104.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.162.4)

Fred

As the Three Tenors will be performing at the World Cup I think we should send them a petition requesting them to either sing The Weight or We Can Talk

Entered at Thu Apr 25 11:24:15 CEST 2002 from ppp-2-216.5800-9.telinco.net (212.1.137.216)

Al Edge

Subject: JOHN K

John - warm welcome to a fellow BP accolyte - I assume from your post that it's your first time here - forgive me if I'm wrong.

First of all prepare for some e mails from the Dark Continent - about 5 a day if you're lucky - 10 if they take a shine to you.

Second, I am about same age with a similar experience. Slight difference with me and some of the Band fanatics on here is that for some of us Big Pink has never been surpassed. The unique niche of fusing music with core community doctrines that it and the finest of the group's subsequent work achieved accounts for a lot of the devotion of this site and the devotees who inhabit it. Others have different slants, of course, but as a mere babe-in-arms GB'er myself that's mine and that of a few others.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 11:19:04 CEST 2002 from sqd104.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.162.4)

Fred

Subject: Joni & champ manager

ALAN: I don't dislike Joni's voice..it's just THAT song & I can't pinpoint why I don't like it..Lord knows I've been listening to the CDs a lot..still when it comes to FURRY I'd rather swim in shark infested waters...I'd rather eat bowls of NATTO (fermented soy beans...that smell very bad..the only Japanese food that I WILL NOT eat although it's supposed to be healthy for you) I'd rather remove spots on a leopard..I'd rather pas a kidney sone..I'd rather....

As regards to champ manager...3 of those goals were scored by Michael Owen (I picked him up on a free transfer!) Footie..it's a funny game,eh?

Now back to listening to The Band

Entered at Thu Apr 25 11:02:52 CEST 2002 from ppp-2-216.5800-9.telinco.net (212.1.137.216)

Al Edge

Subject: Championship Manager

Shame on you FRED on 2 counts.

First and most important - why not even a consolation goal for the Reds!!!! Disgraceful, unsportsmanlike and NOT true. You have taken this humour thing far too literally. There IS a limit you know!!!!

: o (

Second and more piffling - how could you ever accuse Joni of sounding like fingernails on a blackboard???? Have you never listened to her original version of 'Woodstock'??? Fingernails indeed!! A car water pump in need of oil more like -

and I'm a Joni fan!!!

: o )

BTW - There are nouveau fans over here who actually base their assessments of the game on what they themselves can achieve in Championship Manager. I kid you not.

From what you, Pete and everyone else is saying it sounds as if we are all in for an amazing treat when we get to hear/see the waltz. Does it better those bonus tracks on ROA? Can anything?

Ta for the refreshment btw. I needed it.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 10:11:39 CEST 2002 from 069-12-189-66.wo.cpe.charter-ne.com (66.189.12.69)

John Koumoutseas

Subject: Big Pink

I was in my home town record store in 1968 and bought Big Pink about 6 months before it became popular. Well, I'm a dylan fan and I wanted to hear the song he wrote on it, 'I Shall Be Released'. I loved the whole album! It was a great inspiration and curiosity to me at, then, age 18. I still love it and think it was one of the best albums ever made.

Entered at Thu Apr 25 06:58:36 CEST 2002 from spider-wg073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.53)

Dave Z

Subject: TLW

Wow Simeon... Garth and Maud, you are awesome!!!

My CDs are in the mail... and I'm loving everyones first listen stories...

Entered at Thu Apr 25 06:37:45 CEST 2002 from sqd104.nirai.ne.jp (218.40.162.4)

Fred

Subject: TLW reissue & other stuff

On April 23, I had to do some private tutoring about an hour before I had to start this job, I went to the local Towers Records (shouldn't they change it to Tower CDs?!?!) and what do I see the "new" TLW...holy jumpin'judas priest! I didn't think it would be in stores ovber here so fast! There were only 3 copies so I took one, whipped out my credit card and just bought my birthday present from Me to Me (my birthday isn't for another 2 months!). I decided that I'd listen to it on the wlak to my student's house...FABULOUS SOUND. I didn't listen to CDs2,3 &4 until the next morning because the batteries died in my portable CD on the bus ride home the night of the 23rd..when I got home the wife and daughter were watching TV, it was kind of late & I didn't want to wake the neighbours by cranking up the stereo. Seeing that I had to get up for work on Wednesday, I decided to listen to the rest on Wednesday. however as I couldn't sleep..that adrenaline from teaching..I did what i always do, plunked my Championship manager season 00/01 into the computer and proceeded to play the night away (after leading Valencia to another league title, spanish cup title and European Championship..I soundly defeated Liverpool Fc in the finals 4-0..SORRY ALAN EDGE... I have decided to quit being a teacher and become a football(soccer) manager!!! My wife is not pleased by this)

On wednesday morning put CD 2 into the protable player, left the house and went ot work...on the rather long bus ride to work I was really feeling good until FURRY SINGS THE BLUES...not to offend any Joni Mitchell fans who read the GB, but...I'd rather listen to fingernails clawing on a blackboard, I'd even prefer listening to CD 2 Track 11! It's a good thing that CD players are programmable. Well off to my football/soccer management game..I'm ADDICTED! Lucky for me I have the day off today and the housework has all ben taken care of.. gonna put the answering machine on, TLW on the stereo..crank it up a bit enjoy the music and seek glory on the playing fields of Europe!!

the photos in the TLw booklet are great..I like the ones on p44 & pp66-67

Entered at Thu Apr 25 01:08:55 CEST 2002 from modem-rack10-189.netkonect.net (194.164.77.189)

Mr guerilla

Nice story Simeon, I would always rather hear good things about people than bad,a shame the press don't think so. Its also nice to find out your affections are well placed. Here's to you Garth, the master.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 23:18:38 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool73-2.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.73.2)

Charlie Young

Subject: Driving to Appalachia With THE LAST WALTZ Blasting

I've decided to save these four discs of TLW for driving down to Southwest Virginia to the memorial service for my uncle this weekend. He's a guy who gave a kidney in 1965 so that one of his brothers had ten years and a son that he would not have had otherwise. I'd like to listen to the whole thing non-stop while driving through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA. I'll do it in the memory of my uncle--not to mention Rick and Richard...

Entered at Wed Apr 24 23:17:28 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-082.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.82)

Peter Viney

Neil Diamond: Listening to the remaster. Not only does it beat the original version on ‘Beautiful Noise’ but it IS a great song (half by Robbie). The lyrics differ too.

Original: Then you taught us more about giving

than we’ll ever care to know.

Last Waltz: Then you taught us more about Living

than we’ll ever care to know.

So why the shift? The newer line is better. We then went on to Hot August Night, and the seque from Prologue (with Garth influenced organ at the end) to Crunchy Granola Suite is sublime. And loud. We talked about the anti-Diamond feelings here. ‘Misinterpreted,’ said my wife, ‘The fate of all Aquarians.” “So,” I say, “How do you know he’s Aquarian?” “It’s obvious. You can see. And it’s in the lyrics.” So we resort to the Great Rock Discography. Neil’s date of birth? 24th January. Shit. That was irritating. But he wasn’t intimidated. Face it, he was drawing bigger crowds at higher prices than anyone on the show at the time.

I suspect the real “poison” of the road (=performing in public) is adrenalin. I say this having seen the road with musicians myself, with acting with my old theatre group on stage, and on my own giving lectures to large audiences. The academic / plenary / promotional lecture doesn’t exactly raise the adrenalin levels in the same way, but speaking to over 1000 people for 90 minutes is exhausting for the speaker (as it undoubtedly is for the poor audience). I once spoke to over 1000 in Mexico City. Soon after, I spoke to just 6 in Lyons. OK, they forgot to advertise. Still feels bad when you’re there. When you’ve finished “performing” in any of these ways, especially if it’s gone well (or appears to have gone well) you feel up - the high that performers naturally get addicted to. Trouble is, you want to talk nineteen to the dozen and you need a drink. Years after I gave up smoking, I’d find someone offering me one after a talk, and then find I’d smoked it before I remembered I’d given up. Then you can’t sleep. Too much buzzing around. And then 4 a.m. staring at the curtains whether in a 5 star hotel or a miserable guest house in some god-forsaken place is the low. I’ve done both. The next day is the gruelling boring travelling, then the performance starts the cycle again. I still have nightmares about the possibility of restive audiences. The other problem, especially for musicians and actors, is the team thing. Everyone’s up and they bounce off each other. Some people can’t live without it. As one musician told me, ‘But it’s what I do.’ Those who give up smoking or alcohol or junk food or whatever their problem is, find themselves back on it once they get on the road. That’s why Robbie gave up. I understand fully the need to do so. It’s a wrench, but when our little theatrical group dissolved in 1980 (er, I was the one who left in fact …) I realized it was taking too much energy, yes, but also too much else. Pure adrenalin leads to all the other problems – unless you learn to switch it off. Most don’t want to. It’s a personal choice. Robbie chose his way. 16 years isn’t “a lot” in retrospect, but it can be “enough”.

We're all kind of confessional this evening. Still a touch of humour tomorrow, Al, don't worry!

Entered at Wed Apr 24 23:17:17 CEST 2002 from pool-141-153-155-193.mad.east.verizon.net (141.153.155.193)

Simeon

Subject: TLW Premiere

I know this is a little late, but I just want to tell everyone how great Garth and Maud Hudson are. I desperately wanted to attend The Last Waltz premiere at the Zeigfeld, because I live just across the river, in suburban New Jersey, about twenty minutes away. My mom and I (I am only thirteen) were intending to go when the premiere was announced, but the week before, we realized it was closed to the public. I was very upset, because I was dying to go (the Band are my life), so in frustration and desperation, I e-mailed Garth two nights before the premiere, only half expecting a response. I wrote to him about what a huge influence the Band has been on my life musically, spiritually, (and psychotically). I told him that I had met him at The Bottom Line in the village, where he put on an unbelievable show with Professor Louie and the Crowmatix. After the show, I waited for him, shook his hand, and had him sign my Big Pink cover. It was one of the greatest nights of my life. Then, I asked if there was anyway he could get me into the premiere. I thought that if he responded at all, it would be saying he was sorry, but he couldn't. Anyway, the next, I got an e-mail from MGM studios, saying that there would be two tickets waiting for me at the door, courtesy of Garth and Maud Hudson. You can't imagine my excitement. It was impossible for to concentrate on anything. I was going to the closed to the public premiere of The Last Walts, and I got tickets from one of the original members of the Band! Anyway, I think that night was even better than the one at The Bottom Line. I was sitting four rows in front of Martin Scorsesse and five in front of Robbie Robertson! But in my mind, that night still belongs to Garth. Thank you Garth, it was great.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 23:07:15 CEST 2002 from spider-tp061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.201)

Bayou Sam

Geez, some folks are painting a picture of Richard as this poor soul that got eaten up by the road. I love these Band guys too, but let's be realistic. If Richard's attitude was to "raise a glass and spend it all", well shit, that was his choice of lifestyle. It seems clear that after the Brown album he started to decline in productivity. Maybe he just wanted to put more energy into partying than he wanted to put into creating music. As much as that sucks to think about - that's how it looks to me.

Levon said on one of those videos that Richard made his choice that night in the hotel room and that he (Levon) never tried to question it - until he decided it was Robbie's fault of course. After the gig is over, your completely in charge of what you eat, where you go, what you do (who you do) - you get the idea.

There have been many stars who just couldn't handle crashing back to Earth after having it all. Del Shannon comes to mind. I find it almost frustrating that Richard came exploding out of the gate on the first two albums and then.........what? Did he shoot his load, or was it more fun to get hammered and race cars between Woodstock and Big Pink with Levon and Rick?

I always get a kick out of RR's comment about 16 years on the road. I think alot of musicians would laugh him out of the room about 16 years being "alot".

Entered at Wed Apr 24 22:40:05 CEST 2002 from dialup-63.215.119.32.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (63.215.119.32)

Pat Brennan

Subject: Storyville

We still have to take into account that Robertson initiated some kind of dialogue (1990-91 or so) with the remaining Band members to do Storyville together as The Band--at least according to Rick. While being rejected by the remaining members as a Band project, Storyville still benefitted greatly from Garth's genius and to a lesser extent (only because he sang on one song) by Rick's beauty.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 22:07:15 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

As I mentioned recently, Robbie Robertson (in the VH-1 Behind The Music segment about him) admitted to feeling "lost" after The Last Waltz. At some point during that period, his initial decision to leave the road but keep recording with The Band changed to one of a complete departure. Evidently, certain events transpired and his priorities in life were focused in other directions.

Don't get me wrong -- from a fan's standpoint, we all stand to benefit from Mr. Robertson's renewed attention to The Band's recorded legacy. Whether you're a long time follower, or a recent convert, you can't help but appreciate his lavish efforts to restore & present this music as it has never been heard or seen before.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 21:15:57 CEST 2002 from dialup-63.208.64.25.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (63.208.64.25)

Pat Brennan

Subject: Linus

DP, I was talking about the period immediately after the LW, a time when Robertson clearly disassociated himself from The Band. Sorry I wasn't clearer.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 20:57:57 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

We all know how great the music is, but the box set liner notes and booklet are very well done. Great interviews and even better photos! There is a picture of Levon and Robbie laughing backstage together that simply makes me happy. The full page pictures and dedication to Rick and Richard are very tasteful and proper.

For those interested, Robbie plays guitar in the first jam, and gives that bronzed beauty to Stephen Stills in the second jam. Also, Robbie working out the Last Waltz theme on his guitar on the last track is wonderful.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 20:47:41 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tb071.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.51)

Ben Pike

Well, I know I started it, but I also tried to leave it alone....

I guess it's POSSIBLE that the long round of reunion tours that started in nice halls and ended up in dumps was Richard's own idea, but not much about what I've ever read or observed suggests he was calling the shots. Levon does about as much of the talking in the sad "The Band Is Back" video than Robbie does in TLW. And let me, as long as I'm going to be fully unpleasent/honest in this round of "Who Killed Davy Moore?" point an extra finger at the fans. There are people in this GB who if Garth was going on the road with Tito Jackson to duet on old Everly Brothers hits would be on here telling us how great it was. Uncritical approval is a kind of contempt, and it robs the performer of self respect. A more extreme case, like Chris Farely, the performer gets the love of the audience FOR cheapening and degrading himself. These people have a tendancy to wind up dead; while "fans" shake there heads and say nobody could have seen it coming.

Levon Helm: "Richard's way was to raise a glass and say "spend it all". And that's a pretty good way to live, when you think about it."

Well, it's not a pretty good way to live for very long. And I prefer Pete Townshend's self critical look in the mirror over Keith Moon any day.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 19:55:02 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Pat: Recent evidence shows that Robbie Robertson has chosen not to leave the "rather hefty security blanket called The Band" behind. In recent years he has played a direct role in the Capitol reissue project of all the group's albums. After spending a year and a half preparing the initial release of The Last Waltz, he has spent another half year working on reissuing the film and the soundtrack. Judging from all the recent coverage, he's spending a great deal of time talking to the media about TLW. He's even talking about another reissue box set of Band material. Like the Charles Schultz cartoon character, Linus, Robbie Robertson still seems rather reluctant to shed his "security blanket".

Entered at Wed Apr 24 19:12:35 CEST 2002 from dialup-67.28.33.213.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (67.28.33.213)

Pat Brennan

Subject: The Road

There is a vast difference between performing and living on the road. For an hour and a half, things can be great. For twenty two and a half hours, things can be brutal no matter how nice the bed.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 19:07:44 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: Living ON the Road

You live ON the road. Ask Willie Nelson. And to see how a pro has learned to do it and survive, visit the above link and read Janis' articles "Staying Healthy On The Road", as well as "Riders 101 - part one" and "Riders 101 - part two".

And you might make your living from it, but please, not "off of" it. (Come to think of it, read "Roadkill Cordon Bleu" from the same source.)

Didn't make TLW this weekend...hope it holds over another week, but greatly looking forward to Garth tomorrow. Harry & Mim, maybe I'm missing something, but I don't get your comment. Had I had the opportunity and wherewithall to pay $25 to see Garth with Levon, Rick, and Richard when it was possible, it would now be a cherished memory. The boxed sets, DVDs, and reissues will be around. (And BTW, I HAVE seen the BB's, for about $18 if I recall, and if the Gurus ever make it to Philly, I'll probably see them too.)

Entered at Wed Apr 24 18:55:53 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: Dave the Drummer redux

Dave - There's no question that Richard loved performing. As I indicated, the Richard himself was the catalyst for reforming and (presumably) taking the group out on the road. It seems obvious that performing was something that was Richard dearly loved - so much so he was willing to risk paying the ultimate price to do so - and in the end, he did pay that price. Whether or not the bargain was worth the expenditure only Richard's soul could answer, though sadly, I suspect many of those who loved him as a person may wish he'd not made that transaction.

To use the mini-discussion on Cripple Creek as a reference, given the choice of seeing Bessie again and "living off (of)" the road, Richard clearly found the charms of Bessie too alluring to resist, regardless of cost in life style and mental, physical and spiritual health (which is not intended as insult to Richard, but simply an indication that any suicidal person is enduring great suffering in some, if not all, of these areas). I'm not being truly critical of him for making that choice, as it was HIS choice - which, ultimately, was my point to begin with.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 18:43:40 CEST 2002 from ppp-2-98.5800-11.telinco.net (212.1.153.98)

Al Edge

Subject: Hooooooooooomer

Aah, Brian Sz, at last!

Btw - could you expand on 'hard work'. Few tips might go down well! Did you show her yer nature photees? Damn fine stuff. I've downloaded them so might give it a try if that's the case!

Horny Al

Entered at Wed Apr 24 18:34:00 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-ta083.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.58)

Brien Sz

Subject: On the Road

I was never a traveling musician but I did spend a considerable amount of time on the road twice in my life. It is an exhausting way of life. The first period was a time where I traveled around the country directing/taping/shooting medical symposiums of all sorts. I would drive from New Jersey to Chicago, spend 3-4 days there, working 10-14 hour long days (average day was about 12), then drive to Cleveland. Set up on our suppossed off day (it was still 6 hours of work) do the symposium, again 3-4 days at 10-14 hour days. Get a day off, then drive up to (phonetically speaking) Mack-In-Awe Island (between the two Michigans)Set up -again 3-4 days, 10+ hours. Then break down and drive back to Jersey (two days to break down and drive back) I'd then get 3-4 days off then back on the road and do a series of stops from Boston to Baltimore over 14 days, come back 3-4 days off, then back out doing the first mentioned tour again (or something similar in the region). This went on for longer than I care to remember - If life on the road for a musician is anything like that in some sort of comparison, than it is an "impossible way of life" OHH I forgot - No Pussy is crawling around the hotel room to sleep with a Video guy - at least not without a lot of hard work.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 17:59:55 CEST 2002 from ppp-2-98.5800-11.telinco.net (212.1.153.98)

Al Edge

Subject: The Polemicist in our midst

Matt K, it has to be said your dissections of those pivotal aspects of The Band's splintering are an absolute credit to the analytical capacity of your mind. Above all, though, they are an insight to your uneqivocal love and admiration of the unique phenomenon that was The Band. Nobody could have written what you have without first absorbing just what it was that made their fusion so special. The fact that you only chanced upon them in recent times merely accentuates your integrity in this matter. It has been a privilege to read your submissions. I thank you for that.

All that said, and with the greatest possible respect to everybody who posts on the GB, is there nobody else on here with even a modicum of a sense of fuckin humour or irony????? The gravity is fuckin killin me stone dead!!! I can barely stand it any more.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 17:49:42 CEST 2002 from spider-wi081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.56)

Dave ~ (the drummer)

Subject: Respectfully Matt K

Matt: Your post about life on the road makes perfect sense. However, life on the road, just like life off the road, is whatever a person chooses to make it.

The Band always toured with a road manager & a crew. All of their PLW traveling was done by tour bus with nice accomodations. Conditions on their tours weren't too shabby.

The main point I was trying to make is simply that Richard WANTED to be out performing. He was very 'up' and psyched to sing & play. No one had to "drag" him out there.

I love The Band and have ever since I heard their first recording at the age of 14. Even though I have had the pleasure of meeting & interacting with all the members except Robbie, I feel the same way about each and every one. This is a great time for The Band and a great time to be a Band fan. God bless and keep them all.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 17:20:53 CEST 2002 from dialup-65.59.9.56.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.59.9.56)

Pat Brennan

Subject: The Road

We say "circumstances" conspired to allow Robertson to make a living off the road--and of course I mean "not on the road"--but isn't that a bit facile? He left a rather hefty security blanket called The Band to do what? Hope for the best? For a year and a half after he shut his performing career down, he shuttered himself with finishing the movie. Success anywhere isn't pre-ordained; he just seemed to know that he couldn't be a road-warrior anymore. Absolutley nothing wrong with that.

Rick loved the road and went out almost immediately to rev up his solo career. As has been noted here before, he signed a solo contract because the Band wasn't busy enough for him. And of the Band's decision to quit, Rick said "I feel real good all of a sudden."

Levon loves the road. Post LW, he had three careers: band member (RCO), solo recording, and acting. Oddly, I don't recall Levon playing Chicago for seven years after the LW. But I didn't miss any of his movies, and his drum roll in "The Right Stuff" is still very cool.

Richard. I don't presume to know what went on that night; but I did know him, and "livin' off the road" hurt him deeply.

BTW, I joined many of the esteemed posters here in purchasing Wilco's new one yesterday. My cd player has been a bit busy with another purchase, but I look forward to freeing it up for Tweedy & Co.'s latest.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 17:11:55 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: Dave the Drummer

Dave, one could argue that the entire DECADE of the 70s was dark for Richard. In the earlier part of the decade, the Band did not (could not) tour for the better part of two years due to Richard's excessive, near-constant, drinking. However, while no one around Richard in '86 seems to have seen it coming (which is not uncommon with suicide), surely there cannot be a "darker" time in Richard's life than that March night in Florida.

Either way, alcoholics cannot, should not drink at ALL - at least if they expect to survive the addiction. This includes sipping a glass of chardonnay (any more than a coke addict should "just do half a line"). Regardless of his mood, the healthiest period in Richard's life seems to be 1980 - 83, when he stopped drinking and reportedly was writing again. It's also a period during which he spent very little (if any) time on "the road."

Three years later, Richard's on the road, he's drinking, he's doing cocaine (or evidence suggests he was), and ultimately, he's dead. To deny these three things aren't linked, to me, is preposterous. As a musician yourself, surely you recognize that "the road" has very little romance - especially when you're not riding jets or staying in the best hotels. It's tedious, it's grueling, you're lonely, you miss your family, you keep freakish hours, you don't eat well, and you're playing in bars where alcohol and drugs are readily available tonics to numb you to the physical and emotional pain you endure.

Not every musician who tours has drug and alcohol problems, but it's an outrageously disproportionate percentage that do - precisely for this reason. Even when you love playing and performing and interacting with people at shows, that represents, maybe, 1/6th of your day. In between, you're driving, dealing with gear, worried about money, worried about the setlist, and so on. If you're LUCKY, you'll get to sleep 4 hours in a hotel room that looks just like all the other hotel rooms you've ever stayed in, but most likely, you sleep on a bus (assuming your successful, otherwise, it's a van, or the back seat of a car, or you don't sleep because it's your turn to take the first shift behind the wheel, and your next gig is 500 miles away).

Clearly, Richard was not dealing with all of these issues on the '86 tour - his wife was with him and he probably wasn't living off 7-11 burritos. However, given his history, and that even the most lavish tour drives the healthiests of musicians a little stir crazy, it was all but inevitable that Richard would start drinking again. After that, it was only a matter of time before something awful happened - whether as an indirect result of his addiction(s), or (as it sadly turned out) by his own immediate hand.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 16:59:45 CEST 2002 from citrix5.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.9)

John Cass

Subject: Music of the Band

Just was looking around for some good shows and see Higher Ground in Winoski VT

THE MUSIC OF THE BAND on 5-25-02:

Garth Hudson

Proffesor Louie & Crowmatix

1-802-654-8888 box office line.

hope to see a packed house!!

Entered at Wed Apr 24 16:52:14 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

Subject: The Last Waltz Trivia Contest

Entered at Wed Apr 24 16:27:38 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Circumstances afforded Robbie Robertson the luxury of earning quite a decent & steady income without having to endure the grind of the road. The other members of the group, however, apart from being musician's at heart, had to go out on the road, periodically, in order to earn a living. Paying the rent, especially in California or the Woodstock area, ain't exactly cheap. Touring was also a required element of promoting their solo projects. As far as "reforming" The Band without Robbie Robertson, let's face the facts -- a large percentage of their potential audience wanted to hear the old, familiar tunes and were willing to pay the price for the tickets.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 16:08:39 CEST 2002 from (206.2.196.66)

Band Thought

Subject: LW In Manhattan

The Last Waltz premiered here in Manhattan at the magnificent Ziegfeld theater on the edge of New York's theater district. It is probably fitting, however, that the movie is running not at that landmark but at a theater in the Union Square area, just a stone's throw from the former sites of the Fillmore East and the site of a mid-70's historic Band concert at the then newly re-opened Palladium.

After viewing the film on VHS over the course of the past several years following what seemed like a dozen viewings of the original theater release, the movie began to feel a bit stale. This months re-release and the well deserved media blitz have breathed new life and a much greater appreciation of the film and the players. Today, it feels much more like a landmark event. Some observations with the passage of time: Robbie seems less prominent in the film than he originally did and in light of Levon's well documented criticisms of his air time (I know, it is the same film). Lee's disapproval of the event nevers shows through on the screen for a simple reason - he genuinely loved playing music that night, with those guests and with The Band. And, to Robbie's credit, the event was all about the music. Watch as he trys to silence the crowd as Richard sings "I Shall Be Released." A beautiful moment in respect to the fallen angel. /n With the passage of time, certain elements of the film are more pronounced. The songs seem almost like abbreviated versions of the originals, ending far too quickly. The camera shifting away from Levon as he sings "Dixie" by a few feet to the left as if to move towards Robbie, showing nothing but the back of the stage for a split second, then panning back to Levon as if to say, "this is way too good to focus on anyone other than Levon." Lee's read of that song on that night captured on that film surely secures his legacy. And while Neil "Beautiful Noise" Diamond may have been more relevant - and he seemed so - at the time of the concert, he appears out of place some 25 years later. And the great Emmy Lou Harris looked so damn young. Speaking of Young, Neil's appreciation of the Band on his new CD bridges the gap nicely from the event 25 years before. Watch him eye Rick and Robbie during "Helpless" as he moves from his mike to theirs - his moment to join The Band, something Clapton so desperately wanted to do.

On the quality of the film, it looks very much like the original release. Any expectations of HDTV-like quality will just disappoint. But that does not matter (after all, this is a movie from the 70's). At this New York theater, the sound quality was fair and a disappointment at first. The vocals, however, were definitely more sharp and clear. The studio songs also sounded more defined and clear than the concert itself. But, no matter here. You immediately get lost in the event itself, and the music brings a smile to your face in short time.

Putting the Last Waltz in perspective today, so much credit must go to Robbie for the time spent in securing the legacy of the artists involved and, more importantly, the legacy of The Band. The great Levon Helm has his own view of it all; no one person, aside from perhaps the remaining members, has the right to dispute that view. Discuss it, yes, dispute it, no. It would be hard to dispute that a film career was not enhanced if not born upon the films original release.

If The Band had continued to play into the 80's and dis-Banded without a Last Waltz, future generations - maybe yours and mine - would have been deprived of a most important video history lesson. It is so important that Robbie saw that back then and continues to see that today by maintaining that legacy with this film and newer versions of boxed sets.

The Band deserves nothing less.

John From New York

Entered at Wed Apr 24 14:58:20 CEST 2002 from spider-wi033.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.33)

Dave ~ (the drummer)

Subject: Richard's God Damned Impossible Way Of Life

Damn right Levon loves the road. He drives himself to each & every gig with his Bass drum in the backseat.

Richard's darkest period was immediately after TLW. He lingered alone at his bungalo in Malibu ; even after Warner Bros. shut the utilities off. He was "cooking minute steaks on an upside-down electric clothes iron. When they finally got him out of there it took them a couple of days to clean out the two thousand Grand Marnier bottles they found." It seems that the aftershock of TLW and The Band's demise contributed to Richard going off the deep end IMHO. Richard loved being 'on the road' making his living "off the road" (as in FROM the road). To Richard, being 'stranded' all alone and not surrounded by his Band brothers, was a "god damned impossible way of life."

I had the pleasure & privilege of dining with Richard Manuel on January 21st. 1986, exactly six weeks before he decided to take his own life. My band was opening for The Band at a club by the name of Graffitti. Richard was in fine spirit and looked quite healthy that evening as he spoke of his children and his home. He sipped a glass of Chardonnay (the only drink I saw him have the whole evening) as he spoke quietly and in full posession of his faculties. Richard acted like a man that had much to live for and plenty of un-finished business before he checked-out. Lord knows what posessed him to take his own life but IMHO it had little to do with 'the road.'

Entered at Wed Apr 24 13:41:26 CEST 2002 from spider-te053.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.198)

Calvin

Subject: TLW Packaging and liner notes

Of course it sounds great, we all knew that would happen. And for those of us who have never found a copy of the complete LW there are some new cuts. All good. I was a bit surprised by the packaging. Early reports seem to indicate that the original cover would be history, it wasnt, and the release would expunge to some extent it was a Band album, with the goal in making it an all-star event album. I was quite happy to see this wasn't the case. Is it the DVD that is planned as different? The liner notes were extremely balanced, pointing out that the Band continued to record in the 90s after RR and had RR reflecting that it was more he than the others who wanted to get off the road. And of course the last two pages dedicating the release to the Music and Memory or Richard and Rick was unexpected but very apprecaited. It was a release that should make everyone happy. And no problem about the misunderstanding Matt, I just wanted to make it clear I found that a ridicolous argument.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 08:06:43 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool72-43.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.72.43)

Charlie Young

Subject: TLW Set From Rhino/WB & McCartney in DC

It's 2 AM after the night before, but getting the difinitive LAST WALTZ set on the same day as an absolutely amazing Paul McCartney show has left me speechless and drained but too charged up to go to bed. Maybe "Theme From the Last Waltz" will do the trick to get me in the mood for sleeping...

Entered at Wed Apr 24 07:41:11 CEST 2002 from host-209-214-112-188.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.112.188)

BWNWITennessee

MattK, Robbie's spoken about the road being an impossible way of life, but it seems that no one ever takes him at face value. If they put any weight to his words, it's by mentioning Richard or Rick. Robbie has said that everyone in the band, including himself, were doing some serious partying, and after the Last Waltz he had a few-years-long "lost weekend," first with Scorsese, then Gary Busey, during which time his wife threw him out. Given this, no one seems to take into consideration that it's a real possibility that he saved his own life, and certainly his family, by getting off the road. It may seem a little far fetched, but not really. Maybe he didn't have the same problems Richard did, but doing lots of blow and staying up all night isn't really the healthiest lifestyle. And I would say that it seems extremely likely that he saved his marriage by getting off the road. None of the Levonistas think about that, they just scoff at his sentiments. I'm sure a few of the beautiful people here would say the world would be better off if he did die, but that's another subject. The same people would probably be insulting Richard if he was alive today and had retired back in 1985.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 06:30:32 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c5-24-25-167-115.maine.rr.com (24.25.167.115)

MattK

Subject: Calvin, DJoe Responses

Calvin, I'm sorry that I mis-read your post. I'd missed that it was a response to Ben, although, looking it over, funny enough, I think all three of us would agree with each other that Robbie holding RR accountable for a tragedy is insane. Richard's sad passing occurred at a time when he (RR) had little to do with Band members personally, and nothing to do with them professionally (i.e. The Band reconstitution, though RR and Richard had worked together on a couple of projects earlier in the 1980s).

I would agree with you, then, in rebutting Ben's statement regarding Levon "dragging" Richard back on the road. As I stated earlier, the decision to reform and tour was inspired by Richard first and foremost. While that decision may have contributed to his ultimate suicide, Richard was a grown man, responsible for his own existence and decisions in life. Sometimes I think the desire to see Richard as a tragic figure does him a dis-service - as though he was so tortured emotionally, that he's somehow not responsible for his own life. In fact, at least it seems obvious to me, that Richard was a very intelligent man with great pride in his artistry. Clearly performing was something that sustained him - even if the road was a "goddamn impossible way of life."

On this last point, I also agree with Ben's feelings about the film. I've often be chagrined by Levon's ridicule (at least it comes off as ridicule to me when I read "This Wheel's on Fire") of Robbie's fear of disaster on the road. I first saw TLW some 10 years after Richard's death, and even not knowing anything of the so-called "feud," I also found the scene where RR talks about getting off the road as chilling, if not prescient.

When Levon (as well as others here) portray RR's antipathy for "road life" as fuel for scorn, I wonder how they are able to resolve such scorn with the fact of Richard's death on the road, or Rick's own death, which came the day AFTER he ended a tour (while Rick's passing was not a direct result of being on the road, certainly, given his declining health, the implicit physical abuse touring can cause - bad food, physical exhaustion, grueling travel - surely exacerbated it.

I suppose, then, that Levon's blaming of Robbie for Rick's and Richard's deaths is precisely his way of resolving this apparent conflict. If one argues that Rick and Richard HAD to endure the physical and emotional wear and tear of touring due to financial problems, and if one believes that Robbie is responsible for those financial problems, then the image of Robbie as carpet-bagger becomes a convenient scapegoat for the tragic silencing of these two beautiful voices.

Of course, this requires acceptance of the demonized image of RR that Levon paints. It seems contrary to Levon's belief, after hearing Richard's voice at his funeral, saying that he committed suicide to "shake things up." While I don't doubt that Levon heard such a voice (or at least believes he did), I find it an interesting revelation that would help Levon cope with any pain and guilt he was enduring at the time (and which is natural for those friends and family surviving a suicide victim).

Regardless, it's interesting to me that many Levonistas use Levons continued touring with the BB's as an honorable counterpoint to Robbie's careers in film, artist development, and his refusal to tour. I do think it's great that Levon does what he most loves. I just find it frustrating that, given post-TLW events, others seem to overlook the idea that, clearly, some people perhaps SHOULDN'T be on the road for their own well-being.

While I do not begrudge the joy anyone felt at hearing Rick and/or Richard perform toward the ends of their lives, and while I don't think you could have driven them off the road with a Sherman Tank, it's tough not to wonder whether, simply as human beings, such a life was not a detriment to their long-term survival. Given that, I fail to grasp how Robbie's chosen life, even if it not one I would choose, is implicitly an indication of his lesser character as opposed to Levon, who has also chosen to live his life his way - performing and touring. Presumably, BOTH Robbie and Levon are living the lives they need to in order to survive.

The fact that those choice diverge, to me anyway, is not an indication of the character of either man. GG Allen toured his whole life - at least when he wasn't in jail - and while this may have defined his "authenticity" as a punk rocker, his behavior was not consistent with what most here would consider "honorable." In short, while I wish Robbie WOULD perform more, I think the fact that he doesn't is not an indication of any failings as a person, anymore than it would make him a better person if he WERE to tour and perform.

DJ - actually, I completely agree with you. My take on "living off the road" is PRECISELY akin to a farmer "living off the land." To me, the indication is that the narrator (whom RR has described as a trucker) has, at the end of the song, quit his vocation sometime in the past - a vocation in which "the road" is both the place where he finds day-to-day sustenance as well as where he makes his living which allows him to feed and support whatever family he has (at least his "big mama" as well as any children).

Thus, when I say he's looking at visiting Bessie as mutually exclusive to "living off the road," I don't mean it in terms of "I need to leave Bessie 'cause I can't stand road life anymore." Rather, the decision is that in order to see Bessie, he would have to stay in his chosen profession where he "lives off the road" as surely as a farmer "lives off the land."

It seems, then, that Cripple Creek is somewhat prophetic in regard to what pushes RR to leave the Band, and perhaps what ultimately informs Levon's contempt for him. In a way, it's very relevant to the discussion regarding Richard's death. Robbie, as the lyricist, is forshadowing his own decision to stop touring.

To him, "living off the road" is an "impossible way of life" whose negatives overwhelm any pleasure he gets from performing. It's ironic, then, that Levon as the singer, would not make the same choice as the character who has his voice. To Levon the man, any negatives to "living off the road" are clearly outweighed by the joy he gets in performing and interacting with people.

Funny how these discussion come full circle sometimes...

Matt

Entered at Wed Apr 24 05:13:11 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: Up On Cripple Creek

I always thought it was

"This livin..out on the road...is gettin pretty old..."

The implication to me is one of choice, as in I'm out here and I think I'll go home...but maybe I'll head up over yonder....

Entered at Wed Apr 24 05:09:47 CEST 2002 from host-216-76-151-195.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.151.195)

BWNWITennessee

Entered at Wed Apr 24 04:54:26 CEST 2002 from host-216-76-151-195.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.151.195)

Back with no wife in Tennessee

Subject: No Fair!

Hey! The label copy on the box makes it look like Robbie Robertson co-wrote The Genetic Method.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 02:27:28 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Hello, this is in reference to Chris's post earlier about Netscape; I'm listening to this right now, appears to be the first CD of the new set, I'm now on "Who Do You Love?" Yes, the sound quality is outstanding. I don't have the box set yet but it's very nice to have this sampler--Thanks, Chris, for the link!

Entered at Wed Apr 24 01:11:42 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: Up On Cripple Creek lyrics

MattK: As to your analysis of "Cripple Creek" and whether the narrator is now "on" or "off" the road, I think we need some more digging. First let's start with the verse in question (quoted verbatim here from Jan's lyrics page):

"Now there's a flood out in California and up north it's freezing cold

"And this living on [sic -- I think you're right, MattK, that this should be 'off' or, at least in some versions, 'off of'] the road is getting pretty old

"So I guess I'll call up my big mama, tell her I'll be rolling in

"But you know, deep down, I'm kind of tempted

"To go and see my Bessie again."

Even though I think you're right and the correct preposition in question is indeed "off," I think the MEANING is "on" -- i.e., the narrator is saying living ON the road is getting rather old, & he's tempted to switch to the domestic bliss of settling down with Bessie in Lake Charles.

How can I say "off" = "on"? Well, the verse talks of the California flood and the northern cold; unless the narrator is a meterologist, he's been doing a lot of traveling, including to CA and the north. Hence I think "off" in "living off of the road" is used like "off" in the phrase "living off the land" -- someone who lives off the land actually lives ON the land, and survives by the fruits of the land. This guy is living OFF OF the road by traveling ON the road and surviving OFF OF it.

To argue otherwise (i.e., to argue the narrator is living in one spot, not on the road), you (MattK) might point to the opening line of the tune: "When I get off of this mountain." You (MattK) might argue the narrator is living a hermit's life on a mountain -- not on the road at all. To that I respond that he's a ramblin' kinda guy, who was recently in California, was recently in the north, and now happens to be narrating the tune from a temporaray site on a mountain top -- he has to occupy some bit of space at any point in time, and now he happens to find himself standing on a mountain top, looking down below (oops, I'm seguing into another song entirely), pondering that nutty Bessie.

Look, we know Bessie is based in Lake Charles; she's not on the road. Hence I think the song compels just one reading: The narrator is living ON the "road," surviving OFF of it (i.e., from it). He just happens to be on a mountain, introspectively pondering his own future, as he narrates. Bessie, rooted in Lake Charles, LA, ain't goin' nowhere. So narrator's conflict: More road or Lake Charles domesticity? Although he'd otherwise prefer the road (albeit, we much later learn, a goddamned impossible way of life), the attraction of Lake Charles is not the odious (to the narrator) concept of domesticity -- but, rather, the specific charms of Bessie (qualified Spike Jones appreciation; doughnut feeding; etc.).

Next topic for disussion: Is the narrator's support of Bessie's hijinks a federal crime, an accessory to Bessie's felony destruction of legal tender?

Entered at Wed Apr 24 00:58:42 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: Interesting

This is something on Netscape. Haven't been able to listen to the whole thing so I don't know what the information is but it appears to be the newly mixed The Last Waltz.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 00:38:13 CEST 2002 from 90-pool9.ras10.inind.tii-dial.net (206.148.144.90)

Jon

Subject: Braastad XO

A Quote from webmaster: "Getting ready for the "opening ceremony" with a bottle of Braastad XO and a well stocked fridge." I have no idea what that XO stuff is, but sure sounds like a big party to me! Might be overseas version of Seagrams VO. Hope you don't have to get up to early.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 00:26:27 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tj041.proxy.aol.com (64.12.106.36)

Calvin

Subject: Response to MattK

Matt, you need to reread what I posted, I never said RR claimed Levon had anything to do with Richard's death. I was reposnding to someone who said Richard's death was due to LEvon dragging him out on the road.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 00:22:08 CEST 2002 from spider-we063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.48)

Ben Pike

I'll be shoping for a bargin on the Waltz set..speaking of which, the other day I wondered into a local used place that never has ANYTHING new, and I got promos of the TWO new Tom Waits albums that aren't suppose to hit stores until May 7th.

They are nice, on the ballady side rather than the rocky side.

Also, the used racks are filled with cheap copies of Paul Simon's "You're The One" (four bucks!) cause, I guess, people like me were long sinced Simoned out. Thing is, it's an excellent, unnoiced comeback for him, I think among his best albums ever, he's still working at it and trying new things. Go the four, by all means.

Entered at Wed Apr 24 00:06:03 CEST 2002 from (216.199.106.18)

Dan

Subject: Garth

Loving the Complete Last Waltz. Thanks for posting all these articles & the NPR interview. The few comments from Garth are the best because they simply focus on the music w/o Levon's anger or Robbie's self-promotion. The NPR interview is a case in point -- "Our music depended on songs. While Robbie was doing an admirable job writing songs, success had removed us from our songs and our music, from Helena, Memphis, etc." Garth says it better than I write, so give it a listen.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 23:24:40 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-115.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.115)

Peter Viney

David, you'll be pleased to here that Robbie discusses the warmth of vinyl in his intro to the new set- but says it restricted running time and bottom end. Also that 3 LPs in a set was a hard enough concept at the time, so they had to cut to fit (given quality constraints).

Entered at Tue Apr 23 23:22:00 CEST 2002 from (38.201.148.3)

Jay W.

Subject: TLW - Helpless

In reaction to Steve Knowles' rip on "Helpless" -- to each his own! "Helpless" is among my favorite Neil Young songs.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 22:33:33 CEST 2002 from bandfan.halden.net (195.70.189.163)

jh

Ahh... my friend Tom (who just interviewed me for this Norwegian TV special about TLW, btw) brought me the new box set today! Still in shrink wrap. Getting ready for the "opening ceremony" with a bottle of Braastad XO and a well stocked fridge. We're in for a loong night here just below the Arctic Circle. This session is for you, Lil. Stay strong and good luck with your project!

Entered at Tue Apr 23 22:31:41 CEST 2002 from p02-33.hartford.dialin.ntplx.com (204.213.188.83)

kramedog's dish

Another thing to keep in mind about Richard is that he was very close to Albert Grossman, who was constantly supporting him in his effort to get cleaned up. I don't think Richard was over Albert's passing from January of '86. If anything, he was hurting from it. No matter how much Levon didn't like the guy, Grossman was consistantly there for Manuel when others gave up on him.

No, the touring didn't help matters either. It seems he felt obligated to stick with his bandmates no matter what. Unfortunately, at the time of his passing he was also on the road.

Who will ever really know what went on in Richard's mind that night? Obviously he was pained but never showed it.

kramedogsdish

Entered at Tue Apr 23 22:26:49 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

I just bought the Last Waltz box set. It still is in the wrapper, and it looks great! They were selling it for $49.99 and I got the last one (the store only got three copies). I'm very excited.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 22:15:19 CEST 2002 from purple.alltel.com (198.133.100.131)

Kevin Gilbertson

Got my YHF copy today also. Have not listened to this official release yet but played the booted mp3's do death.

For those that are not aware, the mp3's were "released" by Wilco when Reprise dropped them. Was glad they added some extras to the CD (Cd is enhanced) but I would have picked it up anyway to hear the songs in a better format.

Also picked up the Chelsea Walls soundtrack. David, if you're not already aware, this movie was scored by Jeff Tweedy & Glenn Kotche.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 21:47:04 CEST 2002 from (205.245.52.67)

carmen

Subject: THE BAND

What a good week. Saw TLW in Philly on Saturday, lots of articles in the local papers about THE BAND and now getting ready to see Garth and Friends play The BAND.

Favorite TLW moment is after The Weight with the Staples, one of the Staples can be heard saying "Beautiful".

Entered at Tue Apr 23 20:06:34 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Subject: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot Vidalia

I'm holding out for The Last Waltz DVD, as the CD box set is priced a little too rich for the budget right now. Today I've been enjoying the new Wilco album, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot". Jeff Tweedy & his bandmates have not only produced some radically interesting songs, but they've managed to exact a sort of sweet revenge against the music industry. After their former label, Reprise, refused to release the album, they shopped it around and chose Nonesuch as their new home. Since both those labels are AOL Time Warner affiliates, the musicians managed to essentially get the suits to pay for the same album twice.

Speaking of revenge so sweet -- it's a glorious time of year, the first batch of freshly harvested Vidalia onions from south Georgia are in the stores now. As sweet as sugar, they'll soak up the bittness of any teardrops that fall while slicing.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 18:51:46 CEST 2002 from pool-63.52.228.210.ipls.grid.net (63.52.228.210)

Bobby Jones

Subject: New Central Park Boot

Anyone know where to get this?

Entered at Tue Apr 23 19:10:06 CEST 2002 from dialup-63.208.65.211.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (63.208.65.211)

Pat Brennan

Subject: TLW/Bessie

Well, Virgin has TLW and is prominently displaying it. They also tried to sell the old version of it last week, so aren't they swell people. Anyway, the photos alone are worth the rather considerable price (Carl Radle was in the jam!!). The sound is beyond an improvement--it sounds like a different show. I said to no one in particular that RR might have been suffereing from ear fatique when he mixed it way back when. The extras are worthy of inclusion. Beautiful indeed.

Road gals are alluring as they occupy the same emotional/physical territory as vacation flings. Perhaps the singer of Cripple Creek knows and understands such distinctions.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 18:50:01 CEST 2002 from du168-3.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.3.168)

Friedrich Hegel

Subject: Dialectics

The blues hit me hard this morning so I was in the mood for DAVID POWELL's post (Mon 22 Apr). So true, so true. But I said it better for many years ago: there is no more DIALECTICS in _anything_. But I can still see some optimism in the popular music from India, Arabic countries, the Caribbean and Brazil.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 18:39:23 CEST 2002 from syr-24-169-66-175.twcny.rr.com (24.169.66.175)

Bashful Bill

Subject: GB &LW

Man, what a busy place this GB is! I haven't been online since Sun AM, and I had to scroll all the way back to Amanda's Report part 2 to catch up. I'm jealous, Peter, I went to MediaPlay and Barnes&Noble, expecting the box to be in today(Tues), but no-go. I didn't bother asking when it will be in, when it's in I'll get it. I'm a member of RePlay, where I get excellent incentives to purchase at MediaPlay, so I hope it shows up there first. It's been great to see all the reviews in the media, and the reviews and pics folks here in the GB have been posting.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 18:34:08 CEST 2002 from 66-106-4-126.customer.algx.net (66.106.4.126)

MattK

Subject: Odd Ends - Urgent E-mails, Richard's Death, Cripple Creek

While traveling last week, I had a long, early morning layover in Detroit, which gave me the opportunity to read the Detroit Free Press at length. Last Friday's edition featured an "expose'" on (primarily) Nigerian grifters taking gullible citizens with our favorite "urgent assistance requested" e-mail scam.

Seems these "419" scams (named after the section of the Nigerian Penal code restricting such cons) has gone on for quite awhile - back into the 1980s (using faxes, phone calls and "snail mail" before e-mail became ubiquitous). The amazing thing is people FALL for it, with US ANNUAL losses estimated at $100 million and the yearly Global take at $1.5 BILLION.

See the link for the actual story on the Free Press site. Some rather sad tales from some of the victims - including one Florida family forked over $400,000 believing they were claiming a $27 million inheritance from a "long-lost relative." In some cases, people have gone as far as flying to Lagos to close the deal, only to be kidnapped and held for ransom.

Also, check out the sidebar, where a columnist plays along with one of these e-mails. Interesting stuff, proving the age-old axiom that "a fool and his money are soon parted."

On a Band note, I wholly concur with Amanda's statement vis-a-vis depression and suicide. While the cause of suicide is as varied as the victims, the common thread is always desperation and the belief that nothing in existence can end whatever emotional, physical or spiritual pain the victim is suffering. It IS, however, a choice made by the individual, and no other person can or should be held accountable for another person's decision to end it all.

That said, I do have to disagree with Calvin's assertion that Robbie has blamed Levon for Richard's death as surely as Levon has blamed Robbie for Richard's (and Rick's) deaths. In truth, Robbie never said anything remotely about "blaming" anyone for Richard's tragic demise - much less Levon, specifically.

The question was asked whether RR had been tempted to rejoin the reconsituted Band lineup, given "it seemed like everyone (was)much cleaner then they were." Robbie's response was that he was not tempted, that he never believed that drugs and alcohol weren't satill an issue, and that Richard "died because of it." Meaning, if he was blaming anything in Richard's death, it was his drug and alchohol abuse.

It seems clear to me that RR is simply saying that (as he'd predicted in 1976), that the Band, collectively, was courting disaster going back on the road given several near-misses due to alcohol and drug-related incidents. Given that Richard HAD stopped drinking prior to the Band's reformation, and given that Richard was drinking that fateful night (and that cocaine was found in his room the next morning), it does seem that touring at least didn't HELP Richard avoid old temptations.

I know that the author/interviewer of the article this comes from is a reader of this site. If Robbie was somehow implying something else, perhaps he could tell us.

A common theme in substance abuse recovery, whether quitting cigarette smoking, alcohol, or illicit drugs, is that the addict MUST do what they can to change the pattern of abuse, and strictly avoid environments and conditions where their abuse was most common. The idea being that LIFE presents enough challenges to sobriety without WILLFULLY seeking out the dark spaces, from which drugs and/or alcohol provided refuge.

One assumes, then, that since Robbie's wife is/was a drug counselor, that Robbie is somewhat aware of the more clinical aspects of addiction (if not from possible first-hand experience in his own behavior). While Robbie surely blames "the road" for Richard's passing, and while he seems to feel that touring again was a bad idea all around, given subsequent events, it's tough to argue with his reasoning.

Either way, I (personally) see nothing in his comments that "blames" Levon, specifally, for directly causing Richard's death. Since the decision to regroup and tour was, by everyone's account, initiated by Richard, there's nothing to suggest that ANYONE forced him to tour.

On a lighter note, I had a curious thought regarding the lyrics to "Up On Cripple Creek" the other day. Why is it, that despite the fact that the narrator clearly has the time of his life with Bessy - finding comfort, carnal bliss, and even luck at the racetrack - he is only "kind of tempted," "deep down" nontheless, to go and see Bessie again? \My guess is that since "livin' off the road, is gettin' pretty old," the narrator can only see Bessie again if he were to take up his nomadic life again. The choice being "living off the road" vs. not seeing Bessie ever again, the narrator finds the former so objectionable that even the pleasures of the latter only remotly tempt him.

Anyone else have any thoughts? Peter's fine article on this song touches on this last line, but does not ask this question, precisely...

Matt

Entered at Tue Apr 23 17:11:01 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

A depressed person feels a loss of control over their life situation, emotions and a loss of a positive sense of their future. Suicide happens when a person has more pain than coping resources. Survivors of suicide always carry a sense of fear and guilt...I know.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 16:42:00 CEST 2002 from (12.33.178.54)

twilight

Subject: box set

Looking through the book that accompanies the new box set - couldn't help but notice the picture of Stephen Stills. He seems to have been in such a rush to be part of the festivities that he grabbed Robbie's guitar! The live version of "Acadian Driftwood" is sweet - Rick helping Richard on the verses Richard sang alone on the album version. No doubt about it - Levon Helm is the real thing. He is a legend.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 16:03:25 CEST 2002 from m198214176091.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.91)

Pehr

Subject: another rick pic sighting/BB cancel???? ugh. my summer!

In the April 15th New Yorker magazine there is a very positive review of TLW, (a magazine noted for being much hoyty toytier than the likes of Ebert and De Rogatis. The review is illustrated by a drawing of Rick shooting pool!

Adele I am sorry to hear no Barnburners in Houston May 7. Come back soon fellas. No one rocks in this town anymore. Help!

Entered at Tue Apr 23 15:04:34 CEST 2002 from dv34m52.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.52.170)

Dexy

Subject: Super Furry Animals

Link above takes you (or should take you) to a NY Post story from today about Super Furry Animals. I haven't heard them, but in the story it mentions that they have recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 14:14:10 CEST 2002 from citrix1.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.5)

John Cass

Subject: Sacketts Harbor

I know its a ways away but when is everything starting up for the Festival.. what time does the music start??? I went on the web site and there is no time listed... I am traveling a ways to get there and don't want to miss anything... anyone with info could you post it on the GB?

Thanks

Entered at Tue Apr 23 13:49:18 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-068.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.68)

Peter Viney

Calvin – on Monday release dates in Britain. It’s one of our very few musical advantages (Ace Records being another) so we like to cling to it. A few years ago, Woolworths was great for new releases because they’d get their schoolkid Sunday staff to put out the releases on Sunday afternoon so as to save the full time staff the effort on Monday (which they’re not really allowed to do) and you could pick them up late on Sunday. Record companies are now very tight on sales times. I recall the early 70s when there were two rival independents in Bournemouth (both long gone) and the orders were taken by the delivery truck driver on the day of delivery. They would compete (with bribery and various forms of corruption) to buy his entire stock of hot titles, thus ensuring no other store locally had them for a week. I suspect that certain underperforming releases caused their downfall. One of the stores had piles of “Wild Life” by Wings and the 1973 “Dylan” in their eventual closing down sale!

Comparing the running order. Forget the film, but which is closest to the correct running order?The Complete Last Waltz (CLW) boot, or the box set? I’ve always imagined that CLW was just a straight run of the show. The box set running order is actually very pleasant for the listener, but very different. For example, disc 1 is “American” with the blues / R&B material together. Disc 2 is “The Commonwealth side” consisting of Canadians (Neil Young, Joni), an Englishman (Eric C) and an Irishman (Van). The only non-Commonwealth performer (apart from Levon and the horn section) was Neil Diamond – though I guess he was common and wealthy. Disc 3 is Dylan and the jams, broadly. On which, the CLW notes put Stephen Stills on both jams and Robbie on neither, while the box set has Robbie on jam 1 and Stephen Stills on jam 2.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 13:09:43 CEST 2002 from 213-145-167-10.dd.nextgentel.com (213.145.167.10)

Aleksander

Subject: Elvis come on wake up!

This site is fucked!!!!!!

Entered at Tue Apr 23 05:39:04 CEST 2002 from spider-ntc-ta083.proxy.aol.com (198.81.16.58)

Dave Z

Entered at Tue Apr 23 04:21:02 CEST 2002 from spider-wc072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.52)

Ben Pike

Calvin, all things being not equal, I stand by my comment. Indeed, Levon's wacko comments on the subject suggest a sense of guilt more than anything else.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 03:46:48 CEST 2002 from spider-wm034.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.164)

Brien Sz

Subject: ND's commnent

...,Thinking about Niel Diamonds comment.., You think he knew the animosity towards him going in? As anyone who has TCLW knows the show has its flaws (otherwise why would it need so much work), and maybe Niel made the comment as a sarcastic line to everyone who snubbed him.., Like, if this is what you guys call good playin', hell, one song is all i need to top this out. Could be?

Entered at Tue Apr 23 03:26:41 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: DeRogatis/Diamond

Pehr: In answer to your "who is Jim DeRogatis anyway?" query: A few weeks back in the GB there was a lengthy exchange on DeRogatis's curriculum vitae -- it was at the time JRR gave the opening speech at the South by Southwest festival, a speech that touched off a sarcastic DeRogatis piece.

Viney: Yes, Americans do quaff their sugar water in multi-liter size tubs. My wife has a thesis that the bigger an American is, the bigger the drink he/she brandishes. My wife once had an obese co-worker friend who would saunter around the office with a drink cup the size of a small goldfish bowl. I think chubby Americans' thinking is that a huge drink will fill you up -- and therefore lead you to eat less (lots of those drinks aren't sugar water; they're Nutrasweet water -- Americans buy far, far more "diet" drinks than Europeans/Latin Americans/Asians/Africans do). In fact, of course, Americans who drink Big Gulps tend to eat in big gulps, as well. All that having been said, it is true that Neil Diamond comes in the middle of the film and makes for a great intermission. It used to be movies were shown with intermissions (I just saw a wide-screen re-release of Kubrick's "2001" that retained the original intermission). Scorcese, too, built an intermission into TLW; he just gave it interesting piano accompaniment. Indeed, probaby the best place to meet a fellow hard-core Band freak is in the loo during "Dry Your Bladder."

I, too, have always marvelled at Diamond's "I'm just playing one song, but I'll play it good" crack." However, I'm less offended by the crack's chutzpah than by its grammar.

Entered at Tue Apr 23 01:43:56 CEST 2002 from cache-udd.cableinet.co.uk (194.117.151.68)

Al Edge

Good point Pete but got to say I thought St John played far more effectively with Roger Hunt. Somehow for me, Levon seemed to be playing a different sort of ball game

: o )

Q. What would you do if God came down to earth tomorrow?

A. Move St John to inside left

The oldies are the best - or werst as the case may be eh Pete. : o )

BTW Hope to get my CD at the weekend.

Feeling a bit left out at the mo wiv no cd or movie!!

:-(

Entered at Mon Apr 22 23:59:39 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-172.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.172)

Peter Viney

DRY YOUR EYES - If you can listen through (e.g.) Hot August Night or Love At The Greek, you'll see that Neil (a) liked a military drummer (b) Dennis St John did it perfectly for him. Look at TLW video, it's surely St John who is the loud drummer in "Dry Your eyes" - Levon is playing off that, not leading. Not that he'd have wanted to. BTW, by reinstating the arrogant Neil Diamond intro, is Robbie making a deliberate point?

Entered at Mon Apr 22 23:30:36 CEST 2002 from lib42.library.tmc.edu (192.68.30.42)

Adela

Subject: Houston concert cancelled

Bad news, those of you in the Houston area who were looking forward to the Barn Burners' concert at the Mucky Duck on May 7, though not nearly as much as I was, since that's my birthday and it was going to be just about the best birthday present I could have ever asked for. We just got word that the concert was cancelled. The Mucky Duck couldn't tell us why, but said it was on the BB's end. I hope everything is ok with them and I also hope they can reschedule. I guess now with the $200 I get back for my 10 tickets I had bought I can go get myself a DVD player with which to watch TLW DVD, which is also being released on my birthday.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 22:40:11 CEST 2002 from pub15.lrc.swt.edu (147.26.108.122)

Pehr

Subject: thanks crab, joe lore

Thanks for the photos Joe and Crab. great stuff.

Who is De Rogatis anyway? Any relation to high voiced ex linebacker that broadcast football games with Curt Gowdy in the early 70's?

Entered at Mon Apr 22 22:19:58 CEST 2002 from cache-gat-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.31.144.1)

Water Of Tyne

Subject: TLW Box Set - Random Thoughts

Well, I've had a while to digest it... wow.

A lot of time has gone in to this, and quite frankly they've got it spot on. The fact it's been been remixed as well as remastered is hugely apparent; For example, Mystery Train swings a hell of a lot more thanks to the Harp and guitar being pulled back in the mix slightly. To echo someone's earlier comments, Levon is in a class of his own.

Even the soundstage stuff is noticeably different - there's all sorts of little touches in Evangeline that I'm sure weren't there before.

Nice to see the dedication to Rick & Richard,too.

Roll on DVD day...

Entered at Mon Apr 22 22:03:02 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

In the Wall Street Journal article, I love that Robbie said that Garth is a "master musician" and that people in the know and other musicians realized that it was Garth who made the Band special. It is true that Robbie gets very animated when he talks musically about his old brothers.

I am also very excited that we, according to Robbie, will get a "definitive" Band box set in the future.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 21:24:24 CEST 2002 from host-65.subnet-76.med.umich.edu (141.214.76.65)

Steve Knowlton

Well, I took my wife to see the Last Waltz at Chicago's Piper Alley. She's not a Band fan at all (she just knows "Dixie"), so I thought you might be interested in her thoughts.

Robbie Robertson comes across as a bit of a jerk. Levon Helm was the coolest guy in the Band, and one of the few singers she's heard who can really get into the guts of a song, and convey the emotion behind the story; she's usually not into twangy voices but she dug his. Van Morrison doesn't look anything like she imagined he would from hearing him on the radio. Neil Diamond has a unique voice; he seems to be simultaneously pretentious and sincere. Eric Clapton's solos were redundant the third, fourth, and fifth times around.

A few of my thoughts: for a group of guys who made such sophisticated tunes, the Band sure liked some boring music. "Helpless" is simply excruciating in its tedium, "Mannish Boy" is like a musical dentist's drill. I was really knocked out with the new mix. A lot of things I never heard before came out, especially the piano: deep throbbing chords under "Dry Your Eyes", a sprightly tinkle on "Who Do You Love?". Joni Mitchell was far more out of place than Neil Diamond. Diamond at least has been known to rock out, but Mitchell's laid back vibe was not right for Levon at least. He kept pushing the beat and the uneasy match between him and Joni's phrasing was obvious. Neil Diamond brought his drummer along, but it's not clear why, unless he wanted to humiliate him. He's not in the mix at all, but you can see he's playing a part that's incredibly simple compared to Levon's shifting snare accents.

The critical consensus that the Band didn't change around any of their arrangements is proven wrong. "It Makes No Difference" enters a gently syncopated breakdown under Robbie's solo, and Garth's horn line is completely different. "Cripple Creek" replaces Garth's wah-wah clavinet line with some hot guitar licks.

And I think Levon's right, that Robbie's mic was turned off (or at least left out of the mix). I couldn't hear him in any of the harmonies.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 20:51:02 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-079.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.79)

Peter Viney

The “new” material doesn’t sound worse-mixed so I’d guess they overdubbed it at the time before making the selection.

The thing that got me in the reviews is that several singled out “Furry sings The Blues” as exquisite. Which indeed it is. But those who have the Complete Last Waltz boot were I think generally agreed that this and “Shadows and Light” were the technical lowspots – messy, untogether. However the remixed versions are both superb. Part of the answer is bringing Joni’s voice right to the top of the mix and pulling her out of the mud on the bootleg. The guitar from Robbie on both tracks is brilliant and I think it’s comparatively louder. I think they’ve taken Joni’s own guitar down too which evens up this problem of them trying to follow her unusual tunings which has been mentioned. Dropping Neil’s harmonica back a bit also makes it subtlely supporting rather than dominating. But the remixes are chalk and cheese from the boot. If you have Complete Last Waltz, you absolutely have to buy this. I went back to the boot- where the hum problem is apparent (and there’s a little instrumental bit that’s now been eradicated before she starts). I don’t think it’s so much a case of wholesale overdubs (except bass) as just a sensitive mix but I was enjoying the music too much to stick to a head-to-head comparison.

I hope Levon has given it a good listen. The drumming has been treated with loving care in the remix and he’s just on unbeatable form all night. However hard the feelings might be over TLW, this is going to spread his reputation as THE best rock drummer beyond those of us who know already to the new people who are going to be drawn to this release by the unprecedented publicity.

Because we sell our sugared and dyed water in reasonable sized containers in the UK rather than in large buckets, I would have thought that even the ageing bladders of our little community shouldbe able to sustain the whole cinematic show – I’ll have to wait for the DVD, but I would say that a pee break during Neil Diamond is a loss. I hadn’t remembered how great Richard’s piano playing is on it. What does appear on the box set CD but I don’t recall from the film or from the original CD / LP is Neil’s intro line “I’m going to do one song for you … but I’m gonna do it good. Snigger.’ Perhaps that’s what caused a problem for those (like Rollie, I believe) who attended the actual event and heard it.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 20:04:17 CEST 2002 from host-65-164-8-8.co.erie.ny.us (65.164.8.8)

G-Man

Entered at Mon Apr 22 19:51:46 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The Last Waltz is not only a document of a band, but it is also a time capsule glimpse at popular music of the '60s and early '70s. A quarter of a century later, the music industry no longer embraces the revolutionary spirit that once sparked the artists' vision. The same conglomerates that now own the music labels, ironcially, are responsible for helping create the technology that is destroying the commercial viability of the very music they now control. All of the visionary spirit is being drained, sample by sample, and compressed like some digital MP-3 file stored on a hard drive. The dynamic range of both the sound and the heart of the music is gone.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 19:08:41 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Paul: Yes, I saw it at Piper's Alley. I was glad to see a crowd that looked pretty full to me, for a first-show-of-the-day on a Sunday. However, if only 8-10 people showed up for a Sat. night screening, the run at Piper's Alley likely won't last long.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 18:57:43 CEST 2002 from oshst-128.olysteel.com (63.91.50.128)

bob wigo

Subject: TLW

I was fortunate to view TLW on Saturday evening at the Ritz Bourse in downtown Philadelphia. It was positively wonderful. The sound system, despite a few very minor glitches rates a solid B+ and the theater did a great job overall. Seeing the "THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD" banner at the outset raised a smile and a bit of laughter across the audience.

We've all been discussing key moments and a few stick with me this morning.

Rick standing alone in the spotlight, filmed from the rear of the stage, singing "Stagefright" is a beautifully captured image. The "Old Time Religion" segment is essential Rick Danko.

The "pulse", dubbed or not, that Levon and Rick pour into "Coyote".

Richard's incredible rendition of "The Shape I'm In" and that wonderful, quirky sense of humor.

Robbie's guitar work across the board.

Garth's swirling, spiraling keyboards elevating each song to seemingly unreachable heights.

Levon's drumming on "Ophelia" and, of course, his amazing performance on "Dixie". I'd swear he played a thousand different fills that night and every single one bears his unique signature.

If you are in or around the Philly area get yourself down there to catch TLW on the big screen. It will take you back in time and provide a stark reminder as to why we all come here so often. If it runs another week I'm going to have to catch it again.

One last thought...Despite all of the discussions, arguments, debates,etc. that this film has swirling around it.....please don't lose sight of this simple fact -- we, as fans of The Band, should never lose sight of how lucky we are to have this amazing documentation available to us. The performances and the manner in which they are presented are treasures.

A comment overheard as we departed the theater - "I had no idea." You do now my friend. Enjoy the ride.

Long live the music of The Band.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 16:32:38 CEST 2002 from tnt15a-212.chcg3.il.corecomm.net (216.214.209.212)

Paul

Subject: TLW in Chicago

I caught TLW at the 10:45 show Saturday night (about 8-10 people in the theater). Got myself good and soaked, too -- it had been warm for a couple of days, and I went out with just a T-shirt. The weather turned cold and a cold rain started falling, and I got wet before and after the movie during a long walk to and from the car. Never again, but the movie made it worthwhile.

I think Donald Joseph must have gone to Piper's Alley here in Chicago, and I can back up what he said about the sound system. The bass and low notes were a lot clearer. I don't think I've ever heard what Levon has going on in his drum kit as well as I did in this movie; I hear a lot of wood in his bass and snare drums, a low fatback slap very different from the trebly rhythm tracks that are in fashion today, without which you can't get on radio. I've always thought of Levon as a real Memphis drummer, like D.J. Fontana or Al Jackson, the kind of guys who make a soloist sound great.

I'd be interested if anyone who owns the undubbed bootleg of this concert would pick out where the major overdubs are. I understand Garth had some miking problems and redid most of his stuff; true? I had the impression that Levon, Richard, and Robbie were mostly live. My favorite overdub moment is early in "Coyote": there's a shot of Joni and Rick side by side, and Rick is all over the neck of his bass, while the sound track just has a low-key bass line that has nothing to do with what Rick looks to be playing.

I've always assumed that Evangeline, The Last Waltz, and the Weight with the Staples were all studio recordings that the boys lip-synched for the cameras, but I was struck by how well the vocals synched up with what was emerging from the theater's speakers. Was I wrong to think these are lip-synched? Or did they do the "sing live to a backing track" thing, maybe punching in a vocal here and there?

Entered at Mon Apr 22 16:01:45 CEST 2002 from spider-wq074.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.193)

Dave Z

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Calvin

Subject: General chatter and feedback to other posts

Carmen: Did the Philly paper really call him the charismatic Robbie Robertson? I like RR very much with the Band and as a solo artist, but charismatic? I suppose I could see it if they only talk about music with him, anyone else ever notice that. Any other topic RR gets a little highbrow, tries to create an image, but get him talking about "this is where Garth did this" and the man sounds like a little boy. If I was the interviewer I know what question I would have asked him after he said it makes him sad he cant pick up the phone and call Rick or Richard, "Do you feel the same about Levon." I know it is voyeristic, but I'm curious to know if any of that affection may remain. Peter: I hope you don't take it personally, but I've decided to be annoyed at all Britishers today because you folks get album releases a day before we do in the states, no fair. BenPike: I've always considered it ludicrous that Levon blamed Richard and Rick's death on Robbie. That along with his comments that RR sicked the IRS on him along with a few others that are just crazy is why I've never really taken Levon's recollections as gospel. Although I dont believe he is lieing, just remembering somewhat askew. That said, blaming Levon for Richard's suicide because he drug him out on the road is no less offensive a comment.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 15:18:21 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

Crabby: The photos are magnificent!!! Thanks for keeping the spirit of The Band alive. You should have been with us in Arkansas. ;o)

Entered at Mon Apr 22 13:42:38 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-056.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.56)

Peter Viney

Got it in my hand. And the last double page of the book has "Dedicated to the Art & Memory of Rick Danko and Richard Manuel" with a whole page picture of each. Picked it up at 12 and put on CD2 for the 10 minute drive home- straight to Caravan (as i've been listening to the older version a lot recently). Instant judgment- stunningly better sound. Garth is definitely higher in the mix, and I believe Robbie's guitar is actually lower in the mix. Well, I know what i'm listening to later- Sigh! Have to work between now and then!

Entered at Mon Apr 22 12:44:06 CEST 2002 from 64-80-53-195-static.surferz.net (64.80.53.195)

Diamond Lil

Amanda: Loved your posts about your trip to Arkansas. Very happy that you finally got to see Levon. Thanks for sharing your photos too.

Terrence Simien: It was so nice to see a post from you! I really loved your cover of "It Makes no Difference". Thanks.

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 12:13:28 CEST 2002 from (63.232.33.81)

Jenny T

Subject: Groupies

I didn't mean to sound self-righteous in my last post. I'm not sure that if I were often away from home and gorgeous studly guys who worshipped the ground I walked on threw themselves at me all the time that I would be so perfect. I think successful musicians face enormous temptations that few other people ever have to deal with.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 11:35:34 CEST 2002 from spider-wb024.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.159)

Joe

Great pix Crabby!

Entered at Mon Apr 22 08:38:33 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

I didn't finish my last post. The Cate Brothers and Levon performed a song from "Stage Fright". The song was "The Shape I'm In".

Entered at Mon Apr 22 08:35:08 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tb011.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.21)

benpike

To put the this weeks pans of "The Last Waltz" into context, a few things to bear in mind.

I think Rog was in a bad mood when he saw it, cause it got to thumbs up from Sisbert on it's original release. He's right to the extent that there is a sense of meloncoly in the film, but his dour response this time is says more about Rog than the movie, I fear.

Jim D, who has been selling his dated pose for some years now(Hey Jim, if we needed punk after the Last Waltz, what did we need after the Sex Pistols reunion tour? A prog rock revival, I suppose) is simply playing Henry Jaglom to Lester Bang's Orson Welles again, and it's tiresome; but hey, what is he suppose to write about, new music?

In it's first release, Dave Marsh wrote a long piece attacking "Waltz" in Film Comment, and a lot of the anti-waltz stuff I've seen over the years seems to have been cribbed from that. Well, I'll say it, Marsh was the first to ridacule Robertson's comments about the road, this was years before Levon dragged Richard back out to play s#itholes until he killed himself. That part of the movie, once laughed off, is now chilling.

Look, if you don't love the Band, it's kind of like expecting someone to adore "Duck Soup" that doesn't like the Marx Brothers. One thing forever in our favor: the late Pauline Keal love "Waltz" thought it was one of Scorsesse's best, and her work will be anthologized and re-issued as much or more than any other film writer... so there!

I also think it's interesting this re-release has gotten this much notice! More than the failed "E.T." rerelease, it seems to me.....

Entered at Mon Apr 22 06:04:35 CEST 2002 from 12-249-119-233.client.attbi.com (12.249.119.233)

Donald Joseph

Subject: Thoughts after screening TLW rerelease

I took my family (wife + 3 kids) to the 1:45 TLW show (in Chicago) today. Here are thoughts on the rerelease from someone who'd seen the "original" a million times:

* It's showing at a large, prestigious theater in Chicago, and the 1:45 p.m. Sunday show, while far from sold out, had a very full crowd.

* Back during TLW's original '78 Chicago run, after the first day or 2, the projectionist somehow eliminated the prefatory "THIS FILM SHOULD BE PLAYED LOUD" card, for the duration of the Chicago run. History repeating itself: This card was again absent from the screening I saw in Chi. today!

* The much-ballyhooed "color enhancement" is invisible, to my eyes. The Chicago theater's sound system rates a B+. As to the much-ballyhooed reworking of the sound, I noticed the bass and low notes were a lot clearer than I'd ever noticed before, but otherwise the sound sounded, to me, like the original releases's sound played on a B+ sound system.

* My kids (ages 6,9, & 11) appeared to be the only kids in the theater; I saw no other kids or teenagers.

* Neil Diamond set off a rush to the john (well, a handful of us congregating in a small men's roon, at least). There almost weren't enough urinals to go around (my son and I each claimed one).

* Ebert is totally wrong in saying these guys are dour sad sacks. I'd remembered everyone smiling all the way through the film (albeit they're tired & coked up), and my memeory was right. Ebert must've been watching the film standing on his head: Those're smiles, not frowns. Many are ear-to-ear grins at the fantastic sh*t going down.

* Yes, Levon's a good actor (Right Stuff, Coalminer's Daughter, etc). But he's not THAT good to fake the earnest on-screen affection he shows for Robbie. Not just the cigarette-lighting: Check out Levon's ear-to-ear grin when Robbie "bests" Slowhand during the guitar duel -- Levon clearly was rooting for JRR on that one! Ergo: The "feud" wasn't raging that night, Levon's after-the-fact book notwithstanding.

* Sorry, but Dr. John doesn't blow off JRR after "Such a Night." He nods to him, greets Levon warmly, and then doubles back and gives Robbie a pat on the back.

* I told my kids to watch Neil Young grabbing Joni's ass during "I Shall Be Released," and check her out swatting away his paw. It's even more graphic than I'd remembered: The entire song he's pawing her and she's glaring a sourpuss that puts Hillary Clinton to shame. By the end of the tune Neil tries a new strategy, and reaches around Joni to put his arm around Dr. John (Joni is standing BETWEEN them). Joni doesn't fall for it.

* The last scene is the Last Waltz Refrain, with the hidden orchestra accompanying the 5 boys. Manuel is on a dobro -- but is it miked? I couldn't hear it at all.

* If you watch the credits all the way to the end, they've added a new final credits "page" with credits for the rerelease.

Entered at Mon Apr 22 02:29:26 CEST 2002 from pcp01633868pcs.lndsd101.pa.comcast.net (68.80.6.37)

carmen

Subject: RR Interview from Philadelphia Daily News

Posted on Fri, Apr. 19, 2002 TATTLING WITH. . . ROBBIE ROBERTSON "The Last Waltz" is back. Celebrating the final performance of the pioneering country-rock group The Band, and featuring performing friends Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Neil Diamond and Van Morrison, this documentary is now enjoying a 25th anniversary revival. There's a color-corrected and remixed cinema release, a new DVD, a 4-CD box set, and soon a surround sound DVD-Audio disc. All have been supervised by the film's producer, The Band's charismatic Robbie Robertson. We got on the horn with Robbie to talk about it all.

Q:While Martin Scorsese had a hand in editing "Woodstock," he'd never directed a music film before "The Last Waltz." Was that a concern?

Robertson:He had the right instincts to capture all of this - a complete passion for the music and the artists. . .and the whole idea of The Band's farewell - complete with a stage set borrowed from an opera company and the chandeliers from "Gone With the Wind"! This was the first time a documentary concert movie was ever shot with Panavision and 35 mmm cameras. Those cameras are normally only meant to shoot a couple minutes at a time. Here, they had to run six hours. So they were constantly changing motors, batteries and film. Just figuring out how to not miss a key moment took lots of planning, as well as you could for a one-take situation.

Q:What's it been like for you, seeing your fallen colleagues Rick Danko and Richard Manuel up on the screen?

Robertson:When Rick is singing "It Makes No Difference" - wow. And Richard turned out to be the comic relief in the movie, and sings and plays great. It really warmed my heart seeing them again. There's a certain sadness that I can't give 'em a call.

Q:You've done a lot of movie scoring with Scorsese since this film and made the occasional album. So what else are you up to lately?

Robertson:The film work continues. I've been helping on his "Gangs of New York." The Native-American segment that opened the Winter Olympics was all my doing. [Robertson is half Mohawk Indian.] I'm working on an album project combining my native music recordings and others, as well as a definitive Band box set. I've been talking with Steven Spielberg about his next film, "Catch Me If You Can." I'm also a creative executive at Dreamworks Records. I helped bring [fellow Canadian] Nelly Furtado to the label. And I'm executive producer on a whole bunch of projects coming out soon. Keep a look out for Dana Glover, who's an amazing Southern gospel flavored singer and musician, a talented group called A.I.. . .So yeah, I'm keeping busy. *

- Jonathan Takiff

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Calvin

Subject: Crabby and Jazz Musicians covering the Brown Album

I'm not sure if you are aware of this Crabby but a few years back one of the Jazz labels started a project of Jazz Musicians covering entire R&R albums. I had a few of them, an intersting project. The only Band cover I've ever really enjoyed, enough to go buy an album it was on was Aretha Franklin doing The Weight, but then Aretha could sing the phone book and make it a worthwhile listen. Least favorite, the Staple Singers dueting with country singer Marty Stuart. The Staples held of their end for the most part, but Marty isnt any Levon, that is for sure.

Entered at Sun Apr 21 21:35:32 CEST 2002 from 1cust99.tnt16.nyc9.da.uu.net (63.38.56.99)

Crabgrass

Subject: Brown Album Jazzed

I think the timing is right for a bunch of jazz musicians to record an instrumental version of Band album 2 entitled "The Brown Album Suite" and maybe recruit Garth and Howard Johnson and company to play on it. Maybe even tour. I'd much prefer this to other artists "covering" Band songs which I could really quite do without!!

Entered at Sun Apr 21 20:46:54 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poola152.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.40.152)

herbie hancock

yeah your boyfriend is right adela. there are many times when the musicians playing doesn't sync up with what is heard. all of them,(except levon) overdubbed parts they(robbie/scorsese)weren't happy with

Entered at Sun Apr 21 20:18:43 CEST 2002 from ppp-65-65-28-66.dialup.hstntx.swbell.net (65.65.28.66)

Adela

Subject: TLW observations

Ok, I went last night to see it at the Greenway here in Houston and right from "Don't Do It" I was amazed how different everything sounded. You can really hear the harmonies so much better now. In "Evangeline" you can really hear Rick's fiddle. But especially the harmonies is what I noticed.

What's funny is that even though I've seen this movie 211 times now, and I've also seen it on the big screen before (even though I'm only 29, they did show it once here in Houston a few years ago), I noticed lots of things last night that I've never noticed before, such as... right at the first drum opening to "Don't Do It" a mike stand falls over at stage left! Also, what was that stamped word on the Hawk's right hand? I could just almost make it out... Another thing was on "Further On Up the Road" my boyfriend swears Rick's bass playing did not match what was heard and I think I agree. Was the keyboard playing the blues bass line, or was that overdubbed in later?

Anyway, it was great fun to see and I did sit through Neil Diamond even though normally that's where the fast forward button on the VCR comes in real handy. I sat through it because I was kind of curious. Eh.

This theater has a bulletin board where you can post little reviews of the movies on your way out and I posted this very simple, very true sentence: "This movie changed my life." Can't wait to hear what you all have to say about it, and if anyone can addess any of my observations, please do so!

Entered at Sun Apr 21 19:00:49 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

Subject: Levon Tribute Part Two

The Cate Brothers/Levon show was to start at 8:30. When we arrived at the Melba Theater at approximately 7:15, there were already about 100 people in line. The show was sold out. The theater could seat 450, and could accommodate 500 with SRO. I was in quite a state of stress at this point because I thought there was no way I could get a great seat from my position in line. The doors opened and everyone began filing in. I made it inside and went straight for seats, leaving my friend somewhere in the dust. It was my lucky night because front row center…two empty seats at the end of the row! I was so happy!!! The Cate Brothers began the show right on time with two drum kits on stage. I have been waiting a long time to see the Cate Brothers and they did not disappoint. They ROCKED in a soulful Memphis style! Ernie Cate has a voice like velvet and he is outstanding on keys. I really did fall in love with his voice…so pure sounding…reminds you of Otis Redding. My 10-year-old son, who listened to a CD on the drive home, thinks Ernie sounds like Greg Allman. I sat right in front of Earl Cate on lead guitar and David Renko on sax. Earl is a brilliant R&B guitar player and an excellent showman. Watching him play was so exciting. David, on sax, had a rock n’ roll type style and traded leads with Earl. Ron Eoff was on bass and you should have seen him having fun playing with Levon. Ron was w/ the Cates from 76-88 and re-joined in 99. Ron’s brother, Micky, is the drummer. He began playing with the Cates after Porky Hill died in 2000. I got this info from a really nice gentleman while standing in line for coffee. W.T. Gatlin came on with Levon and there was another musician on sax and harmonica. I apologize for not getting his name, but I am sure Jan will fill us in later. The Cates played about 6 songs before Levon joined them on stage. Two of my favorites were “Am I Losing You” and “All I Gave”. Levon was introduced. Levon walked out in a really casual black Nike warm up suit…he looked fabulous! He was carrying his drumsticks wrapped in some sort of cloth. My heart skipped a beat. He thanked everyone for their support and thanked the people of Batesville. He then asked Jan and Lee to come to the front of the stage. Levon, unlike me, pronounced Jan’s name correctly. Levon introduced them as music writers and told the audience how far they had traveled for the event. Levon then said that he would stop talking and do what everyone wanted him to do…play some music!!! And…that he did…in that typical Levon style…no one can play drums like Levon. I was mesmerized. The show was amazing…I’ll never be able to forget it. The last song of the night brought a lump to my throat. They played “Stage Fright”. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I have never in my life witnessed a Band song performed live and to see Levon playing music that means so much to me…I was blown away. The music ended, Levon thanked the audience, praised the Cate Brothers and the guest musicians and promised to “see ya’ next year.” I really wanted a CD by the Cate’s, so we asked Ernie Cate and he brought us a couple, titled “Radioland”. Levon came from backstage, walked right over to us and thanked us again for attending and talked a little about The Barnburners. I thought that was so kind of him, he couldn’t have been more polite or sincere. We chatted a little more and said our farewells. I am so lucky to have been there for Levon’s day of honor. Thanks to my dear husband who was so excited for me…what a gift. Now…he has promised…that we’ll travel to see a Garth performance sometime before the end of the summer. I have already got the wheels turnin’…

Entered at Sun Apr 21 15:54:21 CEST 2002 from hvc-24-164-169-230.hvc.rr.com (24.164.169.230)

Russman

Subject: GARTH IN LOUIELAND

Howdy folks --- Just got back from a wonderful evening of music from Professor Louie & The Crowmatix with our boy GARTH HUDSON! Wow, what a fantastic show, situated in the new Joyous Lake in downtown Woodstock...great room with spectacular woodwork and vibe. Better than the punkrock beerhall it was in 2000 and earlier, remember those great Bubba Barnburner nights@!?!? Not so long ago... this was alot better and it was nice to see so many familiar folks from the Danko days. The place was crowded but had enough room to move around and vibe the scene. I can't say enough about the Professor Louie crew, they seem to be getting better everytime I see them!!! You could feel that Woodstock spirit come alive during Book Faded Brown,Ophelia and they even pulled out a hot "Gotta Serve Somebody" which Miss Marie did redhot mama justice to. Hot Tuna man Michael Falazarano did a new song that rocked, bringing the Jorma world into scope. I spoke to their guy Steven selling cd's and he said they'll be on the road all summer...so thing's are heating up. Check em out! Garth, what more can be said... he's carrying the torch in these parts. I heard there's another chance to catch them at Bearsville for a benefit on May 11th with some esteemed Woodstock Alumni,blues mistress Rory Block. Rock out...God bless: Russell

Entered at Sun Apr 21 15:31:52 CEST 2002 from pcp01633868pcs.lndsd101.pa.comcast.net (68.80.6.37)

carmen

Subject: BAND

Here are the sites to make it easier

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/living/3095671.htm

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/3109602.htm

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/entertainment/3109591.htm

Entered at Sun Apr 21 15:24:58 CEST 2002 from pcp01633868pcs.lndsd101.pa.comcast.net (68.80.6.37)

carmen

Subject: BAND

All of the Philly area GB'ers be sure to check out the entertainment section of the Inquirer. Good article titled "Lessons for today in the Band's last concert. Also a seperate article on Dylan's upcoming movie. Best news of the day- Garth and friends play "Music of the Band" at the Point on Lancaster Avenue this Thursday.

I also saw TLW yesterday at the Ritz.

For those outside the Philly area, check out WWW.phillynews.com and search the Entertainment section of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Best Regards!

Entered at Sun Apr 21 06:36:10 CEST 2002 from dialup183-b.ts552.cwt.esat.net (193.203.157.183)

Hank

Subject: Just trying to stay busy.....

TLW, eh?

The best performances never made the movie.....on the album, the performance of "I Don't Believe You" is really a sound to behold........the way Levon swings in on the cymbals is astounding, genius music........and it was not overdubbed either.........

There's an ongoing debate 'round these parts about the overdubbing factor.........in the midst of one of these discussions......a young woman said...."Who cares if it's overdubbed?.....It's THEM!"......

good point.......it wasn't as if they got anyone else in to overdub......

or is it?.......I dunno........ Anyway....my fave moment in TLW is when Rick bows his head in slo-mo, with the hat on, during the "sip the wine" intro...........Hauntingly beautiful image........

Entered at Sun Apr 21 06:02:09 CEST 2002 from dialup-67.25.135.43.dial1.buffalo1.level3.net (67.25.135.43)

G-MAN

Subject: LEVON HELM TRIBUTE

Amanda,,GREAT post! Ya captured what it's like at a Levon event!! Show had to special!! Thanks!!

Entered at Sun Apr 21 01:06:05 CEST 2002 from dv061s53.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.53.61)

Dexy

Entered at Sat Apr 20 23:29:30 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Subject: TLW: Peter Goddard, Toronto Star, April 19: reminscence

Entered at Sat Apr 20 23:08:49 CEST 2002 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.101.7)

Norbert

Entered at Sat Apr 20 22:04:58 CEST 2002 from proxyrj.unisys.com.br (200.220.5.22)

Ivan Mariz

Subject: The Band

Hi I'm a very fan of The Band, and I'd love to change news about them

Entered at Sat Apr 20 21:20:45 CEST 2002 from spider-wk073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.183)

Donna

Amanda: Thank you for sharing your adventures in Arkansas for the Levon Tribute/film festival, with us! I enjoyed the pictures as well!!! Looking forward to Part 2.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 20:33:34 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

Stanley Landau

Subject: TLW

Saw TLW at the Canada Square theatre in Toronto last night. What an incredible disappointment. One of the people who saw it with me had seen the Toronto premier at the Paramount on Wednesday. He said the sound had been amazing, but this was certainly not the case at Canada Square on Friday night. The volume was way too low to the point where I couldn’t tell if it was any different from the original. Moreover, they forgot to turn the lights out until after Don’t Do It was finished and then cut the film off before the credits were over. We got our money back but that really was no consolation. Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Biggest surprise of the evening: my wife and I were the only ones who went to the bathroom during Neil Diamond.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 20:28:39 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

Subject: Levon Tribute Part One

I am going to have to do this in two parts. I just got home last night. I had a wonderful time and it was an incredible honor to be able to attend the tribute/film festival. Click on the link above for a few photos. I will try to get more scanned within the next day or so.

Levon Helm is something special. If not for our respective marriages, I might have searched for a horse and invited him to ride off into the sunset. My trip to Arkansas to see Levon was one of the most moving and inspiring experiences of my life. Pretty big stuff for a girl from Mississippi County. I had only spoken to him briefly in Charleston almost two years ago when The Barnburners came through town. The film festival was unique in that you could just sit back and observe him on film and then later witness the way he interacted with other people. The films were screened throughout the afternoon. After the last film, Levon made himself available for autographs, and photos, for those of us who felt a little daring. There was quite a line of people in front of the theater and wrapped around the lobby. I saw Jan and Lee during this time. They were standing in front of the theater. Of course I recognized Jan from his photos, so I went up and introduced myself. I really have no idea if he remembered my name from the GB or not and I pronounced his name the American way….sorry Jan!!! Jan and Lee were very polite and so young looking and yes ladies, quite handsome. They did tell me that they were hangin’ with Levon…touring Helena and Marvell before arriving in Batesville. I would like to have been a mouse in someone’s pocket for that journey ;o)! I only ran into Jan once more and never got around to complimenting him, in person; on his exceptional site or thanking him for his dedication….so Thanks Jan….you are a brilliant Webmaster!! I stood in line to meet Levon. People had all sorts of things for him to sign. Books, magazines, tour programs, pictures, albums and one smart gal had drumsticks. I had my copy of Levon’s book. My heart was beating SO fast that I was somewhat light-headed. By the time I was one person away from the table where Levon was sitting, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to speak. My friend was finding this to be quite a hoot. When I got to Levon, I mumbled something like…"do you mind signing my book?". Levon was so nice and made me feel at ease by asking our names and where we were from and thanking us for attending. He signed my book…*Amanda* Keep on Rockin’ Levon Helm. How cool is that! Then I mumbled again…"can my friend take a picture of us?” Levon was all for it and said “this is the best part, taking pictures with pretty girls”. I thought that was sweet…of course. Levon then inquired if we were coming to the show later in the evening. He was so humble…he said, “The Cate Brothers are playing and they are wonderful.” Everyone knew that the whole event was in his honor, but he never once led anyone to believe that it was anything else other than a Cate Brothers show. We said our goodbyes and off we went to rest and have dinner before the performance.

Jon from Missouri: That was my friend dressed in white. I wish we had met and chatted.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 20:12:22 CEST 2002 from atpm3-1-43.enter.net (208.137.243.53)

Zeppe

I imagine the Band members' wives were already familiar with groupies before TLW was filmed, so I don't see why the group would have to stay silent about the subject. Any woman who marries a rock and roll star has to anticipate him cheating on her sometime while he's on the road. It's her choice whether to stay with him or not. Apparently, the Band members' wives were willing to remain married to their husbands during those years when they were on the road more than they were at home.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 19:57:06 CEST 2002 from atpm3-1-43.enter.net (208.137.243.53)

Zeppe

My favorite moment from TLW is probably the Rick "cutthroat" scene at the beginning. I thought it was a perfect way to open the film. Everytime I'm playing pool at the local bar, I think of Rick in that scene.

Other moments that I liked included Eric Clapton's strap breaking, and Rick smiling at him as he was hooking it back up. I admire Robbie's instinct to pick up where Eric left off, and the other Band members for keeping the song rolling, instead of stopping and starting over again. If they would've stopped the song they probably would've had to apologize to the crowd and make a joke out of it.

I also liked Ronnie Hawkins' performance. Especially when he took his hat off and waved it in front of Robbie's guitar. You could see some of the horn players sitting in the background laughing. And at the end, he did his camel walk offstage, and the Band members all looked at each other smiling.

My least favorite moments were Joni Mitchell's performance, and the poets. I never understood what the hell they were saying.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 19:09:37 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-105.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.105)

Peter Viney

No, Wilonsky's review and Eberts review are also crap. Hadn't seen them in time! This is without doubt the largest number of Band reviews in any week since the site started. Can't be bad.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 19:06:50 CEST 2002 from (63.232.33.138)

Jenny T

Subject: Women on the Road

I don't see where anybody but Levon was uncomfortable with the groupie question--both Rick and Richard answered the question, with Rick saying that the women had grown along with them over the years, and Richard saying the women were the main reason to stay on the road. How do you figure they were worried about their wives' and families' feelings? Neither Robbie nor Garth said anything that made it into the film--maybe they had some scruples about it.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 18:24:58 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-047.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.47)

Peter Viney

Liked the Robbie quote in the Wall Street Journal: “This new audio gives you the best seat in the house.” Excellent turn of phrase. But I can’t help feeling I’ve heard it somewhere before – ah, yes. Levon Helm!

Of all the reviews, Mr D. Roger-the-artist’s piece is the only cloth-eared one.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 17:09:03 CEST 2002 from lib54.library.tmc.edu (192.68.30.54)

Adela, of the Original Band Tattoo

Subject: Levon tribute, etc.

Yes, I too am dying to hear about how the Levon tribute and concert went in Arkansas last weekend!!! Especially since until 4 days before, I had planned to drive up there and partake in the festivities. I even bought new tires for the car, took off from work, and everything! And damn, how wonderful it would have been to meet the great Jan in person! However, life circumstances forbade me from following through with my plan, sadly. Still, it's ok only because my birthday is coming up on Tuesday, May 7, and one of my favorite persons in the whole wide world, Mr. Levon Helm, will be in Houston to help me celebrate it properly!!! I bought 10 tickets for the show at the Mucky Duck and will be there in style with my closest family and friends! Butch, I'll try to behave myself.

On another note, I'm sorry I missed the "Fresh Air" program yesterday but I was busy driving through the Texas Hill Country back home after making a pilgrimage to the famous Gruene Hall (where I saw Levon and the BB's just last year) to witness my other hero, the sensational Taj Mahal, rock the roof off the joint! While driving, my sweet boyfriend Starvin' Marvin popped in the new CD by his childhood friend Kenny Neal and it was a treat to hear his cover of the Band's "Remedy." Check it out if you haven't already!

Ok, Jan and Lee, waiting in earnest for your awesome report!!! Love always, Adela

Entered at Sat Apr 20 16:44:01 CEST 2002 from spider-wb061.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.176)

JTull Fan

Subject: TLW in Dallas Thank-you Amanda!

ALRIGHT!!!! Than-you Amanda for the great link! I've been watching from the sidelines as you lucky few have gotten to see TLW in the theaters. Well, guess who flys to Dallas on Monday?!?!?!? And the theater link says it has stadium seating and a full service bar!!!

Entered at Sat Apr 20 15:02:48 CEST 2002 from sc-hiltonhead1a-120.hhe.adelphia.net (24.49.234.120)

Amanda

Subject: Dallas Morning News

Entered at Sat Apr 20 14:49:38 CEST 2002 from dv061s53.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.53.61)

Dexy

I agree w/Bob W., the whole thing is great. So great that a few weeks ago, I pulled our copy out to show our 8 year old daughter, and the damn thing was finally shot, ripped in two. We'll get another. Anyway, there is one favorite moment -- two actually. The beginning of Dixie, and then the rolling thunder at the end when the crowd starts to cheer. Never have seen power like that in a filmed performance. Good thing Levon hadn't left the group by then.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 13:06:05 CEST 2002 from cache-har.cableinet.co.uk (194.117.133.118)

Al Edge

Subject: Fave Last Waltz Moments

Okay, seeing as my attempts at humour went down - as fuckin ever - like lead balloons filled with er..lead - I suppose I'd better state my real fave bits before the thing comes out.

Top of pops deffo the ole time religion bit which I can never get enough of or ever quite get me poor old philistine head round how Rick punches out the time and beat and sings in the gaps. Put it this way if this part ran for 2 and a half hours at the expense of all the other mega stars being in it then I'd be absolutely delighted. No offence to them all of course but that little snippet was surely filmed in heaven.

Levon getting a bit shitty with Robbie over the wimmin on the road snatch.

Robbie taking the piss out of Neil Young's flying in the sky lyrics with his rising guitar accompaniment. Nice 'in-joke' - bit of much welcome Scouse humour. Maybe that's why we're the only ones who get it??? :-)

Richard's blurting out about the wimmin on the road "I just wanna break even" and laughing like the old Russki mad monk himself. What a guy! [Er..that's Richard by the way - not Rasputin]

Finally, really, the Greensleeves bit at the end.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 12:27:56 CEST 2002 from clt25-99-148.carolina.rr.com (24.25.99.148)

http://europeforvisitors.com

http://europeforvisitors.com

Entered at Sat Apr 20 11:48:51 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-008.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.8)

Peter Viney

Apart from a couple of things, no one could say the last week here has been anything but positive and full of information on TLW. Thanks for all the people who have typed out local reviews for us. Perhaps it would be worth pasting all these into the archives?n Still trying to guess what the vowel is between the j and the g in j*g because it sounds a useful word to know, and clearly applies to Mr DeRogatory’s “piece” which I’d say was written by a total wanker. Would he like to cite the number in TLW where Robbie Robertson plays a ten minute guitar solo? Let alone one consisting of scales? May DeRogatory be transported back to 1978 and the front row of a Sex Pistols concert where he can revel in being showered with gob (i.e. spittle) from Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious. Trouble is, it would probably give him intense pleasure.

Hi: I didn’t mean Dylan when I commented on using top session men (I think anyway). I was praising Paul Simon’s use of the brilliant Steve Gadd and criticizing the use of the Red Hot Pokers by Van Morrison from late 2000 to early 2002. He eventually dumped the drummer, but kept the bass player and guitarist neither of whom were much good. He got away with it by having a wonder horn section. Good news is that David Hayes is now back on bass with Van. Anyway, I’m due to see Dylan on May 5th and will look forward to seeing Jim Keltner with him.

“On the Beach” is heavily bootlegged on CD in Europe as a ‘2-on-1’ with the missing “American Stars & Bars” – I’ve seen it at most record fairs over the last few years. It is indeed a “needle drop” copy- nice phrase that. Some official albums of old stuff have the audible drop too. I picked up a vinyl copy of Taj’s “Recycling The Blues & Other Related Stuff” this week and intend to do a needle drop CDR later if I get time – all solo except for Howard Johnson on tuba on one track and The Pointer Sisters on another. I reckon needle-drop CDRs retain some vinyl virtues, which is odd.

Odd. Woke up this morning desperate to hear James Taylor – ‘Sweet Baby James’ had been running through my dreams, I think. No idea why!

Entered at Sat Apr 20 10:14:21 CEST 2002 from a70018.upc-a.chello.nl (62.163.70.18)

Sylvia

Entered at Sat Apr 20 05:56:54 CEST 2002 from as3-1-191.hip.berkeley.edu (136.152.194.113)

Dave Hopkins

Well, anyone who thinks Van's performance is "awful" deserves pity as well as scorn. At his best, Lester Bangs was a talented writer (I always liked his piece, ironically, on "Astral Weeks") but he was frequently not at his best, especially in the later years, and he has inspired a legion of bad imitators. And as far as TLW making punk/new wave necessary, I prefer to note the views of one Declan MacManus (AKA Elvis Costello) regarding The Band.

On Neil Young moving over to the other mike on "Helpless": he likes to do that a lot, especially when he's really getting into the music; if you catch CSNY in concert you'll likely see him sing with Crosby or Stills at their mikes sometimes. I don't see it necessarily as trying to correct or guide Rick or Robbie.

Fave TLW moment: can't argue with the other choices, but I love the half-crazy, bug-eyed scream the Hawk gives in the middle of "Who Do You Love."

Entered at Sat Apr 20 04:45:38 CEST 2002 from 12-249-119-233.client.attbi.com (12.249.119.233)

Donald Joseph

Subject: DeRogatis slanders TLW

Bad news: DeRogatis slanders TLW in today's Chicago Sun Times. Here's the full text, but first some context/commentary from Donnie Joe:

A couple of weeks back I posted that Jim DeRogatis, the grossly obese fired-by-Rolling Stone rock critic for the SunTimes, has bad taste in music; he never discusses good music, either to praise it or to condemn it; others at the SunTimes cover the quality music beat, leaving DeRogatis to cover only grunge/punk/bubblegum. It's also important to know, too, that recently DeRogatis published a biography (whole book) of his hero, rock critic Lester Bangs.

At the SunTimes DeRog. is the rock critic while his partner-in-overeating Roger Ebert criticizes film. We've already discussed (below) Ebert's TLW criticism, in today's SunTimes.

Note that a couple of days ago another SunTimes dude published a huge 2-page pro-TLW article with a big picture of '76-era Robbie. So you can't blame the paper; the SunTimes actually has done its part to promote the TLW re-release as one of the greatest rock films ever made.

Here's where I'm going with all this: In today's SunTimes, along with the Ebert piece, but at Weekend sec. p. 7, DeRogatis has a small article that says as follows (here is his full article, quoted verbatim):

"The Last Waltz Still Overrated & Pretentious

"'I went to see that movie the other night, The Last Waltz, and you sit through something like that in 1982, and you really see why new wave was necessary,' rock critic Lester Bangs told me two weeks before his death in the spring of '82. 'There they are, so smugly thinking that they're brilliant musicians, just because this guy Robbie Robertson can play a solo for 10 minutes that's just scales! It's really pompous.'

"At the time, I felt vindicated: I'd seen the film as a high school senior, and I thought it was a monumental snooze. Since then, I've sat through Martin Scorsese's endless 1978 documentary about the Band's final concert two more times, and I still couldn't agree with Lester more. In fact, it might be the most overrated rock film ever.

"The Last Waltz is reopening on the big screen this week with a remastered soundtrack in honor of its 25th anniversary. (It's also available on DVD with even more performance footage, and there's a companion 4 CD box set as well.) But the movie hasn't gotten any less pretentious with the passage of time. Actually, it's harder than ever to watch Robertson thinking he's God's gift to the guitar, given the painful revalations of an ego run amok in Levon Helm's autobiography, to say nothing of Robertson's exceedingly mediocre solo career or his recent self-serving address at the South by Southwest Music & Media Conference.

"Yes, the movie is beautifully shot (credit cinematographers Michael Chapman, Michael Watkins and Vilmos Zsigmond.) And sure, Scorsese elicits some frank and funny commentary during the interview segments (he was about to enter his 18-month 'lost weekend' hanging out with Robertson).

"But the handful of good performances (Joni Mitchell, Paul Butterfield) are outnumbered and overpowered by the awful ones (Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond). And for anyone who cares about the gusto of great rock 'n' roll, the most fun comes from waiting to spy the evidence of backstage partying on Neil Young's nostrils, and cheering for these goobers to get on with it and break up already.

"Ever wonder why punk happened? Watch this film again, if you can manage to stay awake.

"Jim DeRogatis"

Entered at Sat Apr 20 04:22:32 CEST 2002 from spider-ntc-tb031.proxy.aol.com (198.81.16.161)

Dave Z

Thanks for the tease in the What's New section, Jan... I sensed it was a revival of Band music (on DVD and CD) that RR was predicting as a probable... and not a reunion as a possible... but please tell me I be wrong... I also liked his bit on MTV being about ads... instead of something more complex and gratifying... get Paul for bass and Eric for 2nd guitar... and you got a supergroup, especially if it was just new songs... about old 50's-60's music... heck, throw in a cute lead singer we all know too.... but I'd settle for Garth Bauls... anything... and I am trying real hard not to go back and watch my VHS of TLW... I'm waiting patiently...

Entered at Sat Apr 20 03:10:36 CEST 2002 from spider-wn012.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.152)

Terrance Simien

Subject:

I was so flattered to see my Tribute Sessions noted (1/02) on this site with the narration and music tracks of Makes No Difference both avail. for sampling. Each of these artists are an inspiration to me in so many ways. When hearing them isn't quite enough to satisfy my longing I pop in The Last Waltz video( which I did just last night) and I am instantly transported to that time and space and I am at peace. Those voices and those lyrics soothe me to my soul and fortunately we have Robbie's current body of work (Redboy) to keep us intrigued into the next decade. Thanks for thinking of me. All the best to all the Band and their families.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 02:31:20 CEST 2002 from ip-63-121-116-106.new-castle.de.fcc.net (63.121.116.106)

bassmanlee

Note: There is NO new interview material. Segment contained excerpts from previous interviews with Robbie Robertson (1994) and Levon Helm (1993). Segment was lead story for today's program. (Futher note: how many programs would even HAVE these archives? Bear in mind this program is very wide ranging in scope, is not focused on music per se. Audience may well have no idea who the Band is/are/were. Terry rules!)

(Also Note: I am not a stenographer. Words added to the best of my recollection during editing immediately after the broadcast are (in parenthesis). Paraphrased bits appear *like this*. Elipses (...) indicate places where I could not type fast enough or link recorded bits. Questions are much paraphrased. This terminal does not have a spell-checker. As these interviews are old, most of this has probably appeared elsewhere. Offered for historical purposes...and it's a long post...my apologies...but IT IS 100% BAND-RELATED!! Woo-hoo!)

In the intro, Ms. Gross refers to TLW as "the Band's last performance", says The Band "got it's name when it was the backup band for Bob Dylan's first electric tour..." The former is not corrected, the latter is. On to the piece:

Robbie Robertson quotes are from an interview in 1994:

TG: Playing with Dylan... RR: "when it first started out it was pretty rough...audience came...(almost on a mission...) to boo rather than listen to the music...

TG: (How did you go about) establishing identity apart from dylan? RR: (we moved into a house in) Woodstock...(to do) some writing...(it was a ) clubhouse (setting where we could) write songs...(it was a) relaxed music situation...no pressure...Bob, me, and Richard doing some writing...(this produced the) "Basement Tapes"...from these (came the) songs we recorded (on) Music From Big Pink...

we didn't go out and do concerts from that record because Rick Danko was in a car accident and was in traction for months...all of a sudden we were (this) mysterious (thing, we didn't tour, and) when we did ...people (showed up all dressed) in black like Pennsylvania Dutch people...after the 2nd album we DID go out and play...maybe we didn't do it as much as some do, but we did do it a lot, but we HAD done it alot (*refers to touring with Ronnie Hawkins*)...

(TG: How did you decide it was) time to leave (*the band or the road*): RR: I felt in my gut...there wasn't much more than we could get out of this. Other groups breaking up...(and it was...*something*)...(I thought) we (could) bring this thing to hopefully kind of a classy finale...bring in people we have respect for...up the grade of this...

(TG: Did you know Martin Scorcese?) RR: (I) met MS when he did Mean Streets...didn't know him very well...(he said it was) not a good time for him...but (when I explained what I had in mind, he said) I have to do this...we did it on Thanksgiving...he (supposedly) took a vacation (*from his other project*), and we slipped up to SF and did this movie...

Levon...interviewed after This Wheel's On Fire was published...in 1993?

TG: Dylan & booing (*how was it handled*): LH... we had a little huddle before we went on for the 2nd half... the 1st half was acoustic... (Bob said) what ever happens don't stop playing, (they'll settle down)...don't know if it ever setteled down or not...

(TG: But you left the tour shortly after playing North America): LH: (I) probably could have beens smarter about it... (we) played through the North East (USA)...in Boston we got a standing ovation of boos. In Ft. Worth (the thought it was just) another Rock & Roll party...it got to be a (*drag?*) for me...I couldn't find anything funny about it (anymore and I decided to) let the tour go onto to Europe (etc.), other places without me making a monkey out of myself...(I went) back to Arkansas and played with Cate bros...

(TG: ...?) LH: Then Dylan spilled his bike, and there was not so much touring...(we were in Woodstock, and ) Garth had his Ampex...(we learned) how to stack or harmonies...stuff that helped us later on...

TG: No More Cain...was a real breakthrought? Why...? LH: (We worked with) the voices, (it was the) first (time we) started swapping the lead vocals around, trade verses, stack harmonies, the voices...different possibilities...

TG plays a good bit of ANMCOTB...

TG:(*But then you moved to the Catskills...there was room for you there?*) LH: Yes I did...we used it as our HQ and practice room...

TG: (Did you) get on each other's nerves? LH: No, we had travelled and shared bedrooms and even beds on occasions...(there would be a) flip of the coin... who gets couch, a bed, a pillow...we got on pretty good...playing six nights (a week...and *Ronnie would find somewhere for that seventh day*...we) never had this kind of time on our hands...freedom to play, go outside and throw a football around w/ each other...

TG: (Weren't supposed to be called The Band...what name was it supposed to be and how did it end up to be The Band?) LH: We were trying to sign w/ Capitol and we signed as The Crackers and we thought it was funny but nobody else did...people referred to us and the band, (*like*) "Bob's at the hotel and the band is heading to sound check"... on Big Pink it said "The Band" and (then) who was IN the band...on the 2nd record the record company turned it around ...

TG: (?): LH: By the time we got our record recorded we had learned so much more than we (knew) before, we didn't want to go on the road... we wanted to find out more about our formula, now that we had found out the fundamentals about recording in the studio...we had developed studio chops and did not what to have to turn away from that...

TG: (*songwriting*) LH: Not that RR didn't do most of the songwriting, most in spots, (but) Rick did in spots, (and) Garth Hudson and Richard and me were right there...most of our stuff got finished in that workshp kind of (setting) ...(*the credit to RR started*) hampering our collaboration...

TG: (You) didn't want the band to break up? LH: (There was some) disenchancement I felt ...songs didn't reflect the true spirit of things...quality had suffered...(they) didn't (*progress*)...(we did) albums with old songs (that we liked)...(it) didn't set right with me...(there comes a time when it's) time to move on and that's what we did...

In a quick close, Terry mentioned the Levon is "currently on tour w/ the Barn Burners"...

Entered at Sat Apr 20 01:09:36 CEST 2002 from h66-59-176-136.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.136)

Serge

Subject: To "Saints and sinners"

You're on the right track. They're both A**holes. One bigger than the other.

Entered at Sat Apr 20 00:58:38 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: TLW

Bones is right.

But how about this...has anybody ever noticed how The Band leaves the stage after Evangeline? Garth to the right...Rick, Richard, Levon and Emmylou to the left...Robbie?

Hey ...I'm just having fun...no Robbie bashing...just some fun...Peace

Entered at Sat Apr 20 00:11:25 CEST 2002 from spider-tq014.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.49)

Ben Pike

I miss that live Neil with "The Bridge" not being on CD.

There is a nice tribute piece to The Band in this week's L.A. Weekly, you can probably find it online....

Entered at Fri Apr 19 23:57:53 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-014ilchicp1123.dialsprint.net (65.176.140.107)

Susan

Here's The Wall Street Journal review of the Rhino set, typed by my own hands. I was going to copy the Chicago Trib review Donald Joseph mentioned, but my downstate edition does not have it.

The Wall Street Journal Friday, April 19. 2002 Weekend Journal page W11

One Last Waltz

By Jim Fusilli

Robbie Robertson has his eye, and ear, on history.

The guitarist, songwriter and leader of The Band recently spent more than five months in recording studios where he supervised the remixing and remastering of tapes from the group's Thanksgiving 1976 farewell concert, which featured a bevy of rock's elite as guest performers. The new audio version of "The Last Waltz," as the event came to be known, graces a four-CD box set by Rhino (in stores Tuesday). It includes not only the original 30 tracks by The Band with artists such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Van Morrison, but also 24 previously unreleased performances, by Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and others, that didn't appear on the original albums, issued in 1978, or in the Martin Scorsese film of the concert. (The restored film of "The Last Waltz" is now in a limited theatrical run; the DVD will be available May 7.)

In an era when rock favored big stars, guitar gods and politicized singer-songwriters, The Band played music, as a unit, that was indisputably American, built on traditional country, blues, R&B and rock 'n' roll rather than on fashionable trends. That four of the five members were Canadian gave their lyrics an outsider's fresh perspective, and that they seemed to have maturity, no doubt from years of struggle, gave their songs a genuine gravitas. There was no one like them back then, and there hasn't been since.

Once In A Lifetime

"The objective is to pass this on to younger generations and say this was a special time and place where special talents came together," Mr. Robertson said during a recent conversation. "I wanted to be able to present this music with the quality of sound people now relate to. It won't be looked on like it's tired or with the attitude that it's an antique."

Twenty-five years ago, Mr. Robertson was lost in the moment, he said. While working on the film, his first, with Mr. Scorsese and cutting the album, he has little time to focus on the music's sound. "But I realized after we had done it, it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing," he said. "There was only going to be one farewell concert by The Band, but also this coop of talent-meaning the musicians, Scorsese, the recording engineers-there was a good chance we'll never see that again."

This time around, Mr. Robertson got it right. The sound quality on the CDs is superb, and not only audiophiles will benefit. For example, Mr. Robertson's diligence unearthed the glories of the arrangers and seven-member horn section, who emerge as unsung heroes of the concert. Howard Johnson's arrangement of the previously unreleased version of "This Wheel's on Fire" is nothing less than thrilling, and the horns play it with delightful abandon. Allen Toussaint's baleful charts for "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" support the song's tragic lyrics, while Henry Glover's soulful arrangement of "Tura Lura Lural" lets Mr. Morrison and The Band's Richard Manuel do a Ray Charles turn on the old Irish ballad.

The new set's aural separation-or "air," as Mr. Robertson called it-permits listeners easy access to every instrument and every musician. Most notably, Garth Hudson's performance on keyboards shines through. Considering that he and the group's other members rehearsed only briefly with their guests, it's a remarkable night of work. "He's a master musician," Mr. Robertson said of Mr. Hudson. "When The Band was together, people who really knew the difference knew there was no keyboard player that was in his league. Imaginative, experimental, with no clichés, he could just as easily have been playing with the philharmonic. Or Miles Davis."

Mr. Robertson, Mr. Hudson, Manuel, Rick Danko and The Band's best-known voice, drummer Levon Helm, show their capabilities time and again on "The Last Waltz," and it's refreshing to hear them presented so lovingly. They rip through their superb repertoire with the fire they demonstrated for most of their 16 years together. In concert, The Band was a looser, more aggressive unit than on its studio recordings, which were generally sedate and cerebral, though at time brilliant. They were creatures of the road: Backing Ronnie Hawkins and Mr. Dylan before they set out under their own flag as The Band, the quintet burnished their skills in dives and roadhouses more often than they played velvet-curtained concert halls. David Fricke's terrific liner notes reveal that The Band once performed for four people at a Fort Worth, Texas, club owned by Jack Ruby. The November 1976 show in San Francisco at Bill Graham's Winterland, before some 5,400 fans, gave them a chance to flash all their colors, as rock icons and as musicians.

Broadening the View

Among the highlights of that night are "Up on Cripple Creek," "Life Is a Carnival" and "Ophelia," the latter enriched by Mr. Hudson's charts and again, that lively group of horns. "It Makes No Difference" features a bitter-sweet vocal by Danko and a biting guitar solo by Mr. Robertson. If the '78 albums gave the impression that by sharing the spotlight, the Band has failed to play many of the tunes for which it was best known, the new version broadens the view of what a customary night with The Band was like by including for the first time favorites like "The Weight," "Acadian Driftwood," "Rag Mama Rag," "The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show" and "Chest Fever."

The performances by the guests are a mixed bag, as Mr. Robertson concedes. It's unavoidable, he says, in a proper documentary. "it's not all about the highlights. You need the hills and valleys." But some of the previously unreleased cuts are first rate: Muddy Waters and Pinetop Perkins toss off a bouncing version of "Caldonia," while Joni Mitchell plays a brooding "Furry Sings the Blues," with Mr. Young joining in on harmonica. Mr. Dylan's set is restored, with the addition of "Hazel," from "Planet Waves," an album he cut with The Band in 1974. His appearance is the highlight of the set, revealing The Band's adaptability-apparently, Mr. Dylan hadn't told them exactly what he intended to play-and it's legacy.

"I don't go into nostalgia. I go into what needs to be done," Mr. Robertson said. "In the studio, I could jump between what the sound was and what it is now. It was like night and ay. What we've got now lets you get inside the music. You can hear the fingers on the strings. This new audio gives you the best seat in the house."

Entered at Fri Apr 19 23:59:16 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: J*g

Everyone who went to high school in the Chicago area knows what a "j*g" is, because they either used the term or were called it daily. The word precedes a preposition: "off."

St. Paddy, I hope you did call Chunky Rodge a "j*g." My question: He's rich enough; was he driving one?

Entered at Fri Apr 19 23:50:03 CEST 2002 from pool-141-153-198-177.mad.east.verizon.net (141.153.198.177)

Bumbles

Subject: Dr. John's Rx

Dr. John’s effusive magnanimity toward Levon might be rooted in something more basic than a shared animus for RR. The good doctor was, according to Levon’s own book, cuckolding the great man at the time. Brothers in arms, I guess, or something like that.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 23:00:22 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Neil Young has rather stubbornly refused to allow his "missing six" albums to be released as CDs. He has become enamored with of the higher digital resolution capabilities of the DVD-audio format. Producer/engineer Elliott Mazer has been working on surround sound mixes of Neil's "Harvest" for release on DVD-A. Plans are reportedly in the works for a similar treatment of "After The Gold Rush".

I've resigned myself to my LP copies of "On The Beach", which is no great deal for me because I prefer analog anyway. For the turntable-challenged, I recommend that you get a "needle-drop" CD-R copy of "On The Beach". The awesome analog sourced sound will cure those revolution blues!

Entered at Fri Apr 19 22:54:38 CEST 2002 from dial2a-198.i2eyenet.com (64.80.2.198)

Hi

I just read Jim Keltner is replacing Dylan's latest drummer, George Receli , for the rest of the European tour. Just in time for Peter Viney to get a partial wish coming true that he sometime use session guys instead of his current band..Peter correct me if I'm wrong about that.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 22:44:52 CEST 2002 from cmldme-cmt1-24-198-97-104.maine.rr.com (24.198.97.104)

Saint Matthew the Stoop(er?)(id?)(ego?)

Subject: Since All Are With Sin, Then Everybody Must Get Stoned

At the risk of offending my Irish ancestory, I think St. Matthew gets precedence since he actually wrote a gospel and was a tax collector (which, this close to April 15, makes him rather omnipotent this time of year - in the US, anyway). Still, St. Pat's accomplishments as an exerminator of snakes are well documented - and nobody gets drunk on green beer in MY name...

Fave TLW moment - Neil's big grin as he moves over to triple-up on the microphone during the last chorus of "Helpless."

Entered at Fri Apr 19 22:30:47 CEST 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: The Good Doctor

Bones: I started to watch it again last night, but ran out of time. I will check it out. Although I'll admit to being hesitant to realize that there was no snub. I do take some particular delight in believing that.

Not to say that they are not friendly now...or weren't friendly then. I just looked at it as he made a direct line for Levon. Childish I know...but it makes me smile.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 22:26:04 CEST 2002 from (12.33.126.141)

John W.

Jug?

Entered at Fri Apr 19 22:12:08 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Fri Apr 19 22:08:37 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

LDO

Subject: Neil Young's "On The Beach"

Calvin: Click the link above to learn all you ever needed to know about "On The Beach" and why the mercurial Mr. Young has refused to release it on CD. Go ahead and sign the petition!

Entered at Fri Apr 19 22:07:32 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

What John W said!!!

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:58:44 CEST 2002 from (12.33.126.141)

John W.

Roger Ebert should stick that thumb up his ass!

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:58:18 CEST 2002 from spider-ta023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.53)

Joe

Hey!!! Congradulations Jan!!! Keep up the good work. This is a fantastic site.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:57:17 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-th013.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.23)

Calvin

Subject: LW/Robbie Part in it

Just one correction, The Last Waltz wasn't about Robbie forcing them to break up. The plan was, as we all know, to keep working as a studio outfit, it's obvious though in Islands nobody really wanted to go on after that, even just as a studio act. TLW is a celebration of music, Islands in an album about breaking up. Question though, does anyone know if there was any serious discussion to going the route of the Beach Boys, Brian WIlson played, wrote, and produced a few albums and never went on tour with the rest of the group. Did the guys ever consider this? And again, if anoyone knows why NYoung's On the Beach is out of print I'd apprecaite knowing. Has RR ever accepted the mantle of "leader of the Band"? I've heard him refute in a few times in interviews, correcting the interviewer with the comment there wasn't a leader.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:52:39 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Chris: You have mentioned a couple of times that you take delight in Dr. John's apparent snub of Robbie after "Such A Night". I would watch that again. That is not what I saw at all. Also, that would suggest that Robbie and Dr. John are not "friendly" which I don't think is true. They played together at the '95 Hall of Fame Concert, and Dr. John showed up a couple of weeks ago to the premiere.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:49:34 CEST 2002 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

Congrats DJ on your excellent analysis of Ebert's review. Criticism is like other professions in that the quality of those who practice it runs the gamut. Ebert is often quite insightful but yikes did he miss the boat on this one...hell, I don't think he was even anywhere near the dock! The problem is that he focuses less on the movie-making process, about which his knowledge is considerable, than on the subject matter (rock n roll in general, and The Band in particular), about which his lack of knowledge is appallingly evident.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:36:17 CEST 2002 from dialup-67.28.33.143.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (67.28.33.143)

St. Patrick of Chicago

Subject: Ebert et al

D-Jo is right on target with his analysis of Ebert. Gene Siskel was the much hipper guy, and I don't think Ebert could ever get over it. Ebert actually ran into my car once outside the Carnival grocery on Lincoln, and he acted like a complete j*g. My only thoughts on the four against one thing is Rick's embarkation on a solo career long before the LW. Didn't Rick say the Band wasn't busy enough for his tastes?

Bill, perhaps I can be one of those saints who gets decom'ed, kind of a St. Christopher for Midwesterners. And that chastity thing is certainly problematic. Whatever the case, I'm with Levon on the "At all costs, let's laugh" philosophy.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:27:06 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

LDO

I can relate to D-Jo's "tin ear" sentiment regarding Ebert, but to write, "They dress in dark, cheerless clothes, hide behind beards, hats and shades, pound out rote performances of old hits" is inexcusable. Those performances were anything but rote, and often transcendant. Ebert wouldn't know a good rock show if one bit him on his considerable ass!

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:17:11 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: Ebert & movie reviews in Chi. of TLW

When TLW came out in '78, the late Tribune movie critic Gene Siskel loved it and gave it his highest rating (Siskel said the Dr. John scene was his fave). Ebert at the cross-town SunTimes, though, as I recall, didn't like TLW much; possibly the SunTimes assigned someone else to review the film back in '78. I know that over the years Ebert never gave the film its due.

History repeats itself: Today in the morning Chicago papers, the current Tribune critic Michael Wilmington calls TLW the greatest rock film of all time, and gives it 4 stars (I believe the highest rating).

Wilmington even says when he teaches film classes he uses TLW as a text, and he always rewinds at the Staples scene and plays "The Weight" twice. (Somebody should post today's Chicago Tribune review.) But open today's Chicago SunTimes and you get the negative Ebert review posted below. Pls. indulge me an analysis:

What I've always noticed about Ebert is he has bad taste in music. Whenever a movie comes out with a notable soundtrack (say, by JRR or Ry Cooder or T Bone Burnett), Ebert's review never (or barely) mentions the music. If there's a good on-screen music performance shown in a dramatic film (say the T Bone Burnett scene in "Heaven's Gate" or the Albert Collins scene in "Adventures in Babysitting" or the John Lee Hooker scene in "Blues Brothers"), Ebert ignores it. Read Ebert's review of TLW (below) & you'll see what I mean: He has absolutely no appreciation for the actual music in TLW. Ebert has no clue that the songs being played on screen are far greater, as music, than the songs in Woodstock, Gimmie Shelter, et al. (While "Hail Hail Rock & Roll" had great songs, the performances weren't really noteworthy -- and "Hail Hail" is the 2nd greatest rock film of all time, anyway). Indeed, Ebert grudgingly concedes, twice, that the TLW music "might" sound good on CD. Note that Ebert's phrasing here discloses that he's never even listened to the TLW album. Surely Ebert's record collection, if he has one, is filled with schlock.

While it's legitimate to review a rock movie for cinematic values, quality music is the lynchpin of any successful rock pic. Ebert is totally incompetent to judge good music.

The Last Waltz is the greatest rock movie of all time (as recently declared by Rolling Stone and the Chi. Trib., among others) for 2 reasons: (1) it showcases the best music of any rock film ever made, and (2) it was directed by the greatest director ever to make a rockumentary -- and his talent/skill comes through on screen. Ebert's review doesn't refute these points, burt Ebert can't appreciate them. Instead, Ebert picks up on the 3 undeniable facts that when TLW was filmed: (a) our boys were exhausted by a grueling tour and by sleepless nights rehearsing the event, (b) our boys were breaking up at the behest of one Band member over the objections of 4 others, and (c) our boys and their guests snorted mountains of coke backstage. These 3 facts are true, but Ebert unaccountably weights them so as to trump the two reasons why TLW is the greatest rock film of all time. Ebert made this mistake is becuase he has a tin ear.

By the way, the bizarro-world opposite of Ebert (in this regard) is movie reviewer Elvis Mitchell of the NYT: Mitchell is incredibly attuned to the role of a soundtrack, and he has great tast in music. Mitchell's review of "Ali," for example, talked as much about Sam Cooke as it did about Will Smith. Mitchell, not surprisingly, gave a strong "thumb's up" to TLW in the Apr. 7 NYT.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 21:12:41 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-018ilchicp0763.dialsprint.net (65.176.179.1)

Susan

Subject: Ebert

Ebert's in town for his Overlooked Film Festival. I doubt I'll get anywhere near him, but if I get a chance I'll tell him he's badly misjudged The Last Waltz.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 20:43:17 CEST 2002 from (38.161.244.20)

Tony

just read Ebert's review. from his comments on Dylan's fashion sense it's obvious that this guy has not followed Bob's performing career! Also, he clearly missed the obvious reason for the boys' discomfort about discussing the groupie issue, ie that their families would be seeing this movie.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 20:43:14 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Fri Apr 19 20:25:27 CEST 2002 from syr-66-67-74-12.twcny.rr.com (66.67.74.12)

Bashful Bill

Subject: "leader of The Band"

Page W11 of today's (Fri) Wall St Journal has a 1/4 page article onj the rerelease. The only picture is of RR, and it refers to him as "guitarist, songwriter, and leader of The Band".the last few paragraph's resemble the last couple days GB posts, listing several of the writers favorite moments(Pinetop Perkins gets a mention).My favorite moment,musical, a tie:Levon's kicking ass on Crippple Creek/Levon singing his heart out on Dixie. My 2nd moment,non-musical, also a tie: that young Rick saying "Happy Thanksgiving" to the audience/that young Rick blowing a kiss to the audience as he walks offstage. (I have always noticed, since the first time I saw the movie, that when they leave the stage, while the others are all smiles, gladhanding, waving, etc, RR just walks and literally doesn't look back)Favorite moment by non-Band member, Van and his kicks, of course.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 20:10:26 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: Ebert

Why should movie critics be any better than music critics? They all get it wrong most of the time. We all love the Band. Raise your hand if you need a critic's validation of it.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 20:09:14 CEST 2002 from dialup-63.208.69.188.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (63.208.69.188)

Saint Patrick the Brennan

Subject: Beatification

Finally, I'm getting my just due.

Best LW moment, lighting the cigarette.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 20:03:43 CEST 2002 from (38.161.244.20)

Tony

I didn't see anyone mention one of my favorite moments: Rick playing that lovely and quirky little fiddle part in the impromptu Old Time Religion. Somehow it reminds me of the Basement Tapes - I wish he had picked up his fiddle a few times during those sessions!

I have very mixed feelings about seeing TLW again though. Of course I'm eager to see/hear any new or enhanced Band footage, but other than that, seeing the movie always makes me feel sad and angry. Even when it first came out, long before I ever read Levon's or Hoskins' books, I felt that something stank about the whole thing and RR's role in it, though that was probably just because I was so sad they were quitting. But also, I've always felt that the guest stars got in the way of what I really wanted to see - the Band. I would have liked it much better if they had limited the guests to just Dylan and the Hawk. (Well, maybe Van too.)

Entered at Fri Apr 19 20:01:27 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Mr. Ebert's effort gets "two middle fingers up" from me.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 19:43:49 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

I thought Roger Ebert was the one who died a couple of years ago. Not so?

Entered at Fri Apr 19 19:08:57 CEST 2002 from cache-har.cableinet.co.uk (194.117.133.118)

Al Edge

Subject: Last Waltz fave moment

Any of the film's covert Robin Hood connotations work perfectly for me but have to own up to particularly getting off on the Greensleeves bit at the very end when everyone's waltzed off home. Either that or Martin Scorsese's impression of a Bronx Sherriff of Nottingham talking into a pillow. A killer! Come to think of it, Garth's impression of Little John isn't bad either!! Guess I can't really choose. It's all too good to be true. The greatest legends usually are.

:-)

Entered at Fri Apr 19 18:58:37 CEST 2002 from citrix5.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.9)

John Cass

Also I like the Garth interview he really explained the Woodstock way of life for him in a cool way..

Entered at Fri Apr 19 18:57:33 CEST 2002 from oshst-029.olysteel.com (63.91.50.29)

bob wigo

Subject: TLW

Thanks Donna and Bassman. I'll be attending Garth's early performance on 4/25 with two friends who I am hoping will soon be playing bass and keys in my fledgling effort of a band. Would love to see you both.

As for TLW, I'll be at the Ritz Bourse in Philly tomorrow and I'm genuinely excited about seeing and hearing this "freshened" version. I understand the sound system is superb. I'm hoping to be a bit "enhanced" for the show myself. I'll be sure to share some thoughts.

My favorite TLW moment is approximately 128 minutes long. I think you know the part I'm talking about.

In closing, gentlemen lay down your swords. These are good times for fans of The Band.

My best to all.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 18:52:14 CEST 2002 from wcs2-pent.nipr.mil (198.26.74.100)

Jennifer

Just thought I'd give a link to an article in The Washington Post about The Last Waltz: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A13229-2002Apr19.html

I especially like the last paragraph: ""The Last Waltz" ought to be required viewing for any act that hopes to outlast any fad and stick around longer than the latest redesign of Spin. The Band had a career that lasted more than a decade and a half, one that seems worth revisiting a quarter-century later. How it did that is no mystery: If rock has a true north, the Band never stopped pointing at it."

Entered at Fri Apr 19 18:49:36 CEST 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: Ebert

I read that bullshit from Ebert. What an idiot. I am looking for his email address right now. I would love to find it.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 18:06:57 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

Long Distance Operator

In case you haven't seen it, here is a laughably bad review of TLW from none other than Roger "Valley Of The Dolls" Ebert. I'd laugh if I wasn't so furious. What a boob. He actually says, "One senses little connection between Dylan and The Band". Are you f*cking kidding me? I used to respect Ebert, but this is literally the worst review I've ever read. He's so off-base on so many comments as to suggest that he watched a different movie. I could go on, but I'll wait for some of you to weigh in. Here 'tis:

THE LAST WALTZ / *** (PG) April 19, 2002 Featuring The Band, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Robbie Robertson, the Staples, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, Neil Young and Martin Scorsese.United Artists presents a concert documentary directed by Martin Scorsese. Running time: 117 minutes. Rated PG. BY ROGER EBERT I wonder if the sadness comes across on the CD. The music probably sounds happy. But the performers, seen on screen, seem curiously morose, exhausted, played out. Recently, I was at a memorial concert for the late tenor sax man Spike Robinson, and the musicians--jazz and big band veterans--were cheerful, filled with joy, happy to be there. Most of the musicians in "The Last Waltz" are, on average, 25 years younger than Spike's friends, but they drag themselves onstage like exhausted veterans of wrong wars. The rock documentary was filmed by Martin Scorsese at a farewell concert given on Thanksgiving Day 1976 by The Band, which had been performing since 1960, in recent years as the backup band for Bob Dylan. Now the film is back in a 25th anniversary restoration. "Sixteen years on the road is long enough," says Robbie Robertson, the group's leader. "Twenty years is unthinkable." There is a weight and gravity in his words that suggests he seriously doubts if he could survive four more years. Drugs are possibly involved. Memoirs recalling the filming report that cocaine was everywhere backstage. The overall tenor of the documentary suggests survivors at the ends of their ropes. They dress in dark, cheerless clothes, hide behind beards, hats and shades, pound out rote performances of old hits, don't seem to smile much at their music or each other. There is the whole pointless road warrior mystique, of hard-living men whose daily duty it is to play music and get wasted. They look tired of it. Not all of them. The women (Joni Mitchell, Emmylou Harris) seem immune, although what Mitchell's song is about I have no clue, and Harris is filmed in another time and place. Visitors like the Staple Singers are open-faced and happy. Eric Clapton is in the right place and time. Muddy Waters is on sublime autopilot. Lawrence Ferlinghetti reads a bad poem, badly, but seems pleased to be reading it. Neil Diamond seems puzzled to find himself in this company, grateful to be invited. But then look at the faces of Neil Young or Van Morrison. Study Robertson, whose face is kind and whose smile comes easily, but who does not project a feeling of celebration for the past or anticipation of the future. These are not musicians at the top of their art, but laborers on the last day of the job. Look in their eyes. Read their body language. "The Last Waltz" has inexplicably been called the greatest rock documentary of all time. Certainly that would be "Woodstock," which heralds the beginning of the era which The Band gathered to bury. Among 1970s contemporaries of The Band, one senses joy in the various Rolling Stones documentaries, in Chuck Berry's "Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll" and in concert films by the Temptations or Rod Stewart. Not here. In "The Last Waltz," we have musicians who seem to have bad memories. Who are hanging on. Scorsese's direction is mostly limited to closeups and medium shots of performances; he ignores the audience. The movie was made at the end of a difficult period in his own life, and at a particularly hard time (the filming coincided with his work on "New York, New York"). This is not a record of serene men, filled with nostalgia, happy to be among friends. At the end, Bob Dylan himself comes on. One senses little connection between Dylan and The Band. One also wonders what he was thinking as he chose that oversized white cowboy hat, a hat so absurd that during his entire performance I could scarcely think of anything else. It is the haberdashery equivalent of an uplifted middle finger. The music probably sounds fine on a CD. Certainly it is well-rehearsed. But the overall sense of the film is of good riddance to a bad time. Even references to groupies inspire creases of pain on the faces of the rememberers: The sex must have been as bad as anything else. Watching this film, the viewer with mercy will be content to allow the musicians to embrace closure, and will not demand an encore. Yet I give it three stars? Yes, because the film is such a revealing document of a time.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 17:33:52 CEST 2002 from b230.royalaccess-o.sstar.com (209.205.177.230)

Saints & Sinners

I think it's too late for Matt K not to stoop. This site seems to be about the white hats and the black hats. K and Brennan are, I guess the white hats. If you disagree with them you are a bad person. Meanwhile they remain angelic. You tore John D apart because he when he left the guestbook, he brought up your quotes. You have to understand one thing. To you.Levon is a musician. To John D he is a musician and a close personal friend. If someone attacked the character of your friend you would look up it differently that if it was some character you had never met. Donabie is a musiclogist who didn't agree with your somments. When you finished with him; you didn't have any respect for him for disagreeing with you and the way he did it. Maybe it did take him a month to finally post this thoughts; but what the hell. Some of you are so sanctimonious that it doesn't play an even field. Agree with you and Brennan and your OK. Disagree and you are somehow from the darkside. I see why new people don't hang around too long thse days. It's tuned into a clubhouse and if you don't pass the Matt K, Pat Brennan test, you might as well be an outcase. There go diagree with that. Oh, that's right your so angelic you shouldn't step so low. Hope you don't have kids. Be terrible what you must call them if they either disagree with you now or in the future.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 17:21:27 CEST 2002 from (152.71.43.154)

Kerry

Subject: The recents

For me, Helpless has always been a fave, but also, perhaps for the wrong reasons, the last moments of the film - I suspect for emotional rather than musical reasons. But then, what's the difference? In response to some recent posts, I was thinking through the days when I first heard the whole thing. End of the 80s, probably aged around 15 or 16. Bought the triple album on vinyl, took me ages to save up the money. At the time, when I hear Neil Diamond, I was well impressed. I had never heard of or seen him before. The guitarist plays strange trilled notes in the breaks, and the lyrics were fine: "It was more than being holy, but it was les than being free". A bit over the top, maybe, but still chimed with a lot relating to my thoughts on music, and perhaps to The Band also. Later, I learned more about Diamond, and I certainly won't be buying the back catalogue, but I'll be honest and say that I've not changed my mind about that - as an individual performance. I think it has qualities, and that outside Diamond's reputation, it might not be judged so harshly. Obviously, in the film, the shirt doesn't help.

Songs by men written with a woman as the first person; Richard Shindell's "Reunion Hill". I don't get the impression that Shindell is much known in England, but it's the title track from an album, and the voice could be Virgil Caine's sister-in-law. In a setting that seems to me to echo the American Civil War, the singer recalls the defeated troops marching back across her land, and a verse ends with "I cleaned the brow of many a soldier/ dowsing for my husband's face". That image of dowsing does it for me; the idea that you're going to have to be very lucky to find what you're looking for, but clinging on to the hope that you have a skill which will lead you to something that you value. It's a highlight from an album that I'm a big fan of. Any Shindell fans hanging around (or lurking, as we say)?

As far as The Band is concerned, Evangeline seems to be one of the closest that gives a woman's viewpoint. Unlike Ophelia, which is a very Levon male voice, Evangeline offers a more feminine insight. Or tries to.

Finally, chords. I'd be well up for swapping chord ideas for Band songs. To start with, does anyone know the riff at the end of the chorus/start of the verse in Caledonia Mission? It's a rising sequence, but there seem to be so many instruments that it's hard to sort out what's what. Any hints would be appreciated.

It's the start of the weekend, and the guinness is calling.

Cheers....

K.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 17:15:37 CEST 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: The Last Waltz

Hands down...Levon's energy carries the movie. Antime the camera swings back to Levon the movie just swings into high gear.

A telling moment for me...and one that I have mentioned before...is when Doctor John wraps up "Such a Night". He is all smiles...pats Rick as he walks by...virtually ignores Robbie and makes a beeline for Levon for a congratulations and handshake. No matter what your politics on the issue are...Robbie was standing right in front of the Doctor, no acknowledgement.

Least that's the way I remember it.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 16:46:18 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: TLW favorite moments and Moral Debauchery

Favorite moments: Van the Man and Muddy Waters 'ohhhhyeah...everything's gonna be all right now.....WHOOOOOO!' Ben: 'Moral debauchery of the Reagan years'???? Fine. I will agree that the 80's, like ALL decades, had their problems, but to suggest that TLW, and the demise of that era, is a transition from Utopia to moral hell is just obtuse. THe Hawks/Band came of age during the era of Assasinations, from JFK to RFK and MLK in '68, the year of Big Pink. They came of age in the era of Vietnam and matured through Watergate. So please, do you really prefer THOSE moral abysses to the '80's? You sound like Homer Simpson's dad, 'In MY day, sonny, we didn't HAVE ......Things were BETTER...we listened to Lawrence Welk...'

Entered at Fri Apr 19 16:40:02 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I got the impression that Robbie rolled his eyes upward during "Helpless" as a reaction to the line "big birds flying across the sky".

Entered at Fri Apr 19 16:34:41 CEST 2002 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

Fave non-musical moment: As Richard is relating some part of the grocery store incident, Rick catches someone's eye off camera, puts his arm around Richard, smiles & nods as if to say "ain't this guy a peach?"

Fave individual Band musical moment: Garth's bemused & humble acknowledgement of the applause at the end of his sax solo.

Fave group Band musical moment: "Dixie" - their greatest performance of this great song, full of passion & musical fire; a performance which could be subtitled "Memo To Joan...This Is How It's Done".

Fave non-Band musical moment: "Caravan", especially Van's Rockette impersonation.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 16:27:08 CEST 2002 from dialup-65.56.132.175.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.56.132.175)

Pat Brennan

Rick and RR began singing the "Helpless" refrain half way through Neil's first verse, well before the chorus. They start laughing at each other and RR rolls his eyes like "How dumb are we?" Neil looks over and thinks something's going on, perhaps they're laughing at me or some such fear. So he trolls over and helps define what music is all about.

By the way, if, as some of you report, Levon was flashing, let's see, how did you put it, oh yeah, that "Robertson..I'd like to rip your fuckin' head off!" look in the middle of a concert, then I can see why RR wanted out. Yeah, that "priceless" moment.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 15:59:42 CEST 2002 from (209.166.233.21)

Jon Lyness

Subject: TLW

The Last Waltz moments! As everyone's said already, there's too many highlights to pick just one...but like Donald J, I'm partial to the impromptu "Old Time Religion" performance by Richard, Rick & Robbie. It's just a few seconds, but I like everything about it...to me the looseness/quirkiness of it stands in contrast to the volume & power of the other performances, and serves as a reminder of the uniquely "private music" The Band made in the Basement Tapes/Big Pink days. It also seems like a nice nod to old/traditional music, and it reminds me again what made the Band so different from every other rock group.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 15:53:25 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

As for favourite bits, based on memories of the last time I saw it (1985), I'd say "Mannish Boy" and Richard Manuel - whenever he spoke. Richard seemed to have so much knowledge and humour parked inside that mind of his ...

Entered at Fri Apr 19 15:49:47 CEST 2002 from (130.219.229.173)

BK

Subject: TLW

"............I just wanna break even."

Entered at Fri Apr 19 14:26:21 CEST 2002 from spider-wn082.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.187)

benpike

Well, I'll play. I guess the fade from Ferlingetti to Dylan, Bob's last great moment as larger than life embodiment of all things transendant, the sixties idealism fading into what would soon become the moral debauchery of the Reagan years, as youth must fall to age, poetry must fall to art hating dittoheads, but not quite... as Bob is Forever Young at least for those two numbers, kicking out the jams with the greatest Band in the world. Take them lick for lick; we shall not see their like again.

Now, what's your favorite moment from "Eliza's Horoscope?"

Entered at Fri Apr 19 14:20:02 CEST 2002 from 0-2pool45-237.nas2.cincinnati1.oh.us.da.qwest.net (63.232.45.237)

Jenny T

Subject: TLW Moments

Speaking of leaving the stage, I think it is nice the way Rick waves goodbye with a smile and both arms up--he seemed the warmest with both the audience and the guests--thanking Ronnie, thanking the audience. I am not anti-Robbie, but the way he says "We're gonna play one more song and that's it", and "goodnight" and "goodbye" with such finality, it's almost like saying "I'm outta here--later days dudes." I think he could have shown a little more gratitude and warmth to the fans, but of course much of the concert doesn't make it into the movie and maybe he was warmer and more thankful at other times.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 14:12:07 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: Web Award

Hey Jan congratulations on the new web award from Livin Blues. Well deserved.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 12:47:56 CEST 2002 from netcache-1115.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.222.132)

j~t

Subject: No one has mentioned....

...one of the most revealing moments in The Last Waltz. When Mr. Young walked out onto the stage and said to Robbie "Thanks man...for lettin' me do this" Robbie laughed and put his arm around Neil's shoulder and said "Are you kidding..Are you kidding! That look on Levon's face was priceless...That "Robertson..I'd like to rip your fuckin' head off!" look.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 08:53:13 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

Long Distance Operator

The Last Waltz is a feast. I never tire of discussing it. I love when the great Neil Young saunters over to share a microphone with Rick and Robbie during "Helpless". There's ol' Neil, who has his OWN microphone, cruising over to crowd around theirs! It's as if he looks over and says, "There are two of the coolest bastards in the world... I'm going over there!"

I brought this up a couple of years ago, and somebody wrote in that Neil actually went over because Rick was having trouble with the harmony part. This certainly makes sense, but I like to think that Neil just wanted to share the moment, up close and personal, with his two pals. The respect was palpable. It speaks volumes when a man of Mr. Young's's stature says, "I just wanna say before we start that it's one of the pleasures of my life to be on stage with these people tonight". Amen brother Neil.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 08:01:10 CEST 2002 from spider-wb012.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.152)

Donna

Subject: TLW Favorite Moments

Reading everyone's favorite moments on TLW, I just had to go and watch it once again tonight. These are just a few of my favorite takes.

Rick: Talking to Scorsese in the recording room, while reaching above and taking that great Danko hat, pulling it down below his eyes, while he plays the intro to "Sip The Wine" then lowering his head, as they listen. Rick to me was a real human, with so much song and love to give.

Levon: Well, where do I start? The first time I watched TLW, I was in my early teens. When I first saw Levon singing, "Ophelia," that became the turning point in my musical interest. It was also the moment I fell in love. The intensity of his voice, and just his over all talent! After that I took down my posters of George Harrison. I had found a new love! :-)

Robbie: Looking back and giving that smile, while Levon was belting out "Up on Cripple Creek" and breaking into a amazing Yodel! Robbie, getting down on guitar, when Eric Clapton's guitar strap broke. I know that this has been mentioned before in the guestbook, but I too would love to see Robbie playing guitar with Jim Weider one day! Watching those two master guitar men playing guitar, side by side, would be something else!

Richard: With that plaid jacket, which I always thought that he was just trying to make a fashion statement. The laughter and humor when he talked about their days at Big Pink. The way he could sing a song and draw you right into it. The way he swings his head when he starts to play the piano, or sing a song. Richard's part on "I Shall Be Released" is just classic!

Garth: Where do you begin to explain pure genius? Garth's deep, low but powerful way of speaking. It just draws one in, and demands one to listen. Garth playing the saxophone on "It Make's No Difference." Of all the musical instruments, the Sax is the one that speaks the loudest for me. Charlie Parker, being one of the greatest, then Bobby Keys, and Garth! Counting down the days until I see the Garth Man himself, at the "Point."

Bassmanlee: I was refering to Bob Wigo and Carol. Email me, okay?

There are so many classic moments on TLW, and this post could go on and on about them. Other great moments, Muddy Waters, bringing the Blues home to us all! Singing, "Mannish Boy!" I wish he would of sang his version of "Forty Days and Forty Nights."

Butter: harping and singing to "Mystery Train" and doing a great job harping on "Mannish Boy." Another Great Too Soon Gone!

Van the Man: Favorite moment is him just being there singing! I read in the guestbook a year or so ago, someone mentioned that Van looked just like Barney Rubble, from the Flinstone's. I did get a good laugh out of that one! Van, is the ultimate performer and singer! Like the Band, his music will live on forever!

Please excuse any typo's, on this post. The hour is getting late, but I wanted to share my thoughts with everyone!

Entered at Fri Apr 19 07:48:08 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-005castocp0671.dialsprint.net (63.187.42.163)

jeffrey

Subject: Born in Chicago/Bloomfield &TLW

Perhaps the greatest opportunity missed:blues guitarist Mike Bloomfield had been invited to participate at the LW but decided to stay home and read a book instead!(Nick Gravenites link above!)

Entered at Fri Apr 19 05:59:10 CEST 2002 from on-tor-unv-ap3-33-31.look.ca (216.154.34.126)

Aquagoat (Rick K)

Subject: TLW moments / new Boz

Favorite Musical TLW moment : When Rick "gets to sing like a bird " in Stagefreight.

And

anytime Levon is onscreen playing

Fav Non-musical: Richard, eyes flashing, voice rising, Hands punching forward and saying "THE Band" during his all too brief onscreen description of how the guys chose a name.

And

Anytime Levon is onscreen recounting

Donna - At work I listen to a neat radio station out of Taos, New Mexico on the web - KTAO.

They have been playing that new Boz for months and I would highly recommend it. In the best Band tradition, he distills a wide range of musical sounds, yet remains distinctly Boz Give a listen to "King of Elpaso" and "Payday". I grabbed 'em btoh off of Morpeus/Kazaa, and they are pure delight.

Bye Jon & Paul. - and thank you both for healing words in tough times.

Keep the wind at your back boys . . maybe see ya at The Goose for the Sunday matinee!

Hi Lil! . . . I'm still alive!

maybe see ya soon - finally - when Mr Helm is back in your woods

Dileas gu Brath

Rick K

aka the Aquagoat

Entered at Fri Apr 19 05:43:22 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Rick and Richard leaving the stage one behind the other at concert's end, the last to leave unless I'm mistaken. Even more eery if you freeze-frame.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 05:18:54 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-th012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.22)

Harry & Mim

Subject: The Waltz & The Point

Oh, maaaaan (thnx L. Ferlinghtetti:

Where to start:

LH sez "the king of country music"

Dr. John (aka Mac Rebennack)"tinkling the ivories" and "thankfulness to the Band and all the fellas"

Van Morrison "high kicking" the end to Caravan

The incredible "bittersweetness" of it all.

The Point - Bassmanlee: yes, I'd like to meet you at the point - Mim sez "$25 for GH and "The Music of the Band"??? No offense to ALL the good performers (including the Cromatix) - give us LH and the BB's with Garth on keys and Miss Amy Helm vocalizing.

Yer friendly music fans,

Mim & Harry

Entered at Fri Apr 19 04:57:52 CEST 2002 from m198214176085.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.85)

Pehr

Subject: Donald Joseph's Bitchslap

Donald Joseph:Thanks...I needed that...:)

Entered at Fri Apr 19 04:48:43 CEST 2002 from spider-wj081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.56)

Calvin

Subject: Other CDs being released next Tuesday

As a point of interest for anyone who cares, Wilco's Yankee FOxTrot is also seeing the light of day next Tuesday. It's going to be a good day.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 04:46:32 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poolb130.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.41.130)

herbie hancock

My favorite last waltz moment would have to be when after some sound problems neil young sarcastically(everthing comes out sarcastic when you're high on coke)tells robbie "i think they got it fixed now." also, van morrison's "caravan" performance puts the other guests in the shade and was easily the best performance of night

Entered at Fri Apr 19 04:45:20 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: uh huh

"I suuuuure wish I could Yodel..I'd yodel..."

Entered at Fri Apr 19 04:43:09 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: Last Waltz Favorite Moment

THE HAWK!!!!!

But the look on Levon's face on the second kick around for Up On Cripple Creek always fires me up...he knocks out the fill and is raring to go...both guns blazin'.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 04:38:34 CEST 2002 from user216-178-86-230.netcarrier.net (216.178.86.230)

Geoff Patton

Subject: Favorite Part

My favorite part of TLW is a short sequence of just a few seconds, between songs. Its a wide shot Band members on a completely darkened stage, the only light being the stroboscopic effect of multiple photographer's flashes, and the only sound that of a piercing feedback from one of the amps. For me, that couple of seconds of film really captures the urgency of the live concert experience with a pure documentary feel.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 04:36:02 CEST 2002 from dialup-67.28.33.163.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (67.28.33.163)

Pat Brennan

Well. Don't Do It replete with horns and beautiful vocals. I'm gonna guess it was "corrected" back in 1977 or so. The new mix sounds great on a computer: drums are in your face, Garth is suitably placed, bass is dancing etc. Get ready, folks, because this is gonna be big. And a big hello to all our heart-broken lurkers.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 03:54:31 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Subject: TLW moments

Richard cracking up after describing what it was like to stuff packages of bologna in his overcoat; before that, saying, "Oh, no you didn't!" to Rick's denial about shoplifting.

Rick and Martin Scorsese looking at the camera before walking down the "former bordello" corridor.

Muddy Waters conducting the Band to the closing of "Mannish Boy," hands shaking.

When the camera zooms in on Levon tearing into "Up on Cripple Creek," and you know he'll be in total command throughout, even if it's the first time you've watched.

"The Hawk" cooling off Robbie's stratocaster.

Rick seizing his moment in "The Weight," and the way Scorsese's camera works with him.

Joni Mitchell in silohuette on "Helpless."

I'd better stop for now or I'll have the whole movie covered in a while...

Entered at Fri Apr 19 03:16:50 CEST 2002 from spider-wq052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.173)

Dave Z

Subject: TLW Fav Moments

I always liked Stage Fright... especially that moment where after singing his bit... Rick turns to focus on the bass and elbows while Robbie and the others ramp it up... just one of my many favs...

Entered at Fri Apr 19 02:47:50 CEST 2002 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Subject: TLW

Favourite LW moments - Ophelia and Don't Do It. Ophelia for the obvious reasons that it's an incredible performance. Don't Do It because we get to see the guys walk on an off stage. They look so cool and casual as RR says "you still here huh" and RD says "Happy Thanks Giving!" and then Levon and him kick the groove off. I was disappointed when I heard TCLW version though - it's seems slower and there are no horns. I wonder what the version on the new release will ne like.

I haven't heard the radio item with RR and GH. Robbie's comment at the end is fascinating and is a logical progession after all the re-releases . Was he saying he would like to or that he was going to? Would Levon really turn up? Stay tuned to this site I guess.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 02:40:49 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-002ilchicp0907.dialsprint.net (63.184.139.145)

Susan

Subject: TLW moments

JQ, that person dancing madly but in perfect time during "Mystery Train" is Richard Manuel playing drums. That plaid jacket is clearly identifiable and at the end you can see a hand come out to catch the cymbal. I just had one more look at my tape, with hopes of getting to see it all on the big screen again.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 02:12:48 CEST 2002 from dialup-209.244.102.86.dial1.newyork1.level3.net (209.244.102.86)

Robert

Subject: RR, LH discuss "TLW" tomorrow 4/19 on NPR

Just heard on the local NPR station (WNYC) that tomorrow (Fri) on "Fresh Air," Terri Gross will talk with "Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm" -- separately, one can only assume -- about the Last Waltz. She interviewed Levon when his book came out (1993?), so maybe she will re-use tape from that interview (they did discuss TLW, and L. aired his feelings about it, in a gentlemanly but firm way) -- or maybe she spoke to him again recently. The Robbie material will almost certainly be new. Should be interesting.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 01:18:50 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: Pehr's "folks"

Pehr: As I wiped away a fat tear in nostolgic remembrance at your recitation of Robbie's reference to going to see Sonny Boy's "folks," it occured to me that Patch never said that at all. Jamie refers to Sonny Boy's "people" -- not "folks," not "next of kin." I always liked JRR's use of "people" in that sense, and I've copied myself.

Let's get the lingo down before we quote it so fondly, shan't we?

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:54:59 CEST 2002 from host-209-214-112-43.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.112.43)

BWNWITennessee

Subject: Attention all rednecks, crackers and hillbillies

I just found out that the Last Waltz is going to be playing at Nashville's Belcourt Theater starting (or maybe only!) on May 3rd. This is the first I've heard about this, and Nashville was not on the list of "select" cities. This would lead me to suspect that maybe some other cities with active "art" theaters might be getting it, too, even if they weren't originally listed. As far as I know, I believe that Nashville is the southernmost showing of the film. Unfortunately, like a lot of art theaters, the picture and sound quality at the Belcourt usually leaves a lot to be desired. But hey, at least we can see the film in a theater, the way God intended. And who knows, maybe Emmylou'll even make the half-mile trip.

Los Lobos fans, loslobos.org has two of their new songs. They sound a lot more like their earlier albums, straightahead r&b/rock, which should please some people.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:54:48 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: Rick

I didn't find the pick with Vassar but I did find this on the Austin Chronicle site. Check the link.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:53:12 CEST 2002 from spider-loh-te021.proxy.aol.com (195.93.49.156)

Mr guerilla

I'm with Pehr, Dixie never really did it for me when compared to other songs but in TLW Levon takes it all the way, what a man. Other highlights for me are Garth's sax in It makes no difference, the 'beautiful' at the end of the weight and forever young. For some reason no other rendition has the same effect, it makes me want to cry every time.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:48:21 CEST 2002 from user-38ldmp3.dialup.mindspring.com (209.86.219.35)

JQ

I waited until Lawrence Ferlinghetti to pee. Nearly too long to wait, but hang in & you'll make it. I did (and I'm fairly well geezerfied).

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:43:11 CEST 2002 from hse-toronto-ppp179409.sympatico.ca (64.229.86.236)

Blind Willie McTell

I attended the Toronto premiere last night. Sure was nice to see TLW on the BIG screen with the BIG sound. According to my pass, it opens Friday, April 19 for an 'exclusive engagement'. It is playing at the Paramount Theatre (Richmond and John).

Whatever is up Neil Young's left nostril, you can see that they missed a bit. As always, 'Dry Your Eyes' is about the halfway point and the perfect opportunity for a 'pee break'.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:28:53 CEST 2002 from m198214176085.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.85)

Pehr again...

Subject: Austin Chronicle website/ pic of Rick

Almost forgot- In today's Austin Chronicle there is a picture of Rick playing with Vassar Clements @ the 1998 Old Settler's Music Festival outside Austin. I imagine its on the Chronicle Website. I gotta run and as I said the other day, I'm not too slick with the technology. Can someone snag it and put it up here? Its a nice shot! thanks

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:17:33 CEST 2002 from m198214176085.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.85)

Pehr

Subject: TLW

TLW: The scenes mentioned previously are so great to visit again, but here are a few more-

The look Richard gives the camera as he says, "I guess thats why we been on the road...(makes a great quizzical face) not that we dont like the music.."

The Fort Worth Jacksboro Highway story, the "Skyline Lounge": "A couple over here, a couple over there, a couple drunk waiters, a one armed go-go dancer (and someone sets off a teargas bomb)- and a fight breaks out! (Rick's Laugh!)

Then there is Levon's singing that night, previously mentioned. TNTDODD is just devastating.

The cinematography when they follow Garth's "Genetic Method" is spellbinding. How I wish the'd kept "Chest Fever"

Finally when RR is telling the Sonny Boy Williamson story he says "So he took us- over to see his folks-" I always think he says the yiddish word for tush there for some reason.

Entered at Fri Apr 19 00:07:21 CEST 2002 from user-38ldmp3.dialup.mindspring.com (209.86.219.35)

J Q

I believe it's during Mystery Train (a big fave of mine) the camera angle is from behind, right of Levon and there is somebody dancing just to the left like a madman, but in perfect time. On that song also Robbie's guitar fills are so "on", his twang thing. I think in a much better place than lead riffs for his guitar style and certainly that song.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 23:59:20 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

RG

Hello,

I was looking around on www.rollingstone.com and read the recent TLW article. I have a question to ask about the following quote:

"Robertson and Scorsese provide a shot-by-shot audio commentary on the film, and the other surviving Band members, Garth Hudson and Levon Helm, discuss the songs and the concert"

Did Levon actually participate at all in the new release or are his comments from the original version of TLW?

Thanks in advance.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 23:56:14 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-075.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.75)

Peter Viney

Rewatched it the other day on the old VHS … actually, apart from Robbie's solo wiping the floor due to the slipped guitar strap … "Further On Up The Road" is a bit of a dull boogie, and while it wins its place in the film on the drama of the solo, "All our Past Times" is a better song and I prefer Eric in this mode than as a blooze man … not that i'd've cut it … I think as a singer, Neil Diamond actually comes off better. I actually enjoyed his bit last time round.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 23:53:15 CEST 2002 from 0-2pool45-190.nas2.cincinnati1.oh.us.da.qwest.net (63.232.45.190)

Jenny T

Subject: Levon's breath and fav moments

David Powell: I just thought you could see Levon's breath because it was really cold in there, but maybe you are right.

My favorite part (not counting Rick's singing, playing, etc.) is when Dr. John plays piano, especially at the very end of Such a Night. It was really amazing. Also, even though I think Joni Mitchell is way too in love with herself and pretentious, her back-up singing on Helpless was really beautiful.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 23:51:13 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-075.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.75)

Peter Viney

Van kicking his way off stage after "Caravan" always raises my spirits most … my three favourite composers all on one mic during "I Shall Be Released"- Robbie, Dylan and Van … the respectful shuffle when the whole lot realize - too late- that they're blocking Richard from the camera in the same song … the fly of course … Rick's total concentration during "Coyote" is palpable … why aren't they showing it here?

Entered at Thu Apr 18 23:49:28 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Steve Roper

Entered at Thu Apr 18 22:54:55 CEST 2002 from (130.219.229.173)

BK

Subject: Be Good Tanyas

BWNWIT.....

I owe ya one! I've been trying to remember their name since I heard them on the radio some time back.

The two or three songs I've heard of theirs are great, so I imagine the CD is worth checking out. (I'm gonna). Their website is above, there's a few downloadable tunes on it. (including The Littlest Birds).

Band Link - ummm....Levon plays mandolin, too(?)

Entered at Thu Apr 18 22:55:08 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: Robbie AND Levon interviewed on Fresh Air w/ Terry Gross?

Just finishing up work, and the promo for tomorrow's Fresh Air with Terry Gross (originates in Philly on WHYY) touts a feature on TLW with "interviews from Robbie Robertson AND Levon Helm". Is tiny Terry planning the Celebrity Death Feud? Take the link to find a station near you.

Anyone else for Garth at the Point? Where's Wigo been? Donna, is this the Bob to whom you refer?

Entered at Thu Apr 18 22:41:32 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I'm curious as to whether the DVD version of TLW will have separate chapter stops for the interview segments. If so, that will allow the purists to easily program them out of the way of the music.

Donald -- it's a good thing Mr. DePalma didn't suggest chainsaws, baseball bats, or perhaps a scene with John Travolta in the editing room. Come to think of it, "blow out" is the perfect title for Neil Diamond's scene.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 22:41:29 CEST 2002 from spider-wk063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.178)

Bayou Sam

David Powell = I love what you wrote about Levon doing "Ophelia". The way he put his all into it, even though he wasn't "into" TLW itself. A big part of the reason that one becomes a huge Levon fan is described in your post perfectly. I might pull out my tape of TLW today because of what you wrote.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 22:18:43 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

BR: Thanks for the DC theater info. I wonder why it is only going to be there for four days?

The Rolling Stone article is absolutely wonderful to read. I agree with Donald Joseph that the press is really giving the Band an enormous amount of support. I like the fact that reviewers are picking up on the fact that not only do the artists represent all types of music but the Band's music itself represent an hybrid of all those types as well (rock, country, blues, gospel, tin pan alley, New Orleans, etc).

Entered at Thu Apr 18 21:55:44 CEST 2002 from l4duppx2.hewitt.com (63.73.213.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: TLW "gliches"

I don't think there are all that many technical gliches in TLW visible to the viewer. There were mishaps-caught-live (like Clapton's guitar strap, the choice to include Neil Diamond, etc.), but these aren't the same as technical foul-ups in the filming process. The only visible-in-the-final-edit filming glich I recall (from my countless screenings of the film, albeit mostly long ago) is the one scene during I believe "The Night They Drove O.D.D." when the camera is on Levon, then it pans to the left, and all of a sudden does a 180, pans right, and comes right back to Levon -- without having shown us anything noteworthy.

One TLW concert-production glich that got a lot of play some time ago was how the lights failed for the "blues" portion of the show; hence the Muddy Waters & Paul Butterfield scenes are lit by little more than a spotlight. I've heard the opinion that Muddy's scene, at least, actually turned out more compelling because of this.

Sorry, but the air-brushed coke out of Neil Young's nostril doesn't count as a filiming glich. (By the way, when I first heard about the airbrushing, I was told that what was airbrushed out of Neil's schnoz was a big wet BOOGER. I've always wondered if this were true -- and if the coke powder story was invented to help Neil "save face," so to speak.)

As to fave moments from the film: I'll spare you mine, but share two others': When the TLW film came out, the late Chicago film critic Gene Siskel gave it his highest rating (4 or 5 stars), & said in his review that the highlight is The Doctor in his pink smoking jacket. And when TLW came out in '78, my little brother was turned on to Ronnie Hawkins because of his scene; my bro. went out and bought a "Best of the Hawk" LP.

Another tale: Scorcese's initial cut was devoid of, or at least light in, interviews. Marty screened a rough cut for Brian DePalma ("Carrie"), who suggested that Marty go back & film interviews with the Band members. At the time I recall purists arguing that the film would've been better sans interviews. But without the interviews, we on this guestbook would've had that many fewer tales to dissect over the years.

OK, OK, you twist my arm so I'll give you my favorite scene: "Old Time Religion," cuz Ricky's on fiddle. Patch's saying "it ain't like it used to be" is so obviously wrong, in that the 10-second cover of "Old Time Religion" is indeed as good as it ever was.

Runner up: Neil Young grabbing Joni Mitchell's ass, and Joni's swatting away Neil's paw.

Second runner up: The camera panning past Neil Diamond during the "I Shall Be Released" finale, exposing "Jonathan Livingston" Diamond for the outclassed boob he is.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 20:56:53 CEST 2002 from stx32.library.uiuc.edu (130.126.32.133)

Susan

Subject: Favorite TLW scenes

One of my favorite bits in TLW is the scene of Rick and Richard squabbling over just who went along on the shoplifting caper. It shows that long-term cameraderie that we all like think of as SOP.

And, of course, I'm always fascinated by the segue into the reprise of Baby, Let Me Follow You Down, with Levon, Rick and Robbie all watching Dylan intently. The expression on Levon's face is priceless.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 20:55:47 CEST 2002 from 1cust118.tnt4.tco2.da.uu.net (67.201.214.118)

BR

Subject: the last waltz- washington,

The Last Waltz will be playing at the Cineplex, Odeon Janus 3 starting Friday April l9th. It will only be there 4 days(Fri through Monday.

Show times 4:30, 7:00 and 9:30\

The address is 1660 Connecticut Ave. NW-Washington,DC. phone 202 265 9545\ Enjoy

Entered at Thu Apr 18 20:52:01 CEST 2002 from dhcp58192.sunyocc.edu (204.168.58.192)

FREDDY FUNKSTER (the smokin tokin fishermaun)

Subject: Sackets Harbor

DOCTOR PEPPER, Wellll now, the pike will be runnin soon and I'll be puttin the ol starcraft in the water to once agin this year try to hook the "big one"". I thought I'd biter git ya quic seein you be goin on the concert tour prety soon. Thers this hear blues festival commi in Jun. Weze guys should ga. Seein i got this frind thar thats cun fix us up with this big fast luod Cigerte Buat. Its goes real fast and weze can drink beer and throw the cans in the like just like reel fisgermun. Weze Guys culd even take Jim Weder for a spin and maybes even the man himself. Iz lookin ferwerd to this trip. I hope "use guys" decide to cum along.. Heck i'm gittin so exceted now thats I thinc I'll go haves myself a few buuds. See ya. Ferdy.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 19:59:22 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Thanks Jon for clearing that up. This past weekend I was able to revisit TLW at home, via a videotape version taped from a Turner network broadcast. Judging from the excellent quality of that widescreen print, I don't think much restoration was required for the new reissue.

Despite a litany of "technical" problems that many have pointed out, I did notice that in a couple of key moments, the cameras were right on the money. At the beginning of Eric Clapton's "Farther Up The Road" you can clearly see that his guitar strap is twisted near where it was fastened to the front peg. As everyone knows, the result was that, just when Mr. Clapton started to light into his opening solo, the strap came loose. [It's a common practice nowadays to use "strap locks" at both ends of the strap to avoid that problem.] What we don't see is whether Mr. Clapton walked out onstage wearing his guitar, or if a roadie handed it to him as he came on, and the strap got twisted while he quickly slipped it over his head & shoulder.

Another great camera shot comes during "Ophelia", while Levon is really singing his ass off, as usual. As Levon puts everything he has into singing, while simultaneously playing the drums, we get a camera shot from behind his drumkit. In this extreme close-up, the focus is so sharp and the lighting angle is just right, enabling the viewer to actually see vapor expelled from his lungs as Levon reaches deep down for a vocal performance that exudes such raw emotional power. For me, this is a transcendent moment revealed in the film. Despite any misgivings Levon might have had about The Last Waltz, the camera lens so clearly captured him giving his all, pouring everything he had into his performance. In this epiphany, one can understand what made The Band great -- there were times when five brilliant musicians came together in sync, as one, performing with such intensity that everything else faded into the background, while time stood still and the music burned bright.

As a thread, I would like to read about the "favorite" moments that others have regarding The Last Waltz.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 19:44:39 CEST 2002 from m198214176091.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.91)

Pehr

Subject: nice people ;*D

Thanks for the sweet congratulations and e mails, y'all.

Somebody said Martin "Scoreeatzy's" buttboy posts here????? wow!

Entered at Thu Apr 18 17:55:42 CEST 2002 from coral.tci.com (198.178.8.81)

Dr. Ugg

Subject: Cords

I love to play guitar (cords)is there anyone out there that can hook me up with Rick's newer work say the last 4 or 5 CDs . Please let me know gewen@attbi.com

Entered at Thu Apr 18 17:54:47 CEST 2002 from (209.166.233.21)

Jon Lyness

Subject: TLW

Steve Roper, David Powell et al: just to be clear, there is no new footage in the theatrical release (as opposed to the upcoming DVD) of The Last Waltz. That being said, if you are in one of those "selected cities", go see it! The sound and picture are wonderful, and you won't be disappointed.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 17:16:37 CEST 2002 from umhscache.med.umich.edu (141.214.17.5)

Steve Knowlton

Subject: LW in Chicago

So glad to see the Last Waltz playing in Chicago. The wife and I are taking a weekend vacation there, and she's graciously agreed to go.

I think this Robbie/Levon feud has played out; it's time to start a new one. Who here thinks Garth secretly stole all his "Genetic Method" ideas from John Simon?

Entered at Thu Apr 18 16:59:08 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Steve Roper raised an interesting point regarding technical flubs in TLW. I'm not one of the lucky few who have seen the new theatrical version and haven't heard if the film is scheduled in the Atlanta area. It's my guess that Mr. Scorsese probably couldn't correct many of the technical shortcomings which were inherent to the difficult nature of filming a live event that lasted over five hours. What he has apparently been able to do is locate the best available print (in widescreen format) and possibly add additional footage.

I imagine that Mr. Scorsese's plate has been overflowing enough with his on-going struggle with his "Gangs of New York" project. It should be noted, pursuant to the norms of the film industry, that along with MGM, Mr. Scorsese will probably reap the most financial benefit from TLW reissue.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 16:06:35 CEST 2002 from (63.232.33.14)

Jenny T

Subject: Dissention among the Hawks

Donald Joseph: Maybe that is referring to the disagreements between the Hawks and Ronnie--like when Rick got frustrated with being fined for a girlfriend coming to a show and other stuff. I loved that story from Levon's book where Ronnie PAID them to quit smoking but then they started eating raisins in his car and making a mess that way. Too bad they didn't stay tobacco-free.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 16:04:44 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Thu Apr 18 13:55:55 CEST 2002 from spider-tn083.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.83)

Brien Sz

Subject: RR jammin', Garth, Sam and Dave

Hank: I think it would be wild to see RR strap on a tele and jam with the Guru's. Though I imagine his playing these days would be more blend jams than centerstage ones.., though to see Jim W. and RR trade off on solo's would be a treat..., Levon on the other hand would probably say something along the lines of "Not in my f***kin' band he ain't." Though that would be the ultimate jam, to see RR raze it up with the Barnburners.

I'm wondering if Garth has another cd in the works. I love the journey that Sea to the North brings me on. And I also wonder if Garth is having his May concert in NY, with the horn section, guest stars and music of the Band, recorded for a possible release. Live Garth, on cd. Now that I'd like to see.

Having went to High School during Van Halen I & II, it was hard not to appreciate the guitar playing of Eddie V. Of the guitarists who emerged in the late seventies/early eighties, Eddie VanHalen still stands above the rest. That said.., I was never a BIG fan, just a casual listener, never owned anything by them, saw them once in concert - BUT now we have the aptly named Sam and Dave tour coming.., for anyone who liked(s) either incarnation of VanHalen, this will probably be a song fest of the best of the best of that bands music (without the core group)You know it will be a good show and both men have a ton of energy, so as long as ticket prices aren't absurd, it might be a good show to catch this summer - as opposed to the Eagles limited Yahoo tour, which i'm sure will draw huge, I like the Eagles too, but i'd really wish some of these bands would stick by their own guns and just go away. And stay away.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 08:01:47 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-005castocp1545.dialsprint.net (63.187.46.21)

rollie

Bravo!

Entered at Thu Apr 18 07:45:23 CEST 2002 from netcache-1115.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.222.132)

j~t

Subject: Personal Insults, stupidity and Smut.

There was this rock star guy sitting at the piano playing new songs for his manager. One was called "My Dick is Huge" another was called "My Penis is Large and another one was called "My Balls Are Enormous" anyway...the guy excuses himself to go to the bathroom and when he comes back out his manager says to him...he says "Do you know your fly is open and your dick's hangin' out?" and the guy says "Know It...I Wrote It!"

Entered at Thu Apr 18 07:18:58 CEST 2002 from spider-wj041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.36)

Donna

Subject: Boz

I just heard the new Boz Scaggs song, "Desire" over the radio. At first, I thought it was Ray Charles, and was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was Boz Scaggs. His new CD, "DIG" is rather good.

Bassmanlee: Looking forward to seeing you, and Bob & Carol at the "Point" this month!

Entered at Thu Apr 18 06:57:04 CEST 2002 from spider-wa032.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.32)

David Llewellyn Zuck

Subject: Short Name People Got No Reason

In my best Randy Newman voice... I'm still trying to figure out what's triggered this whole Matt K John D "discussion"... but first let me pause and while I ponder... say congrats Pehr on the promotion... and Ray P, I loved the Arafat humor... and Tony and Peter V, diet coke came outta my nose after reading about baggage tags and Norfolk... you know, sometimes there's so much involved in reading good stuff, laughing, and trying to post a reply in a timely manner (with twins jumping on my back too in my case) that you just can't tell people that you dig what's going on... I remember when John D posted the track list for TLW as soon as he could... and I thought, cool... I come to a place where fans push it out passionately as fast as they can... but fumbled a thanks... anyway, everytime my 3 year olds see the yellow and brown on the screen they say... "Daddy can I see the Band guys"... meaning they want me to go to the Homepage... and riddle through each member... and what intruments he plays (damn you Garth)... before I can start or finish a post... and it's a bitch when I'm trying the chat room... "Daddy, read me the words"... "Daddy, why you doing this?"... anyway, forget trying to read any of Alan's posts w/o printing 'em out... PAUSE TO TAKE DEEP BREATH... G-Man and Joe L, where the heck can I score the Remedy CD?... CONTINUE... anyway, Hank, your posts are like therapy to me... but I have to say that I image you posting from a golf cart on some coastal links course like Ballybunion in real shitty weather and your playing partner (Van The Man) is cursing every shot he takes... I bet Van plays real fast too... Whew, now I'm tired again... so where am I... yes, what's up with the Matt K thread... best I can figure is you got a guy who doesn't know Levon personally but hey he paid for his ticket to the game... and now he very articulately paints a not so nice picture for us... maybe do it once, OK... twice, the Levonistas awaken... thrice, you get the attack dog sicked on you... technically, you did pay for the ticket to the show... it's general admission... yes, there's people dancing... people standing in the way... but maybe you want to rethink engaging the spotlight every opportunity because you seem to be a nice guy to me... and I sense you wouldn't call your own best friends on it in a similar manner... save yourself the trouble... besides, it would have been funner if someone had gone after Tracy... then we'd have a free for all and I'd be under the barstool protecting both my Robbie and Levon CDs... Good night all... peace on and shine out... and dump on me if you want, the email is real... and this does sound kinda putzy... hey, where did everybody go?... What do you mean the GB said no to my request for a date?...

Entered at Thu Apr 18 06:24:33 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Steve Roper

But the "underpants" thing. Gee, was my query THAT frivolous? I would have assumed that with all the hoopla about the refurbished TLW release, my question had some merit, considering what often passes down this pike.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 05:58:45 CEST 2002 from 12-249-119-233.client.attbi.com (12.249.119.233)

Donald Joseph

Subject: Steve's plight; TLW hype

Steve: I don't know whom you deem GB "cognoscenti" or who doesn't make that cut, but man do you personalize things! Do you think everyone posting here has insider's knowledge of a film that is still unreleased? Do you think Marty Scorcese's butt-boy posts here? If I posted a query seeking the brand of underpants Robbie wears (or even the much simpler "boxers-or-briefs" question), I imagine I'd be "ignored," too. Whew, man!

The TLW hype is amazing. Rolling Stone's current article, titled "The Greatest Rock Movie of All Time," runs a full 2 pages, and includes a 10-best list actually putting TLW at #1, ahead of the Beatles/Stones/Heads/Who/Zimmie pictures. Indeed, the RS article has a box called "The Greatest Live Album of All Time?," making the case that the new TLW CD is just that -- apart from the question mark in the title, the box talks only about TLW, and doesn't even name any contenders for the title of best live LP.

Today's Chicago SunTimes, too, has a huge article on TLW (notably NOT by DeRogatis); added to the recent Chi. Trib., SF Chronicle, NYT, & RS pieces, I'd say the mainstream media hype machine is now more pro-Band than at any time since the early '70's -- when our boys were RS wunderkinder and on the cover of Time.

Indeed, I'd say the current pro-TLW spin is even stronger this time than in '78, when the film was first released. As I recall, although there was talk then ('78) of its being the best rock film of all time (till then), there was also talk of Robbie's scarf; the last gasp of dinosaurs at the rise of disco/punk; Neil Diamond as a ridiculous guest; the 3 LP soundtrack album as a disappointment; etc. Today's TLW hype has less of a dark side.

Steve, to get back to your question, no one but insiders and SXSW groupies knows what's in the new film. But reading the articles between the lines, it appears to me there may be no new footage at all in the new theatrical release(the DVD will have "jam" footage, it's said). Rolling Stone reports that a box of raw footage appears to have been lost; specifically, RS reports that the missing footage explains why the re-release doesn't include Dylan's "Hazel" and the Beak/Van duet "Tura Lura Lural" (always one of my favorite cuts from the LP). But RS doesn't explain where the "jam" footage in the DVD came from.

Still, most of what I've read talks about better sound and color, not added scenes or a "director's cut." RS says if the missing box of footage ever surfaces, Scorcese would likely be up for releasing yet a THIRD version of TLW (!).

The new RS also has an article on Sheryl Crow which contains a box on "avian" groups (the Eagles, the Byrds, etc.) that references The Hawks. The box says the Hawks' predator was internal squabbling/dissention. Odd, isn't it, how history changes perceptions? During the original Band's time together ('68-'76), they were always portrayed as so collegial ("next of kin," etc.)!

In Neil Young's new song "2 Old Friends," he of course sings of "back when The Band played Rock of Ages in their prime/And the old juke joint was rocking...." Query: Is "the old juke joint" line an allusion to Ed Kasper's Moondog wrap-around?

Entered at Thu Apr 18 05:44:15 CEST 2002 from spider-wn052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.172)

Calvin

Subject: Neil Young/The Matt K thing/The Guestbook in all/Jim Weider

I don't know who it was that said it. but the comment Neil had made an album with a Stax sound was dead on. I can't believe I didn't catch that on the first few listens. Nice to hear a reference to the Band as well. But Speaking of Neil does anyone know why On the Beach, featuring a few fellas near and dear to us all, is not in release. I mean it is Neil Young. And while I'm at it my favorite little CD store told me the other day they had no listing for any Jim Weider CDs, is BigFoot already out of print? Shake it off MattK, Serge cant even be bothered to identify himself-using psuedonyms and fake emails is a sure sign of somebody just jerking us around. I'd like to repeat what others have said in appreciation of your posts, in fact other than Pat Brennan I can't think of anyone who echoes my thoughts on such a regular basis.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 05:41:12 CEST 2002 from host-209-214-112-185.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.112.185)

I. N. Cognito

Do any of the hippies here know anything about the Be Good Tanyas? They have a song they've played a lot here called "Little Birds" (or maybe "The Littlest Birds") that's pretty good. Kind of folky, swinging. I kind of wondered when I first heard it if it was Diamond's song, but I guess not. But is their album worth checking out?

MGM's site says the TLW DVD has a "making of" featurette, along with exclusive behind the scenes jam footage. I guess someone had a Super 8 at the hotel. Click the link.

I never told anyone I was leaving.

ASS!

Entered at Thu Apr 18 05:32:29 CEST 2002 from parachute2-156-40-65-160.net.nih.gov (156.40.65.160)

Jonathan Katz

Subject: Waltzing, fighting, and thanking

Pehr: Thanks for the kind words about my Self Portrait post. That LP has always been an enigma, and has made me think more than maybe any other about what exactly was behind it. I tried to fill in the missing link that brings it into a continuity for Dylan. Several of his LP's present similar problems, including the BT's, John Wesley Harding, and Street Legal. Each is a radical departure and something has to get the listener from the previous LP to that one. Big Pink [even though there isn't a previous LP] presents a similar problem - how do the boys get from being Hawks to being the Band? Of course we all know the history - but how did they get there cognitively?

Others: Kind words [not necessarily directed at me] would be better than this sniping. Its about the music. Do you think Rick would be behaving this way?

Bones: Yes, when and where is the Last Waltz coming in the D.C. area? How close will it get? Does anyone know?

Anyone: How about New Orleans? I'll be there this week. Is it there? If not - why not? It should be. Heck, it should be everywhere.

Lil: Hi.

MattK: Don't stoop....

To those posting about Kasey Chambers: I agree.

All: The Moondog Matinee reissue showed it for what it was: the most adventurous Band LP since Big Pink, and maybe ever.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 05:23:44 CEST 2002 from nvl-tn4-248.rasserver.net (204.30.62.248)

DJ KIng

Subject: Just a fan

Just a note to say I spent the day at work with The Band on my CD Player. "Canadian Driftwood" has got to be one of the most heartfelt songs ever written. I moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams of musical stardom partly due to what the Band did for me musically back in the 70's. Although I probably wont make it in Music City I have given it a shot. A lot of my music is inspired by The Band. My ultimate dream would be to be in a local band here in Nashville playing downtown in a Honky Tonk somewhere. Could you imagine walking down the street and Hearing "It Makes no Difference" being played live in a bar. OF course it wouldn't be the same without The Band playing it but it would be very cool dont you think? DJ

Entered at Thu Apr 18 05:23:01 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Steve Roper

Entered at Thu Apr 18 04:52:40 CEST 2002 from dialup-65.58.42.169.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.58.42.169)

Pat Brennan

I know that, as a regular here, I ignore new posters until they send me a CDR of their best boots. Steve???

Man, my sister looks good tonight. Whoops, sorry.

Okay, Steve, this one's free. Perhaps no one responded to your question because no one knows the answer. And the "ignored Richard" thing has been addressed in the past. Again no one knows, but my guess is that with all the people on stage, the camermen simply couldn't get a good angle on our boy. I believe the possibility was raised that Dylan was supposed to sing the whole thing, although they did the song in Richard's key, hence Dylan's amusing swoop when he enters.

Now, the release material says nothing about re-editing the movie, which would mean that no technical flubs would be addressed.

Great to see people picking up the slack for departed posters.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 04:45:20 CEST 2002 from dialup080-a.ts552.cwt.esat.net (193.203.156.80)

Hank

This is great!.......I'm gonna read and write The GB....sorta flick back'n'forth

JTull Fan is correct.......The GB is "Time to Kill"....except for Jan....but glad to see he's on holidaze.

One day, it'll be "Time to Kill it Off" !....He's done it and he can do it, y'know.......

Respect, people!

If The GB was a woman I went out with on a date, I would have to suss how much of a Kate Bush fan she was before I got too serious........I like the girls I go out with to like Kate Bush. If she gets and digs Elvis, too....that's a big plus........

Y'see......in America, believe it or not....the word "F**K" is serious stuff.......over these 'ere parts people use the word 'fuck' ALL the time after a certain age......"fuckin hell" they say when they're upset 'bout something........North Americans are usually serious when they say or write "F**K You".......they're even afraid to spell the word "f**k"......but here, people are always telling one another to "Fuck Off!"....."will ya ever go away and fuck off" people will say, when annoyed."Fuck me pink" people say here when in a state of disbelief......John Lennons' "Yer still fuckin' peasants as far as I can see" was NOT such a big deal as it was in North America........

Probably one of the reasons Rap is considered so radical and dangerous in North America........."they KEEP say that dirty F-word, tsk tsk".......

Here's a thing to stir it up a bit.......

In your opinion, would RR be able to strap on a Tele (preferably), plug in, tune up and play a gig with, say, oh,...... The Barnburners.....or a great Band covers band and cut the mustard these days?

What'cha reckon anyone.....would he be a bit rusty.....or ropey.....or dynamite or what?

Actually The biggest thing that could happen here in the GB would be if RR showed up a BBs gig and started to boogie with 'em......imagine........

You may say I'm a dreamer.....or a kook......or an asshole.......but I'm not the only one..... no matter where you are now, you are far away from me, I'm having a good life and I'm going to bed........

Entered at Thu Apr 18 04:43:06 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Steve Roper

Entered at Thu Apr 18 04:18:46 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-ta021.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.26)

Bayou Sam

FUCK

I just had to see it spelled out. This f**k was gettin' to me.

The guestbook is full of saints and sinners, losers and winners. Sometimes we can all be any one of the four at any given moment. That's probably why we've been on the gb so long.

MattK = just thought I'd echo the thoughts of some other posters that you don't need to lower yourself to that level - which you have admirably not done.

Y'know, when people are resorting to name calling and making fun of a persons spelling, it's embarassing. It's like a fu**ing kindergarten class. Some folks are so full of themselves it's amazing.

"It's easier to tell a lie than it is to tell the truth,

It's easier to kill a fly than it is to turn it loose,

It's easier to criticise somebody else,than to see yourself

George Harrison - "See Yourself" 1979

And why should Jan change the GB?. To make some people happy? Leave the damn thing alone. Awards have been given to this site as is. How about "thanks" Jan for this site just the way it is. The beauty is that if you don't like what you get - you can leave. You can leave for a while, or for ever - whatever floats your boat.

Hey, why is everyone talking about John and Paul being gone? John and George are gone - Paul and Ringo are still here. Aren't you glad I cleared that up?

That's it from me for now. I just had to toss some stuff into the ring. Have a fabulous night (or day) everyone.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 04:12:19 CEST 2002 from bri-pr1.tpgi.com.au (203.12.164.23)

Paul Bancroft

Subject: The Last Waltz Cd

Thanks for those people who steered me towards Rhino records for the rerelease. Still don't have code numbers and the people here claim they need all the information so that I can order it. Can anyone who has bought it this week email me the information? Thank You Paul

Entered at Thu Apr 18 04:09:23 CEST 2002 from 12-249-69-3.client.attbi.com (12.249.69.3)

Chris

Subject: The Last Waltz in Chicago

Thanks Ann. I couldn't find the theater it was playing in either. For those of you that emailed me I will try and get show times and post them.

Does anyone have a bootleg of the WXRT free show The Band did in Chicago's Grant Park on 7/6/94? I sure would like to get my hands on it.

Susan: I told you I would mail you the Van cd. I will, but I deleted your address. Please send it back to me.

"Please everyone...just relax and stay cool...people upfront are getting horribly smashed. Everybody take a step back."

Entered at Thu Apr 18 02:45:23 CEST 2002 from 66-118-10-232.aus.port.mytelco.com (66.118.10.232)

Tom

Subject: Brother Garth

Check out: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/020410/170/1dr2z.html

Entered at Thu Apr 18 02:35:32 CEST 2002 from spider-tl061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.201)

JTull Fan

Subject: Moderated Forum and ROA/Flood

Uh, Oh, but do I see reason for us to go back to a moderated forum? I'm sure JH will be happy when he gets back. C'mon guys, it ain't worth it and don't ruin it for the rest of us. MattK: please just let it go, you've got nothing to prove. Serge, I haven't really followed this argument between you and Matt but using such language in your subjetc/name is only going to turn people against you and anger Jan, so don't be the one to get us shut down again, OK? Now, on ROA, it cartainly sounds to me that the bonus tracks are the real thing and not the rehearsal. First, we get crowd noise, and unless the Watkins Glen Gremlin has returned, we have to accept the tapes as 'true'. Secondly, the liner notes, if they are to be believed, state Dylan and the Band did not rehearse together, so again, I would think that those tracks are at least live and not Memorex. On Flood, I have found several bootlegs on the defunct Napster of outakes, including This Wheel's On Fire. The Bob crowd are swimming in boots, and I would guess many of the boots and outakes, if available, could be found in those circles. Then again, I should probably just check the tapelist on this site but that might be too easy.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 02:21:23 CEST 2002 from 64-80-53-11-access.surferz.net (64.80.53.11)

Diamond Lil

Elizabeth B: Please mail me. I somehow deleted your address. Thanks.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 02:04:17 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-018ilchicp1012.dialsprint.net (65.176.179.250)

Susan

Steve, none of us know, unless Robbie or people involved in the reissue are lurking. It's not a remake, it's a refurbishment, so the mike problem might have a work-around, but I don't think they have any more footage of I Shall Be Released.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 02:00:17 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

Long Distance Operator

I've been visiting this guestbook regularly for about 4 years now. I know that if I was the subject of a pretty-much unprovoked attack, I'd hope some of the guestbook regulars would come to my defense.

I may not be the most prolific poster in here, but I'm around enough to know that Matt K. has been a valuable contributor to my overall enjoyment of this forum. You've got plenty of allies in here, brother. Exercise restraint. Pissing matches bring down both parties involved, and you're too intelligent for that nonsense. Don't take the bait, man. Just blow it off.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 01:11:08 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Steve Roper

Subject: TLW and incest

Second request: Can anyone tell me if some of the technical flubs In the original TLW — namely, Garth's dead mike during his sax solo in It Makes No Difference and the decision by Scorsese's production crew to ignore Richard in the I-Shall-Be-Released finale — have been addressed in the remake.

I posed this question a while ago and didn't get any response — not so unusual, I'll concede, since "regulars" to this site, I've observed over the years, have a tendency to be very selective in who they decide to "accept" (for want of a better term).

I say this because I've noted that time and time again newcomers (who also are ardent fans of the Band) often tend to be ignored when they seek out information from you cognoscenti.

GBers can be a very tight and selective clique. And incestuous. Perhaps you'll spare me some quarter this time.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 01:09:23 CEST 2002 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Hang in there, bud.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 00:57:39 CEST 2002 from (66.120.74.189)

MattK

Subject: Serge's World

What's next, then, Sergie Pooh? "I know you are, but what am I?"

You're a very silly "human" (and I use the term rather loosely).

Now, don't you have something better to do? It's spring - time for to shave your back and take your annual bath...

Entered at Thu Apr 18 00:50:35 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-003ilchicp1835.dialsprint.net (63.184.151.57)

Susan

Subject: TLW in Chicago

Thanks, Ann, for posting the theatre name. I could not find it. Now I have to work on transport.

Entered at Thu Apr 18 00:20:21 CEST 2002 from ti231210a080-1012.bb.online.no (80.212.235.244)

Groan Alone

Subject: Before The Flood Rocks The Ages

I just picked up the Rock of Ages Cd, was thrilled to listen to the "new" tracks, finally a worthwhile reason to complement the old vinyl with a CD. Amazing stuff! 'Question for the musically interested in the guestbook; are there any available Band outtakes from the Before the Flood tour??

Entered at Thu Apr 18 00:10:58 CEST 2002 from netcache-1115.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.222.132)

j~t

Subject: wonderful weather we're having

It's good to see everyone behaving in such a mature and respectful way toward one another these days...not like the old times.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:59:24 CEST 2002 from h66-59-176-110.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.110)

Serge to the Asshole

So long.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:57:45 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Some trivia, that is more than trivia to me because of its sentimental connections to my distant adolescence and the glory days of Saturday Night Live: the initial analogy between the visages of Yasser Arafat and Ringo Starr was drawn on SNL "Weekend Update" in the late 70s, and I think it was Bill Murray who did it (not sure, though). But here's something even better from the REAL SNL: after the controversy when PLO-supporter Vanessa Redgrave won an Oscar in 1978 and repudiated those who criticized her (and was virtually booed off the stage), SNL commented on it with a hilarious, unforgettable sketch with John Belushi impersonating a giddy Arafat accepting the award on her behalf. These are reminders not just of how long Arafat has been a subject of satire, but also of how good SNL used to be!

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:51:57 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Subject: Rock of Ages again

Thank you, David Powell, for that very detailed and knowledgeable response on ROA. I have another question--there is "The Rumor," or maybe it's not one, that the original ROA consists not of a genuine set before an audience, but a sound check. If this is true, and I find it hard to believe that even a band as fastidious as the Band in their prime would play all those songs just for a sound check, does this mean the "new" material on disc two is "the real thing," or something else? Any ideas? Perhaps there are people on this guestbook who attended these shows and can say something?

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:35:53 CEST 2002 from (66.120.74.189)

MattK

Subject: Purge the Serge

Serge, I'm one of many, indeed a majority of, people on this GB who do not post their full names. Indeed, many here use nicknames that have nothing to do with their real names whatsoever. The reason for this is precisely because there are unstable, violent, and disturbed people out there like yourself, and like many, I have no desire to allow the likes of you to know such personal information. Given your continued, unwarranted aggression, such steps are, at worst, prudent.

In short, my last name and location are none of your business.

However, I never post under pseudonyms, as you often do, and I always provide a viable email address (the same one since I first posted), to which mature, reasonable people are free to email me, and with whom I conduct regular correspondence. I have used Yahoo's blocking feature to automatically deny delivery in some cases, but I've only had to do this twice when I've been threatened, or otherwise "verbally" abused - and you, my friend, were the first person I was forced to do this with.

Of course, since you rarely provide an e-mail address, and when you do, it's rarely the same, it's obvious that you're more interested in sullying the GB with your bile, hiding behind a litany of supposedly "clever" nicknames and bogus emails, than engage anyone in mature, thoughtful discussion.

Ibsen said that "to live is to war with trolls." Clearly he had a clear picture of you in mind when he wrote this.

As far as John's attack, the fact that it was unprovoked is obvious and deserves no rebuttal here. His attack on me came without provocation or relevance to anything I'd ever said to or about him.

But then again, those of us who get a good giggle out of your sophomoric, anglophobic paranoia are more than acquainted with your preference for these same kinds of tactics. Respect is given to those who offer it, Serge, and it's quite clear you're incapable of exercising even a modicum of self-respect, much less for others.

Hmmmm...I think my earlier perscription for you was a bit off, Serge. I suspect we're talking about a minimum of 200mg dosage, with a lithium kicker to take the edge off.

Now move along, little puppy. Your constant yapping is waking the neighbors.

Matt

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:33:56 CEST 2002 from pub39.lrc.swt.edu (147.26.108.233)

Pehr

Subject: cameraderie (sp?)

I'm with you Lars. Its nice to see you again. BTW Enjoyed your recent post Jonathan Katz on Self Portrait. Keep on smilin',comerades in Band. With the world situation there is no time for all this crap. Those who are concerned about saving the gb could abide by the rules posted at the top of the sign in form. thanks jan.

I got a promotion today. I'm kinda happy! :^)

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:29:19 CEST 2002 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Don't know if this has been posted but TLW will be playing in Chicago at Loews Cineplex Piper's Alley, 1608 N. Wells St. starting this Friday.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:30:49 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

johnny the bone

Where's Tim "SUNDOG" Corcoran when you need him?

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:21:02 CEST 2002 from syr-66-66-34-15.twcny.rr.com (66.66.34.15)

Dr Pepper

Bashful Bill, please report to the beverage center. Bill Cox needs to have a word with you concerning your breath on Saturday mornings at work. Lost your phone number buddy. And as they say, the rest of it is all Zippy-dee-doo-dah.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:13:03 CEST 2002 from (64.208.194.158)

Lars

Subject: guestbook

I can't speak for the others in the gb, but I come in here for the comraderie (sp?).

Entered at Wed Apr 17 23:09:35 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poold121.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.43.121)

herbie hancock

hey dave, i e-mailed you but you haven't sent back. i am still interested in that old band songbook. please write me

Entered at Wed Apr 17 22:51:40 CEST 2002 from h66-59-176-110.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.110)

Serge to Asshole.

Yours was a response to an unprovoked attack by Donabie? You pathetic Asshole. I defacate two like you, daily.

How's that Viney. Would this pass censorship in your f*****g corner?

Entered at Wed Apr 17 22:34:56 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: Learning Band tunes on guitar, in response to Dan

Dan,

I don't know where to find transcriptions of Band tunes but I would recommend getting an Ibanez Rockman Tape unit. They cost about $100.00 (USD). You can cut down the speed of any song by half and it will still be in perfect tune. You will still have to do some rewinding but the whole process of figuring out guitar riffs is made a good deal easier. This has worked for me. Robbie's guitar work is definately tricky to say the least, same goes for Jim Weider. Helps to have a Fender Telecaster!!! LOL

Happy Riffing

Entered at Wed Apr 17 21:27:57 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

David Powell: Is the Last Waltz coming to the south? I heard it was suppose to come to Washington DC. Is that the closest it will get? Where in DC? Does anyone know?

I keep hearing that the new sound and picture are INCREDIBLE! We have to see this on the big screen. I just can't find out any info on it.

In the new Rolling Stone magazine, there is an article on the Last Waltz. The headline of the article: "The Best Rock Movie Ever Made"

Entered at Wed Apr 17 21:02:19 CEST 2002 from host213-1-188-52.btinternet.com (213.1.188.52)

dan

Subject: Sheet music or tab

hi does anyone know if theres anywehre you can get guitar tab or the complete score for any Band music(not just the chords) I heard they were out of print. I would love to see someone release a transcription of the Last Waltz. I just cant work out some of robbie's guitar work, plus my videos starting to fade from all the fast forwarding and rewinding

Entered at Wed Apr 17 21:01:08 CEST 2002 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

Subject: Duffy's Bar

Mike, given that among middle aged men, the health risks are too much fried food, smoking, and beer, should we assume that John D. and Paul G. are leaving because they need to take care of themselves and give up the booze? If I were them, I'd drop the ciggies and nachos and stay with us and down a few more pitchers. As for me, a non-smoker, I'll quote Meatloaf and say 'two outta 3 ain't bad; an order of nachos and a pitcher of Boddington's Ale, please!'.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 20:56:08 CEST 2002 from host213-1-188-52.btinternet.com (213.1.188.52)

Danny

Subject: Last Waltz release in UK

does anybody know if the Last Waltz is going to be released on dvd in UK format and if its going to be released at the Cinema over here in England, if anybody knows please contact me or leave a message on the board, cheers

Entered at Wed Apr 17 20:36:44 CEST 2002 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

Taking a cue from Hank's vision of the GB as cyberbar, I see us all hanging out a Duffy's (name courtesy of "Knockin' Lost John"). Jan is tending bar; he's definitely in charge but lets most anything go down. There are many musicians in the GB, and a few of them are jamming up on the stage, while several of the regulars are in a spirited discussion of arcane Bandism at the bar. I'm in my usual seat at the end of the bar, conveniently located close to the juke box with a clear sight line to the stage. One ear is tuned to the jam session and the other takes in the chatter. Mostly I listen but occasionally cough up my two cents worth. When the musicians take 15, I pivot to put another coin in the juke box, which of course contains nothing but Band tunes save a single selection by one Spike Jones. Despite the wealth of options, I push to button for "Chest Fever" almost every time.

With this scenario in mind, I can understand why John D & Paul G would want to say "hello, I must be going". After all, they've been regulars at Duffy's for years, and if they just didn't show one day many of us would have concern for their welfare. So, mind how you go John & Paul, and we'll save your seat at the bar...the next pint is on me.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 20:34:36 CEST 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: LEVON!!!

Check the link. Anyone remember this night.

:)

What BIG FUN!

Entered at Wed Apr 17 20:15:39 CEST 2002 from 1cust110.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.110)

rollie

I'll leave out the political and just send you the rest!

Entered at Wed Apr 17 20:00:05 CEST 2002 from (12.33.126.141)

John W.

If the GB was a person, I think it would be a social gadfly and matchmaker, as it actually has been great in terms of keeping me up on Band related happenings that I would not have otherwise known about, and I have actually met some nice people at some of the concerts and made friends I would never had met if not for GB. In fact I wonder what it would be like if there was a "personals" section in the GB. Mine would say "Me - 42 y.o. good looking DWM, Band fan, former Friend of the Devil/Now Friend of Bill, likes sports, nature, classic/oldies rock, seeks down to earth F with similar interests." By the way you ladies can take this for real and respond to the E-mail above (but Rollie please don't send me any political shit!)

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:45:16 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-156.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.156)

Peter Viney

Another example was the comedian Max Miller. I may have posted this before. Someone bet him he couldn't say the F-word on BBC radio in the early 1950s. He agreed he couldn't but said he would spell it out. He told a story about going to the optician. He was asked to read the bottom line of the eye chart. The last letter, he read out was "K". 'No, said the optician, I see F, you see K." He was banned from radio as a result, so the story goes (though others claim it was a different joke, which was ruder.)

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:39:13 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-156.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.156)

Peter Viney

Lil: On F-words, for many years I carefully preserved a baggage tag on my hand baggage which was from Fukuoka in Japan. The three-letter airport ID code is FUK and so the tag said “All Nippon Airways - FUK” which is amusing to a westerner though unjust to a good airline. The other side just had FUK and with a wince I wrote in my name on the line below, leading to a combination which I have heard said aloud once or twice. I even believe the sentiment has been implied here at times.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:36:52 CEST 2002 from ppp-3-121.5800-14.telinco.net (212.1.150.121)

Al Edge

Subject: CRABBIE'S MOUSE

Is he still squeakin' Crabbie lad?

Try some elbow grease, son. Sounds as if you're none too familiar with it laying on that friggin' lawn all day!

:-)

Al [Noisy Mouse exterminator par extraordinaire]

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:30:47 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Robben Ford is an awesome guitarist. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform with the Yellowjackets years ago. Mr. Ford has also played with George Harrison, Miles Davis and Joni Mitchell! He appeared on Ms. Mitchell's "Court And Spark" album which also featured another fine guitarist, Robbie Robertson.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:30:10 CEST 2002 from (66.120.74.189)

MattK

Subject: Kookie Monster

And yet our resident whackjob continues to hide, blasting his venom, lowering the level of discourse of the GB and entertaining us all with his amusing, if misplaced, delusions of grandeur.

And for the record, I did not "bad mouth" anyone. I simply defended myself from an unprovoked attack. Of course, our "anonymous," self-appointed GB avenger, is an expert at injecting his faex into the conversation when it is both unwarranted and unwanted. At least he's still consistent.

Check dosage, pal. I understand an extra 100 mg of Zoloft does wonder for the kinds of issues you're clearly struggling with.

Matt (gee, seems like a real name to me) K

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:25:45 CEST 2002 from 2cust32.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (67.194.245.160)

Crabgrass

Subject: Scrolling on the GB River

The only thing the GB needs are detailed instructions in BOLD type at the top of the Sign The Band Guestbook page for those who apparently don't know how to use the SCROLL BAR. And maybe a separate section for folks who post novels - I recently used up half a can of WD-40 on my mouse just to get past a few of these!!

Also, I suggest that folks who complain about The Band not being discussed enough in the GB make a contribution in this regard rather than just complaining about it - no one else owes you anything.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:11:32 CEST 2002 from (38.161.244.20)

Tony

How about this one Lil (my friend's mother, now in her 70s, recalled this little jingle from her college days, I think, or was it high school, or maybe it's just an old joke)

"We are the girls of Norfolk, Norfolk

We don't smoke nor drink, Norfolk, Norfolk"

Entered at Wed Apr 17 19:02:25 CEST 2002 from (38.161.244.20)

Tony

Another beautiful example of Dylan singing as the voice of a female character is of course Young But Daily Growing. IMy apologies if someone has already mentioned it). And maybe Boots of Spanish Leather (?) - I don't think it's clear who's male and who's female in that one.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 18:54:12 CEST 2002 from (38.161.244.20)

Tony

Subject: Ford/Trucks

(No, not the Ranger or F-150)

Wow! First I've heard of this duo touring. A couple of high-powered guitarists, to say the least! I'll have to check into other tour dates. If you happen to get a recording, I'd love to have a copy.

I'm a big fan of Ford, who, btw, has also played with Phil Lesh, along with Payne & Berarre (Barerre?) of Little Feat (my favorite version of Phil & Friends). I highly recommend Ford's album Handfull of Blues. That boy is one smoooth blues guitarist, with a unique style.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 18:37:08 CEST 2002 from t2o932p76.telia.com (194.18.4.196)

Ilkka's Dog

Subject: John, Paul and Serge

To John, Paul and Serge (Inspired by Bob Dylan)

If dogs run free, then why not we
Across the Guestbook Plains?
My ears hear a symphony
Of three guys, trains and rain.
Just do your thing, you'll be king.
If dogs run free.
It can cure the soul, it can make it whole.
If dogs run free, then what must be,
Must be, and that is all.
If dogs run free.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 18:33:07 CEST 2002 from 56k-la-02-10.dial.qnet.com (209.221.212.121)

Dave the Phone Guy

Goin' up to the lake tomorrow to see Robben Ford and Derek Trucks.(yeah, I know live shows or music equipment is all I post about)

Robben Ford has a new album just released on Concord Records called "Blue Moon". He doesn't play any fusion stuff on it. The music is blues and R&B. It's really GOOD! Check it out. His last album "Supranatural" came out the same year as Santana's "Supernatural", but Robben's is a LOT better.

I've never heard Derek Trucks but he comes w/ fantastic credentials.(toured w/ Phil Lesh,AAB,and Gov't Mule)

Oops! I should have said scroll on by at the top.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 18:24:14 CEST 2002 from ppp-3-121.5800-14.telinco.net (212.1.150.121)

Al Edge

Subject: Sentiments

JW - I'd forgotten those beautiful sentiments from Jericho. I must post them on the Liverpool sites. Has Levon EVER dredged up a chorus SO unbearably resigned to fate as that? They so evocatively gather together the strands of sorrow, yearning and ultimate sheer disgust for authority that must always by definition characterise the proletariat.

Thanks also JT - for someone so keen on a scruffy Blackpool weirdo who spends his life stood like a fuckin one legged stork with a flute in his gob, you are one sound hombre!!!

Entered at Wed Apr 17 17:39:58 CEST 2002 from spider-wq042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.164)

Dave Z

Too easy... I'd ask the GB out to a show... either Crowmatix, Gurus or BBs... in fact aren't G-man and the Road Warriors... kinda the performance art equivalent of the GB?... The problem for me is the long distance aspect to the relationship...

Entered at Wed Apr 17 16:57:12 CEST 2002 from (12.33.126.141)

John W.

Broken hearts don't mend

Tears stained eyes of kin

Never ever seen what their future might have been.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 16:36:34 CEST 2002 from stx32.library.uiuc.edu (130.126.32.133)

Susan

Subject: Date with the GB

Well, if the GB were are male person, and it does appear to be populated by a number of such, I'd ask them out, but insist we went to something musical; the best thing right now would be a showing of TLW. Politics would not form part of the conversation; if they arose I'd just say "I don't want to deal with that right now." I'd even be ready to argue the fued for a while; I have my opinions on that but will only air them in conversation. I'd make the GB talk in detail about the music we heard, developing and supporting opinion with example. I can be a very good listener to those who want to expound, but I make the speaker do a little work. I'd shamelessly beg for little details of any part of Band life that the GB knew. In return I'd listen avidly and ply the GB with drink.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 16:26:54 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: Gender and dating the GB

'Me and my mate were back at the shack, we had Spike Jones on the box. She say she can't stand the way that he sings, but loves to hear him talk', is as close as a Band song comes to speaking in gender, I think. Take the GB on a date? Hell yeah! Good music, interesting talk, do some drinking 'back at the shack', get drunk, get into a bad fight, sleep it off, forget about it and do it all again the next night! Wouldn't be dull!

Entered at Wed Apr 17 16:12:58 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Does the above tag line look familiar?

I will miss reading contributions from John and Paul here in the guestbook, yet I do understand their viewpoint on this.

Regarding the thread on gender in songs -- on his "The Time's They Are A-Changin' " album Dylan rather effectively sang "North Country Blues" from the first-person perspective of a woman. For me, this has always been one of his most moving songs.

Wayne Watkins has worked as executive producer on the "Collector's Series" and "Ultra-Lounge" projects at Capitol recently.

Amidst recent political discussion in the guestbook, I'm striving to maintain my focus on the subject of music. The mention of Cynthia D. McKinney did raise my eyebrows, as she represents the district I live in down here in Georgia. She does not, however, represent my views. Ms. McKinney is a very "contrary" person, and that's the best thing I can say about her. This is an example of just one of the reasons I hate the political system in Washington. 'Nough said about that.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 16:12:16 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

On another note, if the guestbook were a person, would you ask it out on a date? And why? (You get to choose the gender, and assume yourself available. No cherry-picking - you have to take the whole thing.)

Entered at Wed Apr 17 14:53:09 CEST 2002 from (66.152.204.145)

Bob R

Subject: The Band radio special

Good morning fellow Band fans-- want to give you all an annoucement of a radio special this weekend featuring the Band-- I do a late late late night radio show here on Cape Cod called "Nighthawks" and this coming Saturday night from 1:00-4:00 am EST(it's actually early Sunday morning, but why nit-pick?) my three hour program will be entirely dedicated to The Band--I will be playing music from all stages of their career, from Levon & the Hawks through Jubilation..plus solo stuff from Levon, Garth, Rick and Robbie--should be a fun night ! We broadcast at WOMR 92.1 FM in Provincetown Massachusetts (out in the ocean at the tip of Cape Cod)and our signal covers all of Cape Cod, the Islands of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket and Southeastern Mass up through Plymouth and almost into Boston-we also broadcast live on the internet anywhere in the world- just log onto WWW.WOMR.ORG and you can tune in from wherever you live. The web page needs updating, but "Nighthawks" is on right after a show called "The Golden Age of Radio" so if you log on early and hear old radio, you are at the right spot (in fact I think they will be playing an old Murray the K special right before my program)--so please join me this weekend for Nighthawks--ps-- in two weeks, I'll be featuring Garth's album, "Sea to the North" as the featured album of the week, so check that out oo-- it's excellent ! other upcoming shows will be "The Apple Records Story" (we have every single ever released on Apple and will be playing them all, a Beach Boys special, and am in the planning stages of a solo Band special...if you want a program guide with dates to these upcoming shows, just e-mail with your name & address and I'll get one out to you. Tune in this weekend to our special with the Band!

Entered at Wed Apr 17 14:40:22 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: TLW in Philly

"Hi Lee...

"The Last Waltz" opens Friday at the Ritz Bourse. Show schedule is: 1:15pm; 4:10pm; 7:05pm; 9:45pm. Show's running time is 128 mins.

Its duration (run) is determined by the response from the public.

Again, Thanks for your interest.
Jay Ayrton
Ritz Theatre Group"

See link above.

I've got my tickets for the 7:00 show with Garth & co. at The Point for the 25th! Can't wait! Their site is www.atthepoint.com.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 14:33:23 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: 'Oh nooo, the GB is being RUINED'!!!!

C'mon! It seems to me that all of you who resort this line do so because, god forbid, you read something you disagreed with or were not interested in. I was recently checking out the archives from '99 and earlier, and it looks the same! There were feuds, politics, unrelated topics, etc. etc. So what's so different today (aside from losing Rick and a functioning 'Band')? If you aren't interested in something, SCROLL! ALan Edge just posted a LONG story on what I believe is English Soccer. I have no problem with that. I love his input even if I can't relate to it all from my personal experience. Chill out. This GB is for that 'Time To Kill'.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 12:56:00 CEST 2002 from 64-80-53-216-static.surferz.net (64.80.53.216)

Diamond Lil

Subject: Re: The F Word

Peter: I have a sweatshirt here that someone gave me many years ago which reads " Graduate of FUK U ". And all this time I thought it was a real college! Go figure, hm? :-)

Have a good day everyone.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 10:10:19 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-176.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.176)

Peter Viney

Serge, did I give the impression that f-words were a regional phenomenon in the UK? I don't think I said that. I pointed out that the French Connection UK chain of stores was a national chain and that their slogan FCUK was on T-shirts and billboards everywhere. I prefer the sweatshirts appearing with CRAP in exact imitation of GAP lettering though.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 09:54:49 CEST 2002 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

Subject: Wayne Watkins

Wayne Watkins appears as producer or project director on few The Beach Boys compilations, as well as on some other Capitol compilations. Check allmusic.com, I think he is listed there.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 08:30:02 CEST 2002 from pd9e67530.dip.t-dialin.net (217.230.117.48)

ulbiman

Subject: GB and TLW

Good mornung from germany! Peter Viney: your right the best is yet to come. The TLW release will have sooooooo much things to talk about.... Bashful Bill: good words! The actual discussion shows that our GB is alive. But please relax and enjoy most of the beautyful words send from people with different cultures, different countries, different ways of live, different view to the world, different political opinions and so on. But there is one big thing we all share...... Best regards Ulbiman

Entered at Wed Apr 17 04:54:33 CEST 2002 from dialup-166.90.68.179.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.68.179)

Pat Brennan

Subject: Addendum

In the article on site I wrote about Watkins Glen, I bemoaned the possibility that the name of the "reissue producer"--one Wayne Watkins--may have been some sort of in joke at the consumer's expense. However, during my futile journey to Virgin today to buy the Last Waltz reissue that still hasn't shipped, I spied Mr. Watkins' name on another Capitol reissue. For the life of me, I can't recall the artist. Anyway, this could be the guy to shine some light on the WG fiasco. D-Jo, are you busy??

Entered at Wed Apr 17 04:25:31 CEST 2002 from spider-tr061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.201)

Brien Sz

Subject: I Like the GB

I think Jan has gone the right way with the GB. Let it be open to all topics. We now have headers/topics to alert those offended or uninterested in various topics. A subtle and insightful move. Fractionalizing the GB into threads I believe is a mistake. There will be less interest and the fighting would probably become more vicious in specialized rooms, as pulpits and drum barrells heat up. Plus Jan has to supervise all that. It's hard enough keeping this together, now to specialize and splinter. Have our scrolling fingers become that lazy? Tweek it, touch it up, just let the spirit of this place live. Politics, music, art.., let it all roll. There's nothing like this setup anywhere I've seen. We should be thankful for what we have not scornful of it.., Let your finger do the talking if the topic doesn't suite your style.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 04:10:23 CEST 2002 from h66-59-176-139.gtconnect.net (66.59.176.139)

You know who...right Kook ?

Now tell everyone who I am. It's Serge..right? Who else could it be ?

Kook...The word is spelled HYPOCRISY, not hypocracy. I had you pegged for an a**hole from day one. Now I know I was right. You've never contributed a single worthwhile thing to this site, except being a motormouth regarding things you know nothing about. You and others have used the GB for the captive audience that it provides. Don't you badmouth people I care about and respect.

Just came back to say to the Kook that he's an a**hole, folks. (Does anyone know the guy's name ?) He's always butted in when I addressed someone in particular here. Always accused me of hiding. Well a**hole..what's your name, and where do you hide ? You seem to know who and where everyone is here. Please tell. ( Gee, it feels good to call an a**hole an a**hole.) If Edge can say the F word over and over ( and even spelling it out) and according to his compatriot it's OK because he comes from a certain area of that little island, surely I can call Kook an a**hole when I am convinced he is one. He can call me anything he likes in return.

This GB started going to the dogs quite a while ago. I can't blame those who have jumped ship.

Jan, if you want to save this thing, convert to a real thread system or shut this thing down. Bubba... can still send in his announcements to the What's New section.

I'm out of here. Have a nice life everyone.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 04:01:26 CEST 2002 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Subject: MM out takes

Hank, your right that was crazy stuff. I remember when those tracks first surfaced on the excellent To Kingdom Come in the late '80s. At that point it was great to hear some previously unreleased live tracks but I would have been even more excited had they been released as unreleased studio outtakes.

It's sad to see Paul G and John D leave as they were two of the more interesting contributers. I know this GB has been spoiled somewhat by the political crap and personality slagging but where else can you get some of the priceless info that occiasionally turns up here? For me that makes it worth coming back.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 03:59:59 CEST 2002 from cache-har.cableinet.co.uk (194.117.133.118)

Al Edge

Subject: My mate Dave Kirby again

I thought, seeing as how most of you are probably not that familiar with the background to Dave Kirby's 'The Justice Bell' which I posted yesterday, that you might wish to read the story upon which he based his moving poem.

On a personal level, it means the same to myself as it does to Dave. I, too, was at Leppings Lane in those awful killing pens. Like everybody else in Liverpool, we all knew somebody who died that day.

Perhaps, it might also explain how Dave was able to write his beautiful tribute to New York with such an intense insight for the grief Americans were feeling.

I make no apologies for posting such sad and haunting words on this the anniversary of our terrible tragedy. These are not maudlin sentiments but real feelings that deserve to be heard and shared by fellow human beings such as proliferate on this board.

ONE FOR SORROW

I’ll never forget that calm spring morning in Anfield Road, the home of Liverpool Football Club. Strips of sunlight squeezed through the Shankly gates, evaporating the last drops of dew as they ran down the wrought iron on the great mans shrine. We stood with our backs leaned against the wall of the Anfield Road terrace, talking quietly at first, but becoming more boisterous as all fourteen of us gradually arrived from different parts of the city.

Each arrival was greeted with mocking banter as the mood became as radiant as the early season sunshine, which by this time had spread across the road, lighting up two large Victorian sandstone gate posts, situated opposite those Shankly gates.

I remember instinctively turning round when I heard the rustling of leaves accompanied by an unfamiliar bird call, a kind of cherpy rattle. Back in 1989, Magpies didn’t venture into towns and cities as frequently as they do today. You very rarely saw one, which made this particular sighting all the more vivid and memorable.

I looked up. The branch on which the bird had been perched was still shaking slightly, but was empty. I turned back to towards my friends.

"Where’s yer mate?" Alan asked, his eyes looking directly over my shoulder. I turned again and there it was, a solitary magpie staring across at us from one of the gateposts.

"I hope that’s not a sign of things to come" said a solemn faced Alan, relating to the ‘one for sorrow’ wives tale that goes hand in hand with sightings of a solitary bird.

At the time, his words were only spoken in context with the outcome of the big match that forthcoming afternoon. Indeed the worst thought in any of our minds that morning, was that we’d be knocked out of the semi final of the FA cup. That any bad luck which the lone magpie had brought, would be confined to the simple scoreline of a soccer match.

Scarcely five hours later, some 70 miles away in South Yorkshire, we were to witness the most inconceivable heartbreak that the magpie’s message of sorrow could ever bring. The horror of Hillsborough was about to be unleashed before our very eyes.

"Nottingham’s [our opponents that day] that way mate" Someone shouted across to the bird, bringing laughter from the fifty or so lads lined up against the shaded wall. The bird then took flight as a ham sandwich from Alan’s packed lunch, was hurtled through the air in its direction.

"Throw it two for joy" came a quip from down the line, to more laughter.

Spirits are traditionally high on days like these. Scouse humour is applied to almost everything, and today was no exception. It wasn’t long before our coach arrived to the sound of cheers. A few of us turned round, touched the Shankly gates for luck, then boarded the bus.

The journey that morning seemed like dejavue. Almost 12 months ealier to the day, we’d crossed the Yorkshire moors at the same stage of the FA cup, to the same venue, to face the same team, Nottingham Forest.

That day in 1988 will also stay forever etched in our minds, not so much for the result of the football match which Liverpool won comfortably, but for being the single biggest reason why all of us survived the nightmare just one year later.

Like the previous April, we all possessed tickets for the Leppings Lane End, a narrow linear Victorian terrace dissected into caged pens, a testimony to the segregation brought about by the bad old days of football hooliganism. Back then, most of the terraces at stadiums were fenced in with metal railings, mainly to discourage pitch invasions or stop rival fans from clashing. Crucially, unlike most grounds, Hillsborough’s Leppings lane was a death trap lying in wait.

As we neared the ground that previous year, we were funnelled through metal crowd calming barriers , situated some distance from the turnstiles which were heavily policed. Everybody had had to undergo a routine search and show their tickets before being allowed past. It seemed a pretty severe restriction at the time, but was well organised. On entry to the ground, we had been confronted by a central tunnel leading to the terraces behind the goal. As you arrived through the turnstiles, it was the only visible point of entry. Naturally, everybody had assumed it would lead to all sections behind the goal. We could see the white goal posts and part of the lush green pitch as we pushed our way slowly through the packed tunnel.

This entire experience had been nothing new. It had been something reflected by the ironic mooing and cattle impersonations which used to ring out in such situations of football fans herding. However, this particular time had been more intense and prolonged than anything we’d ever experienced.

I had found myself unable to even turn my shoulders. My arms were compressed and locked firmly against my sides unable to move as we edged slowly down through the claustrophobic human cauldron of the tunnel. The pressure had been vice like. At times my two feet had been pinioned off the floor. My six foot two, 175 pound frame helpless, as it was carried along unwillingly in a sea of human life.

My brother had been just about visible to my left. The rest of the lads somewhere nearby. By this time, though, my sole concern was to reach the terracing for some much needed relief.

The situation had not been helped by bodies coming back in our direction. "You can’t see a fucking thing in there" someone had said as painfully slowly we crossed paths. I had by this time now almost been pivoted till I faced backwards down the tunnel, spun around by the weight of the surge outwards. Thankfully, eventually relif arrived as I had filtered out of the dark into the sunlight which lit up pen number three behind the goal.

Once inside I had pushed my way slowly to my right along the back wall towards the tall blue railings which separated the pens. Like thousands of others, I had foolishly believed there would be gateways or some kind of openings where we could disperse into the adjacent enclosures. To my disbelief there had been no way out. We had become virtually trapped in a cage without a single outlet apart from the tunnel through which we had arrived.

"Fuck this, lets get out of here" had come the shout from my brother, tugging on his shirt collar as he blew for air. His blonde hair was now unrecognisable, dark and matted with sweat; bonded to his forehead.

We, of course, now had realised why so many had been heading back through the tunnel. As quickly as we could manage it we had followed suit. It had been akin to a continuous contraflow of bodies circulating inside the pen then retreating with the realisation that there was no way out. There had followed understandable anxiety and anger visible on many faces as we had again gridlocked in the dark passage. Tempers had rose in the heat; anxiety borne out of claustrophobic frustration.

Finally, our ordeal had ceased and we had arrived back out into the daylight and unfused ourselves from the human mass.

"Did you see any of the others ?" I had asked, squatting down for a breather near the turnstiles.

My brother had stood crouched forward with his hands on his thighs. Withoutlooking up he had replied .." You’re joking aren’t yer, they’re probably all still swirling round in that toilet bowl."

Although he hadn’t realised it at the time, his analogy had perfectly summed up our experience. We had indeed experienced the sensation of being flushed down a dark pressurised tube into a sealed chamber. We had known how it felt to be treated like human sewage.

Stewards and police had then started guiding people away from the tunnel entrance, ushering them towards the side pens.

We had followed their directions and had walked around the back of the stand to an area high and to the left of corner flag where we stayed for the remainder of the afternoon.

Of the thirteen lads who had entered the ground with us that day, we had reduced just to two, scattered and lost within 15 minutes of entering the stadium. The next time we had met was back at the coach where the positive joyous result of the game had wiped out any negative thoughts about our unpleasant experiences.

Fact was things like that happened to football fans all the time in those days. You just accepted it. In any case, we had had another trip to the capital to savour; to a place unlike Sheffield, where the tunnel walk is organised into two lines and leads to the freedom of a football pitch, below the twin towers of Wembley stadium. Reaching the FA Cup Final had made up for any inconveniences. There were worse things happened at sea.

"Right boys, yer all know the score this year. Whatever yer do, don’t go in that fucking middle section like last year. If we get split up, make yer way to the corner on the left like Dave and Lenzy did last year."

The orders came from Riley, sat on the back seat like a huge plum pudding. We all unanimously agreed.

"Only cos you can’t fit down the tunnel, yer fat bastard." came Alan’s instant reply, triggering a wonderfully amusing hour as they traded insults across the whole of East Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

Through the laughter, I couldn’t help overhearing the hearty giggles of two young lads sitting across the aisle to my left. Predictably they had been greatly amused by the antics of the overweight Riley, who by now was singing his endless tirade of Liverpool songs using a sausage roll as a microphone.

"He’s crackers him isn’t he mate?" said the younger of the two.

"You're telling me, lad" I replied "and if I was you, I’d hide those sarnies from him" pointing to his packed lunch which was placed in a tupperware box between his feet.

"It’s alright, me mum’s made extra ones, in case there’s no shops on the journey back home." he responded, failing it seemed to catch my humour.

The naievety of the lad was instantly apparent. I could tell by his accent that he was a Merseysider, but not from the inner city. He was bright and bubbly with the refreshing innocence of an innocent gullible kid from the posher suburbs.

We spoke many times on our journey, mainly about football. He told me of his idol, John Barnes, saying how much he’d love to meet him. How his bedroom wall was covered top to bottom with pictures of the brilliant winger, and of his dislike of any rival fans who abused Barnesey because of the colour of his skin.

On the outskirts of Sheffield we came to a virtual standstill. Roadworks and police checks slowed the traffic to a mere crawl. It was now 1-15pm and we were growing concerned about missing the start of the match.

Just then, four policemen boarded our coach. "Ok you lot, If anyone has any alcohol, I’d advise them to hand it over now. We’ll be searching the coach in a moment, if we find anyone’s hidden any, we’re impounding the coach and none of you will get to the match." The attitude of the officer was cold and uncompromising. Whatever orders he’d been briefed with that morning certainly didn’t include any light-hearted diplomacy or sense of humour. These boys meant business.

In the 80’s, there were heavy fines for coach firms who were found to be transporting alcohol on soccer excursions. If you tried to board a coach with any beer, it was confiscated. We all knew this so never bothered bringing any in the hope of having a traditional pre-match drink in Sheffield before the game.

One of the officers who searched our bags was grossly overweight for a policeman. Sweat continuously rolled down his red chubby face onto his yellow illuminous jacket.

Predictably, Alan seized his chance. Anything but anything for a laugh. He shouted down the coach to the fat policeman's superior "Excuse me officer, I wish to make an official complaint please?"

"What’s your problem?" came the stern reply.

Alan followed up with.."This policeman here, he’s robbing all the pork pies out of our bags and scoffing the fucking lot, sir."

Within seconds he was being dragged off the coach, the sound of laughter ringing in his ears, returning five minutes later to a round of applause.

We arrived near Hillsborough at around 2-10pm and decided to make our way towards the ground. The weather was glorious as we scoured the surrounding streets looking for an off licence, with no joy. We made do with cans of soft drinks then headed towards the stadium up Leppings lane. I noticed there was no crowd control barriers like the previous year, evident by the unorganised mass of fans building up outside the 3 turnstiles which we duly joined.

It was approximately 2-35pm when I barged my way into the turnstile then into the ground.

I emerged to the sound of Riley’s voice.."That’s fucking ridiculous that, they haven’t got a clue." he said fixing his white shirt back into his jeans.

We waited for the others for a few minutes, watching flushed faces surface from the turnstiles which clicked continuously above the noisy commotion outside.

It seemed that just about everybody apart from us was heading down the tunnel into pen number three. Ominously, there were no police or stewards at the tunnel entrance, which was beginning to back up with human traffic just as it had done the previous year.

Riley looked at me, blowing his cheeks out saying "fuck that," I nodded in agreement then we both headed up to our arranged meeting place by the corner flag.

We were surprised at the sparsity inside the enclosure. It was only 10 minutes to kick off, but there were glaring empty spaces all around.

Alan then appeared with my brother.. "What the fuck’s going on here ?" he asked, standing in a huge empty space with his arms outstretched.. "Are Everton playing here or something?"

From our vantage point we could see across the length of Leppings Lane Enclosure. The opposite corner and side pens were also as deserted as ours. In sharp contrast, the central Pens three and four directly behind the goal looked full to capacity, apparent by the constant swaying of heads which rolled up and down like breakers on a surf.

The last two of our party arrived just as the teams came out onto the pitch. One of them was shaking his head saying.. "You wanna see the crowds out there, there’s thousands trying to get in. It’s fucking bedlam, they’re never gonna make the kick off."

A couple of us walked to the back of the half empty enclosure to survey the scene outside. There was pandemonium going on out there. Control and order had been completely lost. Police horses were rearing up, with people pinned up against walls as thousands fearing they’d miss the start of the game tried desperately to get in.

"They’ll have to delay the kick off" I said to Alan who agreed saying.."They’ve got no choice lad, there’s more out there than in here."

We were both utterly amazed when the match was allowed to kick off at 3pm, a decision, or rather indecision which was to play a major part in the events which followed.

My recollection of the six or seven minutes of football actually played that day are vague, but what I do remember was a Liverpool shot hitting the Nottingham Forest crossbar, a moment which brought that familiar roaring sigh heard at football grounds every Saturday afternoon.

To the thousands massed outside, those roars must have been torturous to hear. To a football fan, there is no worse feeling than standing outside a stadium while a match is underway. This can be magnified ten fold when the match is an FA cup semi final.

It seems the decision by police to open the exit gate C, was made as a result of the crushing and hysteria which had been allowed to build up outside. It would prove to be a fatal decision as death rubbed its hands and laughed as it led the charge into central killing pens three and four.

"Get off the pitch lad will yer, you’re gonna get the game called off." came a shout from behind us. It was the first sign that something was badly wrong. The middle sections of pen’s three and four had now swelled to dam bursting proportions. Hands and arms waved aimlessly through the blue bars around the cage.

Some fans scaled and hung from the railings trying to escape, while others were pulled up to safety by people above and behind in the West Stand. There were people on the pitch, clearly distressed, running to the players pointing frantically towards the terrace. Some fans punched and pulled at the mesh fencing in the front of the cage. The game was stopped and the players slowly left the field, unaware like all of us, of the carnage which was unfolding.

The realisation that we were actually witnessing a living nightmare dawned only slowly. We saw two young lads stretched out behind the goal in their red football tops. It seemed they were being given the kiss of life. Many others walked dazed and confused stopping only to kneel and vomit. Some had dark wet stains on their pants. Apparently we learned they had urinated either with fear or the weight of crushing.

"Something bad’s happening here lad. Something really bad’s happening I can feel it. " Alan said. He was voicing something we all felt, but were too frightened and shocked to admit. The churning in my stomach was becoming intense. Some of us moved down towards the fence, where the sound of people screaming and pleading for help became unbearable.

The despair of hearing the death cry of innocent people, mainly children, weeping as they reach out to you to save their lives, is the most painful and harrowing sound which could ever be unleashed. The vexation at being unable to help them served only to augment the pain and distress to levels which go way beyond normal experience, cutting deep into the mind and soul.

We were now near the front peering through the bars just a few yards from the pitch. Fans who had escaped onto the pitch were now breaking up advertising hoardings, using them as makeshift stretches. Their actions were so aware amidst the carnage that you could only gasp at their presence of mind. One after the other they placed the bodies of what seemed to be dead and injured fans onto the boards then raced along the length of the pitch towards the North stand.

The noise of ambulance sirens from the surrounding streets added to the mayhem. Just then only a few yards from where we stood, the body of a man no more than 40 years old was placed down on the pitch.

As long as I live I’ll never forget him. His eyes were open, but lifeless. His black hair was wet and matted to his scalp. He wore a red Liverpool jersey with light blue denim jeans which were undone and pulled down slightly below his plump middle. Both shoes were also missing. The two men who placed him down were of a similar age. One tried desperately to revive him with mouth to mouth rescucitation while the other held his pale hand and wept uncontrollably.

It was obvious to all but his two friends that he was dead. That poor lad tried so so hard to bring him back to life, pleading with him to wake up in between kisses of life. In a state of complete devastation, he then began thumping and pressing on his chest shouting in tears of untold distress. "Wake up Kev, please wake up."

Gradually, the thumping gave way to weak taps, before he rested his head onto the white letters of ‘Candy’ which were written across his friends shirt and sobbed like a young boy.

Everyone of us around that fence just broke down and cried with him.

Just like us, those lads had probably set off in exuberant mood that morning saying goodbye to wives, kids, or parents on their way to simple football match. To be lying on the sun drenched pitch later that day over the lifeless body of a friend or relative must have been the most heart-rending traumatic ordeals imaginable. It was now too much to bare.

"I’ve got to get out of here" I said to Alan. We walked back up the steps then out through the back of the West stand.

Outside the scene reminded me of traumatised soldiers sitting about shell shocked after a battle, the smell of death was everywhere, only this time the soldiers were just innocent football fans.

People unashamedly wept and hugged one another. Some understandably vented their anger at two passing policemen who walked aimlessly holding their hats by their sides. I don’t know exactly what role they’d played, if indeed any, but one of the policeman was obviously in a distressed state. Just then another fan shouted through fits of tears "You bastards caused that, you fucking killed them all."

The distressed officer covered his eyes and openly cried. We walked back towards the coach. The deafening sound of sirens were by now even more amplified, with blue flashing lights converging from every possible direction around Hillsborough.

Back at the coach we met the rest of the lads. Nobody so much as spoke a word. We took our seats and sat silent in our own thoughts staring at the road through the windows. The only sound was the coach radio which was broadcasting live from the ground. The death count seemed to rise every minute.

When we boarded the bus at approx 4-15pm the death toll was 34. By 4-45pm it was 78. Alan cried inconsolably at each bulletin. My stomach was now knotted so much that I had to embrace it tightly to take away the constant feeling of nausea.

At nearly 7pm we were still two passengers short. The two young lads who sat opposite me on the outward journey were still unaccounted for. Robbie the steward walked to the back of the coach. "We’re gonna have to go back to the ground boys, to see what’s happened to these two kids." Everyone silently nodded in agreement. Robbie had a list of passengers names, so we made our way back to Hillsborough. The sirens had now eased to the occasional wail, taken over by the surreal sight of hundreds of silent flashing blue neon lights.

We waited while Robbie went into the temporary morgue under the North stand. An hour later he returned alone, visibly distressed by the sights he’d witnessed inside. The two lads still couldn’t be traced. A decision was then taken to return to Liverpool without them. No one spoke a word on the journey home.

The only sound was the coach engine as it headed back on the roads across the moors. Although I tried not to, I was occasionally drawn towards the boys empty seats to my left. One had left his beige coat crumpled up near the window, while on the seat nearest me was the youngest lads tupperware box of uneaten sandwiches.

We stared from the windows at the dark eerie Yorkshire moors. Just like the feeling inside all of us, they lay barren and desolate. On any other occasion the endless blackness of these unearthly wastelands would almost certainly have brought that chilling feeling experienced in nightmares. Only this time, eyes stared through the dark undaunted, for our nightmare had already been lived out; the mother of all nightmares, which had unfurled itself not in darkness, but in the broad light of day.

We arrived back at Anfield Road at around 11pm. Families and relatives hugged their sons and husbands, many in tears. There were scarves tied to the Shankly gates. Red and white entwined with Everton blue and white as the entire city united in grief. We asked Robbie for the two missing boys names, then all shook hands and embraced before going our separate ways.

In the nine years I’d known my wife before the tragedy, she had never seen me cry. For years I’d shown no emotion through a macho type self esteem which was the mark of my generation. All this changed in the early hours of April 16th 1989. Curled up on the bed like an infant holding on to its mother, I wept unashamedly into her cradled arms.

I awoke the next morning to the sound of Jennifer Rush’s ‘Power of Love’ which was playing low on the radio. As it reached the lyrics ‘I'm your lady and you are my man.’ My wife who was sat on the bed beside me broke down in tears. "Oh god,how could this happen, how could it happen."

It signalled the realisation that I hadn’t been dreaming as the devastation and enormity of the disaster hit like a hammer.

It was around 11am when Riley phoned me to tell me that the two boys from the coach had been killed. I’d prayed so much that morning for those two lads. I kept hearing the youngest boys voice in my mind telling me about Johnny Barnes. I kept seeing his mother putting his sandwiches in the tupperware box he left on the coach. While all the time feeling shame and self condemnation for not taking him with me to safety. I grieved for that boy as though he were my own brother and have done so ever since.

In the thirteen years since Hillsborough, I’ve had many dreams about that awful day. Sometimes I'm on the coach telling the boy not to go down the tunnel. Other times I see him as he’d be now, smiling outside a church amidst a snowfall of confetti with his bride holding a bunch of yellow daffodils. But always as I approach him, the flowers wither as the scene changes to mourners weeping at a graveside, and there standing amongst them is his idol Johnny Barnes.

Hillsborough affected all of us in different ways. Understandably, thousands found it too traumatic to ever return. For nearly 30 years Alan had watched Liverpool. Always the joker and life and soul of the party. A genuinely typical funny Scouser, the sort we all know and love.

He has never attended a football match since. His tormented mind was scarred too deeply with what he saw and heard that day. Scenes which nobody should ever have to witness interweave with sounds which envelop and soak deep into the memory, to be released with tears in moments of solitude. His words "something died inside me that day " can be applied to all of us who were there or were affected by this monumental senseless tragedy.

Each year when the daffodils light up the fields, or when the dawn awakens me with early season sunshine, I always drift back to that terrible day. Springtime fills me with so many emotions, sights and sounds which will haunt me forever. And there amongst them, is the rattled call of a lone magpie, a call which will torment me until the day I die.

DAVE KIRBY: A SURVIVOR AND WITNESS OF HILLSBOROUGH

Entered at Wed Apr 17 03:54:42 CEST 2002 from atpm3-2-35.enter.net (208.137.243.91)

Zeppe

Subject: Cripple Creek on TLW Box Set

I don't know if anybody knows this, but at Amazon.com, you can download "Up on Cripple Creek" from TLW box set. I posted the link above. It sounds slightly different than the version from the original TLW soundtrack, and they added the "took up all of my winnings" verse. It's amazing how much from the concert they edited out on the original soundtrack album. I hope this new box set plays the songs in their entirety.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 03:44:29 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tg014.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.154)

Bayou Sam

An amazing reality is revealed in here again - people are different and have different feelings and opinions.

Some of us need to stop taking things sooooo freakin' seriously.

I'd like to repeat one of my favorite Levon quotes = "at all costs, let's laugh."

Entered at Wed Apr 17 02:22:50 CEST 2002 from dialup092-a.ts552.cwt.esat.net (193.203.156.92)

Hank

UnFaithful Servant and......... Stagefright.......Rick sings that alone, right?........rehearsed that with my band tonight....listened to the album version first for all the changes......

I heard some of the Moondog out-takes tonight.........great, of course, but I'm really bummed out by "Back to Memphis" and the overdubs of Watkins Glen and all that.......Whose idea WAS that.......to add the audience on?.....How did THAT happen and why?

Entered at Wed Apr 17 02:12:05 CEST 2002 from exch2k-bh1.ca.futuristics.net (64.232.102.70)

MattK

Subject: John D

John, I've never had issue with anyone disagreeing with me. In fact, I enjoy a spirited, even forceful, debate when two or more people arrive at different sets of conclusions from the same set of data. However, John, my issue with you is not that you "disagreed" with me. Rather, my issue is the manner in which you have conducted yourself.

When I wrote that paragraph, more than two weeks ago, you did not respond to disagree with it - in fact, no one did. Instead, you sat there, picking at it like a seed husk wedged in a tooth, only to obliquely respond to it on your somewhat protracted exit from the GB. It is ironic to me how you've managed to bemoan the GB's "negativity" as your impetus for leaving while you simultaneously launching an unprovoked phlames at me in your wake.

If you disagreed with the statement, John, you are free to respond to it. However, to attack the person instead of the opinion, indeed to state that I'm not really a fan because I have temerity to take issue with things Levon has said numerous times over a 10 year period and in a variety of forums, is beyond insulting. To do so under while beating your breast over the GB's negativity is an outrageous hypocracy.

As far as the quote you cite, it's somewhat unfair to reference it out of context, not only from the post it was redacted from, but in reference to the posts it was in response to. The quote itself is part of a larger reaction to unfair (IMHO) criticisms of the Chicago Tribune story, wherein Robbie, for only the second time, defended himself from a decade of personal attacks and character assassination on the part of Levon.

(Oh wait, is that "bashing" Levon again? Have I somehow misconstrued the nature and tone of Levon's running commentary against RR?)

That post came on the heels of a number of negative remarks made about both the article itself as well as the usual kicks at Robbie that inevitably follow any mention of him in the press (much less when quoted at length on this so-called "feud"). Why is it, then, John, that you've singled me our for your contempt, and not others who routinely and reflexively make catty personal comments about Robbie?

Is the comment you quoted highly critical of Levon? You betcha. Is it UNFAIRLY critical? Personally, I don't believe it is. Has not Levon blamed Robbie for his IRS problems (even claiming Robbie got the IRS to audit him)? Has not Levon blamed Robbie for the chemical and drug dependencies that various members (including himself) struggled with over the years (claiming Robbie actually purposefully encouraged their addictions to make his supposed "theft" possible)?

Then again, this is the second time you've clocked me without provocation. I don't know what demons in your life have caused you to act with such petulance and discourtesy towards someone who's only addressed you with courtesy and respect. Whatever they are, I truly hope you conquer them someday - hopefully without damaging a relationship that truly matters to you.

Hasta...

Entered at Wed Apr 17 01:23:18 CEST 2002 from 64-80-53-151-access.surferz.net (64.80.53.151)

Diamond Lil

Subject: JohnD and PaulG

I just came back from several days away, and am saddened to see that John and Paul are leaving us. Both of them have been very nice to me, both very caring both very respected. I for one, hate to see them go. I've been trying to think of some good reasons for them to stay..and the best I can do is this:

The memory of Richard, the sad/funny/wonderful person that he was...the music he left us with...
The memory of Rick..The crinkle in his eyes, the passion in his voice, the love in his heart...the music he gave us that noone can take away....
The man that is Garth.. the sincerity and warmth of his smile, the 'caps' on his head :-), the stories only he can tell... the amazing music he's still giving us today
The man that is Levon....his strength and his courage, his heartwarming smile, his wonderful tales of yesterday..and the music he's still playing for us even now...
The man that is Robbie..his new music that brings happiness to his fans, his charismatic eyes, ... and the music he's making today...

Those are the _best_ reasons I can think of to continue to be a part of this "community". And yes.. it is a community. We can't pick our neighbors, but we can pick our friends. I'm very happy to be able to call John and Paul my friends.

A belated Happy Birthday to my friend Lee..and a biiiig hug to Jan from me. Love you both you drunks :-)

Have a good night everyone.

Entered at Wed Apr 17 01:06:11 CEST 2002 from dialup-65.56.131.133.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.56.131.133)

Pat Brennan

Subject: Unfaithful Servant

What the GB really needs is an index.

Sometime ago there was a very interesting discussion of US's music vis-a-vis more standard R&R tunes. A couple of us (Well, maybe just me) argued that a group like the Rolling Stones couldn't approach something with the musical complexity of US, and besides the usual "Keith rules" sort of thing, no one could muster a rejoinder. The chord change that has been discussed here also employs a descending tempo to a group retard (pause, people) that most groups could only dream about doing. Robertson wrote the song with a different guitar tuning, but I can't recall if the tuning has ever been explicated anywhere. Whatever the case, RR has said that US grew out of his experiments with that particular tuning.

The John Simon/Garth horn thing at the end is beyond perfect. When you think of what most other groups were doing with brass at the time, the Band's work is simply from another world.

And, in closing, there aren't a lot of Band songs without group harmony. Unfaithful Servant and.....?

Entered at Wed Apr 17 00:06:49 CEST 2002 from dv32m53.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.53.160)

Dexy

Subject: John, Paul... and George

Hey, did you guys know that George Harrison was a big fan of The Band? So, I give you the link above about last night's Rainforest Concert, which turned into a George Tribute Show: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=15769

Entered at Tue Apr 16 23:22:47 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Matt K's quote,

"Of course, NOTHING is ever Levon's fault (at least if we're to believe the man himself or his legion of GB followers). His health problems, drug problems, IRS problems, none of 'em could possibly be due to his OWN actions or the way he's lived his OWN life. Why hold yourself accountable for the problems in your life when you have a guy like RR to demonize and a passle of raving fans ready to take whatever you say as gospel - no matter how demented."

Your right Matt, very kind words indeed. Not malicious in any way. What was I thinking. If your going to take a shot at least have the courage to own up to it. Gee Matt.....I might even lose respect for you on this one. I guess you've lost respect for Amanda as well for challenging your comments on this very same post. Well, I have the respect of my family and friends and a certain musician that I quite like. I'll have to learn to do without yours. There I've backed it up! I don't imagine posts.

Once again just because I'm stepping away for awhile.....this has gotten right out of hand and I now blame myself for most of it as I continue to get suckered in to responding which is my own fault.. Get on with The Band. That's what's important. Good night Lil whereever you are. Good Morning Serge!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 22:40:11 CEST 2002 from stx32.library.uiuc.edu (130.126.32.133)

Susan

Well, naming chords, or even notes, is beyond my competence, but I've always been struck by Rick's note choices in singing. In several places he uses a note above the one I'd expect from the rest of the melody. This creates a bit of melodic tension, and emphasises the word at that point. If I remember correctly "Unfaithful servant, I hear you're leavin' soon in the morning" has 2 or three places with this effect. I take this to be an influence from bluegrass, since I hear the same thing going on there.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 22:39:26 CEST 2002 from l4duppx2.hewitt.com (63.73.213.5)

Donald Joseph

Subject: TLW delay; gender in songs

I too was told by a record store employee today that the TLW CD debut has been put off till 23 Apr.

Viney: Your discussion of gender switching in cover versions of songs was on the mark, but your implicit assumption was that no one would ever WRITE a song whose narrator wasn't the songwriter's gender. Think of "Angel from Montgomery," from John Prine's first LP (circa '71), with the opening couplet: "I am an old woman/Named after my mother...." With that tune, in my opinion, Prine knocked down the gender barrier entirely, in singing. Bonnie Raitt did a well-known cover of that song; of course, only in her cover did the narrator's gender match the singer's. The point: There's no need (as you say) for all the characteristics of the singer to match those of a song's narrator, and gender is included.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 22:26:16 CEST 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: LEVON!!!

I am dying for a review of the Levon and The Cates Brothers show. I'm seriously depressed that I wasn't able to go, but now it is killing me that pictures are not already up. I know it's only three days but it's still killing me.

Anyone that was at the Levon and The Barnburners show in Chicago last year will probably remember the opening band was the Mathew Skoller Band. Well I was minding my own business at the local tennis club. Happened to be sitting soaking my tennis elbow in the whirlpool and talking music. More specifically talking about Mavis Staples, when a guy pipes up that he played with her. Low and behold it was Mathew Skoller. So I immediately explain that I saw him open for Levon Helm and The Barnburners...I omitted the fact that I thought Chris O'Leary blew his band, and harmonica playing, off the stage within the first several songs. But he was a nice guy and said very nice things about Levon...including that he thought he was a titan in the music industry. He also went on to say that he thought Levon should be touring with something similar to the RCO Allstars again. I agree with him on that point.

I think the Barnburners are a great band, each one of them is a talented musician, however I have been thinking lately, brought about by the McCartney show, that Both Paul and Levon should take a page out of Ringo's book and tour with an Allstar band.

Levon's should obviously include Garth but also, Steve Cropper, Dr. John, Charlie Musselwhite, Harvey Brooks...just off the top of my head. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 21:40:22 CEST 2002 from wwwcache.lanl.gov (128.165.156.80)

Kay

The GB should focus on the Band's music only because few who post have the standing to discuss anything more personal, not because we don't care. To their friends and family, the musicians are always more important than the music.

I love this site because it keeps Richard and Rick's legacy alive, and allows us to keep track of Levon and Garth's activities. The story of The Band is not a particularly happy one but it's filled with lessons about power and justice. When you're playing on a team, nobody wins unless everybody wins. Sometimes you get the last waltz but somebody else gets the last laugh.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 21:17:26 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: John Cass

:)

Entered at Tue Apr 16 21:12:54 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The release date (U.S.) for The Last Waltz CD box set has apparently been pushed back to next Tuesday, April 23rd.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 21:07:42 CEST 2002 from citrix1.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.5)

JOHN CASS

Subject: WHATS THE BIG DEAL

People this is a web site... i repeat... THIS IS A WEB SITE!!!!! it is FUN, EDUCATIONAL, FUNNY (SOMETIMES), BORING (SOMETIMES), but always INTERESTING...

so why don't all you people who are "leaving" and "never coming back" or whatever... remember THIS IS A WEB SITE!!! I don't live the most exciting life but come on people...how has a WEB SITE consumed so much frustration in ones life that they feel the need to never post again or visit the site...

can anyone else see the humor in this???????

Entered at Tue Apr 16 20:33:15 CEST 2002 from mail.gfms.org (63.70.6.1)

Matt Leeds

Subject: Last Waltz CD Re-issue

Anyone else out there from Boston? The long awaited release date for The Last Waltz CD re-issue has finally come....and almost gone, yet I've been unable to find a copy! None of the stores have any explanation! Has the release date been pushed back,or has it simply taken the pony express a little longer to reach Boston?!!!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 20:30:47 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Not only do I love the fact that Entertainment Weekly gave the new Last Waltz box set an A rating, but I love that they called it an "embarrassment of riches". I've noticed that the difference between now and 1976 is the fact that all these artists are now legends. In 1976 there seemed to be more of a feeling that these artists were friends of the Band. Now we, as well as the press, keep mentioning all the talent that was on stage that special night.

Anybody get the box set today or is it coming out next week?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 19:56:50 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Ray Pence pointed out the significant difference between the sound of the originally included material with that of the bonus material disc on the "Rock of Ages" reissue. I believe this is due to the fact that the songs included on the original release and the bonus material were mixed at different periods of time, by different people, using different technology & equipment.

ROA was recorded on a 16-track analog tape machine. The songs included on the original release are from an analog mix of the recorded tracks done by Robbie Robertson and engineer Mark Harman at Bearsville Studio in Woodstock. According to Rob Bowman's liner notes to the ROA reissue, an earlier mix of the material done by engineer Phil Ramone and Robertson at Criteria Studios in Miami was deemed unsatisfactory. Mr. Ramone, apparently due to "prior obligations", didn't have time to work on an entire new mix but completed a remix of "one song to everybody's satisfaction". Robertson & Harman, according to Bowman, then used Ramone's "prototype" song as a guide to their new mix of the rest of the material. This mix-down was done using the analog equipment of that era of recording technology.

The bonus material included on ROA, like most of the bonus cuts on the other reissues, were mixed in 2000 using current digital work station technology. According to the reissue liner notes, Andrew Sandoval did most of these "new" digital mixes from the multi-track analog tapes. The songs "Time To Kill", "Down In The Flood", "When I Paint My Masterpiece", "Don't Ya Tell Henry" and "Like A Rolling Stone", however, were digitally "remixed" by Dan Galbert, according to the ROA booklet notes.

Although both the "old" analog mix of the original songs and the "new" digital mix of the bonus material were digitally remastered [at 24 bits sampled down to the 16 bit standard], the difference in the sound signature lies in the mixes used as a source. The signature sound of the analog mix of the original material resembles that of the original LP version. It sounds rather flat, with little extension in the high & low frequencies. It lacks the clarity of the digital mix of the bonus material, in which the individual instruments & voices have more distinct separation and a wider frequency response. This leads me to believe that the disc of original material was mastered from an analog production copy of the two track master mix that had been equalized and compressed.

Thus, the two discs of the ROA reissue sound distinctly different because they came from completely different source mixes.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 19:33:49 CEST 2002 from spider-wk081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.186)

Donna

Subject: Getting Back That Guestbook Bliss

Just recently got back from a wedding/vacation in Florida. I am now trying to catch up with my reading in the guestbook, when I noticed some great things happening, and some not so great things!

John Donabie and Paul Godfrey, waltzing away from the guestbook is a great disappointment to me. Both of your contributions in here have been greatly appreciated. I hope that you both will reconsider your decision of exiting out of here. Over the last two years since I first came upon this site, I have seen so many nice poster's leave. It doesn't matter if they left by saying goodbye or left silently. The point is they are no longer adding their input into the discussion anymore. Such as Mary Ann Cotter, Insodium from Chicago, Cupid, and many more. I sorely miss most of them. Lastly, John D. I just have to disagree with you on one point, I believe that you have much more to contribute in here!

Now for some of the good news going on in here. First of all, I would like to congratulate Jose on going to the Premier of TLW in NYC. I am sure that must of been a moment in your life you will soon never forget. I was also delighted to hear the reviews of all the lucky people who were able to attend. The highlight for me was seeing the picture of Garth and Robbie together.

There are also many great shows in store for those who can make them, this summer. On April 25th, Garth Hudson & The Crowmatix, will be playing a few miles away from my back yard, "The Point" in Bryn Mawr! On May 25'th, Levon Helm & The Barnburner's, will be playing at Penns Landing, for Jam on the River! Lastly, on June 15th, Levon Helm & the Barnburner's, along with Jim Weider & The Gurus, will be playing together for the Sackets Harbor Festival in NY, just 30 miles from the Canadian border. I hope to see some of our friends from up north for this show!

Amanda, Jan, and anyone else I might of missed, I am so pleased you had a great time in Batesville, for the Levon tribute. There has been so much exciting things going on, so please everyone let's be happy for the music that was and the music that still is. This guestbook is one of the best around. Let's not lose sight of all that community spirit that we have all shared.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 18:59:23 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: Chords in Band songs, this and that...

Speaking of pebbles tossed into a bottomless pit...Herbie, I did hear you! I just got a chance to nip over and take a look at the chords for Unfaithful Servant. I don't have a guitar here at work, so I'll have to give it a whack later on, but that E to Ebmaj7 transition does look pretty cool. Major 7ths and half-diminished chords on guitar have a sort of classy sound. But in my mind it's more of a piano song - I don't know how well it translates to guitar. BTW do you play guitar, or, as your nom de GB suggests, piano?

I was taking a quick tour of some of the songs on the site with the guitar a few weeks back. Robbie had quite a pallete of keys and unusual chords and progressions. And yes, some of the chords (and even lyrics, Promised Land for instance) are not correct! Unfortunately I can't sing most of the Band's songs in the keys they were written. I started doing The Weight at practice a while back and it ended up in G. (Of course I was only doing the bass part!) Couldn't get the rest of the gang to pick up on it, sad to say. I've since worked up a transposed version from Jan's page in that key and have added it to my solo songbook.

I like Hank's analogy that this place is kind of like hanging out in a bar, and as much as I appreciate an alternative political view like Rollie's, maybe religion and politics are better discussed elsewhere. I'd rather keep my opinion of some folks at the high level their musical contributions and professional activities deserve rather than their knee-jerk political reactions. (Who could he possibly be talking about?) And for the record, I liked the diminished names and highlighted subject. Down with the Cult of Personality!

WXPN in Phila is doing Beatles related material all day in honor of McCartney's appearance in town this evening. Still have not received the promised word regarding TLW screening in Philly. Maybe we can talk XPN into a Band day when that occurs!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 18:46:01 CEST 2002 from exch2k-bh1.ca.futuristics.net (64.232.102.70)

MattK

Subject: King Bash

If anyone would care to show, specifically, where I "bashed" Levon, I'd be very interested. Since John (inexplicably - as I don't think I've ever treated HIM with anything but respect) has chosen to kick sand and my face and run. Vague innuendo, such as John as stooped to does not cut it -specific quotes, please, with an explanation as to how it would be defined as bashing, please. If you're going to take a cut at a person, you should have the dignity and decency to say why, EXACTLY.

If "bashing" is defined as making personal attacks on Levon's person or musicianship, then John's accusation is baseless, IMHO. If, however, "bashing" is defined as challenging statements made by Levon, his manager, and acolytes regarding the supposed character of Robbie Robertson, then I suppose, on that I'd say, enthusiastically, that I'm guilty as charged.

Of course, the day being a "fan" means accepting every word a person says at face value, regardless of inconsistency, virulence, and outrageousness, then I suppose I never want to be a fan of anything. Such blind "fanaticism" (if this is truly what makes a fan), is precisely the sort of nonesense, when applied to religious and political docterine, that leads people to strap bombs to children and fly planes into skyscrapers. Idolization of a person beyond ANY reproach is a recipe for disaster. No one is infallable, not me, not John, not Levon, not Robbie, not anyone.

Despite John's surprising infatilism on this matter, I do hope that wherever he's hiding, I hope John, upon reflection finds the maturity and clarity of thought to understand that finding Levon's attacks specious, does not mean that I don't have the utmost respect for him as a drummer or a musician. The fact is, without Levon's own words - in his book, in articles, by his manager, and by many here - this otherwise "personal" would never be a topic of conversation. As my mother would say, "if you don't want people to talk about your underwear, don't hang your laundry in the front yard.

And John, if you read this, why not send me an email you want to blindside a person - it's far more gallant, and it least I'd repspect you - which until this morning, I always have.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 18:37:29 CEST 2002 from 3cust27.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (67.193.93.27)

Crabgrass

Subject: Rotation of Topics / Chord Progressions / Big Names Small Names

Let's see... political diatribes, veteran posters bidding farewell, other posters entreating them to reconsider and return... posters who said farewell returning briefly to clarify their positions...

Oh goody, "Favorite Band Songs" must be next!! Mine is "The Weight!"

I do, however, find the attempt to get a "chord progression" thread going enticing as interesting, uncommon, and seemingly new progressions always make my ears perk up though somehow to my amazement really excellent songs still periodically surface utilizing well-worn chord sequences. "Unfaithful Servant" certainly is in the former category and has always been one of my very favorite Band tunes while "The Weight" is in the latter category and still a great song in my opinion. Overall, I'd have to say that the majority of songs with unusual chord structures seem to be on the first 3 Band albums - which is why I like them best. The Beatles, of course, were the first to really break the "hum-drum-hackneyed-chord-progression barrier" in popular music - which is the main reason why everyone took notice of them whether realizing it or not.

Now, I think I'll read my post over a few times while the names are still BIG!! How about a really radical change of just posting the posts without ANY information as to who wrote them??? That way egos will be subdued and "the music" will be assured absolute pre-eminence!!!!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 18:38:36 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTULL

Subject: TLW

OK, I've read all these great reviews from you lucky few who have gotten to see the theatrical rerelease. I'll be in Dallas next week. Anybody from that area who can tell me if it's showing there?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 18:13:10 CEST 2002 from (209.166.233.21)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Remedy?

Hi folks! Still enjoying the Last Waltz buzz around town, & looking forward to the CD box set. John D, I for one appreciated your posting of the full LW tracklist awhile back, and have been nothing but excited since about all the bonus material. But the real reason I'm posting: Anyone have any idea how to get Jim Weider's new album?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 18:11:07 CEST 2002 from s066028114036.asp.anobi.com (66.28.114.36)

Chris

Subject: Everybody Stay Put

Thought I would stick my beak in and say that there is no such thing as leaving. Once you've been here you simply cannot remove the experience from your life. There's way too much fun information going on. Sure we have some dry spells and fail to spark interesting conversation occasionally. However, with all the new info and resurgence of media attention thngs promise to liven up quite a bit.

I didn't scroll back through but I can think of at least three new posts from musicians that were involved with the band, friends or relatives of musicians, or for that matter newbies who just got turned on. It's a good environment. Enjoy it.

John Donabie: I caught the McCartney show at the United Center here in Chicago. I thought his show was terrific. I was extremely jaded up until the time the music started. I was pissed off that the lines outside were so long. I was pissed off that I payed too much for the show. I was pissed that not only were the t-shirts way too expensive but that they were also goofy looking, McCartney with no shoes on does not a t-shirt make IMHO. But with every song Paul just stripped all of the bitterness away. Terrific show...after all was said and done I left skipping, singing "I Saw Her Standing There".

Which brings up another point. I spent many years trailing around to see the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers Band, a host of other shows, and I always expected that people were showing up for the same reason. I always thought it was to laugh, jam to the music, party, and most importantly DANCE. The McCartney show is the third show I have been to at the United Center. I generally stay away. I am bothered by the fact that there doesn't seem to be any dancing at concerts anymore. I mean what's the point. Am I the only person that goes to get a good groove on. My wife and I had to force our way through the aisle several times to get a couple of drinks, and then of course, to visit the facilities. No set break so you have to squeeze through the people. But when we started to dance we were stared at and then had to retreat to the top level walkway behind the seats to get some freedom to dance. I am bothered by the general hostility from those that seem to want to sit through the whole show and not be bothered. I am also bothered by the lady singing at the top of her lungs behind me who still has the audacity to ask me to sit down. So I will second your claim of NEVER AGAIN. People need to loosen up. The Dylan show was low key and absolutely fun. CSNY was a real problem...great show...but I stood up, three songs in, to rock to "Cinnamon Girl", and some jerk behind me threw a cup that just missed my wife. I turned and smiled and said "hey man, relax, it's a long show and there are bound to be songs that we stand up on." He said "f*** you jerk I paid for these seats I'm going to sit in them...and so are you". Well needless to say there wasn't much more to talk about. I seem to remember standing through most of the show until we moved to a lower tier where people were truly there to enjoy themselves.

The McCartney show threatened to be similiar but we kept our seats until I just could not sit anymore, then we went up behind to dance. What is wrong with concert goers nowadays is the question I am asking.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 17:53:51 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray

Subject: John Hammond/Muddy Waters/The Band

Picked up two really cool CD's over the weekend both had Band connections:

1) John Hammond's the Best of the Vanguard Years. Levon, Garth, and Robbie play on seven tracks. The tunes where recorded in the transitional Hawks/Band days and are definately raw sounding in the coolest way. Instrumentally Levons drumming really stands out(IMHO) and Robbies guitar playing sounds more like Roy Buchanan than the RR we came to know in The Band.

2) The Muddy Waters Aristocrat/Chess collection. This contains Muddy's original version of "The Stuff You Gotta Watch" wich The Band covered on Jericho. Muddy's original version is of course great but it just didn't seem right without Garth's wild organ playing in the intro.

Highly recommend both CD's.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 17:48:59 CEST 2002 from dialup-65.58.44.134.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.58.44.134)

Pat Brennan

Since John D. won't be posting a reply to this, I wonder whether I should bring it up anyway. What the heck. First, it makes no sense if you are a fan of the Band to withdraw from one of the only areas for public discourse on the the eve of the release of The Last Waltz. It's silly, period.

Second, I love Levon Helm the musician, the singer, the drummer, the actor. I've watched some less than interesting movies just to see him. But I do question things he says about a musician I respect, and when people posit his arguements, I ask questions. They are rarely if ever addressed. Big deal, the sun still rises.

Third, I'd avoid applying the "hate the artist/hate the music" paradigm to the RR bashers, but people who have decided that questioning Levon about the past is off-limits seem to ignore the static from those RR bashers. Again, big deal.

So, what's my point? I'm walking over to Virgin to pick up the LW.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 17:46:35 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull

Subject: Ian

Hey, Bill. I agree it's a strong comment, and just because I use "Jtull fan' out here out I don't want to pretend to be the IA spokesperson, as I'm not. I THINK where IA was coming from was, rather than slander Palestinians with sincere religous customs, he was slamming someone (Arafat) who he thinks is hypocritical, particularly in terms of his head-dress. Arafat clearly wears it for effect, and I seldom recall seeing it on other Palestinians, so, again, what I think IA is saying is that Arafat is a hypocrit leading his people to ruin while trying to appear pious, ala the Christians he slams in 'My God' from Aqualung. IA and Tull frequently tour the Middle East and India, and in fact canceled some appearances when things almost got 'hot' with Pakistan a few months back, so he is somewhat sensitive to the whole thing.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 17:16:49 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Tue Apr 16 16:51:17 CEST 2002 from stcatherines-ppp109087.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.18)

Richard

Subject: John D and Paul G / Subjects Getting Lost

This post is strictly about GB housekeeping matters and not the Band so most of you should just scroll on by, OK?

BASHFUL BILL: Being someone myself who has posted here regularly and then stopped for months at a time, I have often asked myself the same question. Why do people feel the need to publicly bow out of this forum ? I don't think I have an answer to your question, but I do know that when a really interesting topic comes up in here, it seems a shame when no-one wants to discuss it (a point expressed by both Paul and John). You said that "someone makes a point about a song, a person, a SOMETHING that catches my attention or makes sense or moves me, and that is why I stay around". I agree. It’s unfortunate however that when these enlightening moments happen there is not more discussion around these posts. People generally seem more concerned with the next opportunity to see their name appear in the GB, than in discussing an interesting thread, and often think little about what they are saying. Perhaps inadvertently, Crabgrass stated this theme most clearly (I’m paraphrasing here so forgive me if I’m wrong Crabby). "When the 'posted by' names are little I don’t enjoy going back to read my own posts like I normally do". I’m sure Crabby was not alone among the "regulars" who felt threatened by the possibility of having their established personalities become subservient to the topics.

I didn’t mean to belittle the contributions of John D or Paul G in my last post. I was serious. For that brief period of time when the subject line was larger than the posted by line (or at least as prominent), the subjects of the posts did seem to be more important than the personalities posting them (and there were a flood of contributions from "non-regulars" irregulars? :). Unfortunately for people like Bayou Sam (don’t mean to pick on you Sam, but your last submission illustrates my point) this made entries that were simply to root for one or another personality irrelevant.

JAN: I am certainly in no position to tell you what to do, but I would like to cast a vote in favour of the subject line regaining it’s prominent position, and who cares who’s posting it.

Now, as John D said... do I have the guts to hit Submit ?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 16:11:12 CEST 2002 from syr-24-169-66-92.twcny.rr.com (24.169.66.92)

Bashful Bill

Subject: Jan's excellent GB

OK, lots ot thoughts here-first, Jan's short post speaks volumes, it appears that he is having an excellent adventure down south. And thanks, BEG, for sending me the pic, we can always count on you. Are you educational types on spring break in Canada, too? And Bayou Sam, I didn't feel very articulate when I hurriedly typed that and hurriedly hit the post button, I imagine you are agreeing with my opinion? And John D-you defeat your own argument when you say(paraphrasing here)"well , here is another post that doesn't really say anything and doesn't really mean anything or change anything".None of those things have to occur in a post. I never have allowed myself to get roped into the game of pleading with someone to hang around here when they make their farewell announcements,it always seems like they are acting a little silly to me, but here is an exeption:I think EVERYONE should stay. If you take short or lengthy breaks for whatever reasons, then fine. If u don't want to post or read or anything, fine again(was it the great bard who said something like "go gently into the good night"?). But there is a lot happening in Bandland. It amazes me, because we all still get the "What Band?" response, but there is a lot happening. And it still amazes me, after 3 or 4 years, that this active GB exists, not to mention the rest of the exaustively informative site.And there are still new people discovering the site, then hanging around. And it amazes me that I have actually made a few-good-friends as a direct result of this site(not to mention making John D's aquaintence and sharing a great meal with him in Bearsville last year).And I frequently find people who are into non-Band music that I love on this site, and I even, occasionally, will get turned on to something totally new. This site and GB is relevent, to my life.But I keep it in perspective, to my life.. And all the posts are relevent to someone. Like many, I do a lot of scrolling, I read what interests me, "take what you need and leave the rest", so to speak. So, John & Paul, why don't you both reconsider, share your articulate, informative thoughts when you feel like it(don't worry whether you are making a difference, you probably aren't, or you probably are), keep this whole Band website in perspective, and hang around.And, I PROMISE to finally learn how to write paragraphs.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 16:05:34 CEST 2002 from m198214176085.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.85)

Pehr

Subject: John and Paul

Well John D and Paul I'll miss you guys, and I hope you dont feel too much like strangers. I've enjoyed your stories and reflections over the years very much and can never hear enough of them. I dont sent many emails out for various reasons. I still have nothing but thubs when it comes to computers for one, and I'm always rushing about with other stuff and check in and out on the fly.(npi)

I know the element to which you guys probably refer. Alot of judgemental cynicism going about from people here sometimes. Just last week I said a couple little innocent observations and got slammed by a couple people over likeing self portrait and preferring american guitarists to Brit Rockers. Phooey.

John D I wish you the best, alot of us do. I wish you good health and hope you come back.

Paul G I loved your website, I visited it last week and didn't get an e mail off to you to say so so here it is. Keep on shining.

I wish it was easy to solve all this politiacal stuff too, but man, its really deep and scary. I saw the movie "Threads" last night about what a nuke exchange would be an folks, we dont want that to happen. Pray, or think the good thoughts and do the right thing. All For now.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 15:42:10 CEST 2002 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

Subject: Shuffling Back to Memphis

JH's post from the 'City of the Blues' made me think of 'Back to Memphis'from High on the Hog. Although this album never thrilled me, I've been recently including bits in cdr's for the car and am reevaluating it. Particularly I am enjoying High Price of Love, which I immediately dismissed and always skipped over, and especially Back to Memphis. I liked it from the start but it is finally really getting under my skin, from the languid vocals, to Garth's raunchiest of Sax solos to the shuffling rythem. Any comments?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 15:38:24 CEST 2002 from (216.4.4.111)

Chris Lecky

Subject: Levon

Sounds like the same old stuff on the guestbook, but I wanted to let you know about a show a saw last week. I went and caught Levon and the Barnburners in Newport, KY, just across the river from Cincinnati. It was a great show, and was given good reviews in the local paper. I was able to meet Levon and get a picture with him. He sounded good, and his band was great. I will post the picture soon, it will go with my picture with Rick Danko from a few years back.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 13:00:41 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-172.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.172)

Peter Viney

First, I very much hope that John D and Paul G will return to maintain our sense of balance. I also think there’s an interesting year ahead- TLW, Gurus (and what about a Barnburners CD?) There are indeed a few themes that get exhausted, but if I’ve been away for a couple of weeks it gives a feeling of familiarity and continuity to see that the old “fued”still being discussed. Again, the re-release of TLW was 100% bound to bring it back up. As for the next few weeks in the GB, don’t expect the discussion to go away. We have the whole of Robbie’s audio commentary to come when the DVD is released in a few weeks. Most interesting to see Garth’s quotes in the Newark Star Ledger piece that Brien posted:

"I had a very good job. That's how I look at it. I was well paid for what I did and I managed to progress with my technique and craft of playing adds and fills in between great poems." The film itself he says, "couldn't be done any better..., I thought we were truly honored by Scorsese's work."

The “fued” will undoubtedly continue to polarize opinions as it has done since the GB started. There’s the money aspect and the composing credit aspect. The more I see, the more evidence builds that neither Garth, nor Rick in his later comments, have seriously questioned Robbie’s authorship of the songs his name is on. We know zero about the financial aspect. It was an excellent picture of Robbie and Garth together (wish they’d record something together). And as we know that it was Garth who spent months of intensive labour with Robbie on the soundtrack in 1977, it was vital for him to be there. I think the frustration expressed here, at a distance, by lots of us who don’t know the principals at all, is that we’d all like to see that two shot of Garth and Robbie turned into a three shot, which isn’t going to happen.

On which, will the Fly be appearing on the audio commentary?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 09:58:16 CEST 2002 from spider-tm023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.53)

Joe

John Donabie and Paul Godfrey..Your contributions will surely be missed. Thanks for all in the past.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 09:21:58 CEST 2002 from (216.7.109.93)

JH & LG

Drunk. BB Kings. Slinky's. Back streets...

Entered at Tue Apr 16 08:38:16 CEST 2002 from spider-tm073.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.78)

Bayou Sam

Bashful Bill = beautifully said - exactly my thoughts.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 07:43:10 CEST 2002 from spider-to022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.52)

DZ

Been listening to Times Like These tonight... and I know people have criticized Let The Four Winds Blow... for various reasons... but tonight I'm really connected with it... the CD sounds a little sad though overall... but This Wheel's On Fire, what a classic... anyway, fair the well John and Paul... I've felt like departing myself a couple of times, and I don't even post that well... you'll never know how this stranger has appreciated your posts... God Bless The Band...

Entered at Tue Apr 16 07:23:57 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Have to save my good name here after Bashful Bill's post You bring up a good point that deserves an answer if I had one. Why did I announce I was stepping out? Probably Bill for the same reason that suddenly if your wife didn't come home ever again; or if your neighbour moved away in the middle of the night......you might just wonder what happened to them. That's all. Exuse me for being so naieve that I felt there was some feeling of community here. If this site is like zillions of others that's fine. It was a little more personal to me. I guess your right. I should have just disappeared.

In all seriousness, the main thrust of my message was that I just don't feel I have anything to add anymore. I received one e-mail asking me if I was no longer going to support The Band or it's members....go to their invidiual concerts etc. Really! I just said I didn't feel I had anything to add anymore; or at least at this time of my life. I am but a piece of sand on the world wide web. I still read the site and will continue to do so. I might even pop back if I REALLY HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY! I will see Levon and Garth every chance I can get. Take it from someone who has been in radio for a long time. Every announcer feels when they leave a station........boy are the listeners and management going to be sorry. Ridiculous. The station; or in this case Jan's site is bigger than anyone of us.

The more I re-read my post here the more valid your point becomes Bill. Who frigin' cares?

I know when I was the FIRST to release the tracks on the new LW CD set that EVERYBODY was so excited about.... there was not one reference to my post. Does that hurt me personally? Of course not. But a light bulb went on in my head after that realizing that whatever I say is totally irrelevent. Also I don't bash Band members like Matt K and others who get lots of response from their posts in doing so. Oh boy a new bashing thread. Hey? BTW Matt; before you come back with an excuse..... you bashed the hell out of Levon awhile back and I will say this for the record and this is my opinion. I don't think you can truly bash any one of the members and say you are a Band fan. No, I don't think you can seperate the individual from the music. If you highly dislike an individual it makes it near impossible to get into their tunes. Hate to pick on Matt K here; but how's Matt going to feel if he meets Levon one day and says...."Hey man love Cripple Creek; but your a bag of shit." That's essentially what Matt's saying. Again......his posts are freshest in my mind; but others have done it as well.

Anyway, no big deal Bill......as I finish this post I realize that in fact you are right. I've just wrote another post about essentially nothing that is going to change anything. Hope that answers your question. David Powell, Sweet Amanda, Peter Viney, Al Edge Diamond Lil etc. make it all worthwhile, especially David whom I have never met; but will contine to correspond with and one day hope to meet. Amanda I can't tell you how happy I am you finally got to meet the man himself. Makes you wonder why some say such terrible things doesn't it? Damn.......this is reading too much like some soap opera. Good night Diamond Lil wherever you are. Long live The Band and God Bless everyone including Matt K and I mean that. Gee can't you tell I grew up wanting to be liked by everyone :-) Gonna hit the Submit button before I chicken out!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 05:11:08 CEST 2002 from st-catherines-ppp126398.sympatico.ca (209.226.233.57)

Richard Patterson

Subject: John and Paul

I think everything went to hell around here when Jan made the "posted by" names big again : ). Take care guys! See you at the shows...

Entered at Tue Apr 16 04:34:12 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poold227.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.43.227)

herbie hancock

i totally agree with you Bill. there should be more talk about the band, who's music could make one babble endlessely. i'd like to start a new topic i'm a music theory and music history freak so i get into the technical bull(chord progressions, time signatures, counterpoint,yada,yada). What do you think is the most interesting band chord progression? my vote would have to go to either "the unfaithful servant" because it's strange, but brilliant chord use. the E7 to the Em7 to the Ebmaj7 is a perfect coda. the chords on this site are not correct in many places for that song. i'd also be willing to put up a fight for the trashed "the moon struck one." although the lyrics are high school poetry esque(especially the use of the phrase "really really hurt")the music and melody are beautiful and unique.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 04:26:54 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool72-185.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.72.185)

Charlie Young

Subject: Degrees of Separation Time Again

I just picked up the great new Bonnie Raitt CD today and it includes no fewer than three musicians with connections to The Band. At least one is a direct connection, and two are one degree away. Any guesses? Peter? Needless to say, it is her best disc in years, a real return to her roots called SILVER LINING.

I bought Neil's new one today, too, but have not played most of it yet. So far it sounds great to me, though. The opening cut sounds exactly like Booker T and the MGs in their early days until Neil starts to sing.

Thanks to one of those rare occasions when an opening act is almost as good as the headliner, I discovered a fine new singer-songwriter last weekend. Her name is Cindy Kalmenson and she has two CDs so far (one has a six minuute Neil Young tribute track and the other mentions him in passing). Think Emmylou Harris with some Rickie Lee Jones and Shawn Colvin tossed in for variety. She's a major league talent. Click the link above for more...

Entered at Tue Apr 16 04:22:11 CEST 2002 from dialup133-b.ts552.cwt.esat.net (193.203.157.133)

Hank

You can check out any time you like......but you can never leave.........

We are all just prisoners here......of our own device

They just can't kill The Beast............

Big Don Felder Joe Walsh Guitar Noise Thing........ This place is too good to leave forever if you dig The Band........ tonight at my regular gig in Charlies Bar here in Cork this guy sez "Play one by The Band...Play 'The Weight!'".....so I did "Stagefright"....Then he sez....Play "The Weight".....so I played "Twilight"....... He sez "The Weight"......so I played TNTDODD..........That seemed to come him down........

I mean, where else in the world am I gonna find a buncha people who actually give a hot darn about that......

Only here folks.........Thanks.........I enjoy this place as a virtual barroom where I argue and rave about music........and met some very nice folks in person outta it........

There's not much more a computer can give.........That I want, I reckon........

Shine On---- Bright and Warm!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 04:07:19 CEST 2002 from syr-24-169-66-92.twcny.rr.com (24.169.66.92)

Bashful Bill

Subject: just curious

Please, I'm sincerely not trying to bust anyones chops here, but I'm genuinely curious. Why do people feel compelled to make an announcement that they are no longer going to post here? really,as much as we love this gusestbook, it is only one of about a zillion or so at our fingertips. When John D "signed off" recently, he expressed his opinion that this place is becoming less and less relevent(I didn't scroll back to see exactly what he said, maybe I'm mistaken). But just a few posts ago, someone made the great point that when u filter through the feud, political, etc issues, that DO get rather stale, someone makes a point about a song, a person, a SOMETHING,that catches my attention or makes sense or moves me, and that is why I stay around. With all the rereleases, reissues, rumors of more in the past year or so as well as on the horizon(a possible Richard release, a possible release of that cross-Canadian train tour), the Barnburners, Gurus, Crowmatix, still working, Garth & Levon still doing new & different things,RR still very active, how can this place not be relevent? And back to my original question, why do people so often make a big deal that they are moving on?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 04:03:04 CEST 2002 from h0050ba8ceef5.ne.client2.attbi.com (24.61.243.158)

Long Distance Operator

Subject: My beautiful comrades from the north

I am saddened by the announcement of John Donabie and Paul Godfrey's last waltz in the Guestbook. Is it really a goddamned impossible way of life? I hope not. Please don't take eight years to reunite. This space needs the input of the two greatest radio personalities Canada has ever produced.

May we all shine on!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 03:28:12 CEST 2002 from spider-tp032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.187)

Calvin

Subject: Paul and JohnD Adios

While I've only been a "regular" for a little more than a year Paul & John, I understand where you are coming from. The Robbie is a Jerk, No Levon is a jerk, stuff got old around the 3rd day. And some of the political rants, geex, an no ROllie I am not specifically speaking of you. But every time I think "who needs this I can enjoy the music just as easily without this board" someone goes and expands my ideas about one of the songs, or introduces me to a new, or old, artist that otherwise would have probably never crossed my path. In the end it is usually worth it, and I hope the two of you come to feel that way again soon.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 03:01:13 CEST 2002 from cvx1800-0107.reach.net (206.186.52.107)

Dave Durnford

Subject: Memories of London

Great that you guys have a website - sorry I missed you Garth at the Medway re-union. It's been a long time yet I still love those Bach riffs - reminisencent of the sessions in Gerry's garage and the "old Days" - including listening to Moon Mulligan in your Dad's darkroom. Send me your e-mail address and maybe we can bring each other up to date. Durnie

Entered at Tue Apr 16 02:47:29 CEST 2002 from syr-24-169-66-92.twcny.rr.com (24.169.66.92)

Bashful Bill

Subject: God, er, Garth & RR pic

Where can I see this pic?

Entered at Tue Apr 16 02:44:40 CEST 2002 from cfa1.execulink.net (209.239.0.234)

Paul Godfrey

Subject: GONE

Although John D. and I haven't had a chance to chat as of late it is odd that we are both arrived at the same state of mind re: THE BAND site.

For me it has been 40 years as a fan and friend of the BAND. There have been moments when I had hoped to share some of the spirit of the years and in a friendly reverent way pass on some of the familiar feelings and fortunate experiences that have stayed with me over 4 decades.

But in a biblical sense many of those thoughts have fallen on deaf ears, or never understood at all.

As John has related his thanks to those who he had a chance to exchange meaningful emails with...may I also express my gratitude.

The whole thing is getting 'pretty old' and its time to move on with the next chapter.Be assured I will be lookin in from time to time. Best wishes Butch and thank you to Jan 'the man'... you have enriched our lives immeasurably.

I'm gone, shine on...paulg

Entered at Tue Apr 16 02:44:29 CEST 2002 from 216-100-113-36.snader.com (216.100.113.36)

rik!

Entered at Tue Apr 16 01:30:02 CEST 2002 from dialup-64.158.84.4.dial1.buffalo1.level3.net (64.158.84.4)

G-MAN

Subject: TLW

Well,,,hope TLW plays at a theatre near by!! Warmin up to old Robbie! Yep,,never realized how little Rick, Richard, Levon and Garth contributed!! Or maybe,,Robbie was in another Band?????

Entered at Tue Apr 16 00:59:00 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-th073.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.53)

Frank Sinclair

Subject: I met Garth in London, Ontario, Canada. (The Wheel), 1955?

Excellent site. When I first heard Garth, I told him "shades of Dave Brubeck," we played one or two tunes at The Wheel in London, Ontario, Canada. I am 72, and I played drums before I got married in 1957.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 00:31:41 CEST 2002 from (67.32.15.151)

Shelia Carlisle

Subject: Levon

Been a fan of Levon Helm's since the early 70's. This is the good stuff, here! Hats off to da band, ya'll.

Entered at Tue Apr 16 00:13:04 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-059.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.59)

Peter Viney

Al, on The Band, look at Garth's wonderful quote that Brien posted from NJ. No rancour there and great to see the photo with RR too.

Thanks too, Al, for the very moving poem. Those who don't know should follow the links through to find out what can happen when innocent kids just go along to watch a match.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 23:34:52 CEST 2002 from 185-pool10.ras10.inind.tii-dial.net (206.148.145.185)

Jon

Subject: Amanda/Batesville

Amanda, were you or your friend wearing a white outfit? Did you get up to take some pictures? If so I guess I saw you there! I had a pretty good view of the first row, as I was in the second row and remember two ladies sitting next to eachother.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 22:35:41 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I personally like the soul grooves that Neil Young cut on his new album. That Memphis Stax/Volt sound is really not alien territory for the man who was once in a group with Rick James. Playing with Booker T. & the MGs, Mr. Young gets to live out the role of "Mr. Soul".

Booker T. Jones and Donald "Duck" Dunn of course played with Levon Helm as part of the RCO allstars. This time round they make significant contributions to the sound of "Are You Passionate".

Another Last Waltz guest star, Van Morrison, will be releasing his new album, "Down The Road", on May 13th (in the U.S.). Among a batch of new originals, Van also covers "Georgia On My Mind". Haven't heard his version yet, but when I hear that song, Ray Charles and Richard Manuel are always on my mind. Also listed on "Down The Road" is the intriguing title "What Ever Happened To P.J. Proby?", a question that only Van the Man could answer sufficiently, for the record...on the radio.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 22:27:36 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Last week in San Francisco, The Last Waltz was shown on one screen, and according to Variety, raked in $16,000 in one day. That is very good for a re-release, and I hope MGM/UA will look at this and decide to broaden the number of cities that will get it.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 22:25:21 CEST 2002 from 0-2pool44-12.nas1.cincinnati1.oh.us.da.qwest.net (63.232.44.12)

Jenny T

Subject: Camera Shyness

After reading the Boston Globe article which describes the Band (except maybe Robbie) as somewhat camera-shy, and remembering Elliott Landy saying they were all difficult to photograph, I am wondering if this is true. I guess Levon got used to being in front of a movie camera eventually.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 21:27:23 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTUll Fan

Subject: IA

Bill: Think you misunderstood. I was only quoting IA, not pretending to be him. The quote can be found on www.jethrotull.com under Ian Anderson's update section, so unless that website's been hacked it's definately him.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 21:15:37 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

In other news, I see that flamenco-ish guitarist Oscar Lopez won the instrumental Juno. That announcement prompts me to post info about a wonderful CD I picked up used a few weeks ago - The Cold Club (of Canada). It's an Amos Garrett project - done with Oscar and a few other Calgary musicians - that is patterned loosely and tongue-in-cheekily on the Hot Club of France. (Frankly, I suspect it was originally intended to be the Cold Club of Calgary patterned on the Hot Club of Paris, except that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which produced it, decided to go for more of a national audience.)

Anyway, it's fabulous. Amos seemed to be selling second pressings when I saw him at a gig a few months ago, so it's probably available through his website. Among other things, having it means that I now have two versions of the song "Happy Talk" - the other one being by Captain Sensible. Do you think the Damned, as a name, echoes that of the Band?

Entered at Mon Apr 15 21:15:29 CEST 2002 from cache-hay-hsi.cableinet.co.uk (62.31.32.130)

Al Edge

Hi all.

Haven't posted much of late. Been pretty busy and have to admit to becoming increasingly disillusioned and despondent by the apparent cementing of rancour from - it would seem - most connected to The Band, 'cept dear old Garth and our beloved absent friends.

Perhaps it's a bit of estranged romantic naivety on my part but what I've been reading lately is certainly not my take on what The Band were about.

On a slightly different but not totally unconnected topic [the humanity and community of our heroes - yeah?], you may recall I posted a moving poem about the 11/9 written by a friend of mine, Dave Kirby.

Well, 13 years ago Liverpool had its own brush with great tragedy. It was a tragedy for which unjustly those Liverpudlians who perished - and those who survived - were held to blame by Authority's lies and cover-ups. Today is the 13th anniversary of that day and Dave has poured out his soul once again. This time for those poor souls closer to his home.

All's I can say through my own veil of tears is that those of you who think Bob Dylan's spirit may have spent itself in recent years better think again. For these words show it is rather more than alive and kicking in Liverpool.

Dave Kirby writes: This is dedicated to the families and loved ones of all those who fell 13 years ago. Through lack of justice, they have never been allowed to close the book on this tragic chapter in their lives.

I pray that those in charge that day and the conspirators who have lied and covered up evidence ever since, will one day seek deep into their conscience and reveal the real truth of Hillsborough.

THE JUSTICE BELL

A schoolboy holds a leather ball
in a photograph on a bedroom wall
the bed is made, the curtains drawn
as silence greets the break of dawn.

The dusk gives way to morning light
revealing shades of red and white
which hang from posters locked in time
of the Liverpool team of 89.

Upon a pale white quilted sheet
a football kit is folded neat
with a yellow scarf, trimmed with red
and some football boots beside the bed.

In hope, the room awakes each day
to see the boy who used to play
but once again it wakes alone
for this young boy’s not coming home.

Outside, the springtime fills the air
the smell of life is everywhere
viola’s bloom and tulips grow
while daffodils dance heel to toe.

These should have been such special times
for a boy who’d now be in his prime
but spring forever turned to grey
in the Yorkshire sun, one April day.

The clock was locked on 3.06
as the sun shone down upon the pitch
to light up faces etched in pain
in death's descent on Leppings Lane.

Between the bars an arm is raised
amidst the human tidal wave
a young hand yearning to be saved
grows weak inside this deathly cage.

A boy not barely in his teens
is lost amongst the dying screams
a frame too frail to fight for breath
is drowned below a sea of death

His outstretched arm then disappears
to signal thirteen years of tears
as 96 souls of those who fell
await the toll of the justice bell.

Ever since that fateful day
a vision often comes my way
I reach and grab his outstretched arm
then pull him up away from harm.

We both embrace with tearfilled eyes
I then awake to realise
its the same old dream I have each week
as I quietly cry myself to sleep.

On April the 15th every year
when all is calm and skies are clear
beneath a glowing Yorkshire moon
a lone scots piper plays a tune.

The tune rings out the justice cause
then blows due west across the moors
it passes by the eternal flame
then engulfs a young boys picture frame.

His room is as it was that day
for thirteen years its stayed that way
untouched and frozen forever in time
since that tragic day in 89.

And as it plays its haunting sound
tears are heard from miles around
they’re tears from families of those who fell
awaiting the toll of the justice bell.

© Dave Kirby 2002

You can leave your thoughts and memories on our forum

This article comes from The Independent Liverpool FC Website, Red and White Kop http://www.redandwhitekop.net

Entered at Mon Apr 15 21:12:00 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-th063.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.48)

Bayou Sam

Ringo grows a better beard - and I doubt that Arafat can play the drums.

Butch - I enjoyed that Richie Havens story. Thanks.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 20:20:48 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: AraFAT man

'cymbol crash' That was a good one! I should add that, inspite of the 'tea-towel' comment, IA is pretty even-keeled in terms of world culture, and even composed a serious instrumental called 'In View of the Minaret' on his solo Divinities album back in '95, so it is really disgust at the whole situation he is expressing, along with the rest of us.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 20:15:02 CEST 2002 from clt56-126-242.carolina.rr.com (66.56.126.242)

tuneroom

Subject: musicians seeking work

musicians seeking work? workers seeking musicians? visit tuneroom.com

Entered at Mon Apr 15 20:08:12 CEST 2002 from (129.237.210.106)

Ray Pence

Would it be accurate to say, then, that Ian Anderson "doesn't want to be an AraFAT man"?

Entered at Mon Apr 15 19:10:08 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I understand that two distinguished visitors have landed on our shores. Welcome South brothers! Watch out for the sour mash and be kind to razor backs.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 18:04:38 CEST 2002 from cvx01-by-1-32.by.anc.net (216.152.44.33)

Amanda

I got my picture taken with Levon...which was a dream and also took tons of other pictures...I'll share when I get home! Have a BEAUTIFUL day GBers!!!!

John D: Please don't stay away too long...your words have meant alot to me over the past month. Best wishes to you and your wife!

Entered at Mon Apr 15 17:58:48 CEST 2002 from cvx01-by-1-32.by.anc.net (216.152.44.33)

Amanda

Subject: Levon Helm Tribute

WOW...What a tribute to a wonderful man! I am still in Arkansas and don't have time for many details right now. Levon looked and sounded superb. The Cate Brothers were excellent and I got one of their CDs! I met Jan and Lee...you could tell they were absolutely intrigued with the whole experience! Levon asked them to come to the stage before he began performing with The Cate Brothers..I tried to snap a photo, but they were too fast for me. Of course...I was in the front row! Levon was so sweet to my friend and I, signed my book and even came up to us after the show and thanked us for attending. I wish I was more forward and would have had the courage to tell him how much he means to me and all that gushy stuff, but I was so nervous...the words just wouldn't come. I took one of my best friends from high school...who didn't have a clue about The Band or Levon...needless to say...she purchased two Band cds on the way home!

Butch:I wish you had been there! It would have been a pleasure to meet you!

Entered at Mon Apr 15 17:42:18 CEST 2002 from user-38ldlkl.dialup.mindspring.com (209.86.214.149)

John Q

On P Viney's comments about C Wilson's (lyrical) gender change: I thought Lyle Lovitt's "Stand By Your Man" was a wonderful (& brave) cover. I saw The Crying Game on TV the other day and his version is the closer.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 17:34:59 CEST 2002 from (38.161.244.20)

Tony

Ian Anderson can always come up with a little phrase that makes me laugh. Thanks for quoting that JT.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 16:20:01 CEST 2002 from worthington.k12.oh.us (198.234.191.162)

Dan

Subject: Band

BAND IS ASSUME

Entered at Mon Apr 15 16:12:41 CEST 2002 from spider-wp064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.201.204)

Brien Sz

Subject: TLW quotes and things...,

Catching up on my Sunday Paper reading this morning (monday) and Lo and Behold in the Spotlight section of the paper, a big ol Picture and front page Headline saying, "Waltzing On," a very large article on the rerelease of the DVD and box set. I actually found it more interesting than the NY Times piece. The article also features a side box with all the songs that are featured in the movie, the soundtrack and the new boxed set. All denoted with #, * and + signs.

Interesting stuff, some which has been rehashed before. The layout of the piece is good. One point the article quotes Levon as saying "The theory was, The Band is going to break up and we may as well have a big going-out-of-business sale. It's going to happen anyway, so we may as well make a movie out of it and make everybody rich. Well it didn't work that way. The Band members didn't get zip and Robertson and Scorsese and the suits got the rest of it. I don't wish them any luck at all. We put our hearts and souls into that music and to have it stolen from you and claimed by a bunch of people that didn't have very much to do with it...,it's a sad tale. It makes me so mad I could spit."

Robertson dismisses Helms protests as a "non-issue"..., "I can't really account for how everybody feels, I just have to try to do the work and do my best. I wish Levon all the best but I couldn't account for everything."

Robertson says Helm's claims about payment "have nothing to do with me. If he has any issues with that, he should talk with Warner Bros. and United Artists films."

Band-mate Hudson doesn't echo Helms criticisms. "I had a very good job. That's how I look at it. I was well paid for what I did and i managed to progress with my technique and craft of playing adds and fills in between great poems." The film itself he says, "couldn't be done any better..., I thought we were truly honored by Scorsese's work."

Just thought I'd share that tid bit with ya's.., Sunday Newark Star Ledger, Spotlight section.

has anyone noticed that they've been getting more "urgent assistance" mail since they've stopped posting their e-mail address. I use to get a couple a day or everyother day, now, 5 to 10 to 15 at a shot..., Hell, i'm reposting the e-mail address.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 15:00:41 CEST 2002 from 209.236.161.21.cnjnet.com (209.236.161.21)

MIKEY LENAHAN

Subject: JIM WEIDER AND THE HONKY TONK GURUS

HOT HOT HOT!!!!! What a show at BB Kings. The night was great. It was nice to see good old Rick S, his wife and John from (the band web site GB). Also hanging out in the bar was the group CAIRO( they play at the Pattenburg every month). They are also big fans. As always Jimmy, Randy, Albert and Keyboard Dan Put on a killer show. The set was short but sweet. The sound was unbelievable. Well, that was another late night for me (5am). My brother-n-law loved the Gurus. He said he is ready for another one, just name the time and place. Thanks for a great show and I hope to see all of you soon. We were going to stay for the latin dance party after the Radiators, but I could do it without the G-Man. Peace!

Entered at Mon Apr 15 14:59:21 CEST 2002 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

Subject: J Tull

Just thought I'd give you this link to the new Tull DVD and live CD coming out (They must read this sight, and got jealous of all the TLW talk. I also found this interesting comment posted by Ian on the sight, pertinent given recent grumblings out here: "Tea-towel Ringo (Yasser Arafat) is not the man of the month. We were encouraged to believe (and so was Billy-Willie Clinton) that he was a reformed character in recent years but seems he was still a terrorist at heart."- Ian Anderson, just posted on the redone Jethro Tull website.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 11:54:10 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-129.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.129)

Peter Viney

The Last Waltz 4 CD box set will definitely be released on Monday April 22nd in the UK, put back one week. Went to get it this morning just in case!

The Fly: Charlie, I hope they’ve managed to rescue the notorious slow-motion last choking of the fly, with the scraping of the remains off Robbie’s hand. Supposedly, Scorsese tells him not to wipe his hand on his shirt, whereupon Robbie says ‘Sonny Boy always wiped his hand on his shirt, and there was worse than fly guts I can tell you.’ A classic lost moment.

Cassandra Wilson: Her new version of The Weight proves my point about what is the copyrighted song after all arrangment has been removed. I think it could have been very good indeed, if she hadn’t got herself in a muddle with the lyrics. Her worst offence is ‘shook his head’ instead of ‘shook my hand’ (the latter suggested the town booster to me), but the real trouble is trying to switch the singer’s gender, and kind of realizing it doesn’t work half-way ; You get ‘where a girl might find a bed’, but later ‘Do me a favour, son …’ then “I’m a peaceful woman’ Then skipping the issue on ‘That’s O ……K, won’t you feed him when you can.’

This gender switch is generally a misguided approach (unless it’s as easy as ‘Then She Kissed Me’). Joan Baez had no problem singing ‘Virgil Caine is the name …’ and Bob Dylan had no problem with ‘It’s been the ruin of many a poor girl …’ (though Eric Burden did and changed it to a gambling house). By changing bits, Cassandra Wilson draws attention to them, and then you have to think ‘What’s all this about Carmen and Miss Fanny if she’s a girl?’. The older approach is to do the words on the bit of paper. After all, in songs, we accept Mick Jagger pretending to be an American, or Levon pretending to be a civil war veteran without saying, ‘Hey! He can’t have been alive in 1865!’ so why not accept a woman singing a man’s story or vice versa?

Entered at Mon Apr 15 10:23:02 CEST 2002 from bri-pr1.tpgi.com.au (203.12.164.23)

Paul Bancroft

Subject: 4CD Box Set of The Last Waltz

Can anyone let me know the details of the 4 CD box set of The Last Waltz coming out to-morrow in the states. I know when I go to order here they will deny its existence unless I have all of the details. Record Company and Code number should do it Thanks Paul

Entered at Mon Apr 15 07:14:35 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-002castocp1298.dialsprint.net (63.187.13.28)

rollie

Their music Bones! Oh come on, you were kidding right?

Entered at Mon Apr 15 07:00:55 CEST 2002 from adsl-61-132-105.rdu.bellsouth.net (208.61.132.105)

Bones

Rollie: What is it about the Band that you like?

Entered at Mon Apr 15 06:14:45 CEST 2002 from spider-te012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.177)

Dave Z

Great to see that pic of Robbie and Garth... and nice to hear that Levon's voice sounded so good... and that Jan got some recognition... but this bit about John D taking a break... uh uh, let's hope he gets tangled in some N.O. voodoo that brings him back... Life's a carnival, it's in the book, life's a carnival, take another look...

I'd love to hear more about the afterhours party stuff too?... and pics, pleeease... btw anybody see that Phil Jackson commercial where he is the cabbie... well to me his sloooow calming voice has a very similar mood effect on me as Garth's... and it got me daydreaming about some jammy jazz noise dream piece where Robbie and Garth just do spoken word back and forth... and then at the end you swear you hear a creaky Levon voice whispering lowly... and if you strain real hard... you can hear him clearly say... although hidden behind Garth's saxophone doodling... and Robbie's blues tickling... yes, hear it?...he is definitely, clearly saying... "Don't go John D"... "Don't go"... Oh wait a minute, that was just one of my kids... I just checked in on 'em... Must have said "Don't go Daddy"... Well, it's off to bed now... I'm folding faster than a bunch of superstar golfers trying to follow Tiger...

Entered at Mon Apr 15 06:00:30 CEST 2002 from spider-wi044.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.39)

butch

Subject: old cool hippy singers

the reason i didnt make the Film Festival is that i was helping jimmy vivino in the studio,, he is producing Bill Perry's new cd,, Bill is a Rockin Blues guy & he also is the 2nd guitarist with Richie Havens a lot.

Today, Richie was in the studio, singing with Bill,,,

Richie wanted to do the Stones song,,,,,, NO EXPECTATIONS,,,

Jimmy V brought in Chris O'Leary , on harp, from The Barn Burners, he added the grease to a great great version of that song !!!!!

Richie Havens can interpret a song better than almost anyone,, & he does it on this one too,,,,

after,, during the "chillin",,, we talked about Rick,, he loved Danko,, & Rick loved him,,, PEERS !!!!!!!!!!

it was so cool to see that legend work & do his thing,,

sometimes this is a cool business,,,,,,,,but,,,,i did miss Levon Jan Lee ( Happy B-Day ) & The Cates,,, damn,,,,,,

Entered at Mon Apr 15 05:54:45 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tk053.proxy.aol.com (64.12.107.43)

Bayou Sam

Rollie! Please stop. I'm sure your intentions in trying to keep us informed are appreciated - but, for crying out loud,I think we get the point. I admire your passion - but, PLEASE. (and I still think about catching heat for mentioning George Harrison too much)

Calvin - thanks for the feedback on the new Neil Young CD. I'm gonna pick it up this week.

Franko - thanks for the link to that LW article. The photo of RR and Garth is great. I couldn't help chucking at two things though. One was Dylan, and The Band having a "mystical" relationship. The other was that the Beatles rooftop concert was a "farewell". It was not intended as that at all. It was more like a McCartney driven attempt for the band to connect with the fans in person by playing live. He wanted to do something bigger, but the others didn't. I just hate when a writer mis-represents something like that.

The Yankees finally beat those damn Red Sox today. Yay.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 05:05:18 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool72-170.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.72.170)

Charlie Young

Subject: Eric & Chuck & Bo & Lenono Toronto '69 DVD

Having just watched the DVD version of the Pennebaker film of the 1969 "Sweet Toronto Peace Festival" makes me even more appreciative of THE LAST WALTZ. I wish there could have been computer work done on the DVD to remove the sights and sounds of Yoko Ono--and replace her face and screeching with more footage of the Rock'n'Roll pioneers (not only Berry and Diddley, but Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis) who were edited down to one song each. It's almost as frustrating as watching the cut-up concert footage of Dylan in DON'T LOOK BACK (where I could have used a lot more music and a lot less Donovan-bashing and posturing in the dressing room).

The Lennon songs without Yoko are fine--though Clapton is terribly under-utilized--but even on those Ono is doing distracting nonsense onstage. I had my daughter watch some of the Yoko "singing" sections so she could better appreciate her favorite Canadian band's (Barenaked Ladies) great impression of her on one of their songs. John's intro to Yoko's solo songs shows more than a bit of contempt for the audience: "now Yoko's going to do her thing--all over you!" Give me the late Linda McCartney's offkey singing over that crap any day...

Entered at Mon Apr 15 03:04:12 CEST 2002 from 1cust113.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.113)

rollie

“CIA files show that ABC News provided cover for agents throughout the 1960's. During the Church committee hearings the Agency refused to reveal whether its relationship with the network was ongoing. As with ties to other high profile news outlets, arrangements were made at the highest level, with the full knowledge of network executives. CIA officials claim that Sam Jaffe and one other unnamed correspondent performed clandestine tasks for the Agency. Jaffe admits that he was approached by agents who offered to get him a job with CBS, who would send him on assignment in Moscow if he agreed to cooperate, but claims he never agreed to the deal. Jaffe did go on to do some work for CBS, though, and said he believed that the CIA had a hand in getting him the assignment.” “One of the more unusual accounts of the CIA-press connection involves the Louisville Courier-Journal. Undercover operative Robert H. Campbell spent three months at the paper as a reporter in 1964-1965 as part of an arrangement made by the Agency and Courier-Journal executive editor Norman Issacs. The first account of Campbell's tenure at the paper appeared in a front-page story in 1976 -- in the Courier-Journal (one of the few self-investigative pieces written on this topic).” “Former Times reporter Wayne Phillips said CIA agents approached and tried to recruit him as an undercover operative in 1952, …..” “Bernstein asserts that a good relationship between former CIA director Allen Dulles and former CBS president William Paley (CFR) made the network the CIA's most valuable broadcasting asset. "Over the years," Bernstein writes, "the network provided cover for CIA employees, including at least one well-known foreign correspondent and several stringers; it supplied outtakes of newsfilm to the CIA; established a formal channel of communications between the Washington bureau chief and the agency; and allowed reports by CBS correspondents... to be routinely monitored by the CIA." Paley chose Sig Mickelson (CFR), president of CBS News from 1954 to 1961, as his liaison with the CIA. Mickelson (who went on to become president of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty) recalls complaining about having to use a pay phone to contact the CIA, and later installing a private line that bypassed the CBS switchboard for this purpose. A CBS investigation of his files revealed that he was involved in passing on CBS film and outtakes to CIA officials in exchange for payment and that he regularly forwarded copies of CBS' internal newsletter to his CIA handlers. The same investigation revealed that two CBS employees -- stringer Austin Goodrich and Frank Kearns, a network reporter from 1958-1971 -- were undercover CIA operatives.” ----I don't see Neil Young mentioned once here! Are you sure about that?

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:52:16 CEST 2002 from dv09m52.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.52.45)

Dexy

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:48:32 CEST 2002 from 1cust113.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.113)

rollie

Subject: link for crabbie

Let's see.....the CIA openly admits to infiltrating the press! I know,they're only kidding!

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:26:55 CEST 2002 from 1cust113.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.113)

rollie

Subject: link for crabbie

Ok! So Einstein wasn't perfect...........!

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:16:57 CEST 2002 from dialup252-a.ts551.cwt.esat.net (193.203.140.252)

Hank

Subject: Am Sitting at my Favorite GB writing.....

WHAAAT?

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:12:49 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool72-16.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.72.16)

Charlie Young

Subject: The Fly in THE LAST WALTZ

I've heard that the recently released "20th anniversary version" of Speilberg's ET: THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL includes computer-enhanced special effects and one scene in which US Federal Agents who wielded weapons in the original now hold walkie-talkies instead. The concept of screwing around with a movie classic pissed off a lot of film purists, so the DVD release will include the original movie and the new "improved" version as well. I was wondering if perhaps we will be treated to an enhanced Robbie with the fly scene in the theatrical release (since it is a Scorcese film, maybe MORE violence toward the fly would be in store). The DVD release could contain scenes of the fly previously left on the cutting room floor. Just a thought...

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:11:22 CEST 2002 from msp3-607.datasync.com (209.205.135.95)

CALVIN LAIRD

I am Fred Carter^s 1st Cousin.He is a great guitar player.Also,i see his daughter Deana every time she is around New Orleans,or the Miss.Gulf Coast.

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:07:15 CEST 2002 from i249-009.nv.iinet.net.au (203.59.249.9)

Nancy

Subject: Conspiracy

For a conspiracy, A-bomb and CIA story with a difference, go see "A Beautiful Mind".....an inspiring story and a rivetting movie, with a convincing performance by Russell Crowe....makes me want to see whatever film it is that Denzel Washington appears in to have eclipsed Crowe for that Oscar, as he must have been truly out of this world!! I don't even know which Washington film it is......anyone want to tell me???

Entered at Mon Apr 15 02:06:14 CEST 2002 from (216.7.109.93)

jh & Lee G.

It's Lee's birtday tomorrow! Celebration starts tonight at B.B. Kings'on Beale Street! Thanks to Levon, The Cates, C.W. Gatlin, Bubba at Helena's Blues Corner, and all our AR friends for some wonderful times down south. Sorry to the blond haired waitress at Sizzlin' Steaks in Batesville who wanted to come to England...

Entered at Sun Apr 14 23:57:58 CEST 2002 from 1cust238.tnt52.nyc3.da.uu.net (67.193.94.238)

Crabgrass

Subject: Desolation Row / Neil Young

Ironically, Albert WAS a BIG part of it. Without him there wouldn't have been an A-Bomb. He also signed a letter to President Roosevelt recommending that they be made. (See above link.)

Neil Young was apparently duped by the CIA controlled press when he wrote "Let's Roll."

Wake up Neil!!

Entered at Sun Apr 14 23:13:46 CEST 2002 from 1cust169.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.169)

rollie

As for republicans,Congressman Ron Paul from Texas is one of my heroes!

Entered at Sun Apr 14 23:12:09 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-ti044.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.169)

Dave ~ (the drummer)

"Goodnight Mrs. Calabash...wherever you are."

Entered at Sun Apr 14 22:45:36 CEST 2002 from 1cust169.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.169)

rollie

Entered at Sun Apr 14 22:21:29 CEST 2002 from 92-pool9.ras10.inind.tii-dial.net (206.148.144.92)

Jon

Subject: Batesville

Just got back from Batesville, AR. Excellent concert. Thank you Mr. Helm & The Cates. Mr. Helm spoke a couple minutes before he played. My girlfriend leans towards me and says, "Didn't you say that he had problems with his voice?" That's how good he sounded. What better way to explain it? He had a constant grin on his face from ear to ear from start to finish. Lots of standing ovations that night, Mr. Helm and the Cate Brothers can really get your feet tappin'. Our webmaster Jan was present, and Mr. Helm brought him up front so everyone could see what a World Class Webmaster looks like!!

Entered at Sun Apr 14 22:11:58 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John Donabie

I've bowed out of The Guestbook a couple of times in the past; usually because I was angry about something. Very immature on my part.

I'm not angry about anything now; but as the old Canadian saying goes, "It's better to skate off the ice when you're on top." “That's rather arrogant of me isn't it?” Anyway, I felt on this anniversary of The Last Waltz, this is a good time skate off. I really have nothing more to say or add. Some people I was exchanging e-mail with hardly write anymore and that's what kept me holding on. Don't want to sound so dramatic.....so let's just say that I'll leave the posts to people much smarter than I. I will look in from time to time.

Thanks for all the good times and frustrating times as well. Good luck Jan and thank you for the hours of enjoyment. Next stop…. New Orleans. Remember, "Life Is A Carnival...two bits a shot..."

Entered at Sun Apr 14 21:58:33 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John Donabie

Mixed emotions from an angry man.....me. First I'll be open and negative. After such unbelievable prices....we arrived at The Air Canada Centre and noticed that people were lined up all around the building. Never noticed that for Dylan, Down From The Mountain or ANY other music show before. Turns out that Paul wanted to make sure that security was top priority. Every single person going into the buidling had the airport "wand" put around them. All purses were checked. Therefore the concert started 45 minutes late as they madew sure there was no one there to do harm

Tee shirts ranged from $48.00 to $100.00

I don't blame McCartney nor do I blame security. I blame people who are willing to put up with that. Supply & demand. If people want to pay anything to see someone; why not jerk up the prices? I truthfully forgot about the music and thought of this as a business meeting.

That was to change

There is a Fellini like, circus atmosphere to the overture to the concert. Ladies and Gentlemen decending from open doorways dressed like the courts of early England and France. Large wigs, snuff boxes, damsels in the dress of King Arthurs time. A strong man carrying a large weight. Women that looked like statues that were painted gold. Circus like acts. A multimedia barrage. It was like the album covers of Sgt Pepper meets The Basement Tapes Meets the Doors, Strange Days.

Then from behind a curtain was the silhouette of Paul holding his Hohfner high in the air. It was Hello Goodby into many Beatle and Wings tunes. He was on stage for 2 and a half hours without a break, including a solo portion, unplugged in the middle. It was awsome.

Three rows in front of me were four mornons who would not sit down. When I asked three times nicely they fiunally told me they paid $300 dollars and could do what they wanted. I said, "great...you see McCartney for 300 and I see the back of your fat head." My wife told me to backoff. They eventually sat down. I will tell you that this will be the final BIG concert setting for me forever. Clubs, small halls etc. no problem. I'm too old to go through that shit again with young morons who are so self centered they don't care about anyone else.

The music was bloody brilliant and I was reminded of why The Beatles were the biggest most memorable band of the 20th century........and we're only counting the songs that Paul sang lead on. He talked of his love for John and George and got applauded for it. All in all it was a great last hurrah for my wife and I.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 21:44:10 CEST 2002 from (63.232.32.95)

Jenny T

Subject: Cate Bros./TLW

Well everyone seems to be enjoying watching the re-release--EXCEPT ME! I don't think it is going to be played here. Will it ever reach us in the smaller cities? I watched the first half of my video yesterday. I do like the pool part--I imagine the guys had to kill a lot of time in places with pool tables. I stink at pool since I only played it in the mental ward while visiting one of my roommates there over a few week period. But it wasn't me that put her there.

It is good to know the Cate Brothers are still around. In the summer of 1983 I foolishly went home to LA--if I had stayed in Chicago I could have seen the Band conveniently on campus. I saw in the LA TImes they were playing a place called the Saddle Rack in San Jose and bribed my sister to go with me. We went all the way up there even though I was very sick with a fever--hope I didn't give anyone germs. I actually couldn't turn my head from side to side so maybe I had spinal meningitis. My Mom is the kind of Mom who says "You'll get better" instead of taking you to the doctor, so I'll never know.

My sister did not enjoy the Band's set very much but she LOVED the Cate Brothers, so I didn't feel so bad for making her go. They were very tight. Isn't there some family connection to Levon?

Entered at Sun Apr 14 20:23:48 CEST 2002 from user-38ldmpp.dialup.mindspring.com (209.86.219.57)

John Q

On TLW: Is there any new footage? I thought we were told that the prelude to Chest Fever & the closing jam were included. Anyway, I'm going tomorow. It's showing in 3 places out here. One, the Cinerama Dome, is where I saw it originally. All seats are reserved there now; don't know if that's normal there or due to TLW. Odd, eh? On patriotism & treason: I remember Da Nang in 1969 where loads of us (those there) thought the war protesters at home were our best hope & that Nixon was trying to get us killed. It's a different thing now, in terms of pop support and pro soldiers. I don't beleive our armed forces expect unconditional support. The truth is, back then, anybody in their right mind (including Butch's boss) was evading the thing. I wasn't a volunteer, as with most I served with: we were unsuccessful draft dodgers.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 19:28:56 CEST 2002 from 1cust42.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.42)

rollie

Subject: To Butch

“keep your poison to yourself,,,,,,,, i need not quasi-intellectual posturings against our efforts to rid the world of scum,”----Butch---- You know, I was going to let this go myself, but since this was your last e-mail to me, I figured you wouldn’t accept an e-mail from me at this point. How you made the jump from me posting an article from the Washington Post(which you never read by the way, or you would have seen the Post never took a position, merely reported a developing situation with a Georgia Congresswoman. They reported both sides of the issue very fairly.) to me being a “cynical anti –everything american”, is quite astounding! You talk about the Washington Post writers with all of their, “leftie agendas”. What are those agendas? As for the gentleman who collected a lot of the material from which I suspect Cynthia Mckinney came to certain conclusions, the guy you characterize as a “moron with a website”, I’m afraid you’ve placed yourself in a bit of a contradiction.(not that I haven’t from time to time Crabby, but I’m not afraid to admit it). Michael Ruppert, who came up with this information, is an ex- LAPD narcotics officer, who the CIA tried to hire for his accurate, investigative skills. A little bit about Mike---“An Honors graduate of UCLA in Political Science (1973), Mike is a former LAPD narcotics investigator who discovered CIA trafficking in drugs in 1977. After attempting to expose this he was forced out of LAPD in 1978 while earning the highest rating reports possible and having no pending disciplinary actions. In 1996, after 18 years of struggle, he finally achieved one of his deepest wishes in a face to face public encounter with then CIA Director John Deutch on national television. Washington sources later told Mike that Deutch s mishandling of the encounter cost him a guaranteed appointment as Secretary of Defense.”—So much for supporting our law enforcement folks! Had you actually looked into Mike and his back ground, as I first suggested, you would have seen that,contrary to being someone who is attempting to brain wash citizens with “the usual anarchistic crap”, he is a devoted american , dedicated to making sure that our Constitutional Rights are preserved. He does so at great personal risk, and with CAREFUL,CRITICAL investigation and analysis. As I’ve told you before Butch, I have friends who are cops and fireman.They have my support.It is because of my concern for the welfare of those fighting for our freedom( or is it more about “ridding the world of scum” as you suggest) that I’ve spent a TREMENDOUS amount of time trying to get a better handle on exactly why these folks are being asked to put their lives on the line for all of us. Believe it or not Butch, you and I, we’re on the same side .

Entered at Sun Apr 14 19:15:12 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool72-16.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.72.16)

Charlie Young

Subject: Garth & Robbie & TLW Revisited...

Franko: I can't describe the emotional response I had to that photo of Garth and Robbie shoulder-to-shoulder at the NYC premiere of the LAST WALTZ anniversary release.

Jonathan Katz: I don't know what has happened with the alleged theater showing of TLW in Washington, DC either. It could be that the town cares more about political BS than timeless music. They'd rather go to a book signing by some pompous bore like that right wing hack George Will (a regular contributor to THE WASHINGTON POST here in 2002--unlike Woodward & Bernstein) I will be in Boston on business a couple of nights at the end of the week, so I hope to see it there at least...

Entered at Sun Apr 14 18:14:18 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tc032.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.162)

franko

Subject: The Boston Globe's Turn

If the link doesn't work, it is www.globe.com, click on today's paper, living/arts. Not on the net, but in today's paper, is a half page pic of the boys with the caption THE FEUDING STARS.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 17:37:37 CEST 2002 from spider-wn072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.182)

JTull Fan

Subject: Virginia Wine and Glenfiddich do not mix...

at least not in large proportions. Anyway, I'm hoping for some good pic's from JH's Southern adventure. On reading the bible or koran, I propose we send some good old-fashioned pornography to the Middle East. When I was a teenager I was much more interested in looking at naked girls than building bombs (AND STILL AM!)These people over there (and enough over here too)have WAY too much time on there hands, and if I recall the old 60's slogan was 'make love not war'. It was valid then, it's valid now, and much more enjoyable. U.S. News last week had a very interesting article on Islam and an Egyption PhD scholar of the Koran. He has researched the translations in great depth, and concludes (and seriously so, this is not a joke)that rather than promising martyrs '72 virgins', the proper translation should be '72 RAISINS' !!!! What a bunch of imbeciles!

Entered at Sun Apr 14 17:20:08 CEST 2002 from netcache-1115.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.222.132)

george

Subject: batesville,ark

i had a chance to meet JAN HOiBERG in BATESVILLE,last night at the LEVON HELM tribute....GREAT NIGHT!!......especially the CATE BROS and LEVON'S renditions of 'ain't got no home' and (the) shape i'm in'...

Entered at Sun Apr 14 16:18:25 CEST 2002 from spider-tf063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.203)

butch

Subject: tunnel vision

i was willing to let this go,, but if you wanna go on about it,,, i have this to say,,,,,,,

you can quote all the quasi-inetllectuals from every moron with a website,,,, its like going to trial with "expert witnesses",, you can find anyone to back up your rantings,,,,,

BUT

im concerned with the sons & daughters of my friends , who are brave men & women fighting for the free world,,,

you cynical anti-everything american , or at least anti-republican, should remember that it is our friends fighting & dying ,,, & whether you like it or not,, you enjoy the sacrifices they make,,,

Pat O'Shea, our guitarist, who lost his brother-in-law, on 9/11,,, & all my/our friends who suffer still, ( FDNY & NYPD guys )they need our support, our love, our RESPECT !!!!!!!!

what they dont need is our own citizens being "brain" washed into the usual anarchistic crap, the same POV that disrupted innocent lives during all those financial meetings in seattle, etc,,,

so save your websites, your washington post "writers" with all of their leftie agendas,,,& all of your thories,,, those of us a little more firmly rooted in the here & now, prefer to deal with what IS !!!!! not some disneyversion of hell,,,,

well, back to the studio,,,,,,,

Jan, Lee, ,,sorry i couldnt have been there to help w/the tour,,,, im sure the boss gave you front row seats to marvell,,,,,heheheheheheheh,,,

bd

Entered at Sun Apr 14 14:28:08 CEST 2002 from spider-wq051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.172)

Joe

Sorry Lil, No tributes to either were added.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 12:14:53 CEST 2002 from 64-80-53-204-static.surferz.net (64.80.53.204)

Diamond Lil

Subject: The Last Waltz Re-Release

Hi everyone. I'ver been a bit out of touch for the past week or so, so forgive me if this question has already been asked and answered somewhere.
Can anyone who's seen the re-release of The Last Waltz tell me if there's anything added at either the beginning or the end as a tribute to Rick and Richard? Such as " dedicated to the memory of.." or whatever? I haven't gotten out to see it yet and I'm curious about this. If there wasn't anything added, there should've been...

Safe trip home to the probably permanantly pickled Norwegian and Englishman :-) Love you both.

Have a good day everyone.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 11:26:39 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-078.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.78)

Peter Viney

I'd imagine (as we predicted here ages ago) that they would keep the integrity of the film as it was made and cut by Scorsese and add extra stuff as distinct separate bonus items on the DVD, That's the way it's usually done (the ET re-release being the exception but that was a major investment). It's not just a concert to be shortened or lengthened, but a movie which is telling a story at the same time.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 10:45:37 CEST 2002 from spider-tf023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.183)

Ben Pike

Why don't we stick to what we KNOW: After eight years of The 73 MILLION dollar Federal Fund to put every 3rd rate Republican D.A.'s Child through College(sometimes called "The Whitewater Investigation"), a new gang came to Washington to restore honor and dignity to White House. Opps, they were bank rolled, right down to their thug like effort in Florida, by the a sleazy Corperation who used every trick in the book(and some perhaps not, we shall see) to fleece their investors, with terrible consequences for our allready struggling economy. And when asked about Kenny Boy... our new honor and dignity Pres. strode up to the mic and LIED HIS BUTT OFF. So, why speculate about how bad this crowd MIGHT be? Hey Pat, I'm making a trip to Chicagoland in May. Would love any musical suggestions......

Entered at Sun Apr 14 06:26:27 CEST 2002 from dialup082-b.ts552.cwt.esat.net (193.203.157.82)

Hank

Subject: The GB's Burning!

Ahhhh!!!!!!!....The GB on FIRE!.....Nothin' like it, is there, folks? I'm flicking back'n'forth between readin' and writin' here.......

First .....Hello!!....My Brown Eyed Girl!!!!........

The Mighty Quinn on SP sounds like a really ropey British Punk band.....about 6 years too early....Brilliant......when I'm alone in my car I'll play that five times in a row just race the heart and keep going.......

War is a real estate game......Tribal differences are exploited and exxagerated. Weaponry and technology is supplied to both sides........Meet The New War....Same as The Old War....many innocent people die........

.........and it's all beyond Dubyas scope.......a pawn in their game......it ain't him to blame..........Kennedy and Nixon were pawns, too....look how quickly they were removed from the chess board.........

There's one thing for sure: There's prime real estate available in downtown Manhattan, Afghanistan and Palestine these days......I wonder what's under them Afghan mountains that ain't been exploited yet.... they should be nicely loosened up for diggin' by now.......

Bin Laden? Robin Williams said in NYC recently...."are you telling me we can't find a six foot four Arab attached to a Dialysis Machine?"

Is saying THAT treasonous?

Crabbys right......Everyone should read The Bible and The Koran right now and see for themselves. This rampant spectactular level of destruction and death has been well scripted and acted out.

I'm diggin' Rollies responses to everyone as I'm reading them.......

Mick'n'Keef told you who killed The Kennedys in '68......David Crosby announced it from the stage at Monterey in '67........

Rock Stars..... is there ANYTHING they DON'T know?

Uh-Oh! I just read Peter Vs post about listening to my album.......We're putting out a new one in two weeks....11 new songs by the band some of you saw in NYC.......

Ah, Jaysus......come ON, Pat Brennan!.....Is THAT the best you can do?.......I was scrolling, waiting, hoping you'd jump on this.....although you're completely correct about that.........

Entered at Sun Apr 14 06:28:59 CEST 2002 from 1cust94.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.94)

rollie

Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar. – Julius Caesar

Entered at Sun Apr 14 05:40:12 CEST 2002 from dap-209-114-164-29.nfas.monroe-tnt-1.sns234.pa.stargate.net (209.114.164.29)

Mary (bear)

Subject: The Band

Just wanted to say, that this past week listening to the music of the band, has once again helped me. Just listening to Rick sing "Stagefright", "When you Awake", "Twilight", and "Blind Willie McTell" brings a smile to my face. I can still picture him in my mind, doing that little half dance of his, singing his heart out. And Richard singing "I Shall be Released", and "Whispering Pines", and Garth's beautiful little melodic organ instrumentals. And Levon singing "Ophelia" and "Up on Cripple Creek", well I could go on and on. I started with "Music from Big Pink" and finished with "Jubilation". I never tire of listening to the band, and everytime I listen, I hear something I never noticed before. Not to mention, the healing I get from the music. The last week and a half has been rough, but the music always seems to help. Oh, and one other thing, I have been reading some of the posts regarding The Last Waltz, and have read that no new clips were added, just better sound and picture quality. Maybe I am wrong, but isn't the DVD release supposed to have new clips of interviews and never before seen footage of the other performances? But from what I gathered from the posts, this is not true. Please let me know. And Butch, just wanted to let you know I put that in the mail today for you. Well take care and be good to each other.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 04:59:00 CEST 2002 from dial094.elkton.238.crosslink.net (207.199.149.103)

Nicholas Quinn

Mr. Bromberg- Was intrigued to see you are coming to Wilmington- I studied furniture conservation at Winterthur for five years in the early 70's and have had my own studio on the eastern shore of Md.since, where I grew up. I look forward to visiting and meeting you, if there is any way I can assist you please contact me. I'm an "old"(aren't we all?)fan, had the pleasure of seeing you at the Stone Balloon.Good luck! Nick Quinn

Entered at Sun Apr 14 03:10:46 CEST 2002 from i249-009.nv.iinet.net.au (203.59.249.9)

Nancy

Subject: Kasey Chambers

Calvin: Surprised to see this Australian singer's name mentioned here. She's certainly hot here right now as she has a No. 1 song. Just for the record for Crabby, she's no blonde bimbo who bares herself and crawls across the floor to sell records either!!

I bought one of her CD's ("The Captain") a couple of years ago ago after enjoying one of her songs on a compilation album. When her latest one, "Barricades and Brickwalls", came out last year I quickly bought that too. To my surprise I found myself competing with my daughter and her friends to listen to both of them, particularly the latest. When I went to find it just now to get the title copied correctly, there it was in the CD player from yet another playing by my daughter and her friend yesterday while I was out for the day.

She reminds me of Iris Dement a little, although a younger sound.

Entered at Sun Apr 14 02:47:38 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-th061.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.46)

jcf

I saw the Last Waltz here in New York last night. The theatre I saw it in was large and almost full. It was quite throghout as if everyone was watching an ordinary movie, not a rock and roll concert. (Someone behind me applauded after The Weight, I followed and then maybe a few scattered people throughout the place) If there were anyone there sucked into the Robbie Levon feud, you couldn't tell by audience reactions. I have seen it many times, and imagine that many others had also. There was no new content, yes, but does anyone know why the added scenes from the DVD that is too come out couldn't or wouldn't be included. ( I would at least like to have seen the complete performance of Don't Do It)

Entered at Sun Apr 14 00:40:55 CEST 2002 from 24.syracuse-02rh15rt.ny.dial-access.att.net (12.89.10.24)

Sam

Subject: Saugerties

I was recently visitting an aunt up Blue Mountain in Saugerties, NY. That area really brings me home. Just driving through the region and the Catskills you can hear the Band's music through the trees!!!

Entered at Sat Apr 13 23:52:03 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-086.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.86)

Peter Viney

$260.72 is indeed obscene. However, the contrast was Cliff Richard tickets where people queued for FOUR days to get tickets, got six each at £30 a shot and sold them within the hour at £150 each on the internet (not far off $CDN 260). Imagine a family of four's profit margin - even if (unlikely) they kept a ticket each. Sadly, it's a choice of the artist getting it or the scalpers getting it. It would seem from the evidence that £150 / $260 is an achievable price for this sort of artist and the market will have its say. £35 for Paul Simon and £29 for Dylan in a couple of weeks time begins to sound a real bargain if that's the way it's going.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 23:50:17 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-086.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.86)

Peter Viney

$260.72 is indeed obscene. However, the contrast was Cliff Richard tickets where people queued for FOUR days to get tickets, got six each at £30 a shot and sold them within the hour at £150 each on the internet (not far off $CDN 260). Imagine a family of four's profit margin - even if (unlikely) they kept a ticket each. Sadly, it's a choice of the artist getting it or the scalpers getting it. It would seem from the evidence that £150 / $260 is an achievable price for this sort of artist and the market will have its say.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 23:48:48 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tg012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.152)

Calvin

Subject: The New Neil Young as per Bayou Sam

For the life of me I don't get the scathing reivews of Neil's new disc Sam, I tend to be very critical about film, music, et al, and I've found it utterly and completely enjoyable. If anyone is in the mood to check out someone new, a lady by the name of Kasey Chambers has been getting a lot of time on my CD players of late.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 23:34:07 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Just found out that Paul has hired a local Pipe Band from Peel Region, north of Toronto for the 2nd time in 10 years to play behind him; playing Mull of Kintyre. Once again I have to thank my boss for getting me the tickets. I could not have affored; nor would I have paid the $260.72 per ticket. I want John Lennon to return to the stage for that amount of money. God Bless ye Johnny!

Entered at Sat Apr 13 23:16:45 CEST 2002 from spider-wl052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.42)

JTull Fan

Red Sox beat the Yankees 2 games in a row. Now THAT is a real scandal! I also heard a theory that Yasser Arafat is dead, and Ringo Starr is being secretly hired to replace him by the Israelis.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 23:13:56 CEST 2002 from spider-wl052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.42)

JTull Fan

Entered at Sat Apr 13 23:12:23 CEST 2002 from spider-wl052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.42)

JTull fan

Subject: let's beat it to death

MattK: I agree with you on the treason term,but just one little teeny weeny criticism with your post.. can you guess what it is. (Gotta stop, I can here Dana Carvey as Church Lady in my head right now. Could it be....SATAN!?!?!? Would love to see him do an Islamic Fundamentalist version) Any way, while mowing the lawn, I was thinking of the post where a CIA guy was quoted as saying all good journalist are operatives. Sounds like braggadocio hyperbole to me. What this world needs today is the reincarnation of Mark Twain and his witicisms. OK, I'm going to take Peter Viney's advice and get back to the music, but first I'm gonna hit my whirlpool tub, and when the bottle of fine Virginia wine is finished (Horton Vineyard's Norton tonight), I'm gonna poor some Glennfiddich (straight, no ice) and crank up TLW!

Entered at Sat Apr 13 22:48:24 CEST 2002 from dialup-65.58.45.127.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (65.58.45.127)

Pat Brennan

C'mon everybody. Conspiracy theories are held in high regard in these parts, if you know what I mean.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 22:30:31 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-011.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.11)

Peter Viney

I've spent an (actually another) enjoyable early Saturday evening listening to Hank's "An Open Kitchen on Princes Street" which I recommend highly. Warm, wonderful music. Get into it! I still hear a Papa John Creach influence in the violin part.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 22:29:06 CEST 2002 from pool-63.49.10.196.mmph.grid.net (63.49.10.196)

jh & Lee

Guess who's in Batesville, AR, today to see Levon and the Cates? Having a very enjoyable stay in the South, including a guided tour with Levon around Helena and Marvell (!). Sorry about the current size of the GB, but I can't access the web server or read my e-mail from these useless hotel internet setups. Everything will be back to normal when we return next wek. If we survive the Rebell Yell, that is :-)

Entered at Sat Apr 13 21:40:12 CEST 2002 from 1cust119.tnt2.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.227.173.119)

rollie

Subject: sorry sam

Good point Crabby! Doesn't a quote like that give you the slightest case of the jitters however?.It points to some potential problems within our mainstream press.Every one here seems to skirt the question: do you want to see the info that these allegations are based on or not? Most of it stems from news accounts(again, I realize,a contradiction crabby!)

Entered at Sat Apr 13 21:21:11 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tc021.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.156)

Bayou Sam

Geez Rollie - I'm scrollong through the 'ol GB, enjoying all the great Last Waltz talk, and you come an steer the thing into a ditch.

Anyone pick up the new Neil Young? How is it?

Entered at Sat Apr 13 20:54:14 CEST 2002 from ptldme-cmt1-c3-24-25-165-29.maine.rr.com (24.25.165.29)

MattK

Subject: Treason? John W and Butch need to purchase dictionaries...

Whether or not one believes Rollie's statements hold water it amuses me to watch the usual GB blowhards toss out the word "treason" at others, while having absolutely no idea what the word actually means. To wit...

Main Entry: trea·son
Pronunciation: 'trE-z&n
Function: noun
: the offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance or to kill or personally injure the sovereign or the sovereign's family.

To suggest Rollie is trying to overthrow the government or trying to personally injure the president is ludicrous. Of course, the gross misappropriate use of language is merely annoying. However, the tendency of conservatives to call into question the loyalty anyone criticizing the government during wartime is the worst kind of anti-American hyperbole.

This tendency towards hypocracy illustrates the fact that those who prove their "patriotism" with hysterical teeth-gnashing and venomous spittle-spraying calls of "treason," in fact, have NO idea what it is, exactly, that makes America a great country.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 20:43:57 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poolb103.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.41.103)

herbie hancock

i hope you all are familiar with the onion newspaper(www.theonion.com). hilarious stuff. basically it's a college campus comedy fake newspaper with articles that are brillantly written,and have funny pictures. they have put out a couple books. one of them is a collection of fake newspaper articles going back to 1900. of course the onion has only been around since 1995 or so, so they wrote articles dealing with historical issues. for example, the headline for 11/22/63, says "Kennedy killed by Oswald, CIA, Mafia, FBi, Communists, Shriners..." and names like 30 other names. the article also starts with something like "as kennedy's motorcade went past the texas school book depository, he was shot 355 times from 73 different directions." another great one is the headline from the day elvis died. "ELVIS DEAD" and right under that in smaller print, "is Elvis alive?". you gotta read it. it'll make you pee your pants

Entered at Sat Apr 13 20:40:28 CEST 2002 from 1cust157.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (67.193.92.157)

Crabgrass

Subject: Journalists & Psychics

I suppose it logically follows that Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein are either "owned by the CIA" or are not "journalists of merit."

Why hasn't Uri Geller been recruited to help locate Osama bin Laden? That's what I'd like to know!!

Entered at Sat Apr 13 20:28:37 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-tj032.proxy.aol.com (64.12.106.32)

JTull fan

Subject: Conspiracies

Rollie:I am familiar with Fletcher Prouty's allegations as well as the House Committee on Assassinations, and ironically, I am spending some time at Dealey Plaza and the Book Depository in Dallas in about ten days, and will agree with you that there is enough circumstancial evidence that persons in addition to Oswald were involved. I do not, however, buy into the Coup De'tat allegations. Many times when a situation like this occurs, organizations like the Secret Service will do things in a CYA fashion that leads people later on to cry conspiracy, and then they try to cover up the CYA activies, making things seem even more nefarious. Again, if Bush is such a master planner as to allow or cause 9/11 to happen, then logically he should have been able to achieve his alleged aims through other conspiracies not involving the deaths of 3,000 civilians. A Gulf of Tonkin-like incident could have been sufficient without such enormous loss of life and property. And another thing, it is one thing to accuse a leader (of any party, ideology or nationality)of being self-interested and devious, it is another to accuse them of mass murder on a 9/11 scale. As bad as Watergate was, for example, most peple do not consider Nixon evil. A coniving SOB, sure. that's a fair accusation. Was he the equivalent of Pol Pot? Of course not.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 20:10:27 CEST 2002 from spider-tk023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.183)

Dave

Subject: A new subject

Hey all, Just to change the subject real quick.....I saw The Last Waltz in the movie theater in NYC last night....Big screen, digital surround sound.....if you live anywhere near where this might be being played...go see it...I am only 25 and never saw The Last Waltz in the theater and never thought that I would have the chance....but it was amazing. An absoulte treat...Please go see it...also....who wants to trade some shows?.....Dave.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 19:40:14 CEST 2002 from 1cust158.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (67.250.112.158)

rollie

Like I said John, if you want to see the info,give me a proper e-mail address andI'll send it to you.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 19:29:19 CEST 2002 from 1cust180.tnt44.nyc3.da.uu.net (67.193.90.180)

John W.

It's one thing to call for investigations and another thing altogether to make accusations. The administration (prior to 9/11) may have taken it too easy on the terrorist organizations as a means to stay in the good graces of certain Arab governments, with an eye on oil profits, and there's nothing wrong with asking for investigations as to the circumstances and how they could have done a better job. But to make allegations, as C. McKinney has done, that they knew the nature of the attacks beforehand and did nothing to stop it or even to warn the victims, without evidence to back up the claim, is a lot more than "calling for an investigation." It is ludicrous, slanderous, libel and in a time of war, yes it is even borderline treason.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 18:27:59 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-002castocp0787.dialsprint.net (63.187.11.25)

rollie

You should see another dentist!

Entered at Sat Apr 13 18:24:17 CEST 2002 from sdn-ap-002castocp0787.dialsprint.net (63.187.11.25)

rollie

Well Mr Grass, I'll make you the same offer I've made to Butch. I'll send you the info that's caused so much concern if you care to look at it. I've posted this before, but if you missed it the first time... Former CIA director William Colby,"Any journalist of merit in this country is owned by the CIA". This might help explain fair media coverage and the ability to "cover-up" certain events.Media coverage(or lack thereof) is one of the single biggest factors in swaying public opinion.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 18:20:55 CEST 2002 from dial2a-231.i2eyenet.com (64.80.2.231)

Hi

I'm getting transmissions through the fillings in my teeth from Oliver Stone that he's working on an important docudrama of this one right now.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 18:03:59 CEST 2002 from 3cust69.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (67.193.93.69)

Crabgrass

Subject: Religion & Jeane Dixon

Exactly - that's why religions thrive while no one seems to request that they prove their POSITIVE nonsensical assertions. Amazingly, all the largescale violence of late doesn't seem to jar most of mankind into thinking logically. So many brainwashed into killing and willing to be killed by words in socalled "Holy Books." A sorry state of affairs.

Re: 9/11 - Where was Jeane Dixon when we really needed her??? (See above link)

Entered at Sat Apr 13 17:41:48 CEST 2002 from 1cust73.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.73)

rollie

I knew this would draw some heat! Putrid opinions Butch? Perhaps, but they're not mine alone.To suggest that our government is beyond reproach and that I have no right to call into question (my treasonous suggestions!)post 9-11 actions is to deny me my right to freedom of speech.No one makes such assertions lightly. To even suggest such a thing in the current climate , one is bound to draw tremendous criticism and risk public alienation, or worse. The only reason I posted that report was because I was surprised to see it finally covered on some level by some "major" publication.I don't consider the Washington Post the holy grail or use it as my only source. There is much documented information from around the globe from numerous other publications( your favorites such as MSNBC, CNN and others)that when viewed collectively has caused great concern for those who followed this event and researched it diligently. I have some material I could send you Butch, but I'm not going to waste my time if youk'rre not going to read it. All of it is news directly from various publications around the globe, with the sources credited.Read it and see what you think. But if you're not going to look at it, then I can't give you're input on the matter much credence.Check out Cynthia Mckinneys credentials on her web page.All I'm saying is at least look at this stuff before you go calling me treasonous. If you can't give the matter a fair shake, then what's the point of calling yourself a patriot in the pursuit of democracy. As for JTtulls assessement of "conspiracies", it's worth remembering that your "own" government admitted in 1979 that they're was enough evidence in the murders of JFK,MLK, and RFK to presume probable conspiracies were responsible.circuitous wording to get around the obvious fact. I've spent the last five years researching these events.A portion of each day. I'm no expert but feel I have an informed opinion.Competency in our government? Enough so that I pay my taxes to them and not vice a versa, and they have the power to incarcerate me whenever the chief gives them the ok for my treasonous behavior.(which I'm sure for Butch couldn't happen too soon:)) Also Butch ,I would highly recommend Fletcher Proutys page www.prouty.org. Prouty who passed away recently, was the liason officer between the Pentagon and the CIA, mid fifties thru the Kennedy assassination. He was involved in overseas assassinations and coup detats. Very interesting viewpoint on events such as these.(He died before 9-11) I guarantee you, he was no left winger.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 17:24:04 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Butch.......I'm fully aware of the reason that they are doing it and I have heard that line before; but let's all remember that it wasn't Canadians who allowed them on the planes and as well allowed them to come back a SECOND day to try to get on the planes. There were many Americans who allowed these people to both live and get on the aircraft.

I TOTALLY TOTALLY agree with you on our borders. Believe me the Canadian people want exactly what you guys want in that respect; for your safety and ours. However little old grannies & grandpa's who've been heading down there for years to Florida should be an exception. I'm not kidding when I say the terrorists have won when this sort of thing happens. That's just my opinion. And finally I believe the majority of the terrorists invlolved in the 9/11 situation DID NOT come through Canada to the U.S. Some flew directly in......then again I will never have enough money to live in Florida anyway.

Lastly, I believe that in the many ways the 9/11 situation has made the U.S. government & Canadian govt. able to do things it would have loved to do before; but couldn't. But you throw up a fear factor and it's surprising how many of the little people will say, "Yes please please take away our rights as long as I'm safe." If they did it pre 9/11 the government would be called racist.....now after 9/11 it is a safety precaution. I love the U.S.A. and I pray that I will always be able to visit there and come down for brownies when I need them :-)

Entered at Sat Apr 13 16:59:09 CEST 2002 from spider-tm063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.73)

JTull fan

Subject: Plots and conspiracies

Given the size of the largest defense contractors, '11th biggest in the world' is pretty small potatoes. Anyways, without getting into this 9/11 conspiracy thing, I think linking the Bush administration or U.S. government to 9/11 is akin to linking Stephen King to the John Lennon murder. C'mon! If it weren't so obtuse it would be offensive. The problem with all of these conspiracy theories, from 9/11 to JFK to the World Bank to the Jewish conspiracy to run the world to the Knights Templar to Area 51 to Roswell to Elvis, etc. etc. etc., in order for them to be pulled off, there has to be a level of COMPETENCY, SECRECY, and BRILLIANCE that is UNPRECEDENTED in all other walks of life. These are the same people who can't balance a budget, for Christ's sake! Yes, Watergate was a conspiracy. But look at the result! It didn't work! If the Bushes were capable of pulling off a 9/11 conspiracy, with the goal of toppling Iraq, or oil, etc., then why go through all these contortions? Just conspire to control Iraq or control the world's oil supply directly if they are so effective at conspiracies! I'm not denying conspiracies exist, but I believe they fail more often than not WELL before they reach these grand scales, and they are usually of the J.R. Ewing scale and variety. It is also impossible to PROVE A NEGATIVE, which is why these rumours persist.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 16:09:54 CEST 2002 from spider-wm034.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.164)

butch

well im goin to help jimmy vivino produce bill perry's new blues record, but 1st i feel compelled ( as you know i would )to respond to two posts,,,,,,

Rollie,, never have i read such putrid opinions,,,,quasi - treasonous,,,,

& to use the Washington Post as your unimpeachable source, is just pathetic,,, they are as biased or more probably, than the Times,,, two "papers" so far to the left as to be off the radar,,,,,

complicit ? in 9/11 ? you should be tarred & feathered,,,,, please,, maybe in idaho that is an acceptable POV,, but try that here in ny, or around any intelligent real people,, & see THAT reaction,,,,,,,

& for the 2nd one,, John D,, we arent tryin to make canadians unwelcome,, but until your governmental policies are tougher on illegal aliens from the arab countries,,, then we MUST take steps to protect our borders, & citizens,,,,,

ok,, rant over,,,, cant wait to get home tonight & see the knees jerking,,,,,GGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

Entered at Sat Apr 13 15:06:22 CEST 2002 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.101.7)

Norbert

Subject: need your urgend respone too

Dear Binta and son Johnson,
yes I'm interested! ...... I'm in church this afternoon ..... so please use my cell phone number (€ 0.99/sec).

btw I've got something for you too, .... 2 books! PACKED with email addresses and a lot of tips to improve your style ...... now if you really want to make some money! (only €99.99, but hurry)......

have to run (I'll listen to The Band in the car, promise!)

Entered at Sat Apr 13 12:19:18 CEST 2002 from (209.89.149.111)

John D

Well the U.S. government may be over reacting on this one. Canadians as some of you may know that been wintering in Florida for decades. In exchange for the sun & heat they have spent hundreds of millions of dollars over the years and many own real estate there. Now the U.S. government want to restrict visits to the U.S. for 30 days maximum at a time. Ridiculous. "Snowbirds" as they are called are 95% seniors who get away from the cold of the winter and spend lots of money down south. I've heard that the government may relax it a little for the snowbirds; but they will have to apply each year to stay more than one month. I'll tell you..it doesn't affect me; but if I owned land and a home in Florida, I should be able to stay there for the winter as long as I am not a burden on the U.S. people. Jeb talk to George unless you want millions and millions disappearing from your state.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 09:27:01 CEST 2002 from 1cust72.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.72)

rollie

Incidentally, the Carlysle group mentioned in the article is not simply "an investment group". They are the eleventh biggest defense contractors in the world. George Bush Sr. being a key figure within the organization. Do you think a defense contractor stands to profit from our current"war" in Afghanistan????????????

Entered at Sat Apr 13 09:09:44 CEST 2002 from 1cust72.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.72)

rollie

Subject: 9-11

Do your homework Herbie! Don't just speculate. Look at the information available and go from there. Heres the link to Cynthia Mckinney, the congresswoman in the article. If you want more info, check out the timeline of 9-11 events on copvcia.com This is just the tip of the ice berg. These folks aren't just shooting from the hip.THey have entirely too much to lose.Disbelieving is one thing. Hiding your head in the sand and blind patriotism is another.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 09:02:54 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poold170.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.43.170)

herbie hancock

i don't like the bush administration at all(i voted for nader), but it's going too far to say there was a plot. was there hints of what was going to happen? yeah, but there are hints for every event ever. if i said "i'm hungry" is it wrong for you to think i'm going to eat a bananna instead of a grape? no

Entered at Sat Apr 13 08:29:34 CEST 2002 from 1cust72.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (67.250.109.72)

rollie

Subject: Bush administration complicit in 9-11 attacks

While many will find this hard to stomach, those who have been paying attention to the peripheral news will know that many questions have been raised concerning our intelligence knowledge and participation, or lack there of ,regarding 9-11 events. This article just ran in the Washington Post on Friday. . What was the other "conspiracy" they broke? Oh yeah Watergate! Hats off to the Washington Post for having the guts to run this story. For those looking for more info on this go to:counterpunch.org or www.copvcia.com ---People, wake up. Things are worse than you could possibly imagine. Or try prouty.org

Entered at Sat Apr 13 07:30:05 CEST 2002 from mplsdslgw10poold170.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.43.170)

herbie hancock

i have to say how much i dig rick's violin improvisation before "rag mama rag" on "rock of ages". if you read the old cd's liner notes, greil marcus devotes a couple of sentences to the subject. it's raw, it's soulful, it's tribal for gosh sakes. strumming the violin, stomping feet, yelling out "1, 2 , 1, 2, 3, 4!". without knowing it, rick had tapped into the roots of all music on earth. it's the same thing stravinsky attempted(and succeded) to do on "the rite of spring". find the roots of what connects all music on earth:primitive instincts that drive the mind and body to work together to create sound. oh jeebuz who cares? it just sounds cool as hell

Entered at Sat Apr 13 05:43:53 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Hello, Dave Hopkins summed Garth up beautifully a few posts back and saved me the trouble of remembering--aside from the facts according to Garth, his tone is what made it--so reasonable, thoughtful, matter of fact, yet eloquent with that rumbling voice--one quote I recall was that Robbie did "an admirable job," but that, as Dave said, the LA life and the touring grind took away the old magic. His remarks, and those in the interviews with other Band members on the NPR piece, reminded me of one of my favorite qualities of the Last Waltz film, the way the various members, even if they spoke briefly and sometimes grudgingly, complemented each other and formed counterpoints to Robbie's eagerness to talk. Garth could say a lot with few words, like Hemingway, but he really cut loose when behind the keyboards.

One more thing: having heard the Complete Last Waltz bootleg, I really noticed the transformation of "Don't Do It" and "Shape I'm In" on the NPR story; it seems like these have been polished up even a bit more than they were the first time around. And of course the horn sections on both songs smooth out rough edges, while at the same time robbing the originals of much of their fire (in the case of "Don't Do It," which seems to last forever on the bootleg, it's just plain exhaustion combined with a desperation not to let the moment go).

Entered at Sat Apr 13 05:40:42 CEST 2002 from 16-035.105.popsite.net (66.19.13.35)

Ken

Entered at Sat Apr 13 05:10:30 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Garth missed his calling. He should have been a mediator. What a wonderful calming voice and attitude on life.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 05:06:37 CEST 2002 from parachute1-156-40-64-13.net.nih.gov (156.40.64.13)

Jonathan Katz

Subject: Self Portait

Probably the best information on Self Portrait on the internet is John Howells’ excellent “The Story Behind Self Portrait” [http://www.punkhart.com/dylan/reviews/self_portrait.html]. In re-reading it just moments ago, my conclusion is that we will never really know the story behind this album. My personal opinion is not too different from Peter Viney’s. I think that Dylan was trying consciously to recreate the Basement Tapes. Certainly, even Dylan “knew” that the sound of the BT’s was substandard, so he was going to re-do them. He was attempting to recapture the mix of covers and original material from the BT's. These covers were a pot pouri of Americana. Self Portrait’s Americana trended towards tin pan alley while the BT’s trended towards Harry Smith, but nonetheless, both are a statement of Dylan's conviction of the continuity between his original music and the history of American song. The reaction to going electric had precipitated from Dylan a claim that its all music - now he was trying to prove publically what he had already proved privately in the basement. I think that, in part, Dylan was right [and he is just a song and dance man]. But at the same time he was wrong - way wrong. The music of the day was a significant departure in the history of American song, though maybe not a quantum leap lacking precedent. In a sense, Dylan’s insistance that he was just a song and dance man, reveals him as his own Mr. Jones. He did not fully appreciate what was going on, and Self Portrait proves that.

Having said this, I will line up with the defenders of SP. As Dylan said in an interview: “There is some good material on that album.” I’d put “Days of 49" up there, along with “The Mighty Quinn,” and “Copper Kettle.” [Though, not up there with Highway 61 et al.] I even like when he croons “Alberta,” “Let it Be Me,” and “Living the Blues.” But the album [all 2 lp's of it] definitely comes up short, and you have to wade through a lot to get the the better stuff.

Finally [before returning to a lurking mode], I agree with Peter that the most bizarre track is “Like A Rolling Stone.” We have heard him mess up words to his own songs in other places, including LARS on the reissue of ROA. But he really does mess it up on this one, proving his point of track 3: He forgot more than we will ever know!

Anyone know about TLW and Washington D.C.?

Entered at Sat Apr 13 03:44:55 CEST 2002 from as3-2-157.hip.berkeley.edu (136.152.195.15)

Dave Hopkins

Subject: Garth on NPR

Nice NPR piece...it had the Staple Singers at the Winterland but otherwise was fairly accurate. There was one interview segment with Garth...he had obviously been asked why the Band broke up after the Last Waltz. He said that getting new songs going for album after album had gotten really tough and that Robbie worked hard but it was difficult. He also said "at the time, we were all living in Los Angeles -- a long way away from Biloxi, West Helena, Memphis, and the places where the heart and soul of our material was from." An interesting take on things...

Entered at Sat Apr 13 02:42:43 CEST 2002 from (209.236.161.21)

MIKE LENAHAN

Subject: GURU SHOW AT BB KINGS

LETS NOT MISS IT!!!!!!! BB KINGS SAT/ AT 8PM//////////////SEE YOU THERE JOHN! PEACE

Entered at Sat Apr 13 02:32:31 CEST 2002 from atpm3-3-41.enter.net (208.137.243.143)

Zeppe

Moondog Matinee had the best bonus tracks. ROA had good bonus tracks but most of them were live versions of already released songs. Most of the bonus tracks on MM were not released before, so it provided us with some new tunes to listen to.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 02:21:58 CEST 2002 from spider-mtc-te044.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.169)

butch

Subject: the real deal

well,, im no "expert" on the Last Waltz,,,,,,

but

in today's NY papers,,,,the ad for TLW @UNION SQUARE Theatres,,( 13th & brdwy) CLEARLY STATES ,,,,,,,,

" Featuring a digitally remixed & remastered soundtrack.

For the first time in state-of-the-art 5.1 stereosurround sound,,,,,,,,

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

NEWLY RESTORED COLOR CORRECTED PRINTS !!!!!!!!!!! "

so, like i said,,,, a better picture,, clearer with better color,,, thank-you,,, & now back to your regular programming,,,,,,,

Entered at Sat Apr 13 01:32:49 CEST 2002 from syr-24-169-66-92.twcny.rr.com (24.169.66.92)

Bashful Bill

Subject: NPR

Bassmanlee-THANX for that link, I caught the last couple minutes of it on the radio,thanks to you I was able to listen to the whole thing.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 00:35:06 CEST 2002 from sam7.revealed.net (208.16.227.102)

Mike

Subject: Re-releases/TLW

My vote goes to Rock Of Ages. That one still sounds the best.

Ray: the reason the bonus tracks on ROA sound different is due to technology. They were mixed in 2000. The original album was mixed in 1972. A quantum leap in technology, recording equipment and mixing boards. I doubt they located a mixing board from that era. And it would be almost impossible to match the EQ points on a board as well. None of the albums were remixed. Some of the bonus tracks on the reissues were mixed specifically for the reissues. I still say that the single version of "Twilight" has been remixed. I've compared the version on "Across The Great Divide" to the one on the "Islands" reissue. The harmonies on the "original" (if it HAS been remixed) are much thicker. Whereas the "Islands" version has Rick's voice more prominent. Maybe it's just my ears. I hope that clears things up without TOO much rambling :)

JTull Fan: I like your way of thinking about possible guests at TLW. How about Elton performing "Levon". I'm being serious and not sarcastic :) It's obvious where he got the title from. I could see Gregg Allman performing a song or two (maybe Midnight Rider or Turn On Your Lovelight). "Lovelight" would sound great with that horn section blasting away! Wishful thinking I suppose.

Mike

Entered at Sat Apr 13 00:23:06 CEST 2002 from ns1.prenhall.com (198.4.159.5)

Ray G

Hey Ray Pence, What was the jist of Garths comments on NPR? I logged on the NPR site but I can't download the sound clip. Thanks in advance!

Entered at Sat Apr 13 00:17:07 CEST 2002 from m198214176085.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.85)

pehr

really enjoy the reviews and synopsis from our man Butch and lucky Jose.

Back to "Self Portrait" my favorite is "Minstrel Boy", "Copper Kettle", the bizarre version of "The Boxer" and especially "Days of '49", which moved me to get the record back in the day. I dont listen to it much anymore but I never regretted picking it up at all.

Entered at Sat Apr 13 00:06:03 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Subject: Last Waltz, Rock of Ages

My favorite part of today's NPR story was Garth Hudson's remarks--simple, straightforward commentary on what happened to the Band, nothing melodramatic or scapegoating, probably as close to the truth as we're likely to get.

This thread on remastering has me wondering again about the difference in sound between the two new Rock of Ages disks. Maybe it's just me but the "new" material sounds far more clear and crisp to me, while the first disk still sounds slightly muffled and/or distant. I assume these are different nights, but whatever the case is, the sound quality is definitely different. Does anyone have information/explanation of this?

Entered at Fri Apr 12 23:37:44 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-168.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.168)

Peter Viney

An album I've written about at length in the past. My take is that realizing 2 million bootlegs of Great White Wonder had been sold, Bob tried to recreate the feel of the "unreleased bits" that emerged only much later. As for the actual BTs he assumed everyone had the original material and so he would create the "covers" section from scratch. As we now know, bass and drums were mixed to vocal tracks in Bob's absence for most of it, and Buttrey and McCoy did their bits separately. Its failure, is that he didn't have The Band, didn't do it in the same co-operative way. BUT as Patrick Humphries has said, the two LPs are on one CD now and with a remote control you can cut it to a very decent single album in the comfort of your own home. The most bizarre track is the throwaway 'Like A Rolling Stone.' But there really are gems in there (including All The Tired Horses - the ultimate piss-take on an artist's own audience.)

Entered at Fri Apr 12 23:33:00 CEST 2002 from (12.33.126.141)

John

Possible for tomorrow -- The Last Waltz at Union Square at 4:15, the Gurus at BB Kings at 8:00!

Entered at Fri Apr 12 22:33:41 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I don't believe any of the most recent Capitol reissues were actually re-mixed. They were just digitally remastered using more sophisticated equipment than previous CD versions. Supposedly all were remastered from the original 2-track mix tapes, except for the "brown album". A later generation safety copy was used as a source in that instance because the original mix tape is lost or was "unavailable", depending on which story you subscribe to.

That said, my vote for the best remastering goes to "Rock of Ages". I have to admit, however, that I still prefer listening to the early pressings of the LP versions.

Should have been at The Last Waltz instead of Neil Diamond: Lee Dorsey with Allen Toussaint on piano. I'll take "Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley" to Tin Pan Alley any day.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 21:55:13 CEST 2002 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Anyone have more info on TLW opening in Chicago? Where and how long it will be there?

Entered at Fri Apr 12 21:46:49 CEST 2002 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

Subject: re-release mix poll

My vote goes to StageFright. On Springsteen: Wow, not THAT would be passing the baton! He would have fit right in on I Shall Be Released. Too bad Atlantic City would not have been written yet.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 21:38:53 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: TLW in Philly

Received reply from Ritz Theaters...

"Hi..."The Last Waltz" will open on Friday, April 19th at one of our Philadelphia Ritz Theatres. Which one I will know on Tuesday. I will e-mail you then.

Thanks for your interest.
The Ritz Theatre Group"

Y'all will know just as soon as I do!

Entered at Fri Apr 12 21:34:09 CEST 2002 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

Subject: TLW Missing Guests

I think a young Bruce Springstein would have been a nice addition.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 21:22:59 CEST 2002 from nr5-216-196-162-154.fuse.net (216.196.162.154)

Mike S

Subject: I know everyone is talking about TLW, but why don't I mix it up by taking a poll.

I know everyone is talking about the rerelease of TLW but I want to know what everyone thinks about the Capitol album rereleases and which one was mixed the best. I know this might sound strange but I am kind of thinking that "Northern Light, Southern Cross" was the best mixed and rereleased but I want to hear some opinions on the topic. what's up gang!

Entered at Fri Apr 12 21:12:37 CEST 2002 from p03-20.hartford.dialin.ntplx.com (204.213.188.120)

Tracy

Thanks for letting us know Jose, how it went. Okay, so I'm happy for you although jealous that you got to go to the showing. Maybe I should have tried hitting up my "buddy" in Toronto for tickets (yeah, as if he would even want to remember me!)

It's nice to know that at least some people don't think of Robbie as some God-aweful tyrant, rather than who has a human heart and can make somebody feel at ease yet not starstruck. Too bad though that the premiere was little more than a schmoozefest for actors. I wonder how many ladies could get in if they weren't Bond girls?

Enough with the sarcasm. Glad you had a great time at the show.

Tracy

Entered at Fri Apr 12 21:06:54 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-113.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.113)

Peter Viney

Elvis gets my vote. No question - and after all Levon narrated Elvis 56.

Butch and Jose gave great reviews of the TLW showing. I was left wondering - Butch, did you manage to get Robbie's autograph after all that ? : - )

Entered at Fri Apr 12 20:45:38 CEST 2002 from spider-ta011.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.46)

Brien Sz

Subject: TLW blurb in Entertainment Weekly

Latest edition of Entertainment Weekly with the Osburnes on the cover had this blurb on the latest released Soundtracks (pg.72)..., The Band - The Last Waltz

"Times hasn't diminshed The Band's uniqueness or mythic mystery, as this luxurious four-CD boxed set documenting the group's final concert at San Francisco's Winterland in 1976 demonstrates. Remastered and featuring a plethora of bonus material not available on the 1978 soundtrack album to the Martin Scorsese film of the same name, it might be described as an embarrassment of riches. A-list guests like Bob Dylan, Niel Young and Joni Mitchell add to the feeling that The Band went out on a high note. The whole thing leaves us tickled pink, big time. Grade - A"

Just thought I'd share.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 18:47:37 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: NPR Last Waltz piece

Today's Morning Edition program has been posted on the NPR web site. See link above. Managed to catch a re-broadcast and tried to tape it on my aged tape machine at work...and it ate the tape! It's a pretty good piece overall. They use what I think is an old snippet of Levon and maybe a new one of Garth. And new words from Robbie, of course. Check it out.

So according to Jose, Garth played with the Bauls? Hope sombody got a boot of that one!

Still trying to get concrete info on TLW screening in Philly. Anyone got tix for Crowmatics & Garth at the Point on the 25th?

Entered at Fri Apr 12 18:35:21 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)

JTull Fan

Subject: TLW guest artists/Neil Diamond

Been thinking about this thread and have to admit I enjoyed Neil Diamond's TLW. My only issue would be if someone of the stature of Muddy Waters were dropped so Diamond could be on the bill. THAT would suck. Otherwise, it kind of makes marketing sense if you recall just how popular ND was in the late seventies. My wife is a fan, and it always draws her attention when TLW is on to cause her to watch a little bit more of it each time. That said, who else would have made a logical, inspired guest in place of ND? I think we have already established that George Harrison would have been a natural addition. I think, looking at Watkins Glen, that members of the Dead and Greg Allman could have found a niche. Given the Winterland location, former members of Jefferson Airplane could have been interesting, but then again, Marty Balin singing Count on Me may have been maudlin. What about Elvis coming on stage during Mystery Train? Now that could have created many a discussion out here. I think it would have been incredible, regardless of his physical condition in late '76, and he WAS an influence on the Hawks/Band, and everyone else at the time. Roger McGuinn would have been cool. Taj Mahal would have rocked. What about Elton John, who could have done a blazing Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding with GARTH ON THE INTRO!

Entered at Fri Apr 12 17:23:33 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Thanks Butch and Jose for sharing your observations from The Last Waltz premier. The star-studded turnout is proof that the music lives on and is still a happening thing some 26 years later. Jose's account shows that the film has the power to pass the great music on to subsequent generations.

Interesting to learn that the film's soundtrack has been "cleaned-up" once again for the surround sound remix. This weekend I'll have to revisit the film by watching my videotape copy of the near-pristine widescreen version of the film that the Turner Network aired several years ago.

Looking forward to listening to the audio clip of the NPR Morning Edition feature when its available online this afternoon.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 17:09:11 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool73-195.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.73.195)

Charlie Young

Subject: You Never Give Me Your Money...

John D: click the link above to read an excellent Paul McCartney interview and feature by Richard Harrington from a recent WASHINGTON POST. The piece mentions Paul's wealth at well OVER a billion dollars US,"...THE SUNDAY TIMES of London's annual list [for 2001] of the country's wealthiest people crowned McCartney the pop world's first billionaire and 11th richest person in England with a wealth estimated at close to $2 billion."

I admit that I am among those who shelled out bucks for nosebleed seats so I can take my teenage daughter to the show (she actually likes Paul, but the Beatles more--and I don't think they'll be coming to town). I blame the a**hole tickets scalpers for what has happened to ticket prices in the last twenty years more than I blame the artists, though. Big name artists figure that they deserve the money for seats at their shows rather than the thugs standing on corners who often make 200 to 300 percent profit on the face value of tickets. The "ticket agencies" aren't much better. Those guys deserve to be in jail more than a lot of people who are.

I know I'm just nostalgic for the days when my high school friends and I saw The Band (who had been on that famous TIME cover just a short time before) from the third row for under seven dollars each--thanks to an equitible mail lottery ticket system. There are still groups that treat their fans well and beat the scalpers at their game, though. Canada's Barenaked Ladies have an online fan club that has allowed my daughter and her frinds to enjoy BNL shows from great seats at reasonable prices on numerous occassions. They show that a band that cares enough about their SERIOUS fans can reward them. I was huge a Bruce Springsteen concert fan circa 1974-75 and saw several shows from great seats. After the TIME and NEWSWEEK Springsteen covers and the marketing machine and scalpers got rolling I simply stopped going to his shows, though. I wouldn't be going to see Sir Paul if my daughter hadn't wanted to go for what may be our only oppurtunity...

Entered at Fri Apr 12 16:53:39 CEST 2002 from gate02c.merckmedco.com (167.211.190.2)

Jose

Subject: Last Waltz Premiere Review

Bones thanks for asking... I'll give a more detailed review when more time is available. I'm in the middle of two huge projects at work. Rhino/Warner was fantastic...I'd like to thank Eric Kayser, John Adams and of course Jimmy Edwards. They were incredible people and truly do not reflect the Hollywood elitist attitude that you would expect from the industry.

Of course being the event that it was if was rife with celebrities of the likes of Richard Gere (my wife took a pic with him), Carey Lowell, Michael Stipe, Stanley Tucci, Tom Noonan, Peter Boyle, Kevin Bacon, Bebe Neuwirth, Jimmy Farrel...it goes on and on.

Well the sound was incredible. Absolutely clean...thanks to Paul Allen's facilities it was just perfect. Couple of quick points for those Last Waltz experts: The movie prints were left as is...there no changes to the film celluloid-side. It was strictly the sound. It was remixed with some minor changes. /n Dylan's incoherent rambling on the guitar at the beginning of "Baby, Let Me Follow You Down" was inaudible(an improvement). /n Levon's vocal level was changed slightly during "The Weight" ommitting the "huh-huh" from the chorus. (not a good idea...)/n In general the greatest improvements were the vocals and percussion. There was also much greater seperation of brass and rhythm section. Making it much more dynamic./n It's a better film soundwise, although the original was pretty damn good./n During the opening credits when the Band members would appear with their name title below their faces, ironically it was Levon Helm that got the loudest applause./n The after show party was a swanky as the Ziegfield Theatre. It was held at the famed Supper Club in the Broadway section of NYC. I was ushered in by the Rhino/Warner folks and treated with all the attention one can ever expect./n Dr. John put on a great show as well as Garth Hudson with an Indian Band I have never seen before. (I have pictures of all of this). Unfortunately, when Dr. John came out again Garth's keyboards were inaudible. I found it painful to watch him jam out and really get into it and have no one able to hear him./n As the evening was nearing to a close MGM's publicist coordinated a sit down with Robbie Robertson, myself and my wife./n He was a lot warmer individual that I'd ever imagine. Although, I do not know him personally I had a chance to come away with a more detailed impression than you would get from a photo-op. We spoke for what seemed 15-20 minutes. I was never rushed or patronized. We had a very enjoyable conversation which I'll try to highlight on another posting./n Quite a few trivia questions were answered. I was only 5 years old when the Last Waltz happened and didn't discover it until I was 14. I was never star-struck because Robertson never allowed it, he absolutely put me at east...tapped my hand...grabbed my shoulder and was absolutely attentive./n I've had the pleasure of meeting Garth Hudson before and again at the after-gig gala as well Rick Danko on many occassions. I've yet to meet Levon Helm...I hope to soon one day. It was an incredible experience. I will never forget it. This music will never die.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 16:34:35 CEST 2002 from spider-loh-te072.proxy.aol.com (195.93.49.182)

Chris

Subject: Rick's Bass Playing (a response to Pete Viney)

Just got back and was flicking through the posts so this is a bit overdue. Pete, many bassists (and other string players) will play a low string high up the neck to get a mellower sound than they would on a higher string (if that makes sense). Also, I wonder if this was part of the naivete the band revelled in at times (eg. Richard's drumming esp. on 'When You Awake'). They often used this to great affect and I have wondered whether the style of playing you identified was Rick's contribution to this approach.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 16:21:36 CEST 2002 from m124-133.on.tac.net (209.202.124.133)

Bill

Entered at Fri Apr 12 15:20:46 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Could someone tell me if TLW commentary is on all NPR stations or only certain ones and at what time and what station should I be tuning too. I've checked NY state sites and no mention of TLW. Thanks you very much.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 15:10:20 CEST 2002 from wc12.ym.rnc.net.cable.rogers.com (66.185.85.79)

John D

Well my boss gave me two ticket's to see McCartney tomorrow night. The price, if I had to pay for them. $260.72 EACH including taxes. I'm guessing the promoter is not getting rich on this one. I'm sure McCartney is costing a pretty penny. I totally believe in a capitalistic society; but Pauley.....your almost a billionaire. How nice it would have been to make it a little more affordable for the masses. Maybe I'm behind the times. When I see a Ford F150 Pick up on a lot for $42,000.00 Canadian, I start to feel like my dad. I wouldn't want to get a pick up dirty at those prices.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 15:06:42 CEST 2002 from 24-197-166-9.charter-georgia.com (24.197.166.9)

Don Pugatch

Subject: The Last Waltz

Everyone is sleeping this morning, so the normal blasting of WRFG Blues program has been shelved and streaming in my office, WFUV. Lucked out, at about 8:45, review of The Last Waltz at the Ziegfield in New York for the media last night, and the reviewer just could not stop raving about how great and wonderful the night was. Funny, he dished Neil Diamond,(wondered who forced him on the bill) and also did not say very nice things about Ms. J. Mitchell. Praised Neil Young and in his opinion , Dr. John was the premierre star. What I feel and was said many times, this needs to be seen by obviously fans of The Band, but by young, old or in between who are not fans or do not even know who The Band was or is. A time in American History, and whether we want to give credit to or not, without Robbie, who would have taken the lead and passed the baton.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 14:38:34 CEST 2002 from spider-ta074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.79)

Dave Z

Entered at Fri Apr 12 14:22:46 CEST 2002 from plantlogic.com (209.195.208.11)

bassmanlee

Subject: Last Waltz on NPR - Garth gets quoted!

Caught part of the NPR piece on TLW this morning in the car. Lots of Scorsese. Cites JRR in helping him move forward at a difficult point in his career. Garth raises points that their success put them in a place where it was hard to come up with a new album every year. That Robbie may have been tired of writing, and that (and I thought this was very interesting) they were all living in houses in California, far from their (musical) roots...Memphis, Arkansas, etc., and this may have sapped their energy for creating/continuing the music. (I have not directly quoted, but paraphrased. Corrections welcome.) Segment should appear at above web page sometime today. Perhaps someone can give a more accurate quote then.

Which brings me to a short technical question. NPR (and others) post their clips as RealAudio. I have tried to install RA on my WinNT4 work machine 3 times, and it seriously hosed my system each time. I've looked in vain for another application that can play RA files. Anyone know of one that does NOT require RA to be installed as well?

Entered at Fri Apr 12 14:10:01 CEST 2002 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

Subject: TLW NPR & Mike Short

Thanks for the info, Mike! Maybe Jan should omit some other people too so we could hear from them as well! On TLW on NPR, I'll have to check their website to see if it is archived there Perhaps we can set up a link to it. Since I moved, my commute is so short I usually catch only 'the time...is EIGHT O'CLOCK' as I pull into my space, and miss Morning Edition, which I used to live by.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 10:54:35 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool27-174.nas7.los-angeles1.ca.us.da.qwest.net (63.233.27.174)

Mike Short

Subject: The Hawks

I read the list of former Ronnie Hawkins band members and noticed, sadly, that my name wasn't on it. I played piano with Ronnie in the late seventies, along with Rick Newell, John Till, Sandy Konikoff, Jack DeKeyzer and Ken Kalmusky. Sandy was later replaced by Gary Oatridge. Ken left and was replaced by Wayne King. And Rick Newell left around the same time Carl Mathers joined. I wouldn't have bothered eMailing but, it so happens, being a former Hawk is something I consider a musical high water mark. Thanks for listening.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 05:26:18 CEST 2002 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Subject: Spelling etc.

Actually, Butch, u did good. It ain't easy to spell saskatchewan, espy if u link with saskatoon, too. Nice.

Also, mucho thnx for your remarks re the young Rick. Yeah, that's what really turns me on whenever I watch. That and, of course, Levon's raw energy. I never get tired.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 04:46:32 CEST 2002 from cache-2.lnh.md.webcache.rcn.net (207.172.11.148)

Steve H

Subject: TLW on NPR

I heard the teaser for Friday's All Things Considered story on the re-realeased Last Waltz on NPR tonight. See someone beat me to mentioning it, but they did say they will have comments from members (plural) of the Band. Hope Levon and Garth get to talk.

Speaking of the Last Waltz and knowing what went on behind the scenes, I'd say that if I knew Bogart and Ingrid Bergman simply hated each other, I'd still enjoy Casablanca just as much. It's a terrific movie, enjoy it for that.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 02:57:20 CEST 2002 from hse-toronto-ppp178771.sympatico.ca (64.229.84.106)

Blind Willie McTell

Subject: TLW Film Toronto

Hi folks, I will be at the Toronto premiere for TLW next week. Does anyone know where are the best sounding seats in the theatre are?

Entered at Fri Apr 12 01:58:11 CEST 2002 from dv166s40.lawrence.ks.us (24.124.40.166)

Ray Pence

Subject: The Last Waltz resurrection on NPR tomorrow

Hello, this detail may be out there already but a story on the revised Last Waltz(es) will air on Morning Edition, April 12.

I imagine that this will be dominated by Robbie Robertson, but who knows? (That doesn't especially bother me, I'm just happy to have some new versions of the event.) It was nice to hear some bites from the soundtrack on NPR.

The Last Waltz has considerable sentimental value in my life and has had for some time (more than 20 years). It was my real introduction to the Band, not counting the article about them in "The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll." Reading about the Band made me want to go buy "Music From Big Pink," which took a while to sink in (I was 14 when I bought it, in 1978), but I haven't looked back since.

Despite the different versions of that elusive concept of the "truth" about the Last Waltz, I am looking forward to hearing the CDs and looking at the DVD. It's too bad the movie doesn't have a wider rerelease.

I think it would be for the best if those who don't care for the releases because of their views of Robertson could refrain from making those who do enjoy the events feel bad about it, and likewise for those who side with Robertson and take shots, consciously or not, at those who can't abide the rereleases. I think there is something for most people to enjoy in the film or soundtrack without dwelling on the conflicts. I just don't see the point anymore, if there ever was one. But I always see the point of enjoying the Band.

Entered at Fri Apr 12 01:03:56 CEST 2002 from spider-wb063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.178)

Joe

Ahh Bubba!!!!! You described the evening so well. It was fantastic!! Funniest moment of the night for me was when Neil Diamond came on the screen. Many got up to go to the girls and boys room, me being one of them. There were lines to use the bathrooms, and in front of me was Peter Boyle, star of tv and motion pictures. He turns to me and says (referring to the long bathroom lines),,"Neil Diamond cleared the house". Ya' had to be there.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 23:55:54 CEST 2002 from wwwcache.lanl.gov (128.165.156.80)

Kay

Now THAT was worth waiting for.....perfect little details and just enough to leave ya wanting more. Even if you can't spell everything, you could give writing lessons to some others.

Thanks Butch

Entered at Thu Apr 11 23:50:28 CEST 2002 from syr-24-169-66-92.twcny.rr.com (24.169.66.92)

Bashful Bill

Subject: Band Stuff

Damn, Butch, wish I coulda been there. I just was listening to my complete LW today, warts & all. After all, thats exactly how I first heard it.One of my many memories of that night was my joy at them opening up with that stellar Cripple Creek, then followin up with The Shape I'm In and IMND. No horns, just those 5 guys. A few days ago our Aussie friend Nancy asked if I could be heard yelling on the soundtrack. Anyone who knows me knows I'm much too "bashful" to go around yelling at concerts. But, I slipped one time, at a mid 90's Rochester show.. I have a tape of a show where I must have been having a religious experience and I can be clearly heard yelling "Garth is God!"

Entered at Thu Apr 11 23:16:48 CEST 2002 from spider-wc033.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.33)

butch

Subject: TLW

well,,,,, as late as 3 pm, yesterday,, i was undecided,,,, but i figured Levon needed representation, so i dressed for the ny hipsters,,,,, & off i went,,,,,,,,

parked,,, & the 1st guy i see is Joe & Doreen ( JL from here ),, laughing we got on the credential line,,,then Bill & Mike Lyons popped up & we were roarin to go,,,up walks norman ( noelja) & his musician friend & the gang was good to go,,,,

all the papparazzi were lined up,, & we slid right through,, thank goodness the boss was in arkansas,,, we'd have still been there,,,,,,,,

once inside,,,, 1st i saw blondie chaplin,, rick's old runnin buddy,,, & terri baker , The Band's atty in the 90's,,,& Rob Fraboni,,,,,,,,,up come drummer extroidinaire,, steve jordan,,, who told EVERYONE how seeing Levon the 1st time changed his life,,,, his direct quote was " i saw Levon & knew my s**t was all wrong,, & i hadda change it,,, Levon saved me,,," exact quote,,,

behind us was GARTH & his guests,, Purna Das & family/band ( indian musicians )eric anderson was there, as was Dr John ,,, of course,,,

finally i found Amy Helm & her friend & we formed a protective "circle" around her,,,,,the sharks were circling ,,, questions asked her like " how do you feel that robbie spoke for ten minutes & never mentioned The Band, with Garth right there ?? ",, i mean,, let the kid watch her father & friends,, right ?

sharks,, feh !

but the real stars of the night,, as WE all know was The Band,,,,

a young beautiful Rick, smilin every chance he got,, slidin up & down that bass making magic with every touch,,,,,,,,

& Richard,,, Bless his memory too,,,singin his heart out,, THAT voice,,, that playing,, truly from the angels,,, can ya believe that those A-Hole execs NEVER invited his FAMILY !!!!!!!! RICHARD'S FAMILY !!!!,,,,,jerks,, but they can speak ad nauseum on the technical improvements,,,,,,

& Garth,, dear wonderful Garth,,,,, I was SO PROUD to know him, as always,, a true gentleman,,, & one of the BEST senses of humor anywhere,,,, we went to his truck to get his saxes to play ,, & ran into tourists from Saskatoon saskatchewan, ( sorry for the spelling ),,they were singing sea shanties or something canadian in aboooot 30 seconds,,, /n but the music,, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh the music,,,,at least they got that right,,,,,,,, Levon , leading the band from his stool,,, singing ( or is that SANGin), his huge heart out & drumming like the marvell he is,,,

the look on his fave when butterfield was singing & playing was wonderful,, he was happy deep in the blues with butter,,, & the enhanced sound,, you can hear so much more Garth,, on butter, on Muddy i heard stuff i never heard before,,,from Garth,,, & MUDDY was still the most powerful presence on that stage, !!!!!!!!!!!!!! but it was all good ( except i still hate neil diamond's song,,, sorry ) & The Hawk is just as funny,,,,

but go, if ya can,,,,,"they" are gonna make the $$$ with or without ya,, you might as well see rick in all his glory,,,, duetting with Garth,,,, or just laughing ,,,,

i kept lookin for ya bones,,, but i hear ya have a work crisis,,, oh,, & just a sliver of hometown favorite, Larry Packer,,,,,,,,,,, but hey,, he aint no star,,,, heee heeeee heeeeeee,, just a musician,,,,

ok,, i know other folks were there,, love to hear how wrong they thought i was,,,,,,,,,,,LOL,,,,,,,,,,

Entered at Thu Apr 11 22:54:40 CEST 2002 from 0-1pool73-22.nas22.vienna1.va.us.da.qwest.net (63.159.73.22)

Charlie Young

Subject: SELF-PORTRAIT (Revisited)

JTull Fan: thanks for the tip on that Virginia Beach station. I'll check it out next time I'm there.

Ben Pike: when was the last time you listened to Dylan's SELF PORTRAIT? I think in my case it was decades ago until I found a cheap CD copy the other day. I was suprised at how much better the album was than I recalled--at least after that awful opening muzak track, "All the Tired Horses." But even that song was interesting, as I remember one reviewer at the time pointing out that the repeated haiku-like lyric ("All the tired horses in the sun/How'm I supposed to get any riding done?") was probably typically sly Dylan wordplay on the words "riding" and "writing," since many of the songs on the double LP were written by other writers, ranging from Gordon Lightfoot to Paul Simon. The double versions of some songs are interesting, too. "Little Sadie" first appears as Dylan with his NASHVILLE SKYLINE country crooner mask, then returns at the end as a stark, harmonica-driven track. I think it was no coincidence that Dylan put the latter track last on the lengthy set, as a way of saying, "no the old angry Bob didn't die in that cycle wreck, he can still play like he used to--if he chooses to do so..."

Entered at Thu Apr 11 22:43:03 CEST 2002 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Thanks Bones for the link to TLW premier photos. Glad to see Dr. John made it, looking quite fit. Speaking of fit -- there seems to be an abundance of shots of that new Bond girl! And what's this, another degree of Kevin Bacon.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 22:34:22 CEST 2002 from spider-te081.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.211)

Dave Z

Subject: TLW

Cool Pics Bones!!! Love that hat too Garth... btw Lil have you ever asked Garth if you could try that hat on, heh heh heh?... I wouldn't blame you if you stole it for a little while to tease him... When I was growing up my Dad used to tease his Dad by stealing his most sentimental or prized possessions usually around Thanksgiving time... and then he would return them all wrapped up for Christmas... Just enough time for the old guy to think he lost it somewhere... Of course Gramma used to egg him on for losing stuff too because everybody's got to have their fun... anyway, I was listening to a Springfield boot today while me and the boys were getting flowers for Mom, who has been patient this week... and wondered whether Neil was influenced at all by Robbie's playing?... Oh well, gotta go, and because I'm in a snit about not being able to attend either the TLW premiere (Mpls?) or the Levon Film Fest, I decided to hang some of my stuff in a local art show... and tonight's my opening night... 1st show... heh heh heh, I think I'll commandere the music box... and pop in a Band CD...

Entered at Thu Apr 11 22:23:05 CEST 2002 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

Subject: Quebec

MattK: Nice post. The one 'but...' I have is that I do not think it was folly to think the french in Quebec would join the revolution, given the fact that France sided with and aided the American colonies, mostly as payback to the British for taking Canada in the 1760's. Then again, if the French treated their colonies as badly as the British, perhaps we can understand why they did not want to go back to French rule.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 22:02:03 CEST 2002 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

Subject: Self Portrait

Ben Pike: It's not about choosing Self Portrait over Hwy 61, Big Pink, Sgt. Pepper, mother, god, or country. The thread started when Charlie Young said he bought it in the bargain bin, and taking away all the bile the thing has caused over the years, he enjoyed listening to it, and a few of us agreed. Nobody is arguing that it is weaker than much of his work, by why does it deserve to be hated so much? It is certainly more listenable to me than John Lennon's double album Some Time in NYC, released only 2 years later. Can ANYBODY prefer that to Self Portrait? At least SP does not give time to Yoko Ono. Many artists we like and discuss out here have released duds, but somehow SP is labeled as some type of betrayel to everything that is good in the world. It's only an album, and there are many other worse ones to trash.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 22:01:42 CEST 2002 from cmldme-cmt1-24-198-97-58.maine.rr.com (24.198.97.58)

MattK

Subject: Quebec and the American Revolution

JTull's references to Quebec and the original 13 colonies is largely correct, though he dulls the point somewhat by implying the Americans asked the Canadians nicely, shrugged, and resolved to fight their noble struggle without their brothers to the North. While the Continental Congress did make a brief, diplomatic overture to Canada (at that point, Quebec was, by-and-large, part and parcel of the Canadian territory), after an initial rebuff, the Continental Congress resolved to take Canada by FORCE.

In Autumn of 1775, American Colonel Benedict Arnold led 1,000 men, under Congressional order (the soldiers were selected from amongst 4,000 volunteers) up the Kennebec river in what is now the state of Maine. In mid-November, he reached the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec City in mid-November. At about the same time, Montreal (which had been under siege for two months) fell to American General Richard Montgomery.

On Dec. 31, Arnold and Montgomery attacked Quebec in a blinding snowstorm. In the battle, Montgomery was killed, and Arnold was forced to withdraw to Montreal. Through the winter of 1776, he futily sieged Quebec, hoping the cold northern winter would lead to the city's surrender. In April of 1776, the British fleet was able to get through the thawing ice of the St. Lawrence with provisions and re-enforcements for the besieged and starving British army.

Congress made one last attempt at convincing the Canadians to join the colonial revolt. The diplomatic mission, headed by Benjamin Franklin failed, and Arnold withdrew from Montreal just ahead of an advancing British force.

Quebec (and Canada) never had much to consider with the American offer. The Americans were driven to revolution by the King's (and Tory-dominated parliament) taxes and tariffs. These were levied, largely, to pay for the costs of conducting the French-Indian/Seven Years War in the 1750s - the outcome of which benefited the Americans by ending decades of territorial disputes with the French on the Americans' wester frontier.

Problem was, in the 18th century, the British/American colonies had been settled largely by British subjects seeking refuge from the corrupt economic, political and religious structures which had come to dominate Britain with the rise of the German-born Hanoverian kings (aka George I, II, III). For 150 years (starting with the settlement at Jamestown), the colonies had acted with virtual autonomy - relatively untaxed, with the Crown content to receive a steady flow of raw materials from the American frontier.

With the rise of a thriving mercantile culture in the North, and agriculture in the South, however, exports from America became increasingly valued back in Britain. Conversely, as American cities grew, and populations expanded, imports TO America became it's own industry, making many in Parliament (as well as the Crown itself) increasingly wealthy. With the establishment of a major military force in America during the French-Indian War (and it's associated cost), the method as well as the motive was established to rather suddenly change the relationship between the individualistic colonists and Mothercountry.

Thus, the Americans' expectations were somewhat different from the Canadians'. While the Americans were indignant over what, they felt, was the abusive tyranny of the Parliament (and later) the Crown, that indignation was fed by the fact that they had ALWAYS been British subjects. In short, the Americans, denied representation in Parliament, felt they were being treated as second-class subjects (somewhat accurate as royal/Tory arrogance and ingnorance toward the Americans gave Revolutionary War it's breath, and was a leading cause toward's its outcome).

Additionally, the Americans were descendants of people escaping Britian and thus had a built-in suspicion of the British establishment. In the 15 years preceding the Declaration of Independence, the Americans' suspicion grew to indignation, to fury, to rebellion - with a sense they'd been betrayed by their own sovereign. Much like a jealous step-child, the Americans viewed the concilliatory actions of the King towards Canada with contempt.

The Canadians, however, by 1775, had only been British subjects for less than a generation. The economic basis of the Canadian colonies was based largely on the trading/exporting raw materials culled from the Canadian frontier. There was far less emphasis on mercantilism and agriculture at that time, compared to what had developed in America.

After taking posession of Canada from France in 1761, Britain did not invoke punative reperations on the (formerly) French citizens of Canada. So unlike the Americans (who were suddenly being taxed and tariffed to pay for the war), the Canadians saw little change to their livelihood, and with the passage of the Quebec act, saw little theat to their cultural livlihood. Though conquered, the Canadians appeared (to the Americans, at least), to be getting better treatment, though the Americans were "loyal British subjects."

The Canadians, at that time, simply had far less to revolt AGAINST than the Americans. Add into the mix 150 years of skirmishes, disputes and GENERATIONS of bad blood between the American Colonists and the French Colonists (who were played off each other, somewhat deliberately, by their corresponding sovereigns), and the idea that Canada would join in with the American armed resistance was, in hindsight, pure folly.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 21:53:14 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Subject: Last Waltz Premiere

I have included a link to photos taken at the Last Waltz premiere last night. Great picture of Garth and Robbie.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 21:41:41 CEST 2002 from spider-wd042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.167)

benpike

Well, Tull's ability to size up our political life is rivaled only by his skill at rating Dylan. SP deserves it's place in infamy as surely as "Highway 61" deserves it's glory. Pher defence of the album is even sadder, I guess the people who ponyed up the high double album price for a Dylan release in 68 were right in getting ripped off because Bob was going through some stuff in his personal life. Such rip offs, of course, were much more novel at the time, before rock stars became a sort of royalty. It is more interesting to view SP as what it probably was, Dylan's supreme act of hatred against himself, his record company, his fans, the world. For as long as there are those who giggle at the loathsome lies of a Limbaugh, we will all have to settle for the swill of SP rather than sublime pleasures of a country that is as good as the bootleg series or the basement tapes.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 21:30:01 CEST 2002 from du-tele3-070.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.70)

Peter Viney

Bagpipes alone are usually excrutiatingly painful, but massed bands (13 of them) playing together is a stirring sound (from a distance). Bees don’t taste bad and are nutritious. The massed band piece from the fumeral is being released as a UK single and is expected to be a hit.

Glad to hear it was Rollie who shouted “Ophelia’. I’d heard somewhere that he was there.

Let it Be is imminent on DVD according to the popular press. Don’t think you can argue over who would have been the best backing band. After Tony Sheridan, The Beatles never had to do it. The key thing about TLW is that while The Band backed everyone sympathetically to their own style, they still definitely sounded like The Band throughout. I think you could round up the usual session guys – Jim Keltner, Duck Dunn, Steve Cropper and so on and back anyone perfectly. But neither The Band nor The Beatles would have done it like that, because they’re creative musicians and they retain their own signatures, which is why they’re great. I suspect only McCartney could have stood his ground on all round natural inborn musicality with the The Band members, but every one of The Beatles had a particular genius. I don’t suppose John Lennon could play as many instruments as Garth, Rick or Levon. So what?

Entered at Thu Apr 11 20:43:50 CEST 2002 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Jose: How did it go? I can't wait to hear all about it.

Entered at Thu Apr 11 20:33:07 CEST 2002 from (66.200.102.18)