The Band Guestbook, February 2020

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Peter V

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Wallsend

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Lisa

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brown eyed girl

Jakob Dylan - Love for Levon
...and highest praise for The Band Interview
Nov 24, 2013

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Rod

I remember reading a few magazine articals from 83 where LH had good things to say about RR. One was a drumming mag or book. Those were the days before the web and this site so Band news was few and far between.

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brown eyed girl

The Band's Garth Hudson Interview
Feb 16, 2019
Matt Schichter

The Band's Garth Hudson sat down to chat music, touring, songwriting and more.

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John D

If you look in the pictures section of this site, you will find a pic that the late Paul Godfrey took. It's Levon driving a jeep with Albert Grossman sitting beside him. Ronnie Hawkins sitting on the hood and in the back, Levon's Father Diamond Helm and standing next to Levon's dad having a coffee, it's Robbie. This pic was taken at the record release party of the RCO All-Stars in '77. This shot would have been taken approx. 8 months after TLW. Things seemed hunky dory at that point.

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Pat B

If you prefer Milk Cow Boogie to Acadian Driftwood, so be it.

btw, have you ever really looked at the Band's schedule from 1983-86? I'd hardly call much of that touring. The only extensive roadwork went from mid October to the end of November in 1983, about 7 weeks with a 1 week break and a 5 day break.

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Dave H

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Peter V

Subject: 'Barbarella psychedella …'

Off the subject, but I know there are film buffs who look at these. My "60s films revisited" series of reviews continues with Barbarella directed by Roger Vadim, starring Jane Fonda. This one gets better every time I see it too.

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Bill M

I've read several interviews from the '80s in which Levon says laudatory things about Robbie. I don't have a scrapbook that I can pull them out of, but I can assure you that they exist.

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Dag B.

Subject: Garth interview

Sydney Morning Herald, 1988.

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Peter V

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Ben

Pat, Do you have some specific examples of Levon praising Robbie and the Last waltz in the years you refer to? I don't recall seeing anything of this nature.

The fact that the Band played several songs from NL-SC on the 1976 tour was not surprising. On the 1971 tour, the Band played a number of songs from Cahoots. In the 90's, the Band performed a number of songs from Jericho and High on the Hog. This is a standard practice to feature songs from your current album. I think it's significant that after the 1971 and 1976 tours ended, many of the songs from Cahoots and NL-SC were dropped from their set list. The core of the Band's set in the 70's, 80's and 90's were songs from the first three albums.

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Peter V

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Wallsend

Do we know when Levon made his first public criticism of Robbie?

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Pat B

Right. In 1976 they added Ring Your Bell, Forbidden Fruit, IMND, Acadian Driftwood, Ophelia, and Twilight, and they resurrected In A Station and Tears of Rage. Yeah, right. Any Band fan would be thrilled to hear Java Blues, Milk Cow Boogie, and Willie & The Hand Jive instead of those turkeys. Sure.

Brian Wilson "left" the Beach Boys for about 1 album--Holland. The Byrds had about 8 songwriters on every album. They relied on outside writers for probably half their material. Losing Gene Clark barely dented their output.

Anyone who reads Richard's final interviews knows he did not like what was going on. His frustrations were painful to behold, and his pain was awful to witness. And, at the end, he let everyone know.

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Rod

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Wallsend

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Bill M

Brian Wilson's reduced participation in the Beach Boys, even when they were huge, got me thinking. I remembered Glenn Campbell that often filled in for Brian on tour - including in Toronto in the mid-'60, and then it struck me that he could have filled in for Robbie too. Maybe public pressure would have forced this new Band lineup to add "Rhinestone Cowboy" to the setlist, but I could have absented myself from the room temporarily.

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Rod

Beautiful Noise is a great album. Way more interesting arrangements than on anything else ND has done (though the Rick Reubin one is OK). I just wish RR had sent the string players home. (Management probably said no).

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Peter V

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Not Dark Yet

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Dave H

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Wallsend

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Bill M

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Wallsend

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Dave H

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Ben

Peter, Their are other cases of significant songwriters leavings bands that continued on in their absence. I'm thinking of Brian Wilson leaving the Beach Boys, Gene Clark leaving the Byrds, Richard Thompson leaving Fairport Convention.

It's interesting that you mention the Band playing some DFA songs in Japan. I have a copy of the concert you're referring to. I'm pretty sure that the reason they added some extra songs to their set was that their contract in Japan was to play for two hours, while their standard set was around 90 minutes.

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Joe Frey

This thread got me thinking about the post RR Band albums. When they first came out, I gave them a number of spins but didn't pull them off the shelf that much. It wasn't until about 2017 (!) that I really began to appreciate them and how much enjoyment I got in listening to them. I am not comparing them to the original Band records, I am just saying that they are still fun to listen to. The guys still knew how to make records. joe

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NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Mood music

Norm J said it right. - For me the peaceful female Celtic music in the night is the right music. Dylan's 'Self Portrait' is right for the month of June, 'New Morning' is for September and 'John Wesley Harding' is for November.

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Peter V

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Norm J

Subject: Mood music

Songs for different times of the day or night, different weather or actions in a persons life are not strange in any way. Hence the tag "Mood music". Music for any occasion. Bring you up or mellow you out.

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Peter V

It was logical to do solo stuff in 1983, but they chose the easiest generic stuff … Java Blues not Small Town Talk, then Milk Cow Boogie, Caldonia and Willie and The Hand Jive. One More Shot was a great choice … but then why not the fine tracks from “American Son”. If Levon wanted to show his collaborative credentials, why not Strawberry Wine or Jemima Surrender? Going into the 90s they did some of the excellent DFA songs from Rick in a Toronto broadcast and in Japan, then stopped doing them … Driftin’ Away and Blue River. That’s one I don’t understand, and I believe as someone said years ago, it was Levon’s “fear of a main songwriter” – Rick taking Robbie’s role. But really, in 1983 going back out after 5 years (since the film) or 7 years since the concert, anyone else would have gone out with a new album.

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John D

Funny you mentioned Sunday's. In the sixties to middle 70's I always enjoyed listening to Dylan on a rainy Sunday morning. Just seemed like the right mood. Another thing. Once in a while I would listen to a song or album very late at night. I thought it was amazing. Tried to listen to the same album during daylight hours. Not so much for some reason.

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John D

I always enjoyed that song.

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Joe Frey

Peter, I agree that this is a very good album which I still listen to on a regular basis (mostly on Sundays - not sure why, it just feels right).

I have the 90s CD of BN and I see it was re-released in 2014 but no mention of remastering. If any one has the 2014 CD can you let me know if it has been remastered? joe

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Ben

Peter, You make some good points. However, I disagree with the conventional wisdom that Levon's book published in 1992 or 93 caused the rift in Band fandom. I think the fundamental rift was that Robbie didn't want to tour anymore in 1976, while Levon and Rick did. How do you bridge that divide? One obvious solution would have been for Robbie to simply step away and allow the others to continue on as The Band if they wished. Robbie didn't do that, he put his thumb on the scale with his ruminations about the evils and danger of the road.

Musicians join and leave bands. Lineups change over time. Has there ever been a case in any way analogous to the last waltz? I don't think so. Remember, these guys were in their mid thirties during this period. There is a long show business history of performers doing farewell tours and then returning to the stage a few years later. Sinatra, Bowie, The Who, The Eagles and many others.

Now, regarding the setlist of the reformed Band. Well, I don't really have an issue it. They performed the Band standards with the exception of 'Dixie' and added 'Java Blues' from Rick's album, 'Milk Cow boogie' and 'Willie and the hand jive' from Levon's albums, 'One More shot' from the Legend of Jesse James album that Levon contributed to and some other covers. It seemed like a logical setlist. It's not as if the Band had been playing deep album cuts and obscurities on the '76 tour. They played their standards and several tracks from Northern Lights-Southern Cross.

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NorthWestCoaster

Subject: The Thread

On the serious side. - I follow this thread with never-ending passion. I follow same threads in the world of literature, fashion, cars, politics, computer science (Linux). It is the same old story but the story of The Band is more heart-breaking and sad than any of these others. Happily, I have not listened to Band related music for years. I have distance. My music is Appalachian rural folk music and Celtic music. There are many pretty girls playing banjo nowadays! The Petersen Family for instance. (Their video from my wife's neck of woods in Finland is really funny.)

This gb has the best writers in the whole internet. That is why I keep reading. Good to see old friends!

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Peter V

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Peter V

We’ve done this so many times. The balance changed irrevocably when Levon left in 1965, staying away for virtually two years. I suspect the grudge started simmering once the surprise and joy of the first two albums subsided, probably even by Stage Fright with different arguments on production. The leadership had shifted. But it was a low background burn, and blew up when Robbie didn’t want to play in 1983, by which time finances were beginning to show a gap too.

I loved Bill’s comment

life would have been long, dismal driving tours of small halls and big bars around the US and Canada. They would eventually have gotten to meet all of us between sets in those places, but the joy of that would have gone only so far.

However, probably not. If Robbie had come on board in 1983 they would have done a new album to release with the tour (as they should have), they wouldn’t have been ploughing through Caldonia and Java Blues and Willie and The Hand Jive with the Cate Brothers. With a bit of an updated sound and enthusiasm, they might not have been confined to bars, as we can note that it wasn’t all Michael Jackson and Toto in 1983 … Bruce Springsteen was doing fine. The downside is Levon might have been pissed off about the shift of style on a couple of the new tracks

I was discussing this elsewhere yesterday. I strongly suspect they had another chance around Storyville, where rumour was that Geffen wanted it to be a Band album, Rick and Garth apparently up for it, but not Levon. No doubt Robbie may reveal more in his autobiography- part two.

On the other hand, bad management decisions go a long way back. Right back to declining to be on the Woodstock album and film. So in 1974, they do the biggest US tour ever at that point with Dylan, height of their fame, but don’t release an album of new material, then go off as SUPPORT act to CSNY. In the 90s, one had to think ‘Why are they playing these venues?’ Let’s take Cambridge UK. I knew because Lee G phoned me and told me, but press coverage in advance was minimal. To cap it all, after that UK tour and a brief Rick Danko visit, I spoke to UK club promoters and the most damning phrase of all when The Band were mentioned, "Word is out. They are unreliable."

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Wallsend

I just came across a clip of Dry Your Eyes from TLW on Youtube. There are hundreds of comments from Neil fans saying what a great performance it is. A bit different to the negativity you get from most Band fans.

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Bill M

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brown eyed girl

Won't you raise
Won't you raise up
Won't you raise up your hand
And hold back the dawn

After catching up in the GB...I needed some time to mourn the passing of Calm.....Hold Back The Dawn by Robbie Robertson and Rick Danko. She told me that this song had comforted her the most. Robbie was Calm's grade 10 typing and Math classmate. They attended a high school in another posters' hood in Scarborough RH King Academy. We visited their school after The Hockey Hall Of Fame and The Hard Rock Cafe to check out The Band/Dylan memorabilia. We also hung out at my home...Thank you for the time we shared together...with your partner and grandchildren as well. You were one of the most generous souls.

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Wallsend

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Rod

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brown eyed girl

Once Were Brothers Video

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brown eyed girl

Nomadic Mike... :-D

I posted this before...It was in 1993 during the promotion of TWOF when Levon was asked if there was anything to reconcile with Robbie....
His response was that he had felt differently at the time and not much reconciliation was needed now as everyone was doing well.
"It probably all worked out for the best."

18:30 NOVEMBER 16, 1993 Musician Levon Helm. Fresh Air Interview with Terry Gross and Levon Helm.

"Drummer and lead vocalist for the rock group The Band, Levon Helm. Helm's Arkansas roots gave the Canadian group an American folk sound. In the 1960's The Band, got it's start backing Bob Dylan. They went on their own in 1968 with "Music From Big Pink." The Band is back with a new album, "Jericho," and a tour. Helm's written a book about The Band called "This Wheel's On Fire" (Morrow)."

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Norm J

Subject: Intermission

On a totally unrelated subject I just have to say this. A couple days ago I was reading news on my computer here. There was an article about Trump. I forget what it was all about because........on the comments some guy said. Trump went to a phsycic....(that isn't right) the other day and wanted to know about his future. She pondered and said to him, "I see many people in New York, thousands of people all smiling and cheering. Your wife is there smiling more than any one". Trump says, "That's all fine but how does my hair look?" She says, "I cannot say, it is a closed casket.".............

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Wallsend

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Bill M

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Ben

Pat, I don't think it's accurate to claim that Levon's book was the beginning of the rift when their differences were on full display in the last waltz. Remember the last waltz was Robbie's baby. Robbie was an executive producer of the movie. For chrisakes, he was living with Scorses during post-production. The movie was his project, not Levon, Rick, Garth or Richards. So, I think it's quite significant that his comments about the road were completely contradicted by Levon and Rick's actions.

Dag, I've read several interviews from the 80's in which Robbie made disparaging comments about the reformed Band. I don't have a scrapbook of them that I can pull out and quote, but I can assure you that they exist.

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Norm J

Subject: More Review

My apologies Pat. You are right. I hadn't read enough back aways to make an informed evaluation. As soon as you read a statement that hasn't changed you need to read more to see what it is.

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Pat B

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Pat B

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Rod

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Wallsend

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Rod

I don't think Albert Grossman had any impact on the demise of The Band. He was well out of the picture by then. For all his supposed faults Richard seem to rely on him quiet heavily. I'm not sure that their subsequent managers did alot for them.

I know some people don't like this thread but it does keep people talking.

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Norm J

Subject: Dejavu

I haven't looked in this place for gawd knows how long. Have we gone back in time here? Is every one so bored they want to rehash the last 20 years.

Jed said it best by far, although Pat Brennan's sensible comments as well as a few others have that feel good.

Reminds me of when my son who has played music with me forever came to my house one day, years ago. He took my book "This Wheels on Fire" (that Steve Heggison mailed to me all those years ago). When he brought it back he just threw it on a table and said, I wish I never read it.

Now here's this kid Ben from New Jersey again bashing Robbie. "Robbie said some detrimental things" doesn't say what they were or offer any back up as Dag has just done. Just fan the flames. More bull shit to try and justify Levon Helm's case.

Impossible just to enjoy the music and respect the five guys who put it together. Just a waste of time.................gone.

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Dag B.

Subject: The Rumor

"What can I say? .. Robertson said. "I could take a position of, 'Hey. this is wrong. fellas. What you're doing is sacrilegious.' But, you know, why? "I think it's probably a business decision, not an artistic one." Robertson continued. "But hell. you can't knock that. "You know, 16 years is a long relationship. For a lot of things I couldn't turn those guys down ... but I'd feel like a fool doing it. I'd feel stupid. Besides, I don't want to. I don't feel one bit different from the day I sat down and said, 'That's it for me."

How does Robertson feel about being "replaced"? "The members of the Band aren't replaceable ... he replied flatly. "I could think of some interesting guitarists - Steve Cropper or Roy Buchanan. But frankly, I don't think anybody gives a damn about a mystery guitarist. "But I'm sure the guys have good reasons. And the bottom line is that they make real good music together."

Los Angeles Times, February 27, 1983

Link: Rick & Richard: The Rumor, live 1985

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Wallsend

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Ben

I haven't posted here for a long time. But I feel the need to jump in as I have a different perspective on the feud than what I've bean reading here. It certainly didn't start with Levon's book. It goes back squarely to the Last Waltz.

Robbie made some very self serving comments in the movie about the road being an impossible way of life, the numbers not adding up anymore, and all of the musicians who died on the road including Elvis (who died in his bathroom, the day before he was about to go out on tour). Elvis died in August, 1977. Both Rick and Levon recorded albums in this period (which Robbie played on) and both Rick and Levon began touring again in this period, prior to the release of the last waltz. So, Robbie's rationale for the last waltz was contradicted by Levon and Rick's actions.

I also want to point out that Robbie made a series of derogatory comments when the Band reformed in 1983. He certainly was not gracious about it at the time.

One of the reasons that a lot of fans (outside of this forum) take Levon's side in the feud is that so many of them were able to see him perform in the 30 plus years he was active after the last waltz. I think it's a natural occurrence that many fans developed a closer bond with him after seeing him perform. Robbie lost that bond with fans by retiring from the road.

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Lucas

It's sad that The Band who made great music and Influenced so many other musicians are in grave danger by some for being known more for the way it all went wrong rather than the way it went so right! I will always put the music on and think about the wonderful sounds these guy's created together over any of the BS and gossip that has come up over the years.

Now when the rumor comes to your town

It grows and grows, where it started, no one knows

Some of your neighbors will invite it right in

Maybe it's a lie

Even if it's a sin

They'll repeat the rumor again

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Jed

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Jed

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Bill M

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Joe Frey

Subject: Once Were Brothers

This thread is rather depressing from my point of view. I haven't seen the movie but I gather that drugs are featured prominently as them main factor for the fallout.

I do remember reading somewhere that Albert Grossman was a big influence on RR which may have contributed to the split. I don't know if that was mentioned in the movie.

One interesting tidbit that I have found over the last year or so was RR's statement that he was directing the guys in the Last Waltz and he viewed that as a big responsibility. I think I read that in one of the articles when OWB was being promoted.

That may be true but in John Simon's book (pages 242-3) you get a different perspective.

Oh well, the only real cure for these blues is to listen to the music, which I will after I send this. joe

Entered at Thu Feb 27 14:05:21 CET 2020 from (2600:1001:b123:9ec:5cc3:b30a:6288:3a29)

Jed

Saw the film last night. Well,I don’t change my opinion that Robbie wrote the songs and Levon brough hate on RR with his written words. But this movie was,in a way,rubbing Levon’s face in it. The section where he had others speak of his leadership was gross.BTW,Is cocaine addiction “better” than heroin addiction? There was a theme of attempting to respond to Levon and his friends and fans underlying the entire movie. Very different than Testimony where the response to Levon was but a part of the book not all of it. Robbie does come across as an arrogant guy even when he’s right. Nonetheless I still love each one of these guys for the music they gave us. All this movie proves is that while Levon was an imperfect human being so was Robbie. No big news there since the labels of imperfection and arrogance probably applies to all of us.

Entered at Thu Feb 27 13:59:37 CET 2020 from ti0168a400-2009.bb.online.no (85.167.138.224)

Dag B.

A bit of a smart ass, which is also the title of his book. Not as high up on my Nixon-like enemy list as Dave Marsh, Clinton Heylin or anyone who's ever typed for allmusic.

Entered at Thu Feb 27 13:25:48 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Feb 27 13:21:24 CET 2020 from 23-24-12-201-static.hfc.comcastbusiness.net (23.24.12.201)

b.lee

So, Robbie is adept at self-promotion, eh? Let's see, grew up on Ronnie's coattail, toured and kibitzed with Bob, fell down the Hollywood rabbit hole with Marty. At least he comes by it honestly.

Entered at Thu Feb 27 10:21:42 CET 2020 from c188-148-96-74.bredband.comhem.se (188.148.96.74)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: TLW

Someone mentioned TLW. - What a pain it was to sit in a movie theatre back in ... eerrr ... seventies. The film was superb, of course, but the lady sitting in front of me was not. (Thank God, she is not posting here.) She had all kinds of dirty comments. During that sweet 'Evangeline' she said out loud: "She is their w...e." For the change I don't mean the word 'whiske', sorry for eventual misspelling.

Entered at Thu Feb 27 09:12:25 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks Pat for posting the Joel Selvin. From memory, isn't he usually negative on Robbie?

Entered at Thu Feb 27 07:26:04 CET 2020 from (2600:387:4:802::3a)

JQ

When Robbie was talking about heroin and its toll did he mention his own decent into a cocaine madhouse?

Entered at Thu Feb 27 06:41:07 CET 2020 from n1-42-183-60.mas1.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.42.183.60)

Wallsend

Entered at Thu Feb 27 05:59:13 CET 2020 from (2600:1702:4580:5e80:1005:2911:23c9:c894)

Pat B

Survivors get to tell the history, but Robbie Robertson is pushing it.

The guitarist does not come off as a wholly reliable narrator in his cinematic account of the illustrious career of the Band, “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band,” the star-studded documentary that opens in theaters Friday, Feb. 28.

Told specifically from Robertson’s point of view, while he sits throne-like in the middle of a room, he even handles explaining the points of view of other people who might have held dissenting or, at least, differing views.

To support his own perspective, Robertson enlists his charming wife.

This beautifully produced, big-budget rockumentary, more than capably directed by Daniel Roher, is the latest effort to cultivate and maintain the legacy of the Band by Robertson, who long ago bought out the other members (predictably, Levon Helm was the lone holdout). The only other living member of the group, keyboardist Garth Hudson, is not interviewed.

Robertson has a gift for romanticizing his own hero’s journey, even if in the end, the film comes off as elaborate self-justification. He has a novelist’s unsparing eye for telling details and poignant moments, like playing “The Weight” for Bob Dylan the first time. “ ‘You wrote that?’ he said,” Robertson tells us. “I could see the pride in his eyes.”

“Inspired” by Robertson’s 2016 memoir “Testimony,” the film certainly has a story to tell. From backing Arkansas rock ‘n’ roll madman Ronnie Hawkins playing two-bit roadhouses across Canada to accompanying songwriter Bob Dylan at the peak of his career when he began playing electric rock music, these five musicians who became the Band were deeply schooled and primed to become a mythic force in rock. Their 1968 debut album, “Music From Big Pink,” hit like a comet, the handmade, clapboard sound contrasting sharply with the psychedelic electro-blues of the day.

Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen testify to the power of the debut record in the film. Dylan was not interviewed, although octogenarian Hawkins shines as an irascible old pirate.

At the heart of the Band’s music was a complex, tightly woven intersection of personalities and talents, a fluid collaboration among guitarist Robertson, drummer Levon Helm, bassist Rick Danko, and keyboardists Richard Manuel and Hudson, which Robertson claims in this movie was his “vision.” With Helm, Danko and Manuel gone and Hudson silent, Robertson picks up the story for them.

The public debut at San Francisco’s Winterland in 1969 is recalled with some humor, as Robertson, ill at the time with a 103-degree fever, was treated by a hypnotist to make it through the performance. But the whimsy quickly thins out as Robertson and his wife recount the long, slow, tortuous descent — by the other members — into a morass of drug and alcohol problems. Married with children while the others were not, they can’t help but paint themselves as the adults in the room.

“Robbie is a real artist,” Dominique Robertson says. “He is an amazing creative force.”

Of course, just exactly what those creative forces were responsible for creating was at the heart of the beef Helm had with Robertson, apparently to Helm’s dying day. Robertson recounts how he held an unconscious Helm’s dying hand in his hospital room and recalled their glorious youth, but he did not say Helm ever forgave him.

With Robertson, a little modesty would go a long way, but that is not his style. Robertson rests firmly in the center of his narrative, and the entire story revolves around him. He even takes responsibility for explaining why Helm was angry with him. The best he can summon in the way of independent support is guitarist Jimmy Vivino, who is cited as “a friend of Levon Helm.” “Families can go to the grave feuding,” Vivino says.

Really?

I don’t know for sure, but I suspect the ghost of Levon Helm pukes all over this movie.

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jh

Subject: SF Chronicle Review

Hm. The San Francisco Chronicle review of the OWB documentary, linked to above, is not available over here. Could we kindly ask some of our GB friends for a download/screendump?

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Bill M

Entered at Wed Feb 26 23:07:10 CET 2020 from n1-42-183-60.mas1.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.42.183.60)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Feb 26 22:41:48 CET 2020 from inetgate.msd.govt.nz (202.27.54.3)

Rod

Wallsend, I do live in Wellington but it's quite possible I will retire down south at some point. Except that's it getting so friggen expensive down there.

Entered at Wed Feb 26 19:26:37 CET 2020 from toroon0628w-lp140-04-76-71-7-98.dsl.bell.ca (76.71.7.98)

Kevin J

Beautifully stated, Jed.

As to TLW, Wallsend….Ronnie Hawkins has a particularly funny story in OWB about arriving a week early for the LW show and some of the shenanigans the boys were up to.

Entered at Wed Feb 26 19:01:36 CET 2020 from n1-42-183-60.mas1.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.42.183.60)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Feb 26 18:59:14 CET 2020 from (2600:1017:b81d:3c04:f886:8b68:b0a9:2677)

Jed

Entered at Wed Feb 26 16:38:09 CET 2020 from pool-96-239-106-206.nycmny.fios.verizon.net (96.239.106.206)

Jed

Entered at Wed Feb 26 15:07:26 CET 2020 from toroon0628w-lp140-04-76-71-7-98.dsl.bell.ca (76.71.7.98)

Kevin J

Funny……because I watched “Once Were Brothers” at the Paradise Theatre on February 22 which is at the Bloor and Ossington area of Toronto – almost across the street from a legendary The Band location – now a music store called Long & Mcquade….and of course used to be The Concord Tavern….the late great JT’s father was an owner of the place.

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Bill M

Wallsend (and Rod): I've been to that particular Paradise, oddly enough.

Entered at Wed Feb 26 11:13:39 CET 2020 from n1-42-183-60.mas1.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.42.183.60)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Feb 26 10:01:35 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

This is complicated. I thought New Zealanders were following a South Island- Arkansas and North Island-Canada identification geographically. But it doesn't work climatically as I've just remembered they've placed their entire country upside down.

Entered at Wed Feb 26 09:33:31 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Wed Feb 26 09:13:50 CET 2020 from 178.80-203-82.nextgentel.com (80.203.82.178)

Dag B.

The South Islandistas out out in full...

Entered at Wed Feb 26 02:57:09 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

Entered at Wed Feb 26 02:26:28 CET 2020 from inetgate.msd.govt.nz (202.27.54.3)

Rod

Glenorchy is superb.

Entered at Wed Feb 26 00:57:34 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Feb 25 23:44:40 CET 2020 from inetgate.msd.govt.nz (202.27.54.3)

Rod

Entered at Tue Feb 25 23:12:27 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Feb 25 21:52:29 CET 2020 from (199.58.194.210)

Jon Lyness

Agreed, Rod. I guess I've been a bit sheltered as this board is the only one I've ever followed the Band on, and I think by and large it's been balanced and respectful, perhaps more so in recent years than in the 90s/00s. Very grateful that Jan provides this space for our community here.

For many years I've also followed a Beach Boys board, and FWIW the level of rancor there appears exponentially worse than anything I've ever seen in the Band universe. I think if nothing else everyone here can bond over our shared love of the Big Pink and Brown albums. At times it seems like the divergent Brian Wilson/Mike Love fanbases can barely coexist at all.

Entered at Tue Feb 25 21:00:35 CET 2020 from inetgate.msd.govt.nz (202.27.54.3)

Rod

The Wilco FB page is interesting. I think it's official. There is quite a bit of criticism there of the groups recent albums (largely justified IMHO). I'm always surprised how tolerant they are off the criticisms. There's nothing personal though.

Entered at Tue Feb 25 20:30:23 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Feb 25 19:39:58 CET 2020 from toroon0628w-lp140-04-76-71-7-98.dsl.bell.ca (76.71.7.98)

Kevin J

Clint... Nothing new....

I had never heard Dominique Robertson speak before – that was new – as was really understanding how returning home each night from a day at the house/studio with the boys to a sophisticated/worldly lady and sharing her love for literature and life experiences so different than the rock n roll raucousness he was used to was really the beginning of his distancing himself from the others….

Also new for me was hearing Rick Danko say “Robbie was writing all the songs and we were doing the arrangements”.

What I loved mostly about OWB was how much MUSIC Daniel Roher was able to fit in to 100 minutes………Most critics don’t give a damn about that yearning more for tawdry stuff that a David Crosby doc served up……the problem with the Crosby doc is that is contained almost no music.

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John D

Good post Pat. Can't say I disagree.

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Pat B

Entered at Tue Feb 25 19:09:24 CET 2020 from cpef81d0f88efd3-cmf81d0f88efd0.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (99.227.162.85)

John D

I know I am going to resent posting this; but what the hell.

Clint, thank you so very much for your intelligent comment. I'm tired of the other bullshit; where people on this page love one member of the Band and literally hate another. I too am Switzerland

I loved all 5 members of the Band and when I see the term Levonistas, it makes my blood boil. This is how you refer to 1/5 of The Band??? Perhaps these people wish Levon was never a member of the Band. Levon has been dead since 2012 and people today are still blaming him for any negative reviews about Robbie's movie. I was proud to say I was friends with both of them They both always treated me with love and respect. I once told Robbie at the Windsor Arms Hotel that I held him right up there with Paul Simon and other great songwriters. He seemed surprised and thanked me. Anyway there are a few on this page who seem to enjoy dredging up negativity about the boys especially Helm. If you listen to the Youtube interview with Larry Campbell you will hear that Levon stopped the bitterness in the last couple of years. I know that each year; when I post about the anniversary of Levon's death absolutely no one comments on it. The Silence is deafening. Remember you can still love Robbie without hating Levon. Robbie certainly didn't hate him

Like Clint (and thank you again Clint whoever you are) for loving The Band as a whole. It's refreshing.

Entered at Tue Feb 25 19:00:20 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Feb 25 17:26:58 CET 2020 from pool-100-11-24-142.phlapa.fios.verizon.net (100.11.24.142)

Clint

I don't post here very often. I saw Robbie's new movie. I don't think he said anything new. Now, as far as taking sides go, I am Switzerland. I loved all the guys in The Band, and thought they were all special talents. I wished they could have stayed together longer and put out more records. And one more thing; all the guys, save Garth, had their issues with drugs.

Entered at Tue Feb 25 01:34:17 CET 2020 from cpef81d0f88efd3-cmf81d0f88efd0.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (99.227.162.85)

John D

You've got a keen eye sir.

Entered at Tue Feb 25 01:10:11 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

Entered at Tue Feb 25 00:03:35 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Who would have imagined that we would all carry a phone and camera that gave us access to all the knowledge in the world and that we would use it to photograph meals to send pictures to friends and to have violent arguments with people we have never met?

Entered at Mon Feb 24 23:16:22 CET 2020 from inetgate.msd.govt.nz (202.27.54.3)

Rod

I wonder how the new Levon book will go down? If it's an impartial view it may get a real drubbing from the Levonistas.

Entered at Mon Feb 24 23:08:28 CET 2020 from (2600:387:4:802::74)

JQ

I wonder if Butch D is at it over there? He split from here years ago but, while here, he was pretty shitty about JRR. He might lurk here though - I wonder, is he still even alive?

Entered at Mon Feb 24 22:44:51 CET 2020 from toroon0628w-lp140-04-76-71-7-98.dsl.bell.ca (76.71.7.98)

Kevin J

The following is a message Joshua Manuel posted on May 10, 2019 at the Real Richard Manuel Facebook.....If only the Levon Helm Fans Facebook moderators would pay attention to this sentiment as well.....Seems lost on them that such dignity would reflect well on Levon:

”Even though this is a group for our Father, there are friends and family of the other members in here. And by shit slinging, and foul mouthing people you are being rude and disrespectful to them not to mention to Me and the others in this group that have the decency to read and follow the few basic rules I have posted in here. You all want to talk shit, do it amongst yourselves in your own private messages OUTSIDE of this group. ... You may consider this censorship but I call it KEEPING THE PEACE. And clearly that is not taking place with people insulting each other over shit most of you probably have no clue what you are talking about, heard it indirectly, whatever the case may be.

“Just because something was written in a book by one of the members doesn't make it 100% true. If you weren't there when it happened then you don't know what really happened. ... And WTF?? " I know I'm not supposed to badmouth anyone BUT.."? You don't get a BUT. You want to badmouth someone you do it in your own private group chat.”

Entered at Mon Feb 24 21:02:24 CET 2020 from (2600:1702:4580:5e80:e0b3:3a29:a0e5:f18d)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Feb 24 20:44:31 CET 2020 from toroon0628w-lp140-04-76-71-7-98.dsl.bell.ca (76.71.7.98)

Kevin J

Bravo, Dag B……Almost amazing to think that at 2020 we would rejoice at having a Facebook page dedicated to The Band that adheres to a policy of not tolerating any hate towards one of its members…..But, we do because that’s the kind of situation we find ourselves in these days where people seem to get out of bed on a daily basis and spend a good deal of their time going to Facebook pages and taking pleasure in sharing hate for a songwriter and musician that they are simultaneously celebrating the songs he wrote……………I was so happy to stumble upon the Levon Helm Fan Page several months ago and even posted here about what a pleasure it was to see a page where no abuse of an Band member would be tolerated……..Sadly, their stated rules are not enforced. Just today, you have posters there referring to a member of The Band as a "scumbag" ( nice, eh? ) and a bunch of others regularly spewing hatred towards RR.

How can anybody there or at any of the sites feel good about themselves by being associated with this kind of nonsense? And you wonder why bullying and hate crimes are on the rise in this world…..Because of otherwise decent people that are too cowardly to call out hate when they see it or read it in their presence.

On this subject and to lest we think everyone in Band land not associated with this site are bullies and cowards, have faith and spare a thought the next time you listen to a Richard Manuel song that his son Joshua is a beautiful soul who carries himself with dignity and character and does his best to keep his site 'The real Richard Manuel" Facebook free of the kind of hate that is so prevalent at other sites.....and man, does the poor guy have his hands full....having to regulary threaten to close the site down to keep the abusers at bay...

Thank you, Bill M and Jon L……………………..and yes, Bill – nice to see Landmark’s name up in lights….though that Alex thing threw me for a loop…..A bit like Westcoaster changing his name to Rockin’ Chair and now in a very confusing turn adding a “J” to his name….shouldn’t be allowed!

Entered at Mon Feb 24 18:21:30 CET 2020 from toroon0812w-lp130-03-65-92-194-255.dsl.bell.ca (65.92.194.255)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Feb 24 18:15:05 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Feb 24 14:13:07 CET 2020 from cpef81d0f88efd3-cmf81d0f88efd0.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (99.227.162.85)

John D

Sorry Bill. I don't understand your post. What pink scarf?

Entered at Mon Feb 24 13:04:15 CET 2020 from 178.80-203-82.nextgentel.com (80.203.82.178)

Dag B.

Subject: Facebook group

A new facebook group with, unlike other groups, a strict no-Robbie-bashing policy.

Entered at Mon Feb 24 07:23:41 CET 2020 from (2407:7000:9b95:db00:9162:ad:c2aa:ff15)

Rod

Entered at Mon Feb 24 07:20:52 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

Entered at Mon Feb 24 04:18:41 CET 2020 from toroon0812w-lp130-03-65-92-194-255.dsl.bell.ca (65.92.194.255)

Bill M

Entered at Sun Feb 23 20:59:49 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: The Zombies play The weight

I got this on a feed from my local venue, where The Zombies are playing in May, The Zombies recorded at Levon Helm Studios in 2018. They screw up the lyrics though.

Entered at Sun Feb 23 20:55:08 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

It works very well for a fake. It shows what you can do - though the bass part is too simplistic for Paul!

Entered at Sun Feb 23 20:50:50 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

The latest "Uncut" reviews the Once Were Brothers DVD, which sent me straight to amazon, but it's not listed. Odd.

Entered at Sun Feb 23 17:25:01 CET 2020 from cpef81d0f88efd3-cmf81d0f88efd0.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com (99.227.162.85)

John D

Subject: George Harrison & Friends

Yesterday I came across a Youtube video that has been on the net since 2013. I had never seen it before.

George Harrison with Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner, Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Leon Russell among others doing Bob Dylan's Absolutely Sweet Marie.

There's a reason I hadn't actually seen it before; because technically it doesn't exist. The creator of this video made some video magic. What you are seeing is the vocal from Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary Concert overdubbed to the video of George's Bangladesh concert. George did NOT perform this song at the Bangladesh show; but you would swear he did. The only part that is not real is that Lennon & McCartney were NOT there. Otherwise it is an editing masterpiece to my mind. Enjoy. It rocks!

Entered at Sun Feb 23 17:08:49 CET 2020 from 82-69-47-175.dsl.in-addr.zen.co.uk (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I guess in the UK we'll have to wait for the DVD, at least outside London. Thanks for the review link. It's depressing looking elsewhere on the net to see the same old same old anti-Robbie stuff rearing its ugly head again. The Levonistas still believe "This Wheel's On Fire" was the gospel truth word for word. The other thing is the constant complaint that Garth doesn't appear. The director explained that months ago in one of the music mags. They went to meet Garth ready to film an interview for the film, but it didn't work out that he was able to do it at the time. Not anyone's fault. Certainly not a plot … but, for what it's worth, paranoia runs deep.

Listened to The Zombies Odessey & Oracle all day today, catching up on reviews after three days of London theatre.

Entered at Sun Feb 23 11:53:50 CET 2020 from 178.80-203-82.nextgentel.com (80.203.82.178)

Dag B.

Subject: Once Were Brothers review

rogerebert.com

Entered at Sun Feb 23 05:29:39 CET 2020 from toroon0812w-lp130-02-64-229-205-8.dsl.bell.ca (64.229.205.8)

Bill M

Speaking of Springsteen, one of the many neat things about the last-show LARS of the '66 tour was Dylan's yelp as they moved into heavy-duty instrumental mode, sounding exactly as Bruce would sound a few years later on "Born To Run" (the song).

Entered at Sun Feb 23 04:11:16 CET 2020 from cpe-69-203-125-109.nyc.res.rr.com (69.203.125.109)

Jon Lyness

Why thank you Kevin, I truly appreciate that. So glad that you enjoyed the documentary as much as I did.

I neglected to mention in my review that Robbie himself opened the showing I saw in NYC and spoke for a few minutes, talking about the way the creative team came together to make the film. He praised director Daniel Roher in particular for bypassing the "tried-and-true" path of most rock documentaries, and talked about having a strong gut feeling about him from their first meeting, even though he was quite young and had very limited experience with this kind of project (reminding me somewhat of the story of The Band hiring Elliot Landy, when they rejected a bunch of hot photographers with slicker styles and really responded to his authenticity). Nothing earth-shattering was said but it was cool to see Robbie in person.

Entered at Sun Feb 23 01:12:40 CET 2020 from (24.114.66.206)

Kevin J

* Ronnie Hawkins has the funniest lines with full theatre laughing on a couple of occasions.

* There is a particularly funny story Robbie tells of meeting his future wife Dominique - at the time a Montreal journalist on the streets of Paris in 1966 - that also generated a full theatre laugh ( his thinking saying he was from Toronto would impress her ) that would no doubt be lost on any audiences outside of Canada.

* It was such a beautiful experience to see The Band celebrated on film and hear that great music played loud again in a real theatre....and I couldn’t help thinking as well what an absolute shame it will be if anybody who considers themselves a fan of the band deprives themselves of seeing this film because of some ridiculous irrational hatred they have built up against RR.

Funny sidebars......Bruce Springsteen’s description of Rick, Richard’s and Levon’s vocal talents might have Pat B smiling......and damn if I didn’t think of Bill M when Rockin’ Chair was played over a nod to MFBP...

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Dunc

Thanks Bill M. That’s some listen, that I wouldn’t do, but I would like to hear the Edinburgh and Glasgow shows. The Edinburgh show is meant to be very good? On No Direction Home, they chose Ballad of a Thin Man from the Edinburgh show for the album, which says something.

Some people would boo. Not a surprise. When you look at paintings, clips or pictures, some of the crowd are older folkies with the goatee beards, not a rock crowd.

This week I’m still listening to early, but different Elton John albums.

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Bill M

In '66, what always came after BTM was LARS. A magnificent LARS preceded by Dylan introducing - the only time one tour - his musicians. 'They are all poets" he said. Quite moving, to tell you the truth.

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Once in Enough

Three brothers are gone, two are alive, and only one was in the film.

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Joe Frey

Rolling Stone online has a review of the movie.

Entered at Thu Feb 20 04:43:56 CET 2020 from n1-43-219-148.mas2.nsw.optusnet.com.au (1.43.219.148)

Wallsend

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Bill M

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Wallsend

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Bill M

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Paul

Hi, Bill M. If you're plowing through the full 66 live recordings, you're doing something I always wanted to do but know I never will. If you've done it, most or all, are there a couple performances/recordings you'd single out as exceptional? My gold standard is Dylan's Bootleg 4 and 5, with the Manchester performance. I always wished they'd played some different songs on different nights, but aside from a couple of lo-fi and not really impressive versions of "Long Distance Operator" and "Positively 4th Street," there's really not a lot more with good performance and good recording happening on the same night.

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Solomon

Robbie on The Adam Corolla show.

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Jon Lyness

Subject: Robbie / Once Were Brothers

Another Robbie interview discussing the Once Were Brothers documentary is linked on the expectingrain dot com homepage. I know there have been a lot of these recently, but I thought this Q&A exchange was quite notable.

Q: The film gets very emotional and pulls no punches in talking about alcohol and drug abuse among some of The Band members, and three of them are no longer with us. Any idea of how you managed to be a survivor?

Robbie: In that program of people dealing with addiction, there’s a phrase in there that’s so key. It’s called “one day at a time.” I have very often thought, “I’m going to get up today, and I’m going to follow that dream and accept these challenges, and move forward.” Moving forward was the thing. Some years ago, we really didn’t understand alcoholism and addiction. It’s become much more clear what that really is, but nobody referred to it back then they way they do now. Today, when I look back on it, I feel very sad that we didn’t have the tools to be able to help one another in this group. So, I carry a bit of sadness about that, because I’ve lost three of my brothers in this group. Although I am motoring on, and accepting new challenges and I’ve got so many things that I want to discover and get to in my work, I still sometimes go to that place in my heart where I think I lost these guys and I was helpless in it. That was a devastating feeling.

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Bill M

Also, Paris may be the final appearance of “La Bamba” in “Like A Rolling Stone”. There’s no doubt that our guys were having fun with this; for me, the best proof is Garth laying a bit of it into the Paris LARS using a stereotypical cheesy tex-mex organ sound.

And, listening to Dylan’s increasingly strident vocal during the Paris LARS is a bit like listening to the birth of British punk rock in the late ‘70s.

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Wallsend

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Solomon

I wonder when Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band will be available for streaming or download? Robbie talking about The Weight on youtube.

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Alex (formerly Landmark)

Joe, I heard that he wrote it at the Cafe Lena, upstairs from Hattie's on Phila street. Speaking of Hatties, go have some fried chicken, jambalaya, and rice and beans for me. I would join you but a long car ride is out of the question for the time being. I'll be there in July.

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Joe Frey

Oops, that should have been Caroline Street, not Carolina Street.

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Joe Frey

When I first encountered this piece on the internet, I laughed for a very long time, then unfortunately I realized that there was more truth than not in this parody.

I live in Saratoga Springs, where legend holds that Don McLean wrote the song in a little bar on Carolina Street called the Tin and Lint.

McLean has denied this, but the legend lives on. I wonder what he thinks of the parody?

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Peter V

Subject: The Day Democracy Died

You have to see this. "The Day democracy Died" sung by The Founding Fathers. It's a full 8 minutes, but watch to the end. A delightful and relevant pastiche of American Pie.

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George G

Subject: Once We’re Brothers Q & A

Just got tickets for screening of Once Were Brothers at Landmark theater in West Los Angeles on February 22 at 7pm. Q & A with Robbie afterwards. Tickets still available at Landmark theaters website.

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John D

Subject: Last Night

Thank you Bruce Cockburn

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Jon Lyness

Sad to hear about Joseph Shabalala. RIP indeed. Such great stuff. I saw them circa 2007 here in NY. Amazing to hear them live and feel those rich harmonies surround you.

Best wishes to Garth... while not mentioned here every day, he is never forgotten. Feel better soon.

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Bill M

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Peter V

Subject: Diamonds: The African Concert

Here we go - the live version from "The African Concert". Fantastic …

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Peter V

Thanks Nux. One of my Desert Island discs Top ten records ever, and Mrs V's all-time favourite song. RIP Joseph Shabalala. I saw Ladysmith Black Mambazo on their own in Poole some years ago. Truly inspiring.

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Nux

A Wonderful musician has 'earned his wings'.....

Joseph Shabalala, the icon of SA acapella & founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo has left the planet for greener pastures.....

A true asset to our music development, here in SA. A wonderful Soul, who put together an inspirational acapella group, which brought much joy& upliftment to many, during our rocky past.

May his Soul fly and his legacy grow & continue to inspire, in as selfless a manner.

He is no longer, "Homeless'....

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John D

Garth is apparently recuperating from bad fluish pneumonia. I am told he is now on the mend. God's speed Garth.

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JQ

While I was checking out the article I also looked at some of their YouTube stuff. One that I thought was particularly great was a show they did at Jorma K’s place Ohio. She’s a terrific singer and I think Larry might be my favorite player of anything with a string on it. When I saw Larry play at the Ramble I was made aware of that versatility, extreme competence and his great artistic feel for it all.

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Mike Nomad

Subject: Larry and Teresa

Thanks for the link. Brings back a wonderful memory of a Rambles visit.

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Jon Lyness

Oh yep, that's lovely. Thanks Wallsend.

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Wallsend

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John D

Wallsend where is the link to the interview? Can't find it.

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Peter V

I've also sought out individual tracks:

Dreamland- Joni Mitchell

Skin to Skin Harry Belafonte & Jennifer Warnes, from Paradise in Gawkanzulu

Sapelo- Larry Jon Wilson

Harper Valley PTA - Jeannie C. Riley

Slow Starter- John Phillips, from Phiilpps 66.

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Peter Viney

Norman Fucking Rockwell by Lana del Rey. Can't stop playing it. Comparable to the work of Joni Mitchell!

This Time by Count Basie. Cheap vinyl find. Great version of I Can't Stop Loving You among others.

Brian Kennedy: The War of Words. Cheapo vinyl find. Interesting, but a case where vinyl that looks clean has an awful lot of hiss … one of RCA's very thin vinyl records. They're so often bad pressings.

My Brilliant Friend-Max Richter OST. Again. This gets played a lot.

Brazilian Impressions - Respighi, SACD. I'm in a classical phase!

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Wallsend

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John D

Subject: SIR Van Morrison

Congratulations to Sir Van Morrison.

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Wallsend

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Glenn T

JQ - Nice surprise to see Zappa's Hot Rats mentioned, having listened to it a couple of times this week - I'd forgotten what a strong album it is. I also enjoyed another listen to The Band at Woodstock - great to hear live versions of Tears of Rage, We Can Talk, Ain't No More Cane, Long Black Veil. Other albums: Blood Sweat & Tears (2nd album, first with DCThomas); Allison Moorer: The Show (live album); Shery Crow: Wildflower; and Bob Dylan: Hard Rain.

Thank you Mitt Romney for saying that it "was a flagrant assault on our electoral rights, our national security and our fundamental values. Corrupting an election to keep oneself in office is perhaps the most abusive and destructive violation of one’s oath of office that I can imagine."

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JQ

Woke on the Whaleheart - Bill Callahan

Hot Rats (Willie the Pimp) - F Zappa

Firin’ In Fouta - Baaba Maal

Careless Love (Weary Blues) - Madeleine Peyroux

Will the Guns Come Out (Heartbreak Hotel) - Hanni El Khatib

Roses (Millionaire) - David Olney

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Jon Lyness

RIP to Buddy Cage. Try "rick danko buddy cage" on Youtube for a lovely 1988 club show with the two of them. I'm enjoying this one.

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Dag B.

Subject: lecture about the Band in Enschede

Link to the Muziekbank site.

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Dunc

Hope it goes well, Hans. It would be interesting to see what songs you choose.

I have one Band connection with the Netherlands - I bought Endless Highway in a great music shop in Leiden while on holiday.An enthusiastic Band fan worked in the shop.

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Hans ten Brummelhuis

Subject: lecture about the Band in Enschede

I am gonna do a lecture on the 21 march 2020 about the group the Band in Enschede in the Netherlands in a libary. I tell the story of the group and the members and chose a number of songs.

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Peter V

I think in 1977 solo prospects looked very good - exciting new directions for Levon and Rick with other musicians they liked playing with.

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Rod

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Norm J

Subject: Vinyl

While driving this morning I was listening to CBC. A fellow was being interviewed concerning the resurgence of vinyl records. He had spent a lot of time researching this business of the new found popularity. He looked into industry and found that the business (pressing and packaging) was a very hush, hush thing.

He tried to get into many places and was flatly turned down. Finally one place in the states allowed him access but he was sworn to secrecy. He described how the vinyl (plastic) was in pucks and then had another plastic pressed into it. This other ingredient was produced in a plant in Bangkok. He tried for a long time to get to see this plant. He flew to Bangkok and upon showing up at the gate of this plant was turned away. Apparently this place has a very negative environmental reputation with their handling of plastic.

Bottom line is vinyl records and the manufacturing has a very bad reputation for the environment. So hang on to your vinyl I guess like a lot of other things there are people who want to put a stop to it.

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Pat B

That last side of TLW shows incredible promise for new musical avenues. I still listen to The Well and The LW Refrain with regularity. I suppose it's no coincidence that they both feature Richard.

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Bill M

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Ben Pike

Subject: Down Under

Pat B, I was at the Chicago Auditorium Show, I guess you were probably there too. Whatever happened to that Blues group that opened for them? They were getting some attention at the time. To me the sad loss is they didn't do anything with the Warners Deal Robertson set up for them. NL/SC, Studio side of TLW, even Islands sounds like they still had great records in them and could find new directions. "

" Been listening to a series of CDs called "Hillbillies in Hell" a collection of twisted and funny, sometimes inspired Country and Western songs roughly 50s to 70s. The Devil is prominently featured.

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Wallsend

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erdal

Fantastic work definitley have a talent and make sure you make full use of it

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Glen Mattiello

Subject: Memories

I grew up next door to Jimmy Weider and moved to Ohayo in my teens. I've always felt a kinship with the Band. The Weight Band is doing them proud to this day.

Entered at Sat Feb 1 08:30:28 CET 2020 from (2407:7000:9b95:db00:4c61:49f:1832:b3c1)

Rod

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Bill M

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