‘The Last Waltz’: How The Band catered for everyone for their final concert
Helmed by Martin Scorsese, The Last Waltz captures the very essence of Thanksgiving, remaining a cherished relic in the annals of music history. In this special concert, the mass of opulent embellishments at the Winterland Ballroom and the gratitude shared by all the performers infuse the atmosphere, reminding all who pay witness that this was the end of an era for one of the most influential bands of its time.
Featuring guest performances from the likes of Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and more, The Last Waltz has been deemed one of the greatest concert films ever recorded. As the name suggests, the event served as a fitting farewell to the pioneering ensemble of the beloved Canadian artists – Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson – and their kindred spirit from Arkansas, Levon Helm.
The film, coupled with Scorsese’s meticulous attention to detail and cinematographic finesse, stands as a treasure trove of musical heritage, preserving the essence of an era and immortalising unforgettable performances. From The Band’s renditions of classics like ‘The Weight’ to collaborative moments that exuded artistic synergy, each segment of the concert showcased the prowess and versatility of the performers.
However, along with its transformation into a collective celebration of musical greatness, the event was also a huge Thanksgiving party, catering to around 5,000 people who paid $25 for tickets. Of course, this appeared a little extortionate during an era when tickets typically cost anything up to around $7. Nevertheless, attendees adorned in their finest attire settled at lengthy tables decorated with elegant white tablecloths, dining while dancers gracefully waltzed amid the scene.
Bill Graham, the owner of the Winterland Theatre where the spectacle unfolded, took immense pride in the banquet, effortlessly recollecting precise amounts to curious inquirers throughout the night. All the while sporting a white tuxedo and top hat. Robertson and Helm both mention this lavish spread in their autobiographies, Testimony and This Wheel’s on Fire, respectively.
Despite the steep cost, attendees seemed to get what they paid for, presented with a feast boasting turkey and salmon, along with potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and alcohol. Amid the star-studded performances, Dylan’s was the most elusive, with some of his performances being cut from the main show. According to reports, the singer proved quite a challenge during the concert, leaving his involvement uncertain until moments before the show and even forbidding the crew from filming his segment.
What’s more, after the show, Helm expressed discontent, stating it was “the biggest fuckin’ rip-off that ever happened to the Band”. However, it’s likely that this was due to the fact that only Robertson received royalties from home video sales. Helm viewed it differently, considering it more of a self-indulgence for Robertson. Intriguingly, he also voiced disapproval of Scorsese’s focus on lengthy close-ups and criticised Robertson’s “expensive haircut”.
