Over 40 years ago, The Band gave their final concert in their original lineup, a massive swan song that these Canadian troubadours turned into an all-star spectacle. Along with pianist Richard Manuel and multi-instrumental mastermind Garth Hudson, they tear into a funky “Don’t Do It,” their customized cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Baby Don’t You Do It.” After the last note, Robertson says, “Good night. They’ve been at this five or more hours now, poring through their back catalog and backing every celebrity guest along for the ride. “We’re gonna do one more song, and that’s it.” Drummer Levon Helm stretches bassist Rick Danko smokes a cigarette and wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. “You’re still here, huh?” asks guitarist Robbie Robertson. Let the needle swing into the red.Īnd then we begin at the end, with the weary members of the Band shuffling onstage to hoarse cheers. Keep moving that volume knob clockwise, folks. “This film should be played loud!” It’s a cliché now, a concert-movie disclaimer that’s become the equivalent of that hippie-dippy tagline from those Freedom Rock compilation ads ( “Well, turn it up, maaaaan.”) But in the late Seventies, when it first flashed onscreen in all white font against a stark black background before the credits of The Last Waltz, you knew it meant business.
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