Robbie Robertson Details Making Of The Band’s ‘The Last Waltz’ In Memoir Excerpt

In November, guitarist Robbie Robertson will issue a memoir titled Testimony detailing his lengthy career backing legends Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan, as well as playing with the acclaimed rock group The Band through their final performance nearly 40 years ago. Robertson’s recollection of the events surrounding the influential band’s famed final concert and resulting Martin Scorsese-directed film The Last Waltz can be read in newly shared excerpt from the book.

Published by Vanity Fair, the extensive preview of the 336-page Testimony sheds light on the lead up and execution of the Bill Graham promoted-concert held at Winterland in San Francisco on Thanksgiving night in 1976. Robertson explains the decisions behind the guests that sat-in with The Band including Bob Dylan, Ronnie Hawkins, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell and others. He also recalls interacting with band mates Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel, as well as Scorsese backstage at Winterland, and how he remembers the show starting:

I saw Marty backstage. He looked anxious but ready. In the dressing room, I got in a huddle with the other guys in the Band. Our spirits were soaring, but a focused calmness was most apparent. Richard held out his hand to show he wasn’t shaking too bad. When his hands trembled a lot, it meant he needed a drink. Rick seemed genuinely pumped—ready and raring. Levon reminded me to look over at him for certain breaks or endings. Garth appeared unfazed by the whole event.

Word had crept out that we might have a guest or two, but nothing concrete. How should I properly introduce everyone? Just then Bill Graham came over to us in the wings and said, “Gentlemen, are we ready?” We gave a thumbs-up and took the stage in complete darkness.

When the cameras were rolling, I signaled Levon, and he said over his mike through the darkness, “Good evening.” The crowd erupted, and we kicked into “Up on Cripple Creek.” The lights came up—warm, natural, and cinematic, nothing like a regular rock show. The sound on the stage felt powerful and clear. Levon’s vocal was strong and authentic. I looked over at Rick and Richard, and they were both in the zone. This was it. I glanced over at Marty in the wings, and he was in a flurry, talking into his headset and waving pages of the script.

We played for about an hour—I don’t know if I’d ever heard Levon sing and play “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” better than on this night—and headed off to take a little intermission. Our friends and guests gathered backstage, and everybody looked to be in great spirits. Ronnie Wood and Ringo Starr were in the dressing room. I asked them to come out and join us for the finale. Bill Graham informed us that Governor Jerry Brown had been spotted in the audience.

More detail regarding rehearsals, the trouble with the choice of cameras used to shoot the concert and feeding thousands Thanksgiving dinner can be found in the extensive excerpt that can be read at Vanity Fair. Testimony is currently available for pre-order via a number of online retailers.