In this episode of The Band: A History, we explore Robbie Robertson's journey into crafting his debut solo album, influenced by his vision of "The Shadowland." After focusing on film scoring, Robertson returned to music in the mid-1980s, collaborating with key figures like producer Daniel Lanois to create an atmospheric, cinematic sound. We dive in…

We're thrilled to welcome author Stephen Lewis to The Band: A History as we dive into his upcoming book, Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band, which will be released in May 2025. In this episode, Stephen shares his journey in writing the book, his deep connection to The Band, and some never-before-heard stori…

By the end of the 1970s, Rick Danko found himself in an unexpected place. After the release of his first solo album on Arista Records didn’t sell well, and with management in flux, Arista dropped him. Despite this, Danko continued to tour, collaborate, and perform in smaller, more intimate venues, showcasing his character and musicianship. Collabor…

A Song With returns featuring my friend and Chest Fever bandleader, Daniel Cervantes. Dan selected "Just Another Whistle Stop" from The Band's third studio album, Stage Fright. We delve into the song's significance to him, Robbie Robertson's scorching lead guitar, Richard Manuel's captivating vocals, and the various interpretations of the lyrics an…

After navigating a tumultuous phase in his life marked by heavy drinking and the disbandment of The Band, Richard Manuel entered rehab, marking a pivotal step toward reclaiming his passion for music. In 1978, returned to the studio with old friend Happy Traum, contributing to Traum's debut solo album "Bright Morning Stars." He also collaborated wit…

A new episode of "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be a passionate case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply revelling in the joy of listening. In this episode, Luke C. Bowden…

"Levon's solo albums are pure, egalitarian magic and joy." - Matty Wishnow After a dedicated grind in the late '70s, Helm ventured to Nashville, inspired by his role in the lauded film Coal Miner's Daughter. There, with the city's top session players, he created his seminal album, American Son, in 1980. Helm, almost forty, forged a path to new crea…

Welcome to our series "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be an impassioned case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply revelling in the joy of listening. In this episode, I'm joi…

Welcome to another installment of Odds & Ends, a series of mini-episodes that invites you to explore the hidden treasures within The Band's extensive musical library. This episode reveals the depths of Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson's artistic collaboration within the 1967 composition "Katie's Been Gone." From the exquisite composition to the …

Welcome to the premiere of our new series, "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be an impassioned case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply reveling in the joy of listening. In o…

Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Breanna McCann and Teagan Lisson to dive deep into The Last Waltz at 45. This legendary film resonates with audiences, even after four and a half decades. As we gather to celebrate its forty-fifth birthday, we have a relaxed yet engaging conversation that encompasses various facets of this cinematic m…

Our inaugural episode delves into "Orange Juice Blues," a soul-stirring composition by Richard Manuel, crafted in 1967. This evocative song has a story over several decades, and in this episode, we shall examine its evolution and the profound resonance it holds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this unique episode, I intertwine history with engaging conversation. The Band made their inaugural appearance at Massey Hall in 1970, a highly anticipated hometown performance that critics hailed as nothing short of a "religious experience." Massey Hall holds a revered place in Toronto's cultural heritage, akin to the Ryman Auditorium, situated…

Amidst the initial turbulence of his inaugural solo release and subsequent tour, Levon Helm and his ensemble found themselves grappling with an unfortunate dearth of problems. Plagued by undisclosed health adversities and the intricate orchestration of conflicting timetables, Helm sought solace within the confines of the studio, setting in motion t…

I try and put a few words together to honour Robbie Robertson, a legendary guitarist and songwriter. In lieu of gifts, Robbie's family has asked for donations to the Woodland Cultural Centre here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Band: A History tarafından oluşturuldu

Following the triumphant launch of "The Last Waltz," Robbie Robertson redirected his ambitions toward carving a prominent niche in Hollywood. With a fervent desire to attain recognition as a distinguished producer and a rising star in the film industry, he set his sights on a captivating script known as "Carny." This enthralling tale delved into th…

2023 marks the fiftieth anniversary of The Band's fifth studio album Moondog Matinee. A cover album with a mixed critical and audience appraisal, now fifty years later, The Band: A History is joined in a roundtable discussion by Michael Koehler and Annie Burkhart to dig into the album's merit. If you're interested in following today's guests, you c…

The Band had moved bases in 1974 from the East Coast and the cozy colony of Woodstock to the West Coast colony shores of Malibu. Richard Manuel, struggling already with balancing the demands of his band, his family life was falling deeper into manic depression, which led to excessive alcohol and drug consumption. With his family fractured and his h…

He is genuinely the most original, brilliant and moving keyboard players that has ever operated within rock ’n’ roll.” Author Barney Hoskyns noted in 1993 in his book Across The Great Divide. Following The Last Waltz, Garth Hudson didn’t have much issue continuing to do what he loved doing – playing music. The industry and musicians were intrigued …

“Sitting around my house in Malibu and walking around the beach. I’ve been doing that for a long time, and frankly, I’m tired of it.” Rick Danko’s quote in 1978 could accurately reflect the temperate of a few members of The Band as the end of the decade neared. A purgatory of sorts had settled over The Band. Following The Last Waltz in 1976, The Ba…

The Band: A History sits down with writer, columnist and author Jude Warne to discuss her recent essay on The Band's 1970 studio album Stage Fright, which is part of a larger scholarly study of The Band entitled Rags and Bones: An Exploration of The Band published by the University Press of Mississippi. You can find Rags and Bones: An Exploration o…

“I was looking for a simpler, fresher routing... I really like this new group. I can go out and perform the record now.” Rick Danko was now out on his own. Nearly two decades with The Band left him wanting more. More music, more touring and more control. He told Harvey Kubernick in 1978, “I’m the focal point on stage this time, and it doesn’t bothe…

With the break-up of his band and his family, Levon Helm did what he knew best, make music. While The Band was all but extinct, Helm continued to tell journalists they’d keep making music. However, he started putting together a new band, and he moved back east to set up permanently. As he recalled, “I decided to remain in Woodstock. I loved the tow…

The Band: A History sits down with Chest Fever, the official revival of The Band. If you remember my interview a few months ago with Mrs. Henry, a great band from California. In that case, they are back with a new project, Chest Fever, a band that has been given the stamp of approval to carry on the musical legacy of The Band. They are taking their…

The Band: A History sits down with legendary recording engineer, mixer and record producer Bob Clearmountain, whose innovative approach has led him to work with industry-heavy-hitters like Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones. Having mixed Robbie Robertson’s first solo album in 1987 and sharing a working relationship since it made…