Robbie Robertson, the renowned lead guitarist of The Band, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by his manager. Alongside Garth Hudson, Robertson was one of the two surviving members of The Band, which gained fame as Bob Dylan’s backing band in the 1960s. The Band performed at the iconic Woodstock festival in 1969 and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
According to his manager Jared Levine, Robertson passed away after a prolonged illness, surrounded by his family. Born as Jamie Royal Robertson in Toronto, Canada, he joined the Hawks at the age of 16, supporting Ronnie Hawkins. Levon Helm, the future member of The Band, played drums in the same group. Eventually, other future members, including Garth Hudson, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel, also joined the Hawks.
In 1965, the Hawks began backing Bob Dylan when he transitioned to electric music. In 1967, the group renamed themselves The Band. A year later, they released their debut album, “Music From Big Pink,” named after the house in Woodstock where they resided and composed many of the songs on the album, including the beloved rock classic, “The Weight.” The Band’s success continued with hits like “Up On Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” They eventually concluded their journey with a star-studded farewell concert known as “The Last Waltz,” which was released as both an album and a film.
Robertson’s decision to end The Band at that time strained his relationship with Levon Helm, who believed the idea was nonsensical. They also clashed for years over songwriting credit, with Helm accusing Robertson and manager Albert Grossman of taking excessive credit for what he believed was a collaborative effort. Robertson reflected on their strained relationship and reconciliation in interviews, expressing his love and admiration for Helm. After The Band disbanded, Robertson pursued a successful solo career, releasing six albums. He also collaborated with renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese on various film scores and soundtracks, particularly for “The Last Waltz.”
Scorsese expressed his deep grief over Robertson’s passing, describing their close friendship and mutual artistic support. Robertson’s music held a special place in Scorsese’s life, resonating with millions around the world. Scorsese recognized Robertson’s profound influence on the art form and highlighted the timeless impact of his work.
Robbie Robertson leaves behind a lasting legacy, having shaped the landscape of rock music and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His contributions as a musician, songwriter, and collaborator will forever be cherished by fans worldwide.
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