“You're still there, huh? We're going to do one more song and that's it.”
In late November of 1976, Canadian roots rockers The Band decided to call it quits after seventeen years of glorious collaboration. Filmed by Martin Scorsese, this documentary records their lavish farewell show at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom. With intimate backstage band interviews and guest performances from rock legends like Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young, The Last Waltz remains the definitive concert doco nearly 50 years after its first release.
Alongside an unbelievable list of special guests like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Emmylou Harris and Ronnie Wood, it's Scorsese's attention to visual detail and character that elevates The Last Waltz above the majority of concert documentaries. With carefully planned shots and deft movement he captures something ephemeral and truly special: the feeling of being part of a crowd, watching a crew of musicians at the top of their game.