Movies

Inside the five-hour all-star Robbie Robertson tribute at the Kia Forum

BBG News

As a lifelong aficionado of music and cinema, I found myself transported back to a time when the Band ruled the airwaves, under the enchanting glow of chandeliers at Inglewood’s Kia Forum. The Robbie Robertson tribute concert was nothing short of a nostalgic journey that echoed the legendary “The Last Waltz” in every aspect.

It was like the band — if not quite the Band — had gotten back together.

3 beautiful chandeliers casting a gentle glow, over two dozen musicians such as Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Mavis Staples, Eric Church, and Bob Weir came together onstage at the Kia Forum in Inglewood on Thursday night. Their purpose was to honor Robbie Robertson, the renowned Canadian musician, guitarist, songwriter, and composer who sadly passed away last year at the age of 80.

The lineup of well-known artists, coupled with a sophisticated lighting setup, was intentionally designed to echo “The Last Waltz,” Martin Scorsese’s iconic 1978 documentary about the grand finale concert by Robertson’s cherished roots-rock group, the Band at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom. Intriguingly, Scorsese captured Thursday’s performance, officially titled “Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson,” with plans to produce it as a standalone concert film later on.

After the earlier passings of Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, and more recently Robertson, only Garth Hudson remains as the Band’s last surviving original member at the age of 87. The show at the Forum also mourned the loss of others: Mike Campbell from Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers mentioned that the night held a spiritual significance for him since he and longtime bandmate Benmont Tench were performing inside one of their old hangouts, just three days before what would have been Petty’s 74th birthday.

Instead: The Robertson tribute was filled with one memory after another, but what made it exceptional was its vibrancy, which managed to break through the numerous layers of reflection. This event, organized by Blackbird Presents from Nashville, who also handled Willie Nelson’s two-night birthday spectacle last year at the Hollywood Bowl, was no exception.

In “The Last Waltz,” Morrison delivered a crisp three-song set, donning reflective aviator sunglasses. He seamlessly blended “Tupelo Honey” with “Days Like This” and concluded with “Wonderful Remark,” a number he had previously collaborated on for Scorsese’s 1983 film, “The King of Comedy.” Robertson, who would later work extensively with Scorsese, oversaw the soundtrack for this movie. This year, posthumously, his score for “Killers of the Flower Moon” earned him an Oscar nomination.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve always dreamt of playing with the legendary band, but getting the chance to showcase my blues skills on Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Farther Up the Road” during “The Last Waltz” was truly an unforgettable experience. At the Forum, I had the privilege of delivering sharp and crisp versions of their classic tunes like “The Shape I’m In,” “Chest Fever,” and “Forbidden Fruit.” What a thrill it was to be part of such iconic songs!

In this performance of Scorsese’s film, Staples, the third alum, gave a rugged yet captivating rendition of “The Weight”. Notable performances included Bob Weir’s haunting solo interpretation of Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece”, Mavis Staples’ funky take on “Up on Cripple Creek”, and a solemn performance of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” by country singer Jamey Johnson. Johnson, along with Campbell, Tench, Don Was, Ryan Bingham, and an ensemble of drummers, backup singers, and horn players, were part of the concert’s top-tier band. Elvis Costello and Noah Kahan were expected to participate but did not show up for the event.

Was there anyone who performed on stage last Thursday that significantly altered your perspective on Robertson and his music – particularly how he views history, systems of injustice, or the way he harmonizes texture with a pop song’s essential economy? Not really. Much like other tribute concerts, the lineup was lengthy, slow-paced, and packed with heartfelt performances from artists who admire Robertson, such as Jim James, Allison Russell, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Robert Randolph.

To make this engaging and easier to understand, let me rephrase it for you: A big-name celebrity was crucial too – someone who could ignite enthusiasm like Paul McCartney did at Jimmy Buffett’s memorial concert in April at the Bowl. Bono, known for collaborating with Robertson on “Sweet Fire of Love,” would have been an excellent choice. However, as time ran short, you couldn’t help but be touched by the powerful finale: a collective performance of “I Shall Be Released,” which evoked memories of the night’s honoree from so many years ago at Winterland – surrounded by friends, perspiring in his dress shirt, creating history in that moment.

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2024-10-18 22:31

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