The Band: A History

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 joins me. He is a music journalist, academic, and concert promoter. Luke's pick is "Ferdinand The Imposter," an outtake from the Music From Big Pink era. We delve into the various song versions, the musical and lyrical songwriting, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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 creative horizons, trying to position himself for a new musical renaissance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 joined by Michael Koelher,, a dear friend and show editor. Michael's pick is "Twilight," a non-album single from 1975. We delve into the various versions of the song, the songwriting, both musical and lyrical and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 speculated ties with Greenwich Village folk luminary Karen Dalton and the enigmatic drummer behind the scenes, this episode of Odds & Ends is a comprehensive exploration of everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 our debut episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Annie Burkhart, a dear friend of the show and the force behind Manuel Mindset on Twitter. Annie's pick is "Jawbone," featured in The Band's eponymous second studio album. We delve into the intricate musical layers and the collaborative songwriting prowess of Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson and even ponder its modest streaming figures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 masterpiece. We delve into the intricacies of the film itself, exploring its enduring allure and the genius behind Martin Scorsese's direction. Beyond the camera, we explore the remarkable journey of The Band and the profound cultural and musical impact the film has. You can follow Teagan's podcast, Our Golden 20s, online and listen every Tuesday. You can also find Breanna McCann's work on Split Tooth Media, where she writes about music and film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 north of the border, and it has hosted some of the greatest performers in its hallowed halls. On November 18, 2023, Chest Fever, who received the official seal of approval from Robbie Robertson before his passing, will bring their outstanding celebration of The Last Waltz to Massey Hall. Joining them will be an illustrious lineup of guest artists. I sit down with Chest Fever to explore their journey from the intimate confines of Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern to the grandeur of Massey Hall. We delve into their meticulous preparation, the mounting anticipation, and much more! If you're interesting in attending the event, you can visit http://chestfeverofficial.com/thelastwaltz and use my promo code "thebandpodcast" for five dollars off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the creation of yet another album. Mirroring the approach of his maiden endeavour, he enlisted the renowned Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. In 1978, the fruits of his labour materialized in the form of his latest record, bearing the succinct name "Levon Helm. Determined, Helm tried to rekindle his solo career and finally garner the recognition he deserved. If you're in Toronto or want to come up for a special evening, Chest Fever is doing a Last Waltz Celebration at the legendary Massey Hall on November 18, 2023. Buy tickets here. The Band: A History is produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and post-production sound and editing by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/adchoices

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 the dark and enigmatic world of travelling carnivals, promising numerous hurdles for the aspiring filmmaker – drug-induced debauchery, the inherent challenges of a novice filmmaker, and the lurking spectres of vanity. Undeterred by the daunting odds, Robertson embraced this opportunity as his pivotal moment to make an enduring mark on the cinematic landscape. If you're in Toronto or want to come up for a special evening, Chest Fever is doing a Last Waltz Celebration at the legendary Massey Hall on November 18, 2023. Buy tickets here. The Band: A History is produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and post-production sound and editing by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 can follow Annie here and Micahel here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 habits excessive, the reeling Manuel continued to tour with The Band and Bob Dylan, rent expensive beach houses and cycle through a series of girlfriends. In reflection, Manuel called this time his "Beige Period." The drug use, recording and touring life, and some exciting times spent with Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton ultimately led to Manuel finding himself without a place to go after The Last Waltz. Would he continue to let his mental health and addiction enthrall him, or would he manage to gain control? This episode was produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and edited and engineered by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 by Hudson, the quiet figure hunched behind a mountain of keys was always deemed the magic touch, the member that helped push The Band into a territory of its own, and everyone wanted a little of that magic on their records. The Band: A History is produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and post-production sound and editing by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 Band lay dormant. Was it over? Well, not officially. Danko, Helm and Robertson all talked publicly about recording again, downplaying that they hadn’t been seen in the studio since The Last Waltz. Levon and Rick had already set motion to their solo careers, Helm with the RCO All-Stars and Danko with his first album on Arista Records. Robbie hadn’t technically left the world of The Band, he kept steady with post-production on The Last Waltz with the film and album, and Garth Hudson was busy building his new life and session work. Manuel took things slower, struggling with his demons; he sought to fight them. 1997 through 1978, continued the perplexing situation surrounding The Band was still lurking in the background. Robertson and Danko continued with heavy schedules throughout the year. Still, The Band members did overlap at various points throughout the year. The Band: A History is produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and post-production sound and editing by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of The Band here and visit Jude's website here.

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 of The Band here and visit Jude's website here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 bother me. I put this new group together, I telephoned them all. I sought out personalities who could bus and fly together and continue to put up with...

“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 bother me. I put this new group together, I telephoned them all. I sought out personalities who could bus and fly together and continue to put up with each other. What I do is collect performances from everyone. I make quicker decisions in this position than when I am a member of the Band.” Outro song by Ian James Bain, stream his music everywhere. The Band: A History is produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and post-production sound and editing by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 town and the people and the way of life too much to sell my house and relocate.” The Band: A History is produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and post-production sound and editing by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices