This is my Tribute to one of the most formidable bands that ever graced the circumference of this earth – The Band.
I had wanted to write this Tribute to The Band a few days ago but I wrote my “Jesse Ed Davis” blog instead. I was reading his just-released autobiography (2025) by Douglas K. Miller, “Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indegenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis”. I was compelled to highlight the greatness of Jesse Ed Davis to the world.
Sadly, the last surviving member of The Band, the great Garth Hudson passed on yesterday (21 January 2025), aged 87 years old. He lived a full and musically fulfilling life. Harry Hew said of Hudson’s keyboard gifts, “As soon as his fingers touch the keys, everything was right with the world”.

My “The Band” CD stash collected over the decades (above image).
Like many, my entry into the mesmerising music of The Band came via their “The Last Waltz” triple album and brilliant Martin Scorsese movie of the Band’s last concert celebration. The concert featured a score of music luminaries including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Ringo Starr, The Staple Sisters, Paul Butterfield, Ronnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, Neil Diamond, Emmylou Harris, and Van Morrison. The Band’s forefathers, peers and new comers came to pay their respects, jam and have fun.
Then I went into The Band’s rabbit hole – “Music From the Big Pink”, “The Band” (second album), “The Basement Tapes“, “Stage Fright”, “Woodstock” 1969 festival movie and triple soundtrack album, “Easy Rider” movie and soundtrack album, and subsequently even deeper into their music catalogue. See my The Band CD collection (above image).
My favourite The Band songs – “The Weight”, “The Shape I’m In”, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, “Rag Mama Rag”, “Stage Fright”and “Ophelia”.
Each Band member was a formidable singer and multi-instrumentalist. When you try to bottle five lightning bolts into a bottle, colourful, combustive and creative stuff happens. Bob Dylan only plays with the best in the music scene. The Band was Dylan’s backing band and composing peers for many years. Do read Wikipedia for a more comprehensive accounts of The Band’s amazing journey and immense achievements.
The Band’s far-reaching influence on the 60’s and 70’s music community was immense – including the likes of George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Phish, Pink Floyd, Counting Crows, Wallflowers, Black Crowes and countless others. The band Nazareth took their name from a line in the song “The Weight”.
I love the opening salvo to the song, “The Weight” –
“I pulled into Nazareth
Was feeling about half past dead
I just need someplace
Where I can lay my head”.
The “Nazareth” in the “The Weight” may sound Biblical, but Robbie Robertson claims the “Nazareth” in the song is the home of his favourite Martin 1951 D-28 guitar. When he was writing the song, he looked into his guitar and saw that it was made in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The song went on to encompass biblical connotations.
George Harrison said that his “All Things Must Pass” song was heavily influenced by The Band, and while writing the song, Harrison imagined Levon Helm singing it.
In 1994, The Band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2008.
Robbie Robertson died, 80 years old. on 2023. R.I.P. Robbie.
Levon Helm died, 71 years old, on 2012. R.I.P. Levon .
Rick Danko died, 55 years old, on 1999. R.I.P. Rick.
Richard Manuel died, 42 years old, on 1986. R.I.P. Richard.

Whilst walking the quaint town of Woodstock, I photographed this gorgeous poster of Levon Helm’s Midnight Rambler Sessions held regularly at his Woodstock home (above image).

My treasured The Band “All Access” concert pass from their 1995 “Life Is A Carnival” World Tour – Front (above image).

My treasured The Band “All Access” concert pass from their 1995 “Life Is A Carnival” World Tour – Back (above image).
I was fortunate to have been to Woodstock (the town) on several times via the kind invite of Chris Stein of Blondie.
I took some images of Blondie when they were recording their best-selling album, “Panic Of Girls”, in Woodstock.
Chris Stein did advised me for this particular visit – “Bring your serious camera!”
Woodstock, being “The Band” country, I just had to photograph Blondie in the forested splendour.
Enjoy my rustic punk Woodstock images below.

“Blondie In Woodstock Wilderness” (above image). This image is featured in their “Panic Of Girls” album double spread (vinyl and CD). Thanks, guys!
Embrace the irony – a world-famous New York punk band amidst solitary hippie rustic environment.
I draw your attention to the “concert stage” formed by Mother Nature’s stream.

“Blondie Down By The River” (above image).

Blondie With Lion Head in front of Wooden Shack – Part 1 (above image).
Working Image Title – “Rummaging for a Tumbleweed Connection” (Elton John pun).

Blondie With Lion Head in front of Wooden Shack – Part 2 (above image).
Working Image Title – “The Brown Dirt Cowboys” (another Elton John pun).

Blondie – Picture Homage to Parallel Lines (above image).
The Legacy of The Band will live on for eternity!