The Last Waltz Songs Ranked
The Last Waltz was a concert by the Canadian-American rock group The Band, held on American Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The Last Waltz was advertised as The Band’s “farewell concert appearance”, and the concert saw The Band joined by more than a dozen special guests, including their previous employers Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan as well as Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, and Neil Young. The musical director for the concert was The Band’s original record producer, John Simon. The Last Waltz is hailed as one of the greatest documentary concert films ever made. In 2019, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. Here are all of The Last Waltz songs ranked.
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10. The Weight – The Band, The Staples (Mavis & Roebuck featured vocals)
“Sure, the Staple Singers back “The Weight” and turn it into more of a feel-good song, losing some of its heart.”
9. It Makes No Difference
“Danko likewise gives possibly the performance of a his lifetime on this “It Makes No Difference,” a heart-wrencher of the highest order ably backed up by Robbie’s soloing and the resident mad multi-instrumental scientist of the band, Garth.”
8. Coyote – Joni Mitchell, The Band, Dr John
“The Band is also the “best” band. Both their music and how they interpret songs with guests is memorable delight. To watch the movie is strongly suggested for a better appreciation of the soundtrack.”
See more: The Band Albums Ranked
7. I Shall Be Released – Dylan, Richard Manuel lead vocal, The Band and friends
“I’m not a big fan of this one because they didn’t put enough emphasis on Richard Manuel and his voice. He doesn’t even get a close-up shot.”
6. Further On Up The Road – Eric Clapton. The Band
“One of the best moments of the film (in my opinion) is when Clapton’s guitar strap comes off, he yells out to Robbie, and Robbie takes the solo without missing a beat.”
5. Who Do You Love – Ronnie Hawkins, The Band
“Old mentor Ronnie Hawkins makes an appearance on “Who Do You Love.” The Band falls into their role as a back-up group and they roar through a primitive rendition of this old classic.”
See more: The Band Songs Ranked
4. Helpless – Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and The Band
“Neil Young is on board with a performance of “Helpless.” I have always been a tad disappointed with Young’s performance as it lacks much of the fire of his solo concerts. I have come to the conclusion that he is better dominating a stage than sharing it.”
3. Up On Cripple Creek – The Band
“The album version of The Last Waltz just does not contain enough of The Band themselves. The movie restores a number of the missing performances that were recorded at the concert. What is included finds them in top form. “Up On Cripple Creek” is the definitive version of this song.”
2. Mystery Train – Paul Butterfield, Levon Helm, The Band
“Paul Butterfield gives scintillating backing on “Mystery Train.” The Band’s own music is certainly enjoyable, although rarely compelling, but is the guest spots here that provide most of the album’s highlights.”
1. Caravan – Van Morrison and The Band
“The farewell gig filmed by Marty. A stellar cast with Bob,Joni and Neil showing up. Van is up for it on a rousing ‘Caravan’ and Diamond is in fine fettle. The band don’t let us down either, they are effortlessly cooool.”