12 Defining Moments from Martin Scorsese ‘Life Is A Carnival’ Tribute Concert To Robbie Robertson

Allow me to get on my soapbox here for a second:

Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz is one of the greatest concert films of all time. Full stop. And for a certain kind of music fan, like me, it’s a sacred text, much like Goodfellas or Casino is to hardcore cinephiles.

The Band’s final show, held on Thanksgiving 1976 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, was a gathering of legends: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell. These were the artists who defined a generation’s sound. Fresh off the success of Taxi Driver, a young Martin Scorsese was hand-picked by The Band to capture the spectacle, thanks to his deep-rooted appreciation for the music and his unique ability to bring cinematic artistry to the chaos of rock ‘n roll.

The Last Waltz is one of those movies that’s become a ritual. Every Thanksgiving, I cue it up from the iconic opening line, “This film should be played loud!” to the 2AM finale of “I Shall Be Released”, as Ringo Starr and Ronnie Wood grace the stage while the venue practically begged them to wrap it up.

That night is steeped in rock ‘n roll legend. Turkey dinners were served in Winterland’s corridors while Neil Young belted out his own song “Helpless”—with a visible rock of cocaine hanging from his nose. It was a marathon of music and energy, the kind of unrepeatable magic that happens once in a lifetime. The kind of party every serious music fan wishes they could have been there for in hindsight—a chance to breathe the rarefied air of rock ‘n roll royalty.

In August 2023, we lost Robbie Robertson at 80 years old. A Canadian icon, Robertson was not only the heartbeat of The Band but also Bob Dylan’s former guitarist, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the sound of rock for generations. To honor him, Blackbird Presents put together Life is a Carnival at LA’s Forum—a celebration of his life, his music, and the monumental influence he left behind. Blackbird, the same group that organized Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, pulled off yet another star-studded showcase to Robertson’s legacy.

Blackbird helped turn Willie Nelson’s birthday into a Netflix special. They also put on a Jimmy Buffett tribute at the Hollywood Bowl this spring.

Life Is A Carnival was billed as a little more than a tribute. It carried the same spirit of The Last Waltz, a continuation of its legacy. And, as someone living in Los Angeles, I wasn’t going to miss it. The Band stands among the greats, and any chance to witness a connection to that era feels like a fleeting gift. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime line-ups where you can’t help but wonder who is going to show up. Bob Dylan in the flesh? Neil Young? Joni? Whatever was going to happen, I had to experience the magic firsthand.

Then Martin Scorsese signed on to direct a film about the evening, and everything leveled up. Add it to the list of projects he’s still committed to directing at 81-years-young. His connection with Robertson runs deep—from their collaboration on The Last Waltz to the soundtracks for Raging Bull, The Irishman, The Color Of Money and Killers of the Flower Moon. Their bond blurred the line between personal and professional, as is often the case in creative life. “Our friendship has outlasted everything,” Robertson said to Variety in his last ever interview.

Five hours of music in honor of Robbie Robertson

Thursday’s show was five hours of music, with four intermissions. Like the original Last Waltz, it was LONG. I live about 20 minutes from The Forum without traffic and got home around 1AM.

But when you’re living inside one of your favorite musical worlds like the music of The Band, time flies.

I was there with my fiancée, seated between an older man in his 60s who had come solo and a couple from Kentucky who’d flown in just for the show because of their obsession with The Band. We swapped concert stories—talking about seeing the Rolling Stones at SoFi this summer and Roger Waters at Crypto Arena two years ago. We also got excited about the great music we have lined up next, like David Gilmour at the Hollywood Bowl. The older man, a wonderful show neighbor, told me that The Last Waltz had changed his life. And in that moment, I realized—it had changed mine, too.

Maybe you can see a similar joy on my face: 

The organizers did a masterful job of creating a show where Robbie Robertson’s presence was felt in every moment of the experience. For those of us who worship at the altar of rock ’n roll, The Last Waltz is gospel, and Life is a Carnival was the chance to write a new chapter in that sacred text—with artists inspired by Robbie adding their own voices to his legacy.

The night began with an Indigenous invocation, honoring Robertson’s Cayuga and Mohawk roots—a deeply important connection he held close throughout his life.

Here are some highlights from that unforgettable night—soon to be immortalized in a concert film directed by Scorsese himself.

“Up On Cripple Creek” with Eric Church

This was my third time seeing Eric Church in a tribute show and the fourth time seeing him live. The first time I saw Eric Church rip a cover was “Tennessee Jed” at 2015’s Dear Jerry tribute show to Jerry Garcia at Merriweather Post Pavillion. Sunglasses and all, he’s effortlessly the coolest guy in the room every time and just nails these covers.

“Acadian Driftwood” with Alison Russell, Julian Taylor, Logan Staats, Daniel Lanois

One of The Band’s most powerful and uplifting songs. The rendition was beautiful, capturing the spirit and emotion perfectly.

Holy Cow, that backing band!

The talent was off the charts. The house band featured a who’s who of musical excellence from across genres, a fitting tribute to The Band’s own versatility. Ryan Bingham, Jamey Johnson, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Don Was, John Medeski, Dave Malone, Terence Higgins, Cyril Neville, Mark Mullins, and the Levee Horns—all incredible.

“Who Do You Love” with Taj Mahal and Robert Randolph

Taj Mahal brought the same swampy voodoo magic that Muddy Waters did in the original Last Waltz. It was the perfect homage.

“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” with Jamey Johnson

Robbie Robertson once shared that he wrote this song quietly after his daughter was born, trying not to wake her. Jamey Johnson delivered it with the same raw emotion. It’s less about historical accuracy and more about capturing the complex emptions from the American Civil War.

Bruce Hornsby

I love listening to Bruce Hornsby speak. He’s one of those great artists that’s lived on the periphery of music culture in such a unique way, from behind the keyboard. His stories are always rich with history and insight. He shared a great one about writing “Go Back To Your Woods” with Robbie before heading to New York to perform it on Saturday Night Live. Those memories were special to hear.

Lots of Nathaniel Rateliff

Nathaniel Rateliff was a force throughout the night, delivering some of the most powerful performances. He leaned all the way in on the ’70s rockstar vibe, on stage with all kinds of chest hair. His soulful takes on “Twilight” and “Across the Great Divide” were emotionally charged, while “Baby Don’t You Do It” brought a undeniable electricity to a stage. In the fourth set, Rateliff joined Ryan Bingham and Margo Price for a moving rendition of “Forever Young” a la how Dylan does it in the original Last Waltz, cementing his place as one of the night’s most present and impactful performers.

Eric Clapton covering “Chest Fever”

This song is like a musical pile driver. It’s meant to play loud. Very loud. And Clapton, who was in the original Last Waltz and worked closely with Roberston over the years, was the perfect person to do it.

Clapton commanded the third set, performing a five-song mini set. The set-up took a while—about 30 minutes—but it was worth it. You could feel his passion, like he was out to show the world he’s still got it. This was the first I’ve seen Clapton and, not going to lie, it ripped so hard. “Chest Fever” is such a thunderous blues song from the opening organ riff and his band was the perfect group to play it.

You can watch a clip from this performance HERE, on X. I can’t embed it because I used my potty mouth.

Jim James covering “It Makes No Difference”

Jim James from My Morning Jacket has the perfect voice for this quiet, heartbreaking ballad. The performance was so intimate, you could hear a pin drop.

Warren Haynes covering Van Morrison’s “Caravan”

I used to see Warren Haynes a lot, whether it was with the Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, or Government Mule. After moving to California, I haven’t caught him as much. Van Morrison’s original performance of “Caravan” was a defining moment in The Last Waltz, and Haynes did it justice. He’s covered it many times before, but it still felt fresh. It blew mind mind. I forgot how Warren Haynes and his beautiful blue riffs have this uncanny way of making you feel like you just walked into a honky tonk roadhouse that smells like beer and BBQ.

“When I Paint My Masterpiece” with Bob Weir

Grateful Dead legend Bob Weir has been singing this Dylan song for years, both with The Dead and in his other projects, like Wolf Bros. Although Dylan wrote it, The Band was the first to release it on their Cahoots album. Weir’s performance was a great nod to that history.

Mavis Staples with Trey Anastasio and Bob Weir singing “The Weight”

This ensemble was perfect. One of the most memorable performances of the show. Mavis Staples, at 86, absolutely nailed it. Her performance was soul-affirming, and Trey and Bob’s contributions rounded it out beautifully.

What a night! Some people thought it went long, but look – I can’t complain. The original was long too and all that’s changed is our cultural appetites and attention span. I can’t wait to relive it again when Martin Scorsese edits everything together as a movie. It’s going to be a wonderful tribute to Robbie that will live on for generations.

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Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson

Oct. 17, 2024 – The Forum, Inglewood, California

SET 1
“Up on Cripple Creek” – Eric Church
“Ophelia” – Ryan Bingham
“The Best of Everything” – Mike Campbell
“Evangeline” – Margo Price
“Acadian Driftwood” – Alison Russell
“Straight Down the Line” – Robert Randolph
“Who Do You Love?” – Taj Mahal and Robert Randolph
“Go Back to Your Woods” – Bruce Hornsby
“King Harvest (Has Surely Come)” – Bruce Hornsby
“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” – Jamey Johnson

SET 2
“Broken Arrow” – Daniel Lanois
“Life Is a Carnival” – Warren Haynes and Taj Mahal
“Whispering Pines” – Lucinda Williams
“Twilight” – Nathaniel Rateliff
“Across the Great Divide” – Nathaniel Rateliff
“Rag Mama Rag” – Jamey Johnson and Bruce Hornsby
“Baby Don’t You Do It” – Nathaniel Rateliff
“Tupelo Honey” – Van Morrison
“Days Like This” – Van Morrison
“Wonderful Remark” – Van Morrison

SET 3
“The Shape I’m In” – Eric Clapton
“Out of the Blue” – Eric Clapton
“Forbidden Fruit” – Eric Clapton
“Chest Fever” – Eric Clapton
“Further On Up the Road” – Eric Clapton

SET 4
“Forever Young” – Nathaniel Rateliff, Ryan Bingham, and Margo Price
“It Makes No Difference” – Jim James
“Stage Fright” – Warren Haynes
“Caravan” – Warren Haynes
“When I Paint My Masterpiece” – Bob Weir
“The Unfaithful Servant” – Trey Anastasio
“Look Out Cleveland” – Trey Anastasio
“The Weight” – Mavis Staples, Trey Anastasio, and Bob Weir
“I Shall Be Released” – All-star ensemble