Robbie Robertson, the lead guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of The Band, died this week at the age of 80 after a long illness.
Robertson left musical fingerprints across seven decades, but perhaps no single performance of his is as memorable as the one featured in The Last Waltz. The concert film, which was shot by Robertson’s friend and longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese, captured the incredible final performance by The Band on Thanksgiving day, 1976.
It marked the group’s split, but it was also a celebration of their music, their legacy, and the bonds they shared with dozens of other performers who played with them during the star-studded show at Winterland in San Francisco.
Looking to stream The Last Waltz? Heres’s everything you need to know, including where to watch The Last Waltz and where The Last Waltz is streaming now.
What is The Last Waltz about?
The Last Waltz is about Robbie Robertson, but also so much more. In a 2016 essay reflecting on the film’s legacy, Decider’s Ben Smith wrote, “After years on the road, The Last Waltz was conceived by Robbie Robertson as a celebration of the group and a retirement party of sorts. Years of touring had taken its toll on band members, and he felt it was time to get off the road, even if his bandmates didn’t agree. The concert was to be their last live hurrah before they became strictly a recording entity in the mold of The Beatles.”
He continued, “Symbolically scheduled for Thanksgiving night, 1976, a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings would be served to concertgoers, who would be treated to ballroom dancing and poetry readings before The Band performed two sets, one of their original material, another as the backing ‘band’ with friends, fans and influences.”
Joining The Band onstage for their now-legendary final bow were Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and many others. The film was eventually released in 1978 and in the time since, it’s come to be regarded as one of the greatest gatherings of rock and roll talent ever assembled, and for many, a Thanksgiving tradition. Whether you’ve never seen it, or you’ve seen it a hundred times, it’s full of classic performances that sum up the band’s incredible career. Read on for info on how to watch The Last Waltz.
Where to watch The Last Waltz:
The Last Waltz is now streaming on Prime Video, where you can watch through an MGM+ add-on or buy the film for $6.99. The music doc is also available to rent on Apple TV for $3.99. Both Pluto TV and Tubi are currently streaming the film, too, so there are plenty of ways to watch The Last Waltz.
For even more Robbie Robertson, we also recommend checking out Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, the documentary about The Band’s rise and fall, as told from Robertson’s point of view.
