Once Were Brothers Robbie Robertson And The Band

Ever heard of The Band? Not *a* band, but The Band. Think of them as rock and roll’s cool older brothers, the ones who knew all the best stories and could play instruments like nobody's business.

At the heart of this brotherhood (and occasional brotherly squabbles) was Robbie Robertson, the guitarist and songwriter with the cheekbones that could cut glass.

From Canada to the World: A Serendipitous Start

The Band's origin story sounds like something out of a movie. A bunch of Canadian musicians, hanging around, jamming, and dreaming of something bigger.

It all started with Ronnie Hawkins, a rockabilly wildman who needed a backing band. He scooped up these fresh-faced Canadians, including a young Robbie Robertson. Imagine being a teenager, touring with a guy nicknamed "The Hawk"! It was rock and roll boot camp, pure and simple.

They learned to play tight, to anticipate each other’s moves, and, most importantly, to survive the chaos of the road. You can just picture the late-night diner stops and the dodgy motels, shaping their sound and their bond.

Bob Dylan's Secret Weapon

Then came the twist. Bob Dylan, already a folk music god, went electric and needed a band to handle it. Most bands ran for the hills, booed off stage by folk purists. But not these guys.

They became Dylan's secret weapon, weathering the storm of angry audiences and helping to create some of the most groundbreaking music of all time. Think about that for a second – from playing rockabilly to backing Bob Dylan at his most controversial. Talk about a resume builder!

Those infamous 1966 tours were legendary, but brutal. Imagine being on stage while people are screaming “Judas!” at your boss every night. They were seriously road-tested.

Becoming The Band: Basement Tapes and Beyond

When they finally struck out on their own as The Band, they were ready. They holed up in a pink house, now legendary, in Woodstock, New York, with Dylan and began recording a series of informal songs that became known as The Basement Tapes.

Their music was unlike anything else at the time. Rootsy, soulful, and filled with stories of American life. It felt old and new at the same time, like a dusty photograph come to life. They weren’t just a band; they were storytellers.

The Weight and The Last Waltz

Songs like "The Weight" became instant classics. The Last Waltz, their farewell concert, directed by Martin Scorsese, is still considered one of the greatest concert films ever made. Think of the guest list: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison. It was a party for the ages, albeit a bittersweet one.

The film captured not just the music but the complicated dynamics within the band. Tensions were brewing, and the brotherhood was starting to fray.

Brothers No More? The Aftermath

After The Last Waltz, things got complicated. There were disputes over songwriting credits, money, and the legacy of The Band. The brothers started to drift apart.

Robbie Robertson went on to a successful solo career, scoring films and writing books. He remained the keeper of The Band's flame, sometimes to the chagrin of his former bandmates.

The story of Robbie Robertson and The Band is a reminder that even the closest relationships can be tested by fame, fortune, and the pressures of the rock and roll life. But the music they created together? That will last forever.