the start, with Richie Havens stalling
for time by performing an extended
improvised set until he finally limps off
stage, his daishiki drenched in sweat.
What makes up for it are one-of-a-
kind moments that could never be
replicated, like the sun rising on the
Who performing “We’re Not Going To
Take It,” Hendrix playing “The Star-
Spangled Banner,” or Michael Shrieve’s
epic drum solo during Santana’s set
(also Pete Townshend clocking Abbie
Hoffmann in the face with his guitar).
That’s only scratching the surface of
legendary artists who all got together
in one place for three days, truly living
up to the sixties promise of peace
and love. We’d also be remiss to not
mention the ongoing story about the
Port-O-San maintenance man, a hero
for many fans of the film, making sure
there are sanitary conditions for all
500,000 concert goers.
38
TONE TALK //
THE LAST WALTZ
A decade after they broke off from Bob
Dylan to form their own group, folk-
rock legends the Band decided to go
out on a high note with a final concert
on Thanksgiving Day in 1976. Legendary
filmmaker Martin Scorsese was on hand
to capture what became a five-hour
performance, and it’s a testament to
how loved the Band was in the industry
considering the artists who showed up
to say good-bye. On top of Dylan himself
you have Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton,
Neil Young, Dr. John, and showing
stealing performances by Van Morrison
and Muddy Waters. The film would
be criticized later for its focus on lead
guitarist Robbie Robertson (Scorsese’s
inept interviewing would later inspire
Spinal Tap) but it’s all worth it for the
encore performance of “I Shall Be
Released.”
The 10 Best Concert Films Ever Made