Watch The Last Waltz

The Last Waltz is a concert film directed by Martin Scorsese that captures The Band's final live performance on Thanksgiving Day 1976 held at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The Band was a Canadian-American rock group that had played together for 16 years, creating some of the most timeless music in rock and roll history. The concert was a celebration of their career and a farewell to their fans before they retired from touring.

The film opens with an introduction of the band members and their roles. Robbie Robertson, lead guitarist and primary songwriter, serves as the band spokesperson throughout the film, narrating the story of the band's rise to fame and their decision to retire.

The concert itself is a musical extravaganza that features some of the biggest names in rock and roll. The Band is joined on stage by a lineup of legendary musicians, including Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Ronnie Hawkins, and Bob Dylan, among others. Each guest performs with the band, playing their own hits as well as a selection of The Band's catalog.

The performances are electrifying and a true celebration of the music. Eric Clapton's rendition of "Further On Up the Road" is an explosive guitar solo that showcases his virtuosity. Van Morrison's bluesy "Caravan" is a soulful and intimate performance that showcases his distinctive voice. Joni Mitchell's "Coyote" is a beautiful tribute to the American West, and Neil Young's "Helpless" is a poignant and powerful rendition that resonates with the audience.

The Last Waltz is not only a celebration of the music and performers but also a reflection on the culture and zeitgeist of the time. The concert was held during a period of great political and social upheaval in the US, and the film captures the energy and emotions of the time. The interviews with the band members add depth and insight into the group's creative process and their relationships with each other.

As the film progresses, the concert builds to a crescendo, culminating in a powerful and moving finale with all the musicians gathered together on stage to perform "I Shall Be Released." The film ends with an encore performance of "The Weight," with the guests returning to the stage to support The Band for a final goodbye.

The Last Waltz is much more than a concert film. It is a tribute to the musicians who inspired and entertained generations of fans, a masterpiece of filmmaking, and a snapshot of a bygone era in American culture. It is a timeless document of the power of music to unite and inspire, a testament to the enduring legacy of The Band, and an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Last Waltz is a 1978 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 88.