Celebrating the Legacy of Robbie Robertson

On Thursday, Nathaniel Rateliff took a moment backstage before an all-star tribute to the renowned singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson. He reflected on the profound influence of Robertson’s music, both as a solo artist and as a member of The Band.

Rateliff stated, “You know, The Band was kind of a soundtrack to my life,” highlighting how the blend of blues, folk, country, and R&B in The Band's music shaped his own artistry. “As a young adult, I did a really deep dive into the catalog and the Robbie stuff. The Band is a huge influence.”

This sentiment resonated deeply among all the artists who performed during the event titled Life is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson, held at the Kia Forum in Inglewood.

• Renowned singer Van Morrison graced the stage, honoring Robertson with songs such as “Tupelo Honey,” “Days Like This,” and “Wonderful Remark.” Morrison had shared the stage with Robertson during the Band’s last concert in San Francisco in 1976, adding a personal touch to his performance.

Acclaimed artists like Eric Clapton, Bobby Weir from the Grateful Dead, and many others participated in this heartfelt tribute. Younger talents such as Margo Price, Allison Russell, Trey Anastasio of Phish, and Jim James of My Morning Jacket also showcased their admiration for Robertson’s legacy.

The house band, led by Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, included talented musicians such as John Medeski, Ryan Bingham, and Jamey Johnson. They performed almost every number, confidently declaring, “We’ve had four days to learn these songs, and we’re gonna play every one of them.”

The night unfolded with a stunning array of 35 songs, spanning nearly five hours of music. The opening performance began with a Native American prayer sung by Verdell Primeaux, paying homage to Robertson’s Indigenous roots. Country singer Eric Church kicked off the show with “Up on Cripple Creek,” which also opened The Last Waltz. His country sound set a fitting tone for the event.

The first set featured powerful performances by Bingham, Price, and Russell, all giving their own unique interpretations of The Band’s classics. Throughout the night, archival clips of Robertson reminiscing about his life were shared, including humorous anecdotes, such as the time Taj Mahal convinced him to give him a teepee.

Taj Mahal himself performed a rendition of “Who Do You Love?” before Bruce Hornsby took the stage to sing songs he collaborated on with Robertson. Jamey Johnson then delivered an emotional performance of “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” which resonated with many in attendance.

The second half of the show brought a deeper dive into the rhythm and blues style familiar in Robertson’s earlier works. Nathaniel Rateliff captivated the audience with renditions of “Baby Don’t You Do It” and “Across the Great Divide.” Jamey Johnson returned for another standout performance, creating an atmosphere of heartfelt nostalgia.

Van Morrison later joined the celebration, performing “Tupelo Honey” among other favorites, showcasing his continued vocal prowess at the age of 79. He was a close friend of Robertson's, and their shared history enriched the evening’s performances.

As the event progressed, the impact of Robertson’s career was showcased through various clips, emphasizing his significant contributions as a music supervisor and composer, particularly in his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese.

Eric Clapton made a grand entrance for the third segment and performed powerful renditions of some of The Band's most beloved songs, including “The Shape I’m In” and “Chest Fever.” He concluded his set with “Further On Up the Road,” expressing gratitude for Robertson’s influence.

Although not all seats were filled by the show's end, those who chose to leave early missed out on a thrilling conclusion. The final set included stunning performances by Jim Jones, Warren Haynes, Bobby Weir, and Trey Anastasio. The climax featured everyone coming together onstage for a rousing rendition of “The Weight,” with Mavis Staples leading a dynamic rendition.

Even though Bob Dylan, a long-time collaborator of The Band, was on tour in Europe and could not attend, his influence permeated the night, culminating with the poignant performance of his song “I Shall Be Released.” The tribute concluded on a note of profound respect and love for Robbie Robertson, celebrating the incredible music he left behind.

Robbie, Tribute, Music