"The Last Waltz" is a live album and concert film by the Canadian-American roots rock group The Band, released in 1978. It documents the group's final performance on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The concert was intended to be a farewell show for The Band, and it featured numerous guest appearances from notable musicians, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and many others.
The album and film capture The Band at the height of their powers, performing iconic songs like "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek," and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The performances are characterized by the group's tight musicianship, soulful vocals, and deep connection to the roots of American music.
In addition to the live performances, "The Last Waltz" also includes interviews with members of The Band and behind-the-scenes footage, providing insight into the group's history and the significance of the concert.
"The Last Waltz" received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, with praise for the performances, the cinematography, and the overall presentation of the concert. It has since become regarded as one of the greatest concert films of all time and a fitting tribute to The Band's legacy as one of the most influential groups in rock music history.
