I was lucky enough to see 4 out of 5 members of the Band live (Robbie Robertson with Elvis Costello in Rome, Italy, in the nineties; Rick Danko in NYC in 1998; Levon Helm at the Ramble in Woodstock in 2009; and Garth himself with the Sadies in NYC in 2010). I actually managed to speak to Garth before his concert with the Sadies: he was kind and gracious, he told me he hadn't slept in 14 days. Great article BTW. There'll never be a group even remotely comparable to the Band again.
I attended Medway High School in Arva, Ont. Canada. Garth was a year ahead of me and always played the piano or organ every Friday for the whole school gathered in the auditorium for the "Friday Morning Exercises." He playing was phenomenal. He made O Canada and God Save The Queen sound like a rock concert. It was the late 50's and his career was just beginning! Enjoyed his playing with the Hawks, Ronnie Hawkins band when they played the Brass Rail Tavern in London Ont. every 3rd Fri/Sat. night. Then they became the backup band for Bob Dylan and toured with him. The last time I saw the Band and got a chance to speak with Garth was at the Old Lantern, near Burlington, Vt. They were trying to begin a world tour but it didn't last long. I had a chance to reminisce with him about the Old Days in London, Ont., I also got a T shirt with all their signatures written in indelible ink on it. Them were the days my friends............!!!!
Yes, I'm sure that the student body and myself as teens, didn't realize that we were blessed with the best in Garth Hudson playing the piano or organ while we sang O Canada and God Save the Queen. We knew that he was good because he was the only pianist that played. Even then he was already recognized as being an excellent musician. When he played the organ his rendition of those songs was very innovative! Rocking Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks brought Rock and Roll to London Ontario. I remember clearly dancing my head off to the band playing Rock & Roll at the Brass Rail Tavern. Ronnie's theme song was 'Come On Baby Lite My Fire!!' It was a wonderful time to be a teenager. The drinking age was 21, so we all dressed up to look older!
I just had an epiphany: I seriously wonder if my parents played The Band on repeat when I was little because I feel like it was just embedded in my soul since birth. Music has always seemed to hit me different than other people and I have such an appreciation for country, delta blues, bluegrass, and more recently folk music. The whole Big Pink album has always seemed strangely familiar. I am starting to think that I was born with The Band playing on my dad's old "reel to reel". Whether or not, it would be so sad to not appreciate something as amazing as The Band, and "Honey Boy" especially!!!
Is Garth "quoting" Irving Berlin's *Alexander's Ragtime Band* at the begining and at the end of *Ophelia*? Very briefly, but I hear it. I can't find confirmation anywhere.
I was lucky enough to see 4 out of 5 members of the Band live (Robbie Robertson with Elvis Costello in Rome, Italy, in the nineties; Rick Danko in NYC in 1998; Levon Helm at the Ramble in Woodstock in 2009; and Garth himself with the Sadies in NYC in 2010). I actually managed to speak to Garth before his concert with the Sadies: he was kind and gracious, he told me he hadn't slept in 14 days. Great article BTW. There'll never be a group even remotely comparable to the Band again.
That's lovely that you got to see them play. I am envious. And thank you! Garth is a great one for sure.
I always love hearing Garth's piano fills in the choruses of The Weight. Each one different, all beautiful.
I got to hear him live playing piano on The Weight in 2016, but sadly, no fills. Maybe just as well; you can't relive the past...
Amazingly well written! You have spoken for a generation here sir.
Love love love this.
I attended Medway High School in Arva, Ont. Canada. Garth was a year ahead of me and always played the piano or organ every Friday for the whole school gathered in the auditorium for the "Friday Morning Exercises." He playing was phenomenal. He made O Canada and God Save The Queen sound like a rock concert. It was the late 50's and his career was just beginning! Enjoyed his playing with the Hawks, Ronnie Hawkins band when they played the Brass Rail Tavern in London Ont. every 3rd Fri/Sat. night. Then they became the backup band for Bob Dylan and toured with him. The last time I saw the Band and got a chance to speak with Garth was at the Old Lantern, near Burlington, Vt. They were trying to begin a world tour but it didn't last long. I had a chance to reminisce with him about the Old Days in London, Ont., I also got a T shirt with all their signatures written in indelible ink on it. Them were the days my friends............!!!!
I hadn't heard that detail about the high school performances before, that's awesome.
Yes, I'm sure that the student body and myself as teens, didn't realize that we were blessed with the best in Garth Hudson playing the piano or organ while we sang O Canada and God Save the Queen. We knew that he was good because he was the only pianist that played. Even then he was already recognized as being an excellent musician. When he played the organ his rendition of those songs was very innovative! Rocking Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks brought Rock and Roll to London Ontario. I remember clearly dancing my head off to the band playing Rock & Roll at the Brass Rail Tavern. Ronnie's theme song was 'Come On Baby Lite My Fire!!' It was a wonderful time to be a teenager. The drinking age was 21, so we all dressed up to look older!
It's a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you.
Thank you for this, Kody.
I just had an epiphany: I seriously wonder if my parents played The Band on repeat when I was little because I feel like it was just embedded in my soul since birth. Music has always seemed to hit me different than other people and I have such an appreciation for country, delta blues, bluegrass, and more recently folk music. The whole Big Pink album has always seemed strangely familiar. I am starting to think that I was born with The Band playing on my dad's old "reel to reel". Whether or not, it would be so sad to not appreciate something as amazing as The Band, and "Honey Boy" especially!!!
May he live to be 100. One of the first songs that ever grabbed my soul was chest fever. Garths intro was just amazing.
It really punches you in the face.
Help a sister out.
Is Garth "quoting" Irving Berlin's *Alexander's Ragtime Band* at the begining and at the end of *Ophelia*? Very briefly, but I hear it. I can't find confirmation anywhere.
Thanks, and thanks for a cool essay.
There's no one else like Garth Hudson! Simply amazing. If you love The Band, and are on Instagram, check out my page at - jeffs.theband.stuff