Robbie Robertson, the guitarist and songwriter renowned for his involvement with the Canadian-American group The Band, has passed away at the age of 80.
According to a statement from his manager, Robertson succumbed to a prolonged illness while surrounded by his family on Wednesday.
The Band, a highly influential ensemble in the late 1960s, became immortalized through The Last Waltz, a 1978 Martin Scorsese film documenting their farewell concert.
Among Robertson’s notable accomplishments were crafting some of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
Born as Jaime Royal Robertson in Toronto in 1943, he departed his home at the age of 16 to pursue a music career.
Aside from creating their own music, The Band gained recognition for serving as Bob Dylan’s backing band, ultimately flourishing with their 1968 debut album, “Music From Big Pink.”
Throughout the 1970s, they produced a series of acclaimed albums. Following their final comprehensive performance as a band in 1976, they embarked on multiple tours and studio projects during the 1980s and 1990s, albeit without Robertson.
Robertson and keyboardist Garth Hudson were the two surviving members of The Band’s renowned lineup.
After The Last Waltz, Robertson collaborated with Scorsese on soundtracks for several of the director’s prominent films, including the iconic 1980 movie “Raging Bull” and 2019’s “The Irishman.” Scorsese paid homage to Robertson, describing him as a “giant” and a “constant” presence in his life and work.
Scorsese reminisced, “His music had a profound and lasting impact on the art form, reaching not only me but countless others across the globe.”
Expressing his sorrow, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood shared his feelings on social media, saying, “Such sad news about Robbie Robertson – he was a lovely man, a great friend, and will be dearly missed.”
Stevie van Zandt, a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, highlighted Robertson’s talents, labeling him an “underrated brilliant guitar player” and a “good friend.”
Canadian singer Bryan Adams shared a photo of Robertson, accompanied by the message: “Thanks for the amazing music and the great hangs.”
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