The Last Waltz: 50 Years Later

On November 25, 1976 (Thanksgiving Day), The Band held a farewell concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. It was The Last Waltz. Besides The Band, the concert featured their former employers, Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan, as well as Paul Butterfield, Bobby Charles, Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, the Staple Singers, Ringo Starr, Muddy Waters, Ronnie Wood, and Neil Young. The Last Waltz was filmed by Martin Scorsese who made a documentary film with the same name that came out in 1978. It is considered one of the greatest concert films ever made. I have to admit that I never saw the film until recently, but with the 50th anniversary coming, I decided that I needed to have a look. It is truly a fine record of rock and other popular music in the mid 1970s and a showcase for the Band itself. (I admit also that I had previously known only their most popular songs.) This year, November 25 is the day before Thanksgiving. I know that is busy day for many people, but I still think that it would be fitting to commemorate the 50th anniversary in a celebratory bike ride. I do not have a speaker or trailer or any way to play music during a ride. That is why this is only "an idea for a ride". If this idea inspires you (and especially if you have a way to bring music to a ride), please reach out and let me know. If it doesn't work out, I can always stay home (or go somewhere else - my wife doesn't like the music) and watch the movie again. (I have the Blu-ray!) Exact time is, of course, flexible, as are starting location, length, etc. Event link: https://shift2bikes.org/calendar/event-25181

✕