The Band – The Last Waltz (1978)

At that time, birthday parties weren’t really my thing, so for my 18th birthday in July 1978, I went with my best friend Frank to Haarlem to watch The Last Waltz concert film in the cinema.

I barely knew The Band’s work, but several of the musical guests were already among my favorites: Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Eric Clapton. However, I had rarely seen live footage of most of them.

With The Last Waltz, our musical horizons broadened tremendously in one go, branching out in multiple directions. First and foremost, The Band itself became one of my favorite bands from that day forward. And then Joni Mitchell—already so impressive—who later became a bridge toward jazz.

The gospel sound of the Staple Singers, the New Orleans influence of Dr. John and Bobby Charles, a renewed interest in the blues with Muddy Waters and Paul Butterfield, and an introduction to country through Emmylou Harris. Each musical highlight followed the next, edited with typical Scorsese flair and interspersed with unforgettable interviews.

By the end of the afternoon, two friends left the cinema with their (musical) lives turned upside down.