I pent my vacation on the beach in Aruba reading Robbie Robertson’s excellent memoir “Testimony”. I’ve been a fan of The Band forever but there is so much insight regarding Robbie Robertson and his life that includes his teenage journey learning how to be a working musician, in search of his folk and blues idols, the complicated relationship with Bob Dylan, particularly playing on the controversial Dylan “electric” tour, and ultimately describing the formation and dynamic of The Band, Woodstock, the legendary Basement Tspes sessions recorded at the house dubbed “Big Pink” and The Last Waltz. 

Robbie Robertson may be the Zelig of rock and roll as his travels are intertwined with so many incredible recording artists it’s almost too much to believe. One of many interesting anecdotes is when Robbie and his wife vacationed in France with David Geffen and Joni Mitchell where she wrote “Free Man in Paris” about then boyfriend Geffen. Robbie Robertson did as much by the time he was 22 years old then most accomplish in a lifetime. If you add the backdrop of the 1960’s and the landscape of where the country was at the time and the drug experimentation in the name of artistic expression that unfortunately occasionally led to addiction or death, this book is a captivating read. This autobiography that is almost 500 pages left you wanting more and begs for a volume 2. 

On the heals of Robertson’s book whetting my appetite for all things Band, I pulled out the remastered Academy of Music live double CD and have immersed myself in it for days. This album is just an incredible showcase of The Band at the top of their game and the remastered version of what was the Rock of Ages album is pristine. The Band were truly an original American act and their incredible musicical legacy stands up to this day.

It Makes No Difference 

Rock on!

GQ