Remembering Robbie Robertson: “The Band” Frontman Passes Away at 80, Mark Knopfler Pays Final Tribute

Remembering Robbie Robertson: “The Band” Frontman Passes Away at 80, Mark Knopfler Pays Final Tribute

1982
Robbie RobertsonRobbie Robertson

James Royal “Robbie” Robertson was a prominent Canadian musician, born on July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Canada. A skillful guitarist renowned for his collaboration with Bob Dylan and The Band. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 80. Robertson’s demise occurred on August 9, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, USA, following a battle with an undisclosed illness.

“Surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, including his wife Janet, ex-wife Dominique, Dominique’s partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, along with Delphine’s partner Kenny,” stated Robertson’s longtime manager, Jared Levine.

“He is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel, and Seraphina. Recently, Robertson completed his fourteenth film music project. It was a project with his frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese, titled ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support the construction of their new cultural center.”

Robertson was the mastermind behind hits for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, including “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” In 1969, The Band’s performance at Woodstock even landed them on the cover of Time magazine.

At the age of 16, Robbie commenced his musical journey with “The Hawks,” a band associated with fellow Canadian musician Ronnie Hawkins. In the mid-1960s, he assumed the role of guitarist in Bob Dylan’s ensemble during the legendary artist’s transition from folk to a more rock and blues-oriented sound.

Members of The Band also contributed to Dylan’s albums, and he reciprocated by penning several songs for them. Many often credit this collaboration with establishing the foundation for the Americana genre.

Robertson fostered a lasting friendship and artistic partnership with Martin Scorsese during the 1970s. The acclaimed director immortalized The Band through the documentary film “The Last Waltz,” capturing their final performance. Conversely, Robertson contributed scores to many of Scorsese’s cinematic works, with the latest being “Killers of the Flower Moon,” premiering at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

On August 11, 2023, Mark Knopfler paid tribute to his colleague and musician Robbie Robertson with the following statement:

“A sad farewell salute to Robbie Robertson. I loved The Band from their earliest days. Robbie’s talents and his love for the music were always in evidence,” conveyed Mark Knopfler to the fans.

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