Testimony
The architect of The Band recounts the golden age of rock, backing Dylan, and the legendary Last Waltz.
The Historical Context
Robbie Robertson’s memoir is a masterclass in storytelling, detailing his journey from the Six Nations Indian Reserve to the absolute epicentre of the 1960s cultural revolution. From the hostile, booing crowds of Bob Dylan’s 1966 electric tour to the creation of 'Music from Big Pink' in a basement in upstate New York, Robertson provides a meticulous, first-hand account of how a group of bar musicians accidentally invented Americana.
Deconstructing the Masterpiece
Here is exactly what you will find inside the pages of this pivotal work:
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The brutal, unforgiving reality of touring the early rock and roll circuit.
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The alchemy of ensemble playing and the danger of unequal songwriting credits.
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The devastating impact of hard drugs on a tight-knit musical fraternity.
The Myths & Controversies
Robertson’s account of The Band’s demise and his justification for retaining the lion's share of the publishing rights remains fiercely contested by fans of Levon Helm.
The Verdict
A beautifully written, essential document of rock history, though arguably a highly subjective one.
Archivist Notes: Testimony
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