During the final week of 1971 The Band played a residency at New York City’s Academy of Music that was immortalized by the 1972 live album Rock of Ages. For the run, The Band’s guitarist/songwriter Robbie Robertson commissioned New Orleans fixture Allen Toussaint to put together horn charts for the group’s best tunes. The Band was joined by a five-piece horn section for the run that played the magnificent parts Toussaint put together.
Robbie Robertson has just announced that he’s mixing and putting together a “deluxe edition” of Rock of Ages in a post on his Facebook page…
At Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Concert in NYC I did the song ‘I Shall Be Released’ which The Band recorded on our first album. I told the audience it was in remembrance of some dear old friends. Most people knew I was referring to Levon (who passed away one year ago today), Rick and Richard.
We are mixing and putting together a deluxe edition of The Band’s album Rock Of Ages — Live At The Academy Of Music. Hearing my Bandmates perform at the top of their game is so moving and powerful.
I miss those days and miss them so much.
Thank God, Garth is still with us and making beautiful music. -Robbie
There’s already been an expanded edition of Rock of Ages that was released in 2001, yet we’re sure there’s plenty of material from the Academy of Music run that’s never seen the light of day. Robertson only shared the details above, so there’s no word of a release date but we’ll keep you posted.
We’re also hoping there’s video involved. Watch Don’t Do It from the AOM residency…
5 Responses
I love the expanded edition, but love the sound on the MFSL remaster more. Here’s hoping for best of both worlds with extra extra content
Well,
I’ve already got a 2 CD set called “Academy of Outtakes” which sounds great and I think is better than ROA.
Joe
Snobby Robbie was all geeked up at Crossroads (as usual)
thank god robbie is out there creating and preserving The Band’s music!!
how do you preserve something that you destroyed?