So, That’s How You Put On A Rock Show

Somehow my regular searches of The YouTube for all things Danko & The Band failed to turn up this late December 1971 video from New York’s Academy of Music that’s been languishing in the cluttered goatfuck of the site’s archives.

And bully for us: The video’s poor editing is a serendipitous bonus — not only are we privy to a raucous version of Don’t Do It, but we’re also treated to about 40 seconds of a beautiful Richie Manuel-crooned Rocking Chair. The clip boasts the same lineup from the same run of shows that produced Rock of Ages, noted by this particular fanboy fluffer as “the best live album ever released.”

I watch videos like this quite often, and I’m always left wondering how and why this band — The Band — isn’t in the conversation about the greatest group of performers in music history. Very few bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live have come close to what these guys did on stage night after night. Or so I’m told.

• Related Video: Rick Danko sings The Weight solo on Canadian TV