Rock legend and masterful lyricist, lead guitarist, and composer Robbie Robertson died today (8/9/23) at the age of 80 following a long illness. Robertson who founded The Band with Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel; helped pen some of rock’s most enduring song catalog- one that has highly influenced the modern Americana movement. The Band’s final show/performance The Last Waltz still has enduring appeal as it has been recreated and celebrated regularly more times than one could imagine. Robertson worked with Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, and Martin Scorsese, throughout his career and remained The Band’s defacto leader and spokesperson, even helping lead the recent documentary – Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band.
In a statement, Robertson’s manager of 34 years, Jared Levine, said “Robbie was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine’s partner Kenny. He is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel and Seraphina. Robertson recently completed his fourteenth film music project with frequent collaborator Scorsese, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support a new Woodland Cultural Center.”
RIP Robbie Robertson. Thanks for the amazing music and the great hangs, especially photographing you in LA not so long ago. We’ll keep Anna Lee company for you… pic.twitter.com/0IqVibzVZm
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) August 9, 2023
Always kind and generous. Rest in peace, Robbie Robertson. @r0bbier0berts0n pic.twitter.com/5jh36cPfVQ
— Stephen Stills (@Stephen__Stills) August 9, 2023
Robbie Robertson was a brilliant songwriter, guitarist, and composer whose gifts changed music forever. I’m grateful for all the good memories he gave me—going back to his time in the Hawks when I was a teenager—and for his kindness through the years. I’ll miss him.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 9, 2023
Totally devastated and shocked at his passing. He was a great musician who inspired many of our generation. #robbierobertsonrip https://t.co/67tRu4GRxP
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) August 9, 2023
