Just when you think “The Weight” has reached the peak of cultural exposure, Robbie Robertson’s music from 1968 – and his original recording by Band – always manages to make a comeback. During the past five decades, he has appeared repeatedly on soundtracks, from Easy Rider for The Big Chill for the recent Dawn of the planet of monkeys. In 2019, a remake of stars featuring Robertson, Ringo Starr and musicians from around the world generated millions of views. And next week, a new Bands box will revive “The Weight” again, this time through an excavated live version.
Starting with Big Pink MusicRobertson began the process of combing through the master tapes and archives of each of the band’s albums in time for their five-year anniversary. This year, it’s time to update your third LP, Stage Fright. An edition of the album’s 50th anniversary, released on February 12, will include a new stereo mix from the album, some alternative takes and a collection of hotel room jams with Robertson, bassist Rick Danko and pianist and drummer Richard Manuel.
Also included is the never before released Live at the Royal Albert Hall, June 1971, which carries additional meaning. The last time the band played in that austere venue, in 1966, they were known as the Hawks and were supporting Bob Dylan on his controversial European tour. The last two shows of the tour took place in the hall, where, as in other shows, some of the audience were not at all enthusiastic about the sound of Dylan supported by a plugged-in band – and let their frustrations be known through boos and screams.
In 1971, however, things changed: “The Hawks were booed there last time,” wrote Levon Helm in his memoirs This wheel is on fire. “Not this time. Take my word for it – pandemonium. They were up and dancing since the first notes.”
Naturally, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, June 1971, includes a version of “The Weight”. The song was also in the news last December, when Dylan sold his song catalog to Universal Music Publishing for about $ 400 million – a deal that, to the amazement of some, included all of the band’s original songs. Big Pink music. (The band signed with Dylan’s publisher, Dwarf Music, in 1968.) Robertson speaks with LOL about this new live recording and the current ownership status of “The Weight”.
What do you remember that night at the Royal Albert Hall?
Everyone was at their game. And it was a great relief to go back to Albert Hall last experience of playing with Bob there. [Laughs] When we played with Bob, we had a ridiculous tour schedule. I’m surprised that Bob, you know, can even achieve this physically. This time, the crowd was exaggerated in enthusiasm and we were trying to reciprocate.
The version of “The Weight” is really fun.
I just like the energy. The way we play on that show is something I’m very proud of. We just wanted to go out there and play, and play music as good as anybody. That was the band’s job: to show up, go after that instrument and do magic. And listening to the Albert Hall show now, after all these years, I say to myself, “Yes, that’s it.” We also did this on Rock of Ages concerts at the Music Academy and in “The Last Waltz”. We had those highlights and Albert Hall is definitely one of them now.
What made you decide to release the show tape now?
The show was not well recorded. But [engineer] Bob Clearmountain worked on that. He separated things, technically, and was able to really adjust the sound.
Speaking of “The Weight”, when Universal announced that it purchased Dylan’s song catalog two months ago, the deal included “The Weight”. It turns out that he has owned this song for decades.
Right. They published the songs of Big Pink Music. But it comes back to the band in a few years. So it wasn’t like Bob was able to sell my music. It reverses. He sold everything he had. He couldn’t sell everything mine.
This new agreement includes those Big Rose songs, including “Chest Fever” and “To Kingdom Come”.
The publishing part. Right.
But you are saying that ownership of the publication will eventually return to you.
Right. My entire catalog is from Universal. So, not for a second did I think, “Oh, my God, what are these people doing to me?” or “Where did it go?” I am part of this family. So it was not at all disturbing. And I’m happy for Bob.
When did you know that the business with Dylan was going down?
I had heard from a mutual friend who was being worked on for a while. But, you know, whatever you do [Dylan] happy. And I certainly understand, seeing when some people die, like Prince or Tom Petty, and then families get stuck in a mess and everyone hates each other and all that shit. It’s not a bad idea to fix this shit while you’re still around.
Neil Young also announced that he was selling his music, which surprised many people. Did that scare you too?
No. It is a different time now. All of us – are at a completely different stage from all of these things. At the same time, rule number one was you Never sell your publication. You never sell your compositions. You never sell your record royalties. And that has changed.
What has changed?
Times have changed. The music business has changed. Many elements that didn’t make sense before make perfect sense now. The commercial side makes sense now.
Why are people just not buying physical products and royalty revenue has fallen?
Yes, everything is different.
In light of the deal with Dylan, are you concerned that Universal might use, say, “The Weight” in a commercial without your approval?
No, I’m not worried. As I said, we know them. And they are fine. And it’s only a few years, so I’m not worrying.
Have you thought about buying the one and the other Big Rose Dylan and Dwarf Music?
Yes, I did. But there were complications with what happened to Dwarf Music years ago, and that was part of the things that were going on in your life. I have talked about this with them over the years. And Bob has always been great. Whenever something came up, the phone would ring immediately and they would say, “What do you think of that?” And blah, blah, blah. So, like I said, it’s nothing that keeps me up at night.
In 1994, Dylan approved the use of “The Weight” in an ad by Diet Coke.
Seriously – Diet Coke? Good, they I have some money. I don’t even remember that. I remember that they wanted to use “The Weight” in the new Monkey’s Planet movie. And I said, “Same? Does it fit? “And they were saying,” Well, we’re going to send it to you and you can see it. “And the movie was great and the use of the music was great.
So, as long as the job is good, we’re all fine. Years ago, you would Never allow anyone to use any of your music. Now, nah – I got over.