Tears running down my face … here I am 86 fucking years old, still remember, still feel this … life has been great, the music was even better … wish you were here!
I first got a vhs copy in about 1986 or 87 , then a cd in about 98 or 99, anyhow I've viewed it hundreds of times with countless others and most importantly I've started friendships because of this glorious concert. Those friendships are my favorite type, they start with music and never seem to end. Peace to all
This was one of my dad's favorite concert dvds, after he passed I didn't have the strength to put it on because it would remind me of him. I would break down in tears hearing the music, I get really choked up listening to this even now. Still remembering that big smile he had when my dad would watch Neil Young come stage. I look to my left to the empty chair where he sat and think on the time I would spend with him. Now even that house, the chair is gone. All I have now are my memories, and damn good ones they were for sure.
The Band, Neil Young & Joni Mitchell on the same stage at the same time, performing this classic song, makes this listener feel like he is in heaven.❤ Peace!
A Canadian thanksgiving celebration - the whole last waltz celebration/ concerts/ movie- documentary is unparalleled.. it was a grand ballroom feast surrounded by a concert of all rock’s / folk’s greatest- Clapton, Dylan, van Morison, Neil diamond!! Martin captured it perfectly for film
Is Canada accepting American immigrants? If trump gets his fat butt into our White House I won't stay here. I'm 96 percent British according to the ancestry thing. Maybe that's an option.
I was there - in my usual spot stage right, aligned with the mics and just above - watched Joni come out behind all the speakers and do her part. One of the greatest shows I ever attended, starting with the waltz itself, then Thanksgiving dinner. I even bought a tux for the occasion...a few dozen of us were similarly attired. Tickets at the time were an un-heard of $35.00 as I recall. I later regretted not having bought twenty to bring friends along. Three days before, The Band played a warm-up concert down in Santa Cruz to a few hundred of us. The whole thing felt like...family. Truly remarkable. I still smile to think of it all.
Joni Mitchell came across to most of us as highly vulnerable. Joyful too with inner confidence. Her lilting, almost haunting voice drifting up that evening was like wafting smoke - very ephemeral. I would say that fewer than 25 of us could see her where she stood and sang for Helpless - she later came on out. Curiously, for me this was the high point of the evening.
Well, we've just passed the 40th anniversary; someone else sang from that stage that "there's nothing you can hold for very long...." These memories are ephemeral, they are here in our minds and hearts. I will say that the film is a fair approximation, but is a bit over-produced and that the event was (pleasantly) more raw. Joni's vocals drift through my mind as the true high-point of the show for me; I'm sure many in attendance would choose different moments. It was truly touching. All you can ask for!
He’s my cup of tea. I just turned 40 and I’ve seen him live 9 times. Every time with my mother. First show age 3 in 87. She’s not doing well now and I hope we can go again… at least one more time
This song embodies what so much of North Ontario was really like in the 70s. A lonely place, a beautiful wilderness, but whatever it was to anyone it touched your soul. Amazing memories.
I was so lucky to be born 1960 and my two older musician brothers filled our home with all the legendary artists including Neil Youmg♥️♥️♥️♥️ I loved his record Zuma. 🌹🌹🌹🌹 I’ve always wanted to see him play in person. ♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹such a tender voice.
As someone whose mother was born in Toronto and father was raised on a farm in Ontario, this song has always "struck a chord" in my heart. I spent nearly every summer of my youth in Muskoka, Ontario, and recall waking up in the middle of night, walking out of our rented cottage, and watching the Northern Lights paint the sky, with stars galore as a backdrop. Thank you Neil, The Band, Joni (wow!), and Marty.
I love that silhouette of Joni Mitchell singing that beautiful falsetto seemingly without any effort. Her stunningly beautiful voice soars like a big bird flying across the sky. Thank you, Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Scorsese for getting me out of an emotional mess.
@@jeffreyhall2136 Should you happen to run across any owls, screech or otherwise, that can write songs like Joni be sure to drop me line as I'd sure like to see that...
@@ianbartle456 Oh now Joni is a great lyricist too? Thought this was a Neil Young song though. Screeching behind the guitar amp is definitely the highlight of her career.
Probably because Mr. Young shared a huge line of blow with him before hand lol. They almost didn’t put this song on the movie because Neil young had a massive rock of cocaine hanging outta his nose but they edited it so you couldn’t see it
Takes me back to my days growing up with my husband . Close my eyes and I am back in his arms. Hope heavens great as we thought Hon. Still missing you and forever will .
I see from the comments that many people have questions about this song. The woman in the background is Joni Mitchell. By coincidence, Neil and Joni contracted polio in Canada as children in 1951 during the last epidemic in North America before the Salk vaccine solved polio. They were thousands of miles apart, they did not know each other, they both grew up to become amazing folk/rock musicians. Neil Young has never explained the meaning of "Helpless" and rock critics think it is about the feeling of being stuck in a small town but I am convinced that it is about the emotions of having Polio and not having any idea if you are going to get better or spend years inside an iron lung. That is why having Joni kind of sneak in behind the curtain and sing background vocal during this performance is so special and powerful.
The true story of this song, in 1969, while on his Canadian Tour, their bus broke down, early evening, on Highway 17 North, at the crossroad, leading into Wawa. The shadow emanating from the Wawa goose, covering their broken down bus, inspired this talented man. Well, I’m 78 now, so, if my memory serves me right, they had a one night gig here, before hitting the highway.
As told in Neil Young: Long May You Run: The Illustrated History, this song is about the town of Omemee in Ontario. In 1949, Neil's parents moved there with him when he was just four years old. Young describes it as "a nice little town. Sleepy little place... Life was real basic and simple in that town. Walk to school, walk back. Everybody knew who you were. Everybody knew everybody." Neil had polio at age six and his family moved to Florida, believing that the warmer climate would aid in his recovery. It is the emotion and sleepy sadness in this song that brings tears to the eyes of those who experienced Neil Young when we were young (i.e., the Forum in Inglewood, late 1970s).
FYI about why Joni was backstage: Joni came out later to perform Coyote and they wanted to keep it a surprise, so she stayed behind the curtains during "Helpless". It's kind of brilliant, imagine not having any idea she was there, and then during the song you hear her gorgeous voice complementing this song....goosebumps.
This is the Greatest Live Version Ever of the Song “Helpless” from Neil Young .... Simply Breath-Taking ... all of them singing and the mouth organ music takes you to another level of heavenly happiness
His voice is pure gold. He is unique. No one else sounds like him. This is one of my favorites. He expresses pure emotion. Helpless. He expresses the pain of loss perfectly. What a great artist. Thanks Neil Young.
No matter what, Neil Young, the genius he is, nailed a song. Thanks to u-tube. Without these videos how could I listen to all this amazing music. True love for rock.
This is by far the best live version, I have ever heard ... the song takes you out in a oblivion of blue sky away and away from this earth in to the heaven.... beautiful notes
Are you referencing the Drive-By Truckers song "Ronnie and Neil"?. If not check that song out. It's literally about what you said.....or anyone else reading this, check out that song.
@@scottbird6423 There are tons of aspects to it. It's worth a google. I just did and learned a lot I didn't know about the whole situation. Very interesting story for sure.
WOLFMANoct1963 Ever notice that we always seem to call today's "pop stars" artists, and not musicians...Isn't that weird? Just a random thought probably doesn't mean anything.
WOLFMANoct1963 it's wrong for people to act like there's no talented musicians today. There's alot of really great musicians out there these days, it's just that there not recognized enough to become popular, like all those people who are just in it for the attention as an image of fame as opposed to a musician who really has something to offer to the world.
I grew up in the late 60's early 70's........what an incredible 'time slot' that was for music. This song along with many others of Neil Young's are the soundtrack to my youth. What a childhood it was.... Neil, you are a treasure!
For his high status in the rock and roll community, Neil Young just kinda comes like some socially awkward dude I would have known in high school or something. I find it quite relatable.
I'm in rehab and this gives me so much motivation to go on. Without Last Waltz and other favourite music I might had jumped out of the window days ago.
Silmapuoli I think music is a gift.. given to us.. what we do with it is like all gifts.. If we value its ability to calm us and give peace in our hearts then it can be used as it was originally intended.. granted there is some bad music and musicians but they were given the gift too.. they just didn't treat it like a gift.. maybe they took it for granted or just let it age and not keep its value.. I value Music like you do.. it keeps me sane. I need it fairly often.
There is a passion that takes over and this is an example. Neil Young does not play the game. He is what he is and that is a passion for his music. He sings with life rolling off his tongue and his guitar. Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience him in the 70's were blessed, definitely blessed. God Bless you, Neil Young. Thank you for standing for what you believe. I love you, we love you.
Debra Blackwell Ya- Neil is from Blind River, Rick from Stratford, Robbie ,Garth, + Richard also are from Ontario. Only Levon Helm is from Elaine, Arkansas but he lived in Woodland, N.Y.
It does help that Neil Young had an enormous rock of cocaine stuck up his nose through this performance, that was later edited out at the behest of his manager
A beautiful song and the best rock'n'roll movie ever made. I remember when I moved away from my parents in 1970, a friend and I listened to this song all night, stoned out of our minds. Good times. Rock on, Neil.
And Joni is not even a featured face on stage, to boot. Now imagine you had a traveling Joni Mitchell, a "fact" about which very few know, and via personal fiat, you layered songs with her voice without the audience knowing from whom or where it was coming. Joni OnDemand ... look stage right, nod, and Joni will take her place in an unlit corner next to her mic, ready to back up any song (or, to truly mess with the audience, have her sing a cover with no supporting vocals and have the entire band act as if nothing is different). Fun times!
My father, born in 1950, was watching this part of The Last Waltz while rocking my 5 month old baby. All of the sudden, she fell alseep in his arms and laid her head on his chest. Another beautiful moment in my life to the soundtrack of 70s rock
This truly is a magical moment captured for eternity. From Robbies smile when Neil starts to sing to Rick looking at Neil with a sense of knowing anticipation of the next verse to Rick and Robbie jokingly looking skyward at the "big birds flying across the sky". Hard to put into words but I'll try and say there is a feeling of comraderie exuding from this clip that warms the heart. Yes kids, drugs are bad.....but in this moment in time I believe they accentuated what was already a special moment.
I think you are right. Robbie wrote in his book, a few hours before the concert he went back to his hotel, to try to get a little sleep, he couldn't. He realized he was exhausted and had been going to adrelin and drugs (probably cocaine), instead of proper nutrition and sleep. His wife brought him some food, and again adrelin kicked in, and most likely cocaine when he go to Winterland.
@@analogkid4957 I grew up on the west coast of Canada in the 60's and 70's and Rush was NEVER played on the radio. They were strictly an eastern band. So no, Rush was NOT the most popular Canadian band.
tackless What kind of a pathetically nationalist comment is this...? Is this a pissing war to see whose DESCENDANTS (highly unlikely due to multiculturalism, thankfully) did the 'most' for the rest..? PATHETIC. Enjoy the fucking music and realize this is not about who can piss the farthest.
Samuel, I don't know if NY has ever been on any drugs or alcohol-he has been type 1 diabetic since childhood, also had epilepsy and contracted polio as a child...fragile health he has guarded well, despite coming of age during drug scene...
There is a town in north Ontario, With dream comfort memory to spare, And in my mind I still need a place to go, All my changes were there. Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise, Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes. Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless Baby can you hear me now? The chains are locked and tied across the door, Baby, sing with me somehow. Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise, Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes. Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless.
Sandra Flett I have not actually heard this song since the late 70's..dropped out of the music scene in 71..started to relearn to play drums a few years ago.. and now it all is now reliving the music I loved so many years ago.. very strange and wonderful at the same time.. my music knowledge.. years of scooling in percussion is now returning with new feelings and expression as if delivered to me via a time machine. Love Neil's music. Clapton is another star fav of mine.. see his vid.. part of the Last Waltz set of 7 vids plus others not in that set of 7.
The first time I gave myself to my ex boyfriend this album was on vinyl and immediately after ...this song came on and we laid there and held each other and I will forever remember him by this song and that perfect moment... it ended on bad terms and we haven’t talked in 3 years but thankyou Justin for showing me the gift of Neil Young. Beautiful
THIS IS MY FAVORITE NEIL YOUNG SONG. LAID IN MY BED AT NIGHT AS A KID AND LISTENED ON AN 8 TRACK WITH HEAD PHONES BLASTING NO WONDER I CANT HEAR ANYMORE ... RIP ROBERT LYNCH !!!!
Man where does the time go? Yesterday it was the 70's I was buying the latest 45 record and playing it non stop...Saturday Night Fever is playing at the local theater...I am listening to music on my transistor radio (FM only) as I deliver my newspapers in Victorville CA....I graduated from High School a girl I barely knew hugged me with passion as she whispered my name softly in my ear (why didn't I know she liked me before now?)..I am in the Air Force I am 17 (I turned 18 in basic training), my Mom sold me her Vega, I listen to Pink Floyd on my 8 track as I drive around Nellis AFB, I make Staff Sargent at 21... After 5 years I get accepted to attend the Culinary Institute of America I say goodbye to the Air Force, England and...Alison. It's raining the day I leave and she says "All of England is crying at your departure"....I have been a Chef for 30 years...It's now 2020 I will soon be 59 my knees prevent me from cooking professionally any longer....I am looking at this video and as I listen to the music I keep wondering....where has all the time gone??
This was the 2nd song I learned to play after Fire and Rain. I was 14 yrs old. It's 3 chords! I drove my parents crazy 😃. I sang my heart out in my room. Good times Thank you NY ♥️ FYI when Scorsese was editing the Last Waltz NY had coke visible around his nose, they had to take it out frame by frame! Keep on rockin in the free world
D, A and G 🙂 . The quintessential chords of country rock 💛 . Add an Em, and you’ve got “Knocking’ on Heaven’s Door”. It reminds me of the famous quote about country music: “Three chords and the truth”. So beautiful. So true. I loved your story, Tina.
This the greatest concert ever to be on screen!!!! I just can't say enough about it!!!! The Band was just SO F'N GOOD!!!! And then there is Neil Young, with Joni howling in the back!!!! Jesus Christ can it ever get better than this?!!! HELL NO I SAY!!!!!! THE BAND.....WHAT A GREAT NAME FOR THEM!!!! THEY WERE ALL SO TALENTED.. HELM, DANKO, HUDSON, ROBERTSON AND MORE, NOT TO MENTION THEIR GUEST ON HERE!!!! I WATCH IT TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR, AND HAVE FOR FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING!!!❤️❤️✌️✌️❤️❤️
How on this earth, nearly 50 years ago, can these guys make sounds like this. I am sitting In my English garden, in the late afternoon of an English summers day, covered in goosebumps and with emotion high. When there is so much hate I. The world right now. Thank you guys. You’ll never know🤗
I have this concert on dvd. The accompanying acts that performed that night in its self makes this one of, if not the best show in ROCK AND ROLL history!
The Last Waltz performances were so good. I can't do anything but believe that God (if he exists) dropped what he was doing to watch this i amazement that night.
so fortunate to grow up in an era with real music, real professional musicians who in the rawest sense could touch the soul and now today we have so called musicians who have to have all types of eye candy to mask their inability to truly sing and have real meaning to their lyrics outside of bubblegum pop. RIP Mr. Robertson - a lost legend
I love The Band and Love Neil Young. Takes you back to a other time another place folks where different values where different music had heart and soul to reach out to you and I. Several times in my life i felt my back up against the wall and I'd play this song and lose myself in the words and things would be alright.
my senior hi school teacher took our class to see this in 1978 and it changed my world. to this day I still love to watch and listen to the BAND its as awe inspiring today just as it was 40 yrs ago and if it wasn't for Robbie Robertson the BAND never would have been ...