The Life Is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ’24 – A Tribute to Robbie Robertson
The all-star tribute concert to the legendary Robbie Robertson, former guitarist and songwriter of The Band, is hitting the road. The Life Is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ’24 launches on October 19 at the Warfield in San Francisco, featuring a star-studded lineup of musicians including Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Jamey Johnson, Don Was, and others.
The Tribute Concert
The tour is a tribute to the iconic 1976 concert, The Last Waltz, held at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The event was a farewell performance by The Band, with special guests including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Robertson, who passed away on August 9, 2023, at the age of 80, was a key figure in The Band’s success and a renowned songwriter and guitarist.
The Lineup
The Life Is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ’24 features a diverse range of musicians, including:
- Mike Campbell, former guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- Benmont Tench, former keyboardist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- Jamey Johnson, country music artist
- Don Was, producer and musician
- Ryan Bingham, country music artist
- John Medeski, keyboardist of Medeski, Martin & Wood
- Cyril Neville, percussionist of the Neville Brothers
- Terence Higgins, drummer of the Neville Brothers
- Dave Malone, guitarist of the Radiators
- Mark Mullins and the Levee Horns, featuring Allen Toussaint’s original arrangements
Tours and Tributes
The tour is a culmination of previous Last Waltz-themed tours, featuring a rotating cast of musicians, including Johnson, Was, Higgins, Medeski, Malone, and guests like Michael McDonald, Warren Haynes, and Dr. John. Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band, appeared during the 2016 dates.
Philanthropy
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to local charities, supporting the community and honoring Robertson’s legacy.
Tour Dates
Here are the tour dates and cities:
10/19: San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
10/22: Boise, ID @ Revolution Concert House and Event Center
10/24: Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
10/25: Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theater
10/26: Beaver Creek, CO @ Vilar Performing Arts Center
10/29: Omaha, NE @ Orpheum Theater
10/30: Rockford, IL @ Coronado Theatre
11/1: Louisville, KY @ The Louisville Palace
11/2: Cincinnati, OH @ Brady Music Center
11/4: Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Center for the Arts
11/6: New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
11/7: Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre
11/8: Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre
11/9: Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia
11/12: Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
11/14: Schenectady, NY @ Proctors
11/15: Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center
11/16: Toronto, ON @ Meridian Hall
Conclusion
The Life Is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ’24 is a celebration of Robbie Robertson’s life and legacy, featuring a diverse range of musicians paying tribute to his work. With a portion of the proceeds going to local charities, this tour is not only a musical celebration but also a philanthropic endeavor.
FAQs
Q: Who is Robbie Robertson?
A: Robbie Robertson was a legendary guitarist and songwriter of The Band, known for his work on songs like "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek".
Q: What is The Last Waltz?
A: The Last Waltz was a farewell concert by The Band, held on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, featuring special guests including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young.
Q: Who is performing on the tour?
A: The tour features a star-studded lineup of musicians, including Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Jamey Johnson, Don Was, and others.
Q: Will there be any special guests on the tour?
A: Yes, the tour will feature special guests, including Ryan Bingham, John Medeski, Cyril Neville, Terence Higgins, Dave Malone, and Mark Mullins and the Levee Horns.
Q: What is the purpose of the tour?
A: The tour is a tribute to Robbie Robertson’s life and legacy, with a portion of the proceeds going to local charities.