The Band: A History
Exploring the history of Canadian-American roots rock group, The Band.
Episodes
September 22, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode, we revisit The Band’s unexpected 1983 reunion six years after The Last Waltz. With Robbie Robertson absent, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson came together once again, proving their music still carried power and soul.
We trace their individual journeys in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the spark that brought them back, and the raw energy of their “The Band Is Back” tour. From theatre gigs and...
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September 15, 2025 • 13 mins
On the 54th anniversary of Cahoots, we hear The Band’s most grown-up record. Less legend, more real life. We stay with six songs, “Life Is a Carnival,” “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” “Last of the Blacksmiths,” “Where Do We Go from Here?,” “The Moon Struck One,” and “The River Hymn.” Work, doubt, change, and faith said plainly.
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July 16, 2025 • 18 mins
In our series Odds & Ends we dig into Band deep-cut, “Get Up Jake”. You’ll hear how a scrappy LA studio outtake grew into a live showstopper on Rock of Ages, and even survives as a raw hotel-room demo. We’ll break down its driving groove, Helm’s backbeat, Danko’s bouncing bass and that shout-along chorus and compare the lean, two-minute studio take to the full-throttle live version and the stripped-down Calgary jam.
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June 9, 2025 • 74 mins
Stephen Lewis returns to explore his new book Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band. We explore the life and struggles of Richard Manuel, diving into his early years, his role in the Band, and the toll fame took on his confidence. We talk about the dual identity Richard held—as both a gifted performer and a deeply sensitive songwriter.
The conversation covers the highs and lows of Richard’s c...
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April 22, 2025 • 52 mins
Levon Helm’s move to Capitol Records in the early '80s was his final shot at keeping his musical vision alive. His bold choice to record at the iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio represented his commitment to authentic Southern rock at a time when synth-pop and MTV hits dominated the airwaves. Featuring a remarkable lineup of musicians, his second solo album, simply titled "Levon Helm," embodied his dedication to musical honesty ove...
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January 24, 2025 • 74 mins
This episode pays tribute to the late Garth Hudson, whose recent passing reminds us of his monumental impact on music and sound art. We explore his groundbreaking work, Music for Our Lady Queen of the Angels, created for the 1980 Los Angeles Bicentennial. A pioneer of experimental sound art that set the standard for generations, Hudson reshaped the possibilities of sound, leaving a truly unique legacy. Rest in peace, Garth Hudson.
...
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January 21, 2025 • 11 mins
In this special episode, I pay tribute to the late Garth Hudson, a true legend in the music world. Known for his innovation, unparalleled creativity, and distinctive style, Garth was more than just a musician—he was a visionary who left a mark on the industry. I reflect on his extraordinary career, his contributions to iconic music moments, and the unique legacy he leaves behind.
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December 27, 2024 • 19 mins
I break down James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown and Timothée Chalamet’s take on Bob Dylan. From the film’s beautiful portrayal of Greenwich Village to its underdeveloped characters and missed historical depth, I explore what works—and what doesn’t—in this ambitious biopic.
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December 23, 2024 • 8 mins
This holiday season, we’re diving into The Band’s heartfelt Christmas track, Christmas Must Be Tonight. Written during their Northern Lights – Southern Cross sessions, the song blends timeless storytelling, soulful harmonies, and a fresh take on the Nativity. I explore its origins, musical brilliance, and why it’s a hidden gem that deserves a place on your Christmas playlist.
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December 19, 2024 • 59 mins
A Song With... returns featuring my friend and one of Canada's best songwriters, Jerry Leger. Jerry selected "Tears of Rage" from The Band's first album, Music From Big Pink. We delve into the song's significance, the songwriting collaboration between Richard Manuel and Bob Dylan and the various track versions.
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October 22, 2024 • 62 mins
In this episode of The Band: A History, we explore Robbie Robertson's journey into crafting his debut solo album, influenced by his vision of "The Shadowland." After focusing on film scoring, Robertson returned to music in the mid-1980s, collaborating with key figures like producer Daniel Lanois to create an atmospheric, cinematic sound. We dive into the making of the album, Robertson’s strategic decisions, and partnerships with re...
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September 10, 2024 • 81 mins
We're thrilled to welcome author Stephen Lewis to The Band: A History as we dive into his upcoming book, Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band, which will be released in May 2025.
In this episode, Stephen shares his journey in writing the book, his deep connection to The Band, and some never-before-heard stories about Richard Manuel. This is an episode you won't want to miss! You can pre-order...
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August 5, 2024 • 26 mins
By the end of the 1970s, Rick Danko found himself in an unexpected place. After the release of his first solo album on Arista Records didn’t sell well, and with management in flux, Arista dropped him.
Despite this, Danko continued to tour, collaborate, and perform in smaller, more intimate venues, showcasing his character and musicianship. Collaborations with former Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin, Richard Manuel, Paul Butterfield, and e...
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July 31, 2024 • 40 mins
A Song With returns featuring my friend and Chest Fever bandleader, Daniel Cervantes. Dan selected "Just Another Whistle Stop" from The Band's third studio album, Stage Fright. We delve into the song's significance to him, Robbie Robertson's scorching lead guitar, Richard Manuel's captivating vocals, and the various interpretations of the lyrics and music.
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May 21, 2024 • 42 mins
After navigating a tumultuous phase in his life marked by heavy drinking and the disbandment of The Band, Richard Manuel entered rehab, marking a pivotal step toward reclaiming his passion for music. In 1978, returned to the studio with old friend Happy Traum, contributing to Traum's debut solo album "Bright Morning Stars."
He also collaborated with musicians Terry Danko and Marty Grebb and reconnected with Gerry Goffin for songwri...
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March 24, 2024 • 50 mins
A new episode of "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be a passionate case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply revelling in the joy of listening.
In this episode, Luke C. Bowden joins me. He is a music journalist, academic, and concert promoter. Luke's pick is "...
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March 3, 2024 • 50 mins
"Levon's solo albums are pure, egalitarian magic and joy." - Matty Wishnow
After a dedicated grind in the late '70s, Helm ventured to Nashville, inspired by his role in the lauded film Coal Miner's Daughter. There, with the city's top session players, he created his seminal album, American Son, in 1980. Helm, almost forty, forged a path to new creative horizons, trying to position himself for a new musical renaissance.
Learn more a...
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February 4, 2024 • 53 mins
Welcome to our series "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be an impassioned case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply revelling in the joy of listening.
In this episode, I'm joined by Michael Koelher,, a dear friend and show editor. Michael's pick is "Twilight,"...
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December 27, 2023 • 11 mins
Welcome to another installment of Odds & Ends, a series of mini-episodes that invites you to explore the hidden treasures within The Band's extensive musical library. This episode reveals the depths of Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson's artistic collaboration within the 1967 composition "Katie's Been Gone."
From the exquisite composition to the speculated ties with Greenwich Village folk luminary Karen Dalton and the enigmatic d...
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December 11, 2023 • 54 mins
Welcome to the premiere of our new series, "A Song With," where I chat with guests about their chosen tracks from The Band and the stories woven within them. There are no constraints; it could be an impassioned case for why a song reigns supreme in The Band's repertoire, a personal narrative or bond, or simply reveling in the joy of listening.
In our debut episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Annie Burkhart, a dear friend of the sh...
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