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Review: Rick Danko: 1942-1999
by Jordan Hoffman

published 12/13/99

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Jordan Hoffman is LeisureSuit.net's Queens-based Senior Editor.



MOST RECENT YAK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE:

Subj: the band
does anyone know if the band or rick danko appeared on snl

-- bill
Jul 2, 2008 at 5:49PM

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Danko, performing in The Last Waltz
"Cutthroat!"

It's an 8-ball variation, but it's also the opening line of Martin Scorsese's masterwork of rock n' roll propaganda The Last Waltz. It is barked by Rick Danko, festooned in flannel, hair in his eyes, cigarette at his lip, in the back room of God's rock n' roll bar. Here, stories are told about blind fiddle players, bottles are thrown from disgruntled listeners, and loaves of bread are stolen from shopkeepers in the cold Canadian winter, just enough to keep ya going 'til you get to the next down and keep a-rockin' there. He was the wise-crackin' kid of rock n' roll--he could have easily been a failure and he knew it. He looked good in scummy clothes and bounced around like a deadhead when he played bass. He sometimes looked and sounded like a duck. He was a cornerstone of rock n' roll.

Rick Danko had his schtick down pat. He was an unashamed singer, knowing the only way to make his point was just to be true. He was cool and he lived the life so it worked. He sang falsetto harmonies with a daring spirit. And he sang leads ("Crazy Chester followed me and he caught me in the fog . . .") like he was just a guy next to you. Rick Danko, the thumping bottom to The Band, the creators of roots rock, country rock, civil war rock, whatever you want to call it, has died after battling a heart condition and drug addiction.

I had the good fortune to see Danko at the Bottom Line in New York recently. He played "his" songs (almost all Band songs were written by Robbie Robertson--many had multiple lead vocalists) like "It Makes No Difference," "Endless Highway," "When You Awake," "Stage Fright," even Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." He played old mountain tunes and songs about Andersonville and a few new songs that sounded like old songs. He'd gotten fat, and seemed truly touched that anyone would spend over an hour just listening to him sing and play. He went to the bar after the set, and as I exited I touched him on the shoulder and said, "Thanks for comin' Rick." He spun and looked me right in the eye, grabbed my hand and said, "No, thank you, man!" And he smiled and looked right at me as if we knew each other. And of course we did. I'd studied and dreamt about his career during those long rock n' roll nights you have as a kid, reading back issues of Rolling Stone, staring at album covers. If you're ever going to fantasize about being somebody, it should be someone like Rick Danko. And he knew me . . . there've been rock audiences in his life since he was 15.

Do you know the basic highlights of Danko's life? Here's the real short version. A kid in Ontario who listened to black music finds a few like-minded guys, one a little more spooky and journeyman-like who thinks he lives in the 1860s. They play in bars, some nights on fire, other nights booed. They back up Ronnie Hawkins and rowdily cross and recross North America, drinking, carousing, playing rock music in dumps, discovering the myth. Eventually word gets to Bob Dylan that they may be a good backing band for his "going electric." They play Europe, creating hard rock, classic rock, whatever you want to call it. They are hideously mocked for creating an art no one understands. They return to Woodstock, New York and hide out for a while, recording "The Basement Tapes," exploring a universe of American song and artistry. From it, the backup band, hereinafter referred to as The Band, release "Music From Big Pink." It is the heady days of trippy psychedelia and guitar solos, and The Band rejects it. This album rocks hard, but is all about harmonies, multiple vocalists, and winsome lyrics about frontiers, emotional and geographical. It is a new art form, followed up by even greater albums well on into the '70s. They play Woodstock, they tour with Dylan in '74, they record "Acadian Driftwood" on the "Northern Lights, Southern Cross" album, which makes me cry like a woman.

The beauty of The Band is having five musicians who all play to their strengths. Danko's emotive harmonies, practically a constant, are a harrowing cry of true soul. He cracks just enough to let you now he means it. If Richard Manuel was the deep, blue voice of The Band, Danko was wildly crying, either through sweet harmonies or his madly cadenced leads. But don't misunderstand: the Band lays it on thick. They sometimes dressed like extras from Heaven's Gate, and the lyrics, say about sweet Molly living in French Canada, pregnant with a husband off to war, could get a little schmaltzik. But it was beautiful music, and it always rocked hard. You could never misplace a Band song. Anyone versed in rock can recognize their sound in one note, which may just be the greatest compliment to musicians.


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Name: bill
Subject: the band
-- Jul 2, 2008 at 5:49PM
does anyone know if the band or rick danko appeared on snl

Name: Rick
Subject: The Band
-- Jul 1, 2008 at 1:59AM
I first saw the Band back in the 1970's in essex junction vermont they blew me away great rootsy americana music. each one of them multi talented musicans and singers. I saw them years later in bars outside of woodstock ny,I still play and love their music

Name: scott
Subject: rick
-- Jun 25, 2008 at 2:01AM
Rick has to be my all-time favotie person. People say hes just a big stoner, but hey so am i. And the band couldn't live without them. LAst waltz own it on dvd, good picture and it cool how like neil young and neil diamond etc. came to play with them.

Name: Martin
Subject: The Band
-- Jun 4, 2008 at 7:48AM
Saw The Last Waltz, loved it. Great musicians,great rock.I'm a late starter,(61 y.o.), missed them in the 70's. I was 'Stones, The Who,Linda Ronsdatd etc.They never came to Aus. to my knowledge. I own the DVD now at least. Nice article to. Regards Martin.

Name: laura
Subject: rick
-- May 13, 2008 at 10:37AM
like many comments here i shamed of myself has just watched the last waltz. never experienced feelings like anyone as i do for rick. my dad and brother have always been into the band being musicians, and all i can say,is what a joy. chemisty is totally mind blowing. and may ricks smile live on.........XXX

Name: Kingman
Subject: Rick
-- Apr 28, 2008 at 9:05PM
I just bought a DVD of the last waltz... loved it.. I knew one of the band members had died, but did not know which one.... I am very sad...Rick was the Man with The Band

Name: John
Subject: Rick
-- Apr 16, 2008 at 3:22AM
Thanx for the great MySpace page Danielle. I painted a picture of Rick and sent you a digital copy a year or so ago. It's hanging in our living room on the "Music Wall."
We couldn't find any pictures posted on the page... any advice/help?

Name: Danielle
Subject: Rick
-- Apr 15, 2008 at 3:38PM
Rick was my uncle and I have created a myspace page for him. There are pictures of Elizabeth on there, if anyone is still interested in seeing her.

Name: Mike
Subject: Ricky
-- Mar 29, 2008 at 1:20AM
My wife (Kim) & I paid our respects to his gravesite today. He now has a stone similar to & next to his son's Eli. He was an amazing musician.

Name: Scott
Subject: rick
-- Mar 21, 2008 at 12:50PM
Best bass player ever, i love him, hes awsome and the way he moves and sings!!

Name: Paul
Subject: Rick
-- Mar 17, 2008 at 6:38PM
I saw Rick on his solo album tour in the seventies at the Guthrie auditoruim in Minnesoata. Sadly there was less than 100 people there to see and here this great musician and performer. He will go down in history as one of the greats in music.

Name: Tracy
Subject: really sad
-- Mar 10, 2008 at 11:26PM
i don't know what rock i've been under but i don't remember hearing of Rick's death. i am totally heartbroken and upset. i'll will cry myself to sleep tonight. although it's kind of late my sympathy to all that knew him or just enjoyed his music

Name: John
Subject: Rick
-- Mar 1, 2008 at 4:55AM
What can one say, but thank you for the site. Rick, though I never met him personally, left me with many fond memories.

I can't believe he's been gone that long.

John

Name: Nathan
Subject: Family
-- Feb 23, 2008 at 12:24AM
I am just reading this for the first time. My dad's cousin was Rick Danko. Every Jul 1 in Canada, my family has a big party ... including Jim Atkinson ... and members of the Danko family. We play bluegrass, and some of the family favourites. It is touching to see impact that Rick has had on so many people. I hope to visit the grave site this year in Woodstock. Maybe I will bring my guitar and play a Danko song.

Name: GenghisGirl
Subject: Rick
-- Jan 24, 2008 at 11:43PM
Rick was born on December 29, 1943, though his birth and death records say 1942. Also, Sip the Wine is on both the first solo CD AND on Breeze Hill

Name: GAB
Subject: rick's bday
-- Jan 22, 2008 at 7:33PM
It's the 29th

Name: GAB
Subject: Grace!
-- Jan 22, 2008 at 7:31PM
Ah - Grace Seldner! You are the mystery woman we've all wondered about. The only picture we have of you is of your back - going up to the swimming hole with Rick. No doubt you're a beautiful woman - anyone to snag Rick had to be beautiful. It's nice that you looked in here. Kind of made you real to us Danko fanatics.

Name: PB
Subject: Lee's loss
-- Jan 13, 2008 at 12:32AM
Music helps- those who are in pain, who have lost someone. Listen to The Last Waltz, envision Mitchell, and share the time with his spirit.

Name: Lee
Subject: TLW
-- Jan 12, 2008 at 12:43AM
I just lost my little brother December 4th,he was the victim of a senseless random murder,shot in his bed as he slept.I think about him nearly every minute right now.He himself was a great musician,another great bass player.I sit here and I think of all the things we said we were going to do and will never get to now,one of them being watching The Last Waltz.I asked him many times and things just fell apart every time we planned it.I cant tell you how many times I've sat and watched it,loving every second they spotlighted Rick.I feel certain my brother and Rick have met in heaven,I guess maybe thats better than watching The Last Waltz.I love you Mitchell and miss both of you guys dearly.

Name: Kerry
Subject: for Grace
-- Jan 11, 2008 at 3:03AM
Hi Grace,

just read your posting of 5 December. I'm related to Rick Danko and working on our family tree (my Mom is a Danko and they are first cousins). If you read this and are willing to share any genealogical info you might have, I have provided my email to this website's editor. It would be nice to make contact with a distant relation.

Kindest regards,
Kerry

Name: Bill
Subject: sip the wine
-- Dec 29, 2007 at 6:36PM
I have 2 versions on my itunes

Rick's from the album Rick Danko and

Georgette Fry's from her album Rite of Passage.

Both are beautiful.

It might also be available on Rick's Live from Breeze Hill album but I'm not sure.

The most moving thing about it in the movie is the obvious pain Rick is in when Marty asks the question. If you haven't seen this and are a Band/Rick fan, it is a must. It will take your breath away.

Name: marsha
Subject: Rick's Birthday
-- Dec 21, 2007 at 12:03AM
Grace, good to hear from you. You should be able to answer the question: what was Rick's birthday? I have seen it listed as December 9 and December 29.

Name: JP
Subject: Sip the Wine
-- Dec 20, 2007 at 11:45PM
Does anyone know where you can get a copy of this song?

Name: DANNY
Subject: IT WAS 40 YEARS AGO...
-- Dec 17, 2007 at 12:40AM
That the Band & Dylan were at BINK PINK recording the basement tapes.......(what a magic time..)

Name: DANNY
Subject: RICK DANKO
-- Dec 17, 2007 at 12:34AM
I live in poughkeepsie, ny.....which just happens to be right across the Hudson from Woodstock. And one sunday, I went to Woodstock for the afternoon, and as I pulled up to the local drugstore, I spotted Rick going in . I went in, and said ''Hey Rick Danko''...and he smiled and said hello. I'm glad I got t say hello to him and I hope to see BIG PINK down the road somday.....RIP DANKO...

Name: Patricia
Subject: A very sad day
-- Dec 10, 2007 at 8:57PM
Just remembering Rick Today,
And wishing his family and all who loved him a lovely Holiday season.

Name: grace
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Dec 5, 2007 at 7:26PM
Bill asked if anyone saw Festival Express....
I saw it...and I loved it...Rick and Janis developed quite a friendship...I know because I was married to Rick at that time and Janis called us and sang Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz...Rick and I also went to see her in concert...she of course was sipping old southern comfort whiskey..

Name: NYer
Subject: rick
-- Nov 28, 2007 at 2:03AM
I listen to all types of music but none has effected me like The Band's. As everyone concurs, it's brilliant. When I was 14, in 1969
I saved up my allowance to see that at the Felt Forum, part of MSG.
I was going to see Blood Sweat and Tears, but as soon as I heard Big Pink, changed my plans. I saw them twice in Central Park and also once at The Academy of Music where they recorded Rock of Ages with an incredible horn section. They were all fabulous shows, but I would have to say the Rock of Ages might have been the best . Have any of you been to these shows. Great memories. What an ensemble! Rick though was my favorite talent.

Name: bill
Subject: rick
-- Nov 20, 2007 at 4:47PM
Good to see that people stillcare. Anybody see the Festival Express?

Name: winston
Subject: late
-- Sep 29, 2007 at 1:20AM
What has gone is the only picture of the sun,
the only letter from what you sent away.

Name: McMahon
Subject: Rick
-- Sep 5, 2007 at 12:19AM
Mike
The song is Called,
Sip The Wine.

Name: mike Faiola
Subject: tune in the last waltz
-- Sep 4, 2007 at 10:51PM
Does anybody know the name of the recording Rick played for Scorcese in the Last Waltz when he was asked by the director what he was up to?

Name: ravi khanolkar
Subject: danko
-- Aug 28, 2007 at 7:43PM
Hi Everybody,
It's 2.06a.m and i've just finished reading all the posts on Rick. I'm 52 yrs old working as a radio jock in India.The Band has alaways benn and will be my favourite group. Ifirst heard them in 1970.Rick has alaways been my favourite. It makesno difference is what he's all about.I recently did a special on him but sadly i had to leave out danko,anderson,feljd 'cause i could not lay my hands on it. If anybody could help me with a copy i'll do another special on him.
As for hell there's no such thing. I'm certain they're all together and having a time of their lives.
Ravi
bluesrockjazz@ya hoo.co.in

Name: Gislele
Subject: Suz
-- Aug 25, 2007 at 8:51PM
Rick will be the fisrt to greet us in heaven, and by us a drink.
You are a delight, and i will miss not only your posts, but your lovely tribute to The Beautiful
Man, and soul Rick Danko. Take care of yourself, My Friend. Gisele.

Name: Suz
Subject: Gisele
-- Aug 24, 2007 at 6:46AM
Gisele you are a sweet soul. However I am just a dirty old hornbag. A slut, a ho, a hooker, a skank, a b i t c h
BITCH. I would love to stay on and chat but I don't have the right to post on any sites for that beautiful man Rick Danko - another sweet soul. I used His Holy Danko's name in vain - even though I believed at the time it was all in the name of err...love? err...lust? also because people told me to stop that kept me burning 'cos I've always had a problem with authority....no one better tell me what to do ! I dunno. But I know it was wrong so I have removed all all my privileges: no men, no drink, no drugs, and no Rick. He is not mine to touch only to look and no one can stop me lookin'! What I do believe is Rick is languishing in heavenly slumber right now and couldn't give a rat's ass about all this shit. If I beleived he gave two hoots I wouldn't have posted my previous fantasies. His friends have told me otherwise. I accept this and say to Rick: sleep peacefully my love. There will be no more fussin' and a fightin' from me no more. I'm just a gutless wonder: if Rick were alive today I wouldn't have said "boo". I would have been quiet as a churchmouse. But because I believed he was up in heaven laughing down at the rest of us suckers ...well I just went for broke....in a way to try and bring him back. Hell why is everyone else talking about bloody Brad Pitt or **(&( George Clooney? Guys like that are girly men I tell you ! Girly men! Where are all the real men? Robbie Robertson's not one of them : before I go - leave this world of the internet I want to say one last truth:
Robbie Robertson DID stab his brothers in The Band in the back and DOES deserve to get his ASS kicked!

Name: allison
Subject: levon is the best
-- Aug 21, 2007 at 9:40PM
Read "This Wheel's on Fire"!

Name: Gisele
Subject: Rick Rumor
-- Aug 21, 2007 at 11:45AM
Suz, You Crack me up, GirlFriend! I had a feelin' there was possibly a little "Somethin'
Somethin', about Mr.JRR. Our Rick was all about the VJJ. Suz, please don't leave us. You're Great! Gisele.

Name: Suz
Subject: Gisele
-- Aug 21, 2007 at 1:44AM
sorry Gisele I spelt your name wrong in my last post (hey you're great by the way!)

Name: Suz
Subject: JJ
-- Aug 21, 2007 at 1:43AM
I know I said no more posting but JJ I HAVE TO REPEAT WHAT GISELLE SAID ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR F*** MIND - no you are confused with ROBBIE ROBERTSON - there was a rumour about him and Martin Scorcese because Robertson and Scorcese stuck to each other like deodorant to an armpit in the 70s. Rest assured Rick LOVED GIRLS and was not as Governor Arnold Shwarzenegger would put it "a girly man"

Name: Gisele
Subject: Gay Rick
-- Aug 18, 2007 at 12:57PM
J, Are you out of your F- in' Mind? Ofcourse a rumor!

Name: jj
Subject: curious
-- Aug 18, 2007 at 10:02AM
is it just a rumor that rick was gay? or that he even experienced with men? and that drugs were what caused such an early death?

Name: Suz
Subject: so sorry
-- Aug 17, 2007 at 7:06AM
I think a lot of people know me around here because I am a bit of shall we say of a 'loose woman' and therefore I express my love in different ways. What I am trying to say is I am very very sorry for offending Rick's friends and family with my rather well 'bohemian' ways and fantasies about Rick Danko. It shocks me to realise people actually now believe I am a psycho. I have a very wicked sense of humour but in all truth after much introspection I realise what I was trying to do was draw my fellow women folk to the magical powers of Rick Danko. Trying to stir up excitement. There has not been enough excitment about Rick Danko. That's all I was doing. No more posting from me I promise. Best wishes to all.

Name: John Elliot
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Aug 11, 2007 at 9:16PM
I saw Rick the first time he ever played as a'Hawk' with Ronnie Hawkins at the Le Coq D'Or Tavern in Toronto. He was super then and is to this day.
Ronnie and Levon Helm had recruited Rick, Robbie Robertson and Garth Hudson for the latest Hawkins endeavour. Then I saw the Band in the late sixties in San Francisco. Unbelievable is all I can say.

Name: Suz
Subject: Gisele
-- Aug 8, 2007 at 1:11AM
Yo Gisele - just hopped on here and saw your post - go over to Youtube and search for any songs for Rick Danko and/or The Band and I'll be down below posting text comments trying not to insult anyone but to love Ricky in my way, which is to say with a whole lotta lovin!

Name: Gisele
Subject: Suz, JellyRoll
-- Jul 27, 2007 at 4:51PM
Hi Suz
What is the search name for your youtube move? Rick does
have a magic spell over some
of us.

Name: suz suzy
Subject: JELLYROLL
-- Jul 27, 2007 at 7:38AM
Hey I know there's noone out there (and may not be for some time) but I just have to say to anyone who knows me ...RICK DANKO HAS TURNED MY BRAIN INTO JELLYROLL! JELLYROLL KILLED MY GRANDMAMA AND IT'S KILLING ME!

Goodday (and if anyone's looking for me I'm moving to Youtube).

Name: Suz
Subject: NOT DESPERATE JUST DANKLESS
-- Jul 24, 2007 at 1:45AM
Oh I want Ricky yes I do he's as sexy as a porno move. He was a spunk a hunk and a bit of a punk he was L O V E

LOVE

Name: Chad Selke
Subject: Re: Danko was magical
-- Jul 18, 2007 at 2:34PM
I could'nt agree more, little brother.

Name: Suz
Subject: Love Bug
-- Jul 16, 2007 at 1:50AM
Rick spreads the Love Bug a hunk a hunk a burnin' love was Rick, beautiful baby bee a HONEY BEE!

Name: Suz
Subject: I love Ricky
-- Jul 6, 2007 at 7:26AM
I love Ricky oh yes I do he's as purty as blue suede shoes! Judy yeah I got the info about Rick's marriages and children by weeding out all the articles on the band website 'cos Levon's book misses out on a lot of that side of things with Rick and Richard.

Name: mark
Subject: Rick Danko CD's
-- Jun 29, 2007 at 12:08AM
Anyone know where I can get a copy of the Rick Danko CD- "Rick Danko"?

Name: mark
Subject: Rick Danko CD's
-- Jun 29, 2007 at 12:07AM
Anyone know where I can get a copy of the Rick Danko CD- "Rick Dank"?

Name: Patricia
Subject: Dreamy Rick
-- Jun 20, 2007 at 4:31PM
I'm with Judy, Suz. Miss reading your post on The Bands GB. Be well, and Keep Dreaming!
Patricia.

Name: Judy
Subject: "Nice Dreams"
-- Jun 20, 2007 at 4:10PM
Thanks for sharing your dream, Suz. Maybe one day I'll have one of my own. (Well, "I can dream, can't I?)

I appreciate the information on Rick's marriages and children too. I plan to buy Levon's book - and can't wait to read it.

I wish someone had written a book just about him - with lots of pictures!!

Name: Suz
Subject: THE ROCK STAR WHO SHAGGED ME !
-- Jun 18, 2007 at 2:25AM
Rick came to me in my dreams and bonked me. Yes we shagged the whole night through. This chick is still recovering from the experience. I spanked Rick and he did an impersonation of Stalin. (How's that for offensive Julie!)

and Judy Rick married his first wife Grace Seldner sometime in the late 60s 'cos they had a daughter Lisa in 1969. His son was born in 1971. In Levon's book it said Grace & Rick were divorced in 1972. Somewhere shortly after that the book refers to his wife Elizabeth. Rick and Elizabeth were married and stayed together until his death in 1999. Elizabeth already had son Justice from a previous marriage who become Rick's stepson. Very sadly Rick's own son Eli had died in 1989.

Name: Judy
Subject: I wrote you!
-- Jun 12, 2007 at 6:45PM
Hi Pen Pal Patricia -

I sent you an email. Hope you don't have a block against unfamiliar names. Hope you write back and let me know that you got it.

By the way, here's another weird coincidence. I talked about having early albums by the Band from the late 60's. Well, I also have a Ronnie Hawkins album from the early 60's, with our boy, Rick and Levon and Robbie listed as bandmates. (I can't find the album now - hopefully it's still somewhere around.)

Looking forward to reading more here from Rick fans. I, too, would like to know a lot more about his personal background - who he married, when, etc., besides the normal biographical stuff that is commonly found.

Take care.
Judy

Name: Patricia
Subject: Judy's "Beautiful Rick"
-- Jun 12, 2007 at 1:24PM
Hi Judy,
I enjoyed reading your post about Rick. I'm Patricia, who made the Billy Crudup comment.Gisele, who is my cousin made the Orlando Bloom post. You are my Kind of girl! I too adore Rick Danko, and Can't seem to get enough of him. Thank god my husband is a good sport with my "Obsession" ;. You are not alone. Just a thought...... Wanna be my Rick penpal? ( Talk about juvenile) Ha!. Eucalyptus.spa@mac.c om. Take care Judy, and would love to hear from you. Patricia.

Name: Judy
Subject: Beautiful Rick
-- Jun 12, 2007 at 5:45AM
I'm both thrilled and disappointed to read the other comments here and realize that I'm not the only one who "fell in love" with Rick in "The Last Waltz." Good looking, sexy, vulnerable, sense of humor, caring..he seemed to be all these things, besides a talented musician and singer.

Someone else here mentioned the resemblance of the Billy Crudup character in Almost Famous to Rick. I definitely had noticed and thought the same thing.

This is so weird. I owned the two early The Band albums back in the 60's, and I had seen The Last Waltz before - but yesterday it was like I was watching it for the first time - at least as far as Rick is concerned.

I used to think Robbie Robertson was the sexy one, but this time he faded into the background.

I'm probably going to run out of space here - I'm as old as Rick was (also born in 1942) - and feeling like a teenager in love again (with someone who is dead, yet!). Go figure! And please excuse my juvenile, "groupie" sounding writing. Just had to say it - to someone.

Name: Pete K
Subject: Rick Danko Live
-- Jun 7, 2007 at 1:50AM
Friends and I caught Rick solo in an old Boston Club called "Jumping Jack Flash" in the early 80s. He drank during the whole show and could barely stand at the end but still kicked ass. He even hung around and shot the shit with anyone who was interested. Just a regular dude... a great musician....RIP Rick...You are missed.

Name: Gisele
Subject: Rick
-- May 23, 2007 at 4:26PM
is it just me, or does the actor
Orlando Bloom resemble our
Late, Great, and Gorgeous
Rick Danko?

Name: barry
Subject: the band
-- May 1, 2007 at 8:52PM
i grew up with the band and was always blown away by the greatest american band. while all the guys got into partying to much and fame just going through the paces, robbie kept writing, that is the fact
could / should he have been more generous? you bet!!he wasn't the band he was the most prolific writer in the group, but he would have been selling his songs to a group that couldn't do them justice or make him the $$ he made.he wrote, but levon,rick,richard and garth were the sound of the band which we all hold near and dear.

Name: John
Subject: Best Voice
-- Apr 26, 2007 at 12:47PM
Although Levon's singing is what typified The Band, Richard Manuel was, by far, the most soulful singer of the time. Life got in the way of Richard's singing.
In the end, it was Levon Helm who inspired and was the impetus behind The Band... Robbie was a great rock guitar player but he failed as a friend to the guys.

Name: Chappy
Subject: Last Waltz
-- Apr 14, 2007 at 10:13PM
To Ronchi, An LS.n Reader, and Rick, You 3 guys need to read the book I recommended, "This Wheel's On Fire" by Levon Helm, firstly Ronchi, your right about Ricks playing in the Last Waltz, apparently it sounded like crap on the live recording and was dubbed, but! not only was his playing dubbed, the whole concert was redone in the studio except for Levon's drumming and Muddy Waters vocals, Yep that's right the only thing live was Levon and Muddy, Levon refused to go to the studio, and redo the drums, and as for Robbie's vocals, Levon said it really pissed him off to see Robbie's veins popping out as he was singing along in the movie as if his vocals were relevant, when in reality his mike was turned off, it was only there for appearances, and as far as the writing of the songs goes, as I've said before Levon's book "This Wheels On Fire" is a must read, as a huge fan of The Band I was totally deflated by some of the things I read in this book, particularly concerning the Last Waltz and the way Robbie was controlling things, An LS.n Reader wanted to know if Rick died of a heart attack, In his book Levon wrote that he blames Robbie for Ricks death to a certain extent, he said that Rick had to work a lot harder and longer than he should have with his heart condition, and that he wouldn't have had to do this if the royalties from songs they had all written were going to other members of The Band apart from Robbie.

Name: BAS
Subject: Danko's son
-- Apr 11, 2007 at 8:19PM
Terry, from what I know: Eli, his son by first wife Grace Seldner, died in 1989 while at college (I believe SUNY)from what has been variably reported as an "asthma" attack or from aspiration of vomit after drinking ( I found this information cited in as article about "In Loco Parentis" legal cases.) Rick also has a step-son, Justin, from his second marrige to Elizabeth Grafton. Justin was about the same age as Eli, about 38 years old now. I read they both had college baseball scholarships at one point. Don't know what Justin is up to now. It surprises me that his son attended high school in Canada since Rick and Elizabeth lived in the Woodstock, New York area from about 1983 to the time of his death in 1999.

Name: ronchi
Subject: vocals
-- Apr 10, 2007 at 5:15AM
Oh yeah BTW Levon was the backbone of this band....end of story

He had the best voice outta all of them....a true "sing from your heart" singer! Levon was the leader without a doubt.

Name: ronchi
Subject: last waltz
-- Apr 10, 2007 at 5:10AM
LOOK AGAIN Rick is NOT playing the track on the movie!......If you watch close enough you can see he is not playing all the bass notes....releasing this as a live DVD is a bit of a scam-job if you ask me....but then again I believe it was released as a full lenth feature film so I guess you can say your "live" without really being able to pull it off on stage.....lets face it rick prolly wasent up to par that night.....so lets fix it in the studio.

What a crock

Name: An LS.n Reader
Subject: Review: Rick Danko: 1942-1999
-- Apr 7, 2007 at 9:31PM
Listen to out of the blue. It is Robbie singing it. I think he wrote it for levon after the argument at the last waltz meeting. It proves that Robbie is a good guy.
"Out of this world, out of this mind, out of this love for you, Out of this world,Out of the BLue, Out of this love for you."

I heard Danko died of heart failure. Is that True?

Name: Rick
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Apr 7, 2007 at 9:29PM
I think Robbie did write all the songs. While the other guys were out getting fucked up and partying he was staying in and finishing those great songs.Of coarse there are much better singers than him but he can also hold his own. He sings Out of the Blue which if you listen carefully to the words it is all about him and levon's arguement right before the last waltz. Try and tell me that this guy is not a great a human being after listening to it.

I heard Danko died of heart failure.Is that true?

Name: Terry
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Mar 30, 2007 at 2:29PM
Although Rick Danko's son was never in a class of mine, he was a student in the H.S. I taught in. (South Carleton H.S.in Richmond Ont.)

The boy(whose first name eludes me) was a fill-in goaltender for an adult group I was playing in about 15 years ago. His name twigged at that time, because the netminder at the other end was Ted Gerow of the Five Man, and Ted raised the question. I am sure that his name was not Eli, but perhaps he went by another name as well. If someone can shed somelight on this, please do...

clear skies...

Name: Patricia
Subject: Burn Out.
-- Mar 26, 2007 at 9:55PM
Perhaps a typo BCrowe, but niel
spells his name neil. Ciao!

Name: Patricia
Subject: Burn Out.
-- Mar 26, 2007 at 9:55PM
Perhaps a typo BCrowe, but niel
spells his name neil. Ciao!

Name: BCrowe
Subject: Review: Rick Danko: 1942-1999
-- Mar 24, 2007 at 4:10AM
Isis.....sorry youngin but Kurt Cobain only used that line in his suicide note. Its actually a Niel Young lyric.....

Name: Isis - truly inspired
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Mar 5, 2007 at 7:10PM
I have just watched 'The Last Waltz' for the first time and was completely overwhelmed by The Band's performance. watching the guys (especially Rick Danko) really has inspired me so much and i am now completely obsessed with their music and the film. I fell totally in love with Danko and his music and now cannot stop listening to 'It Makes No Difference'. It's such a sad song and learning that he died not long ago almost brings tears to my eyes since i will never be able to hear him live. I am 16 and have been brought up listening to Rock & Roll but realise i have missed out on hearing more of The Band. If anyone knows where to get a decent Danko poster i would love to know since i really do admire this guy. I have always agreed with Kurt's phrase, 'It's better to burn out, than to fade away', however i'm not sure i agree with that in this case since a total genius is no longer alive to share his music with those who admire him so much. I've still to get over learning of his death and how incredible he looks and sounds in 'The Last Wastz'. I just wish i had been born years ago and been at what must have been the most amazing concert ever.

Name: Danko4ever
Subject: Rick
-- Feb 27, 2007 at 8:31PM
I have recently been introduced to The Band and since the first day I heard them I was hooked. After seeing the Last Waltz I was so intrigued with Rick, He looked as if he'd be lost if not up on the stage. I read about Rick and am always looking to buy another one of his albums whether it be a solo album or other. In reading others postings on here I find that I'm not the only one that fell in love with him, even without meeting him. I am also sad that I will never be able to meet him and to be in the same room to hear him play... You know there is greatness in a person that we have not met but still love.

Name: dsw
Subject: rick danko
-- Feb 24, 2007 at 7:20PM
I've been going through one of my periodic 'Band phases,' during which I immerse myself in the music all over again, and just happened upon this tribute board.

The thing I have to add to all the heartfelt thanks and remembrances here is just to say that I now always think of the Band as Rick's group. I know, it was a true ensemble in sound, and Robbie grabbed the credits, etc, but in terms of the soul of the group, the combination of emotive singing and funky sound...that was all Rick. A group with one guitar and two keyboards isn't going to be a rock outfit without a slammin, bouncing, funky bass, and that was Rick.

So, thanks again, Rick.

Name: Jillian
Subject: rick and the band
-- Feb 13, 2007 at 10:46PM
im 18 years old and the band is my FAVORITE...it shows that great bands stand the test of time. there isnt any modern band that i listen to more the The band, they are truely an amazing group. Rick Danko is one the the most soulful singers i have ever heard. His harmonies are amazing it is a true tragedy when someone as amazing and talented as Rick has to die at such a young age...i guess that song was right only the good do die young
RIP Rick

Name: jackmydog
Subject: rick
-- Feb 8, 2007 at 5:29PM
When will the first album get a re-release? It must be contractral.

Name: bus
Subject: rick danko song lyrics
-- Feb 5, 2007 at 5:40PM
Big Band fan and looking hard to find Rick Danko's song lyrics from Cryin'Heart Blues CD. Can someone please help me?? Thanks!!

Name: Bruce
Subject: Robbie Robertson
-- Jan 28, 2007 at 11:41AM
Chappy is right, "This wheels on fire" is an excellent read and tells the story of "The Band" from start up through break up. Robbie was the controller and the rest of the group went along with pretty much everything Robbie said and he screwed them overin the end.

Name: Patricia
Subject: Robbie Robertson
-- Jan 24, 2007 at 7:52PM
Chappy... Well said!

Name: Chappy
Subject: Robbie Robertson
-- Jan 23, 2007 at 6:16AM
Re: Jordan Hoffman's assertion the nearly all the Bands songs were written by Robbie Robertson, I suggest anyone really interested should read Levon Helms book, This Wheels On Fire, it gives you a totally different perspective on who wrote a lot of the songs and who was given credit for writing them, and why, after reading this book I felt like belting the shit out of Robbie, if anyone wants a good read I would absolutely recommend this book

Name: nightshirt
Subject: rick danko
-- Dec 28, 2006 at 4:22PM
i have spent weeks studying rick and researching his family life, band life, music, etc. a really indebth study - out of my compulsion to nkow everything about this man. im heartbroken i will never meet him. i dont know how to get over that. i agree with everything said on this site, except the hell stuff.

anyone know who his first wife was?

Name: fan
Subject: Song from the Last Waltz
-- Dec 27, 2006 at 5:59PM
There was a song he played towards the end of the movie where he was talking about moving on. Anybody know the song?

Name: pimp
Subject: Re: Remembering Rick
-- Dec 11, 2006 at 2:03PM
hey you suck get off the website

Name: Suzy
Subject: Remembering Rick
-- Dec 11, 2006 at 12:27AM
Catie, you asked how did Rick Danko die - check out the website:
http: theband.hiof.no

It has a wealth of information about Rick Danko and The Band.

Name: Roger H
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Dec 10, 2006 at 1:47AM
Today is the anniversary of Rick Danko's death. May he rest in peace. I heard "Makes No Difference" on the radio today, and realize he really did make a difference.


Name: catie
Subject: rick
-- Dec 9, 2006 at 7:21PM
how did rick danko die

Name: igor m.
Subject: Rick`s death
-- Oct 30, 2006 at 11:17AM
I just saw the last waltz again and decided to find out more about the member who had impressed me the most-rick danko(I also remebered him from the movie "Festival express" as he was singing along with janis joplin in the train,
it is so sad that gyus like rick ceant live forever!

Name: Rob G
Subject: Last Waltz
-- Oct 28, 2006 at 3:29AM
I just saw the Last Waltz for the first time and decided to look up what is going on with The Band current day. I was saddened to see the death of 2 members. But 30 years after the concert The Band is still gaining new fans.

Name: Mike G.
Subject: Rick's Death
-- Sep 19, 2006 at 10:49AM
I also discovered recently "The Last waltz". To say it had an inpact on me would be understated.Since then I have read Levon Helm's "This wheels on fire" and am reading "across the great divide".I took a hours drive north to Woodstock last month to pay respects at Ricks grave.I really get the feeling he was a very reserved person who would take the time out to listen to what anyone would say. His grave is barly marked with just a marker and some momentos left by his hurting fans. I think if I could go back and see one concert it would be the "The Band".I see that Levon still performs at his studio in Woodstock once a month and calls it the "Midnight Ramble". It is sold out for the rest of 06 but, so hopefully in 07 I can go.As far as the music goes i have not had anything but a disc from the Band or their solo ones in my cd player for months!
Rest in Piece Rick.

Name: John G.
Subject: Rick's Death
-- Sep 16, 2006 at 8:12AM
I'm really not sure; being overweight after quitting heroin seems to be the company line. If you roam around the Web, there's an article by someone who appears to know all, a confidante, who doesn't give specifics, but seems to get at the heart of the matter.

Rick may have just been too much the showman - and too little else - and ditto Richard Manuel.

Each member of the Band is an engaging personality, and three of them have distinctive singing voices blessed by songs that were BORN for them to sing (thanks, Robbie). It is really uncanny.

It's a close call, but Rick remains my favorite. Vulnerability endears. BTW, I owned his solo LP (1978?) and loved it. Lots of great guest players, and songs they wanted to make hits. He had many recordings in later years, none of which I'm familar with (but you may be - enlighten me!)

I see by Rolling Stone that Levon is performing again.

These guys were so mercurial - so in their time - that I fear they may be relegated to "Big Pink," Bob Dylan, and "that Scorcese movie."

Hmmm.... maybe that IS it?

(Levon had a superb cameo role in the recent Tommy Lee Jones movie, "The Three Trials of Miguel Estrada(?)," a good movie!)

Little discussion here of Robbie's solo work, or Garth's. Anyone?


Name: Jim
Subject: Rick's Death
-- Sep 13, 2006 at 10:52AM
Sorry to admit it, but I only recently discovered the Last Waltz. AMAZING!

I am trying to find out the circumstances of Rick's death - but I am having difficulty locating it.

Can someone tell me how/why he passed on at such an early age?

My email is wvhills@verizon.net

Thanks and take care - Jim

Name: Greg
Subject: The Band
-- Sep 8, 2006 at 1:48AM
I have been a fan of The Band for decades. Whenever I travel by air, I always tote along a copy of the Last Waltz to watch on my laptop. Inevitably someone always asks “what was that you were watching? It looks great.”

I was really saddened when I heard the news of Rick’s death. I really held out hope that Robbie and Levon would some day bury the hatchet and reform. Still, Jericho and Jubilation were very good albums and showed and showed that Levon, Rick and Garth could carry on without Robbie. Alas, with Rick’s passing so passes The Band.

I’m not sure why, but I had shelved my Band albums for several years while I attempted to expand my horizons. I was in the local Border’s Books a few months back and I happened to spy a DVD simply titled “The Band” with the cover from The Band’s second album (The Band) on the cover. I picked it up, went home and dropped it on the shelf where it lay, forgotten for several months.

A couple of weeks ago, as I was gathering up DVD’s to rip for my PMP, I happened to notice it laying there so I grabbed it, ripped it and transferred it to my player. While I lay in bed the other night, I decided to give it a viewing. All I can say is “WOW!!!”. It turns out it is a documentary about the making of the album “The Band” that is part of a larger “Classic Albums” series put out by Eagle Rock Entertainment. It is a phenomenal film with extraordinary interviews with Levon, Robbie, Garth and Rick apparently shortly before he died. It is chock full of classic footage and pictures and has touching segments with the living members reminiscing about Richard Manuel. It even includes interviews with George Harrison, Don Was, Eric Clapton and John Simon.

This DVD has thankfully reignited my passion for The Band. I have begun listening to their music again, and wonder now why I ever stopped.

Name: Patricia
Subject: Rick
-- Sep 7, 2006 at 3:11PM
Just got done watching the movie Almost Famous, which i haven't seen in years. Couldn't help but notice how much Billy Crudup looked like Rick Danko in the film. Does anyone know if the character Russell was to resemble our dear boy Rick who looked quite sexy. I still think R.D. was the most adorable guy in Rock And Roll.!!!!!

Name: Scott-Jo
Subject: Last Waltz
-- Aug 16, 2006 at 7:53PM
John G's comment - "The Weight," in that sound studio with the Staples, should be a standing cinematic exhibit in the Smithsonian or the Bill Clinton library" I agree and have played it over and over...
You can add Helpless with Neil Young The Band and Joni Mitchell. That version really takes you to that special place Neil sings of.

Scott-Jo
and the Band Played on...

Name: recy kypri
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Aug 13, 2006 at 7:47AM
I have been a fan of Rick and the Band since the 70 and always loved his music and his beautiful voice. He was magnetic, goodlooking and had a loving soul,his one liners were unforgettable. He never took his fans for granted and appreciated what came his way. I sadly never got to see Rick live or to meet him. I will always love his music and be loyal to his memory.
Thank you Rick and may you be in a happy place.
The angels can sing with you now.
Love you always
recy kypri

Name: Telmo
Subject: Just a fan!
-- Aug 9, 2006 at 2:50PM
I nerver saw Rick Danko live, and neither the band as a matter of fact, they nerver played in Portugal. But I love them all, I loved their music, it´s the real thing. Music should sound like that. Rick had a great voice, playd great bass and guitar. He was the MAN.

Name: gripper
Subject: meeting rick
-- Aug 8, 2006 at 12:46AM
i saw rick several times in upstate ny in the late 80,s, early 90,s--went backstage to meet him--he was curtious, polite and appreciative of me being a fan--gladly signed my poster of him--he had more heart and soul than any performer ever--a nice, genuine person--i will never forget that--my only regret is that garth hudson was there in the room with him and i didn,t ask him for his autograph---my mistake---

Name: John G.
Subject: Knowing Rick
-- Jul 30, 2006 at 8:51AM
"Arcadian Driftwood?" Gimme a hanky! It IS special.

Myth-making? Yes, sometimes to a self-conscious degree ("Bayou Sam, from south Loo-si-aan, had gambling in his veins"), but see above.

Propaganda is a great description of "Last Waltz." They'd never get away with those interview edits these days.

But we enjoy, and forgive, of course, the brilliant and troubled role-players because the movie's a feast and the music transceneds their individual hubris.

"The Weight," in that sound studio with the Staples, should be a standing cinematic exhibit in the Smithsonian or the Bill Clinton library, whichever would have it.

BTW, Rick's hammering stroke shows he's not much of a pool player. And it wasn't too nice to quick-cut from rauncy women-on-the-road stories to Joni Mitchell taking the stage.

But as I said, we quibble.

Name: Rob W.
Subject: I now know Rick
-- Jul 22, 2006 at 1:41PM
I grew up in the 70s & 80s listening to all sorts of Rock, including The Band. Knew most of the words, but never really knew The Band. Last week I turned on the TV and watched it on Comcast On Demand. Wow!!! Amazing! These guys were incredible musicians. Who was this other handsome, talented guy next to Robbie Robertson. He's the only one I knew. I watched him play bass, fiddle, etc. and sing with one of the voices I heard so much and associated with The Band's sound, but who was he?
It wasn't until after the movie and the next day I started researching. Rick Danko! Looking him up on Yahoo, I found out he died at 56. A real shame. A brilliant musician and singer. Like his bandmates. Really gifted. You'd think they muust have been the happiest men alive. And yet, you rarely hear that about people that have been bestowed such talent. But nevertheless, how could you not love this man and his music? Truly amazing, memorable, indelible. Thank you to Rick, to Robbie, Levon, Richard and the rest. I love you.

Name: Scott & Joanne
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Jul 16, 2006 at 9:55PM
Rick, you rocked it your way! When feeling down we put on your tunes and they alway put us in a special place.We can smile, Laugh or cry and still be safe.
I know your play'n
"Cut throat!" right now and someday I'll break..
Love ya
Scott & Jo

Name: chris
Subject: rick danko
-- Jul 8, 2006 at 8:29PM
The end of The Band's musical history began with Rick's death. No one can ever replace his sound and sole. RIP to The Band. RIP to Rick.

Name: kevin
Subject: rick danko
-- Jul 4, 2006 at 1:07AM
I met Rick Danko, Levon Helm & Garth Hudson backstage in 1983. Later on, I met Robbie Robertson in NYC promoting the new Waltz DVD. Rick laughed at us & knew we werent supposed to be backstage.
They signed our albums & a painting.

Name: Mike G.
Subject: Rick danko
-- Jun 27, 2006 at 8:22PM
I can't believe it took until I was 42 to see The Last Waltz.Now two months later I own a copy and have watched it 10 times.I feel deprived to have not gotten the chance to see the Band and Rick Danko before he passed.If first impressions mean anything,Rick seemed as genuine as all the articles report.

Name: Ann Marie
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Jun 22, 2006 at 10:34PM
Recently I had the pleasure of being at a Steve Forbert concert, where he performed a beautiful song he'd written about Rick Danko. It seems that there are many people who knew him who speak so lovingly of the kind of person he was; that, and the music he left behind - what a legacy! Listening now, all these years later, is different in a lot of ways from what it was like when I first heard The Band as a teenager -but the happiness is still there, the joy of such great music - I still marvel at it; it still makes me smile. It's kind of a miracle, isn't it, that none of the bad or sad things that have happened over the years take away from the beauty and pleasure of the music. We're all so lucky to have it, and I'll always be grateful to the musicians who created it.

Name: Nick B.
Subject: Rick
-- May 22, 2006 at 1:58AM
When I see Rick in the last Waltz he reminds my of an older Brother I wish I had. I had the fortunate life of getting to tour with many rock bands in the late 80's to late 90's. That's all done now. I am getting into playing music and I always fall back on the Band as my insperiation and hope some day to find other people to jam with that has the sam love for them, Rick is my hero and the one I try to take from the most. Wish he was here.

Name: Rick R
Subject: Danko
-- May 20, 2006 at 11:28AM
Rick was a great peronality to have in a band. Whether it was his fragile lead lines, weird harmonies, bubbley low end on the bass, or traditional violin playing, something drew me to him. I read in an interview that trouble always follewd him. Thats a shame but it also bleeds through in his music and makes him even more sincere. It's a damn shame what happened to Richard Manuel too. Seeing him on the last waltz and seeing how doped out he was is one thing but hearing about his suicide is totally different thing. What a Shame!
"Times Like These" Danko

Name: tania
Subject: rick danko
-- May 2, 2006 at 8:56PM
I saw The Last Waltz when I was about 12 and who stands out the most for me was Rick Danko singing 'Stage Fright' and 'It makes no difference'. Maybe it was the way Scorcese directed the editing/filming, maybe, it was him in the 'music room' pondering the future while he played 'Sip the wine'...but there waa something so fragile about him up there on that huge stage singing those songs,,,but that voice oh my goodness! I've rewatched it over the past couple of days. (it was on tv the other night and I remembered that I had a copy of it) its bringing me back to my childhood!

Name: PATRICIA
Subject: RICK DANKO
-- May 1, 2006 at 10:24PM

I JUST CAN'T GET OVER HOW
GOOD LOOKING, TALENTED, AND FUN LOVING RICK WAS.
WHAT A TERRIBLE LOSS. MISS AND LOVE YA RICK. RIP.

Name: Ron
Subject: Rick Danko
-- May 1, 2006 at 6:14PM
A life truly inspiring beyond words. I am glad that I followed a certain voice inside me that urged me to find out more about Rick Danko. His performance of "It makes no difference" on The Last Waltz is to me pure feeling and set the bar so very high to emulate.

Thank you for shining so bright, and daring to be so vulnerable, and showing us the way!

Love Ron

Name: BAS
Subject: Ricky
-- Apr 24, 2006 at 10:11PM
I saw "The Last Waltz" about a year ago-my first real exposure to the Band. Whether by coincidence or not, Rick is the star of the show, looking and sounding great! I was hooked after seeing this film, but had a bad feeling about him somehow. Googled him and found out, of course, that he died in 1999. For some reason, even though I didn't know the man, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I still feel a sense of shock a year later, what a tragedy. I wonder what could have been if he'd had regular health care and caught his cardiovascular disease early enough to change some things. He might still be with us.

As far as the Band breakup, probably many reasons: Robbie had been married, with young kids for a while, and road tours are not really conducive to family life. I know the other members also had wives, ex-wives or companions, with some children in the mix, but Robbie and Dominique probably wanted a "normal" life, and with Robbie receiving the royalities for the songs, he could afford NOT to tour.
If you search some of the articles out there, Rick mentions receiving several hundred thousand dollar royalty for the use of "This Wheel's on Fire," by a TV series, years after it was written. Can you imagine the money that Robbie receives, as sole recipient of the royalties, for such classics as "The Weight" that we hear all the time? Why spend your life on the road in strange hotel rooms when you can enjoy your family and the comfort of your home without lifting a finger? He's a smart guy. The other guys in the Band should have negotiated a piece of the song royalities along with Robbie, and they would all probably be with us today.

Name: BLB
Subject: Missing Rick
-- Apr 12, 2006 at 5:22AM
Damn. I always wondered what happened to Rick. When I was a teenager I dreamed that The Band played in by backyard (in Lowell, MA along the Merrimack River). In college, around 1978, I had the honor of seeing and listening to Rick and Levon play at a great bar in Sunderland, MA. What a night. A dream come true. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Name: SJE
Subject: Reply to Brian, Jan 4, 2004
-- Mar 28, 2006 at 2:48AM
Fortunately or unfortunately, whatever your perspective, the creativity of the 60's and 70's was spawned by the drug culture that exploded in the 60's. "Sex, drugs and Rock and Roll" was not a make believe slogan, it was the culture that musicians and hardcore fans lived. If heroin or LSD had not been part of the creative process or lifestyle, we would not be having this conversation.

It was the price we all had to pay to experience those times as they were meant to be.
It was not a "waste", it was Rock and Roll my friend. It was magic.

Thanks for paying the price Rick.

Name: John Williams
Subject: Tribute To Rick
-- Mar 27, 2006 at 8:13PM
It's interesting to notice the difference in tributes to each of the members on The Band's official site. The page on Rick Danko is by far the longest and most informative. Robbie Robertson was, and is, a great talent to be admired. I think it's a shame their accomplishments haven't been recognized as much as they should be and that any of the members felt the need to outshine the others, if that's the case. Maybe human nature, but I think it's clear that Robbie was the initial force behind The Band and was unselfish in giving starring roles to other members. Here's a link to Rick Danko's page.
http://theband.h iof.no/band_members/ rick.html

Name: Colecee
Subject: Rick Danko (Movie)
-- Mar 19, 2006 at 9:53PM
I just finished watching The Last Waltz for the first time, and I was taken away by Rick Danko, I'd heard songs by The Band, but never seen any pictures, I wish there was someway for someone to do a movie about Rick Danko's life, because he was so inspiring, I'm sure his entire life story is just as inspirational, I also couldn't help noticing how much Matthew McConaughey looks like him, I think he would be able to play him rather well, Rick Danko in just two hours you've made your way into my heart forever, never leave it.

Name: J Lineen
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Mar 18, 2006 at 2:13PM
Been thinking of googling Rick and Levon Helm for a few years now and only by reading this webpage have I found out that Rick is dead. Every time I watch The Last Waltz (12 years watching it now) I imagine the whole gig been done again as all the guest-stars and band-members are still around (or so I thought). Theres no other music video I've been consistently hooked on and keep going back to watch again and again. Rest in peace Rick and Richard.

Name: Marky-D
Subject: comment to michele
-- Mar 14, 2006 at 4:19PM
From what I've read, toward the end, 74-76, it seems like Robbie was a little disenchanted with the group, as he viewed The Band's material as almost all his. And at the time, he started to look more into publishing rights for the songs, which he considered his. With the help of Art Grossman, producer/engineer, he was advised to file for publishing rights, and ended up putting his name on pretty much everything. So it was a little exhaustion, frustration with personalities in the group, and future bucks.

Name: John Williams
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Mar 3, 2006 at 9:26PM
I saw The Band in concert with Bob Dylan in Los Angeles in the early 70's but, unfortunately didn't have an appreciation for them as I anxiously waited for Bob Dylan's stage appearance. I've obtained a copy of The Last Waltz and love every second of it.
Rick Danko's music from Breeze Hill and Times Like These is very special and highlights a talent and a man so many of us didn't know and appreciate while he was here. Our loss, but we have the music he left us to appreciate and savor.

Name: michele
Subject: not alone
-- Feb 9, 2006 at 4:48PM
I too recently discovered the band at the age of 35. My 4 year old twins absolutely love them! I too am really sad to learn of Rick's passing. I almost wish I never found out. He seemed to be the one I focused on while watching "TLW" for the first time... I really feel like I lost a person I knew. I hope he's resting well knowing that so many people still enjoy his music and absolutely adorable face...

Does anyone know Robbie Robertson's real reason for breaking up the band (besides being on the road too long?!)

Name: Marky - D
Subject: Danko and All
-- Feb 6, 2006 at 5:47PM
I just finished reading all of these posted here since 12/13/99. What brought me here was my recent Christmas gift "TLW", as I've always heard about it but never watched/listed to it. There is difinately a feeling of magic in that cellebration, of the begininng of the beginning of the end. Wasn't a fan until now, and it seems like I can't stop emersing myself in The Band's (& Rick's) history and music. In fact I didn't really listen to the Band's music until I was introduced to The Grateful Dead, about 7 years ago. Then from there finding out about Dylan, and The Band after. My love for Led Zepplin and blues rock too strong, but finally strayed over, as I joined a Dead cover/Original band "Reaching For Buddha". I am the smilin drummer who feels that joyful inspiration every time I'm playing music. In a way I went backward in time for rock's inspiration (not much today, but some), as I always liked going back in (rock) time. Rick had that hard felt passion for making music and I remember when he passed away....now, I remember him.....smilin' Rick Danko

Name: Ibrahim
Subject: Some Great Video of Rick
-- Feb 6, 2006 at 4:58PM
Good People-
I had the pleasure of watching a VHS1 documentary on the making of the Band (second album). For those of you, like me, that missed out on Rick's music while he lived, please pick up a copy (it's on DVD). Rick does two solo acoustic numbers that really shook my heart and soul (Unfaithful Servant and When You Awake). Any other good video of Rick or the band, please let us know.

Name: Tommy O
Subject: Things Change
-- Feb 4, 2006 at 6:50AM
I want to believe that time stands still, that Rick is still out there,skinny, bobbing along to Levon's beat. Nothing burns faster than the flame of youth and its ashes turn to grey in our hair. TLW was born in a time back up the road with no cells and faxes and Lennon was still alive. I am a harness maker tonight, sitting in this rainy port city, wathing progress go by me and through, leaving me inconsolable and angry for a future that will never give us that inspired and joyful music.

Name: CHRIS
Subject: RICK DANKO
-- Jan 25, 2006 at 10:38PM
DOE'S ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW DOROTHY? DOROTHY WAS AN INTERGRAL PART OF
THE BANDS LIFE FOR MANY YEARS.

Name: Jennifer
Subject: Crazy Chester
-- Jan 20, 2006 at 10:59AM
I feel The exact same way no matter what anyone say's he is the best bass player,singer kind hearted and always handsome no matter what ,kind soulful,and will always be my favorite muscian. He inspires me to do lots of things . I know that sounds funny But, it is the turth.I'm glad I am not the only one who knows who the band is or Rick Danko....

Jennifer

Name: Marilyn
Subject: Rick was the best
-- Jan 18, 2006 at 6:08AM
Yea he was, and do you know why, because he was humble, he was so talented and so dedicated, the sad part of the "last waltz" the part that makes me cry every time is when they interviewed him at his pink house and you could tell that this ending the band thing wasn't his idea, he was so devoted to music and he looked like his world was being ripped out from under him. I didn't realize how much I loved the band until my thirtith weding anniversary when my son brought me the boxed set and I saw how my children knew the band and loved it like I did, we all grew up with it, I didn't know Rick had passed away, I wish I didn't know, it would be nice to think that he was still out there sharing his voice and his talent...his big heart, maybe that is what really killed him, he shared so much of his heart, humility, and the sun don't shine anymore.
we love you RIck
from Marilyn

Name: vic
Subject: fuck it
-- Jan 12, 2006 at 8:00PM
hi ,i posted a note on this site feb 2005,my opinion of the band remains the same.i love it ,im 26 now and will listen to them 4ever.can anyone tell me why levon helm and r robertson fell out.and did rick dankos son die ,if so ,how? thanks

Name: allan bishop
Subject: the band
-- Jan 7, 2006 at 10:00PM
i am a huge band fan having recently bought the band at lorelie and was so sorry to hear of ricks death what a great human being may god hold him in the palm of his hand

Name: the band is the best
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Dec 31, 2005 at 5:47PM
For some reason (in a good way) his voice reminds me of Neil Young's in that beautiful way that he sings with such emotion and obviously right on pitch.
Yup the Band started a revolution, if anyone on this website has read this old copy of MOJO it talks about their influence on George Harrison, the rolling stones, and everyone elce. they completely ignored psycadellic rock (and according to the magazine they thought it was stupid) but yeah basically rick danko was awesome and his bass playing was fantastic, it had a soft touch yet it was rubbery and rich.
i wish i could have met him!

Name: Tony Farina
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Dec 27, 2005 at 3:57PM
Rick was the must original bass player i ever met and singer with so much felling.thank you for playing fretless before anyone .Peace

Name: Paul
Subject: Rick Danko 1978 concert
-- Dec 22, 2005 at 11:11PM
I saw Rick in concert in 1978 at the Guthrie theatre in Minneapolis MN promoting his first solo album. It was very dissapointing because there was not more than 30 people in this theatre that seated at least 2,000. He put on a great show even though he was under the influence and fallen of the stage. He did't get hurt and continued the show.

Name: Ronny Eggermont, Belgium
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Dec 21, 2005 at 4:01PM
Over six years passed since Rick Danko passed away on December 10, 1999. Recently I have bought the ultimate and splendid boxed set "The Band - a musical history -". Indeed, the world is a much sadder place without Rick. May God continue to bless him.

Name: Helen
Subject: Review: Rick Danko: 1942-1999
-- Dec 13, 2005 at 2:38AM
Remembering Rick especially at this time as he passed away on December 10 1999. I hope he's somewhere special.

Name: Pete Wallace
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Nov 28, 2005 at 2:04PM
I became aware of Rick when the LP "Music from Big Pink" came out. I immediately bought a bass guitar and have been playing for over 35 years. Rick is even mentioned under my high school yearbook picture.

I saw the Band many times, both before and after "The Last Waltz."

I saw them with hundreds of thousands of people at "Summer Jam 73" and later minus Robbie in much smaller venues.

Rick played his Ampeg AUB Scroll bass and I immediately ripped the frets out of my bass.

We never met but I always felt like I knew him. His passing in 99 hurt like the passing of a good friend.

When he played a Gibson EB series bass, I bought one. I have bid on a least a dozen Ampegs becasue he played one.

I have enjoyed many musicians throughout my life, but none like I enjoyed Rick

Name: Daniel McCarthy
Subject: When I met Rick: For Jiggi
-- Nov 24, 2005 at 9:33PM
Jiggi about two months ago you posted something inquiring about stories of meeting Rick Danko....well, I met him in February of 1994. I was living in NYC at the time and one day after skimming over the NY Post, I noticed an add for a benefit concert at a Manhattan High School in the Lower East Side. Anyway, the benefit concert featured Rick Danko along with Garth Hudson, Blondie Chapin and some other co-horts of Rick's. I made sure to get to this show real early and was in fact so early that I was treated to a soundcheck of Rick Danko singing solo with acoustic guitar. I was the only one in the audience. It was great. He came out with his hair still wet from the shower I presume he took somewhere in the school. He was a bit heavy but nothing quite like he was at the very end of his life in 1999. I remember when he began singing it was just like the Rick I had heard on the records and in TLW. I was front row for the show too. It was a fun show with lots of great Band tunes. Rick switched between bass and acoustic guitar. I remember he played the opening bass line to Loving You is Sweeter Than Ever and then segued that into Stagefright. Some other tunes he did that night were Shape I'm In (covering for the late Richard Manuel), a sing-a-long version of The Weight, It Makes No Difference, Blind Willie McTell, and some others I can't remember right now. After the show I walked in the backstage area and noticed he was in some deep conversation with his wife Elizabeth. When I rudely walked in, he looked at me with and the face was the same one that you see in TLW. It was sort of surreal to see my hero right there looking at me. He was cool though. He said, "I'll be out in a minute". I waited for him and he signed my program. He was super nice. I just wish I talked with him even more because he was always a very generous conversationalist.

Name: icy
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Nov 21, 2005 at 2:48AM
To Ricky's Boy

Rick died of a stroke. He quit heroin before that but gained a lot of weight and had high blood pressure. A lot of info can be found through http://theband.hiof. no

Name: Ricky's Boy
Subject: Note To Rick link
-- Nov 15, 2005 at 5:10PM
Dear Ucle T-Bird, i think i found your note to Rick thing on a website off google, here's the link...
http://www.erica ndersen.com/Letter%2 0To%20Rick%20Danko.h tm

Name: Ricky's Boy
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Nov 15, 2005 at 5:05PM
i'm doing this really great project on Rick Danko but i can't find any info on his drug abuse and cause of death.. Can anyone help me?

Name: Leanna
Subject: Rick Danko
-- Nov 8, 2005 at 2:14AM
For the last couple of months my 26 year old sister has been trying to get me to watch The Last Waltz. It took some time but I finally watched it with her and I was absolutley amazed! Rick was the person I focused on from the beginning. His singing, his attitude just drew me in and now I'm a huge Band fan. I've been purchasing everything I can get my hands on from them. I've read all of these posts and I'm shocked that so many people feel the same exact way I do about Rick.

Name: JD
Subject: Rick's Grave - a cool story
-- Oct 25, 2005 at 11:29AM
I have a cool little story to tell about my visit to Woodstock back in September. While in town to attend one of Levon's Midnight Rambles, I went over to Woodstock Cemetery to visit Rick's grave, and was able to find it without too much trouble. After saying a few words (thanking him for all the great music, etc), I left a guitar pick there for him among the flowers and candles placed near his marker.
Well, after wandering around town and browsing the local shops for a few hours, I checked into the campground in nearby Saugherties (where I would be staying the night). When I got to the actual campsite - would you believe this- there was a guitar pick sitting on the picnic table, like it was waiting for me. Coincidence? Or did ol' Rick leave me a pick in return for the one I left for him? I don't know, but I looked up and said 'Thanks Rick.'

Name: Ibrahim
Subject: nice pics of rick
-- Oct 24, 2005 at 2:46PM
Good People,
Take a peek at the new Bob Dylan Scrapbook, easily found at a well stocked book store. I noticed a good few shots of Rick in the background...
Peace-
Ibrahim

Name: BeatleFred
Subject: I'm a Fan too.
-- Oct 22, 2005 at 3:27AM
Did anyone buy the new Band box set that just came out? Its great! Especially the 6th disc with dvd video clips. I was in Upstate, NY recently, next time I go there, I want to visit the 'Big Pink' house and take some pics (which someone else had done, I found in a search Online). I had also gone to a Levon Helm 'Midnight Ramble' concert at his home/studio in Woodstock, it was wonderful! If any other Band fans want to stay in touch with me, feel free to email me: sansuiba5000@nyc.rr. com or check my Profile at myspace.com

http://home2.mys pace.com/index.cfm?f useaction=user&M ytoken=4C092DE3-70C5 -4985-8C137EABDBE50F D9200285218

Sincerely,

Fred (Queens, NY)

Name: Helen
Subject: I love Rick
-- Oct 21, 2005 at 3:33AM
Rienna,

I am in love with Rick too - we all should for a web site wholly devoted to him!!

Name: uncle T-bird
Subject: not to rick
-- Oct 10, 2005 at 7:10PM
I have been looking everywhere for a copy of Robbie Robertsons "note to rick" that he read at rick's funeral service, if anyone finds a copy mail me a copy please.

Name: Rienna
Subject: *wink*
-- Oct 6, 2005 at 6:03PM
hahah Jiggi, thank you for agreeing with me and my pointless rambles of adoration for Rick! Yes. He was - and will be forever - cool and amazing. Man, probably if anyone told him he was cool, he'd give them an incredulous Danko look like saying, "What are you talking about?" Dammit, I love Rick! hahahaha crazy ol' moi. But, yes there is a great moment in The Last Waltz when the camera is at a wide angle during the chorus of Dixie. It's the part when Levon sings "And all the people were singing," and Ricky sort of looks up to the sky and sways before singing those beautiful harmonies. It's subtle, but he is truly lost in the music he so loves. And when he sings It Makes No Difference... well, that's when I really fell in love. *sigh* =P
--Cheers
ps. Watch Festival Express and look out for Ain't No More Cane... trust me, you'll LOVE it ^^

Name: Jiggi
Subject: The Band
-- Oct 6, 2005 at 8:22AM
Can't anyone tell some more aneckdotes of when they met Danko? I so wish I could of met him! And Rienna! I agree with you completly. You just don't see talent like that anymore. Well, not music talent, just danceing, accserories, very straight teeth and noses and a good firework display!
I love watching 'The last Waltz' and looking at all the little details on stage. The fiddle and two cups of water? (hm..talent juice!) on manuells piano, the stagecrew guys roaming around in the back and plugging things in and other stuff, the camera crew looking for a good shot, and just see them bobbing their heads to the beat while they do their jobs. And the people backstage singing along and just groooving! Haha, I LOVE IT!!! You'd NEVER see that now!! never!! And Rick!!! What a man! What a talent! such a voice! And why he was so cool? becouse he didn't seem to have any idea that he was!! none of that puckered up lips and sugestive looks into the camera while on stage doing some fancy hipmovements and jive hand wavings, just a big grin while happily bobbing along to the music he loved as if totaly unaware that there are probably a lot of women in the audience swooning after him!! The same for all of them! The Band Rock!!

Name: Rienna
Subject: Love ya Ricky
-- Oct 4, 2005 at 8:25PM
To put it plain, simple and unadorned; I love Rick Danko. I truly do. Listening to "It Makes No Difference", "The Unfaithful Servant", "Caledonia Mission", "Loving You is Sweeter Than Ever", and "Christmas Must Be Tonight" (among many MANY others which I will refrain from listing so that this will not get too long) makes me want to cry and laugh and sing and rejoice in everything that is The Band. I love them so much, especially Rick. He is the heart of The Band, that winsome dreamer who never fails to touch your heart. I am only 16, having discovered The Band not too long ago, but I feel like they and the music has been a part of my life forever. You just don't get this anymore: the breathtaking harmonies, lyrics, passionate lyrical delivery, talented multi-instrumentalis ts (and mostly Canadian to boot ^^) are almost non existant in music today. To say The Band isn't great is a stupid statement made by stupid people (and yes, I have encountered such people in my life who have said such nonsense). The Band is wonderful and Rick is the voice of wistfulness, yearning and pure passion. I can go on forever, but to sum up: Love The Band, love Big Pink, love Rick. We miss you so much Rick, take care and thank you for the music... and thank you so much for touching my heart.

Name: Matt
Subject: Tabs
-- Sep 30, 2005 at 1:52PM
Hey, huge huge Band fan, just started a band influence heavily by them, dylan, the lot, just wondering, anyone know where i can get tabs of Rick Dankos basslines? I've never heard anything quite as good as the way that man plays bass

Name: icy
Subject: the band
-- Sep 28, 2005 at 3:48AM
To Womble,
look at the offical Band website http://theband.hiof. no

Name: womble
Subject: Hello there!
-- Sep 23, 2005 at 6:08AM
Hi! I am a huge Band fan! I have looked around the internet and read a lot of bios on the band, mostly Rick Danko. I just read that he may have stolen one song, 'sip the wine' from some other guy who sang it back in 1972 or something, can that be true? I doubt very much that that is the case..and I've read a lot that he has had a very sad life. why? I can't really find much on any of them. His drug addiction maybe, but still, why say he had a sad life? I am just hungry for information here. And for tips! On other bands that I have yet to discover. I don't know, it feels like, when I discovered the Band and that whole world, I realized that there really is a lot left to be discovered! That is why I am going to go to as many conserts as I can so that I can be there when the Magic happens!! Hehe..sounds silly when I read it like that, but thats what I'm going to do!

Name: icy
Subject: RICK DANKO
-- Sep 23, 2005 at 4:35AM
SEEKING - more extensive research about Rick Danko!! ie. dates of his marriages/divorce, birthdates of his children etc. I am hungry for the factual biography of Rick Danko!!!

Name: Seth D. Selke
Subject: Danko was magical
-- Sep 21, 2005 at 8:04PM
I have always been around music having several family members that are musicians. I was turned on to many excellent bands from a very young age. I have never heard a more distinct voice than Rick Danko's. After seeing The Waltz for the first time, I became a huge Danko fanatic, his bass lines and voice are true magic for music, he has been gone for 6 years now, and it is still hard to believe. Anybody who wants to see Danko at his best, must see The Waltz and also the new release of Festival Express. There will never be anyone like Rick again. He is sorely missed!!!!

Name: glava
Subject: Console
-- Aug 26, 2005 at 3:32AM
Hi

Noticed last night when I read the Neil Young biography that The Band had studio called Shangri-la´s and my mixing console I use have Shangri-la written all over the schematics!!It used to belong to village recorders in the early seventeen then it seems that The band bought it from them.

I just thought band like Steely dan e.t.c. used it at village recorders but that the Band owned it that is cool because I always been a fan of them since my early teens in the 80´s.

Name: Jiggi
Subject: The Band.
-- Aug 24, 2005 at 10:29AM
It is less than two months now that both me and my little sister discovered "the Band". we were visiting our dad who now lives in the USA. We couldn't beleive that we hadn'nt heard of them before!! Our dad showed us the Last waltz and we were blown away! When we got home we emidiatly bought the DVD and I have been listening to it almost everyday since! I am currently listening to the DVD on the computer and I can't stop smiling and I even have to stop writing so I can get up and dance. I was so saddened to learn that Richard Manuel and Rick Danko were no longer with us. I can hardly keep my eyes off Rick when I watch the Last Waltz! (he looks so cute when he's standing behind Joni Mitchell at the end of her song.) I love to hear him sing "It makes no difference, stagefright, the part he sings in the Weight and with Emmylou Harris". It sure feels good that I am not alone, and that there are so many that have just fallen in love with the Band and Danko! I do so wish that I could of met him, and the Band. I've read other peoples notes who have met and talked with him and he seemed like such a sweet guy. A friend of my dad had actually met him in 1986(I think), but being a man, he had no details to share(other than that he was doing drugs like there was no tomorrow, sadly..). I of course wanted to more like "what was he like? what did he say? what was he wearing, hehe..hrm..anyway, I just want to say that I LOVE THE BAND!! I am going to show the Last Waltz to all my friends and spread the good music around! But, we should all not give up on present bands. I am going to go to as many concerts as possible and give everybody a chance. All I want is to be in the music when it happens, you know? I would of loved to build a time machine and go on the road with the Band and jam with them in Big Pink! And I would have given Rick a big KISS!!

Name: Metsik
Subject: Rick's song, My Love
-- Aug 22, 2005 at 8:21PM
Has anyone heard Danko and Manuel's version of a song called, "My Love?"

I want to know who wrote it.

send e-mail to metsik@yahoo.com

Name: Jacquie
Subject: Risk
-- Aug 9, 2005 at 12:17PM
I am 18 years old and unfortunately i have only recently been introduced to the magic, meaning and pure unadulterated brilliance of the band. A friend of mine lent me Big Pink, and i was immediately under The Band's spell.
Rick Danko was truly an incredible performer, musician, and man. Listening to him sing "It Makes No Difference" gives me chills. I have never been so moved by music as when i listen to Rick Danko sing. With every note uttered it is apparent that this man feels every word. With each word sang, Rick offers up a piece of his soul, and the audience can feel that and is captivated, hoping praying that there's more.
My biggest regret in life is that i never got to see Rick live. I've had the honour of watching Garth Hudson perform and meeting him at Massey Hall, but Rick, for me, was the ultimate. There will never be another musician who was that raw, that pure, that haunting, and there will never be another who can reach across the sound barrier like that and make me feel all the pain of the song, all the meaning, all of him.
It was simply by coincidence that i stumbled upon this website, but i am so thankful for the others who share the same appreciation for this incredible man.

I may be young, but even i realize the brilliance of Rick Danko and the Band, and am supremely jealous of those who have had the honour of seeing them perform live.

Name: marg
Subject: Rick
-- Aug 8, 2005 at 5:38PM
I also saw TLW back in "the day"...last year got reaquainted with it..and can't believe that I , like dianne, walk past a venue the Band (post Robbie) was to play at. I too, cannot believe I past that opportunity, back in"the day". Maybe we weren't ready....

your not alone dianne

Name: dianne
Subject: Rick and The Band
-- Aug 2, 2005 at 7:43PM
I never do this sort of thing but then I've also never felt such a deep and weird kind of grief. Never seen this webite before either and I'm blown away by how many others have these feelings.
A couple of months ago, I found The Last Waltz on a cable channel and I thought, well, why not watch it again. I saw it first in 1977 at the theatre and loved it, of course. There had never been a film like it before, not one with all my favorite musicians, and it was a lot to take in. So much so that I walked away with the impression that The Band WAS Robbie Robertson -- and a bunch of guys backing him up. If he was quitting, well, that was the end of that. Without their apparent leader, how good could these other guys be? I even walked past a concert by "The Band" in an Ottawa park in 1992, on my way to somewhere more interesting...
Point is, it's taken 30 years for me to overcome the spell of the camera and Scorsese's apparent fascination with Robbie's bedroom eyes and Hollywood haircut. Thirty years to discover that I would have walked a hundred miles to see Rick Danko sing Happy Birthday.
Gad, he was beautiful to watch. Raw, ecstatic and perfectly imperfect.
His harmonies on "Old Tyme Religion" are a revelation. Someone said he sang "like a man who had no defences." I don't know anyone else who can move me like that.
I'm still processing my response to what I've learned about the incredible brotherhood of equals that was the real The Band.
There's a profound sense of betrayal about that mind-fuck of an otherwise wonderful film. Heartbreak over the opportunities lost on both sides of the stage as a result of it. But there's also the sheer medicine of the music, much of which I have yet to track down. They told stories of the human experience from every possible perspective at once. I like to think of Richard as the soul of The Band, Levon the heart, Robbie the intellect, Garth brought in the spiritual side and Rick was pure emotion.
There is also the consolation of viewing pictures of Rick in his last few years. There's something beaming out of his eyes and I don't think it's a banned substance. It's pure open-hearted, no-defences Cosmic Love. That man must have been something to be around.

Name: Dale
Subject: Meeting Rick
-- Jul 23, 2005 at 9:33PM
Eight days before Rick left us, my wife Laura met him back stage at a concert in Cleveland,Ohio at the now defunct Diamond Back Brewery. She remembers him as being so friendly and kind to her. A real gentleman. She always had a "real thing for him". He left her practically speachless. She was so glad that she had the chance to met him before he passed on. Rest in peace Rick.

Name: Marg
Subject: Rick
-- Jul 21, 2005 at 7:30PM
You can see apicture of Ricks wife on the inside liner notes of his last CD, Times Like These..plus other family members, The Band has a new Box set with a DVD coming out Sept 27. Times is a very very good cd.

Name: insider
Subject: last waltz bass
-- Jul 15, 2005 at 11:17AM
There was not another bass backstage. There was a LOT of dubbing done to finish the soundtrack. Everyone except Levon Helm is dubbed at some point or another.

Name: Lori
Subject: rick's wife
-- Jul 15, 2005 at 9:15AM
I've never seen a photo of Elizabeth Danko either. I'm sure she must be a very beautiful and kind woman to have snagged Rick and held onto him for 30 years. She's got something goin' on.

What song is the writer talking about - sweet Molly living in French Canada? I thought I knew every Band song.

Once I read a review of Jackson Browne's "The Pretender" and he was comparing Browne's vocals on Your Bright Baby Blues "lead me to the hole in your garden wall and pull me through" to Danko's singing about the garden wall(gate) in Caledonia Mission and he suggests that Browne needs to take a lesson from Rick Danko and learn how to sing with some passion. Amen.

Name: born
Subject: the band
-- Jul 13, 2005 at 11:37PM
ive never herd music played with so much soul all their voices are fuckin awsome it really moves you its great u just want to sing along with them every time u hear it (to bad they had to break up)

Name: Julia
Subject: ll
-- Jul 5, 2005 at 9:47PM
sorry "music" house......that last sentence of mine got messed up. I know the band no longer has any ties to Shangri-La house/studios there in Zuma Beach...CA....but i was hoping the current owners would let me in.

Name: Julia
Subject: Rick/Band
-- Jul 5, 2005 at 9:46PM
Yes, I love the Last Waltz and I'm only 20 but my parents and my older brother try to turn me on to the great stuff.....and in my opinion - thats the stuff in the past - musically. I mean there are great bands now....but not like back then. The live version on Last Waltz of The Night they drove ole Dixie Down.....brought me to tears it was so damn powerful, moving and beautiful. Great band......great singing voices - ALL of them. Especially Richard and his sweet falsetto - I love Rick Danko's solo project song (off of his own cd later)...called Sip the Wine....great song....they play a tad of it in Last Waltz while Martin Scorsese has Rick sitting down at his control boards in the Shangri-La studios. I drove to the house up in Zooma Beach a year ago..but no one was home.....oh how badly i wanted to go inside.....thats where the interviews in Last Waltz were filmed....it was the Band's "jam" house..."music& quot; house.

anyone wanna email me its demyersmd@yahoo.com

and yes, i TOO would like to see a photo of Rick danko's wife. Never seen her...heard they met in the 70's when he smashed into her car! Guess it was love at first sight......or first crash. LOL.

Name: ron
Subject: faker
-- Jul 5, 2005 at 12:43PM
there is a good shot of this with clapton in the dvd look at ricks L hand.
its not movig!

Name: ron
Subject: danko
-- Jul 5, 2005 at 12:36PM
am i they only one who noticed rick is not playing ALL the songs in THE LAST WALTZ?
if you look close he misses half the runs...

was there a second bassist backstage?

plz answer me...
RONCHI@RONCHIREC ORDS.COM

Name: Lina
Subject: Review: Rick Danko: 1942-1999
-- Jul 5, 2005 at 10:51AM
I just wanted to say that I am really glad there's so many other people touched by Rick and the Band's music. It is is great to know and to see that they are still thought of and that way never will be forgotten. I am especially happy to see that even young people-like Alice and Adam- are into this kind of music! And to AnnaMaria: I also LOVE Ole time religion-Rick playing the violin-on The Last Waltz...I keep rewinding it whenever I get to that part.
Have a nice day all of you!

Name: AnnaMaria
Subject: to ALICE
-- Jul 3, 2005 at 12:44PM
Alice,
just read your post.....i feel the same way. when i was little my mom had me watch The Last Waltz and it was the best gift and experience musically, she could have shared with me. I still watch it to this day and LOVE seeing gorgeous and gifted RICK with that viola singing Ole Time Religion......or at the beginning of Rag Mama Rag. VERRRY COOL.

Name: AnnaMaria
Subject: robbie
-- Jul 3, 2005 at 12:41PM
oh yeah..
and i've never understood the need for all the Robbie Robertson bashing either - as I've seen it on many boards. Is it a jealousy thing? I love Levon..but feel perhaps he was jealous of Robbie - despite the fact he had some valid arguments about his relationship with Robbie. I can understand the band members having gripes and expressing them about him.......but not people on message boards who don't know Robbie.....Just my thoughts and opinions...

Name: AnnaMaria
Subject: richard manuel
-- Jul 3, 2005 at 12:39PM
chris,
thanks. yeah..i can't tell being new here, who's being sarcastic or responding to someone else's crummy comments.....it just unnerved me when i read SOMEone out there or in here...thinks that sad beautiful sweet soul Richard Manuel...would ever end up in Hell. Never gonna happen and I'm glad you agree. He's singin with the angels and thats not just a pretty fairytale folks. p.s I too would love to see a photo of Rick Danko's wife Elizabeth...like Stacey....as i've never seen her:
onegoodcopp@yaho o.com

Name: chris
Subject: richard's suicide
-- Jul 3, 2005 at 3:26AM
I just hope that no one here thinks that I am the one who thinks Richard Manuel was cast down to Hell for his suicide...I absolutely don't...I did think for a moment that Jordan had made that comment in response to an old posting by Tracy(?), but he said he was being sarcastic and that I just didn't get it....So, I get it now. And AnnaMaria I agree with your view of things, totally. bye, cs

Name: Stacey
Subject: Elizabeth Danko
-- Jul 2, 2005 at 6:30PM
I've yet to see a picture of Rick's wife Elizabeth.......anyo ne know where i can see one? i've seen all the other member's wives and girlfriends......if you know of a link.....please tell me:
nightluvver@yaho o.com

Name: AnnaMaria
Subject: RobbieBashing
-- Jul 2, 2005 at 6:28PM
and I sure wish all the Robbie bashing would stop.............

Name: AnnaMaria
Subject: Richard Manual
-- Jul 2, 2005 at 6:26PM
oh my god.....i can hardly believe what i'm reading...that someone here thinks Richard will be cast down to hell for committing suicide??? WRONNNNG!!! Richard was a sweet sincere sensitive soul - head and shoulders above the rest of people in this world......God would handle suicide with lovingcare, tenderness, healing and COMPASSION.....
oh please....!!!!

Name: Chris
Subject: JHResponds
-- Jul 1, 2005 at 5:59PM
Yea! I was really into your YakSite until I read your response to Tracy(?) who said the two R's were jamming in heaven....I thought YOU were serious about the mortal sin thing. I feel alot better being a babbling dummy than I did when I thought you were a genuflexing GOD mongerer.
I apologize, Jordan. THANK "GOD" you responded before I did something, you know......DUMBER.
Take care and for christ's sake...get away from the computer for a minute or two now and then......
PETER,

Christos!

Name: Jordan Hoffman Responds
Subject: Re: Rick & Richard
-- Jul 1, 2005 at 5:40PM
Chris --

What the fuck are you babbling about?

No, I don't believe Richard Manuel is in Hell because there is no such thing.

You, obviously, don't believe in sarcasm, because you can't read.

Dick.

Name: Chris
Subject: Rick & Richard
-- Jul 1, 2005 at 5:36PM
So Jordan, you believe that Hell is where Almighty God has cast the soul of Mr. Manuel for taking his own life. God, in this merciless, egomaniacal, worship-me-or-die, fantasy where He so loved the world He gave his only Son, blah-blah...if he was ressurecting the boy in a few days, wow big deal anyway. I guess He enjoys a good crucifixion as much as anybody. If eternal damnation is HIS only solution for one single act in a man's life....then HE MUST be an IDIOT...i wonder Why GOD sent Jesus instead of coming himself? I mean, after those first few creation days, He hasn't been round much.....unless, you know, death, war, suicide, priestly child-molestations.. .people are always asking for him then, but HE must be too pissed at those mortal sinners to forgive them... HE must have had a horrible childhood to be so cruel as a GOD. Ya think?
I forgive HIM.
chris
RICHARD AND RICK HAVE GROWN...AS SHALL WE ALL.

Name: Chris
Subject: Rick & Richard
-- Jul 1, 2005 at 5:36PM
So Jordan, you believe that Hell is where Almighty God has cast the soul of Mr. Manuel for taking his own life. God, in this merciless, egomaniacal, worship-me-or-die, fantasy where He so loved the world He gave his only Son, blah-blah...if he was ressurecting the boy in a few days, wow big deal anyway. I guess He enjoys a good crucifixion as much as anybody. If eternal damnation is HIS only solution for one single act in a man's life....then HE MUST be an IDIOT...i wonder Why GOD sent Jesus instead of coming himself? I mean, after those first few creation days, He hasn't been round much.....unless, you know, death, war, suicide, priestly child-molestations.. .people are always asking for him then, but HE must be too pissed at those mortal sinners to forgive them... HE must have had a horrible childhood to be so cruel as a GOD. Ya think?
I forgive HIM.
chris
RICHARD AND RICK HAVE GROWN...AS SHALL WE ALL.

Name: Adam
Subject: Rick Danko
-- May 31, 2005 at 12:10PM
I bought the Last Waltz for five pound having never seen it before. It turned out to be the best five pound ever spent and not only did I discover the Band's music but I could see want a legend Rick was. It Makes No Difference has an incredible vocal line and is sung with the utmost passion anyone can muster. Being too young to remeber them when they were at their peak (Im only 22 !) It is with deep regret that I will never have the opportunity to see them and Rick perform in the flesh.

Name: dolores harrison
Subject: rick danko
-- May 12, 2005 at 2:20PM
we have lost a real singer and musician

Name: Alice
Subject: Rick Danko
-- May 10, 2005 at 10:59PM
Hi! Tonight I've loved to discover that there are a lot of people that love the Band as musch as I do, and that admires Rick.

It's been 3 months since my father gave me 'The Last Waltz' DVD as a present, and I have to say that it has become one of the best presents ever. I have had to make a copy of the DVD because I liked to have the concert playing at all time. And it was a hard moment indeed when I, totally amazed by Rick, discover he had died in 1999. I wish I was given the film 10 years ago (I'm 21 now) or even better, I wish Rick was still with us.

Although 'The Weight' was one of the first songs I downloaded in my life, it was in a diet coke ad and I loved it, I hadn't heard any other song of The Band till Last Waltz. And now I can rate "It makes no difference" one of my favourite songs. There is something magic in it, specially 'The Last Waltz' performance, that captivated me the first time I watched/listened (to) it. Those three first chords of the song, the final guitar of Robbie and above all, the touching voice of Rick Danko, the feeling that he do communicate and why not to mention it, he is gorgeous in the concert.

I love to watch this performance and never get tired of it, also 'Stagefright', 'Don't do it', the part of 'Old Time Religion' song, Rick to the violin, and I must include 'Up on Cripple Creek' and 'The Night...'. During these three months, almost four, I think I've read everything you could find on the Internet about the Band and Rick, and it really gets me down when I read Rick's life was miserable. I think Rick's life wasn't sad at all. He was a great musician, he loved what he did till his final days, he travelled, was part of the most influential music of modern time, had fun and met interesting people, got a family, even a sweet death and, of course, had bad episodes in his life like everybody else, like any ordinary person would. I want to believe he had a very interesting life with the music always in the background, always there. And that we'd let escape a smile everytime we remember him or listen to his voice because I'm sure he would prefer it that way. He was funny and positive so it has no sense that we feel sadness or pain for him today. Kudos to Rick and all The Band members, and hi! to everybody in this forum. Keep writing!

And the sun don't shine anymore.
And the rains fall down on my door.