Aussie music industry unites to recreate The Band’s Last Waltz at Arts Centre Melbourne

Almost 30 years since Martin Scorsese captured it on film, the cream of Melbourne’s rock fraternity will evoke the groovy ghosts of The Band’s legendary, end of era concert with The Last Waltz.

The Last Waltz

Almost 30 years since Martin Scorsese captured it on film, the cream of Melbourne’s rock fraternity will evoke the groovy ghosts of a legendary, end of era concert with The Last Waltz.

Musicians Tim Rogers, Dan Sultan, Marlon Williams and Olympia will be stepping into the big shoes of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Young and Eric Clapton who joined The Band’s last hurrah at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco in 1976.

Eric Clapton helped set the stage alight in 1978 during The Band’s swansong.

“It’s really an idea that we’ve been kicking around for a number of years, we’re all massive fans of The Last Waltz and certainly fans of The Band,” said Balaclava TV personality Brian Nankervis, who will front as MC on the night with the Rockwiz Orchestra playing The Band.

“It’s an incredible story and there’s all sorts of dramas and great personalities, we just thought it was a wonderful starting point for a show.”

Just like The Band chose musicians they had worked with in their career to perform – they started off as Bob Dylan’s backing act and took their name from Dylan simply referring to them as “the band” - the Rockwiz crew have chosen artists who have graced the popular SBS music show.

“Tim Rogers has really been on many episodes and we’ve toured with him, he’s become a very dear friend. We sort of figured Marlon Williams would do an incredible job on Helpless, he’s got that beautiful high voice.

“In true Rockwiz style we always like to feature a mixture of household names with artists that perhaps audiences won’t know but who are really up and coming and rising stars, Olympia certainly fits that bill, she’s about to release her debut album… she’s a ripper, a really great performer, she’s doing the Joni Mitchell song Coyote.”

Dr John, Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Rick Danko, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson perform in The Last Waltz, circa 1978.

Nankervis will be providing some background to the concert and the personalities that made it up as MC but there will be no impersonations.

“We’re not really that big on dressing up,” he said. “There might be some scarfs, there could be a hat or two. It’s more about the songs and the music, we certainly are going for a mid 70s live sound.”

The Last Waltz is at the Arts Centre on Saturday (December 5). Details: artscentremelbourne.com.au