Robbie Robertson, the famous composer, songwriter, and frontman for The Band, has died at 80 years old. In the wake of his passing, Robertson's close friend and collaborator, Martin Scorsese, shared a touching tribute in his honour.
In a statement provided to Pitchfork, Scorsese said, “Robbie Robertson was one of my closest friends, a constant in my life and my work. I could always go to him as a confidante. A collaborator. An advisor. I tried to be the same for him.”
Over the years, Robertson and Scorsese worked together on a number of projects. Their journey began in 1978, when Scorsese directed the documentary The Last Waltz for Robertson. The film captured the Band’s farewell performance at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom. After watching Mean Streets, Robertson reportedly asked Scorsese to helm the project. Four years later, Robertson returned the favor and composed Scorsese’s 1995 film The King of Comedy—which he both starred in and directed.
Throughout the rest of their careers, Robertson and Scorsese remained frequent collaborators. Robertson composed some of Scorsese’s most popular movies, such as Casino, Gangs of New York, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, Silence, and The Irishman. Over the years, the men became great friends and creative partners. Robertson earned two Grammy nominations, for The Wolf of Wall Street and Gangs of New York soundtracks.
Scorsese’s tribute to Robertson celebrated his friend's immense talent. “Long before we ever met, his music played a central role in my life,” he said. “Me and millions and millions of other people all over this world. The Band’s music, and Robbie’s own later solo music, seemed to come from the deepest place at the heart of this continent, its traditions and tragedies and joys. It goes without saying that he was a giant, that his effect on the artform was profound and lasting. There is never enough time with anyone you love. And I loved Robbie.”
Before Robertson's death, he worked with Scorsese on the filmmaker's next project, Killers of the Flower Moon. The film follows a string of murders in the 1920s Osage County, which initiated a historic FBI investigation. Scorsese directed the film and Robertson crafted the music. The film will premiere in cinemas on October 20, 2023.
Bria McNeal is a Manhattan based journalist who is patiently awaiting B5's revival. When she's not writing about all things entertainment, she can be found watching TV or trying to DIY something (likely, at the same time). Her work has appeared in NYLON, Refinery29, InStyle, and her personal newsletter, StirCrazy.
