Most of the Band fans I knew when the movie was first released had this exact reaction, including me.
I slowly came to feel less outraged over the years, because I grudgingly give Neil credit for giving a fine performance even though he probably knew as well as anybody that he was the "odd man out" in the concert lineup.
For reasons explained below, I guess Robbie didn't consider having Neil "guest star" in one of those studio segments, like the Staples Singers and Emmylou Harris.
If you can get past the off-putting headline, check out this short "Rolling Stone" article that sums it up:
Flashback: Neil Diamond Proves Himself Worthy at 'The Last Waltz'
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/flashback-neil-diamond-proves-himself-worthy-at-the-last-waltz-20121016
If you don't want to check out the article, here's the gist:
The main reason Diamond got the invite was that Robbie Robertson had produced his new album Beautiful Noise and he wanted Neil to perform "Dry Your Eyes," a song they wrote together about America healing itself after the horrible assassinations that rocked the Sixties.
FWIW, I had no idea that this is what the song was supposed to be about. Go figure.
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jgroub
7 years ago
Thanks.
I want the doctor to take your picture so I can look at you from inside as well.
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