Photo Credit: Stevo Rood
On Thursday, Oct. 16, folks gathered at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum for Life is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson. The one-off event pulled a crowd of admirers, both artists showing up to pay tribute and a packed house of concert-goers, undoubtedly seeking the pleasure of an evening steeped in pulls from The Band’s illustrious songbook–particularly Robertson’s web of beloved contributions–in regards to his prestige as one of the principal songwriters in the Canadian-originated ensemble.
Music commenced with the arrival of country star Eric Church, who added his twist to The Band’s fan favorite, the Robertson co-write “Up on Cripple Creek.” Notably, the concert was split into four distinct frames, with the night’s initial segment boasting the arrival of Margo Price on “Evangeline” before fellow Relix cover artist Allison Russell provided contributions on “Acadian Driftwood.”
Taj Mahal and Robert Randolph teamed up to take on Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love?” Robertson contributed to the tune in the studio, adding guitar work to the original recording, making it a thoughtful addition to the setlist. Bruce Hornsby delivered two covers, including “King Harvest,” before bowing out and leaving Jamey Johnson to take on “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
Set two saw the arrival of Warren Haynes, who was bestowed the honor of delivering the event’s namesake number with help from Mahal. Collaborations continued upon Johnson’s return for “Rag Mama Rag” featuring Hornsby. Van Morrison added a trio of tunes culled from his archive: “Tupelo Honey,” “Days Like This,” and “Wonderful Remark,” before turning the night over to Eric Clapton. The Cream guitarist performed “The Shape I’m In,” “Out of the Blue,” “Forbidden Fruit,” and “Chest Fever” prior to Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Further On Up The Road,” a song Clapton and Robertson covered.
The final offerings of the night conquered more odes to the late and venerable musician, including the arrival of Bobby Weir, fresh off his 77th birthday, performing “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” Fellow jam favorite Trey Anastasio cut his teeth on “The Unfaithful Servant” and “Look Out Cleveland” before Weir returned, taking with him Mavis Staples for a stunning delivery of “The Weight,” which came ahead of the night’s final delivery, an all-star take on “I Shall Be Released,” a final touchstone alluding to The Band’s joint ventures with Dylan.
Photographer Stevo Rood was in attendance and shared his photos from the night. Scroll down.
