Robbie Robertson, guitarist and songwriter for Canadian-American group The Band, has passed away at the age of 80.

“A good friend and a genius. The Band’s music shocked the excess out of the Renaissance and were an essential part of the final back-to-the-roots trend of ‘60s. He was an underrated brilliant guitar player adding greatly to Bob Dylan’s best tour & best album.” – Stevie Van Zandt

It’s been revealed that Robertson had been battling prostate cancer for a year. The news was conveyed by Robertson’s manager, Jared Levine. On Tuesday, August 8, he was urgently admitted to the hospital following his expression of discomfort, attributed to ailing health.

Tragically, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, Robbie Robertson’s life came to a close, with his family encircling him in his final moments. His memory endures through his wife Janet, former spouse Dominique, who was accompanied by her partner Nicholas, as well as Robbie’s three cherished children, namely Alexandra, Delphine, and Sebastian.

Robbie Robertson’s Life and Career:

Born on July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario, as noted by the official website of The Band, Robertson’s earliest connection to live music blossomed at the tender age of 5 during a visit to the Six Nations Reservation – his mother’s childhood homeland.

His journey into music commenced with guitar lessons from a cousin, leading him to forsake formal education in pursuit of his musical aspirations.

By 1958, he had secured a place in Ronnie Hawkins’ rockabilly group, “The Hawks.” This musical association eventually evolved, and the band found themselves backing the legendary Bob Dylan during his iconic global tour from 1955 to 1956.

Notably, Robertson even authored one of Dylan’s enduring hits, “The Weight,” released in 1974. Transforming into their own entity, the ensemble, now known as “The Band,” under Robertson’s leadership, flourished throughout the late 1960s.

Their discography includes acclaimed albums like “Music From Big Pink” and their self-titled release. Following their parting in 1976, The Band reunited for a momentous farewell performance in San Francisco, an event captured by esteemed filmmaker Martin Scorsese and later presented as the “The Last Waltz.”

Beyond his influence on rock, Robertson’s artistic talents traversed multiple realms. His ongoing collaboration with Scorsese resulted in musical contributions to cinematic gems like “Raging Bull,” “The Color Of Money,” and “King of Comedy.”

Notably, in 1987, he unveiled his debut solo album, bearing his own name, featuring hits like “Fallen Angel,” “Broken Arrow,” and “Sweet Fire of Love.” One of his later significant projects involved partnering with the “Red Road Ensemble,” a Native American collective, to craft a musical anthology for a documentary series in 1994.

The passing of Robbie Robertson marks the departure of a cherished musical treasure, yet his lasting contributions are destined to endure for generations. Notably, the forthcoming Scorsese film titled “Killers of the Flower Moon” also features the indelible musical touch of this legendary artist, ensuring his presence continues to resonate in the realm of cinema and beyond.

Celebrities React to Robbie Robertson’s Death

As news of Robbie Robertson’s passing spread, an outpouring of grief and remembrance emerged from artists and celebrities worldwide.

During the inaugural night of his US tour, Bruce Springsteen honored the memory of Robbie Robertson, the guitarist and singer-songwriter from The Band. Watch clips from the performance below.

Bruce Springsteen tribute to Robbie Robertson

Ronnie Wood Reacts to Robbie Robertson's death

Stephen Stills Reacts to Robbie Robertson's death

Neil Diamond Reacts to Robbie Robertson's death

Joni Mitchell Reacts to Robbie Robertson's death

Justin Trudeau Reacts to Robbie Robertson's death

Robbie Robertson’s Awards and Honors

Producer of the Year (“Big Sky,” “Somewhere Down the Crazy River”), Juno Awards (1989)
Male Vocalist of the Year, Juno Awards (1989)
Album of the Year (Robbie Robertson), Juno Awards (1989)
Producer of the Year (“Skin Walker,” “It Is A Good Day to Die”), Juno Awards (1995)
Lifetime Achievement Award, National Academy of Songwriters (1997)
Lifetime Achievement Award, Native American Music Awards (1998)
Best Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording (Contact from the Underworld of Redboy), Juno Awards (1999)
Lifetime Achievement Award, Aboriginal Achievement Awards (now Indspire) (2003)
Honorary Doctorate, Queen’s University (2003)
Inductee, Canada’s Walk of Fame (2003)
Lifetime Artistic Achievement, Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (2006)
Honorary Doctorate, York University (2005)
Officer, Order of Canada (2007)
Inductee, Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (2011)