Robbie Robertson of The Band, has passed away.
He was born in Toronto and died Wednesday in Los Angeles after a long illness.
Robertson was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique and his children.
Statement from Robbie Robertson’s family.
📸 Luis Sinco pic.twitter.com/J9c79003D5
— Robbie Robertson (@r0bbier0berts0n) August 9, 2023
With The Band, Robertson was credited with writing or co-writing the band’s signature songs, like The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up on Cripple Creek, The Shape I’m In and Chest Fever.
Here are some tributes from Canadian music legends:
I first met Robbie Robertson at Le coq D’or in Toronto in 1964 when The Guess Who was just taking off with “Shakin’ All Over.” He played so incredibly that I took the opportunity to ask him how. He said the secret was to buy a set of Gretsch Strings and put them on his… pic.twitter.com/yNMyPCubST
— Randy Bachman (@RandysVinylTap) August 10, 2023
Robbie Robertson at the Walk of Fame dinner hanging with my daughter… what a writer and pioneer! Honour to have known you sir.. you were a massive inspiration! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t3m3DZDjEM
— Tom Cochrane (@TomCochraneMUS) August 10, 2023
The Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, Robertson won an additional five Junos in a solo recording career that began in the 1980’s and included hit songs like: Somewhere Down the Crazy River, Showdown at Big Sky, What About Now? and Broken Arrow that was covered by Rod Stewart.
Robbie Robertson was 80.
Thank you for the music Mr. Robertson.
-Ian
