Martin Scorsese has shared a statement honoring Robbie Robertson, his longtime collaborator and the legendary guitarist of The Band who passed away on Wednesday (August 9th).
“I could always go to him as a confidante,” Scorsese said. “A collaborator. An advisor. I tried to be the same for him.”
Scorsese continued, “Long before we ever met, his music played a central role in my life — 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 art form was profound and lasting. There’s never enough time with anyone you love. And I loved Robbie.”
Robertson died at age 80 following a long illness, according to his management. In addition to playing guitar with Bob Dylan and being The Band’s principal songwriter, he collaborated with Scorsese on a number of films, including the director’s upcoming project Killers of the Flower Moon. The men first met after Scorsese directed The Last Waltz, The Band concert documentary considered one of the best of the art form.
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From there, Robertson and Scorsese forged a working relationship that lasted decades. He worked as either a producer, consultant, or composer on a number of the director’s projects, including Raging Bull, The King of Comedy, The Color of Money, Casino, Gangs of New York, The Departed, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Irishman. His final project, the Killers of the Flower Moon score, is set to arrive on October 6th.
Revisit our tribute to Robertson here.
