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Unedited “Last Waltz” Footage Centers Manuel, Counters Helm’s Claims

7/21/2026

Summary

Levon Helm Criticizes

The newly released footage treats all Band members equally, centers Richard Manuel, and contains no post-production dubbing.
Levon Helm (drummer for The Band) called The Last Waltz a disaster in his 1993 memoir and criticized Martin Scorsese (director) for spotlighting Robbie Robertson, hiding Richard Manuel, and omitting rehearsals.
John Simon (producer) said most tracks were overdubbed months later.

Summary

Band Resurfaces Footage

Black-and-white footage of the July 20, 1976 Casino Arena show recorded by John Scher is now online.
Poor acoustics left seats barely hearing the Band, prompting complaints from Betty Lyon and Kevin Kavanaugh.
Safety concerns sparked demolition rumors in 2026 after the venue closed following 1976.
The raw tapes show a guest-free performance, Band’s 1983 reformation, touring until Rick Danko’s 1999 death, and Jim Weider fronting Weight Band on a fall-2026 tour.

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Levon Helm Criticizes

The newly released footage treats all Band members equally, centers Richard Manuel, and contains no post-production dubbing.
Levon Helm (drummer for The Band) called The Last Waltz a disaster in his 1993 memoir and criticized Martin Scorsese (director) for spotlighting Robbie Robertson, hiding Richard Manuel, and omitting rehearsals.
John Simon (producer) said most tracks were overdubbed months later.

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