"There's a flood out in California, and up North it's freezin' cold! And this a-livin' off the road is gettin' purty old!", drummer Levon Helm twangs as The Band gives a fiery performance of 'Up On Cripple Creek,' one of their many signature songs. And indeed, the actual meaning of "The Last Waltz" was that The Band (or more specifically, songwriter/guitarist Robbie Robertson) were saying goodbye to the touring life, and had the intent of being reborn as a studio unit (think Steely Dan). But that didn't exactly go as planned, and the odds-and-ends album "Islands" was the only product of this idea (but even that album was released mostly as a contract-filler for Capitol Records). And though Band members were still talking about a new album as late as 1979, Robbie Robertson was obviously now focused on his work in terms of films, and the legendary five-man version of The Band was no more. And though some critics are cynical as to why a group would give up touring when touring is what a rock group does for a living, Robertson obviously had good reason to say goodbye to the road; it was obviously taking its toll on the personal lives of the Band members, most notably pianist and one of three lead vocalists Richard Manuel. Robertson said in 1987 "To see people teetering on the brink constantly...Richard scared us to death. We scared ourselves to death." (It's been argued that the touring hassles that the reunited Band went through in the 80s is what caused Manuel's suicide, but that's too personal to get into.)

It's ironic that Helm could deliver such a powerful vocal performance, belting out the lines that began this review, but the whole time, he was certainly not happy to be a part of this "celebration." And indeed, the rest of The Band may not have been either, despite bassist/vocalist Rick Danko's energy on stage and the musical prowess of Manuel and genius Garth Hudson. They were not ready to end The Band's life as a touring unit, or else they wouldn't have reunited without Robertson. When "The Last Waltz" was released as an album of film it was a definite success, and the movie has been called the greatest rock film ever made. But Helm was the most disappointed. He wrote has gone on record as saying "the camera focused almost exclusively on Robbie Robertson, long and loving close-ups...the film was edited so it looked like Robbie was conducting the band with expansive waves of his guitar neck...for me it was a real scandal." Helm also claims he was scammed financially, but it's easy to agree that the film does feature Robertson a bit prominently, which is why this beautifully packaged box set re-release is an essential item, showcasing each brilliant member, even if sometimes they're buried under the guest stars.

This 4-CD set features a heap of tracks that were left off of the original release making it the almost-complete concert. Band essentials like 'Rag Mama Rag,' 'The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show,' and 'This Wheel's On Fire' are fortunately included, as well as additional performances from the long line of guest stars that appeared at the concert (the songs from Eric Clapton, Neil Young and Bob Dylan are the best of the guest-stars). Concert rehearsals (including another essential 'King Harvest') and studio sketches are enjoyable listening as well. The album (and film) "The Last Waltz" is a timeless, definitive piece of rock history, and an important if not controversial piece of The Band's history.

The dream of millions of The Band fans has at last come true. The Last Waltz box set gives the deserved honour to Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel and Robbie Robertson. Honour for the best rock and roll concert of all time.

The addition of the missing songs, new mixing of the music and the improved layout are things that make this package something very special.

The box set includes no less than 15 songs, which were dropped out from the original publications. Plus, there are a few concert rehearsal versions. It was high time to hear the performances of such songs as `WS Walcott Medicine Show' and `Don't Do It' - the very last song The Band ever played together on stage. As far as guest performances are concerned, `Caldonia' (with Muddy Waters) and `Hazel' (with Bob Dylan) are nothing to be left as takeouts. For the sake of curiosity it's worth mentioning that Robbie's 12-bar Clapton-imitation guitar solo (which is there in The Last Waltz film as Eric fiddles with his guitar strap) on `Further on Up the Road' can be enjoyed now on CD as well.

Thanks to the new mixing, the overall sound of The Last Waltz is different. For example, `The Shape I'm In' is stronger than ever as a perfect The Band song: Richard growling the lyrics, Robbie filling in with delicate guitar licks, Rick bouncing about irresistibly with the bass and Levon hitting the drums like throwing big rocks on a tin roof. All this sweetened by Garth's capturing organ. The Last Waltz sounds brighter and fresher - basically it sounds much more authentic. Close your eyes and you are at Winterland...

The layout is improved by a thick booklet. It includes a lot of behind-the-scenes stories about The Band and The Last Waltz as well as a tidy collection of photos. Fine supporting material.

The Last Waltz box set is pleasingly short of letdowns. Joni Mitchell's `Coyote' is great, but her two previously unreleased songs, especially `Furry Sings the Blues', bring an unwanted plunge of quality to the set. Neil Diamond's less-than-magical `Dry Your Eyes' was familiar already from The Last Waltz LP.

Although The Last Waltz box set is a little pricy, it's worth every penny. Money becomes a secondary issue as one listens to Rick, Levon, Richard, Robbie and Garth play gloriously with and without the friends. The Last Waltz really happens. To quote Dr John a little: `Thanks to The Band and all the fellas.'

..... Namely Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, and the late Rick Danko and Richard Manuel. They are, without a doubt, stars that shone brightly from the day "Music From Big Pink" was released until Thanksgiving night, 1976, when "The Last Waltz" was recorded and The Band, at least in its original form, ceased to exist.

And speaking of stars - the cast of characters who showed up that night to, in the words of Robertson, "help us take it home," is a veritable Who's Who of Rock and Roll. (See reviewer "Reed"s mention of the parallel between the performers here and the inductees of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame).

The Band members are in fine form, seemingly ready to tackle the road for another 16 years. They play off one another beautifully on standards such as "Stagefright," "The Shape I'm In," "It Makes No Difference,", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," and "Ophelia." Robertson seems to be playing otherworldly guitar licks. Danko is in fine form - his vocals are among the highlights of the show and his bass playing is extraordinary. Manuel is as solid as ever on keyboards, while Garth Hudson just seems to play with effortless brilliance. Helm's raw vocal style is a sheer delight, while he holds the rhythm section together with his superb drumming.

This show could not possibly have been an easy undertaking, with the diverse styles of the guest artists, not to mention their egos. It was rumored that Bob Dylan had to talk Van Morrison into walking onstage after Van the Man had decided he didn't feel like singing that night. For the most part, however, The Band sounds as though they had been playing backup for all of these people for years.

Highlights of the live performance are almost too many to mention. The rousing "Who Do You Love," by Ronnie Hawkins, former mentor to the Band members, is tremendous. Morrison's "Caravan" is almost a show unto itself. Eric Clapton nearly forgets to finish "Further On Up The Road" after Robertson stuns him with a searing guitar lick. Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy" has the Band whipped into a frenzy of admiration. Bob Dylan's medley (After all, he IS Bob Dylan - why shouldn't he play more songs than the others?) of "Forever Young / I Don't Believe You / Baby Let Me Follow you Down" has Robertson and Danko scrambling to pick up Dylan's chord changes. The result is great free-for-all jam.

The Band is to be commended for giving proper nods to many of their musical influences. Doctor John's "Such A Night" is a treat, while the two Neils, Young and Diamond, turn in stellar performances, as do Paul Butterfield and Bobby Charles. Ringo Starr and Ronnie Wood are there to help out with the finale, Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." Among the live performers, only Joni Mitchell seems oddly out of place. Her uninspired "Coyote" just doesn't fit. In addition, she manages to detract from Young's "Helpless" with an annoying tag vocal. No doubt a talented and well - respected artist, Mitchell's sound simply doesn't mesh with those of the other performers.

If the live performances weren't enough, this disc also provides a spectacular studio version of "The Weight," with The Staples adding a gospel feel to the classic song. Also, Emmylou Harris adds a nice country touch with "Evangeline," with Danko and Helm serving up great harmony vocals. The new songs Roberston wrote for this recording are also excellent, especially "Out Of The Blue," on which he uncharacteristically sings lead and turns in a fine vocal performance.

"The Last Waltz" is a one of a kind recording, with one of the top five bands ever assembled playing at their peak, not to mention playing backup to a couple handfuls of rock legends.

Every serious music lover should own this recording, as well as the video. They capture a moment in time not soon to be rivaled. Perhaps Doctor John said it best - "Such a night."

26 years after the concert, The Band has managed

to come back hard with this 4 CD box set. Songs

that were edited on the 1978 release; The Last

Waltz, are now intact. The sound has been greatly

improved as well under Robbie Robertson's direction.

The Band may have had only a handful of great

songs over their career, but they played them like

a glass of fine wine. And with the inclusion of 24

additional tracks, this set is a must for people

who enjoy good music played by a band who knew how.

Having just heard about Rick Danko's death, I had to go back and listen to this CD package (and watch the video as well). It brings me back to the first time I saw the movie, during one of those midnight movie sneak-outs in high school in the 70s. Those instances inevitably involved fervent heavy petting in the balcony with little or no attention given to the flick. When I went to see the "Last Waltz", it was much the same (more a tribute to hormonal imperative than any lack of quality on the screen and through the speakers)until Rick sang "It Makes No Difference." I had never heard the song before, and at the time didn't even distinguish Rick from the other guys in the band, but--my god--that voice, that song, that painfully naked delivery! This guy meant it! He had the oddest voice, and seemed to have to go through great contortions to spit the words out while playing the bass, but the risks he took and the conviction he embodied sold it completely. I had to stop what I was doing (as important as it was) and give full attention to this guy who looked like the only thing he could bear less than being on stage was NOT being on stage singing this song. You can probably count the singers who really mean it on both hands (and maybe have a finger or two left over), and you better believe it that Rick is on that short list. I saw him in the early 90s at the Cactus Cafe in Austin, and he was older, fatter, not all that coherent between songs, but the voice and conviction were still there. There is little real passion left in the world, and music is mostly product, and I feel real sad that Rick is gone. Adios, dude.