Music Movie Mondays:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Widely hailed as the greatest concert film
ever made, the 1978 Martin Scorsese-directed film The Last Waltz is a
landmark in history. Documenting the farewell concert of The Band, The
Last Waltz boasts a who’s who list of musical co-stars A special February
12 creening as part of the Music Movie Mondays series at Grail Movie
House will be hosted by Asheville author and music journalist Bill Kopp.
The Canadian-American group known as The Band were among the most
important acts of their time. Getting their big break as the backing group for
Bob Dylan, The Band would pioneer in the creation of the style of music now
known as Americana. But their music has always transcended genres. Their
vivid lyrical imagery, passionate vocals and sympathetic instrumental work
created a raft of classics.
But the group was always fraught with internal tensions, and by 1976 – just eight years after releasing their
groundbreaking debut Music From Big Pink – they decided to call it a day. But The Band went out in style, mounting a
concert event that included an all-star lineup of special guests. Though it wasn’t promoted at the time as a farewell
concert, The Last Waltz (as it came to be known) signaled the end of the group. But that concert extravaganza featured the
band at its peak, along with performances by a staggering lineup: Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Ringo
Starr, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Dr. John the Night Tripper, Eric Clapton,
the Staple Singers and more, individually and collectively serving up a cross-section of American musical forms.
The whole ten-hour affair was filmed by director Martin Scorsese and a team of cameramen. When the finished movie
was released to theaters nearly 18 months later, it was a box office success. The Last Waltz quickly gained status as one of
the greatest concert films ever made, a reputation it maintains to this day. A contemporary digital restoration – sharpening
sound and imagery – has only improved it.
As part of the Music Movie Mondays series, Grail Moviehouse in Asheville hosts a special one-night-only showing of the
film. Presented by Asheville-based speaker, author and music journalist Bill Kopp, the evening will include a screening of
the film followed by an interactive discussion.
“Going to the movies has always been a kind of communal
experience,” says Kopp, host of Music Movie Mondays.
“Especially in this post-lockdown era, the opportunity to not
only watch a film but then to discuss it with others is
something even more special. And music-related films lend
themselves remarkably well to this shared, interactive experience.”
Music Movie Mondays is a monthly series moderated by Bill Kopp, hosted by Grail Movie
House and sponsored by AshevilleFM. Music Movie Mondays presents a special screening of The Last Waltz on Monday,
Feb. 12 @ 7 pm. The program will feature a brief introduction. Then we’ll watch the film together; afterward, we’ll
engage in a moderated discussion.
The one-night-only screening of The Last Waltz is the latest in the ongoing popular series of Music Movie Mondays at
Grail Moviehouse. Every month, we’ll watch and discuss new releases, classics and cult favorites.
