The global music community has united in grief as it bids farewell to legendary musician Robbie Robertson, The Band’s lead guitarist and songwriter, with an outpouring of heartfelt tributes.
Robertson passed away on Wednesday, August 9 in Los Angeles at the age of 80 after reportedly suffering a long illness.
In a statement, Robertson’s manager Jared Levine, issued a statement announcing the musician’s passing, revealing that he was “surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine’s partner Kenny.”
“He is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel, and Seraphina. Robertson recently completed his fourteenth film music project with frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon,” the statement read.
Born July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario, Robertson began taking guitar lessons from a young age with his cousin and eventually graduated to compose his first songs before eventually dropping out of school to pursue a career as a performer.
In 1958, he joined Ronnie Hawkins’ band the Hawks, joining fellow members Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, and Richard Manuel.
As the Hawks began to branch out they eventually came to the attention of Bob Dylan, and became the supporting act for the legendary singer’s 1965-1966 world tour.
Robertson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame as a member of the Band. He was also added to Canada’s Walk of Fame, both with the Band and as a solo performer.
He holds the 59th spot in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the top 100 guitarists. Robertson is known for creating songs like The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down with the Band. He also had successful solo tracks like Broken Arrow and Somewhere Down the Crazy River, among many others.
He was also inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Academy of Songwriters.
As news of Robertson’s passing broke, the music community joined high-profile figures to pay tribute and reflect on his legacy.
Such sad news about Robbie Robertson – he was a lovely man, a great friend and will be dearly missed xx R
Photographs from The Last Waltz pic.twitter.com/I7IHXGJyYj
— Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) August 9, 2023
God bless Robbie Robertson, peace and love to all his family peace and love. Ringo ????✌️????❤️????????????☮️
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) August 10, 2023
Robbie Robertson was a brilliant songwriter, guitarist, and composer whose gifts changed music forever. I’m grateful for all the good memories he gave me—going back to his time in the Hawks when I was a teenager—and for his kindness through the years. I’ll miss him.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) August 9, 2023
Rest in peace Robbie Robertson, legendary lead guitarist of The Band, fellow Canadian, and cherished collaborator of Joni’s. May his legacy and musical harmony resonate for generations to come.
Photo from the Michael Ochs Archives pic.twitter.com/1rdu7tihjS
— Joni Mitchell (@jonimitchell) August 9, 2023
RIP Robbie Robertson. Thanks for the amazing music and the great hangs, especially photographing you in LA not so long ago. We’ll keep Anna Lee company for you… pic.twitter.com/0IqVibzVZm
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) August 9, 2023
The music world lost a great one with the passing of Robbie Robertson. Keep making that Beautiful Noise in the sky, Robbie. I’ll miss you.
— Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) August 9, 2023
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
So sorry to hear about Robbie Robertson’s passing. His music felt timeless when he wrote it and remains timeless. Thoughts and love to his family.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) August 9, 2023
Roberston is survived by his second wife, Janet Zuccarini, two daughters, Alexandra and Delphine, son Sebastian, and five grandchildren.