MovieChat Forums > The Last Waltz (1978) Discussion > Rick Danko -

Rick Danko -

posted 14 years ago by dyahrmarkt
3 replies | jump to latest

Probably the only guy I can say I fell in love with from a movie. He's just Mr. Cool all the way down.

It's a real shame what wound up happening to him in his life - strangely prophetic is the scene when he plays "Sip the Wine" for Scorsese in the studio, the camera closing in dark on his lowered hat brim. "Just making music....trying to stay busy."

It's evident these guys really were trying to outrun the devil in many ways, and it's a testament to those who survived the "fallout" after The Band broke up. Scorsese laughs knowingly at Rick's words - he wasn't in much better shape at the time. Rick didn't really make it. Although he lived for twenty more years he was dead at 56.

The film itself is just timeless and one of life's great cinematic pleasures. The Winterland never looked so lovely.

“No man can be a genius in slapshoes and a flat hat.” - Buster Keaton

[–] vxiifouru 14 years ago

Such an underrated & talented artist. When I recently watched the Classic Albums episode about their album "The Band", I think Rick's closing comment best sums up our purpose in life -

"Cos you know when we were younger of course we always wanted to change the world and thought we could but now I think we're smart enough to know that we're just here to help the neighbourhood."

[–] Stirchley 13 years ago

^Totally agree with the OP. Rick Danko was so handsome and sexy right from the opening scene of the movie when he was playing Cutthroat. So tragic what happened to him. His weight ballooned until he was barely recognizable and he died in his sleep. Another victim of rock stardom I guess.

[–] RickVee 11 years ago

Danko definitely a hugely underrated figure in rock n roll. Great feel on the bass and possessed a heartbreak quality to his voice.

Yes, it was very sad what became of him. He was in very bad shape in the last few years if his life. Was very overweight and apparently was battling a heroin addiction.

I saw The Band play a couple of New Year's Eve shows in New Orleans in December 1998. Poor Danko. He looked in awful shape. He was sitting on a stool playing bass b/c he didn't have the strength to stand. The entire show I couldn't take my eyes off of him b/c his breathing was so labored and heavy I was worried he was going to die right there on the stage.

Any fan of Rick Danko and Richard Manuel should check out the song
"Danko/Manuel" by The Drive-By Truckers. The song is written and sung by Jason Isbell. Incredible song.