As you may know, I am a big The Band fan. Have you ever heard that Rory was invited to The last Waltz? It was held as The Band's "farewell concert " on Thanksgiving day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland, San Fransisco, the very first venue The Band played on April 17, 1969. The special guests to the show include Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Neil Young to name a few.
So, if Rory was invited, why didn't he join the crowd?
Many thanks to Brian Robbins, the author of the article “My Brother Rory” , and John Lynskey, publisher of ‘Hittin’ the Note’ in which Brian’s article was published, Gerry McAvoy, John Ganjamie and JoAchim Matz for the Timeline, and Irish Examiner.
Last but not least, thanks a million to Milo, as always, for providing much information.
“Wheels Within His Master’s Wheels: An Interview with Elliot Mazer”, and Brian Robbins’ “My Brother Rory” were posted on Milo’s Shadowplays Blog.
In his book “Riding Shotgun”, Gerry McAvoy mentions that Rory was asked to perform at The Last Waltz. He was invited by Bill Graham, the show’s promoter, while they were playing at the Winterland on Nov. 19th, 1976. (this was the last show at the Winterland before the preparation for the Last Waltz got underway) But Rory and the band had shows booked already in northern states, so Rory turned it down, according to Gerry.
In addition, Gerry mentions about opening for ZZ top just after the Thanksgiving, which is apparently not correct. He says that ZZ Top’s manager called to ask if they could support ZZ Top, and Donal persuaded Rory to cancell a show they had booked already for that. They flew down to Texas next morning to open for them on that day.
Here is timeline from "RoryOn" around that time
11/19/1976 San Francisco USA Winterland
11/21/1976 "San Josè, CA" USA San Jose St. Universary Gym Point Blank
11/23/1976 "Seattle, WA" USA Paramount Northwest Theatre Point Blank
11/24/1976 "Portland, OR" USA Paramount Theatre
11/25/1976 "Houston, TX" USA The Summit with ZZ Top (2 shows)
(according to ticket stabs, there were 4pm and 10 pm shows)
According Milo’s work, “Wheels Within His Master’s Wheels: An Interview with Elliot Mazer”, Elliot Mazer denies the possibility of Bill Graham asking Rory or anyone else to join the line up at last minute as Gerry says. The direcor Martin Scorsese, and Robbie Robertson, the guitarist of The Band, had been preparing for the show months ahead. Also Robertson answers No to Milo when asked if he remembers asking Rory to join the show.
Now here is what Donal says in Irish Examiner, 2011 June 4th
Rory was meant to perform on The Last Waltz, but instead we wound up going to spend Thanksgiving with ZZ top in Texas instead.
In Brian Robbins’ conversation with Donal Gallagher in “My Brother Rory”, published in ‘Hittin’ the Note’, Donal explains a bit more about the incident. Here is the quote.
“Elliot [Mazer] was recording The Last Waltz with the Band at Winterland on Thanksgiving of ’77[sic] . Rory had been invited to attend… but we ended up playing in Texas instead for ZZ Top’s Thanksgiving Day show! I don’t think Rory ever forgave me – he really wanted to be at The Last Waltz, but when you have a band on the road and you’re trying to break new territories and get the attention, then … well… ZZ Top in Texas was a major event at that time.”
According to Billboard magazine, Tickets for two shows at The Summit for that day sold out in less than twelve hours.
I believe Rory was actually invited to The show. We can’t say how official that was, or who asked whom and when. It was not a last minute question, though, as Gerry mentions. It’s too bad that we can’t ask Rory now.
At least Rory converted some ZZ top fans.
A review from a ZZ Top fan
“... two shows here at home [Houston] on Thanksgiving day. Rory Gallagher opened, I'd never heard of Rory before but I've been a fan ever since. Rory's Trio [sic] (with only spotlights) blew away Billy's Trio (with all the props). Not saying the Top was bad at all, Rory was unbelievable.”
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