How Bob Dylan Nearly Ruined an Iconic Martin Scorsese Documentary

On November 25, 1976, The Band said goodbye to the world in their final live performance at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. For the 70s music scene, this was a huge deal. Consequently, Martin Scorsese wanted to make a film about. Well, he did, and The Last Waltz has since been praised as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll documentaries of all time. However, it almost didn’t happen thanks to Bob Dylan.

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The Band’s final show at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco was a grandiose celebration. Given that it was their final performance, Levon Helm, Robbie Robertson, and the rest of The Band invited Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and Muddy Waters to play with them. A highly decorated roster, right? Yes, but the only way Warner Bros. would agree to finance the documentary is if it featured Bob Dylan.

Leading up to the performance, featuring Bob Dylan seemingly was not an issue. However, right before his performance, he made a complete 180. A 180 that put the entire documentary in jeopardy.

Right Before Go Time, Bob Dylan Refused To Be on Camera

Concerning Dylan’s decision, Levon Helm recalled, “Bob’s lawyer came out of Bob’s dressing room with an awful look on his face.” According to Helm, Dylan’s lawyer stated, “Bob doesn’t want to be in the movie,” per This Wheel’s On Fire: Levon Helm And The Story Of The Band. Without Dylan, that meant no money from WB, and without any money from WB, there would be no movie. Per Helm’s recollection, Dylan was not even aware of the film or his needed presence in it.

Rightfully so, Martin Scorsese went nuts and tried to troubleshoot the situation so he could make his movie. However, it wasn’t Scorsese who ended up saving the day. Rather, it was the concert’s promoter, Bill Graham. It is unclear what Graham did, but he convinced Dylan. Although there were some conditions.

Helm wrote in his book, “[Graham] got Bob to the point where any film that might be shot would be carefully scrutinized by Bob before being considered for use. He was in there for a couple of minutes, but it seemed like an hour. With about five minutes left, word came down that the last two songs in Bob’s part of the show could be filmed, and only the last two.”

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