RIP: Garth Hudson, Last Surviving Member of the Band

[ERD50]

Garth Hudson, Last Surviving Member of the Band, Dies at 87

Garth Hudson, the innovative multi-instrumental and last surviving member of the Band, has died. He was 87.

variety.com

I saw The Band twice, amazing each time. I'd have to say they are one of the top bands for me, probably THE top, in terms of overall enjoyment over the years. I never get tired of some of their whole albums and classics, Acadian Driftwood, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Ophelia, Life is Carnival, The Weight, Chest Fever, and more.

Garth was a top notch musician, his live improvisations at the beginning of Chest Fever were remarkable. And he played soulful sax on several songs, It Makes No Difference among them.

And while all the other rock guys played a Hammond, or a compact like a Farfisa or Vox, Garth played a large Lowrey theater style organ, that he heavily modified. A different sound, and it had a pitch bend effect that he used (us can sort of get that on a Hammond by turning off the motor that runs the tonewheels, and it slows down like a turntable, but you have little control).

 

[ERD50]

I'll add that his approach to organ was just so unique. I play keyboards a bit, and while I can jam and improvise to a fair number of typical rock songs, he played stuff that I wouldn't think of in a million years. Not necessarily so difficult to play, but just so different, yet fit so well with the tune.

 

[FiveDriver]

Rest in Peace Garth.

I bookmarked this youtube clip. Now is a good time to share it.

This may be the best 15 minutes of your day --

 

[aja8888]

Nice clip and a real talented individual. Looks like he never took the time to visit a barber shop, but that's OK.

Many of these older artists are drying off and that makes me realize my own mortality. I am in their age group and really feel this.

 

[ERD50]

Nice clip and a real talented individual. Looks like he never took the time to visit a barber shop, but that's OK.

Many of these older artists are drying off and that makes me realize my own mortality. I am in their age group and really feel this.

Yeah, I realized that when Robbie Robertson passed, that Garth was the last man standing of The Band.

I'm a ways from 87 yet, but these deaths of my contemporaries, and him being the *last* of the group to pass, does bring me more in touch with my own mortality.

 

[Dtail]

Never saw them in concert, but enjoyed their music when hearing it on the radio.

 

[Koolau]

Here's another video with GH's praise. RIP

 

[ERD50]

Here's another video with GH's praise. RIP

Finally got to that, very nice tribute. Thanks for posting.