A night to remember: Celebrating Robbie Robertson’s legacy

Honoring a rock legend

On October 17, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles will host a star-studded tribute concert to honor the late Robbie Robertson, a legendary figure in rock music. The event, titled “Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson,” promises to be a night filled with unforgettable performances and heartfelt tributes. The concert is being produced by Blackbird Presents and promoted by Live Nation, with Martin Scorsese, a longtime friend and collaborator of Robertson, serving as one of the executive producers.

A diverse lineup of talent

The lineup for this special event is a mix of Robertson’s contemporaries and newer artists who have been influenced by his work. Some of the notable names include:

Bobby Weir
Taj Mahal
Eric Clapton
Van Morrison
Mavis Staples
Eric Church
Allison Russell
Nathaniel Rateliff
Margo Price
Noah Kahan

These artists, along with many others, will come together to celebrate Robertson’s contributions to music. The concert will feature performances of songs from both Robertson’s solo career and his time with The Band.

The enduring influence of The Band

The Band, with Robertson as its primary songwriter and guitarist, left an indelible mark on the music world. Their recordings, which spanned from 1968’s “Music From Big Pink” to 1977’s “Islands,” have influenced countless musicians across generations. Some of the classic Robertson compositions that attendees might expect to hear include:

A legacy in film and music

Robertson’s collaboration with Martin Scorsese began with the 1976 concert film “The Last Waltz,” which documented The Band’s farewell performance. This partnership continued over the years, with Robertson contributing as a scorer or music supervisor on several of Scorsese’s projects, including “The King of Comedy” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Robertson’s work on “Killers of the Flower Moon” earned him posthumous nominations for best original score by the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTA.

A night of musical celebration

The tribute concert is not just a celebration of Robertson’s music but also a testament to his lasting impact on the industry. The event will feature performances from a wide range of artists, each bringing their unique style to Robertson’s timeless compositions. Fans can expect a night of emotional and powerful renditions of some of the most iconic songs in rock history.

Get your tickets

Tickets for “Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson” will go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. A presale for Citi cardholders will run from Tuesday through Thursday of this week. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historic night honoring one of rock’s greatest legends.

For more information about the tribute concert, visit the official event page.

Reflecting on Robertson’s impact

As we look back on Robbie Robertson’s illustrious career, it’s clear that his influence extends far beyond his work with The Band. His solo career, which began in 1987, showcased his versatility and continued to push the boundaries of rock music. Robertson’s ability to blend different genres and create timeless music has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

In a world where music often feels transient, Robertson’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and musicianship. The upcoming tribute concert is a fitting way to honor his contributions and ensure that his music continues to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Join us on October 17 at the Kia Forum for a night of celebration, reflection, and incredible music as we pay tribute to the legendary Robbie Robertson.