One of our favorite bands, The Band, was far from the most photographed/filmed act in the ’70s as such there aren’t many clips of The Band in action on YouTube. Yet, there are some and the ones that are on YouTube give a great view of this incredible ensemble doing their thing.

This week’s B List presents the ten best The Band vids on YouTube.

1. Don’t Do It (The Academy of Music ’71)

We didn’t know footage existed from the group’s legendary Rock of Ages shows, but this clip of the best Marvin Gaye cover ever is killer.

READ ON for nine more amazing The Band clips…

2. King Harvest (Live at a Studio in Woodstock)

Up next, we’ve got a really cool insight into The Band’s life in Woodstock. This clip features the group either recording or rehearsing King Harvest at their place in town. Richard Manuel’s voice sounded so good back then.

3. Tears of Rage (Live at the Woodstock Festival)

The Band were not interested in being featured in the documentary about the legendary Woodstock Festival, but their entire set was shot – just not released. Thanks to the magic of YouTube we can enjoy their performance of Tears of Rage from the most famous rock fest of all time.

4. Rockin’ Chair (From Festival Express)

Long after the tour took place in 1970, 2003′s Festival Express documentary showed a number of musical highlights from the Trans-Canadian Tour the group took part in including the gorgeous Rockin’ Chair.

5. Up on Cripple Creek (Live on Ed Sullivan)

Most folks in America got their first look at The Band when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show shortly after the release of their first album in 1968. It’s unbelievable how young the guys look.

6. The Shape I’m In (Live in Vancouver ’83)

The Band reunited in 1983 without Robbie Robertson and toured the world. This clip of The Shape I’m In was shot during this reunion tour in Vancouver.

7. Chest Fever (Live at Wembley ’74)

Chest Fever always started with an exploratory organ solo by Garth Hudson that was sure to keep audience members on their feet before Garth led into the gritty rocker. This clip was shot at Wembley Stadium in 1974 where The Band opened for Joni Mitchell and CSNY.

8. The Weight (Festival Express)

This raucous version of The Weight was filmed at the previously mentioned Trans-Canadian Tour for the Festival Express documentary.

9. Hazel (w/ Bob Dylan – The Last Waltz)

We couldn’t end this piece without listing at least one clip from the best concert of all-time – The Last Waltz. We’ve got two videos for you – one that was part of the film that Martin Scorsese put together about the concert and the other wasn’t in the film. This clip of Bob Dylan performing Hazel with The Band was shot from the balcony and sync’d with soundboard-sourced audio. Dylan wouldn’t allow Scorsese to film this tune so all we have is this audience-shot clip.

10. It Makes No Difference (The Last Waltz)

We end with this performance of It Makes No Difference from The Last Waltz. Unlike the song above, this one was shot by Scorsese and released as part of the film.

Scott Bernstein

Scott Bernstein co-founded Hidden Track in October 2006 and was managing editor until taking over as EiC in January 2008. Scotty also writes for Relix Magazine and curates YEMblog.com.

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