As news broke about the death of The Band’s Robbie Robertson at the age of 80, on Wednesday, Aug. 9, fellow musicians and singers flocked to social media to share condolences and to remember the late frontman.
Videos by American Songwriter
An earlier statement from Robertson’s family, confirming his death read: “Robbie was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine’s partner Kenny.”
The statement continued, “He is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel, and Seraphina. Robertson recently completed his fourteenth film music project with frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support a new Woodland Cultural Center.”
Ron Sexsmith
“RIP Robbie Robertson Unspeakably sad news. His songwriting and guitar playing made such a lasting impact on music and in fact changed the direction of music in the late 60’s from psychedelic to a more roots based approach. Huge Loss RS”
Bryan Adams
“RIP Robbie Robertson. Thanks for the amazing music and the great hangs, especially photographing you in LA not so long ago. We’ll keep Anna Lee company for you…”
Joni Mitchell
“Rest in peace Robbie Robertson, legendary lead guitarist of The Band, fellow Canadian, and cherished collaborator of Joni’s. May his legacy and musical harmony resonate for generations to come.”
Steven Van Zandt
“RIP Robbie Robertson. A good friend and a genius. The Band’s music shocked the excess out of the Renaissance and were an essential part of the final back-to-the-roots trend of ‘60s. He was an underrated brilliant guitar player adding greatly to Bob Dylan’s best tour & best album.”
Ronnie Wood
“Such sad news about Robbie Robertson – he was a lovely man, a great friend and will be dearly missed xx R”
Neil Diamond
“The music world lost a great one with the passing of Robbie Robertson. Keep making that Beautiful Noise in the sky, Robbie. I’ll miss you.”
Margo Price
“The Band FOREVER so saddened to hear about Robbie Robertson’s passing. The records he made and played influenced me profoundly. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and those who knew him well.”
Jason Isbell
“My heart breaks for the family of @r0bbier0berts0n, and I think it’s safe to say that without his influence the music we love and the music we make would be very different from what it is.”
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
