About this episode

This episode revisits The Band’s unexpected 1983 reunion and their subsequent tour, highlighting their individual journeys and the energy of their performances.

In this episode, we revisit The Band’s unexpected 1983 reunion six years after The Last Waltz. With Robbie Robertson absent, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson came together once again, proving their music still carried power and soul. We trace their individual journeys in the late ’70s and early ’80s, the spark that brought them back, and the raw energy of their “The Band Is Back” tour. From theatre gigs and surprise Bob Dylan appearances to sold-out shows across Canada, Japan, and the U.S., this was more than a comeback, it was a second life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Topics covered

• reunion
• The Band
• music history
• live performances
• 1980s music
• comeback

Keywords

• The Band
• 1983 reunion
• Levon Helm
• Rick Danko
• Richard Manuel
• Garth Hudson
• live tour
• Bob Dylan
• music comeback

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bob Dylan

Places: Canada, Japan, U.S.

More episodes of The Band: A History

• The Battle For Levon Helm Studios · July 14, 2026 · 18 min
• The Lost Album · February 22, 2026 · 46 min
• Richard Manuel’s Final Chapter · January 3, 2026 · 38 min
• Jim Weider · December 15, 2025 · 25 min
• Review: Robbie Robertson's Insomnia · October 27, 2025 · 11 min
• Cahoots Revisited · September 15, 2025 · 13 min

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