Harmonies and Homage: The E Street Band and The Band Connection at the American Music Honors Show
The upcoming American Music Honors show at The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music will honor The E Street Band and pay tribute to The Band. There are numerous connections between the two iconic groups over the years. Bruce Springsteen performed The Band's "The Weight" in honor of Levon Helm, praising his unique voice and drumming style. The Band covered Springsteen's "Atlantic City" and frequently performed it live. Springsteen and The Seeger Sessions Band also played The Band's "Rag Mama Rag" at several shows in 2006.
The first version of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band included members from both The E Street Band and The Band, showcasing their collaboration on stage. When Creedence Clearwater Revival was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Springsteen, Robbie Robertson, and Roy Bittan backed John Fogerty during the performance. Levon Helm sang "Rag Mama Rag" at a tribute concert with support from Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent. Springsteen praised The Band's ability to unite and create a powerful musical entity greater than the sum of its parts.
Springsteen drew inspiration from The Band's lyrics for his own songwriting, as seen in "Spirit in the Night." Max Weinberg's Jukebox performed The Band's "Up on Cripple Creek" in 2023, showcasing the enduring influence of The Band's music. Levon Helm and Max Weinberg shared the stage at The Lone Star Cafe in 1987, highlighting their musical camaraderie. Springsteen, Robertson, Weinberg, and Bittan collaborated with Paul McCartney and Billy Joel on "Let It Be" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
David Sancious and Jim Weider, original members of The E Street Band and The Band respectively, have deep ties to the Woodstock music scene. Their performance together at The Delaware River Bluesfest in 2010 exemplifies their shared musical heritage. The connections between The E Street Band and The Band run deep, showcasing a mutual respect and admiration for each other's musical contributions.