Robbie Robertson: I Would Make Music With Levon And Garth Again

Robbie Robertson spoke to American Songwriter about his impressive new solo album, How To Become Clairvoyant, which features guests like Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Tom Morello, Robert Randolph and Trent Reznor. The lead single, “He Don’t Live Here No More,” is currently the most added track on Triple A and AC Radio. You can read the full interview in the upcoming May/June issue.

When asked if he would consider reuniting with the surviving members of The Band for a reunion tour, Robertson had this to say:

Will you tour behind this album?

Being on the road to me is a young man’s game. When I was young, I loved it. And also, it’s a bit like being in the same stage play for the rest of your life. I completely understand people that it’s a big part of their life, and they make a lot of money from it, but I don’t find interesting challenges in it. I like working on various different things, and I was very much rebelling against that, the whole record-tour, record-tour lifestyle. I did that, and it was great then, but I don’t relate to that anymore.

In the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of bands reunite, from Pink Floyd to Buffalo Springfield. What are your thoughts on a Band reunion?

We lost two guys in The Band. That’s like Ringo and Paul McCartney doing a Beatles tour. If everybody isn’t there, I don’t think it’s valid. That’s just how I see it. And the idea of making some music with Garth or Levon at some point, I have no objections to that.

Robertson will be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame on April 2nd.