The Weight Band is a recent incarnation of the Band’s legacy and originated inside the barn of Levon Helm in 2012. That’s where Jim Weider and Randy Ciarlante, both former members of the Band, were performing “Songs of the Band” with Garth Hudson, Jimmy Vivino and Byron Isaacs.
In July 2017, PBS’s Infinity Hall Live program began airing a televised performance by the Weight Band, featuring Band covers and new music by the band. The Weight Band has been keeping the spirit and music alive that defined an era. Touring nationally for the past four years, the group features members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band.
In March, 2018, Curve record label executives were excited to announce the signing of The Weight Band and the release of their first full-length, 11-track studio album, World Gone Mad on Curve Music.
The record features members of The Band: Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson; plus some from Levon Helm’s band. The Woodstock-based Weight Band is not a tribute to The Band but rather a continuation of where The Band and members left off. Members include Jim Weider, Brian Mitchell, Albert Rogers and Michael Bram. Songs written by The Band, Levon Helm and Colin Linden.
It features eight original tracks, guest vocals and slide guitar from Jackie Greene on a cover of a Jerry Garcia-Robert Hunter song, and writing contributions from the late Levon Helm on previously unreleased songs. Check out the new songs, “Common Man” and “World Gone Mad.”
Sacramento’s K-ZAP 93.3 FM is playing the title tune, “World Gone Mad.” All part of 50 years of rock, blues and more, 24-7 on our station’s stream at K-ZAP.ORG/LISTEN!
Discography
World Gone Mad (2018)
Video