The Band was a canadian-american roots rock group formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1968 by Rick Danko (bass guitar, vocals), Garth Hudson (keyboards, saxophone), Richard Manuel (keyboards, vocals), Robbie Robertson (guitar), and Levon Helm (drums, vocals).
One of the most influential canadian rock bands of all time, The Band, inspired thousands of musicians across the world with their music. But, some of their greatest tunes are forgotten these days. One them is “Stage Fright, the title track of the Band’s third album. It features Rick Danko on lead vocals and was written by Robbie Robertson.
“Stage Fright” by The Band
Stage Fright (1970)
According to author Barney Hoskyns, Robertson originally intended it to be sung by Richard Manuel but it became clear that the song was better suited to Danko’s “nervous, tremulous voice.”
The Band drummer Levon Helm has written that the song is about “the terror of performing.” Others believe that the lyrics refer to Bob Dylan, who had stopped touring live during the late 1960s.