Robbie Robertson's Memoir Lifts Lid on Drugs, Feuds in The Last Waltz Era

In his upcoming memoir "Insomnia," former The Band guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson is set to reveal the wild behind-the-scenes stories from the years following the group's famous farewell concert, The Last Waltz. The book, which will be published on November 11, 2025, focuses on the period from 1977 to 1980 when Robertson became close friends and housemates with director Martin Scorsese.

During this time, Robertson and Scorsese indulged in a lifestyle of drugs, hookups, and endless movie-watching sessions, often fueled by cocaine and fine cuisine. The memoir also delves into the tensions between Robertson and his former Band mate Levon Helm, who was reportedly unhappy with certain aspects of The Last Waltz film.

According to the book, Helm was not keen on shooting additional footage that featured the Staple Singers and Emmylou Harris, and would have preferred to keep the extra cash for themselves. Robertson also claims Helm was unhappy with the interview footage of a heavily intoxicated Richard Manuel. The memoir paints a picture of a fractured relationship between the two musicians as The Band faded away "into the twilight, naturally."

Beyond the Band drama, "Insomnia" also chronicles Robertson's Hollywood connections, including interactions with the likes of Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, and Robert De Niro. The book also details Robertson's various romantic entanglements with actresses during this period, including a particularly passionate affair with French actress Carole Bouquet.