The late Robbie Robertson offers an intimate glimpse into his life after the Band in his upcoming memoir, Insomnia, set for release on November 11, 2023. This book chronicles his experiences from 1977 to 1980, a period marked by close ties with director Martin Scorsese and a departure from his former bandmates. While the memoir promises tales of Hollywood indulgence, it also reflects on the complex relationships that shaped his life.
Robertson was working on this sequel to his 2016 memoir, Testimony, when he passed away in August 2023. In a February 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, he expressed excitement about diving deeper into this phase of his career, stating, “I’m deep in on that.” His insights reveal a tumultuous era filled with drug use, romantic escapades, and the unique dynamics of life in Hollywood.
Hollywood Excess and Personal Turmoil
The memoir recounts Robertson’s time living with Scorsese in Malibu after his marriage to Dominique Robertson ended. He vividly describes their shared experiences, including nights filled with movies and indulgent meals, alongside a host of celebrities. One notable anecdote involves a late-night drug run during a movie session with Francis Ford Coppola, illustrating the intertwining of film and excess in their lives.
Robertson reflects on the chaotic lifestyle that came with their friendship, recalling moments such as rescuing Scorsese’s assistant after a mishap with sleeping pills. The memoir highlights how these experiences contributed to Robertson’s realization about the dangers of their lifestyle, particularly after Scorsese suffered a near-fatal overdose in 1978. “Maybe the rock & roll lifestyle I had brought into Marty’s life was to blame for his plight,” Robertson writes, acknowledging the impact of their choices.
Conflict and Reflection on the Band
In Insomnia, Robertson does not shy away from addressing his strained relationship with former bandmate Levon Helm. Throughout the book, he revisits the filming of The Last Waltz, Scorsese’s acclaimed concert film, and Helm’s reluctance to participate in additional scenes. Robertson claims Helm preferred to keep the extra money rather than share the spotlight with other artists, expressing his frustration with Helm’s mindset during the project’s completion.
He also shares insights about the reactions of other musicians featured in The Last Waltz, including Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan. Diamond had reservations about how he was portrayed on screen, while Dylan initially hesitated to include his performance due to concerns about conflicting with his own film, Renaldo & Clara. Ultimately, as Robertson notes, Dylan’s worries proved valid when his film was poorly received, while The Last Waltz remains a classic.
The memoir also touches on Robertson’s interactions with other Hollywood figures, such as Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro, showcasing his deepening involvement in the film industry. His relationships with actresses like Jennifer O’Neill and Carole Bouquet add a personal layer to his narrative, depicting a life filled with both passion and drama.
Robertson’s reflections on his time with the Band reveal a sense of longing for connection amid the changes in their relationships. He recalls moments of camaraderie with his fellow musicians but acknowledges a growing distance over time. “I wanted new challenges, new quests, new blood, new roads,” he writes, illustrating his desire for evolution both personally and professionally.
As readers prepare for the release of Insomnia, Robertson’s memoir promises to be a candid exploration of a pivotal chapter in his life. It captures the essence of a man navigating the complexities of fame, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression, leaving a lasting impact on fans of both his music and the film industry.
