Tears running down my face … here I am 86 fucking years old, still remember, still feel this … life has been great, the music was even better … wish you were here!

Before this song ends, I just wanna say what a true pleasure of my life it is to be able to hear these people anytime I want to.

This was one of my dad's favorite concert dvds, after he passed I didn't have the strength to put it on because it would remind me of him. I would break down in tears hearing the music, I get really choked up listening to this even now. Still remembering that big smile he had when my dad would watch Neil Young come stage. I look to my left to the empty chair where he sat and think on the time I would spend with him. Now even that house, the chair is gone. All I have now are my memories, and damn good ones they were for sure.

Neil Young, Robbie Robertson, Joni Mitchell, Rick Danko.....all great CANADIAN artists. It makes me proud to be from the Great White North.

I was there - in my usual spot stage right, aligned with the mics and just above - watched Joni come out behind all the speakers and do her part. One of the greatest shows I ever attended, starting with the waltz itself, then Thanksgiving dinner. I even bought a tux for the occasion...a few dozen of us were similarly attired. Tickets at the time were an un-heard of $35.00 as I recall. I later regretted not having bought twenty to bring friends along. Three days before, The Band played a warm-up concert down in Santa Cruz to a few hundred of us. The whole thing felt like...family. Truly remarkable. I still smile to think of it all.

I am in my 79 and I feel as if I have gone to heaven listening to this gem Joni Mitchell in the background. Canadian bliss

The Band, Neil Young & Joni Mitchell on the same stage at the same time, performing this classic song, makes this listener feel like he is in heaven.❤ Peace!

Brings tears to my eyes also. Only one member of The Band alive. The Last Waltz was the greatest recorded concert of my generation. besides the Allman Brothers at Filmore East in 1970.

I love Robertson's expression at 1:21 when Neil starts singing. How we all feel! Just can't get over that voice! What a great concert.

He may not be your cup of tea, but he was a genius and his greatness cannot be underestimated.

I've always admired Neil taking time to say "it's one of the pleasures of my life to be able to be on this stage with these people."

I love that silhouette of Joni Mitchell singing that beautiful falsetto seemingly without any effort. Her stunningly beautiful voice soars like a big bird flying across the sky. Thank you, Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Scorsese for getting me out of an emotional mess.

Joni Mitchell's voice on this is UNREAL. She sounds like a falling angel.

I see from the comments that many people have questions about this song. The woman in the background is Joni Mitchell. By coincidence, Neil and Joni contracted polio in Canada as children in 1951 during the last epidemic in North America before the Salk vaccine solved polio. They were thousands of miles apart, they did not know each other, they both grew up to become amazing folk/rock musicians. Neil Young has never explained the meaning of "Helpless" and rock critics think it is about the feeling of being stuck in a small town but I am convinced that it is about the emotions of having Polio and not having any idea if you are going to get better or spend years inside an iron lung. That is why having Joni kind of sneak in behind the curtain and sing background vocal during this performance is so special and powerful.

Neil's nose all full of fun stuff, Joni killing it on the vocals, the band being the band.....One of Canada's finest moments truly :)

As someone whose mother was born in Toronto and father was raised on a farm in Ontario, this song has always "struck a chord" in my heart. I spent nearly every summer of my youth in Muskoka, Ontario, and recall waking up in the middle of night, walking out of our rented cottage, and watching the Northern Lights paint the sky, with stars galore as a backdrop. Thank you Neil, The Band, Joni (wow!), and Marty.

One thing I like about Neil is that he is unique. His own style. He didnt follow others, they followed him.

I was told Eric Clapton said this was the best live song he had ever heard. If true, that's an awesome compliment.

The mutual respect on display is palpable. They are so pumped to be sharing a stage. Wow.

thank goodness this legendary greatness was captured on film for generations to appreciate. these artists are irreplaceable.

When Neil starts singing, I can't help but notice Robbie's huge smile! I love it!

When Neil joins the band at 4:11 says everything about Neil and The Band. Respect and love

Takes me back to my days growing up with my husband . Close my eyes and I am back in his arms. Hope heavens great as we thought Hon. Still missing you and forever will .

Joni Mitchell on this performance gives me chills and tears at the same time.

when they all start singing together on the same mic...that is some magical shit right there

This song embodies what so much of North Ontario was really like in the 70s. A lonely place, a beautiful wilderness, but whatever it was to anyone it touched your soul. Amazing memories.

No matter what, Neil Young, the genius he is, nailed a song. Thanks to u-tube. Without these videos how could I listen to all this amazing music. True love for rock.

The greatest version of this song. Seeing them look so happy singing together with Joni's echoing vocals is simply breath taking

The look of pure humility and appreciation on Neil Young's face as he walks out. 0:08. Wow. I think he says, "thank you man for letting me do this" or something of the like.

FYI about why Joni was backstage: Joni came out later to perform Coyote and they wanted to keep it a surprise, so she stayed behind the curtains during "Helpless". It's kind of brilliant, imagine not having any idea she was there, and then during the song you hear her gorgeous voice complementing this song....goosebumps.

His voice is pure gold. He is unique. No one else sounds like him. This is one of my favorites. He expresses pure emotion. Helpless. He expresses the pain of loss perfectly. What a great artist. Thanks Neil Young.

Neil Young and The Band together, how lucky to see that.

Even after all this time this version still brings a tear to my 64 year old eyes

Fucking Tears running down the cheeks of a 70 year old man, going through all ups and downs of life.

A beautiful song and the best rock'n'roll movie ever made. I remember when I moved away from my parents in 1970, a friend and I listened to this song all night, stoned out of our minds. Good times. Rock on, Neil.

Joni’s voice is a presence and the silhouette of her is such a great shot… its enough to bring tears to your eyes.

This truly is a magical moment captured for eternity. From Robbies smile when Neil starts to sing to Rick looking at Neil with a sense of knowing anticipation of the next verse to Rick and Robbie jokingly looking skyward at the "big birds flying across the sky". Hard to put into words but I'll try and say there is a feeling of comraderie exuding from this clip that warms the heart. Yes kids, drugs are bad.....but in this moment in time I believe they accentuated what was already a special moment.

There is a passion that takes over and this is an example. Neil Young does not play the game. He is what he is and that is a passion for his music. He sings with life rolling off his tongue and his guitar. Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience him in the 70's were blessed, definitely blessed. God Bless you, Neil Young. Thank you for standing for what you believe. I love you, we love you.

This is by far the best live version, I have ever heard ... the song takes you out in a oblivion of blue sky away and away from this earth in to the heaven.... beautiful notes

I grew up in the late 60's early 70's........what an incredible 'time slot' that was for music. This song along with many others of Neil Young's are the soundtrack to my youth. What a childhood it was.... Neil, you are a treasure!

I'm a full blown southern boy. I don't give a damn what Ronnie say, this southern man needs ole Neil Young around!

his harmonica speaks louder than any lyrics ive ever heard. I love it

My heart trembled. I am still moved by this Helpless,from Japan.

This is the best song ever written and performed in rock music with Neil Young, the band and Joni Mitchell. It just doesn't get any better than this!

My father, born in 1950, was watching this part of The Last Waltz while rocking my 5 month old baby. All of the sudden, she fell alseep in his arms and laid her head on his chest. Another beautiful moment in my life to the soundtrack of 70s rock

I'm in rehab and this gives me so much motivation to go on. Without Last Waltz and other favourite music I might had jumped out of the window days ago.

RIP Robbie. What a beautiful tune this is👏

Its my first time hearing this song,,, reading some of the comments here and my tears roll down , i dunno know.. but thanks a lot for sharing this .. to the one listening this now--Bless you

Not sure how you can press thumbs down on this. One of the most beautiful songs ever.

that moment when Neil starts singing and you see Robbie go into a complete different state of mind.

There are no words to explain all that talent including Joni singing like the Angel she was. Leaves me helpless and speechless!!!

This is so Golden wonderful thanks for posting

Neil Young is such a class act it’s a blessing for him to still be with us today, or to even have him at all in our culture. Thank you Neil Young.

this song could wash down on me forever, and I'd still hit replay. The best.

Sweet memories of days now long passed. Man sure has taken a dive down since those days of peace and love !

To all the Americans here, you're welcome. ~ Canada

This is one of the greatest live performances captured on film - Joni lending her magic to Neil and the guys at the legendary Winterland

Aqui estou! Prestes a completar 66 anos e vivendo e curtindo muito este som! Lembro da adolescência!

This is perfection. There's nothing better than this.

In my mind, this is the definitive version of Helpless. The whole ensemble made it music magic.

One of my favorite versions of that song. When I feel down, this version gives me warmth and I feel less sad.

This the greatest concert ever to be on screen!!!! I just can't say enough about it!!!! The Band was just SO F'N GOOD!!!! And then there is Neil Young, with Joni howling in the back!!!! Jesus Christ can it ever get better than this?!!! HELL NO I SAY!!!!!! THE BAND.....WHAT A GREAT NAME FOR THEM!!!! THEY WERE ALL SO TALENTED.. HELM, DANKO, HUDSON, ROBERTSON AND MORE, NOT TO MENTION THEIR GUEST ON HERE!!!! I WATCH IT TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR, AND HAVE FOR FORTY YEARS AND COUNTING!!!❤️❤️✌️✌️❤️❤️

The sheer look of delight on the band leader's face as Neil starts singing,is worth gold.

Here I am on Canada day listening to perhaps the most Canadian music moment of all time.

For his high status in the rock and roll community, Neil Young just kinda comes like some socially awkward dude I would have known in high school or something. I find it quite relatable.

The best performance in this concert. Neil & Joni Amazing.

Rick Danko's backup vocals are so rich and underrated.

Blows my mind every time I hear this version of Helpless. Mythically awesome, wish I was there. Beauty in the finest most rare sense.

This song rings so true to my life. It was 1979, Cedaredge Colorado. I went to live with my aunt and uncle. I left a bad life and at 16 was reborn. I love that town, I finished my last 2 years of high school. I graduated in 1981 and then left for the Navy in 1984. It will always be my home....

I’ve watched this clip and listened to this version countless times and still get a chill

“They got it now Robbie!” Always gets me.

Got the DVD. It's great. Got to see Neil Young back in the day. Only performer who could captivate an entire audience by himself.

imagine your back up vocal is JONI MITCHEL, shes a goddess! Wow!!

The first time I gave myself to my ex boyfriend this album was on vinyl and immediately after ...this song came on and we laid there and held each other and I will forever remember him by this song and that perfect moment... it ended on bad terms and we haven’t talked in 3 years but thankyou Justin for showing me the gift of Neil Young. Beautiful

all these on stage are my past in music Wow how lucky were we and still going cheers to all

Classic. Neil Young is one of the greats of our time.

This is what real music is.... real lyrics....acoustic. ..I'm in love!

Of all of the amazing preformances captured this evening, this one absolutely floors me every single time.

Just some Canadian kids back in 76. Watched this with my whole family sitting around the living room.

How on this earth, nearly 50 years ago, can these guys make sounds like this. I am sitting In my English garden, in the late afternoon of an English summers day, covered in goosebumps and with emotion high. When there is so much hate I. The world right now. Thank you guys. You’ll never know🤗

THIS IS MY FAVORITE NEIL YOUNG SONG. LAID IN MY BED AT NIGHT AS A KID AND LISTENED ON AN 8 TRACK WITH HEAD PHONES BLASTING NO WONDER I CANT HEAR ANYMORE ... RIP ROBERT LYNCH !!!!

I have this concert on dvd. The accompanying acts that performed that night in its self makes this one of, if not the best show in ROCK AND ROLL history!

One of my all time favorite performances!.. Truly beautiful ❤❤❤

OUTSTANDING, how else can a person describe Mr. Neil Young. Thanks for everything for all these years.

Just love how Robbie looks up to see rising yellow moon and big birds flying across the sky.

Gives me goosebumps everytime.. R.I.P dad x.. You was right all along.. neil young one of the greatest. What a track 👌

Blue blue windows behind the stars, it’s so awesome to be in the company of Neil and all of you! I’m helpless, when I hear Neil Young, organism after organism, just listening to him…

I love robbie reaction when young started singing 👌❤

One of the greatest pieces of all time, this entire concert!

The Band along with Neil Young and Joni's vocals you can't help but cry at this classic ☝🏾♥️🎶🎸🔥🎶

As often as I've watched this clip, I still get chills.

There is a town in north Ontario, With dream comfort memory to spare, And in my mind I still need a place to go, All my changes were there. Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise, Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes. Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless Baby can you hear me now? The chains are locked and tied across the door, Baby, sing with me somehow. Blue, blue windows behind the stars, Yellow moon on the rise, Big birds flying across the sky, Throwing shadows on our eyes. Leave us Helpless, helpless, helpless.

Now 71 years old myself after following this guy since I was seventeen years old that says a whole lot for a genius in music.

This is the first song that I learned how to play on guitar about 50 years ago. It was a breakthrough moment for me, and it made me very happy. I loved it then and I still love and play it today.

This is one of my favourite singular moments in music history. Not sure what it is, but Joni harmonizing always gives me goosebumps.

my senior hi school teacher took our class to see this in 1978 and it changed my world. to this day I still love to watch and listen to the BAND its as awe inspiring today just as it was 40 yrs ago and if it wasn't for Robbie Robertson the BAND never would have been ...

Best Neil song ever, plus this concert showed the the world Robbie is one of the best guitar players ever

This song rocks so hard!!! I have watched so many times over the years.

This is one of the greatest things recorded.

Neil's got SOUL. They are all out of their boxes, and yet this is a perfect masterpiece. Joni on descants and Neil and Robbie immersed in harmonies. The lyrics really hit home, too. Marvellous