Although it’s unclear precisely who Robbie Robertson wrote Stage Fright about (himself, Danko, Dylan…?), one thing that is for sure is that his haunting lyrics and Danko’s masterful vocal performance captured something timeless and universal. Most performers who take the time to listen closely can’t help but feel some chilling familiarity and
Although it’s unclear precisely who Robbie Robertson wrote Stage Fright about (himself, Danko, Dylan…?), one thing that is for sure is that his haunting lyrics and Danko’s masterful vocal performance captured something timeless and universal. Most performers who take the time to listen closely can’t help but feel some chilling familiarity and kinship with the protagonist. Music critic Jack Gleason called it “the greatest song ever written about performing.”
While we tried to honour the urgency and fragility of Robbie Robertson’s original song-character, we took some melodic and harmonic liberties to darken the mood—such as adding a recurring modal motif that also serves as the bridge. Like most of our music, this song was recorded live “off the floor” (with the obvious exception of some bowed bass overdubs).
The official video for the single features studio footage of us recording this track in real-time; this is interspersed with some “found” super-8 film footage of performers from a 1960s San Francisco cabaret that seemed to fit with the mood and theme.
Chris Coole – Banjo/Vocals John Showman – Fiddle/Vocals with James McEleney – Bass
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by John Showman in March 2024