Martin Scorsese issued a statement honoring Robbie Robertson, the legendary musician that collaborated with him on many of his films.
In a statement to Deadline, Scorsese said, “Robbie Robertson was one of my closest friends, a constant in my life and my work. I could always go to him as a confidante. A collaborator. An advisor. I tried to be the same for him.”
Scorsese noted, “Long before we ever met, his music played a central role in my life—me and millions and millions of other people all over this world. The Band’s music, and Robbie’s own later solo music, seemed to come from the deepest place at the heart of this continent, its traditions and tragedies and joys.”
The iconic director concluded, “It goes without saying that he was a giant, that his effect on the art form was profound and lasting. There’s never enough time with anyone you love. And I loved Robbie.”
Robertson died today (August 9) at the age of 80 following a long illness. His partnership with Scorsese spanned decades. Robertson composed or produced music and served as executive music producer for a number of Scorsese’s films. Among Robertson’s credits on Scorsese films are 1980’s Raging Bull, 1982’s The King of Comedy, 1986’s The Color of Money, 2002’s Gangs of New York, 2006’s The Departed, 2013’s The Wolf of Wall Street and 2019’s The Irishman.
The last Scorsese project Robertson worked on was Killers of the Flower Moon, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone and Jesse Plemons. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May and will be released in theaters and on Apple TV+ on October 20.