Across the Great Divide: The Band and America

First written some years ago, this book has long been out of print. Now Hal Leonard has finally issued a new revised and expanded edition. It contains all the information from the original book plus updating the information on the members of the band. This includes an obituary of Rick Danko and a brand-new interview with Robbie Robertson. With the years that Mr. Hoskyns has put into this book, it is likely to remain the definitive book on 'The Band' and on the early years of rock. The Band pioneered not only music, but many other things. Here were a group of young men that were suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Here was a band that put out two of the most significant albums of our time, and then fell apart. This book chronicles the interplay between the members of the band that led to their breaking up, it talks about the suicide of Richard Manuel, and of course the life that Rick Danko lived with drugs and pain killers until his fatal heart attack. This is one of those books that is literally a labor of love by a professional writer of course, but also by a devoted fan.

Across The Great Divide: The Band and America Barney HoskynsAfter reading this book, it left me with a valid picture of the group I have grown to love. With close-up analysis by The Band's "mentor", Ronnie Hawkins, we are taken on a journey of their wonderous lives. From the rise of this magnificent band to their virtual disappearance after the Last Waltz. This bio is thorough and left me with a greater understanding of the choices they were forced to make. An enjoyable read. mid