The Beige Period

The Band had moved bases in 1974 from the East Coast and the cozy colony of Woodstock to the West Coast colony shores of Malibu. Richard Manuel, struggling already with balancing the demands of his band, his family life was falling deeper into manic depression, which led to excessive alcohol and drug consumption. With his family fractured and his habits excessive, the reeling Manuel continued to tour with The Band and Bob Dylan, rent expensive beach houses and cycle through a series of girlfriends. In reflection, Manuel called this time his "Beige Period." The drug use, recording and touring life, and some exciting times spent with Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton ultimately led to Manuel finding himself without a place to go after The Last Waltz. Would he continue to let his mental health and addiction enthrall him, or would he manage to gain control? This episode was produced, written and hosted by Tyrell William Lisson and edited and engineered by Michael Koehler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices