Chest Fever launches first single from live Massey Hall album

Chest Fever has released “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” the first single from its upcoming live album recorded at Toronto’s Massey Hall. The rollout begins a weekly series of singles and videos ahead of the full album’s streaming release on Sept. 18, 2026.

Why it matters: - The release gives Chest Fever an early look at a larger live project built around The Band’s catalog. - The album frames the music through new arrangements and a multi-generation lineup, which could broaden the project’s appeal beyond classic-rock fans. - The single is out now on major streaming platforms, giving the rollout immediate reach.

What happened: - Chest Fever released “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” today as the first single from The 21st Century LAST WALTZ – Live At Massey Hall. - The track was recorded during the band’s Nov. 18, 2023 performance at Toronto’s Massey Hall. - The full album is set for streaming on Sept. 18, 2026. - The single release starts a weekly series of singles and videos leading up to the album launch.

The details: - The 21st Century Last Waltz is described as a five-hour celebration of The Band’s music. - The project uses new musical arrangements and brings together artists from multiple generations and backgrounds. - A full feature on the project is available on the Blind Owl Records website. - The feature includes behind-the-scenes comments from Chest Fever’s Dan Cervantes and Jody Bagley. - Guest artists discussed in the feature include Cindy Cashdollar, Scarlet Rivera, Sylvia Tyson, Albert Lee and Bill Avis. - The project also highlights newer performers including John Muirhead, Sugarmill Slim, Devin Cuddy and Nicole Cerminara. - The song is also available to watch on YouTube. - Chest Fever directs listeners to more updates and releases and social channels for tour announcements and exclusive content.

Between the lines: - The project is being positioned as more than a tribute show and more like a reimagining of The Band’s music. - A review in Roots Music Canada called the performance “not your average tribute concert in the slightest” and said Chest Fever delivered “the best tribute act ever.” - Devin Cuddy said the audience and performers shared “a shared love of something” that lifted the energy in the room. - Dan Cervantes said the work takes “a lot” out of him, but he sees value in the time and attention behind the production.

What's next: - Chest Fever plans to continue the weekly single-and-video rollout before the full album arrives on Sept. 18, 2026. - Additional updates, tour announcements and exclusive content will continue through the band’s website and social accounts. - The album stream will be the next major release milestone for the project.