Robbie Robertson, lead guitarist and songwriter of The Band, has died aged 80.

Robertson was behind such classics as The Weight, Up On Cripple Creek, and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

His supervisor of 34 years, Jared Levine, wrote: "Robbie was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine and Delphine's partner Kenny.

"He can be survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel and Seraphina."

The Band initially served as Bob Dylan's backing group - earlier than changing into extremely influential within the Sixties and 70s. They performed at Woodstock in 1969.

Besides Robertson, who was born in Canada, the group featured drummer-singer Mark "Levon" Helm and bassist-singer-songwriter Rick Danko, keyboardist singer-songwriter Richard Manuel and all-around musical wizard Garth Hudson.

The Band are nonetheless outlined by their first two albums, Music From Big Pink and the self-titled The Band, each launched within the late Sixties.

Read extra from Sky News:One Foot In The Grave actress diesFBI kill man suspected of threatening President BidenSinger from Oscar-winning documentary dead aged 81

Robertson additionally ceaselessly collaborated with Martin Scorsese, together with on The Colour Of Money, The King Of Comedy, The Departed, The Irishman and the director's newest film Killers Of The Flower Moon.

In an announcement launched at the moment, the film-maker paid tribute.

"Robbie Robertson was one of my closest friends, a constant in my life and my work," Scorsese stated.

"I could always go to him as a confidante. A collaborator. An advisor. I tried to be the same for him.

"Long earlier than we ever met, his music performed a central position in my life - me and tens of millions and tens of millions of different individuals throughout 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. It goes without saying that he was a giant, that his effect on the art form was profound and lasting.

"There's by no means sufficient time with anybody you like. And I beloved Robbie."

Singer Neil Diamond tweeted: "The music world misplaced an important one with the passing of Robbie Robertson. Keep making that Beautiful Noise within the sky, Robbie. I'll miss you."

Brian Adams added: "RIP Robbie Robertson. Thanks for the wonderful music and the nice hangs, particularly photographing you in LA not so way back. We'll maintain Anna Lee firm for you..."

Rolling Stone, Ronnie Wood said: "Such unhappy news about Robbie Robertson - he was a beautiful man, an important good friend and will probably be dearly missed xx R."

Former president Bill Clinton posted: "Robbie Robertson was an excellent songwriter, guitarist, and composer whose presents modified music perpetually.

"I'm grateful for all the good memories he gave me-going back to his time in the Hawks when I was a teenager-and for his kindness through the years. I'll miss him."

The Band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.