is the band important for authenticity?

[pektel]

Originally Posted by The Poet

Though talented, successful, and influential, The Band was not authentic, with the likely exception of Levon Helm.

Funny you mention that, I watched The Last Waltz again last night. My girlfriend had never seen it before, so I couldn't NOT watch it with her.

To answer the OP, I agree with the rest. The cigar band itself is not enough for me to raise a red flag. They like to use up leftover bands before the new ones start getting used. Smoke it and see from there.