Levon Helm, legendary drummer of The Band, has passed away at the age of 71 this afternoon surrounded by his friends and family at NYC’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center according to the Times Herald-Record. On Tuesday we found out Helm was in “the final stages of his battle with cancer” and today he succumbed to the dreaded disease.
An official statement from Helm’s family reads:
“Levon Helm passed peacefully this afternoon. He was surrounded by family, friends and band mates and will be remembered by all he touched as a brilliant musician and a beautiful soul.”
Levon may best have been known for his time in The Band, but over the last few years he reinvented his career. The drummer worked with an incredibly wide range of artists from all corners of the music world including classic rock, indie rock, bluegrass, Americana and jambands. The reactions that have come in the past few days show just how many acts were touched by his amazing musicianship and the soul he displayed in both his drumming and vocals. We’re comforted by long-time collaborator Larry Campbell telling the Poughkeepsie Journal, “he went peacefully.” Campbell told Rolling Stone, “All his friends were there, and it seemed like Levon was waiting for them. Ten minutes after they left we sat there and he just faded away. He did it with dignity. It was even two days ago they thought it would happen within hours, but he held on. It seems like he was Levon up to the end, doing it the way he wanted to do it. He loved us, we loved him.”
Words can’t express our sorrow over the loss of our scene’s patriarch, but we’ll try. Over the next few days we’ll be rolling out a series of posts called “Love For Levon” in which we’ll share our favorite memories and thoughts about our hero. We’ve been keeping track of reactions to the news about Levon in Tuesday’s post and have started to collect remembrances, obituaries, tweets and musical tributes that have followed today’s sorrowful news.
- Love For Levon: Reactions to the Death of Levon Helm
8 Responses
I was fortunate to score a ticket to see the Levon Helm Band in 2010 at the Independent in SF (500 seat venue) as part of the “Outside Lands at Night” series. About halfway through the show, Phil Lesh was introduced and they did a gorgeous, mostly a-capella version of “Attics of My Life”.. it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.. followed by a raucous “Tennessee Jed”. Later on Jim James came out for an amazing rendition of “It Makes No Difference”. An amazing night of music. Levon will be missed terribly.
Rest In Peace and thanks for the music, Levon. I know Richard and Rick will greet you proper.
RIP Levon. Thanks for the great music and joy brought to the world.
I just broke down. I knew this was coming, but it still hurts. I think of how much Levon played to his own beat, and how that beat influenced so many people. New Orleans flare, rooted to tbe Delta, his rhythm painted a portrait of the origins of American music. It was not only a mural of where we came from, but a map to where we could go. Levon…the endless atlas…goodbye.
I just broke down. It knew this was coming but it still hurts. I think of how much Levon played to his own beat, and how that beat influenced so many people. New Orleans flare, rooted to the Delta, his rhythm painted a portrait of the origins of American music. It wasn’t just a mural of where we came from, but a map to where we could go. Levon…The Endless Atlas…goodbye. Long may you ramble.
I must say I had never heard of Hidden Track before today (obviously my failing). Levon Helm’s death feels like a piece of my life died. Thank you for pulling together all of the wonderful tributes. Levon will live on in our hearts and minds along with his timeless music. I was concerned that he may not be remembered as he should be but it seems that his class and honesty in life have touched so many.
Thank you again.
Thanks for that, Rich. Levon was the patriarch of our “scene” and he was one of the first artists we covered. We even named columns after lyrics he sang/words he spoke. We’ve never provided this kind of coverage of anything, but Levon is the exception to the rule. Hope you enjoy our site moving forward.
Thanks Scott & Hidden Track’s staff for compiling this collection. I was all set to make the 200 mile drive to Woodstock in January 2004 for “Uncle Remus and the Whole Show”. At the last minute, I attended my friend’s 50th birthday party instead. When I finally made it to a Ramble later that year I experienced the music and the great camaraderie in that particular setting. The first one I attended was around May 2004. I’d seen countless shows in the 80’s and 90’s of The Band in various configurations, duos, mixed lineups with Max Weinberg, Blondie, Jimmy Weider, , Terry Cagle,the Cates, etc. Saw The Barn Burners a number of times in those uncertain days around 2000-2002. I get out to hear live music 40+ times a year, and whenever there was an opportunity to see Levon, I took it. But before Spring 2004, nothing prepared me for the feeling I experienced in The Barn. It was home, his home. It was sanctified, ponderous, and at the same time, serenely relaxed. The most beautiful venue I’d ever been in, and with a personality to match. The love and warmth were like a utopian dream, and we were sharing his new lease on life with Levon. I got out to at least 3 Rambles a year, and saw the staff grow and nurture this precious experience. All it took was a willingness to fill the gas tank twice, drive a 400 mile round trip, and bask in the most resplendent musical experience EVER on our planet! And I got to do it over and over! Sitting next to a rapt Maggie Campbell, meeting Anna Lee, listening to Patrick Carlin make people stagger with laughter. Hearing Ray Charles’ and Louis Jordan’s songs, then eventually “Mystery Train” and later “W S Walcott”, “Crash on the Levee”, “Ophelia”. I’d take whatever Levon and this all star ensemble cared to play, and also respect what they cared not to play. Once in a while, I’d invite a cherished friend to come along to this enchanted place to bask in the privilege. I knew I was the luckiest dog on the planet, and would sometimes share the experience with someone I love. What a ride, what an honor these last 8 years have been, all thanks to the finest gentleman in music. The look on Lee’s face when Amy really nailed it was full on pride. When she’d reach in and support a note of his that was faltering, it was like a holy card. Thanks old friend for bringing on some of the best days of my life, by sharing yours will all of us. Pour some music on whatever ails you.