Levon Helm Passes as Age 71
Levon Helm has passed away at the age of 71. This was the statement on his website
“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.”
Garth Hudson posted this statement on his website shortly after hearing of Levon’s passing:
“I AM TERRIBLY SAD. THANK YOU FOR 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND MUSIC. MEMORIES THAT LIVE ON WITH US. NO MORE SORROWS, NO MORE TROUBLES, NO MORE PAIN. HE WENT PEACEFULLY TO THAT BEAUTIFUL MARVELOUS WONDERFUL PLACE. HE WAS BUDDY RICH’S FAVORITE ROCK DRUMMER … AND MY FRIEND. LEVON, I’M PROUD OF YOU.”
Bob Dylan released this statement on his website:
“He was my bosom buddy friend to the end, one of the last true great spirits of my or any other generation. This is just so sad to talk about. I still can remember the first day I met him and the last day I saw him. We go back pretty far and had been through some trials together. I’m going to miss him, as I’m sure a whole lot of others will too.”
There is some very very sad news today. Levon Helm’s family has announced through his website that Levon is “in the final stages with his battle with cancer.”
Our thoughts are with Levon and his family.
I think Wilco may have said it best today. I share their thoughts… “he’s a real inspiration and a part of why we all do this.” — We could not agree more.
Robbie Robertson, former guitarist for The Band, sent a message of “love and prayers” to Helm during a speech at the weekend at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. His full statement is below.
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Levon Helm Family Statement
Dear Friends,
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.
Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration… he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage…
We appreciate all the love and support and concern.
From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy
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On April 18th, Barbara O’Brien (Manager of Levon’s studio and dear friend of the family) made this follow up statement on their behalf:
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Robbie Robertson posted this statement on Facebook on Wednesday, April 18th.
“Last week I was shocked and so saddened to hear that my old band mate, Levon, was in the final stages of his battle with cancer. It hit me really hard because I thought he had beaten throat cancer and had no idea that he was this ill. I spoke with his family and made arrangements to go and see him.
On Sunday I went to New York and visited him in the hospital. I sat with Levon for a good while, and thought of the incredible and beautiful times we had together. It was heartwarming to be greeted by his lovely daughter Amy, whom I have known since she was born. Amy’s mother, Libby Titus, and her husband, Donald Fagen, were so kind to help walk me through this terrible time of sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sandy.
Levon is one of the most extraordinary talented people I’ve ever known and very much like an older brother to me. I am so grateful I got to see him one last time and will miss him and love him forever.”
Thank you for a life of wonderful music. I don’t think there is a note played, a song which you have sung that I did not love. You have enriched my life beyond measure. Thank you from an ardent long time fan. I wish you peace and joy always.
I remember sitting around the band house and singing “The Weight” with my friends in “Liquid Heart” ( later to become Heartsfield ). I loved his music then and I love it now, It is timeless. Truly a great inspiration and artist to say the least.
IMO, “The Weight” is the greatest rock song ever written. Levon Helm is a true American treasure. In addition to his music, his roles in movies were more than memorable.