kidsmoke Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 I know this is already being discussed in the thread titled "The Band", but I thought it deserved to be its own thread. Levon Helm passed away peacefully today. What a huge loss for music, and for all his legions of fans. Rest in peace, Levon. I took this at last June's Solid Sound Festival. So very glad I got to see him perform! Such joy in the music, and in him. I'll remember that performance for my whole life. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
-seven Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Great shot. Levon had an amazing smile. I posted this over in The Band thread. I'm copying it here. Going to one of Levon's Midnight Rambles is one of the musical highlights of my life. A truly amazing experience.Seeing him perform with Wilco at Solid Sound last year was pretty awesome too. There is something so special about Levon. He'll be deeply missed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
opsopcopolis Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 I'm very glad I got the chance to see him at Solid Sound last year. He brought so much light and happiness into the world Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Shakespeare In The Alley Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 yeah this is a huge bummer. no one looked happier playing the drums Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Winston Legthigh Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Just saw him (and his band) last month. It was such a beautiful concert. RIP Levon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JAK2112 Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Very saddened by this. I was super thrilled that i was finally able to make it to a midnight ramble in December, Dawes were there as were Jackson Browne, Donald Faigen, and Garth Hudson showed up too. Was a fantastic night of music that i'll never forget. He brought some wonderful songs and music into this world, and i think i've been watching this video on repeat all day, such a strong performance: RIP Levon, you'll be sorely missed Quote Link to post Share on other sites
williamblanda Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Rest In Peace. Such a terrible loss, never got to see a Ramble. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
-seven Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 I'm just remembering something about Levon's performance at Solid Sound last summer. He didn't sing much, he was losing his voice but he still tried to belt it out and when he couldn't quite do it his daughter Amy would step in and join him...and it was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jw harding Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdSkXMnYH9I Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Plumplechook Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 The word 'icon' is probably used too much these days - but there really is no other word to describe Levon Helm - a genuine icon of American music. A mighty oak has fallen today. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted April 19, 2012 Author Share Posted April 19, 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdSkXMnYH9I That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing it. Damn, every video puts tears in my eyes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sweet Papa Crimbo Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Not unexpected, but still very sad. An authentic voice of rock music has been stilled. A master drummer is gone.Sleep well brother. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jw harding Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Levon only made it to Southern California once since his "comeback." Never forget that night, at the Greek Theatre in LA in August 2010, sitting on the edge of my seat, giddy with excitement. During a break between songs, a fan yelled out "LEVON...YOU...ARE...MY...FAVORITE...DRUMMER...EVER." It was audible to the entire crowd, got a great laugh, and I think the sentiment rang true to all those in attendance. Lots of highlights from that show: Ophelia, Shape I'm In, The Mountain w/Steve Earle (although I would've preferred Levon sang it), Levon's mandolin playing and dirty dancing during Deep Elem Blues w/Jim Keltner on drums, a soul stirring Blind Willie McTell, Harry Dean Stanton joining in on the Weight and I Shall Be Released. Shit, pretty much everything. Is there any musician and figure so univerally beloved by all? In remembering Levon, I'm reminded of what Dylan said about Garcia following his passing, and think it rings true for Levon as well. Fuck. "There's no way to measure his greatness or magnitude as a person or as a player. I don't think any eulogizing will do him justice. He was that great, much more than a superb musician, with an uncanny ear and dexterity. He's the very spirit personified of whatever is Muddy River country at its core and screams up into the spheres. He really had no equal. To me he wasn't only a musician and friend, he was more like a big brother who taught and showed me more than he'll ever know. There's a lot of spaces and advances between The Carter Family, Buddy Holly and, say, Ornette Coleman, a lot of universes, but he filled them all without being a member of any school. His playing was moody, awesome, sophisticated, hypnotic and subtle. There's no way to convey the loss. It just digs down really deep." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Skian Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Thanks Levon.You are a gem.Enjoy that band up there. Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The High Heat Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Being a fan of The Band (especially Levon) and drummers, this is a real downer for me. Quite a unique talent and voice. R.I.P. Mr. Helm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
worldrecordplayer Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 My contribution from Solid Sound 2011. What a great closing set. Levon will be missed far and wide. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fritz Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Amen to that. "It just digs down really deep." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JackStrawfromOttawa Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Buffalo Bill'sdefunct who used to ride a watersmooth-silver stallionand break onetwothreefourfive pigeons justlikethat Jesushe was a handsome man and what I want to know ishow do you like your blue-eyed boyMister Death -e. e. cummings Rest in peace Levon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vacant Horizon Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 albums don't get much more perfect than big pink and the band. those 90s albums were fun too,loved seeing levon in movies. i could listen to the dude read the phonebook. he talked like he drummed. he just had that thing. RIP brother. may richard and rick meet you with open arms in the big sky. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The High Heat Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 If there is one musician that personifies the common denominator of what kind of music I like it's Levon Helm. RIP to the man who is the roots of rock 'n' roll. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO-nwWOb098 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 If anybody wants to tune in, Rosie (TweedyzGirl) is doing a tribute to Levon right now. http://www.wdbx.org/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jw harding Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 At 4:10 Levon does his dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi0ptk9L8uE Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doctor B Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Very saddened by this. More than by the death of other musicians or heroes that I can recall. It was not only his music, awesome as it was, but by his smile, his enthusiasm, emotion....wore his humanness on his sleeve for the world to see... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Papillon Parade Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 So sad to hear the news today, rest in peace Levon. Seeing your band and Wilco sing "I Shall Be Released" brought me to tears. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 This death may have affected more people I know than any other musician in recent memory (Alex Chilton was up there..). It is a sad day. Saw Levon with Rick Danko play to a handful of fans many years ago at the club that became Metro. They were drunk as could be and Dave Bromberg showed up to join the party. LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.