The Band Drummer Levon Helm in Final Stages of Cancer
Today brings the sad news that Levon Helm - the legendary drummer and vocalist from The Band - is losing his battle with throat cancer. Here is the announcement from his website:
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
The Band first gained wide attention as Bob Dylan's backup band in the mid-60s, then with their album Music From Big Pink, released in 1968. The Band's final show in 1976 was immortalized in the live album and film The Last Waltz.
In addition to his work with The Band, Helm pursued a solo career and appeared in a handful of movies. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in the late 1990s.
Here's The Band performing "Up on Cripple Creek" in The Last Waltz. Turn it up real loud and send good vibes his way.
Comments