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Levon Helm

Grandmas JamGrandmas Jam Posts: 1,860
edited February 2013 in Other Music
Didnt see any thread on this guy so I thought I would start my own. So I'm hear to express my love and admiration for this guy and his career. I had been a big The Band fan for a really long time. Always listened to their music and I fell in love with Levon Helms style of singing, playing and song writing. I had never seen him live until 2008 and I had the opportunity to catch him at Bonnaroo a couple of hours before Pearl Jam. Although seeing him severely affected my seating situation at Bonnaroo for PJ I didn't give a shit after hear/seeing Levon. What a charismatic guy he is. His smile and genuine feel really lights up a room. If you love a mixture of blues and folk this is your man.

Since then I have seen him about 8 times including going up to his house twice to see 'The Midnight Ramble'. Every show I have seen of him has blown my mind. The musicians he gets to play around him are awesome. Larry Campbell is one of the best band leaders I have seen live (the only band leader I put above him is Starchild rip). And Brian Mitchell is probably one of the most talented musicians i have seen live. The dude goes back and forth between singing, playing b3, keys, piano, harmonica, and even the accordion. In 2009 I was even lucky enough to see Bob Wier (of the Greatful Dead) actually play an entire set with Levon. Levon at the time was actually battling (and defeating) throat cancer. So Bob sang his entire set. Amazining. Two icons on stage at once covering The Dead and The Band. It was great.

Anyways I feel like iI'm 'RAMBLIN' here lol and not really getting anywhere. So I just wanted to see if anyone here had as much interest in Levon Helm as I do, or even in The Band. Let's get a convo going here.
Ryan Crooks insists upon himself
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • SD48277SD48277 Posts: 12,243
    Levon is awesome. Aren't the Rambles great? Not a bad seat in the house, and he gets great performers. A kinder man is hard to find. Sometimes he does free shows around here (Woodstock), which are fantastic, and he can be counted on to do a benefit concert for any of the local charities. Years ago, I saw him and his band perform at the local high school to raise money for the auditorium renovation. He's also been known to perform in the center of town with his band during the summer. I don't know how far away you are from Woodstock, but I can let you know if he does anything like that in the future...if you want.
    ELITIST FUK
  • DewieCoxDewieCox Posts: 11,429
    Just started really gettin into The Band when I pretty recently discovered the S/T album. Wanna talk about great musicians? They're too freakin' good to describe.

    Never seen Levon live, but sounds like it would be a blast. Really love the dvd that the Black Crowes filmed while recording at Levon's barn.
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    DewieCox wrote:
    Just started really gettin into The Band when I pretty recently discovered the S/T album. Wanna talk about great musicians? They're too freakin' good to describe.

    Never seen Levon live, but sounds like it would be a blast. Really love the dvd that the Black Crowes filmed while recording at Levon's barn.


    i consider the band to be the quintessential american band. and yes i agree... they are too freakin' good to describe.
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
  • Grandmas JamGrandmas Jam Posts: 1,860
    SD48277 wrote:
    I don't know how far away you are from Woodstock, but I can let you know if he does anything like that in the future...if you want.

    Yes I would love that. I'm about 2 hrs away in souther western connecticut but I would make a drive for that. I told you I've been to the ramble twice and shows dont get more intamite than that. I am happy to see that people on here love The Band and Levon Helm. It's difficult for me to put into words how good they are as two other posters have said here. Levon does a lot of touring during the summer. He plays a lot of music festivals. If he is ever in your area, I suggest you check him out
    Ryan Crooks insists upon himself
  • MysteryTrainMysteryTrain Singapore Posts: 1,189
    Grandmas Jam wrote:
    SD48277 wrote:
    I don't know how far away you are from Woodstock, but I can let you know if he does anything like that in the future...if you want.

    Yes I would love that. I'm about 2 hrs away in souther western connecticut but I would make a drive for that. I told you I've been to the ramble twice and shows dont get more intamite than that. I am happy to see that people on here love The Band and Levon Helm. It's difficult for me to put into words how good they are as two other posters have said here. Levon does a lot of touring during the summer. He plays a lot of music festivals. If he is ever in your area, I suggest you check him out

    Thanks for starting this thread! Another huge Band fan here; earlier this year I finally got all their Capitol albums. I just read Levon's autobiography; he was surprisingly candid about his experiences, especially the Last Waltz period. Have not seen the man live yet though. Unless he tours down under, I'll just have to travel to the States for the ramble! How often does he do it each year?
  • Grandmas JamGrandmas Jam Posts: 1,860
    MysteryTrain wrote:
    Grandmas Jam wrote:
    SD48277 wrote:
    I don't know how far away you are from Woodstock, but I can let you know if he does anything like that in the future...if you want.

    Yes I would love that. I'm about 2 hrs away in souther western connecticut but I would make a drive for that. I told you I've been to the ramble twice and shows dont get more intamite than that. I am happy to see that people on here love The Band and Levon Helm. It's difficult for me to put into words how good they are as two other posters have said here. Levon does a lot of touring during the summer. He plays a lot of music festivals. If he is ever in your area, I suggest you check him out

    Thanks for starting this thread! Another huge Band fan here; earlier this year I finally got all their Capitol albums. I just read Levon's autobiography; he was surprisingly candid about his experiences, especially the Last Waltz period. Have not seen the man live yet though. Unless he tours down under, I'll just have to travel to the States for the ramble! How often does he do it each year?

    How was that book? What did he have to say? And I have heard that he has been completely straight edged his whole life. Is that true?


    Just for fun here is an awesome Levon Helm song you guys might not know. Thought I would shar.
    THis is Chest Fever http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9SQ49EzO9A

    He does Rabmles every weekend at his house. So 4 times a month. Unless he is touring. So basically he tours during the summer playing music festivals and other venues and during the fall and winter he holds the rambles at his house. If you can afford the flight to the US and the ticket price it is worth the expirence. You'll never seen someone that famous in that intimate of a setting. From christ sake the guy enters his studio through the kitchen of his house. Thats pretty wild.
    Ryan Crooks insists upon himself
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    Grandmas Jam wrote:
    How was that book? What did he have to say? And I have heard that he has been completely straight edged his whole life. Is that true?


    :lol:

    NO ONE in the band was straight edge.
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
  • SD48277SD48277 Posts: 12,243
    I will keep you in mind the next time he does any free shows. This weekend he is doing a benefit (not at the barn), along with Natalie Merchant, Donald Fagan, and a few other local musicians, to raise money for charities that are helping residents who were affected by Hurricane Irene. I believe tickets are $150.
    It was funny when the Black Crowes were recording at the barn; there was a sign posted at the beginning of the driveway respectfully asking people to be quiet--a recording session was in progress. We all knew who it was. :D
    ELITIST FUK
  • Grandmas JamGrandmas Jam Posts: 1,860
    SD48277 wrote:
    I will keep you in mind the next time he does any free shows. This weekend he is doing a benefit (not at the barn), along with Natalie Merchant, Donald Fagan, and a few other local musicians, to raise money for charities that are helping residents who were affected by Hurricane Irene. I believe tickets are $150.
    It was funny when the Black Crowes were recording at the barn; there was a sign posted at the beginning of the driveway respectfully asking people to be quiet--a recording session was in progress. We all knew who it was. :D
    Awesome man, thanks. Yea I know a couple of famous band have recorded there. Guster recorded there too right
    Ryan Crooks insists upon himself
  • MysteryTrainMysteryTrain Singapore Posts: 1,189
    catefrances wrote:
    Grandmas Jam wrote:
    How was that book? What did he have to say? And I have heard that he has been completely straight edged his whole life. Is that true?


    :lol:

    NO ONE in the band was straight edge.

    Haha, Levon was far from straight edged, according to what he wrote in the book. There were some crazy times during his stint with Ronnie Hawkins. But it seemed he harbored lots of bitter feelings for Robbie in the years leading up to the Last Waltz, because Robbie was self-proclaiming he was the leader of the group and he got the most attention. Come to think of it, it's kinda sad that Levon and Richard wrote considerably fewer songs after the first two albums.
  • Grandmas JamGrandmas Jam Posts: 1,860
    MysteryTrain wrote:
    catefrances wrote:
    Grandmas Jam wrote:
    How was that book? What did he have to say? And I have heard that he has been completely straight edged his whole life. Is that true?


    :lol:

    NO ONE in the band was straight edge.

    Haha, Levon was far from straight edged, according to what he wrote in the book. There were some crazy times during his stint with Ronnie Hawkins. But it seemed he harbored lots of bitter feelings for Robbie in the years leading up to the Last Waltz, because Robbie was self-proclaiming he was the leader of the group and he got the most attention. Come to think of it, it's kinda sad that Levon and Richard wrote considerably fewer songs after the first two albums.

    Cool, thanks for clarifying that he was not sober like i once thought. And I heard that he, danko, and mauel are the ones that really split from the band because of what robertson was doing. i've even heard rumors that by the time they played the last waltz they werent even on speaking terms. in my opinion most of the better music was written by levon. and his voice is so much more distinctive and enjoyable then roberston's. not to knock him, he is still great. but i like levon better. maybe you could tell us a little more then what i know/assume about the bands breakup?
    Ryan Crooks insists upon himself
  • dcfaithfuldcfaithful Posts: 13,076
    DewieCox wrote:
    Just started really gettin into The Band when I pretty recently discovered the S/T album. Wanna talk about great musicians? They're too freakin' good to describe.

    Never seen Levon live, but sounds like it would be a blast. Really love the dvd that the Black Crowes filmed while recording at Levon's barn.

    Levon Helm is a master. Couldn't have said it any better than you did about The Band.

    Further more, that DVD is stellar.
    7/2/06 - Denver, CO
    6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
    8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
    9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
    9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
    9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
  • dcfaithfuldcfaithful Posts: 13,076
    MysteryTrain wrote:
    catefrances wrote:
    Grandmas Jam wrote:
    How was that book? What did he have to say? And I have heard that he has been completely straight edged his whole life. Is that true?


    :lol:

    NO ONE in the band was straight edge.

    Haha, Levon was far from straight edged, according to what he wrote in the book. There were some crazy times during his stint with Ronnie Hawkins. But it seemed he harbored lots of bitter feelings for Robbie in the years leading up to the Last Waltz, because Robbie was self-proclaiming he was the leader of the group and he got the most attention. Come to think of it, it's kinda sad that Levon and Richard wrote considerably fewer songs after the first two albums.

    If my memory serves me right, Levon also has made claims about Robbie and Martin Scorsese editing The Last Waltz to give more attention to Robbie... :?
    7/2/06 - Denver, CO
    6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
    8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
    9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
    9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
    9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    dcfaithful wrote:
    MysteryTrain wrote:
    catefrances wrote:

    :lol:

    NO ONE in the band was straight edge.

    Haha, Levon was far from straight edged, according to what he wrote in the book. There were some crazy times during his stint with Ronnie Hawkins. But it seemed he harbored lots of bitter feelings for Robbie in the years leading up to the Last Waltz, because Robbie was self-proclaiming he was the leader of the group and he got the most attention. Come to think of it, it's kinda sad that Levon and Richard wrote considerably fewer songs after the first two albums.

    If my memory serves me right, Levon also has made claims about Robbie and Martin Scorsese editing The Last Waltz to give more attention to Robbie... :?


    it was robertson who wanted to end the band.


    as for the last waltz...
    at one point when it looked like getting away from them.. what with all the guests.. robertson suggested muddy waters be cut from the lineup.. levon went apeshit and said if anyone was to be cut it should be neil diamond.. whose presence as far as ive always be concerned is anachronistic... i understood where muddy waters fit into the bands story but neil diamond always made my head spin. but robbie wanted him there, so he was. it was a powerplay... though youll probably hear diamonds name in regards to the brill building and all that jazz.
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
  • MysteryTrainMysteryTrain Singapore Posts: 1,189
    That is correct. Levon wrote that he was very bewildered and amused as to why Robbie would choose someone like Neil Diamond to guest with the band. Also The Last Waltz was heavily overdubbed in post because the audio was so bad. Who knew? The funny thing was that only Levon's drums sounded good enough so he didn't have to redo his parts. The most interesting thing about the concert was the Dylan portion. Literally minutes before he was due onstage, he changed his mind and refused to go on. Bill Graham had to talk him into it. The deal was struck such that the crew were only allowed to film the first few songs (or maybe it was the last two songs or something like that).

    I think This Wheel's On Fire (Levon's book) is a must-read for any Band fan. It's particularly emotional when he talks about the deaths of Richard and Rick. Now we'll wait and see Robbie's side of things when he releases his memoirs next year.
  • dcfaithfuldcfaithful Posts: 13,076
    MysteryTrain wrote:
    That is correct. Levon wrote that he was very bewildered and amused as to why Robbie would choose someone like Neil Diamond to guest with the band. Also The Last Waltz was heavily overdubbed in post because the audio was so bad. Who knew? The funny thing was that only Levon's drums sounded good enough so he didn't have to redo his parts. The most interesting thing about the concert was the Dylan portion. Literally minutes before he was due onstage, he changed his mind and refused to go on. Bill Graham had to talk him into it. The deal was struck such that the crew were only allowed to film the first few songs (or maybe it was the last two songs or something like that).

    I think This Wheel's On Fire (Levon's book) is a must-read for any Band fan. It's particularly emotional when he talks about the deaths of Richard and Rick. Now we'll wait and see Robbie's side of things when he releases his memoirs next year.

    I think I've read somewhere that Van Morrison was a struggle to get on stage too at the last minute.

    They're performance of "Caravan" is my favorite on the film/album... it's unbelievable.
    7/2/06 - Denver, CO
    6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
    8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
    9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
    9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
    9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
  • Grandmas JamGrandmas Jam Posts: 1,860
    MysteryTrain wrote:
    That is correct. Levon wrote that he was very bewildered and amused as to why Robbie would choose someone like Neil Diamond to guest with the band. Also The Last Waltz was heavily overdubbed in post because the audio was so bad. Who knew? The funny thing was that only Levon's drums sounded good enough so he didn't have to redo his parts. The most interesting thing about the concert was the Dylan portion. Literally minutes before he was due onstage, he changed his mind and refused to go on. Bill Graham had to talk him into it. The deal was struck such that the crew were only allowed to film the first few songs (or maybe it was the last two songs or something like that).

    I think This Wheel's On Fire (Levon's book) is a must-read for any Band fan. It's particularly emotional when he talks about the deaths of Richard and Rick. Now we'll wait and see Robbie's side of things when he releases his memoirs next year.

    two things i heard about the movie. i heard dylan and diamond exchanged words at one point in time. and i've also heard neil young was blowing tons of coke back stage and came out with a hunk of it still visibile in his nose. scorcesse i guess edited it out of the movie
    Ryan Crooks insists upon himself
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    Grandmas Jam wrote:
    ...i've also heard neil young was blowing tons of coke back stage and came out with a hunk of it still visibile in his nose. scorcesse i guess edited it out of the movie


    indeed scorsese did just that. :lol:
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
  • awilkinsawilkins Posts: 984
    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

    So very sad, glad I got to see him at Harvest. I watch the Last Waltz monthly if not weekly, guess I'll put it on tonight and have a beverage for Levon.
  • SD48277SD48277 Posts: 12,243
    awilkins wrote:
    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

    So very sad, glad I got to see him at Harvest. I watch the Last Waltz monthly if not weekly, guess I'll put it on tonight and have a beverage for Levon.

    :( I am so glad I got to see him perform a few times, and was able to attend one of his Midnight Rambles. Man, this just sucks.
    ELITIST FUK
  • PJ_LukinPJ_Lukin Posts: 2,050
    SD48277 wrote:
    :( I am so glad I got to see him perform a few times, and was able to attend one of his Midnight Rambles. Man, this just sucks.
    That makes 2 of us. My brother has worked at the Rambles for years. I was very, very fortunate to have been to several Rambles and other Levon shows. This is going to leave a huge hole in the area as you well know.
    Sad fucking day indeed.
    ~!~ Peace ~!~ Love ~!~ Pearl Jam ~!~
  • DewieCoxDewieCox Posts: 11,429
    awilkins wrote:
    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

    So very sad, glad I got to see him at Harvest. I watch the Last Waltz monthly if not weekly, guess I'll put it on tonight and have a beverage for Levon.

    :cry:

    Dammit!!!
  • keeponrockinkeeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Damnit, terrible news.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • dcfaithfuldcfaithful Posts: 13,076
    So sad to hear about Levon. My condolences and best vibes go out to his friends and loved ones.
    7/2/06 - Denver, CO
    6/12/08 - Tampa, FL
    8/23/09 - Chicago, IL
    9/28/09 - Salt Lake City, UT (11 years too long!!!)
    9/03/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 1
    9/04/11 - East Troy, WI - PJ20 - Night 2
  • opsopcopolisopsopcopolis Posts: 1,197
    :(
    2006: Hartford
    2008: Camden 2, Hartford
    2010: Hartford
    2013: Wrigley, Worcester x2, Hartford
    2015: NYC
    2016: Philly 2, MSG x2, Boston 2, (TOTD Philly 2, MSG)
    2018: Prague, Krakow, Berlin, Boston x2
    2022: San Diego, Sacramento, Las Vegas
  • MysteryTrainMysteryTrain Singapore Posts: 1,189
    edited April 2012
    This is just terrible. Levon and The Band is why we listen to music.
    Post edited by MysteryTrain on
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    fuck you cancer, fuck you.
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
  • Yellow LedbellyYellow Ledbelly Posts: 3,749
    Losing Levon to me will be like losing an old personal friend, which was pretty much how I felt about Clarence Clemons. The man is truly a national treasure. A unique talent with so many talents and a voice that just demands to be listened to and listened to closely. I deeply regret having missed opportunities to see him live over the last few years, now more than ever, but what a wonderful legacy of music he has left for all of us. And that will never die. Several months back I got his live at the Ryman dvd and the man still had it...yeah the voice wasn't quite like it was way back when but damn...the man is special.
    I don't know...it's funny to me how some performers can come to be such a large part of your life and seem like someone you actually know. Levon is definitely one of those people for me though I don't, of course, know him at all aside from interviews, reading his book and listening to him.
    Much peace and prayer goes out to his family and friends.

    I'll be paying tribute in the days to come enjoying all the wonderful music he's made and I guess that's probably how he would want it
    All I have to do is revel in the everyday....then do it again tomorrow

    They say every sin is deadly but I believe they may be wrong...I'm guilty of all seven and I don't feel too bad at all
  • DewieCoxDewieCox Posts: 11,429
    Levon Helm shared Barbara O'Brien's status.
    about an hour ago
    Thank you, all, for the outpouring of kindness and love. I know Levon is feeling it and that love will help guide him through this final journey. Thank you for your respect for his, Sandy's and Amy's privacy. YOU are truly people with class and Levon would think the world of you. The pain of knowing we're going to lose him is almost too much for all of us to bear at the moment. But it can't be about US. This is about honoring this great man's dignity and privacy. Let's send him off with love, positive energy, lots of light and words of support and comfort. Keep sending the great posts. I'm going to read them all to him. Thank you so, so much!

    This was posted on his facebook page a little bit ago.


    How brave you gotta be to face this like he is. Hope he knows how many people he's touched and that can help him on his journey to wherever he's heading.
  • Yellow LedbellyYellow Ledbelly Posts: 3,749
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=en ... sk2wc&NR=1
    All I have to do is revel in the everyday....then do it again tomorrow

    They say every sin is deadly but I believe they may be wrong...I'm guilty of all seven and I don't feel too bad at all
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