Music

Levon Helm dead at 71

by Tyler Munro

Two days ago Levon Helm’s wife and daughter wrote that the legendary drummer was in the final stages of his battle with cancer, and today we’re sad to say that Levon Helm, 71, has died.

“We lost Levon at 1:30 today surrounded by friends and family and his musicians have visited him,” said Larry Campbell, Helm’s longtime friend and collaborator.

“All his friends were there, and it seemed like Levon was waiting for them,” said Campbell to Rolling Stone. “Ten minutes after they left we sat there and he just faded away. He did it with dignity.”

Helm had been in a lengthy battle with throat cancer for the better part of the last 15 years, and while word from his family posted earlier this week let us knew what was coming, it hasn’t made the reality any easier.

For his work with the Band, Bob Dylan and more, Levon Helm was a renowned, revered rock and roll legend, one who played music as long as his health would allow it. He’ll be greatly missed by his family, fans and the countless he inspired over the years.