Sad News

[Bluesman Mike Lindner]

They've got the radio on in my Village internet cafe.
And Levon Helm has died of throat cancer.
Met him once after a concert with Rick Danko at the Bottom Line in the Village.
Real nice, real approachable guy.
I'd roared out a request during the show, STAGE FRIGHT!
The musicians looked at each other. Rick shook his head, no.
Then they sang KING HARVEST.
And after the show, I made my way backstage. (My rap to the bouncers is, "Oh, please, man. I came from Mars to see these guys." Laughter. "Go ahead, man.")
And I asked Levon, "Did you hear my request, Levon ?"
"I heard you, son. I think everybody heard you."
"So how come you didn't play it?"
"Well, we hadn't rehearsed it. But we did play a Band song for you. Hey, it's time for the afterparty. Wanna join us backstage for a beer?"
I did not say no.

[Dave618]

I share your sorrow, Bluesman.

The Band was a huge influence on my own music and a pivotal band in general in the history of rock.

Three legends gone:

Richard Manuel.

Rick Danko (one of my ALL TIME favorite vocals on ANY song was "It Makes No Difference").

Levon Helm.

[Tony H]

This is sad news. I knew his time was near based on reports from his family that he was in the final stages of his long battle.

(Side note, I moved the thread from the main RJ forum to the Entertainment thread).

[Fenian1916]

(Side note, I moved the thread from the main RJ forum to the Entertainment thread).

You're so rude

[Tony H]

You're so rude

Rude is my middle name.

(Actually, it's Michael, but Rude is shorter)

[Bluesman Mike Lindner]

Yeah, Dave. One of my favorite memories is sneaking upstage at the Bottom Line when The Band (without Robertson) were playing, (same show) and seeing a green plastic garbage can filled with ice and Heinekens. And I thought, "Well, I have all The Band's albums, so I will have one of their beers." And who walks in but master organ player Garth Hudson. We had a little talk about how best to learn to play the organ. (His advice--learn piano first.) "Well, it's showtime, Michael." And it was a great show. At the intermission, Richard Manuel passed me, and I patted his back and said, "Great set, man." He smiled and replied, "Thanks, man." And later I hit the afterparty at Levon Helm's invitation. Real nice guys. Nothing stuck-up about them at all.

[Dave618]

Great story, Bluesman. I love Garth's playing, he is one of my all time favorite keyboard players. His synth work on Acadian Driftwood is jaw dropping. Proved that in the right hands a synth could have a place in that style of blues-folk-rock. And the clavinet on Cripple Creek-- legendary. I wish I could have seen them live; I was lucky enough to see a lot of my musical heroes live but I was born too late to catch them. I always thought they'd be attitude-free, they just don't seem the type to put on that rock star persona, glad to see I was correct.

[PicardRex]

Rude is my middle name.

(Actually, it's Michael, but Rude is shorter)

Please forgive me, I mean this in jest only.

Ravishing Rick Rude?

[Tony H]

Please forgive me, I mean this in jest only.

Ravishing Rick Rude?

And welcome to the fold of people who can make fun of me without me banning them.

[PicardRex]

I'm just glad you took it the way I intended, you have a cool sense of humor.