Levon Helm, the legendary singer and drummer from The Band, passed away last week after a long fight with cancer. Since the musicians death, fans have been flocking Woodstock, New York, to say one final goodbye to the legendary singer.
CBS reports that a public memorial was held at the barn where Helm lived. A closed casket sat next to the musician’s drum kit and piano and fans listened to some of Helm’s most famous songs.
According to E! Online , more than a thousand people showed up to the memorial. One fan said”
1,000 people came to pay their respects, walk past Helm’s closed casket and share memories of the music icon.
“He was just real down-to-earth. A guy who, when he sat down at the drums and smiled at the crowd, you couldn’t help but smile back. It makes sense that that sort of guy, even in death, would have people over to his home.”
A private funeral will be held on Friday before Helm is buried at the Woodstock Cemetery. Helm will be buried next to Rick Danko, the singer and basist from The Band who passed away in 1999.
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said in a statement:
“Levon Helm’s contribution to community, county and our nation was inspiring. Not only was Levon Helm an incredible musician with world-wide recognition, but his contributions to his local community will have a lasting impact.”
Here’s a video of Levon Helm and The Band performing “Up On Cripple Creek.”
Bob Dylan, who toured, recorded albums, and “went electric” with the help of Helm and The Band, wrote on his website:
“He was my bosom buddy friend to the end, one of the last true great spirits of my or any other generation. This is just so sad to talk about. I still can remember the first day I met him and the last day I saw him. We go back pretty far and had been through some trials together. I’m going to miss him, as I’m sure a whole lot of others will too.”
