Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Keys Members Honor Levon Helm

2012-04-20

Story by Charles Ken

Rockets pay homage to Levon Helm

Levon Helm truly made the soul of rustic America come alive through his music. The longtime drummer for the Band took on many roles throughout his lengthy career, including songwriter, singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. Helm passed away Thursday (April 19) at age 71, and his death has moved musicians from all over the musical gamut, including members of the rock community. Find a collection of tributes from various rockers, below.

Patrick Carney, drummer for alternative rock duo the Black Keys, tweeted that Helm was “one of the best singers and drummers and it all is sad.”

Rage Against the Machine and Nightwatchman guitarist Tom Morello also sent out a note via his official Twitter page, writing, “Hey Levon Helm, thanks man for carrying The Weight of that backbeat (and great vocals) for decades. Inspired so many.”

From the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ camp, Flea tweeted, “Wow, Levon helm, let in on the big secret. Thanks to him for letting us in on the beauty of his earthling journey mystery. RIP. LOVEALWAYS.” Peppers drummer Chad Smith added, “Levon was one of a kind. Heavens rhythm section just got funkier..”

On the classic rock side of things, the surviving members of the Doors and their management team released a statement regarding their fondness for Helm: “Levon Helm helped define the sound of the ‘60s as a member of the Band, the Hawks, and as a solo artist, and heavily influenced the sound of what we now know as ‘Americana Music.’ Songs like ‘The Weight’ and ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ will forever remain classics of the rock and roll canon.”

 




Charles Ken
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