Stars from the rock world have been paying tribute to The Band‘s drummer Levon Helm, who died last night (April 19th) at the age of 71.
Helm had been battling cancer on and off since being first diagnosed in the late Nineties, and his family revealed in an emotional letter earlier this week that the legendary multi-instrumentalist had entered the final stages of his brave fight with the disease.
And yesterday, the family confirmed with a message on Facebook and Twitter that Helm had passed away, writing:
“Levon Helm passed peacefully this afternoon. He was surrounded by family, friends and band mates and will be remembered by all he touched as a brilliant musician and a beautiful soul.”
Various stars from the world of rock have since been paying their tributes via Twitter, with The Maccabees writing: “Goodbye and thank you Levon xxx,” while Yim Yames of My Morning Jacket wrote: “Sending well wishes and healing thoughts to the great Levon Helm and his family right now.”
British songwriter Jack Penate gave his thoughts, commenting: “The great Levon Helm has passed away. I was lucky enough to go to his house, watch him play & meet him. A beautiful man. R.I.P Levon Xxx… He was, in my humble opinion, the finest drummer/singer to live. Incredible swing and delicacy.”