The Band has issued a statement paying tribute to drummer Levon Helm on the anniversary of his passing.
Helm died at the age of 71 in 2012 from complications with cancer. Around 2,000 fans paid tribute to the veteran drummer at a public wake on April 26, a week after his death. A statement from The Band‘s official account was released earlier today to pay tribute to the drumming legend. It reads: “On the anniversary of his passing, we remember Levon Helm by looking back at one of the most soul-stirring moments in rock history. Watch him lay it all on the line with this fiery rendition of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down at The Band’s historic farewell concert, The Last Waltz.”
Attached to the post is a clip of Helm drumming and performing The Band’s hit song, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Also attached to the post is a quote from Garth Hudson, who died last year. Hudson was the last surviving member of The Band, and died at the age of 87.
The Band’s official account noted Hudson’s quote regarding Helm’s death. He said at the time: “Thank you for 50 years of friendship and music. Memories that live on with us. No more sorrows, no more troubles, no more pain. He went peacefully to that beautiful, marvellous, wonderful place. He was Buddy Rich’s favourite rock drummer…and my friend. Levon, I’m proud of you.”
Fans were full of praise for Helm and his performance of The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, from the Martin Scorsese film, The Last Waltz. One X user wrote: “The single most perfect live performance in musical history. Gets me every time.”
Another added: “The Band will live forever through their beautiful music. The most musically talented group with each member contributing enormously.” A third shared: “One of the all-time performances and a fantastic song to boot.”
Following the death of Hudson last year, all members of The Band have now passed away. Bob Dylan paid tribute to Hudson at the time of his death in January 2025. He wrote: “Sorry to hear the news about Garth Hudson. He was a beautiful guy and the real driving force behind The Band. Just listen to the original recording of The Weight and you’ll see.”
Attached to the end of his social media tribute was a recommendation of Music from Big Pink track, The Weight. The song marked The Band’s first release under this name, and was a single for their 1968 debut album. Hudson provided piano to the track.
Hudson’s manager confirmed the death on The Band’s official Instagram page. The statement reads: “Today, we sadly say goodbye to Garth ‘Honey Boy’ Hudson, the last living original member of The Band.
“A musical genius and cornerstone of the group’s timeless sound, Garth once said, ‘I found some true enjoyment in helping people get to the bottom of their feelings.’ Through his music, he did just that—helping us all feel more deeply and connect to something greater. Rest easy, Garth.”
