Levon Helm in ‘Final Stages’ of Battle With Cancer

A very sad note just appeared on the website for Levon Helm, the drummer-singer of the Band. “Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer,” says the note. “Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey. Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration…he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage.”

Photos: Levon Helm Through the Years

Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer in the late 1990s. He recovered, but it took him many years to recover his singing voice. At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony past Saturday evening, Robbie Robertson sent “love and prayers” out to Helm. 

Rolling Stone will have more information as it becomes available.