Re: The Band/Levon Helm bitterness.....
Postcard List said: Well, having recently read Levon's book, I'm not sure I would characterize it as "nasty," like the author of the Observer does. In fact, I felt it was directly honest--and refreshingly so. In the late 70's/early 80's I worked for Bill Graham. One of my greatest memories of that time was partying in a hotel room in Lewiston Maine with Jerry Garcia, Bill Kruetzman, Roy Buchannan and Levon Helm. Levon was one of the the nicest gentlest people I have ever met in my life. He just seemed like such an humble straight ahead kind of person. Check out Robbies huge ego taking over the screen in the Last Waltz. I have to agree w/ Levon here. keith aka moondog
The Band/Levon Helm bitterness.....
just thought all those Band fans and Levon Helm fans would want to read thisread and make up your own minds but he sure sounds bitterhis voice with the band was incredible and whatever the truth is, it is a shame the man feels this wayjust follow this: http://dallasobserver.com/1999/020499/music2html mark
Re: The Band/Levon Helm bitterness.....
Well, having recently read Levon's book, I'm not sure I would characterize it as "nasty," like the author of the Observer does. In fact, I felt it was directly honest--and refreshingly so. If anything, it seems to reveal a guy who's still in disbelief that his band--and I'm sure he saw The Band as HIS band--was "taken away from him." As for his obvious bitterness toward Robertson, my gut feeling is that he has a point. I don't know the particulars, of course, but in EVERY single interview I've seen with Robertson, it seems very important to him that he be perceived as an introspective, soulful, "thinking man." All of his responses are so weighted with calculation, and he carries himself with such smug pretension, that I can hardly bear to watch him. Levon, on the other hand, comes off as a thoughtful, yet regular guy, someone you'd like to sit down with and share some beers. Like Robertson, Greil Marcus is another one who obviously has a stake in creating a mythology--any mythology will do--and while it may appeal to some, I find it obnoxious, and every Christmas I wish for it to go away, but nevertheless, it remains. That being said, Robertson's contributions to The Band were indeed wonderful, I think Mystery Train is a must-read, and here's hoping that Helm finds some inner peace before he gets to his own Last Waltz. Lance . . .
Re: The Band/Levon Helm bitterness.....
As for his obvious bitterness toward Robertson, my gut feeling is that he has a point. I don't know the particulars, of course, but in EVERY single interview I've seen with Robertson, it seems very important to him that he be perceived as an introspective, soulful, "thinking man." you know, maybe that is exactly what he is.even in the band he was always dark and brooding or seemed so.his solo work has continued in that dark, moody vein so maybe that is just him.anyway, it is a shame there is a rift whoever caused it and it is a shame levon seems so unhappy about it all even after all these yrsas i said, levon was my favorite "voice" in the band and considering how many good voices that group offered that is saying a lot mark
