People loved Levon Helm—love Levon Helm—which is why such fine musicians as Marco Benevento, Joe Russo, Phosphorescent, Craig Finn and Nicole Atkins are coming together to celebrate the Band’s singing drummer a month after his passing from cancer. What’s curious about the enduring affection and admiration is that it seemed to briefly bypass Martin Scorsese when he directed The Last Waltz. For the Band’s 1978 swan song, Scorsese’s lens was firmly focused on guitarist Robbie Robertson—the group’s handsome songwriter, with dreams of solo success.
But it’s Helm whom you can’t take your eyes off; from his quiet, wide-eyed Southern manner behind the scenes (while Robertson recalls pussy anecdotes like a naughty adolescent) to his holler-to-the-heavens as he steers the Band from one groove to the next onstage. Helm makes you smile. It’s him you’re channeling at that 2am campfire sing-along.
A distressing thought, then, that neither Helm nor the other three members of the Band (Robertson aside) actually wanted to split up. Sadder still that there are only two surviving members of a group that brought and continues to bring so much joy. What is heartening, however, is that it’s likely the performers at this show will skip past any rancor in favor of a joyous group jam.
While the lineup at Brooklyn Bowl might not match the starry likes of Dylan, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell (all of whom feature in The Last Waltz), you can fully expect the everyone-playing-their-hearts-out vibe of Helm’s famed Midnight Ramble parties, held until recently at his upstate farm—and in fact, a portion of ticket sales goes toward saving Helm’s barn. The Band broke up before it was ready, and Helm passed before we were ready. But this will surely not be the last dance held in his honor.—Sophie Harris
Follow Sophie Harris on Twitter: @SophieMeve