A Tribute To Levon and The Band

Well, at least they’re all together now.

The concept of Rock and Roll Heaven has always struck me as a bit quaint, to put it mildly, a way for fans to grasp to their fallen heroes without dealing with the reality of the situation. Yet I’ve found myself indulging in that notion quite a bit since hearing of the death of Levon Helm. My mind and heart don’t want to believe that such a voice could ever be silenced, so they keep trying to tell me that Levon is in the Afterlife right now harmonizing once again with his old Band mates Richard Manuel and Rick Danko.

For about 20 years or so, since I first picked up The Best Of The Band as a senior in high school, I’ve been telling anybody who would listen (and many more who wouldn’t) about the merits of The Band, about how underrated they are, about what a travesty it is that casual fans don’t know their music as much as the music of other less worthy artists. It’s been something of a mission for me, since their music has always moved me to such a great degree.

Read the rest of our tribute to Levon and The Band here.

Read Axl Rose’s Breakup Letter To The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

After the February announcement that Guns N’ Roses would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, talk began circulating that band would not be performing at the induction ceremony. Putting the rumors to rest, Axl Rose released a letter this morning explaining why he will not be attending the ceremony this Saturday, and will be declining his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Check out the entire letter below:

To: The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N’ Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern,

When the nominations for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honored, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing. Of course I realized as things stood, if Guns N’ Roses were to be inducted it’d be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.

Click here to continue reading the letter.