They've got the radio on in my Village internet cafe.
And Levon Helm has died of throat cancer.
Met him once after a concert with Rick Danko at the Bottom Line in the Village.
Real nice, real approachable guy.
I'd roared out a request during the show, STAGE FRIGHT!
The musicians looked at each other. Rick shook his head, no.
Then they sang KING HARVEST.
And after the show, I made my way backstage. (My rap to the bouncers is, "Oh, please, man. I came from Mars to see these guys." Laughter. "Go ahead, man.")
And I asked Levon, "Did you hear my request, Levon ?"
"I heard you, son. I think everybody heard you."
"So how come you didn't play it?"
"Well, we hadn't rehearsed it. But we did play a Band song for you. Hey, it's time for the afterparty. Wanna join us backstage for a beer?"
I did not say no.