Levon Helm’s family in messy dispute over his studio, daughter cites “disturbing circumstances” behind-the-scenes
The family of late The Band drummer Levon Helm are currently locked in a dispute over his studio and venue in Woodstock.
As a result of the ongoing fallout between family members vying for control of the space, his daughter, Amy Helm, has been removed from her managerial position.
Per The Overlook, a local news publication in Hudson Valley, Amy lost her role after “a shift in voting control”, which led to longtime shareholder Brian Parillo being placed in control.
Subsequently, since the management change at the end of May, three Helm Family Midnight Ramble shows have been postponed. It was also reported that Woodstock police were called to the space following a confrontation between Amy and Parillo. However, no charges were filed.
Parillo now has 60 per cent of voting rights, taking control of the venue outside of the Helm family after Helm’s widow, Sandra Helm, and Barbara O’Brien assigned him their voting rights, according to The Overlook.
Since the shift in voting rights, the general manager, operations manager, and studio manager have all resigned from Levon Helm Studios.
Sandra said of her decision to transfer voting rights to Parillo, “It was a way to show Amy that I was serious about restructuring and a new administration, and this is who it’s going to be.”
Meanwhile, Amy said in a statement, “In time, I will be able to speak to the disturbing circumstances behind the current situation at my father’s home and recording studio.”
The singer-songwriter continued, “Neither I, nor our long-time core staff, are currently part of Levon Helm Studios and have nothing to do with any decisions made or actions taken by the new ‘management’.”
Furthermore, in a filing made on June 4th through Ulster County Surrogate’s Court, Amy accused Parillo of “financial exploitation and elder abuse,” while calling for a guardian to be appointed for Sandra to oversee her father’s estate.
She also said the dispute, which led to police being called to The Barn (the venue inside the studio) on May 28th, was due to Parillo following her and Sandra when they were allegedly trying to have a private conversation, stating, “I told him to leave me alone. Then, when he seemed to take a step towards me, I put my hands up and pushed him away.”
Elsewhere in the report, Amy claimed that Sandra said she had been “conned”, but she has since refuted the claims of coercion, stating, “I deny that. Absolutely.”
Parillo may have the majority of voting rights for Levon Helm Studios; however, Amy and Sandra both each still have 40 per cent ownership of the business. Meanwhile, Parillo and O’Brien have 10 per cent each.
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