The man who anchored the rhythm section of Little Feat for nearly 40 years passed away Thurssday (8/12). Drummer Richie Hayward had been sidelined for much of the last year after being diagnosed with liver cancer last summer (story).  Held in high regard by musicians and fans, news of Hayward's illness brought an outpouring of support for the drummer and his family as they confronted the disease.  Several events were staged to raise funds to help offset his medical expenses. Levon Helm, a cancer survivor, auctioned one of his drum kits in the spring.  Death came the day before a large gathering of percussionists was scheduled to perform in his honor in the Bay Area (story) - an event that will now become a rhythmic eulogy to a drummer the participants admired as a musician and a person.
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