Helm Daughter Fights Woodstock Venue Takeover

Amy Helm, daughter of the late Band drummer Levon Helm, has filed a new lawsuit seeking to be reinstated as president and director of the Levon Helm Studio (LHS), a famed Woodstock venue. Helm asserts that musician Brian Parillo, who was given a minority shareholder stake in 2005, orchestrated an "illegal takeover" of the studio earlier this year. She claims Parillo achieved this through invalid corporate actions, including shareholder consents that did not involve her signature, and by allegedly coercing her stepmother, Sandra Helm, into assigning her voting rights.

Helm's lawsuit further alleges that Parillo's actions were propelled by "undue influence over a vulnerable person who lacked the ability to understand the nature and consequences." This claim arises from a separate matter where Amy accused Sandy Helm of misappropriating estate assets. Parillo and LHS representatives have not yet commented. In August, LHS's new management sued Amy, accusing her of financial mismanagement between 2017 and 2026, citing millions in alleged self-dealing transactions.

The dispute over the Barn, as the venue is known, has impacted its operations, with artists canceling shows in solidarity with Amy Helm. The venue has seen limited concerts since her ouster. Helm's current legal action seeks to remove Parillo, confirm her directorship and presidency, and declare Parillo's actions void, including a federal lawsuit filed against her in August.