SLASH, Kt Tunstall and Chely Wright are among the stars reaching out to The Band star Levon Helm as he struggles through the "final stages" of his cancer battle.

Helm's wife Sandy and daughter Amy posted a message on his website on Tuesday (17Apr12) asking fans to send "prayers and love" to the stricken rocker, who is close to death.

A host of musicians responded to the plea by taking to Twitter.com to send their best wishes to Helm, with Slash tweeting, "My thoughts & prayers go out to Levon Helm & his family."

Tunstall wrote, "Going to bed thinking of the wonderful Levon Helm. Went to his 70th birthday Rumble. What a force he is," while Wright recalled, "Thinking tonight about an amazing night I spent in Woodstock with Levon Helm at his Barn. He was everything."

Scottish singer Sandi Thom added, "My thoughts & prayers go out to Levon Helm & family as he enters the final stage of his battle with cancer. An extraordinary musician & man."

The New Pornographers star Neko Case told fans, "Send all your nice thoughts to Levon Helm, just in case you haven't yet. It's nearly impossible to sing so smoothly and hit that hard at the same time," before adding, "I love your lungs, Levon. I love you, Levon Helm."

Singer Matt Nathanson wrote, "All love and energy to Levon Helm. They do not make greatness like that anymore. I hope for a peaceful final chapter for him & his family."