Former BAD COMPANY Vocalist Brian Howe Dies Aged 66
May 6th, 2020
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Brain Howe, former vocalist with English hard rock band Bad Company, died on May 6th, 2020 at the age of 66. He passed away from cardiac arrest at his home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. The singer-songwriter had previously suffered a serious heart attack in September 2017.
Howe’s longtime friend and manager Paul Easton (Talent Ventures, LLC) said in statement: “It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of a loving father, friend and musical icon, Brian Howe.”
The musician’s son Michael stated: “I feel we are all put in this world for a reason. The passion for music was my father’s, and I am so happy that his legacy will live on.”
Meanwhile, Howe’s sister Sandie said: “Finding the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts over losing my brother has been difficult. Our family would like to thank you for your compassion and the outpouring of love we are receiving.”
Brian Anthony Howe was born in Portsmouth, England on July 22nd, 1953.
Following a brief stint with UK heavy metal group White Spirit, Howe was hired by Ted Nugent to record the American guitarist’s January 1984 studio album Penetrator.
In 1986, Howe was recruited by Bad Company to replace Paul Rodgers. During his tenure with the band, Howe appeared on four studio albums – Fame And Fortune (1986), Dangerous Age (1988), Holy Water (1990) and Here Comes Trouble (1992) – as well as live set What You Hear Is What You Get: The Best Of Bad Company (1993).
The Brian Howe-fronted Bad Company sold more than 19 million records worldwide, with the singer credited for co-writing many of the group’s hits, including ‘No Smoke Without A Fire’, ‘Shake It Up’, ‘Holy Water’ and ‘If You Needed Somebody’. He also co-wrote the song ‘I’ll Get Even’ from Megadeth’s June 1997 album Cryptic Writings.
After an acrimonious split with Bad Company in 1994, Howe went on to forge a solo career which included the release of two full-length records – 1997’s Tangled In Blue (re-issued in 2003 under the title of Touch) and 2010’s Circus Bar. In 2018, his single ‘Hot Tin Roof’ received the award for Best Rock Song Of The Year at the Hollywood Music In Media Awards.
Howe is survived by his sister Sandie and her husband, his son Michael and daughters Victoria and Ella, along with three grandchildren Kira, Alexandria, and Aurora.
