Unfortunately, my first real post of 2010 is a tragic one. Rowland S. Howard, best known as the guitarist in Nick Cave’s early 1980s band the Birthday Party, passed away on December 30 from liver cancer. Howard was only fifty years old. However, within his all-too-brief lifespan, he became a beloved and influential figure within the alt rock canon. Traces of his visceral, jagged guitar style can be heard in several generations of guitar-led bands, including My Bloody Valentine and virtually all post-1985 goth rock. Throughout the 2000s, his music experienced a cultural revival of sorts, culminating in his exquisite Pop Crimes album, released this past October. With Howard’s passing, the music community has lost a guitar innovator and unmistakable voice.
Samples of Howard’s music:
-“Nick The Stripper”, with the Birthday Party
-“Six Bells Chime”, with Crime & The City Solution
Samples of Howard’s music:
-“Nick The Stripper”, with the Birthday Party
-“Six Bells Chime”, with Crime & The City Solution
-“Shut Me Down”, solo
That makes this the second year in a row we've kicked off your blog with the death of one of your favorite guitarists. Sorry. I don't mean to be flip, this is sad. I'm going to have to check out this Pop Crimes album. Maybe get a little Junkyard or Prayers On Fire action in honor of the man. R.I.P.
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