Brian Howe, the singer who replaced Paul Rodgers as lead vocalist of the UK band Bad Company from 1986 to 1994, died on May 6. He was 66. He was also lead vocalist for the band White Spirit, and in his last years made many albums as a solo artist.
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“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of a loving father, friend and musical icon, Brian Howe,” said Paul Easton in a statement. He was Howe’s longtime friend and manager.
A statement on Howe’s Facebook page said the “No Smoke Without A Fire” singer died from cardiac arrest.
“Finding the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts over losing my brother has been difficult.” Howe’s sister Sandie said in a statement. “Our family would like to thank you for your compassion and the outpouring of love we are receiving.”
Howe joined Bad Company in 1986 after working with Ted Nugent on his “Penetrator” album. Howe took the place of founding member and songwriter Paul Rodgers.
In a final tweet, Howe recalled his lifetime of accomplishments and one goal he was never able to fulfill.
“I’ve done a few things in my life,” Howe wrote at the end of April. “I have sold millions of records and toured the world for the last 35 years but I want to appear on Tv with #RickyGervais who in my opinion is a genius.”
Howe’s Facebook page says he left the rock group in 1994 to pursue a solo career. He released the albums, Tangled in Blue, Emotions, Circus Bar, and his self-titled Brian Howe The Collection.
