Died On This Date (December 30, 2009) Rowland S. Howard / The Birthday Party

Rowland S. Howard
October 24, 1959 – December 30, 2009

Photo by Simon Schluter

Rowland S. Howard was an Australian guitarist and songwriter who is best remembered for his work with Nick Cave in the Birthday Party, a proto-punk / art-rock band that formed from the ashes of the new wave band, the Boys Next Door.  The band created a loyal cult following thanks in part to Howard’s aggressive guitar and feedback.  After leaving the group in 1983, Howard collaborated with numerous artists including Lydia Lunch, Henry RollinsJeffrey Lee Pierce, Epic Soundtracks, and Nikki Sudden.  Howard released just two solo albums, Teenage Snuff Film and Pop Crimes, both of which were positively received by fans and critics.  In later years he was relatively inactive due to personal and health reasons.  On December 30, 2009, Rowland S. Howard died of liver cancer at the age of 50.

What You Should Own

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Prayers On Fire - The Birthday Party

Died On This Date (November 5, 1997) Epic Soundtracks / The Swell Maps

Epic Soundtracks (Born Kevin Godfrey)
March 23, 1959 – November 5, 1997

epic

Epic Soundtracks is best remembered as a founding member of UK experimental noise band, the Swell Maps.  Formed by Soundtracks and his brother, Nikki Sudden (real name, Adrian Godfrey), in 1972, the Swell Maps gained popularity only after the rise of punk, even though they weren’t a punk band.  They had more in common with T. Rex and Can and laid the foundation for such future noise merchants as Husker Du and Sonic Youth.  After the Swell Maps disbanded in 1980, Soundtracks went on to enjoy a modest solo career.  During the ’90s, he collaborated with the likes of Evan Dando, J Mascis, Kim Gordon, and Lee Renaldo.  On November 5, 1997, Epic Soundtracks, 37, was found dead in his bed.  Cause of death was never determined.

What You Should Own

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Jane from Occupied Europe - The Swell Maps