Died On This Date (December 30, 2009) Rowland S. Howard / The Birthday Party
themusicsover Rowland S. Howard
October 24, 1959 – December 30, 2009
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 Rollins, Jeffrey 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
Joey Hopkins was the vocalist and programmer for avant-garde black metal band, Alien Syndrome 777. He also fronted Joey Hopkins Midget Factory and worked with Blackdrone, Inc. On December 28, 2008, 26 year-old Joey Hopkins was found unconscious in his car with the engine running. He was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be revived. He was pronounced dead on December 31. It is believed that he pulled over to the side of the road to rest but ultimately died of carbon monoxide poisoning.