Brian Howe, the lead singer for the British rock supergroup Bad Company and a former vocalist for Ted Nugent, has died. He was 66.
Howe was found in his home Tuesday morning, suffering from cardiac arrest. Though EMT’s were able to have a short conversation with him, they were unable to revive him. Howe’s passing was confirmed by his longtime friend and manager, Paul Easton.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of a loving father, friend and musical icon, Brian Howe,” Easton said in a statement.
“Finding the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts over losing my brother has been difficult.” his 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 replaced Paul Rodgers as the lead singer for Bad Company back in 1986 and lent the vocals to one of the band’s most successful albums, 1990’s “Holy Water,” which produced a Top 20 power ballad, “If You Needed Somebody.”
Born in Portsmouth, England, Howe was discovered by Ted Nugent and recorded the vocals for Nugent’s album “Penetrator” in 1983 and would also perform with the guitarist for his world tour in 1984 for a couple of years.
Then in 1986 when Bad Company members Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs decided to resurrect the Bad Company name, they recruited Howe to replace Rodgers, starting with the album “Fame & Fortune.” He also appears on the albums “Dangerous Age,” and “Here Comes Trouble.”
Howe departed the band in 1994 and Bad Company would reunite with its original lineup, including Rodgers, for a few tracks in 1995. Howe also had three solo records, including 1997’s “Tangled in Blue,” and wrote the single “Hot Tin Roof” most recently in 2018. He’s also credited as a co-writer on the Megadeth song “I’ll Get Even.”
Prior to his death, Howe was on tour with his band Paul Warren, Christopher Turnbow, Miguel Gonzales and Rick Brothers before the industry shut down due to COVID-19.
“I feel we are all put in this world for a reason,” his son Michael said in a statement. “The passion for music was my father’s, and I am so happy that his legacy will live on.”
Howe also did charity work with the Have A Heart Animal Rescue group and continued writing songs up until his death. He 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.