Rowland S. Howard died at the age of 50 last night, December 30th from liver cancer.
Howard was of course the guitarist of Birthday Party and Boys Next Door and These Immortal Souls and Crime and The City Solution.
Rowland S. Howard was a significant figure of Australian rock scene since the late 70s that he began his career with the Boys Next Door, and he influenced many with the uniquely noisy way that he played his guitar.
In addition to his long-term cooperation with Nick Cave and Mick Harvey, Howard was still working with names like Lydia Lunch, Nikki Sudden, Henry Rollins and Thurston Moore.
Just this year he produced and played guitar in the album of HTRK 'Marry Me Tonight', and in October released his second personal album titled 'Pop Crimes' - the first 'Teenage Snuff Film' was released in 1999 - which is considered a favorite to win the next Australian Music Awards.
For the death of Rowland S. Howard Nick Cave said: "Rowland was Australia's most unique, gifted and uncompromising guitarist. He was also a good friend. He will be missed by many."
Mick Harvey also said: "Sometimes people are ready to go because they have been sick for a long time, but Rowland really wanted to live. Things were going well for him outside of his health and he wanted to take advantage of that, and he was very disappointed that he wasn't well enough to do so."
Rowland S Howard - These Immortal Souls - Marry Me