Tribute to Metal Church singer Mike Howe, aged 55

Mike Howe, the lead singer of the much-loved heavy metal band Metal Church, has passed away at the age of 55.

According to a statement shared by the band, the musician died at his home in Eureka, California. Facebook Page.

“We must announce the deaths of our brothers, our friends and true heavy metal music legends, and we deeply regret it,” the post read. “Mike Howe died this morning at his home in Eureka, California.

“We are destroyed and speechless. In this most difficult period, please respect our privacy and the privacy of the Howe family.”

As the news spread, many blessers stepped forward to express their condolences on social media.

“I’m sorry to hear that Mike Howe of @metalchurchis1 has passed away,” said musician Mike Portnoy. Twitter“I can’t say that I know him well, but I did spend a weekend with him and the band in the studio when they recorded his first album with the band (Blessing In Disguise) in 1988. Got it. Too fast #RIPMikeHowe .”

“RIP my dear friend,” Todd La Torre of Queensrÿche tweeted. “I have nothing to say about this loss. Love and respect you forever. #mikehowe #metalchurch #legend4ever.”

Comedian and host Don Jamieson said: “RIP Mike Howe@metalchurchis1 and express his deepest sympathy to his band members. Such a great person and talented singer. 💔”

“RIP Mike Howe @metalchurchis1,” commented radio celebrity Eddie Trunk. “Express condolences to the band, his friends and family.”

@cuteordeath wrote: “RIP Mike Howe, he is one of the best people I have ever met at work.” “He saw me holding a large folding table to entertain them, he jumped up and ran to help. I have been I’m telling this story because he was one of the first artists who treated me, working on the floor, like a person.”

“We are sad to hear the pass of the lead singer of Metal Church Mike Howe,” read a message from Indianapolis. “Karma recorded a message: “Not much makes me happier than hearing him rejoin the band and it doesn’t make me much better than the hearing Even more sad about this news. Express condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace to one of the best! “

“I was shocked and sad to hear the news of the death of the great Mike Howe,” @HVYMTLDVL said. “Mike’s singing in Heretic and Metal Church is great. He is very charming, and you can see how much he likes acting. Rest in peace, Mr. Howe.

Metal Church is believed to have had a major impact on whipping metal. It was founded in 1980 and has released 12 studio albums over the years. The band has more than 20 members, past and present, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Howe first joined Metal Church in 1988, succeeding singer David Wayne. After the band first disbanded in 1996, Howe left the music industry and worked in woodworking. He finally returned to the Metal Church in 2015.

In 2020, Howe talked about his emotional reaction to the band’s disbandment and how he was disappointed in the music industry.

“When the Metal Church disbanded, it was a very sad thing,” he told Loud line“I like being in the Metal Church, and I think that’s my identity. The main reason I left was the music business, and how difficult it was to navigate the management, record companies, and external forces that destroyed the band and my love for music.

“When I quit Metal Church and left the road, I felt hurt by the music I liked. I was hurt and angry with all this.”

When returning to the band, he added: “This is great for me because when I returned to the Metal Church, my eldest son was 18 and he came to the show.

“I took him to the first Monsters of Rock Cruise I did. It was the best thing for me. I can say that he had a great time. This is something I will never forget.”