A pioneering guitarist and songwriter, known for his dark, atmospheric sound and influential work with The Birthday Party and Crime and the City Solution.
Rowland S. Howard, the Australian rock musician, guitarist, and songwriter, left an indelible mark on the music world with his work with the post-punk group The Birthday Party and his subsequent solo career. Known for his discordant guitar playing and brooding songwriting, Howard's contributions to The Birthday Party and beyond solidified his status as a pioneer of the post-punk movement.
Born on October 24, 1959, in Melbourne, Australia, Rowland Stuart Howard was the second of three children to John Stanton Howard and Lorraine (née Stuart). His siblings, Angela and Harry, would also go on to pursue music careers. The Howard family, of English and Scottish descent, instilled in Rowland a love for music from a young age.
At 16, Howard wrote the song "Shivers," which would later become a standout track in his career. He joined the band Young Charlatans, where he honed his guitar skills and developed his unique sound. It was during this time that Howard's talent caught the attention ofNick Cave, and he was invited to join The Boys Next Door, which would later become The Birthday Party.
The Birthday Party's early records, released on Missing Link Records in Australia and 4AD Records in the UK, showcased Howard's innovative guitar playing and dark, poetic lyrics. The band's relocation to London in 1980 and later to West Berlin further cemented their reputation as one of the most influential post-punk bands of the era.
As creative differences arose between Howard and Cave, Howard left The Birthday Party and went on to form Crime & the City Solution with Simon Bonney. He also collaborated with Lydia Lunch, Nikki Sudden, and Jeremy Gluck, solidifying his status as a versatile and sought-after musician.
In the late 1980s, Howard formed Tuff Monks with Cave and Mick Harvey, a project that, although short-lived, showcased the trio's ability to craft haunting, atmospheric soundscapes. He later formed These Immortal Souls with girlfriend Genevieve McGuckin, brother Harry Howard, and Epic Soundtracks, releasing critically acclaimed albums that further explored the depths of post-punk and gothic rock.
In 1987, Howard appeared in Wim Wenders' film Wings of Desire, performing the song "Six Bells Chime" in a Berlin club. This collaboration marked one of the few occasions where Howard's music was featured in film, but it highlighted his ability to transcend the boundaries of music and art.
Rowland S. Howard's contributions to the post-punk movement have been felt far and wide. His innovative guitar playing, lyrical depth, and collaborations with other influential musicians have inspired generations of musicians. Despite his untimely passing on December 30, 2009, Howard's music continues to captivate audiences, ensuring his legacy as a true rock virtuoso.
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