Respect to Roland S. Howard who died in Melbourne Australia this week aged 50, after a long illness. To quote Melbourne's Age newspaper:

"Howard, a guitarist in Nick Cave's punk bands the Boys Next Door and the Birthday Party before forming his own bands Crime and the City Solution, and These Immortal Souls, is best remembered for his unique, influential guitar style and for writing Shivers, one of the Boys Next Door's biggest hits."

Roland played a beaten up old Fender Jag and pioneered a jagged, slashing, reverb drenched style which has influenced a generation of punk and indie guitarists in Australia. He was a masterful songwriter, an evocative singer and a unique and innovative guitarist. He is revered and respected by musicians in this country, considered a national treasure, the Punkfather. He also set the template for the sound and style of guitar in Nick Cave's next band The Bad Seeds and is acknowledged by Nick as a significant influence on his music, which has sold in the millions worldwide. His influence on Nick Cave alone puts him in the category of unsung heroes with a global reach. Plus he was a sweet guy, generous with his time, with a keen sense of humour. His like will not pass this way again.

_________________
"...Compared to the flowers and the birds and the trees, I am an Apeman."

RIP, Roland S. Howard.

_________________
you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7ChSy6F ... re=related

RIP, Roland S. Howard, I'll have to check some of his work. Should have known him years ago.
Claude.

More sad news!

Liver cancer at 50.

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

That's a shame!!