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How did Mike Howe die? Tributes pour in on social media for Metal Church singer

Mike Howe died at his home in Eureka, California. He was 55

Lead vocalist of the San Francisco heavy metal band Metal Church, Mike Howe, died on Monday, July 26. The band's Facebook page made the announcement which immediately sent fans of the metal singer into a tizzy. Tributes are pouring in from all quarters for the musician who was considered to be one of the greatest voices in metal ever. 

"It is with our deepest regrets that we must announce the passing of our brother, our friend and a true legend of heavy metal music. Mike Howe passed away this morning at his home in Eureka, California. We are devastated and at a loss for words. Please respect our privacy and the Howe family’s privacy during this most difficult time," read an update on Metal Church's page at 8 pm on July 26. 2021 is a tough year for the music industry and fans alike after the loss of many iconic musicians. It began with transgender pop star and producer Sophie who died in January. This month fans mourned the deaths of Biz Markie and Sound Sultan among others. Robert Eugene Steinhardt, violinist for Kansas band died at 72 last week on July 17.

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How did Mike Howe of Metal Church die?

Mike Howe died at his home in Eureka, California. He was 55 and would have turned a year old in August. The cause of his death hasn't been made public yet. Howe was a part of Metal Church from 1988 to 1995. The band's founder Kurdt Vanderhoof had revealed that Howe had retired from the band and had been living with his family at their Tennessee home.

In April 30, 2015, he rejoined the band once again in 2015 and appeared on two of their albums titled 'XI' in 2016 and 'Damned If You Do' which released in 2018. He also featured on the band's 2017 live album 'Classic Live'. Other bands that he was associated with include Heretic from 1987 to 1988 and Snair which was earlier known as Hellion in 1988. Heretic disbanded after releasing a single full-length album titled 'Breaking Point' in 1988. 

'RIP to one of the best voices in metal'

"RIP Mike Howe of @metalchurchofficial, one of the best voices in metal," Ghost Cult Magazine wrote mourning the death of the singer. "Mike Howe?!Are you KIDDING me?! What in the world?GOD take him HOME...Hope to see you there...Watch 'Badlands' people.....R.I.P. from coastal Maine," another fan tweeted. "I’m shocked and saddened to hear about the great Mike Howe passing away. Mike’s vocals in Heretic and Metal Church were amazing. He was extremely charismatic, and you could see how much he loved to perform. Rest In Peace, Mr. Howe," wrote another fan saddened by the news. 

"Man... I just heard that Mike Howe of Metal Church has passed... that voice is a big part of my youth #RIP #Respect My deepest condolences to all family, bandmates, and friends @metalchurchis1," wrote a longtime fan of the singer. "Outside of my usual purview on here, but Mike Howe, the frontman for Metal Church passed away. I wasn't even a massive fan of the band, but I will say that Mike was an incredible showman. He catered to his fans. He knew how to make me look good as a photographer. RIP Mike," a photographer who claimed to have previously worked with the singer tweeted.