The death has been announced of Mike Howe, singer with the American heavy metal band Metal Church, at the age of 55.
No cause of death has been released.
Howe's passing was announced in a band statement on Metal Church's Facebook page.
It read: "It is with our deepest regrets that we must announce the passing of our brother, our friend and true legend of heavy metal music.
"Mike Howe passed away this morning [Monday] 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."
Howe was Metal Church frontman from 1988 to 1994, rejoining the band in 2015.
He sang on the studio albums Blessing in Disguise (1989), The Human Factor (1991), Hanging in the Balance (1993), XI (2016) and Damned If You Do (2018). From the Vault, a compilation of previously unreleased songs from Howe's time with the band and four newly recorded tracks, was released last year.
Here are some of the tributes from his fellow artists:
RIP my sweet friend. I have no words for this loss. Love and respect to you always. #mikehowe #metalchurch #legend4ever pic.twitter.com/CfZczC1g4h
— Todd La Torre (@ToddLaTorre) July 27, 2021
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mike Howe from @metalchurchis1 I can't say I knew him well, but I did spend a weekend with him and the band in the studio while they were recording his first album with the band (Blessing In Disguise) back in 1988. Gone way too soon #RIPMikeHowe pic.twitter.com/EpzuSR8nFz
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) July 27, 2021
So sad to hear of the untimely passing of Mike Howe (centered) of @metalchurchis1. I finally met him for the first time this photo was taken in Vegas 04/19. Condolences to his family, friends and fans! pic.twitter.com/C9yIx0iH2J
— Jeff Scott Soto (@jeffscottsoto) July 27, 2021
So #sad to hear the #terrible news of the passing of the one and only #MikeHowe of @metalchurchis1. Such a big loss!
— DORO (@DoroOfficial) July 27, 2021
What a great guy and fantastic singer! You will be missed sooooo much! We will never forget you!
R.I.P., my #friend!!
❤️🙏❤️😭❤️
Much #love, #Doro pic.twitter.com/POChaiTC5W
