Mike Howe of Metal Church dies at age 55

Mike Howe, the frontman of American heavy metal band Metal Church, has died at age 55.

The band announced Howe's passing in a post on their Facebook page, writing: "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 at his home in Eureka, California. We are devastated and at a loss for words."

No cause of death has been released, but the band asked that the privacy of the band and Howe's family be respected during this time.

Howe was the band's frontman for about 12 years – from 1988 to 1994 and 2015 onward. His vocals were featured on a number of Metal Church records, including 1989's Blessing in Disguise and 1991's The Human Factor. In 2020, the band released From the Vault, which is a compilation of unreleased songs from Howe's time as frontman in addition to four newly-recorded songs.

Fellow musicians like Mike Portnoy, Jeff Scott Soto, and Doro have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Howe's memory on social media.

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 the #terrible news of the passing of the one and only #MikeHowe of @metalchurchis1. Such a big loss!
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

— DORO (@DoroOfficial) July 27, 2021