The rock band that included Yes guitarist Steve Howe’s son, Virgil Howe–who died at 41 on Monday (Sept. 11)–was scheduled to begin a U.K. tour today (Sept. 12) to support their new album with a haunting title, Death Express. Howe played drums for Little Barrie, alongside Barrie Cadogan (vocals, guitar) and Lewis Wharton (bass, vocals).
The group issued a statement today about their bandmate:
“We can confirm that Little Barrie’s drummer Virgil Howe, acclaimed drumming son of rock figurehead Steve Howe, sadly passed away last night at the age of 41.
“Virgil’s sudden and unexpected death has come as an incredible shock to his friends and family. His band had been in rehearsals preparing for their UK tour, which was due to start today in Cambridge.”
“We are heartbroken that we have lost our dear friend and brother Virgil Howe. Our thoughts are with his daughter, family and partner. Please respect their privacy during this difficult time.” – Barrie Cadogan.
“I am utterly devastated to lose my friend and a positive force in my life.” – Lewis Wharton
Comments from music fans are pouring in to Little Barrie’s Facebook page. Virgil Howe’s cause of death has not been revealed.
The trio’s most prominent recording was one that older audiences that were fans of a certain TV series might recognize, though perhaps they wouldn’t have known the band’s name.
The main title theme to the AMC TV series Better Call Saul was recorded by Little Barrie. The TV series just airs the song’s first few seconds; viewers may not have been aware it is a full song with vocals.
News of his death was first revealed in a statement by Yes: “Due to the tragic, unexpected death of guitarist Steve Howe’s beloved younger son, Virgil, Yes regrettably announces that the remaining dates of their Yestival Tour have been cancelled.”
The “other” Yes, the alums that perform as Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman, are on tour and issued a brief statement on Sept. 12 to avoid confusion. “For those who are concerned, the YES Tour featuring Anderson, Rabin, Wakeman is continuing on as planned. Our deepest condolences to Steve Howe and his family.”
Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the death of Virgil Howe, beloved son of Steve Howe, my friend and bandmate in Asia.
— Carl Palmer (@ELP_carl) September 13, 2017
Father and son had recorded an instrumental album together, Nexus, which is scheduled to be released on Nov. 17. Virgil’s brother, Dylan, is also a drummer and was touring with Yes this summer.
Little Barrie was formed in 2000. Their debut album, We Are Little Barrie, was released in 2005.
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