Rock & roll is a mean and dirty business. It burns out the bright young sparks who briefly flicker fiercely near its flame, like tousled-haired youth full of the arrogance of imagination.

Rowland S. Howard, who tragically died on 30 December 2009 of liver failure, lived a rock & roll life full of flick-knife danger and skinny hipster malevolence. An intellectual and restless spirit, his recent death on the verge of a long awaited full on comeback is as tragic as some of his darkest lyrics.

At least his influence can still be felt in maverick bands like the Horrors, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and several generations of underground musicians who recognize his genius.

Fortunately, before he died he had recorded