to the edge of night: Rowland S Howard

Rowland S. Howard played Prince Bandroom in St. Kilda on Friday night with friend and former Bad Seed Mick Harvey on drums.  By all accounts it was a success and Rowland was pleased at the outpouring of love for him.  Due to Rowland’s condition during the recent recording of his Pop Crimes album, there was some concern about his being able to perform live at all.  As Rowland himself reveals in a recent interview with Simon Sweetman, he is very ill, waiting for a liver transplant that could extend his life.

We send prayers, love, and hope to Rowland as he continues his harrowing journey with advanced illness.

What follows is a snip from the Prince Bandroom review, Deb’s gig comments and photos, and links to Pop Crimes, interview, and Rowland’s Oct 22nd Sydney show.

Rowland S. Howard @Prince Bandroom
St. Kilda, Melbourne 29 October 2009
Review by René Schaefer, Mess and Noise

Then it’s time for Rowland. He steps into the spotlight, rake-thin and ravaged looking, yet immaculately attired in his customary suit. He makes light of his illness by apologising in advance for any potential on-stage vomiting. “I feel a bit queasy,” he quips, before launching straight into the rollicking ‘Pop Crimes’. Behind Rowland, Mick Harvey demonstrates why he was right to abandon the sinking ship that is The Bad Seeds, relishing the opportunity to display his unique skills on the drums and play with a friend who appreciates his musical contribution…

In between songs, he responds to marriage proposals and declarations of love from the audience with a wry cackle. Clearly, the man is enjoying the appreciation coming from the packed venue, a vindication of years spent in the musical wilderness that at times saw him play solo to less than 20 people. “I’m bringing it to ya,” he smirks as requests come from the crowd, and indeed he does. He plays songs from both his solo albums, building the intensity before abruptly departing the stage after a staggering reading of ‘The Golden Age Of Bloodshed’.

Deb’s comments:

It was a bit off here and there, but there is nothing like a home boy playing to his home town crowd. He looked better than I expected. Mick harvey is a great drummer – always was. I think some girl up front was making passes at him as he said, “I don’t think my girlfriend would like that.” And later, “we have a werewolf down here tonight”. He looked genuinely pleased with the crowd and said it is nice being loved. Bless him.

Photos by Debra

Videos, by request:

Rowland S. Howard – Shivers
November 1999 Studio 22, ABC TV Australia
Lineup: Brian Hooper – Bass, Mick Harvey – Drums, Edward Clayton Jones – Keyboard
Tx to Mouldytone

Rowland S Howard – These Immortal Souls – Marry Me
Tx to RockWith…

Rowland S. Howard – Sleep Alone (All Tomorrow’s Parties, 2009)
Tx to thesecretofmana

LINKS:
Rowland S. Howard – Album Launch  By Morris (download Sydney show 22 Oct 09)
The Rowland S. Howard interview By Simon Sweetman (Blog on the Tracks, 21 Oct 09)
Pop Crimes Review By Trevor Block (Mess and Noise 16 Oct 09)