Portsmouth FC fan and rock star Brian Howe confirmed dead

The Portsmouth-born lead singer of rock band Bad Company, who was involved in takeover attempts at Fratton Park, died aged 66 at his Florida home in America on Wednesday.

The outspoken vocalist had recently fallen off a motorbike and fractured ribs and punctured a lung before discharging himself from hospital as he feared catching coronavirus.

Mr Howe’s death was confirmed by family and friends. The musician, who had also suffered a heart attack in 2017, was born in St Mary’s Hospital in Milton in July 1953, and went to New Road

Infants’ School, Binsteed Juniors and North End Secondary School.

Comments from distraught fans and friends poured in on the musician’s Facebook page.

Jerry Scott Adler wrote: ‘I was hoping it was just a rumour about Brian passing away, but one of my musician friends just messaged me about it. So sad. He was such a cool guy. R.I.P. Brian.’

Jeffery Robert Abernathy said: ‘One of the best singers who ever got onstage. God be with you.’

Others were disbelieving at the news. Tammy Workman said: ‘Please tell us you are OK! I woke up and seen you were not and was sick to my stomach.’

Just six days before his death, he told one friend who asked how he was: ‘Horrible. Broken ribs are NO fun.’

The former frontman was involved in a number of takeover attempts at Pompey that ultimately did not materialise.

His most recent foray into saving the club came in 2012 with his American businessman partner Vincent Wolanin.

But the chairman of American firm Top Notch Entertainment pulled out without telling Howe, leading to the rockstar telling The News: ‘If he (Vincent) wanted to give up then I wish he had told me first. I believe in common courtesy that he would have consulted with me first.

‘I’m not in agreement with letting my football club die.’

Never afraid to speak his mind, Mr Howe was recently critical of Pompey owner Michael Eisner and even some fans.

In a tweet on March 30 he said: ‘As predicted Pompey spent roughly 900,000 on all transfers during 18/19.

‘So much for serious investment. Grants also paid for most of the refurbishment. The morons didn’t believe me. Now they know for a fact.’

In another tweet on March 8 he wrote: ‘As predicted Pompey are going to fall short again. It’s so sad that a small proportion of dumb asses can’t see the truth. Promotion is not part of the owners plans. Maximising profits for themselves is.’

Mr Howe’s career took off when he joined Bad Company in 1983 with him leaving in 1994 after writing the platinum-selling record Holy Water in 1990 and gold-selling album Here Comes Trouble two years later.

He then embarked on a solo career.

In 2017 he released Hot Tin Roof from his own label Howe’s Business, which saw critical acclaim and airplay on classic rock outlets.

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