Callum Howell

1988 - 2006

It is with terrible sadness that we report on the tragic death of Mr Callum Howell (18). Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter with his band MCD, and much loved friend of far too many people to mention, took his own life on Wednesday afternoon (13th December).

That single event, which was so out of character, has completely stunned and stupefied the whole community. Though he chose to conclude his life that way, it must not mask from us the memory of his wonderful character, personality and achievements that made him so beloved by all who came in contact with him. Forever haunted by that terrible question "why did he do it?", and knowing that none of us will ever discover an adequate reason, I personally can only hope to remember him as probably one of the finest, kindest, most sincere, honest, beautiful young men I have ever had the privilege and pleasure of knowing.

Slight in physical stature, and beset by a less than promising physique, he still managed to be charm personified, succeed in whatever he attempted, and able to stand side by side with the best of them. He packed into his short life more achievements, adventures, personal triumphs than the vast majority of his peers.

He was an excellent guitarist. His songwriting was improving with his growing confidence and stature within the punk rock community. Despite being bedeviled by some slight diction problems, he had a lovely singing voice. He worked closely with his father, a builder and property developer, learning a trade, in particular joinery. He had studied at Access to Music. Learnt to drive as soon as he could. Often he was the first of his peers to try something new and succeed, and this man truly had no enemies.

No one ever had a bad thing to say about him, ... ever! He was blessed with a happy, affectionate, positive outlook on life, with a fantastic sense of humour that could disarm the most hardened cynic. Loyal to his friends and sensitive, he was genuinely loved by all. For as long as I have known him, he always rallied others, supporting their endeavours, as well as passionately following his own.

Proof of the above came last Thursday night (14th) when a spontaneous call to meet up for an informal wake at The Duke of Wellington packed the downstairs with close friends, well wishers and musicians from practically every band on the scene. There was even a contingent from Hull, MCD's second home, that came down at such short notice. The terrible news of his death had only circulated earlier that day.

He, Gaz and Danny from the band MCD (originally Mad Crowd Disease), later joined by Matt, lived the dream. Childhood friends, they formed a band at 12 years of age, and were quickly adopted by all and sundry. Taken seriously and treated with respect from the word go by those in the know, they were able to develop idyllically over time. They invested all their time, resources and energy into their band. That was their creative outlet. They had maintained their own rehearsal room (den) for years, later losing that facility and relocating to above Vince's Planet of Sound shop. Always entertaining at shows. Always professional in their approach, they inspired ALL the Lincoln bands that came after them.

By the time they were 18 years old they were already one of the city's veteran bands. Regular shows at The Bivouac and other local hot spots under their belt, but sensibly never overplaying their home town, they were already playing shows elsewhere. Local legends making their way from these sheltered backwaters into the wider world.

They had already toured the UK; recorded and released various songs; played bigger shows with their much elder peers from other cities on bigger labels; finished their debut album (shortly due for release); planned extensive touring in the UK for 2007; as well as a planned tour of Holland in the summer.

Callum had also guested as a guitarist with some of his favourite bands on their own tours. Leftover Crack, The Infested, as well as The Freaks Union all knew and appreciated his talented musicianship.

Callum Howell will be deeply missed. The others in MCD do not want to carry on without him. However, plans are in the pipeline to still release their album as a tribute to all their work. The funeral is being arranged, and with deference to his family's wishes, may be a private affair, with a more public celebration added on.

All my sincere and deepest sympathies go out to his Parents, Brother, Amy, Gaz, Danny and Matt.

For all of us, as we grow older, he will now remain forever 18, having deprived himself of all the future wonderful joys that life has to offer us all.

I will deeply miss you Callum, and wish that moment of madness, in an otherwise exemplary life, had never happened.

Steve Hawkins

Sunday 17th December 2006

MCD (Mad Crowd Disease)

2000 - 2006

MCD's myspace website page:
Read the thoughts of Gaz, Danny and Matt; as well as some of the wonderful words of support from the band's friends.
www.myspace.com/brokenwords