Rowland S. Howard was one of the most distinctive and influential musicians Australia has ever produced.
With his Fender Jaguar guitar he created a sonic language of often sharp, brutal intensity while winning hearts with soul baring lyrics laced with love, heartbreak and longing.
At 16 Rowland became a key figure in Melbourne’s post punk scene, penning the hit Shivers, a tongue in cheek anthem of teenage angst. Starting in 1977 he was vital to The Young Charlatans, The Birthday Party, Crime & the City Solution, his own These Immortal Souls and finally of course his 2 unforgettable and powerful solo LPs.
By his death in 2009, Rowland’s career was truly international and had spanned 34 years, spawning countless notable collaborations, and leaving a blazing legacy that continues to inspire artists and musicians today.
Pop Crimes (the show) was first performed 3 years after Rowland’s death, then again for the All Tomorrow’s Parties Festival in 2013 and for his 5 year anniversary at Melbourne Festival in 2014.
It was then again reprised in 2019/20 in Melbourne, Paris, Rennes and London to celebrate what would have been Rowland’s 60th birthday, 10 years since his final album “Pop Crimes”, 20 years since his masterpiece “Teenage Snuff Film”, and 40 years since his musical debut.
Original members of his bands and key collaborators from Rowland’s illustrious career are coming together yet again to remember 15 years since Rowland’s passing in an electrifying celebration of this Australian music icon.
FEATURING Mick Harvey, Harry Howard, Genevieve McGuckin, JP Shilo, Conrad Standish and TJ Howden.
Special guest singers will include Lydia Lunch, Adalita, Hugo Race, Jonnine Standish, with more to be announced.