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Post by Failed Muso on May 31, 2014 14:57:44 GMT
It is with a heavy heart and with much sorrow that I have to report the passing of an incredibly dear friend of mine, and of this blog, Steve Howell. Steve was the quiet man behind Hollow Sun, a site that was initially all about sharing his incredible samples of classic synths for free and that eventually turned into a brand synonymous with quality instruments and sample libraries. Steve was one of the industry’s good guys. From lugging around Tony Banks’ Mellotron when Genesis were but a mere sparkle in prog rock’s eye, to working with Peter Gabriel on his Passion album, from teaching at the Kingston School of Music & Recording Technology to designing sounds and user interfaces for some of Akai’s most important and influential samplers, from helping users around the world to make the most of their instruments to helping the likes of Holly Johnson make his debut solo album, Steve’s impact in the industry is not only considerable but long lasting and deeply appreciated by many. It is because of this that I wanted to open a book of condolence so that our community could share their thoughts and sympathies and so that his dear wife and amazing daughter could see what he meant to us all and how he helped us make music, something his daughter does so well herself now. Steve was so incredibly proud of her and considered her to be his greatest musical achievement by far. Please leave your thoughts via the link below. Once I have come to terms with this terrible news, I will put my thoughts and feelings into words and tell you all about a man I met quite by chance many years ago, who became a dear friend, colleague and inspired me to do many things, including this very blog. Farewell Steve, my fellow curmudgeon… www.failedmuso.com/blog/steve-howell-a-book-of-condolences/ |
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Post by Jesse on May 31, 2014 15:27:46 GMT
I am very sorry to hear this, I communicated with Steve a lot and considered him a good friend. I will miss him and the conversations we had, this makes me very sad.
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Post by parametric on May 31, 2014 18:35:14 GMT
Terribly sad news, Rob . . . . .
I think your book of condolence is an extremely fitting gesture, as it gives his "extended "family"" a place to honour his memory.
I wasn't lucky enough to meet him in person, but our few email exchanges painted him very much as a Man I would have been proud to call "friend".
It's a sad loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Chris
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Post by kpr on May 31, 2014 19:40:56 GMT
I've already said everything about that in the condolence book at Rob's blog and facebook. But I want to add here that this forum is from now on a Steve Howell memorial to me. And this means to keep his unique spirit as a shining example. And I'll miss his avatar pic with the man with the hat on.
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Post by parametric on May 31, 2014 22:14:45 GMT
I've already said everything about that in the condolence book at Rob's blog and facebook. But I want to add here that this forum is from now on a Steve Howell memorial to me. And this means to keep his unique spirit as a shining example. And I'll miss his avatar pic with the man with the hat on. I agree entirely Klaus . . . PERHAPS we could get permission from the family to somehow fit that Pic in the Forum Header - then it would always be there. I LIKE that idea a lot. Jesse? parametric |
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Post by Jesse on Jun 1, 2014 4:51:45 GMT
I've already said everything about that in the condolence book at Rob's blog and facebook. But I want to add here that this forum is from now on a Steve Howell memorial to me. And this means to keep his unique spirit as a shining example. And I'll miss his avatar pic with the man with the hat on. I agree entirely Klaus . . . PERHAPS we could get permission from the family to somehow fit that Pic in the Forum Header - then it would always be there. I LIKE that idea a lot. Jesse? parametric This picture, if it's alright I will try to place it on the home page  |
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Post by parametric on Jun 1, 2014 11:24:44 GMT
That's the very one Jesse,
There's something about that picture (in my mind, anyway) that seems to convey all that was Hollow Sun, and Steve in particular . . . .
A very fitting tribute IMO
(I like what you have already done too BTW)
Chris
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Post by Failed Muso on Jun 1, 2014 15:21:04 GMT
There are some higher resolution versions here... hollowsunblog.com/photos/I also know the photographer that made these and he has more. I'm hoping to persuade him to share them at some point... |
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Post by Jesse on Jun 2, 2014 2:32:37 GMT
Thanks Rob, This was a pic Steve did for the NovaChord sound bank, I added the Fusion keyboard to it and sent him a copy, I use it as a background on my desktop, I always admired his graphics skills as well as his sound designing skills.  |
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Post by blandis on Jun 2, 2014 21:25:40 GMT
Very sad news. While I didn't directly benefit from a personal relationship with Steve, I benefited greatly from his advice, sounds, and support provided as truly a kindred spirit. As others have stated, we all seem to come face-to-face with how fragile life really is these days. For me, Friday night's benefit gig was tragically cut short as our guitar player suffered a heart attack in the middle of his Led Zep guitar solo. Very fortunately the benefit took place in a Fire Station hall, with ambulance personnel right in the next room. They brought him back, and we are awaiting the results of his heart cath. today. Rest in peace, Steve.
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Post by mstsfreak on Jun 3, 2014 15:32:21 GMT
Very sad news to hear, rest in peace, Steve!
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Post by froggy54 on Jun 12, 2014 21:13:47 GMT
Damned, I only know Steve from this forum but he's been so important and so friendly for this small community of ours that I'm shocked and sad for his family.
We already lost JP VIDEO a couple of years ago and now Steve has left.
Rest in peace my friend.
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Post by parametric on Jun 12, 2014 23:56:22 GMT
I agree entirely Klaus . . . PERHAPS we could get permission from the family to somehow fit that Pic in the Forum Header - then it would always be there. I LIKE that idea a lot. Jesse? parametric This picture, if it's alright I will try to place it on the home page I LOVE what you have done with the Forum Header - Jesse . . . . That picture is just SO iconic - and I will sure miss it's regular appearances with the new product info we used to get . . . . . . A very fitting tribute to dear Steve. He'll NOT be forgotten round these parts! Chris |
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Post by Jesse on Jun 13, 2014 4:30:45 GMT
Thanks Chris, it's an on going learning experience which I enjoy. No Steve won't be forgotten, but I definitely will miss the email chats we had and his interesting stories about his latest sound machines. He was a kind, helpful, creative and colorful person  Jesse |
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Post by parametric on Jul 8, 2014 3:30:38 GMT
Some of you may remember, back in May of 2013, when Steve announced "The Shell", there was a couple of glitches that occurred on HS's website, to do with the ordering process - which Steve apologised for in his unique way . . .
I just came across our email exchange . . .
My initial email was:
Steve replied below - and its a delightful "conversation", that shows Steve's HUMOUR off wonderfully. This is a man I would LOVE to have had a beer with, and most DEFINATELY I would have been proud to call "friend" . . . . .
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