Metal Church Clarify Statement Regarding the Death of Mike Howe, Say They Weren’t Discussing “Vaccinations, COVID or Politics”
Metal Church have clarified the statement they released yesterday (July 30) regarding the passing of their singer, Mike Howe.
Howe died by suicide on Monday, July 26 at the age of 55. The band subsequently issued a statement in which they asserted that the vocalist was “victimized by a failing health-care system and subsequently poisoned by the venom of Big Pharma,” and that Howe ultimately “fell prey to the real ‘Fake Healer.’”
The statement stirred some controversy. At a time when so many people are resistant to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, its vague accusations against a faceless organization clearly struck a nerve. Metal Church ultimately deleted the statement from their social media accounts.
Now the band has issued an amended version of their original statement, clarifying that they did not intend to wade into the heated vaxx debate:
“Concerning our recently deleted post addressing the news that Mike’s passing was a suicide, we wanted to dispel any misconceptions that might have arisen from certain media reports. In our efforts to do that, our attempts at honesty created a narrative that fell outside our purest of intentions. We were in no way, shape or form referring to anything in relation to vaccinations, COVID or politics. We were saying our brother was hurting and while he was seeking medical care for it, the treatments he was utilizing did not protect him. Otherwise, he would still be with us today.
“If you knew Mike Howe, then you knew he was a truly good human being who loved his friends, his family and his many fans around the world. He would always go the extra mile to make someone feel good and he would always give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. We ask that you remember Mike in that way and for the amazing metal music he created.
“This is an extremely difficult time for everyone who knew Mike personally and those that knew him through the music. We are all still processing the loss of our brother. We apologize that the original statement was misunderstood or created an incorrect dialog. We ask that you please stop attacking each other in relation to Mike’s passing and Metal Church. We ask that you take that energy and use it to keep Mike’s memory alive by sharing the music he created while he was with us. We want Metal Church music to bring people together as it has over the years and not be divisive.
“Godspeed Mike Howe, WE LOVE YOU!!!”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. You can visit the website for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 800-273-8255.
