Howie Klein (February 20, 1948–December 24, 2025)
By Thomas Neuburger
Howie Klein, master of ceremonies here at DWT, passed away yesterday. We found this out first from his long-time friend Nicole in the comments to this post. Nicole wrote:
I hate to be the one to put this here, but Howie Klein passed away today. He was a friend of mine for over 30 years, and I'll miss him terribly. More than that, he was such a force, working to help get progressives elected, informing us all about what's possible.... You know it all if you read DWT. And then there's Howie's contribution to music. I hope we'll all get to read the book he'd been writing. Rest in Power Howie. You're already missed.
Our condolences to everyone who knew and cared about him! We'll miss him greatly, and for a great number of reasons. Rest in peace, finally, Howie.
Thomas
Hi. I’m in the picture above. Drummer Sandy Sledge on the left. I love this pic. I loved Howie. We all did.
If he had it his way, and our way, and Sandy Pearlman’s way, the raw, radio- friendly metal world would have exploded with the force that was our band Rude Girl.
What Howie had the nose for was spotting the changes necessary to evolve humanity.
Who doesn’t love that?
I’d say music got robbed of the chance to do that back then. Howie and Rude Girl were set to obliterate the gender issue in rock/metal. And then some.
Howie was a game changer. I was lucky to know him for that magic time.
Hi Guys I haven't been here in two years so i wanted to log on and share my thoughts on Howie's heartbreaking passing i read the news on Nomiki Konst's X post about him losing his fight with cancer and i was devastated he was a heartwarming welcoming person who made you feel at home with his blog not only was he a true hardcore progressive but he was an amazing music executive he was one of a few and rare executives who really cared about music and talked about the flaws on the broken copyright system he also spoke out about corruption which he was spot on you was an amazing human being Howie thank you for your kindness…
RIP Howie,
You made a difference and I cannot begin to express my gratitude for your efforts, insights and your dedication.
To your family/friends/colleagues, my sincere condolences.
kfl
There’s been a mega-ton of bad news this year. We definitely need to add this. Another warrior gone.
Progressivism has lost a prince. RIP Howie! I'm forever grateful for your work and your leadership at Reprise!