RIP Howard Sparnenn
Howard Sparnenn, father of Livvy Sparnenn of Mostly Autumn and Breathing Space fame, passed away last Sunday.
A true larger-than-life character, his was a familiar face at a great many gigs by Breathing Space, Mostly Autumn and Odin Dragonfly.
I first met him at the Heart Full of Sky launch party in February last year. I got chatting to him outside the pub after the gig, and at first I didn’t realise he was the father of a member of the band. Since then I’ve met him at a great many gigs, and he always took the time to say hello.
As well as a devoted father, he was also an accomplished drummer. I only saw him play the once, at the Roman Baths in York, when he was filling in on drums for Breathing Space while they searched for a permanent drummer. He told me he thought it wasn’t fair on his daughter drumming for her band; having her dad on drums would cramp her style. He was still a very fine drummer.
Fantastic bloke, who left us well before his time. He will be missed.
“Wild West Heroes, they change the world, they make it shine. As you ride the ice, between the heavens, leave a trail for us” - Mostly Autumn, Tearing at the Faerytale.
