UPDATED
Brian Howe, former front man for Bad Company, will be appearing at the Claiborne Animal Shelter Saturday for a brief benefit.
As one of rock’s legendary voices, Howe exploded onto the scene when he partnered up as lead vocalist with multi-platinum artist Ted Nugent for the 1983 album, Penetrator. According to Howe’s website, as the front man of Nugent’s live show, the album’s tour took Howe around the globe – his first opportunity to share his killer rock vocals internationally, and it wouldn’t be long before the world would take notice of Howe’s ascension to super-stardom with his next venture – Bad Company. He was the front man for the band from 1986-1994.
Now, when not on the road, the rocker is said to sometimes prefer his time with furry and feathered companions. A 2014 article on patch.com stated that Howe had 27 birds and eight rescue dogs all living in his Fort Myers Beach, Florida, home. He even released a holiday single, “Christmas,” to benefit the Beagle Freedom Project in 2014.
Howe is scheduled to be at the shelter around 12:30 p.m., according to Liza Martz, executive director for the shelter. He will sign autographed photos for $10 per autograph and will donate all the money to the shelter, she added.
“He is a big animal supporter and quite a well-known person with a platinum album under his belt,” Martz said. “We are totally excited he has chosen to help us!”
The shelter operates entirely on donations, so Martz and shelter volunteers are hoping for a big turnout.
While you’re at the shelter, take a look at the animals that are available for adoption. The shelter currently has a special price for cat adoptions — a two-for-one special. The adoption fee is $50 for two cats or kittens. The fee includes up-to-date shots, deworming, flea/tick medication and the cat or kitten will be spayed or neutered.
Howe is coming to the area as the headliner for Smoke in the Valley, a two-day festival taking place this weekend at Frazier Farms, located at 2307 Upper Caney Valley Road in Tazewell. Howe will be closing the festival on Saturday night.
The shelter has two tickets to the Saturday night concert to giveaway during the event on Saturday, so the winners will get to see Howe perform.
According to its website, Smoke in the Valley’s Friday lineup will include Blackfoot, Black Oak Arkansas, Preacher Stone and Tennessee Iron. The Saturday lineup will include Brian Howe, Confederate Railroad, Michael McMeel (formerly of Three Dog Night), Zed Head and Cassidy.
Some information for this article from patch.com and brianhowe.com. Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.
