born:
July 21, 1955
died: February 23, 2003
Howie Epstein (47) was the former bass player for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He has also played with Bob Dylan and John Prine, for whom he produced the Grammy award winning album The Missing Years. He also worked with and dated Carlene Carter, the daughter of June Carter and Johnny Cash.
He died Sunday in Santa Fe from what authorities suspect was a heroin overdose.
The last time Epstein the Heartbreakers was in March 2002 when Petty was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was fired from the band soon afterwards (presumably due to his drug use).
A statement on Petty´s web site said the following:
"We are deeply saddened at the news of Howie's passing. It's difficult to put into words how much we loved him and will miss him. The world has lost a great talent and a kind and gentle soul."
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