A Tribute to Howard Sparnenn 1953-2008

Firstly and most importantly Howard was a devoted husband to Jeanette and father to Livvy and Rebecca. You could tell from the way he spoke about them. But his fourth love was music - in particular live music, which he would talk about with a passion. He played drums in various bands from the seventies onwards and filled in for Breathing Space at two memorable shows after Andy Jennings left the band.

Howard was a big influence on Breathing Space's vocalist, Livvy, indeed it would have been hard to avoid his musical tastes and views on the music scene! Latterly, as Livvy moved into the spotlight with Breathing Space he was both a massive supporter and a proud, ardent admirer of her singing talent. Although he may never have said it publicly, you could almost feel him saying "that's my daughter, that is. Isn't she great?". As Jeanette has said, he will be at every Breathing Space gig from now on, watching and supporting from beyond the blue horizon.

However, Howard will be remembered by all those that knew him for the way he brought them into his world. He had a warmth and generosity that few could match. To quote the words of a song, "You got it right mate, so right".

Below are some of thoughts of other musicians and fans - our tribute to Howard Sparnenn.

I first came across Howard when I was lining up an audition for BS. Mark told me to come and see them play in York. When I walked into the venue, the first thing I saw was this fantastic drum kit. Seeing the quality of the kit made me think that this drummer must be good! and I wasn't wrong, it was Howard standing in until they got a permanent drummer. At a later date I found out he was Livvy's Dad. I felt that I wanted to impress him as well as BS. Anyway I was lucky enough to get the job. The first gig I did I was very nervous, not just because it was the first one, but also because I knew that Howard would be watching! Anyway the gig went well for me, and the first person to come up to me with an arm around my shoulder was Howard, congratulating me, and giving me loads of encouragement. That was the kind of guy he was. I really only saw Howard when we were playing, but became quite good friends (always talking shop!). But to sum Howard up he always looked out for Livvy and the band's well being. Always up beat, always positive, would talk to everyone and anyone at gigs, and just an all round good guy. I myself as well as many others will really miss having him around, I will not forget him. Barry Cassells.

The first time I really met Howard was at the Selby gig where Breathing Space were playing. At the time I didn't know the band or the fans particularly well, but Howard and Jeanette made me feel welcome to sit with them. Almost immediately Howard said "I'm off to the supermarket to get some drinks", came back with dozens of bottles and cans and was offering them to all the Breathing Space fans. He often talked about the bands he'd seen, and (usually) liked, and I found we'd had quite a few similar tastes in lesser known bands from the 70s. He was always positive - even when he was being critical. At one gig the support act didn't hang around to watch Breathing Space - and they weren't especially good. Howard was quite angry that they hadn't taken the time to talk to Livvy to find out what they could learn from her. He said Livvy would always seek advice from people who had experience and was annoyed that they hadn't tried to find ways to improve themselves too. I wish I had met Howard many years earlier - he was the sort of person I would have wanted as a best friend. Even after one year I miss him. Trevor Cotterell

I first met Howard not even knowing he was Livvy's Dad at our debut gig at York Uni. He was one of the first to come over after we'd finished and said 'that was bloody good'! It doesn't take much to lift a persons spirit, and he did it readily, naturally and often. He struck me as the sort of guy that, well... you just feel better for being around. My enduring memory will be of Howard stepping in to fill the drummers role after only a handful of rehearsals and at 24 hours notice for a CRS gig in Sheffield. Despite so few rehearsals I've never felt more confident getting on stage knowing that he was going to nail it. He made me laugh when we were going to play Belief, a song everyone will know is dedicated to Liv's parents and that he must have heard a zillion times only for him to say - 'how does it go again'? Those moments never leave you, and I do, and will, miss him enormously. Mark Rowen

A brilliant chap and devoted Dad to Livvy. He always had time for a chat to many a Fan of Breathing Space and Mostly Autumn, myself included, times I personally will always remember and being witness to the 2 times he stood in on drums for Breathing Space at the Sheffield Boardwalk and the Roman Bath in York, moments to treasure of a lovely man. Jeanette, Livvy, and Becky you are in my thoughts. Paul Hodgson

We first met Howard, probably, at the Blakey Ridge Festival in October 2005. We warmed to him immediately. He was a very friendly bloke, who loved meeting people and having a laugh with them. He was hugely supportive of Livvy's singing career, and as we have followed Breathing Space since their first gig, we soon became friends with Howard and Jeanette. Always happy to see us and have a chat; I've seldom met such lovely people as the Sparnenns. We miss Howard terribly, and his passing has saddened us greatly. I hope he knew how much people thought of him. I often picture him wearing his overcoat, which I used to tell him made him look like a bouncer! Colin and Helen Davies

I will always remember Howard with fondness, and a smile comes to my face when his name is mentioned. This is purely down to the way he was with me. What you saw with Howard was what you got! I first Met Howard at Bryans party In York, pre-Breathing Space, and it was Bryan that said "Have you met Howard?" I remember several occasions of firing one of my very sarcastic comments at Jeanette, who always went straight to Howard ,who in turn used to cast his eye to me and give me that very cheeky grin of his! This is how I saw, see and will always remember Howard. I took one look at the Iron cladded Moustache that Howard had grown, and enquired as to how many porn films he had made. His reply was " None as far as I can remember" Jeanette and Howard both fell about laughing, and that broke the ice for us and we were always able to pick up from where we left off, when ever we met. I believe that Howard will be able to look down and see his Family and friends. God Bless Howard... WE do Miss you in person. Peter Kenyon

"Three diamonds shine so bright in his eyes"

Copyright Trevor Cotterell and Breathing Space, 2008. Content may not be copied or downloaded without permission.