HERBERT Howe, Liverpool’s very own King of Bling, has died at the age of 72.
One of the city’s most colourful characters, Herbert was hairdresser to the stars and the ordinary folk of the city.
He dallied with the idea of becoming elected mayor of Liverpool, but dropped out early in the race, and he entertained millions through his “spy on the wall” television series which focused on life in his salon.
He also raised tens of thousands of pounds for a charity set up in memory of his beloved mother, Queenie, who, until her death, worked at the salon alongside her larger-than-life son.
Herbert’s dreams of becoming a crimper started early and after a stint working as a grocer's errand boy in Derby Lane, Old Swan, he opened his own shop. He was still a teenager with just £100, but his attention to detail and his infectious personality helped him a grow the business into a training academy and a string of salons across the city.
From humble beginning he earned a fortune and lived a millionaire lifestyle, often being spotted in his pink, chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce. He opened Champu, his own champagne bar in Beetham Plaza, and in the 1970s owned the Hollywood discoteque in Duke Street.
Herbert packs supermarket bags for his late mum Queenie's charity in 2014In later years he was a regular guest on Linda McDermott’s late night show on Radio Merseyside, giving his own take on the happenings of the day.
In the last year his health had deteriorated and he revealed doctors had counted seven tumours on his brain. His death was announced via a statement from his salon in Hanover Street's award winning Bling Bling Building, which he also owned.
"It is with the saddest news our beautiful friend and boss 'Herbert of Liverpool' passed away peacefully early hours this morning with his brother and sister, Christine and Ian by his side," it read.
"He fought hard and strong for the past 18 months full of love and courage, together with the support of all his staff, close friends and family.
"We thank you all for your kind words of well wishes and support throughout this ordeal and Herbert always appreciated it deeply.
"A special thank you to all the staff at Marie Curie Woolton, who have been amazing these past few months looking after him. Herbert is in now back in the arms of his beautiful Mother and father Queenie & Frank."
From king of bling to the mayor who never was
It was in typical champagne style that Herbert, in 2012, announced his intention to run for the office of elected mayor of Liverpool. At a glitzy campaign launch at the Hilton, Liverpool One, he revealed plans to have aircraft flying over the skies of Liverpool and trailing banners proclaiming his pledges.
He said he would run as an independent candidate, adding: “Liverpool is the most important thing in my life. I may not have any experience of politics, but I have 50 years experience in business."
But it took just two days for him to gain all the political experience he needed and by the end of the week he had pulled out of the race, leaving a clear field for the then Labour council leader Joe Anderson.
"I'm frightened of the political system," he said. "Somebody said to me they will find skeletons in your cupboard".He added that he wouldn't like to be put into the horrendous position of "doing a job for others to destroy what he was trying to do".
Today Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson tweeted: “Sad to hear news of the death of Herbert of Liverpool great fundraiser and ambassador for City less glitter in Liverpool now he's gone RIP.”
