Toowoomba sound engineer Howard Brooks remembered as legend of music scene

He was involved in some of Toowoomba’s biggest gigs, a stalwart of the scene for more than 15 years. Now tributes have flowed after the death of a passionate sound engineer.

VALE: Tributes have flowed for legendary Toowoomba sound engineer Howard Brooks, who died aged 54.

If you have been to a show in Toowoomba in the past 15 years, there’s a good chance you got to listen to the audio mastery of Howard Brooks.

The legendary sound engineer and musician was responsible for some of Toowoomba’s biggest shows, along with thousands of smaller gigs that made up the city’s music scene.

Mr Brooks, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 54, is being remembered by family and friends as a passionate and professional member of the industry, putting his heart and soul into every show.

Partner Davina Quinn described him as her soulmate who could always make her laugh and smile.

“I adored him, he was my best friend,” she said.

“We had similar personalities and senses of humour, we could joke about the same things.”

“He was my best friend and I just miss him.”

Behind the desk, Mr Brooks did sound for touring acts like Violent Soho, Gang of Youths, Josh Pyke, You Am I and Vera Blue.

Members of the Toowoomba music scene said he had a wealth of knowledge about live sound engineering, something he shared with everyone.

Legendary Toowoomba sound engineer Howard Brooks, pictured here doing a soundcheck for Josh Pyke, has died aged 54.

Colleague and fellow sound engineer Justin Myers described him as a good friend and his “right-hand man”.

“He bent over backwards to help the musos, sounds guys, stage crew, bar staff, everyone involved in the gig to do the best possible job,” he said.

“I miss him heaps.”

Audio technician and drummer Andrew Greaves said Mr Brooks would “give you the shirt off his back”.

“All the equipment I had came from him, and he let them pay him off on a weekly basis — that was worth thousands,” he said.

“It jump-started my career – if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.

“There were a lot of shows that wouldn’t have gone ahead without him, and many times he would’ve done it at a cost to himself.”

Former Spotted Cow publican Phil Coorey, who worked with Mr Brooks to bring national touring acts to town, said his professionalism showcased Toowoomba to the wider music industry.

“We wanted to put on killer shows for these big bands and we never looked like country amateurs thanks to him,” he said.

“I just felt that we were always in safe hands when doing a gig.”

A memorial was planned for earlier in the year, but was cancelled due to Covid-19.

A local ceremony will be organised at a future date.