My Best Friend Was a Rock Star, Now he's Dead. After 2 decades as bass player for iconic rock band Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Howie Epstein took his role as Heartbreaker a little too far; he passed away February 23, 2003. His drug addiction would get him arrested and eventually lose him his job with the Heartbreakers. But there was far more to this man than the dash between his dates of birth and death. He will be remembered by most as an incredibly talented musician, singer and producer who succumbed to addiction. He will be remembered by many as a gentle soul, a lover of animals, a practical joker, a storyteller, a reliable friend who was there when needed - for as long as he could be. Through conversations and memories, these pages include stories Howie told and events that occurred, the author did not corroborate anything Howie said. No holds barred, no sugar-coating, the author is furious with him for being dead and makes that abundantly clear. But, you can't stay mad at a ghost forever. Grief, redemption, acceptance and closure are but a few things achieved...mercifully.