[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1417619323' post='2622305']
No contact from Howard since 26th May 2014, despite being out and gigging actively.
[/quote]
I think we need to be careful with that one. To be fair, the Stax Brothers (Howard's band) have never been what you might call regular performers. Playing the odd gig because you feel commited to a band and don't want to let them down (yes, I am aware of the irony in that statement!) is not quite the same as being out three nights a week with a big-paying function band.
The socialising thing seems to be mostly anecdotal and based on posts on Facebook.
The whole thing has me feeling deeply uncomfortable and while I sympathise with those members who are owed money and/or services, the lack of communication with Howard means that none of us know what kind of a place he is in currently.
Still, a couple of PMs or posts from him and a lot of this speculation would go away.