15 Reasons Why Liverpool Loves Herbert

Liverpool is a little less sparkly today as the city mourns the loss of it’s most flambouyant son, Herbert Howe. Most people only know him as Herbert of Liverpool or Mr Bling, as his passion for all things wild and colourful were known all around town.

There has been an outpouring of wonderful memories and tributes since the news of Herbert passing, following a brave battle with cancer, and we’d like to pay tribute to the man himself too.

Here’s 15 Reason’s Why Liverpool Loves Herbert.

1 – Herbert was born with entreprenurial spirit and opened his first salon aged just 17! Following an inspirational trip to Paris as a teenager, Herbert returned to Liverpool full of innovative ideas, which he has used to pass on to others throughout his long career.

2 – His love for his mum, Queenie, knew no boundaries and he talked about her like the superstar she was. A former model and eternal muse of Herbert’s, Queenie taught him to aim high and work hard. You’ve got to love us hard working northerners!

3 – His unofficial surname became ‘Of Liverpool’ as his profile as a hairdresser, entrepreneur, fundraiser and tv personality grew. What more proof do you need that Herbert was loved as a scouse legend by the people of the city?

Photo Credit: Bond Media Agency

4 – After losing his beloved mum, Queenie, Herbert launched Queenie’s Christmas Charity which, since 2007 has raised thousands for less fortunate people across Merseyside.

5 – Herbert also used his standing in the community to further help others at Christmas, his mum’s favourite time of the year. He hosted a lunch for lots of lonely people during the Christmas period. If you’re not saying ‘awwwwwww’ right now you’re made of stone.

Pete Price with his friend Herbert

6 – Herbert was a trend setter. He only set up his own salon because being ahead of the game with changing styles, colours and technicques fascinated him, he was an innovator and an extremely talented hairdresser. Even when earning just £8 a week!

7 – Whether you were a Hollywood super star or a mum of five from Walton, you always got the very best service from Herbert. He just loved people and wanted everyone to feel a million dollars.

Photo Credit: Bond Media Agency

8 – Some of Herbert’s staff have been with him for 47 YEARS! We know some people who’ve had more jobs than that!! What an amazing boss he must have been to warrant that kind of commitment!

9 – He had his very own building, and we’re not talking another run of the mill office block, the address is officially ‘The Bling Bling Building, Hanover Street‘. Voted the best new building of 2007, this gold nugget stands proud as a testament to Herbert’s fabulous style.

10 – As if salons, clothes shops and nightclubs weren’t enough, Herbert also had tv shows!! In 2013 Channel five premiered Celebrity Super Spa and ITV filmed docu-soap, Shampoo based at his world famous Liverpool salon!

Photo Credit: Bond Media Agency

11 – He ran for Mayor of Liverpool! Seriously! His campaign was strong as local people knew he was a genuine, kind person who had the community at heart.

12 – Herbert brought us the most exclusive celebration bar the city has ever seen! Champu offered clients a range of champagne at £1,200 a pop, chauffeur limosine to local restaurants plus chocolate dipped strawb and fresh roses! Pure indulgence!

13 – He lived in an actual pink house! Herbert once looked up the meanings of colours and found pink to be the colour of unconditional love, which suited him down to the ground. The pink house was a sight to behold, from the bricks and mortar, to the soft furnishings and carpets!

Photo Credit: Bond Media Agency

14 – Herbert believed in giving back to the community in any which way possible! Apprenticeships were his way of inspiring generations to work hard and push the boundaries in the hair and beauty industry. His legacy will span lifetimes as our city leads the way in beauty trends.

15 – He was just a genuine, fun-loving person. From his fabulous style and love of bling, to the way he idolised his family and cared deeply about others.