Martin Kearns

Martin Kearns

Background information
Also known as	Kiddie
Born	(1977-03-07)7 March 1977
Died	14 September 2015(2015-09-14) (aged 38)
Genres	Death metal
Instrument(s)	Drums
Years active	1994–2015
Labels	Metal Blade

Website	http://www.boltthrower.com

Musical artist

Martin Kearns (7 March 1977 – 14 September 2015) was an English drummer, specializing in death metal, known for his association with Bolt Thrower since 1994. He joined the band at age 17 after playing in several local bands in Coventry, playing anything from metal to reggae, having been playing pub gigs since the age of 14.

Bolt Thrower

Kearns subsequently left due to personal reasons in 1998, he returned to Bolt Thrower in 2000. Martin was the longest standing drummer for Bolt Thrower. He recorded drums on both the Honour-Valour-Pride album, and on Those Once Loyal, the latter of which has been met with widespread critical acclaim from magazines such as Rock Sound, Rock Hard and Metal Hammer.^{[citation needed]}

Death

Kearns died unexpectedly at the age of 38, on 14 September 2015.^[1] The band posted on Sputnikmusic that Kearns reported breathing troubles and lightheadedness during a practice session, and, after trying to relax with a shower and nap, was found to have died peacefully in his sleep.^[2] The following year, the remaining members of Bolt Thrower eventually decided to dissolve the band rather than replace Kearns, with frontman Karl Willetts stating, "I can confirm that Bolt Thrower are definitely over for good. There will be no reunion tours etc... no compromise."^[3]

Discography

Studio albums:

Honour – Valour – Pride (Metal Blade Records, 2001)
Those Once Loyal (Metal Blade Records, 2005)

References

^ "Bolt Thrower Tour Cancelled Due To Tragedy". metalobsession.net. 17 September 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
^ "RIP BOLT THROWER Drummer Martin "Kiddie" Kearns, Dead At Age 38".
^ "Bolt Thrower Officially Splits Up: 'There Will Be No Reunion Tours'". Blabbermouth.net. 16 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
^ "Bolt Thrower : Studio Reports". boltthrower.com. Archived from the original on 19 April 2006. Retrieved 30 June 2023.