This just starting to appear on the newsfeeds. The first announcement I can find is on Black Conjuration Fest’s facebook page.
Martin “Kiddie” Kearns has ed away unexpectedly at the age of 38. He died peacefully in his sleep – possibly the first thing he’s done in a peaceful manner in many years, given that he has provided much noisy joy for thousands of metal fans during his time with Bolt Thrower.
A statement from the band reads:
With the heaviest of hearts, and still numb from shock, we have to share the very sad news that on Monday 14th September Bolt Thrower lost our powerhouse drummer, Martin ‘Kiddie’ Kearns.
After the first rehearsal for our tour of Australia, Kiddie suddenly felt unwell which continued throughout the night, and the next day he ed away peacefully in his sleep.
He was a fantastic Dad, husband, son, friend, but to us he was always ‘Kiddie’, the same 17 year old Coventry kid whose drumming style and personality blew us away when he first walked into our rehearsal room 20+ years ago.
Kiddie enriched our lives, and the Bolt Thrower sound. He leaves a massive hole in the lives of everyone who knew him and will be very sorely missed by many.
Karl, Jo, Baz, Gav & the loyal BT crew
Obviously, all forthcoming dates have been cancelled. Thoughts are with Martin’s family and friends at this time from all of us here at Moshville Times. He will be ed in all the appropriate ways.
