Bolt Thrower drummer Martin ‘Kiddie’ Kearns, RIP

photo: Bolt Thrower at MDF 2013 (more by Fred Pessaro)

Sad news in the metal community today: drummer Martin 'Kiddie' Kearns of long-running English death metal band Bolt Thrower passed away in his sleep at age 38. The band's statement (via Black Conjuration Fest) 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 upcoming tour of Australia, Kiddie suddenly felt unwell which continued throughout the night, and the next day he passed 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

So sad to hear. Black Conjuration Fest also reports that the band's upcoming Australian tour will be cancelled.

Rest in peace Martin. Watch a video of Bolt Thrower playing Vienna last year, below...

---