Longtime BOLT THROWER drummer Martin “Kiddie” Kearns passed away this past Monday, September 14, 2015.  While his passing was sudden, he did not suffer.  Here is the band’s official statement:

“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”

Much respect goes out to Martin Kearns.  Here’s footage of the band performing this year in London.