It looks like it could be the end for the influential Death Metal band. 

Previously the Bolt Thrower drummer and legendary instrumentalist Martin “Kiddie” Kearns passed away. Wanting to keep the man’s death away from the public eye the band wanted to keep the matter private. Announcing via their Facebook it could be construed that the band have broken up. Stating that the position of drummer has also been buried with Kiddie I doubt that a band the likes of Bolt Thrower will continue. Particularly seeing as their live appearance was sporadic to say the least. Either way whatever happens we have to ensure that we honour Kiddie’s memory and bang some Bolt Thrower. 

On behalf of ourselves and Kiddie’s family, we would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and support over the last 12 months. Together with Kiddie’s family we made the conscious decision to keep his unexpected death a private matter, and to take time out to deal with it all.

When Kiddie joined us back in 1994, although he was only 17, he instantly improved Bolt Thrower as a live band, and no one was more loyal to, and prouder to be in Bolt Thrower than him.

We spent over 20 years together, touring the world, with 3 different vocalists, but he was so much more than just a drummer to us. So when we carried his coffin to his final resting place, the Bolt Thrower drummer position was buried with him. He was, and will now forever remain THE Bolt Thrower drummer, our Powerhouse and friend Martin “Kiddie” Kearns.

As for the rest of us, Bolt Thrower has been our way of life for 30 years, never driven by money, fame or ego, but by our own personal principles and values that have guided us through life, and which bonded us as friends long before Bolt Thrower was even formed…

“We are not now that strength which in old days

moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

– Tennyson – 1833