Martin has devoted himself since his childhood to becoming an expert at drums. Starting with his father, a Welsh Guards Drummer to Over 30 years on stage giving him a recognised title of a Professional Masterclass Drummer!
Martin is well known throughout the music industry as he has been a professional drummer since he was fifteen years old when he had his "first break" with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra [NYJO]. He left school to work the West End at only 17 years of age doing shows such as Cats, Evita, Me & My Girl, Chess and The Rocky Horror Show. Not wanting to stay 'in the pit', he furthered his career by doing summer seasons, winter pantomines and merchant ships.
Therefore, by the age of 20 he had made a name for himself as a young talented artist. He had already toured world-wide and had recordings with:
ITV ... RCA ... BBC ... and EMI.
Ben E. King (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) on Martin's kit at a The Drifter's soundcheck 1985
He is best known for the work he did with the original Drifters, Johnny Moore and Ben E. King, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Stars as he was with them for many years.
To name a few others:
Tommy Cooper
- Joe Longthorne
- David Soul
- Michael Barrymore
- Cilla Black
- Andy Ross
- Paul Melba
- Wilma Reading
- The Platters
- Iris Williams
- Gary Wilmot
- Dickie Henderson
- The Times (Miss Grace]
- Dana
- Ronnie Corbett
- Les Reed [composer of It's not Unusual, Deliah, etc.]
- Jim Davidson
- Bob Monkhouse
- Roy Jay
- Mike Yarward
- Lulu
- Davy Jones (The Monkees)
- Salena Jones
- Bobby Davro
- Larry Adler
- Jasper Carrott
- Bert Weedon
- and backed so many more (not as a support act, but as their drummer see page "work with the famous")
In the past, when performances reached as many as 287 concerts in only one calendar year, Martin had endorsment contracts with:
Zildjian Cymbals
Pearl Drums
Simmons Electronics
Sonor Drums
Premier Drums
Alligator Amplification
Standsafe Music Accessories
Gibralter Hardware
Le Blonde Cases
He has been a long standing member of the Musicians Union, and is listed with some of the most prestigous organizations such as The International Who's Who in Popular Music and Pinewood Studios White Book either as an accomplished musician and/or professional drumteacher. Truly a Master.
Martin has had many articles and interviews recorded, live and printed about him and his career with the following:
BBC
Rhythm Magazine
Musician's Teacher
Beds on Sunday News
The Citizen
ITV
Luton Herald Dunstable Post
Watford Observer
2004 January QA Music Magazine
and other newpapers around the world
©stix school 2004 [revised 2009]