This was a real shock. I didn't know he had been ill. For those that don't know, here is a bit of a potted history - I'm sure others will fill in the gaps. I first met Martin in around 1968 when visiting the Village Pump Folk Club in Coventry, when he was an occasional member of the Magic Rantabout Band. I moved to Cov in 1970 by which time he was with Dando Shaft along with Kev Dempsey, Dave Cooper, Ted Kay, Roger Bullen and Polly Bolton. A band which achieved legendary status but never the commercial success they undoubtedly deserved. In the early 70s he joined up with what was probably the best line-up of Hedgehog Pie. After that came some years of touring with Bert Jansch and a bit of solo work, as well as the local Cov Band Quiet Riot. Then in 1983 he teamed up with Dave Swarbrick, Kevin Dempsey and Chris Leslie to form the mighty Whippersnapper. They toured well into the 90s. Martin then met the great Kalinka Vulcheva when touring in Bulgaria, and they later went on to marry. After some years living in Coventry, they eventually moved back to Bulgaria where he has been living ever since. Great days, great music and some wonderful memories. Mart was a truly innovative musician and, I know everybody always says it, but he really will be sorely missed. He leaves a legacy of some wonderful music in all those bands. I am sure thoughts go out to the other Dandos as well as Kalinka, Ray, Becky and the rest of the family.
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