Martin Kearns spent nearly two decades with the British death metal pioneers, first from 1994-1997 and once again from 2000 until his death.

The drummer is featured on Bolt Thrower's releases 'Honour–Valour–Pride' (2001) and 'Those Once Loyal' (2005).

Bolt Thrower, who were scheduled to play Black Conjuration Fest in Australia, posted the following message:

"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 the band's upcoming tour of Australia, Kiddie suddenly felt unwell which continued throughout the night, and the next day he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Bolt Thrower's statement continues:

"Martin 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."