Manny Martinez Obituary-Death; Early Misfits Drummer, Dies At 69.

May 2024 · 2 minute read

The Misfits’ original drummer, Manny Martinez, passed away at the age of 69.

Martinez was the first or second drummer for the Misfits, depending on how the Misfits timeline is interpreted. He formed a lineup with legendary musicians Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only. Martinez, however, was unquestionably the first drummer to feature on a band album and was actually responsible for introducing Only and Danzig to one another.

Zach Rector, a friend of Martinez, announced the drummer’s passing on Facebook:

“Going to miss you Brother Manny Martinez / A true living legend a student of Buddy Rich I remember Manny telling me Multiple occasions of Buddy bringing up his chops while coming up, & his stories of his family’s notorious bar …An Original Misfits period. All around stand up guy, talking always about working and the progress on my house I’d call him up & talk alot about carpentry issues & how I should figure out the reconfiguration of my upstairs of this old house of mine that was built in 1872…more than just a musician, artist & carpenter…he was my friend, Rest easy Manny”.

Martinez’s only credits with the Misfits are on the 1977 release of the B-side “She” and the first song “Cough/Cool,” which were also featured on the 1996 collection of the same name. Later that year, he would perform live a few more times with the band before calling it quits.

We are sending our sympathies to the friends and family of Manny Martinez during this sad time. You may listen to Martinez’s two recordings from their debut 7-inch single with the Misfits below.

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