Martin Atkins

Born:
August 3rd, 1959. Nuneaton, England

PiL:
Drums & Percussion 1979/80 & 1982-85

Bio:
After a short succession of drummers Martin joined PiL September 1979 in order to finish off sessions for 'Metal Box' (he was their 6th drummer in 18 months!). His audition for the band is the studio recording of 'Bad Baby'.

Prior to PiL Atkins had only played in a couple of local covers band's in the North of England. Then on the London pub circuit with The Hots (along with future PiL bassist Pete Jones). Atkins twice previously tried to join PiL: “I tried to join when John first left the Pistols. I came down from Durham for the auditions, but I had to go back early and so I fluffed that one. I tried again when Richard Dudanski joined. Then when he left, I called Keith who said come along. It was just me pestering them really…"

Atkins is probably PiL's most well known drummer, and regarded by many as their best. He came and went 1979-82, before effectively becoming a full-time member up until he left in 1985. During his time in PiL Atkins played on 'Metal Box', 'Flowers of Romance', 'Commercial Zone' & 'This is What You Want...'. He also played live with the band 1979/1980 then toured 1983 and 1984/5, before finally leaving in June 1985. Atkins later claimed Lydon wrote 'FFF' directly about his departure: "Farewell my fairweather friend…"

Post PiL he set up his own Plaid Records to release Brian Brain records then decided to quit the music business and start a construction company in New York. However, he soon returned to music and 1987 saw him forming another new label Invisible Records which is still going today; releasing his own records along with a variety of industrial and experimental artists.

Prior to his first departure from PiL, in June 1980, Atkins formed his own band Brian Brain – again with bassist Pete Jones – which would continue in one form or another until 1987: releasing two albums and various singles.

Atkins has played in a variety of bands since the demise of Brian Brain including Killing Joke, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Revolting Cocks & Murder Inc. He also fronts his own eclectic industrial band Pigface; with an ever-changing line up.

In 1999/2000 he teamed up again with former PiL colleague Jah Wobble to form the short lived "supergroup"  The Damage Manual  along with long term collaborator Chris Connelly & Killing Joke's Geordie Walker. Spring 2002 saw him found Underground Inc, a network of independent record labels which runs in conjunction with Invisible.

He now lives in the USA concentrating on Pigface, producing, and Invisible / Underground Inc, and basically keeping busy...