Nicky Martyn

RIP June 2020

 I am sorry to tell you that drummer and comedian, Nicky Martyn, has passed away.   He was Nicky Holcroft in the Zenith Six before the death in the early 60’s of manager, Dave Currie, when the band split as some wanted to go professional and the other half weren’t prepared to go that way.  Earlier Nicky played with the Eric Pepp Band in Warrington and both bands met when they filmed a “dry run” at Granada, but unfortunately it didn’t make it to be a regular programme.  Nicky became a hugely successful comedian working constantly on top cruise ships.    Mart was his best man at his marriage.   We were on holiday in Australia one time when we suddenly met Nicky and Edwina unexpectedly as they had a few days in Sydney after working on a cruise from San Francisco to meet up there with the P & O World Cruise. When he retired a few years ago he joined Fred’s Jazznorthwest dep page of drummers and played with Mart’s band on occasion.  He also made an advert for Ludwig drums in the States and his fee was a top-of-the range Ludwig kit!

Janet Rodger