From: paul
Who is in: doncaster
Has this memory of Martin to share: you were just "2 legs of the greatest goove machine ever" thnx for all the top tunes that the stuffies hammered out, miss you & the bass thing.......keep on drumming gilksy where ever u r.
From: rad
Who is in: london
Has this memory of Martin to share: still think of my mate a lot - and still miss him being around. surprises me sometimes the things that can trigger a memory completely out of the blue and then all of sudden, bang. and you're off..
2 years on - RIP
rad
From: the darren
Who is in: london
Has this memory of Martin to share: martin, just want you to know i'm thinking of you.
put simply, i miss you. x
p.s. you weren't there to take the piss after our 'eyes without a face' encore, so i did it myself when i got home. like to think i did you proud!
From: Finn Wightman
Who is in: Wolves
Has this memory of Martin to share: Two years seems like nothing and forever.
Today, like many other days, your music will be playing in our house,no doubt something will set off a memory of past good times. It's hard to believe you are gone, when you are still so here.
Remembered, always.
Our thoughts are with you all, I'll be in touch Eileen.
Finn, Dave, Georgia, David and Alex xxx
From: Orange Man
Who is in: Chelmsford
Has this memory of Martin to share: Been thinking about Martin today. I'm stuck in Aberdeen on a training course, but simple thoughts please the mind.
The memory remains.
From: David Keith
Who is in: Scotland
Has this memory of Martin to share: Finding out a piece of news 2 years after it happened is bad enough... To find out from someone who kept in touch with everything during a drunken chat at a Miles and Erica gig in Guildford makes me feel even worse... only tribute I can honestly give is thank you so much for Grotesque.. One of the finest pieces of drumming EVER!... and for making the Barras bounce like a bastard.
From: Paul Moseley
Who is in: Staffordshire, West Midlands
Has this memory of Martin to share: The Stuffies were the music to my growing up, Martin gave the rhythm to that march.
Rest is Peace.
From: Alshy
Who is in: Glasgow
Has this memory of Martin to share: I only just found out about this. I was a big Stuffies fan back in the day. How very sad.
From: clairebidgood
Who is in: cardiff
Has this memory of Martin to share: Been looking at this site for 18 months now. never new what to say, but I have some wonderful photos of Martin drumming & a special one of me & him. First met him when I was 14 outside Newport Centre. He told me to 'fuck off, i haven't got a pen!' obviously charming! 6 years later, I held it against him. what a man!x
From: neil
Who is in: huntingdon
Has this memory of Martin to share: I watched my 'welcome to the cheap seats' video yesterday for the first time in about 10 years. saw martin on their holding his baby son, he comes across as a really nice, down to earth bloke, feel terribly sad for his family and friends. I lost my brother-in-law in a bike accident 5 years ago. i know this is a belated message, but my thoughts are always with families who lose a loved one in such shocking circumstances.
From: Nighean
Who is in: London
Has this memory of Martin to share: Just found out this terrible news. As seems to be the case with so many of the memories shared, the Stuffies were the soundtrack to my late teens and I was fortunate to catch 3 or 4 of their gigs. Just superb.
Gilksy - Good night and God bless.
From: andy smudge
Who is in: burton on trent england
Has this memory of Martin to share: I spent most of my youth following the stuffies, good times bad times, but through it all i laughed out loud.I met martin once in a bar and he was one of the nicest down to earth people i have ever met
I even lost a job through going to see them for the third night at brixton !!!
rest in peace you are sadly missed
smudge
From: Rod Downs
Who is in: Bristol
Has this memory of Martin to share: Lifted my finger of the music pulse for a while and when I returned I was devastated to learn of Gilky's passing. A great drummer and a great band.
From: Rod Downs
Who is in: Bristil
Has this memory of Martin to share: A massive fan
From: Mark
Who is in: Christchurch, Dorset
Has this memory of Martin to share: I only recently heard this sad news. Rest in peace Martin. You were a major influence on me and my drumming. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
M
From: Naomi Kuritzky Regan
Who is in: Bellevue, Washington, USA
Has this memory of Martin to share: It has been so long but I will never forget. Had a dream about you not too long ago. Well, it was a Wonder Stuff gig (1995 line-up) and it was actually happening in the dream and I was there but I knew you were really gone (even though you were playing) and I cried.
Every once in a while I stop when I remember you're gone and it just strikes me almost anew.
RIP
From: Simon Read
Who is in: Edinburgh
Has this memory of Martin to share: I've just discovered The Wonder Stuff through a friend and the music and sense of fun has helped get me through lifes ups and downs.
Thank you Martin and may you rest in peace.
From: Darren
Who is in: Sthelens
Has this memory of Martin to share: A massive part of a truly massive band that has saw me through a lot of years. heavan has one hell of a musician to add to its collection. God bless the F***ing lot of us
From: Roy
Who is in: Belfast
Has this memory of Martin to share: RIP Gilksy. I met you once in 1992 at the 'Trip 2 Tipp' in Tipperary. I was honoured to shake hands with a real life hero. The Stuffies made and still make my world a better and more interesting place to be in. Hope you and the Bass Thing dont give 'The Big Disco King' up there too much bother.
From: John Rowell
Who is in: Sunderland
Has this memory of Martin to share: The Wonder Stuff were my first real musical love and soundtracked my mid to late teens - the best years of my life. Hearing this desperately tragic news saddens me greatly but then I think back to those great years and in particular that incredible summer's day at the Bescott Stadium in Walsall. Gilksy, I know you Rob will be making a racket somewhere in your Piece of Sky.
From: Vic
Who is in: Stafford
Has this memory of Martin to share: Rest in peace, Martin. Your music made my teenage years so much more bearable and I have a lot of happy memories from back in the day.
Much love to your family and friends x x
From: melissa
Who is in: newcastle - australia
Has this memory of Martin to share: 12 months already.
When i heard i cried for the loss of such a sweet and funny soul.
Missed by many and loved by all.
From: Dave Cullen
Who is in: Cherokee, Oklahoma, USA
Has this memory of Martin to share: Chaos theory asserts that, given the right circumstances, the wing of a butterfly in Brazil can cause a hurricane in the North Atlantic. Martin was certainly no butterfly, but the force of his life was as powerful, though not as violent, as a hurricane; and as far reaching. The man, the son, the father, the brother, the friend, the ultimate showman; all the things he was still resonate across the world, carrying always his music with a thousand codas. How fitting a legacy that no one alive today will still be living when his influence ultimately becomes one with the music of the spheres.
From: deano
Who is in: oldbury
Has this memory of Martin to share: Hard to take in the shock news. Thanks for all the great memories and years that i'll never forget.
To tank and family forever in our thoughts.
God Bless
From: sonia
Who is in: staithes
Has this memory of Martin to share: Only heard recently but since then thought about family a lot, specially my teenage amigo Tank. Know how close Chris and Martin were, tragic loss.....
From: Kevin Freeman
Who is in: Tamworth, Staffs
Has this memory of Martin to share: Time has gone so fast, much has changed, but we will never forget.
"God Bless The F**kin' Lot Of Us"
From: Dave Dawson
Who is in: London
Has this memory of Martin to share: I still stand in awe whenever I listen to those first few TWS albums. No-one else could of made it sound so natural.
Rest in peace fella.
From: Tracy B
Who is in: Leek, Staffordshire
Has this memory of Martin to share: Another year on. Never forgotten. xx
From: Finn Wightman
Who is in: Wolves
Has this memory of Martin to share: Thinking of all Martin's loved ones today. A year has passed and it still seems hard to believe that you have gone. With love and very fond memories of happy times,
Finn, Dave and family xxx
"He who has gone,
so we but cherish his memory, He abides with us, more potent,
nay, more present than the living man."
~ Antoine de Saint-ExupÈry ~
From: M&M
Who is in: Cornwall
Has this memory of Martin to share: XX
From: Leah Selvidge
Who is in: Austin, Texas
Has this memory of Martin to share: You're in my thoughts on this anniversary. May your loved ones be comforted by the thoughts of those who loved you.
xxxooo - Leah
From: Russ
Who is in: Shropshire, England
Has this memory of Martin to share: I'll be out and about tonight and will be raising a glass to one of far too many "absent friends".
"Go Easy...Step light-ly...Stay Free"
From: Allan
Who is in: Stourbridge, West Midlands
Has this memory of Martin to share: Its almost hard to believe that a year has gone by so quickly.
You'll never be forgotten and I'll always remember the times I was lucky enough to say you were a friend.
Thank you for everything Martin. Hopefully we'll get to catch up one day and I'll be able to get you that beer.
To Tank and family - My thoughts are with you at this time and hope each day gets a little easier.
From: Helen Darracott
Who is in: Hertford & Wolverhampton
Has this memory of Martin to share: One year on - never forgotten!
Will raise a glass to you tonight - go bless you Gilksy.
Helen
From: cass
Who is in: Rugeley, Staffs
Has this memory of Martin to share: Gone but not forgotten....Finally found out the place by the sea with the little hut and the boat...Dungeness!!!
Think about you every single day.
You're very sorely missed Mr Gilks
God Bless
x
From: Phil Parrott
Who is in: Chelmsford, Essex
Has this memory of Martin to share: I cannot believe it's almost a year since Martin left, and I keep expecting to see him whenever I go to gigs. It's been a strange not seeing him around, or getting sarcastic replies to emails. I've missed that. A lot has changed for me too now. I'm married to a girl from Tennessee, will soon be moving out to the USA and I have a child on the way too. I'll make sure to let them know about my friend Martin Gilks, and all that he did for me to help make my dreams come true as a young music fan.
I miss you mate.
Phil x
From: nick
Who is in: johannesburg, south africa
Has this memory of Martin to share: spent 5 years in hull, yorkshire blastinf the stuffies thru my stereo everyday. The memories will never fade. even to this day, 1 of the best drummers I've ever seen
From: Mole
Who is in: Staffordshire
Has this memory of Martin to share: Often think about you ...often talk about you....x
From: Naomi Kuritzky Regan
Who is in: Bellevue, Washington, USA
Has this memory of Martin to share: it's been almost a year. still painful. always will be. we miss and love you, Martin.
From: Rob Stokes (Room 512)
Who is in: Calne, England
Has this memory of Martin to share: Can I post a personal thank you to everyone who has bought copies of the WKWYL album or items from Ange Dolittle's T-shirt auction back in December 06'.
We have now topped the £2000 mark in donations for CARE and will be sending a cheque to them shortly.
Everyone's contribution is very much appreciated by all concerned.
Thank you.
Rob
From: David Sinclair
Who is in: Rotherham
Has this memory of Martin to share: I never like to search the Internet and find out bad news like this. During my college years, 1987 to 1992, the Indie scene was the music of choice. Without this music from the Stuffies, Mission et al. I don't think I could have got through the workload.
RIP Martin, you will be remembered forever.
From: Dave Foy
Who is in: Hull
Has this memory of Martin to share: The Stuffies were such an enormous part of my life, with Gilksy contributing to the band far more than the sum of its parts. A complete inspiration - I'm gutted to hear the news, 9 months after his death. A sad, sad loss. God bless Martin, and every f*ckin one of us.
Rest in peace.
From: ange robinson
Who is in: redditch, worcestershire
Has this memory of Martin to share: I'm so sorry to hear such sad news.
I was a huge mighty lemon drops fan from the age of about 14, and gradually became obsessed with the wonderstuff when I was 15. Martin, and the bass thing and miles signed a wonderstuff record sleeve for my 16th birthday, at a gig in december 1989.
It absolutely was the best birthday present ever.
I still have it framed on my wall!
I met martin a few years ago, at a wonderstuff reunion gig, and martin was so friendly. It makes a huge difference when you meet a hero, and they're really nice to you.
Very sadly missed.
My sincere wishes to family and friends.
From: Paul Horgan
Who is in: Cork Ireland
Has this memory of Martin to share: Just wanted to say how sorry i am to hear about martins death, to me the stuffies will never be the same.I still laugh when i watch the bit in the film welcome to the cheap seats when he tells miles to get off the f***** car..
God bless..
From: Greig
Who is in: Motherwell
Has this memory of Martin to share: So sad to hear this news.
October 14 1989, Glasgow Barrowlands, as a 17 year old lad this was my first proper gig. It kick started a life-long love of live music which lasts to this day. The positive effect that Martin and his band had on so many people's lives can never be fully appreciated.
I'm raising a glass to the memory of the Groove Controller, rest in peace Martin.
From: Natalie Boitz
Who is in: Dundee
Has this memory of Martin to share: The Wonder Stuff were, and always will be, one of my favourite groups. They were the first band I ever saw live at the age of 17 in 1991 and I will never forget it. I spent most of the gig watching in awe as Martin played. I was privileged enough to meet him a couple of times, the last time being at Dudley JBs in 2002. My friend and I were a bit embarassed when some guy we didn't even know tapped Martin on the back and asked if he would have his photo taken with us. This didn't seem to bother Martin at all and he put his arms round both of us and posed for the camera. I now have a treasured photo of me squished under his armpit and looking very happy!
Still can't believe he's gone and it still upsets me to think about it. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
RIP Gilksy
From: Eileen & Ken Gilks
Who is in: Shropshire.
Has this memory of Martin to share: Martin's Mum and Dad send our love and good wishes this Christmas to all of you who have posted messages on this site. They have helped us far more than you dear people will ever know. Thank you SO much. When we can manage it we shall print them off and make them into a book for Martin's son and daughter.
From: shaun higgins
Who is in: doncaster
Has this memory of Martin to share: Well, its 23/12/06 and i've been listening to Circlesquare all the way home. I can play a bit now, but I can't play like that! An amazing galloping run through as usual from the groove controller.
Just wanted to say how sorry I am for Martin's family at this time, and that my thoughts are with them.
RIP Gilksy, a thoroughly nice guy cruely taken from us. Maybe time will heal but it doesn't seem that way right now.
Sx
From: griz
Who is in: telford
Has this memory of Martin to share: whats there left to say, the wonderstuff soundtracked a huge part of my life. gilksey was the back bone of the band. i only met him twice but he seemed to live and play with a smile on his face. ten trenches deep will never be the same.
forever missed but never forgotten
RIP
From: Bill Caddick
Who is in: sedgley west midlands
Has this memory of Martin to share: I remember Martin from his early days as an apprentice draughtsman at Fordham Plastics, a great lad, he could never win at darts during our lunch breaks, but he didn't forget his work mates after he became famous, he would regulary send us a letter and the occasional photo.
RIP Martin.
April 03, 2007.
Today, we’re far removed from the I.C.U. ward in Tooting.
We’re heading up a mountain in Southern Spain, the mountain behind Shaun’s house, to scatter Martin’s ashes so that his journey can be completed.
Thank you for returning to this site, for sharing you thoughts,
encounters, love. Thank you for the thousands raised in donations for C.A.R.E. Ironbridge,
all of which went toward their Ruby Appeal making dreams come true – an ongoing series of events.
PROCEEDS OF THE "IT'S NICE TO BE NICE" ALBUM TO BE DONATED IN MARTIN'S MEMORY.
Click here to buy a CD collection of demo and live recordings of Martin's band "WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE".
All proceeds from the sale of this CD album will be donated to CARE's "Make a Dream Come True Appeal".
* Thanks to all of you who have submitted photos. Keep 'em coming and we'll add them to the gallery below. *
News Items:
>
BBC.co.uk
> NME.com
Obituaries:
> The Independent
> The Times
In lieu of flowers, Martin's family would like any donations to go to CARE's "Make a Dream Come True Appeal".
* Click here to make a donation in Martin's name *
In the online form please ensure that you add "Martin Gilks" in the "Message" box and if you tick the "Gift Aid" box, CARE can claim an additional 28% from the Inland Revenue at no extra cost to you.
Ken and Eileen would like to thank everyone who has subscribed to the CARE "Make a Dream Come True Appeal" in Martin's name. The response has been wonderful. This morning (27.04.2006) we were told the donations stand at £2,020.00. Martin's handicapped brother will be among those residents at CARE, Ironbridge who will benefit from your generosity.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. xxx
If you've got a favourite photo of Martin that you'd like to share, please do. JPEGs only, maximum filesize 200 Kb. If you have trouble uploading, try resizing your photo to something smaller.
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