Martin arrived in Sheffield in 1976, as an art student with no particular interest to secure work. He became a founding member of The Leadmill, producing their promotional posters from 1980-92 including Pulp, . In fact he went on to supply the artwork for most of the bands, venues and promoters in the city. This expanded to Europe and the USA, where his artwork was sought after by the legendary punk poetess, Patti Smith. The early Leadmill days established him as an “house artist,” producing the shouty style posters, reminiscent of the USA B-movie film promotional material. He even set-up a silk screen printer to aid his art. He was even proficient with a camera, producing shots of The Damned, The Adverts, Roy Harper and Nils Lofgren.
His artwork has prompted quotes from legendary Sheffield musicians on his inspiration:
Richard Hawley who said ” When Martin did posters for The Leadmill, I would look for them on the walls of our city. I have loved this man and his work for many years.”
Pete McKee, renowned Sheffield artist was quoted as saying ” It was Martins Leadmill posters that inspired me to be an artist. I was very fortunate to have him as a tutor on my art foundation course.”
Martin then branched out to managing bands and promoting gigs, by founding the Honey Bee Blues Club in 2014, in venues like The Leadmill, Dorothy Pax, The Greystones and smaller pubs across the city. His legacy, Honey Bee Blues Club currently holds around 6-8 gigs a month around Sheffield. Bands such as Fargo Railroad Company, Ash Gray, 20ft Squid band and Banjo Jen owe a lot of their success to Martin and his tenacity in hosting gigs whatever the attendances.
His last event was to bring the young rock ‘n; roll band The Molotovs to The Clubhouse in October. I am sure the Honey Bees Blues Club collective will carry on his work and assist local bands in their quest for fame.
Martin will be sadly missed by the art, music and licenced trade community which he served so well.
Reference credit: http://www.martinfbedford.com
Kevin Thompson and Paul Crofts
