Nekromantix Drummer Dies In Car Accident

01/16/09 3:40pm

by Jason MacNeil (CHARTattack)

Nekromantix drummer Andrew Martinez, also known as Mr. Pink and Andy DeMize, and another man died early on Sunday morning when a car they were passengers in left the highway, went over an embankment, crashed into a tree and caught fire outside of Fullerton, Calif.

The car's driver, Osvaldo Orozco, and passenger Louis Mendez escaped and fled the scene. They later called 911 from a nearby strawberry field and requested medical help. They were taken to hospital and were listed in critical condition. Orozco was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony hit-and-run.

"There is no words to describe the shock," Nekromantix singer/double bassist Kim Nekroman said in a blog post on the band's MySpace page. "Andrew was probably the most loveable guy I ever met and truely the only person I've met in my life that was loved and liked by everybody met.

"It's just typical Andrew to pull off this 'rockstar death' way too early. I have no idea how Newcastle Beer will be able to continue to stay in business and I encourage everybody that knew Andrew, was a fan of his work with his bands, to drink one, two or many Newcastles in his honor."

Nekroman formed his psychobilly band in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1989. They've released seven studio records and one live album. The group have gone through a number of lineup changes over the years, and Nekroman moved to Los Angeles earlier this decade. Martinez joined in 2006 and contributed to 2007's Life Is A Grave & I Dig It!, which was released by Hellcat Records.

Martinez had also been a founding member of another psychobilly band called The Rocketz, who issued this statement about their drummer:

"Andy touched many people, his heart was golden, his reputation as a truly nice guy was understated...he was always quick to offer a hand or a beer.

"He was more than just the backbone of The Rocketz..he was the bond that kept everyone together, he was like a son to me.

"He made everyone laugh, if you knew him well, then go ahead, I dare you not to think of something that makes you laugh when you think of Poop.

"He was well of love and friendship and the little fucker could beat on a drum kit like nobody’s business.

"Please put Andy in your prayers if you pray, I certainly will. We love you, Andy, I hope there’s plenty of Newcastle on ice wherever you may be!"

A "funeral benefit show" featuring Big Sandy & His Fly-rite Boys, Death By Stereo, HorrorPops, Guana Bats, The Howlers and Sederra will be held for Martinez on Monday at Fullerton's The Slidebar Rock-n-Roll Cafe. All of the money from the concert will go to the Nekromantix Andy DeMize Memorial Fund.

Those who can't attend the show but would like to give to the cause can send a PayPal donation to nekroman@mac.com or a cheque to:

Nekromantix Andy DeMize Memorial Fund
c/o City National Bank
Attn: Anna Weingarten
1200-150 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94111