Paul Gilmartin, the former drummer of the UK's post-punk/gothic rock legends The Danse Society passed away. Gilmartin was a vital force in the early post-punk and gothic rock realms. Gilmartin’s style of drumming influenced many post-punk drummers to come.
As stated on his Facebook page on 6 August: "Dear friends and family of Paul. It’s with a heavy heart that we write this post. Paul has sadly passed away today peacefully around his loving family. We are all going to miss you so much."
Together with Steve Rawlings (vocals), Paul Nash (guitar), Lyndon Scarfe (keyboards), and Tim Wright (bass), Gilmartin formed The Danse Society in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, in the early 80s. The Danse Society swiftly attracted a dedicated following with their shadowy, atmospheric sound and sombre lyrics. They achieved moderate success during their career. In 1980, they recorded and released their first 7″ single, “Clock”, on their newly-formed record label, Society Records.
Paul Nash of The Danse Society posted the following statement: "Very very sad to report the passing of Paul Gilmartin (Gigi) our original drummer who was an incredible musician and inspiration to many drummers that followed. His creativity and power behind the kit were second to none. Although we had our differences in recent years I will always remember him with great fondness and love for his sense of humour and passion for playing, and that the drums were never loud enough lol. Our thoughts are with his family, which he loved with equal passion, and his friends who will be devastated by this loss. Paul played on our first single "Clock" through the albums Seduction, Heaven Is Waiting, Looking Through, Change Of Skin and Scarey Tales leaving an amazing legacy or recorded music and live gigs. We send love to all who knew him. RIP Gigi xxx."
Paul Gilmartin quit a reformed The Danse Society in January 2014, citing creative and personal clashes. He believed the band had strayed from its original spirit. Internal rifts emerged, splitting Gilmartin from a new incarnation of The Danse Society with singer Maethelyiah, formerly of Blooding Mask, and Paul Nash. Gilmartin would then go on to form the Danse Society Reincarnated, which, following a legal dispute with his former colleagues, would be rebranded as The Society. Link
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