Draugr drummer dead at 30

Jonny Morelli, drummer with Italian pagan metal outfit Draugr until they split last year, has died after a traffic accident in Pescara. He was 30.

He was at work on a project that would have seen him take on vocalist and lyricist duties, along with those behind the kit, a representative says in a statement.

He continues: “Jonny was not just a very talented musician who, in addition to his work with Draugr, had worked both in the studio and on stage for many Italian bands, metal and non-metal. He was also a tattoo artist and writer.

“Along with three other former members of Draugr, he was working on a new musical project. An official statement regarding the project will follow soon. Condolences go to Jonny’s family, friends, and musicians who have played with him over the years – and of course to all the fans who have followed his work, both as a musician, tattoo artist and writer.”

Draugr announced their split in November last year, after releasing two albums in their ten-year history. They said: “We decided to bring to a close this chapter in our lives that has been so important to us, in order that we may follow different artistic paths.”

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.