Obituary ex Watkins dies of cancer

Former Obituary bassist Frank Watkins has died of cancer at the age of 47.

He’d joined the band in 1989 and remained until their split in 1997, then took part in their 2003 reunion and remained for a further seven years.

He became part of Gorgoroth in 2007 and launched his management company Back From The Dead Productions the same year.

He’d been fighting cancer for a number of years.

Obituary said last night via Facebook: “Just got the sad news that Frank passed away this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Gorgoroth said: “Rest in peace, Frank. He will be missed.”

Colleagues Fear Factory thanked Watkins for taking the band on their first full-scale US tour in 1993, adding: “Our condolences go to his family. Fuck cancer.”

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.