Martin Shepherd

Martin Shepherd

b, eb, bvoc, *1989
Musician of Rock

Bass Player Born on March 14 1989 in Barton-upon-Humber, U.K., Martin Shepherd is a bassist best known as the bassist of Skarlett Riot. Martin's main inspirations are Steve Harris, for his fingers playing abilities, Nikki Sixx, for his attitude and stage presence, and Gene Simmons, for his stage presence. He began to listen to music when he was a teenager, starting with bands and artists like Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica... It's bands like Blink 182, Green Day and Sum 41 that made him want to learn to play an instrument. Everyone else of his age was getting guitars and Martin didn't want to be just another guitarist, that's why he asked for a bass for Christmas when he was 12. He felt like he couldn't do it and gave up but he quickly picked it again later. The first song he ever learnt was Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne. He formed his first band, Devolve, with friends from school when he was about 15. They played covers of Coheed and Cambira, Muse, Metallica and Alice Cooper. His first real band was Wild Messiah (later renamed Route East), which he formed with childhood friends. He stayed in this band for about 6 years. Later, he joined a folk rock band called Chris Cooper Band, before being asked to join Skarlett Riot when their bassist quitted. Martin started rehearsing with Skarlett Riot in December 2013 but the band officially announced his arrival in the band in January 2014. Band announcement: 16 January 2014 · As some of you may already know, Tom has decided to leave Skarlett Riot. It hasn’t been an easy decision for him but due to personal issues and wanting to pursue other life goals, he has decided to call it a day. Although unexpected, we respect his decision and wish him all the best for his future endeavors. Whilst we have been relatively quiet over the new year, trying to find the right person to fill the bass role, we are excited to announce Martin Shepherd (tagged in photo) as Skarlett Riot's new bass player! Say hi, add him, follow him, and we hope you will join us in welcoming him into the SR family. We have accomplished many amazing things over a relatively short time since forming late 2010, and we see this as a new chapter for us and thank you all so much for your constant support! Skarlett Riot's first appearance in 2014 with Martin will be at Eat You Alive Festival at Leeds Cockpit, Saturday 25th January. Current lineup: Skarlett (vocals, guitars), Danny Oglesby (guitars, backing vocals), Martin Shepherd (bass, backing vocals), Luke Oglesby (drums). In his first year playing with Skarlett Riot, Martin has shared the stage with bands and artists such as Heaven's Basement, Glamour Of The Kill, Sebastian Bach, Funeral For A Friend... The band released its lastest single, House Of Cards, in September 2014. In February 2015, the band released the EP We Are The Brave, and supported Gus G for his U.K. tour.