Martyn Bennett: 17 February 1971 – 30 January 2005

It is with enormous sadness that we announce the death of Martyn Bennett after a long struggle against cancer.

Martyn died in Edinburgh on Sunday 30 January. He has left behind an extraordinary and seminal body of work – influential recordings and the memory outstanding live performances. His last album Grit is an image of a struggle and endurance – both of the singers featured and of Martyn himself.

"Martyn took the soul and passion of the roots of Scottish music, and planted them in a modern, electronic world. Sadly we only had the opportunity to work with Martyn towards the end of his music-making. I loved how he created and handled his work. There was always a mix of intense emotion, compassion and pride, served on a bed of atmosphere and rhythm." Peter Gabriel

Martyn Bennett, a rare talent who will be sadly missed.

  • Grit

    Martyn Bennett

    Released 12 October 2003

    Grit —the late Martyn Bennett’s most extraordinary work and his final project— is a deeply emotional collection of traditional singers showcased via an avalanche of sounds and beats, rooted in the past but glorying in modern dance culture.

By Online Editor

Published on Mon, 31 January 05

Further reading

Classic Sheila Chandra trilogy set for re-issue

British Asian World Music pioneer Sheila Chandra’s landmark trilogy of albums set for re-issue.

Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee share brand new song ‘Fanga’

Following the success of their 2022 collaboration album BAMANAN, Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee return w...

Track of the day: ‘Sajanava’ by Jasdeep Singh Degun

Sajanava is taken from Jasdeep Singh Degun's debut album Anomaly.

Sheila Chandra: The pursuit of radical vocal expression

Sheila's trilogy of albums for Real World is being re-issued on CD, and on vinyl for the first time.