We received a phone call recently while on the road about the passing of our good friend Andrew Martinez. It hit us like a ton a bricks. How a person who was so alive could be taken away before his time? We had to come to the realization that we don't have the answer, nor will we until our time has come. Only God knows what plans he has for him. Those plans must be big, since what he accomplished as a son, brother, friend and musician on this earth were already mighty big.

We'd like everyone to know that Andrew was not only one of the best drummers we've ever met, but more importantly, he was one of the most well liked genuine human beings we've ever come across! In our book, the two combined are a lot harder to achieve, but this came naturally to him, which made him a diamond in the rough. Everyone loved him!

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family: His mother and father and his brothers Aaron and Al. Also, to his band mates, Tony Slash and Kim Nekroman (and all who had the honor of rockin' with him.)

Andrew, Thank you for the good times, laughs and friendship you gave us. You're a true Bro and while you're up there sharing a New Castle with John Bonham show him a thing or two you've picked up while drumming, please don't ever forget that we love you and will miss you dearly!

The Chop Tops