He was an original member of the London-based band Killing Floor, and also worked with fellow Irish musician Rory Gallagher.

[2][3] Martin started learning the piano at the age of six, and joined his first professional band, Killing Floor, in April or May 1968.

[1] In 1969 Martin and Stuart McDonald were recruited by 17-year-old Darryl Read who formed a band for Jeff Pasternak, Emperor Rosko's brother, called Crayon Angels, with Read playing drums, and Rosko acting as manager.

[citation needed] Martin later left Killing Floor to play alongside Gallagher, and is featured on several of Gallagher's albums, including Blueprint, Tattoo, Irish Tour '74, Against the Grain, Calling Card, Defender and Fresh Evidence.

[5] After a period of illness including cancer and a number of strokes, Martin died in a Bournemouth, Dorset, hospital on 17 August 2012, aged 63.