Original Misfits Drummer Manny Martinez Dead at 69

Misfits' original drummer Manny Martinez has died. He was 69.

Martinez's friend Zach Rector confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday, December 16, through a social media post. The announcement led musicians and fans to pay tribute to the drummer, as well.

Manny Martinez Dead at 69

Rector called Martinez his "brother" in the post, branding him a "true living legend" and "student of Buddy Rich."

"An Original MISFITS period. All around stand up guy, talking always about working and the progress on my house I'd call him up & talk alot about carpentry issues & how I should figure out the reconfiguration of my upstairs of this old house of mine that was built in 1872...more than just a musician, artist & carpenter...he was my friend, Rest easy Manny," he went on.

Fans and colleagues also posted tribute messages on Facebook as they honored the late Misfits member.

One page wrote, "Looks like it is irrefutable now. Manny Martinez has unfortunately left the building. I am really glad that I got to spend time with him. I am glad he is preserved on tape. People do not realize how great of a drummer Manny truly was. I was fortunate enough to have heard. Long live Manny and cough cool."

"I got word today that the original drummer of the Misfits, Manny Martinez passed away. After talking with him a while I had sent him a drumhead to sign and mail back," another said. "So now I'm curious if I might receive possibly the last item he signed. Or if he was sick for a bit and never got around to sending it back in the mail. Either way saddened to hear of his passing."

His family has yet to disclose his cause of death.

Martinez joined Misfits as one of the band's original members. He played the group's first single, "Cough/Cool," in 1977 alongside Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only - who went by his real name, Jerry Caiafa, at that time.

He exited the band the same year after performing several shows with his bandmates.

The Misfits continued its career until it reached its disbandment in 1983. Following legal battles, Danzig, Only and Doyle reformed the band in 1995 and extended the group's legacy from there.