Primal Scream star Martin Duffy died ‘penniless and abandoned by bandmates after being cut out of £5m deal’
A PRIMAL Scream star’s family say he died penniless and abandoned by his bandmates after being cut out of a £5million deal.
Martin Duffy tragically died suddenly in December last year at the age of 55.
The musical legend fractured his skull in multiple places after a fall at his Brighton home, with band frontman Bobby Gillespie announcing their “soul brother’s” death.
But Martin’s son Louie, 19, has now blasted Bobby and Primal Scream after an inquest heard of how his final months were spent.
The musician played keyboard for the massive British band, featuring on their debut 1987 album Sonic Flower Groove, and it was part of his identity for more than 30 years.
But he was a functioning alcoholic, and Louie recalled how “devastated” his father had been when the band sent him home from a tour because of his drinking.
He also recalled his father had no say when the band cut him out of a £5m deal to sell part of Primal Scream’s back catalogue.
The 19-year-old told the inquest: “He wasn’t consulted or even told about it.
“The band chose not to offer him the opportunity to get his share, at a time they knew he really needed financial help.”
Louie said the band also stayed away when Martin told he had cancer.
He said: “It was during lockdown when things started going wrong for dad.
“No gigs meant no income and he got into debt.
“He was also diagnosed with prostate cancer during lockdown and despite the bank knowing this, they hardly made any contact with him during this very difficult time.
“I remember dad telling Bobby Gillespie on the phone that he was having to sign on for benefits to get by as he had no savings but the band offered no support either emotional or financial.
“I saw how much this upset him.”
The inquest heard how Martin was sent home from a tour after a gig in Glasgow as the band told him to get help with his drinking.
Louie said: “After being forced off the tour, I literally saw dad age ten years in a matter of weeks.
“He was simply not able to cope anymore.
“He was devastated.”
Louie said he found his dad bleeding from a fatal head wound at his home just before Christmas.
Assistant Coroner Dr Karen Henderson said Martin died after suffering multiple skull fractures.
She said: “He had been for some time a functioning alcoholic.
“He had been advised to take time off by the band and seek assistance.
“I accept the tragic evidence from his son of ongoing personal, financial and work-related problems which led to spiral of drinking which was out of control.”
Paying tribute to his father, Louie said: “He made me laugh so much and that is what I will miss most.
“I lost my dad too soon.
“I know his death was an accident but I just wish he hadn’t died feeling so unappreciated and distraught about having to sell our home.
“He didn’t deserve that.
“He was truly loved by so many people and along with his music, this love is his legacy.”
Primal Scream has been approached for comment.
