Former Celtic Frost/Hellhammer bassist Martin Eric Ain passed away yesterday (21st) after suffering a heart attack. He was fifty years old. Ain’s close friend Jan Graber confirmed his death to Switzerland’s 20 Minuten stating that he, “suddenly collapsed when he switched to a different tram.” According to Graber, Ain didn’t have any serious health issues but, “he was somewhat overweight, clearly.”
Ain was born in the United States and eventually became a dual citizen of both the United States and Switzerland. He is most notable for his role in Celtic Frost, who was with the group on and off since its formation in 1984. Prior to the band’s brief return in 2006, he founded the legendary Karaoke From Hell show in 2004 at the Mascotte club in Zurich.
Ain’s former bandmate Tom Gabriel Fischer shared his thoughts on social media about his passing:
“I am deeply affected by his passing. Our relationship was very complex and definitely not free of conflicts, but Martin’s life and mine were very closely intertwined, since we first met in 1982.”
Unfortunately, we have lost a significant amount of musical artists this year and we are deeply saddened to hear about Ain’s death. Our thoughts go towards his family, longtime partner, and friends during this difficult time.
