Hot Press is deeply saddened to report that the body of missing singer Stevie Martin, AKA Rainy Boy Sleep, has been found in County Sligo.
The 29-year-old had been missing for nearly a month, with his Audi discovered this week next to the Fanad Lighthouse in Donegal.
Among the many people paying tribute is SOAK who says: “Just heard news of my friend, Stevie Martin, aka Rainy Boy Sleep's passing. I remember seeing him play at a festival locally when I was 13 and wishing I could write the songs he was singing, soon after that we made friends and he came to some of my first ever shows.
"We were lucky enough to have him on the road last year in Ireland for a couple of gigs and it was one of the most memorable tours we've done. Never saw you without a smile on your face, was a pleasure to know you Stevie, rest in peace x.”
Also paying their respects online are Versechorusverse’s Tony Wright who says, “A supreme talent, gone too soon. Such devastating news. Love & thoughts with his family”; Dave LaFaro who tweets: “Thoughts go out to those close to Stevie Martin. Such a tragic loss to his family, friends, and to the NI music scene”; “A talented force in Irish music and a very nice person,” proffer Cry Monster Cry; graphic artist and Trouble Pilgrim Steve Averill notes: “Very saddened to hear of the death of Stevie Martin. Conor Horgan and I worked on his album cover. He and his talent will be missed by many", and fellow Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Chelsey Chambers adds: "Stevie you were a wonderfully talented guy, I was lucky to have known you. Totally devastated."
The Foyle PSNI have issued statement saying: “Thoughts with the family of Stephen ‘Stevie’ Martin after his body was found yesterday. Our thanks to all who helped and offered support. He was a true man of this city and when you look at how the whole community came together in an effort to find him, it's beyond clear how much he meant to everyone who knew and loved him'."
Writing about him on Friday, our man Stuart Clark proffered: “Stevie is a lovely, super-talented guy. Off-stage he’s quite shy and understated, on it he’s a livewire. He played a brilliant set at one of our 2014 Freezer Sessions and also took part in that year’s Hot Press Summit Meeting round table where his passion for music shone through. Everyone in the industry loves dealing with him. He's one of the good guys.”
Signed in 2014 by Universal Ireland, he was taken out on tour by James Morrison and Cyndi Lauper who got Stevie to sing ‘Time After Time’ with her in the Hammersmith Apollo. On hearing his song, ‘Your Face’, Gary Lightbody enthused: “His voice is beautiful. It’s extraordinary; teach me how to do it please!”
Team Hot Press sends much love to his friends and family.