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Martin Clive Atkins (born 3 August 1959) is an English drummer, best known for his work in post-punk and industrial groups including Public Image Ltd, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Pigface, and Killing Joke. He also works as a consultant, has written multiple books on the music industry, and is the music industry studies coordinator at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. Atkins is the owner and operator of the Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music in Chicago, is an honorary board member of the Chicago-based nonprofit organization Rock For Kids, and is a fellow of In Place of War.

Early life

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Atkins was born in Coventry, England.[1]

Career

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1979–1985

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Atkins' first major exposure as a drummer was with John Lydon's post-Sex Pistols band, Public Image Ltd. He joined in 1979, just in time to contribute to the song "Bad Baby" on the album Metal Box. Atkins' first live show with PiL was recorded and released as a live album Paris au Printemps and his first year with the band included appearances on The John Peel Sessions for the BBC, American Bandstand and the BBC's live Old Grey Whistle Test.

In 1980, Atkins left Public Image Ltd to concentrate on his band Brian Brain with Pete Jones (who also played with Public Image Ltd in 1982 and 1983) on bass (in 1983 replaced by original Go-Go's bassist Margot Olavarria) and Bobby Surgeoner on guitar (later replaced by Olavarria's husband, Geoff Smyth). Named after the Worcestershire and Gloucestershire seam bowler Brian Brain, the band released six singles and one LP (Unexpected Noises) on Secret Records,[3] and continued to release singles and LPs on Atkins' own Plaid Records throughout the 1980s. The band had a minor indie chart hit in 1980 with "They've Got Me in the Bottle" (#39),[4] and club hits with the singles "Jive Jive" (1981) and "Funky Zoo" (1982).

Atkins was hired in late 1980 by Public Image Ltd to perform on The Flowers of Romance, drumming on four tracks. In 1982 he re-joined as a full-time band member, co-producing and co-writing the album This Is What You Want... This Is What You Get. Atkins left PiL for the last time in 1985.

1985–2005

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After leaving Public Image Ltd, Atkins revived his Brian Brain project[5] and recorded an EP at Planet Sound Studios in New York for his own, short-lived label Plaid Records,[6] which was released in July 1985.[7] Throughout the late 1980s, the 1990s and early 2000s, Atkins performed with many bands, including Nine Inch Nails (appearing in the video for "Head Like a Hole"), as well as Ministry. The dual-drumming of Atkins and Bill Rieflin appears on the live Ministry album/video In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up. Atkins later joined Killing Joke, performing on 1990s Extremities, Dirt, and Other Repressed Emotions. He also managed the band for that time, and designed their live show scenery and some merchandise.

Atkins formed his industrial supergroup, Pigface, during a Ministry tour in 1989–1990. After joining Killing Joke for their 1990 recording, Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions, he went on to form Murder, Inc., a new band featuring Geordie Walker and Paul Raven from Killing Joke, and Chris Connelly, in 1992.[8] During this time, he played with the Revolting Cocks and is credited alongside Chris Vrenna in Nine Inch Nails for performing extra drums on "Wish" and "Gave Up," tracks two and six of the Broken EP (as well as the aforementioned "Head Like a Hole").

In between creating albums and touring with Pigface he also formed The Damage Manual with Jah Wobble, Walker, and Connelly. Atkins later produced and released a collaborative album with Skinny Puppy's Nivek Ogre, the latter's first project outside of Skinny Puppy, under the moniker Rx. The resulting album was entitled Bedside Toxicology.

Between 2000 and 2002 he released four albums as Opium Jukebox featuring instrumental cover tunes done in a Bhangra style.[citation needed]

2006–present

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In October 2006, Atkins visited Beijing to discover the emerging Chinese music scene. During his stay, Atkins recorded and signed a handful of Chinese bands to Invisible Records and recorded material for a new Pigface album.

Atkins has taught at Columbia College in Chicago where he instructed the course "The Business of Touring". He is also an active guest lecturer, speaking at such institutions as the University of Southern California, the Midi School in Beijing and Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. Atkins has since become an instructor at the Madison Media Institute in Madison, Wisconsin. Atkins has announced plans to take his lecturing further by eventually opening a school of his own.[9] He is also a former department chairman for a music business program he designed at SAE Chicago.[10] He now is the acting Music Business program coordinator at Millikin University in Decatur, IL.

Atkins has held a number of seminars at Tech Music Schools (Drumtech, Vocaltech, Guitar-X and Keyboardtech) in London, with more planned for the future.

Atkins has written what he calls "the first real book on touring". The book Tour:Smart, featured contributions from Henry Rollins, Cynthia Plastercaster, The Enigma, the Suicide Girls, Zim Zum (formerly of Marilyn Manson), Kevin Lyman, Curse Mackey, CPA Lisa Malina and various other managers, journalists, venues, agents, sponsors, and radio personalities.[11][12]

Atkins was on the tenth annual Independent Music Awards judging panel, and was also a judge for the seventh annual season of Independent Music Awards to support independent artists.[13]

Starting in 2015, Atkins has written and performed several podcast stories for The Martin Atkins Minute, included with the NPR All Songs Considered podcast.[14]

In 2018 Martin released Band:Smart, the follow-up to his Tour:Smart book. This book covers record labels, book agents, crafting a stage show, band names, social media and lots more.[15]

In 2020, Martin joined the band Nadjia for a re-recording of their 90s music on the album '7 Ends 13'. A sample of Martin had actually been used in the original recording, but Martin stepped in this time to do it himself.[16]

In 2021, Martin opened Chicago's "Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music" documenting the history of the two movements with over 3000 items and ephemera. Displays include handwritten lyrics by Trent Reznor for Pigface,[17] Martin's drum set,[18] vintage rarities from Skinny Puppy, and a myriad of other rare items from the history of Industrial music.

In 2022, Martin was also inducted by Brian Eno as a fellow of In Place of War, a global organization that uses creativity in places of conflict as a tool for positive change.[citation needed]

Discography

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References

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Bibliography

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Martin Atkins

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Martin Clive Atkins (born 3 August 1959) is an English drummer, , producer, and music industry entrepreneur renowned for his pivotal role in the and scenes, particularly through his tenure with (PiL) from 1979 to 1985, where he contributed to seminal albums like and Flowers of Romance, as well as live performances including the Paris Au Printemps recording. He also drummed for , Ministry, and the Grammy-winning on tracks like "Wish," while founding the industrial supergroup in 1990, which featured rotating lineups of over 30 musicians from bands such as and Ministry. Beyond performing, Atkins established Invisible Records in 1988, releasing over 350 albums and fostering the industrial genre through artists like and Ministry affiliates, and he built Mattress Factory Studios in 1996 as a creative hub in . His entrepreneurial ventures extend to owning the of Post Punk and in , dedicated to preserving artifacts from the era, and authoring influential books on the music business, including Tourmart:TheAtoZofHeadliningYourFirst40Gigs∗(2007),∗Bandmart: The A to Z of Headlining Your First 40 Gigs* (2007), *Bandmart: The Expert Guide to Making Money in Music (2012), and Welcome to the Music Business... You're Fcked!: Smart Marketing Moves for Success in the New Music Business* (2014), which draw from his four decades of experience. As an educator and speaker, Atkins serves as the Music Industries Coordinator at in , where he teaches courses on music business strategies and has lectured at events like SXSW and CMJ, emphasizing practical advice for independent artists. Additionally, he has ventured into documentary filmmaking and DJing, while maintaining an active role as a father of four and a storyteller of history through projects like his forthcoming memoir on PiL.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Martin Atkins was born on 3 August 1959 in , , into a working-class family. His parents provided a stable but modest household typical of the city's industrial workforce, with his father embodying the pragmatic outlook of the era by cautioning against pursuing music as a career, predicting it would last only two years before Atkins ended up working in the coal mines. Coventry during the 1960s was a booming hub of Britain's automotive industry, often dubbed the "Motor City" for factories like and Rootes that employed thousands in skilled and unskilled labor, fostering a sense of economic optimism amid post-war reconstruction. The socio-economic environment for working-class families like Atkins' involved community-oriented living in terraced near factories, with activities shifting toward family-centered pursuits such as television viewing and local sports, reflecting rising affluence but persistent class divides. This industrial backdrop exposed young residents to a burgeoning , including early hints of the city's evolving music scene through radio and community events. Atkins' early experiences in this setting contributed to a developing rebellious streak, shaped by the contrast between rigid factory routines and the allure of alternative expressions, though he initially channeled his energies into non-musical pursuits before beginning to play as a child.

Musical influences and beginnings

Atkins began playing at the age of nine, after his father bought him a basic , sparking his lifelong passion for percussion. Largely self-taught, he honed his skills by studying records of influential drummers, starting with jazz legends like and as early as age seven, and later incorporating the technical prowess of fusion artists such as . This early exposure to complex rhythms and showmanship, including witnessing Gary Glitter's dual-drummer performances at age nine, shaped his initial approach to drumming, blending precision with theatrical energy. Growing up in the North of after his family's move from , Atkins joined his first band around age 11, performing in local clubs and pubs seven nights a week, often backing strippers to make ends meet. These experiences in the gritty club scene introduced him to the demands of live performance and the pub rock circuit, where he played Top 20 cover sets for financial stability. He also experimented with an original band that drew from psychedelic sounds, echoing influences like and , using instruments such as the to explore atmospheric textures. The mid- punk explosion profoundly impacted Atkins, shifting his focus from technical virtuosity to raw, energy that prioritized attitude over perfection. This punk ethos resonated with his working-class roots and fueled his participation in unnamed teenage groups during the late 1970s, where he refined his versatile style amid the and northern England's burgeoning DIY scenes. By age 16 or 17, these formative gigs and band formations had built a solid foundation, prompting his relocation to to pursue professional opportunities.

Professional career

Public Image Ltd and post-punk roots (1979–1985)

At age 20, Martin Atkins joined (PiL) in 1979 as their drummer, responding to a advertisement seeking a player for a band featuring a "rather well known singer," which led to an audition arranged through persistent calls to and PiL's management. He recorded the track "Bad Baby" during his initial session at , securing his position amid a series of short-lived drummers for the band led by . Atkins contributed drums to PiL's second album, Second Edition (also known as , released in 1979 in the UK and 1980 internationally), appearing on tracks such as "Bad Baby" and "Home Is Where the Heart Is," though some credits erroneously listed prior drummer Jim Walker. His playing helped define the album's dub-influenced, experimental sound, blending bass-heavy grooves with textures. Atkins' role expanded on PiL's third album, Flowers of Romance (1981), where he co-produced alongside engineer Nick Launay and contributed to the record's abrasive, noise-driven aesthetic through innovative percussion techniques, such as miking a watch for the track "Four Enclosed Walls" and manipulating slowed tape recordings of Perrier water bottles for "Vampire." The album marked a deliberate shift away from traditional song structures, emphasizing rhythm and texture over melody, with Atkins credited as a composer on all tracks alongside Lydon and Keith Levene. By the time of PiL's fourth album, This Is What You Want... This Is What You Get (1984), Atkins had become a core creative force, co-producing the record with Lydon and drumming on its eclectic mix of dub, pop, and experimental elements, including the track "1981," which originated from earlier Flowers of Romance sessions. His involvement extended to unreleased material like the "Electric Dread EP," reflecting the band's transitional phase. Atkins' drumming style during this period evolved significantly, transitioning from his progressive rock roots—honed in earlier cover bands—to a more experimental approach incorporating dub-reggae rhythms, as heard in the doubled-speed percussion on "Chant," and noise manipulations, such as routing drum kits through synthesizers during 1982 sessions. This adaptability suited PiL's innovation, allowing Atkins to anchor Lydon's vocal experiments while pushing boundaries with unconventional sounds. Key events in Atkins' PiL tenure included the band's U.S. tours starting in 1980, which featured minimal rehearsals and showcased their live intensity, such as performances at venues like the Ritz in New York. However, internal tensions escalated due to creative clashes and personal issues, particularly with guitarist over drug use and differing visions, as well as conflicts with Lydon, resulting in Atkins being fired and rehired multiple times. These strains culminated in his departure in 1985 following a heated personal dispute with Lydon, though he briefly returned before leaving permanently, with assuming drumming duties. During his PiL years, Atkins channeled excess punk energy into the side project (active 1980–1982), a more straightforward outlet for raw drumming and attitude, which performed at New York venues like the Mud Club and covered PiL tracks such as "Careering." This endeavor provided a contrast to PiL's complexity, allowing Atkins to explore unfiltered expression amid the band's growing experimentalism.

Industrial scene and Pigface (1986–1999)

After leaving in 1985 following their world tour, Martin Atkins pursued independent projects and collaborations in the burgeoning scene. In 1989, he relocated to to join Ministry's "The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste" tour as a , immersing himself in the city's vibrant industrial community centered around and acts like Ministry and Front 242. This move marked a shift from the structured rhythms of his PiL days to the aggressive, electronic-infused sound of , where Atkins connected with key figures such as and Chris Connelly. During the 1989–1990 Ministry tour, Atkins founded in 1990 as an experimental industrial supergroup, conceptualizing it as a "non-band" or revolving-door collective that avoided fixed lineups in favor of fluid collaborations with guest musicians from the scene. Drawing from the tour's chaotic energy, emphasized live improvisation, multimedia elements, and high-energy performances, serving as a platform for industrial artists to experiment beyond their primary bands. Atkins anchored the project on drums, recruiting contributors like Ogre from , , and , which helped define 's signature "blueprint for chaos" in live shows—unpredictable sets blending , and electronics. Pigface's early albums captured this collaborative spirit, with Gub (1991) featuring tracks like "Suck" with guest vocals from and emphasizing raw, abrasive production recorded in studios. The follow-up Fook (1992) expanded the multi-artist approach, incorporating contributions from Skinny Puppy's and Killing Joke's , while highlighting Atkins' production role alongside drumming. By Notes from Thee Underground (1994), a of live and studio material, Pigface had solidified its reputation for improvisation, with extended jams like "Divebomber" showcasing the ensemble's dynamic interplay during tours. Throughout the 1990s, Atkins extended his industrial involvement beyond , drumming and producing for acts like on early releases through his nascent Invisible label, which debuted in 1988 and issued pivotal works in the genre. 's tours, including extensive North American runs in 1991–1994, exemplified the era's industrial ethos, with sold-out shows featuring pyrotechnics, audience interaction, and rotating lineups that influenced subsequent festival performances and cemented as an industrial hub.

Major collaborations (1990s–2000s)

In the early 1990s, Atkins contributed his distinctive drumming to ' Broken EP, released in September 1992, providing extra live drums on the track "Wish." His performance added a raw, organic intensity to the EP's industrial aggression, enhancing its arena-ready sound and helping propel the project to commercial success, including a Top 10 position on the Billboard 200. Atkins joined in 1988, drumming on Extremities, Dirt & Other Repressed Emotions (1990) and supporting tours that revitalized the group's edge with industrial elements. His involvement infused the record with mechanical precision and visceral power. During the mid-to-late , Atkins collaborated with Ministry, serving as a secondary on their 1996 Filth Pig, where his work complemented the band's shift toward a heavier, metal-infused industrial style marked by complex percussion layers. He continued this partnership into the next decade, contributing drums to Dark Side of the Spoon in 1999, which further blended aggressive riffs with experimental textures amid the band's evolving lineup. These efforts highlighted Atkins' role in bridging industrial's underground roots with more mainstream metal influences. Atkins also engaged in several Pigface-derived projects during this era, including drumming and production for The Damage Manual's self-titled 2000 album, a supergroup featuring vocalists Chris Connelly and Geordie Walker alongside bassist Jah Wobble. He co-founded and drummed for Murder Inc. in the early 1990s, releasing a self-titled album in 1992 that fused post-punk and industrial noise, and later contributed to Rx's Bedside Toxicology (1998), a collaboration with Skinny Puppy's Nivek Ogre exploring glitchy electronica. Additionally, Atkins provided percussion on tribute recordings, such as covers for PJ Harvey's catalog in various compilations and a Howlin' Wolf blues homage project, extending his industrial expertise to alternative rock and roots reinterpretations. Through these high-profile guest appearances, Atkins played a pivotal role in industrial music's crossover into mainstream alternative scenes, with his drumming featured in rotations for tracks like ' "Wish" and Killing Joke's "Pandemonium," as well as festival performances that amplified the genre's reach to broader audiences during the alternative boom.

Recent projects and performances (2010–present)

In the 2010s, Martin Atkins rejoined (PiL) following the band's 2009 reunion, contributing to extensive tours across the , , and Europe that revitalized their legacy. He performed on drums during these live shows, bringing his original-era energy to sets that drew large crowds and marked PiL's return after a 17-year hiatus from recording. In the 2020s, Atkins has remained active in diverse projects, including leading Opium Jukebox, a collaborative ensemble that released Never Mind the Bhangra: A Tribute to the Sex Pistols as a fusion of punk and global influences. He has made guest appearances at post-punk revival events, performing with ensembles that honor industrial and punk traditions, while reflecting on how his sobriety—achieved after a relapse in the early 2010s—has enhanced his focus and stamina on stage, allowing for more intentional and sustainable performances. A highlight of Atkins' recent activities is his curation of a full performance of Killing Joke's 1990 album Extremities, announced in 2025 to celebrate its 35th anniversary; the event, featuring Atkins on drums alongside guitarist Mark Gemini Thwaite and other collaborators, marks the first complete live rendition in 33 years and is scheduled for November 28 and 29, 2025, at Reggie's Rock Club in . Atkins has also engaged in educational and speaking engagements, including a March 2025 lecture at titled "From Post-Punk to Industrial Music: A Look at How Became the Center – A Blueprint for Chaos," where he discussed the city's role as a hub for innovation through personal anecdotes and historical analysis. In October 2025, he presented a talk on his drumming history at the in , sharing slides and stories from his time with PiL, Ministry, and other influential acts.

Other contributions

Entrepreneurship and record labels

In the late 1980s, Martin Atkins transitioned into the business side of music by founding Invisible Records in , an independent label dedicated to supporting underground and industrial artists. The label quickly became a key distributor for acts in the industrial scene, including Atkins' own project and other influential groups, releasing over 350 albums that emphasized DIY principles and direct artist involvement. Invisible Records operated from Atkins' home base in , which he viewed as the epicenter of , allowing for hands-on management of production, distribution, and artist development without major label interference. Atkins' earlier forays into label management stemmed from his time with (PiL) in the 1980s, where he gained practical experience navigating the industrial and label ecosystem, including ties to for PiL releases. This background informed his entrepreneurial expansion in the , when he established a booking agency and began consulting on tours for industrial and alternative acts, drawing from his extensive road experience with bands like Ministry and . His approach to these ventures embodied a "punk rock rules" philosophy, promoting sustainable DIY practices such as self-financed tours, transparent contracts, and artist empowerment to maintain creative control and financial independence in an industry often dominated by corporate structures. In the , Invisible Records extended its reach globally, particularly after Atkins' trip to , where he recorded and signed several Chinese underground bands to the label, culminating in releases like the compilation . This initiative highlighted the label's role in bridging international industrial scenes, distributing music from emerging global artists and fostering collaborations while upholding its commitment to raw, unpolished aesthetics.

Authorship and education

Martin Atkins has authored several books that provide practical guidance to musicians based on his extensive industry experience. His first major publication, Tour:Smart: And Break the Band (2007), offers a comprehensive 592-page manual on touring , covering topics from venue booking and routing to health management on the road and avoiding common pitfalls like . The book draws on Atkins' decades of touring with bands such as and , emphasizing DIY strategies adapted for professional success. He followed this with Welcome to the Music Business... You're Fcked!: Smart Marketing Moves for Success in the New Music Business* (2014), which focuses on marketing strategies and navigating the challenges of the music industry. In 2018, he released Band:Smart: Succeed in the Music Business on Your Own Terms, a follow-up that focuses on band formation, management, recording, marketing, and redefining success through personal terms, including Atkins' signature "Atkins-isms"—aphorisms blending punk ethos with acumen. This work, crowdfunded via , highlights entrepreneurship, , and work-life balance, with contributions from industry figures. Atkins transitioned into education in the 2000s, serving as adjunct faculty at , where he delivered lectures on music production and industry practices starting around 2003. By the 2010s, he took on the role of Music Business Program Coordinator at in , where he continues to lead courses on touring, advanced entrepreneurship, artist management, and online marketing as of 2025. His teaching bridges his and industrial background with formal , mentoring students on sustainable careers in music. Atkins has extended his educational outreach through seminars, lectures, and advisory roles. From 2014 to 2015, he contributed to NPR's podcast with "The Martin Atkins Minute," short segments offering humorous yet practical advice on topics like merchandise sales and scam avoidance for independent artists. He has served as a judge for the Independent Music Awards, supporting emerging talent in multiple seasons, including the seventh and tenth annual cycles. Additionally, Atkins is an honorary board member of the Chicago-based nonprofit Rock For Kids, contributing to initiatives for youth. In the 2020s, Atkins' focus on education intensified amid global challenges. In 2022, he was inducted as a fellow of In Place of War by , joining an organization that leverages creativity in conflict zones, and he has continued delivering workshops on music entrepreneurship, such as his 2020 presentation " and in a Time of Crisis" at the Midwest Music Expo. These efforts underscore his impact in fusing punk's DIY spirit with professional strategies, including emphasis on sobriety and balanced lifestyles to sustain long-term artistic pursuits.

Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music

The Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music (PPIM) was founded by Martin Atkins in , drawing primarily from his extensive personal collection of memorabilia to establish a dedicated space for preserving and artifacts. Located in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood, the institution operates by appointment and on select days, emphasizing accessibility through guided experiences rather than a traditional public venue. Its mission centers on safeguarding the cultural legacy of these genres, including such as set lists, lyrics, posters, contracts, clothing, and rare audio materials, to educate visitors on the innovative and often chaotic spirit of underground music scenes. The collection, which initially comprised nearly 98% of Atkins' own items, has expanded significantly through community contributions, now featuring donations from over 1,400 supporters and doubling in size to include diverse artifacts like a 1986 demo cassette and items from artists such as and (PiL). Notable examples highlight Atkins' collaborations, such as scenery and production materials from sessions he produced, alongside PiL tour , underscoring the museum's role in archiving pivotal moments in industrial and history. The museum gained wider recognition in 2023 through an feature that spotlighted its contributions to documenting Chicago's heritage, including ties to labels like . By 2024, ongoing acquisitions continued to enrich the holdings, with visitors and artists contributing ticket stubs, flyers, and merchandise to broaden representation of underrepresented voices in these genres. PPIM hosts events centered on interactive engagement, including private VIP guided tours led by Atkins himself, which often incorporate storytelling and discussions about the artifacts' contexts, fostering connections to global music ecosystems. Summer programming and themed weekends, such as those tied to band anniversaries like Killing Joke's Extremities album milestone, further integrate live elements with exhibit explorations. These activities, including virtual tours for broader reach, emphasize educational outreach while honoring the DIY ethos of and industrial scenes. Sustained by a funding model, the relies on one-time donations, a $199 Founders Edition program offering lifetime access and perks, and periodic auctions of rare items to support expansions, event hosting, and artifact preservation. This approach addresses challenges like limited physical space in its former location, enabling a vision of virtual expansions and ongoing efforts to illuminate the often-overlooked narratives of industrial music's pioneers.

Discography

With Public Image Ltd

Martin Atkins joined Public Image Ltd (PiL) as drummer during the recording of their second album, Metal Box (1979), which was reissued in some markets as Second Edition in 1980, and contributed to several subsequent releases, marking a pivotal phase in the band's post-punk experimentation. His drumming on Second Edition appears on the track "Bad Baby," showcasing early dub-influenced rhythms that aligned with PiL's evolving sound. On PiL's third studio album, Flowers of Romance (1981), Atkins provided experimental percussion and drums on five tracks: "Four Enclosed Walls," "Under the House," "Banging the Door," "The Flowers of Romance," and "Go Back." This release emphasized abrasive, noise-driven textures, with Atkins' contributions highlighting stark, minimalist percussion that pushed the boundaries of conventional rock drumming. Atkins played a more extensive role on PiL's fourth studio album, This Is What You Want... This Is What You Get (1984), where he performed drums, , bass synth, keyboards, and percussion across the record while co-producing with . His multifaceted input helped shape the album's denser, more structured arrangements, blending rhythmic drive with atmospheric elements. Atkins also featured prominently on the live album Paris au Printemps (1980), recorded during his debut performances with the band at the Palace in Paris on January 17 and 18. The release captures eight tracks, including dub-heavy renditions of "Anarchy in the U.K." and "Public Image," underscoring his integration into PiL's live dub-reggae fusion. Across these studio albums, live recordings, and related sessions (including the 1984 bootleg Commercial Zone, featuring eight alternate tracks from the This Is What You Want... era), Atkins contributed to approximately 40 tracks, evolving from dub-rooted grooves in early material to abrasive, noise-oriented percussion by the mid-1980s.

With Pigface and industrial projects

Martin Atkins served as the driving force behind , contributing drums and organizational oversight to the project's core albums, which exemplified the collective's rotating lineup of industrial musicians. On the debut album Gub (1991), Atkins handled drums and acted as organizer, delivering intense, chaotic percussion that defined tracks like "Asphole," where his ensemble drumming intertwined with contributions from guests including and Skinny Puppy's . The follow-up Fook (1992) saw Atkins reprise his roles on drums and organization, expanding Pigface's sound with abrasive rhythms amid collaborations from Ministry's Chris Connelly and Killing Joke's . Similarly, Notes from Thee Underground (1994) featured Atkins on drums and as organizer, incorporating live energy into studio recordings with performers like KMFDM's . Atkins also contributed partial involvement to Washingmachine Mouth (1994), providing drums and organizational input on select tracks. In related industrial efforts, Atkins appeared as a guest drummer on Skinny Puppy's Last Rights (1992), adding propulsion to the album's dense electronic textures. Compilations like Preaching to the Perverted: The Best of (2001) highlighted his foundational role, compiling key tracks from earlier releases under his curatorial guidance. An archival live release, Live 2019 (2020), captured Atkins' drumming in performance, drawing from reunion shows that revived the project's raw intensity. Atkins extended his influence through Invisible Records, his Chicago-based label, with over 20 guest appearances on industrial compilations such as Can You See It Yet? (1994), where he provided percussion and production elements alongside diverse acts in the genre. These projects underscored Pigface's ethos of fluid collaboration, blending Atkins' precision with industrial experimentation.

Other collaborations and solo work

Atkins contributed drums to two tracks on Nine Inch Nails' 1992 EP Broken, performing on "Wish" and providing additional real drums alongside on "." He played full drums on Killing Joke's 1990 album Extremities, Dirt and Various Repressed Emotions, marking his debut studio recording with the band after joining in 1988, and co-wrote several tracks including "The Beautiful Dead." In November 2025, Atkins is scheduled to lead live performances of the full Extremities album at Reggie's in on November 28 and 29, the first complete renditions in 33 years, featuring guest musicians such as Lamb of God's on vocals and Dead Cross's Justin Pearson on bass. Atkins appeared on select tracks of Ministry's 1996 album , contributing drums during a period when the band incorporated live percussion to shift toward a heavier, less sample-dependent sound. In 2000, he formed the short-lived industrial supergroup The Damage Manual with vocalist Chris Connelly, bassist , and guitarist , releasing the self-titled album where Atkins handled drums, loops, and production on tracks emphasizing dub-influenced rhythms and aggression. Atkins produced and played percussion on several tracks of Nadjia's 2020 album 7 Ends 13, a re-recording of the band's material that blended with experimental electronics. From 2000 to 2002, under the moniker Opium Jukebox, he released four albums reinterpreting tracks in a Bhangra style, including tributes to the (Never Mind the Pistols, Here's the Opium Jukebox, 2000), (The Iron Jukebox, 2001), and (Jook It: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones, 2002), all issued via his Invisible Records label. Throughout his career, Atkins has amassed over 180 performance credits across diverse genres, including guest drumming, production, and writing on more than 50 releases outside his primary band affiliations.

References

  1. https://martinatkins.com/about/
  2. https://www.fodderstompf.com/MEMBERS/atkins.html
  3. https://millikin.edu/about/administration/faculty-staff-directory/martin-atkins
  4. https://www.moderndrummer.com/2004/05/martin-atkins/
  5. https://www.modern-musician.com/podcast-episode-99-martin-atkins
  6. https://albumcoverhalloffame.wordpress.com/2023/05/05/interview-with-martin-atkins-about-the-museum-of-post-punk-and-industrial-music/
  7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334701191_Coventry_in_the_Long_Boom_1950-1970
  8. https://www.academia.edu/143909284/Working_class_leisure_in_English_towns_1945_1960_with_special_reference_to_Coventry_and_Bolton
  9. https://ink19.com/2003/10/magazine/interviews/bswrry-martin-atkins
  10. https://www.artinterviews.org/music/martin-atkins-interview/
  11. https://thisisyork.org/33643/features/martin-atkins-comes-to-york-for-fine-arts-week/
  12. https://pleasekillme.com/martin-atkins/
  13. https://www.fodderstompf.com/INTERVIEWS/martint.html
  14. https://www.discogs.com/master/3312-Public-Image-Ltd-Second-Edition
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/3495-Public-Image-Ltd-The-Flowers-Of-Romance
  16. https://www.discogs.com/master/3918-Public-Image-Ltd-This-Is-What-You-Want-This-Is-What-You-Get
  17. https://martinatkins.bigcartel.com/about
  18. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2014/11/22/18450055/the-sitdown-martin-atkins-ex-public-image-ltd-drummer-educator
  19. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-12-05-ca-1179-story.html
  20. https://blog.threadless.com/martin-atkins-on-preserving-the-legacy-of-post-punk-and-industrial-music/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/431959-Pigface-Gub
  22. https://www.allmusic.com/album/fook-mw0000097178
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/191019-Pigface-Notes-From-Thee-Underground
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/4655380-Nine-Inch-Nails-Broken
  25. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0X380XXQSNBYuleKzav5UO
  26. https://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/p/killing-joke-history-of-the-band
  27. https://www.trouserpress.com/reviews/killing-joke/
  28. https://rock.fandom.com/wiki/Ministry
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/950882-The-Damage-Manual-The-Damage-Manual
  30. https://www.discogs.com/artist/50422-Rx-2
  31. https://www.pilofficial.com/about/
  32. https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/the-mojo-list/john-lydon-his-ten-greatest-albums/
  33. https://martinatkins.bigcartel.com/artist/opium-jukebox
  34. https://martinatkins.com/focus-friday-sobriety/
  35. https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2025/10/02/show-announcement-preview-martin-atkins-presents-killing-jokes-extremities/
  36. https://regenmag.com/news/news-extremities-showcase-honoring-1990-album-by-killing-joke-adds-second-night-and-guitarist-mark-gemini-thwaite-to-band-lineup/
  37. https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2025/03/martin-atkins-public-talk-from-post-punk-to-industrial-music-a-look-at-how-chicago-became-the-center-a-blueprint-for-chaos/
  38. https://www.ents24.com/london-events/the-dublin-castle/martin-atkins/7352553
  39. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/10/01/drummer-starts-label-without-missing-a-beat/
  40. https://www.npr.org/2008/07/06/92132264/martin-atkins-teaching-bands-to-tour-smart
  41. https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2018/10/inside-drummer-turned-author-martin-atkins-punk-rock-rules-on-how-to-break-the-rules.html
  42. https://us.amazon.com/Made-China-Martin-Atkins/dp/B000W4HFYS
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1242655/
  44. https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/tour-smart-products-9781556529665.php
  45. https://martinatkins.com/wp-content/uploads/BandSmart_Atkins-Martin.pdf
  46. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/martinatkins/martin-atkins-new-book-band-smart
  47. https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-atkins-702995b
  48. https://millikin.edu/news-events/newsroom/martin-atkins-shares-insight-teaching-touring-and-future
  49. https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2015/09/11/439196011/the-martin-atkins-minute-blackberry-jam-scam
  50. https://www.pdaspeakers.com/speakers/martin-atkins/
  51. https://www.millikin.edu/news-events/newsroom/museum-post-punk-and-industrial-music-founded-millikins-martin-atkins-wins
  52. https://www.millikin.edu/news-events/newsroom/millikin-instructor-martin-atkins-inducted-fellow-place-war
  53. https://www.midwestmusicexpo.com/video/martin-atkins-presents-art-and-entrepreneurship-in-a-time-of-crisis-midwest-music-expo-2020/
  54. https://ppimchicago.com/
  55. https://www.npr.org/2023/01/19/1149977756/what-to-know-about-the-chicago-museum-of-post-rock-and-industrial-music
  56. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/04/12/a-musicians-stash-of-post-punk-music-memories-could-fill-a-museum-so-he-did/
  57. https://ppimchicago.com/about/
  58. https://ppimchicago.com/events/
  59. https://ppimchicago.com/ppim-newsletter/museum-summer-events-fundraising-auctions-more/
  60. https://ppimchicago.com/auctions/
  61. https://www.discogs.com/master/3387-Image-Publique-SA-Paris-Au-Printemps-Paris-In-The-Spring
  62. https://www.discogs.com/artist/22538-Martin-Atkins
  63. https://www.discogs.com/master/2588-Pigface-Notes-From-Thee-Underground
  64. https://www.discogs.com/master/3797-Skinny-Puppy-Last-Rights
  65. https://www.discogs.com/release/16711191-Pigface-Pigface-Live-2019
  66. https://www.discogs.com/release/9344646-Nine-Inch-Nails-Broken
  67. https://www.discogs.com/release/811554-Killing-Joke-Extremities-Dirt-And-Various-Repressed-Emotions
  68. https://www.emusic.com/artist/rs_3019/Ministry/bio
  69. https://regenmag.com/reviews/review-nadjia-7-ends-13/
  70. https://www.discogs.com/artist/418782-Opium-Jukebox
  71. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/martin_atkins/credits/
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