Founder of Popular Band Dies at 53

Martin Ridilla, the founding drummer and DJ of the Slovak band This Is Kevin who later played with the group Ostrov, has died at the age of 53, according to reports from zoznam.sk. His death follows a battle with illness, as confirmed by Ostrov singer and guitarist Števo Šanta.

Martin Ridilla’s Career With This Is Kevin and Ostrov

Ridilla first emerged on the Slovak music scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s as a founding member of This Is Kevin. According to zoznam.sk, the group recorded their initial demo tracks at a local radio station before their music gained broader airplay on Rádio Ragtime. Inspired by the shoegaze genre, the band built a following across Slovakia. In later years, Ridilla joined the group Ostrov, performing live shows and cementing his reputation within the Poprad music community. “Martin wasn’t just a drummer, he was primarily a friend whom the band and the entire Poprad scene deeply respected,” Šanta told zoznam.sk.

Jindrich Tolar Passes Away at 60

Tolar’s death followed a rapid illness involving stomach cancer. Tolar’s wife, Věra Tolarová, shared news of his passing online alongside a photograph, prompting an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues. Born in Karlovy Vary, Tolar was active in the 1980s alternative cultural scene, associated with underground groups like The Plastic People of the Universe, and received a third-resistance participant certificate in 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Martin Ridilla?

Martin Ridilla was a Slovak drummer and DJ who co-founded the band This Is Kevin and later played with the group Ostrov. He passed away at age 53.

What caused Jindrich Tolar’s death?

Which bands was Martin Ridilla associated with?

According to zoznam.sk, Ridilla was a founding member of This Is Kevin and later played drums for the group Ostrov.

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