Here's what I know:
Martin is very grateful of TMB for giving him the chance to be Phil.
The first audition he did for them was for Denis's job. Right the singer.
He told Guillaume Courteau (the drummer back then): "It's your job that I want!"
So when Guillaume quit...
He enjoyed the tours, the shows, the people TMB staff etc..
But after a few years he felt like it was starting to be a "job". Punch in, punch out. He also began to feel tension between him and another person in TMB. No names
He was also starting TIOA at the same time and was really thrilled about the project.
During the last year in TMB he started to feel depressed, not going out after the gigs with the boys, (I remember very well when one sunday night he called me from Rome. We talked for an hour or so...) he also had some personal problems to take care of. So he spent most of his time in the hotel rooms during the day writing or sleeping. He even bought a bass guitar and started to learn the basics ( It is sold as we speak, and to quote him:" F... this, I'm a drummer...").
He talked to TMB about doing TOTT, but some peole were very reticent, saying it wouldn't be easy etc... I'm wondering who changed their minds?
This past summer TIOA took shape for good with success. They know they've got something big. Martin couldn't see himself doing another tour with TMB.
It was definetly over for him. He advised the people concerned and left in good terms, even if some people in the team do not dare look, or speak to him when he sees them in the street.
I can assure you that he does not regret his decision and he wishes TMB good luck with the upcoming tour, sincerely.
