By Jennifer Danner
Of The Patriot-News

The local music community is mourning the loss of Chad Matson, 32, the charismatic drummer for the rockabilly band, The Martini Bros.

Matson was found dead Wednesday morning in his apartment in the 200 block of Chestnut Street, York, according to police.

York County Coroner Kathryn Fourhman is awaiting the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests before releasing the cause of death.

Shortly after his death, fans and Matson's bandmates - guitarist/vocalist Deuce Gibb and bassist Mike Mead - expressed their shock and grief.

The Martinis had built a sizable following in the midstate over the past three years, and were gearing up to release a full-length documentary. The band opened for Live this summer at Hersheypark Stadium, and enjoyed frequent airplay on WTPA 93.5 FM.

"I can't believe it. I just want people to remember him fondly," said Gibb, who also operates a New Cumberland beauty salon.

Matson will be remembered as the driving force behind the bands's revved up remakes of songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Motorhead and many others from the '50s and early '60s.

"Players like Chad just don't come along every day. He stood out, because he was such a great drummer, an incredible showman. He had it all," said Ryan Sohmer, drummer for local rock bands Jet Silver and Handsome Uncle Johnny.

"It's too bad. The band was finally turning the corner in their career," said Chris James, program director at WTPA.

Local Band Manager Vikki Walls recalled getting to know Matson, who was a toolmaker for Kermitool, Inc. in York, at a music show in Memphis. "He was such a cool guy. They [The Martini Bros.] were always there for me. They were just a great band. He was a great, great drummer," said Walls.

On the heels of their debut CD, "Portable," the Martini Bros. schedule included Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg in June and a roof-top concert at The Groove record store in New Cumberland in July.

They had recently shot scenes for a documentary film on Market Street in Harrisburg. "We were just filming him this weekend. I think we were the last ones to see him perform," said Daniel Sariano of PhotoGenetics in Colonial Park.

Scenes from their roof-top concert were shown on MTV and VH1 on a commercial for The Groove.