For me it all started with stomach pains and the sudden urge to rush to the toilet. It just kept going and going, and as time went on, I was losing more and more weight. I couldn’t eat and it was having a huge impact on my life.
I told myself it was maybe a minor case of IBS, so I was shocked to discover that I had Crohn’s Disease. I had heard of Crohn’s and I knew it was serious. My heart sank and, if I’m honest, I was devastated.
Looking back now, I was so unwell – my weight had dropped to about eight stone, and it took a lot of adjusting to get my head around this totally different way of life. I needed to work with the doctors to get the medication right and it was really hard to find the correct treatment at first.
Like a lot of people, I went on steroids and struggled with the side effects and how they made me look. I didn’t want people seeing me like that and I felt completely isolated.
Marty
KISS, for me, was my passion and my motivation to get well again. I just love their music: can’t get enough of it. My dream was to perform as Paul Stanley in the best KISS tribute band possible and it kept me going when things were really rough. I played guitar, I’d sing along to their songs, so I got some mates together and our band – Hotter Than Hell - started from there.
It can be exciting to embody a different persona on stage. I enjoy the challenge of meticulously replicating the KISS sound, look, and stage presence. I’ve got this real, deep camaraderie with my bandmates. And it’s fun seeing people at our shows enjoying themselves and having a good time. We’re fortunate that we’ve had the chance to tour all over Ireland, in the UK and in Europe, too.

Marty turned to music after his diagnosis
I’m not going to pretend it’s been easy: we all know this is a frustratingly unpredictable condition! Crohn’s plays such a big part in how I live, and there was a time when I was housebound because of it. I still have bad days now, but nothing like it used to be. Since I started on infliximab things seem to be much more under control. Still, over the years I have realised I have to listen to my body and act if it feels like something isn’t right. Fatigue can be a real issue, so I plan ahead and make sure I get plenty of rest and eat sensibly – especially when I’m playing gigs.
When I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s, I was thrown into an entirely new world and one that initially felt lonely and daunting. I had a lot of learning to do, and I had to do it quickly.
Marty
I was fortunate to have Crohn's and Colitis UK available with the help and support I needed. I’ve always wanted to give something back to those who supported me, so once again I turned to KISS for inspiration! Several years ago, they donated some of their concert ticket sales to support a US Veterans’ charity, so I decided we should follow their lead and donate some of the proceeds from this year’s pre-Halloween gig in Belfast to Crohn’s & Colitis UK. It’s my way of saying thank you to this charity.
As for what I would tell my younger self or anyone else dealing with a diagnosis of Crohn’s or Colitis – I would say: believe in yourself. Also, look after yourself and learn to deal with the challenges you’re going to face, because there will be challenges! Never give up on your dreams or goals in life and, if you’re worried something is wrong with your body, listen to it! Don’t ignore it: go and get help. Most of all, go with what makes your heart sing!
Hotter Than Hell - Europe's Ultimate Kiss Tribute Band

Marty performing in the band as Paul Stanley
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