W.A.S.P.'s founding drummer Tony Richards dies at 69
Tony Richards, the original drummer for heavy metal band W.A.S.P., has died at 69; no cause of death was given.
Band founder and leader Blackie Lawless announced Richards's death on W.A.S.P.'s Instagram with a tribute to his musicianship. Richards played with the band from 1982 to 1984, recording their debut album and the controversial single "Animal (F**K Like a Beast)" which was later targeted during US congressional hearings.
Lawless described Richards as essential to the band's formation and early sound, saying his "ability to play made him really who he was." Former guitarist Chris Holmes also paid tribute, noting Richards had remained close to the band in recent years.
Richards is the third W.A.S.P. drummer to pass away, following Steve Riley and Frankie Banali.
- 1982 to 1984
- Years active
- 69
- Age at death
- Three including Richards
- W.A.S.P. drummers deceased
Why it mattersRichards helped shape the sound of one of metal's most influential bands and defined an era of heavy music in the 1980s.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, though W.A.S.P. has toured Australia multiple times and maintains a global fanbase including Australian metalheads.
Corroborated byghostcultmag.com·antimusic.com
