Original W.A.S.P. Drummer Tony Richards Dead at 69

Tony Richards, the original drummer for the heavy metal band W.A.S.P., has sadly passed away at the age of 69. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The band's leader, Blackie Lawless, announced the news on the band's Instagram, alongside a memorial for the late drummer. Lawless previously referred to Richards as a vital component of the band's formation, stating, "When we lost him, we were mortally wounded, and we knew it."

He added, "The entire W.A.S.P. Camp are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our original drummer, Tony Richards." Richards was a significant part of the band's debut album and the iconic single "Animal (F**K Like a Beast)," which faced scrutiny during the PMRC hearings in the 1980s. He was part of W.A.S.P. from 1982 to 1984.

The band's camp expressed their deep sorrow over Richards' passing and wished condolences to his family. Former guitarist Chris Holmes and his wife, Catherine Holmes, also paid tribute to Richards, stating, "We learned that Tony Richards passed away. Chris was talking to him a few weeks ago as he did every month for the last few years.

His passing makes us sad. He deserved not to be forgotten along with what he brought to this industry." Richards is the third W.A.S.P. drummer to have passed away, following the deaths of Steve Riley and Frankie Banali.