{
  "id": 19790278,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: W.A.S.P. founding drummer Tony Richards dies at 69",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/showbiz-w-a-s-p-founding-drummer-tony-richards-dies-at-69",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T09:53:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/11/1576981/showbiz-wasp-founding-drummer-tony-richards-dies-69"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tony Richards, the original drummer of the heavy metal band W.A.S.P. and a prominent figure in the Los Angeles rock scene of the late 1970s, has passed away at the age of 69. W.A.S.P. expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of their founding drummer, remembering him for his commanding stage presence and instrumental role in the band's early success. The band took to Facebook to share their tribute, accompanied by a photo of the late drummer. Richards had established himself as one of the top emerging drummers in the Los Angeles area before joining W.A.S.P. He left the band shortly after the release of their self-titled debut album, with Steve Riley taking over as the new drummer. Despite his departure, Richards' influence on the band remained significant, as his personality and exceptional drumming skills were highly regarded by both fans and fellow musicians.",
  "summary": "LOS ANGELES: The original drummer for heavy metal outfit W.A.S.P. and a prominent fixture of the late-1970s Los Angeles rock scene, Tony Richards, has died. He was 69.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}