W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless announced that original drummer Tony Richards had died at 69. Lawless shared his thoughts on Instagram.
Richards was the drummer on W.A.S.P.’s first album and played a key role in shaping the band’s early sound. Lawless remembered him as an integral part of the original lineup.
Blackie Lawless wrote: “The entire W.A.S.P. camp are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our original drummer, Tony Richards.”
“When the band was first started we were 4 extremely strong personalities. *Tony* was absolutely equal to any of the others that were in the band. His personality was infectious. He looked fantastic in photos. But his ability to play made him really who he was. To watch him play riveted you no matter where you were in the room.”
Lawless went on to describe how Richards’ absence had affected the band over the years.
“When he was gone from the band we were wounded in a way that we never really quite recovered from. He was equally a part of that first album and when that record is heard to this day his personal stamp will forever be a part of the totality of that recording. He will forever be missed.”
“We in the W.A.S.P. camp would like to wish his family our deepest condolences.”
The announcement was made through W.A.S.P.’s official social media channels. Richards’ impact on the band’s foundation remains part of their legacy.
Richards played on W.A.S.P.’s 1984 self-titled debut album, which was released on August 17, 1984. The album featured the original lineup of Lawless, Chris Holmes, Randy Piper, and Richards, and became known for the band’s raunchy and shocking live performances.
Richards left the band at the beginning of their 1984-1985 tour and was replaced by Steve Riley. Years later, Lawless spoke of his regret in losing Richards, describing him as “stunning as a drummer and performer.”
Richards is the third former W.A.S.P. drummer to die. Frankie Banali died from pancreatic cancer on August 20, 2020, at age 68. Steve Riley died on October 24, 2023, at the age of 67 after a severe case of pneumonia.
