The heavy metal community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures.
Kevin Riddles, the influential bassist known for his work with legendary bands like Angel Witch, has passed away at the age of 68.
His death comes after a private battle with cancer, leaving fans and fellow musicians reflecting on his powerful legacy.
Angel Witch Confirms the Sad News
The announcement came via Kevin Heybourne, the last remaining founding member of Angel Witch, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player, passed away on Friday 4th July 2025,” Heybourne wrote.
“Kevin was a great guy and we remained mates until the end. He will be greatly missed.Our condolences to his wife Julie. Rest in peace, Kev.”
Tributes Pour In From Bandmates and Fans
Not long after, another one of Riddles’ bands, Baphomet, also confirmed the news on Facebook, sharing their own emotional statement:
“Kevin ‘Kev’ Riddles passed away peacefully in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning 4th July 2025.
An absolute legend in the truest sense of the word, a larger-than-life character, an incredible and dedicated musician, and a very fine and wonderful human being.
Rest easy, big fella.”
A Founding Force in Angel Witch’s Rise
Kevin Riddles was one of the original forces behind Angel Witch, a band that formed in 1976 in London and went on to help define the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).
While later metal acts leaned into darker, heavier sounds, Angel Witch and their NWOBHM peers fused catchy melodies with the energy of punk and the crunch of hard rock.
Riddles’ fingerprints are all over Angel Witch’s self-titled debut album, released in 1980—an LP that has since become a cult classic among heavy metal fans.
His playing brought groove, depth, and aggression that perfectly balanced the band’s signature style.
Leaving Angel Witch to Forge New Paths
In 1982, Riddles stepped away from Angel Witch to start a new band: Tytan.
The project included Angel Witch drummer Dave Dufort and continued to build on the NWOBHM movement, emerging right as the genre was hitting its peak.
Tytan, despite high hopes and strong musicianship, was short-lived.
The band only lasted about two years and released just one album—ironically, after their breakup.
A Comeback That Gave the Music New Life
But Riddles wasn’t done yet. In 2012, he rejoined Tytan for a full reunion.
That second wind led to a brand-new full-length album and a tour schedule that kept them busy for years.
Fans were thrilled to see Tytan back on stage, with Riddles once again delivering that unmistakable bassline swagger.
Baphomet: A Tribute to His Angel Witch Days
As if one comeback wasn’t enough, Riddles launched another project in 2021 called Baphomet.
This band was a passion project, formed to perform music specifically from his Angel Witch years between 1976 and 1982.
It was his way of reliving the golden era and sharing it with old-school fans and a new generation discovering NWOBHM for the first time.
His Legacy Lives On
Kevin Riddles wasn’t just a bassist—he was a pillar in a genre that helped shape the face of heavy metal as we know it today.
Whether in sweaty underground venues or on international stages, Riddles brought energy, talent, and authenticity that inspired countless musicians.
Though he’s no longer with us, his music, spirit, and influence will live on through every bass note that echoes the sound he helped pioneer.
The heavy metal community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved figures.
Kevin Riddles, the influential bassist known for his work with legendary bands like Angel Witch, has passed away at the age of 68.
His death comes after a private battle with cancer, leaving fans and fellow musicians reflecting on his powerful legacy.
Angel Witch Confirms the Sad News
The announcement came via Kevin Heybourne, the last remaining founding member of Angel Witch, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player, passed away on Friday 4th July 2025,” Heybourne wrote.
“Kevin was a great guy and we remained mates until the end. He will be greatly missed.Our condolences to his wife Julie. Rest in peace, Kev.”
Tributes Pour In From Bandmates and Fans
Not long after, another one of Riddles’ bands, Baphomet, also confirmed the news on Facebook, sharing their own emotional statement:
“Kevin ‘Kev’ Riddles passed away peacefully in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning 4th July 2025.
An absolute legend in the truest sense of the word, a larger-than-life character, an incredible and dedicated musician, and a very fine and wonderful human being.
Rest easy, big fella.”
A Founding Force in Angel Witch’s Rise
Kevin Riddles was one of the original forces behind Angel Witch, a band that formed in 1976 in London and went on to help define the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).
While later metal acts leaned into darker, heavier sounds, Angel Witch and their NWOBHM peers fused catchy melodies with the energy of punk and the crunch of hard rock.
Riddles’ fingerprints are all over Angel Witch’s self-titled debut album, released in 1980—an LP that has since become a cult classic among heavy metal fans.
His playing brought groove, depth, and aggression that perfectly balanced the band’s signature style.
Leaving Angel Witch to Forge New Paths
In 1982, Riddles stepped away from Angel Witch to start a new band: Tytan.
The project included Angel Witch drummer Dave Dufort and continued to build on the NWOBHM movement, emerging right as the genre was hitting its peak.
Tytan, despite high hopes and strong musicianship, was short-lived.
The band only lasted about two years and released just one album—ironically, after their breakup.
A Comeback That Gave the Music New Life
But Riddles wasn’t done yet. In 2012, he rejoined Tytan for a full reunion.
That second wind led to a brand-new full-length album and a tour schedule that kept them busy for years.
Fans were thrilled to see Tytan back on stage, with Riddles once again delivering that unmistakable bassline swagger.
Baphomet: A Tribute to His Angel Witch Days
As if one comeback wasn’t enough, Riddles launched another project in 2021 called Baphomet.
This band was a passion project, formed to perform music specifically from his Angel Witch years between 1976 and 1982.
It was his way of reliving the golden era and sharing it with old-school fans and a new generation discovering NWOBHM for the first time.
His Legacy Lives On
Kevin Riddles wasn’t just a bassist—he was a pillar in a genre that helped shape the face of heavy metal as we know it today.
Whether in sweaty underground venues or on international stages, Riddles brought energy, talent, and authenticity that inspired countless musicians.
Though he’s no longer with us, his music, spirit, and influence will live on through every bass note that echoes the sound he helped pioneer.