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Legendary Angel Witch bassist Kevin Riddle is dead at 68: Influential heavy metal artist was battling cancer

BBG News

I can hardly believe it, but today, the news that struck a chord deep within me is the passing of the legendary bassist, Kevin Riddles. Renowned for his groundbreaking work with various heavy metal bands, he leaves behind an indelible impact on the genre that will forever resonate in our hearts and music. At 68 years old, he’s taken his final bow, leaving us fans to mourn the loss of a true rockstar.

Riddles was best known as the founding bassist for the British heavy metal band Angel Witch.

The musician had been battling cancer prior to his death. 

On a solemn note, Kevin Heybourne, the sole surviving original member of Angel Witch, shared news of Riddle’s passing via an Instagram post on Monday.

As a heartbroken fan, I’m compelled to share the devastating news: My beloved friend and original bassist, Kevin Riddles, took his final bow on July 4th, 2025. He was more than just a musician to me; he was a great guy, a true friend who stood by my side until the very end. The void left by his passing will be felt deeply.

‘Our condolences to his wife Julie,’ Heybourne continued, adding, ‘Rest in peace Kev.’

Riddles later band Baphomet also announced his death on its Facebook page. 

On the peaceful morning of July 4th, 2025, Kevin “Kev” Riddles departed this world from a hospital. A true legend in every sense, he was a towering figure, an exceptional and devoted musician, and an admirable and kind soul.

‘Rest easy big fella,’ the announcement added.

Riddles was a key member of the original Angel Witch lineup, which formed in 1976 in London.

This band has earned a reputation as one of the key players in the British Heavy Metal movement, known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), which emerged in the mid-1970s and gained global recognition by the early 80s.

In contrast to the heavier, more aggressive sub-genres of metal music that emerged later, Angel Witch and other New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) bands placed a stronger emphasis on catchy hooks and melodies. They amplified the intensity of earlier hard rock tunes while infusing elements of early punk rock’s speed and aggression into their sound.

Riddles played a significant role in the first album of Angel Witch titled “Angel Witch,” which came out in 1980. However, he departed from the band in 1982 to establish his new group called Tytan. Over the years, Angel Witch has persisted with numerous changing members.

The band, including Angel Witch’s drummer Dave Dufort, was significantly influential within the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene. This is because they emerged at a time when other bands in this genre were experiencing great popularity and financial success.

Nevertheless, the band had a brief lifespan, lasting approximately two years, and produced only a single album, which was released post-disbandment.

In 2012, riddles (the band) came back together for a reunion where they ultimately published their second complete studio album.

The reunion invigorated the heavy metal group, essentially marking a new beginning, with Tytan performing on tour almost up until his passing.

At the same time as Tytan underwent its renaissance, Riddles embarked on his nostalgic venture called Baphomet – a music group he established in 2021.

From the mid-’70s until his departure in 1982, Baphomet was involved in creating music alongside Angel Witch, a character often referred to as ‘Witch’.

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2025-07-09 03:43

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