Updated: Friday October 27th 10:45AM (PST)
The Riley family have released an official statement.
We have shared it below.
RIP Steve Riley
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A statement from the Riley family:
We are devastated to share that Steve Riley has passed away at the age of 67. Steve had been battling a severe case of pneumonia for several weeks, and on Tuesday, Oct. 24, succumbed to the illness. His wife Mary Louise and son Cole were by his side in his final moments.
Steve spent the past five decades building up a rich music legacy, touring the world countless times, selling millions of records, sharing the stage with incredible bandmates and bringing joy to fans across the globe. His style was unmatched, influenced by the greats like Buddy Rich, Ginger Baker and John Bonham, and his passion for the craft was evident until the very end.
But Steve’s greatest legacy was his role as a loving husband and caring father. At home, he was more than just a rocker — he was a Boston sports fanatic, a World War II buff and an avid reader. As much as he loved being on the road, nothing brought him more joy than coming home to his family.
Steve is survived by his wife and son, as well as his brothers Michael and Daniel.
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Los Angeles — Sad news today in the world of rock n’ roll as we report the sudden passing of Steve Riley.
Riley was the drummer for Los Angeles based L.A. Guns for the past 36 years.
According to a source close to the camp, Riley passed away on Tuesday October 24th after he had been suffering various health issues which landed him in the hospital in recent days.
Riley who was a Massachusetts native had been using a cane to walk in recent months as well.
Riley had been active with various National recording and touring artists for more than 40 years starting with Steppenwolf in 1979 which was followed by a stint in Keel, then W.A.S.P. until he joned L.A. Guns in 1987.
Riley’s L.A. Guns is the subset group Riley founded in 2018 after resolving a long running feud with his former band L.A. Guns.
Steve Riley was 67.
Metal Sludge sends condolences to all of Steve Riley‘s family, friends and band-mates.
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