Early-era W.A.S.P. drummer Tony Richards Dead at 69
METAL SLUDGE / November 11th 2026 – Sad news from the heavy metal and rock world as we report on the passing of Tony Richards.
Richards was an early era member of the Los Angeles band W.A.S.P. and played drums on the group’s 1984 self-titled debut album.
Richards was part of the early 80’s music scene in and around Los Angeles after relocating from Phoenix and soon found himself playing in Dante Fox who later evolved into Great White.
In late 1982 Richards was asked by Blackie Lawless to join the band he was forming and the drummer obliged but left for unspecified reasons shortly after the release of “W.A.S.P.” in late 1984.
Classic W.A.S.P. guitarist and former band-mate Chris Holmes along with his wife and manager Catherine Holmes reported on Richards passing on social media earlier today sharing the following…
“We learned that Tony Richards passed away. Chris was talking to him a fews weeks ago as he did every month for the last fews years.
The band’s sole original member and lead vocalist Blackie Lawless released a statement on the related W.A.S.P. social media platforms acknowledging Richards death as well.
The full statement from Lawless is shared below.
***
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. 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.
Blackie Lawless
***
Richards had been living back in his home state of Arizona over recent years.
Metal Sludge sends our condolences to Tony Richards family and friends.
Tony Richards was 69.
Rest in Peace
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