Tony Richards, the original drummer of W.A.S.P., has died at the age of 69. Bandleader Blackie Lawless shared the news on Wednesday, November 11, in a post on the band's official social media. No cause of death has been made public.
Richards was a member of W.A.S.P. from 1982 to 1984 and played on the band's self-titled debut, released on August 17, 1984 — the record that put the Los Angeles shock-metal outfit on the map. He was reportedly fired at the start of the 1984–1985 tour and replaced by Steve Riley. Before W.A.S.P., Richards played in DANTE FOX, the band that later became GREAT WHITE.
In his tribute, Lawless described the early lineup as "4 extremely strong personalities" and said Richards stood "absolutely equal to any of the others." He praised the drummer's infectious personality, his presence in photos and, above all, his playing: "To watch him play riveted you no matter where you were in the room."
Lawless admitted that Richards' exit left a lasting mark: "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." He closed by extending the W.A.S.P. camp's condolences to Richards' family.
It was not the first time Lawless had spoken of that loss. Four years ago he called Richards "stunning as a drummer and performer" and pointed to the debut's cover as proof of how much he mattered: all four members appear on the first album, while the second and third feature Lawless alone. That, he said, was a deliberate choice — once Richards was gone, "we were not the same band anymore."
Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes also paid tribute. His wife and manager, Catherine Holmes, wrote that Chris had kept in touch with Richards, talking to him every month for the last few years, most recently a few weeks ago. "He deserved not to be forgotten along with what he brought to this industry," she added, sending condolences to Richards' brother John.
Richards is the third former W.A.S.P. drummer to pass away, after Frankie Banali in 2020 and Steve Riley in 2023.
Rest in peace, Tony.