R.I.P. Kevin Riddles (ex-Angel Witch, Tytan) passed away on July 4, 2025

British bassist Kevin Riddles, born in 1956, passed away on July 4, 2025, according to statements from former bandmates.

Kevin was a member of Angel Witch from 1978 to 1981 and played on their legendary 1980 debut album (bass, keyboards, and also backing vocals). He left the band to form Tytan, where he was bassist and vocalist.

Their first EP, "Blind Men and Fools," was released in 1982, followed by their debut album, "Rough Justize" (1985), although this was not released until after Tytan's disbandment in 1983. Tytan have been active again since 2010, and "Justice: Served!" was released in 2017.

Kevin Riddles has also been touring live in recent years with old material from his time with Angel Witch – with the approval of Angel Witch leader Kevin Heybourne – under the name Kev Riddles' Baphomet. (Baphomet was and is the symbol of Angel Witch.)

He now writes (translated here):
"It is with deep sadness that I must announce that Kevin Riddles, our original bassist, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025. Kevin was a great guy, and we remained friends until the end. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to his wife, Julie. Rest in peace, Kev."

Tytan also added (also translated):
"It is with deep sadness that we must inform you all of the passing of the one and only Kevin Riddles. He was not only the bassist and founding member of Tytan, but also a great friend, beloved bandmate, and all-around good man. We are all deeply devastated. Kevin "Kev" Riddles died peacefully in the hospital in the early hours of Friday, July 4, 2025. An absolute legend in the truest sense of the word, an outstanding character, an incredible and dedicated musician, and a very fine and wonderful human being. Rest in peace, my dear."

The British metal scene has thus lost a musician who had been active (more or less) since the NWoBHM era and who enjoyed a certain legendary status.

R.I.P. Kevin

Angel Witch - Angel Witch

Tytan - Blind Men And Fools

 

Last edited: Jul 8, 2025 at 1:59 PM

RIP. NWOBHM bands are aging. Biff Biford had an emergency medical procedure recently. My generation has begun to crumble into ash.

 

Kevin must have been a damn talented 10 year-old!

 

TYTAN - Rough Justice [Full Album] 1985

TYTAN - Fight the Fight

 

Born in 68 and was in Angel Witch in 1978?

Here he is aged 12...


He died aged 68 so he was born in 1958 not 1968.

 

He was actually born in 1957. I believe he was one of Keith Richards's great grandsons.

 

It seems like nobody lives past 70 anymore. RIP Kev.