The rock world mourns the loss of Kevin Riddles, the original bassist for Angel Witch, who has died at 68. Kevin Heybourne, the sole remaining founding member of Angel Witch, took to Instagram on Monday, July 7, to announce: "It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player passed away on Friday 4th July 2025. Kevin was a great guy and we remained mates until the end, he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his wife Julie. Rest in peace Kev."
Riddles was renowned as the pioneering bassist of the iconic British heavy metal band Angel Witch. His later group Baphomet also paid homage to him via their official Facebook page, stating: "Kevin 'Kev' Riddles passed away peacefully in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning 4th July 2025," adding, "An absolute legend in the truest sense of the word, a larger than life character, an incredible and dedicated musician and a very fine and wonderful human being," reports Daily Star.
They signed off with a heartfelt "Rest easy big fella."
A key figure in the formation of Angel Witch in London back in 1976, Kevin's legacy lives on as the band remains a seminal influence in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, which rose to prominence in the late '70s and soared internationally throughout the '80s.
Unlike the more radical strains of metal music, Angel Witch and their fellow New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) bands prioritised catchy hooks and melodies. They amplified the raw energy of earlier hard rock and fused it with the rapid-fire aggression of early punk.
Kevin was instrumental in crafting Angel Witch's self-titled debut album, which graced record stores in 1980. However, he parted ways with the band in 1982 to establish his next venture, Tytan.
This outfit, which also included Angel Witch drummer Dave Dufort, was a significant player in the NWOBHM scene. It emerged just as similar bands were enjoying peak popularity and commercial success.
Despite disbanding shortly after, the heavy metal group made a comeback in 2012 when Riddles returned for a reunion that culminated in a second full-length album.
Angel Witch has endured through the years, despite numerous lineup changes. They continue to create music today, albeit with a revolving roster of musicians.
