Drumming News :
Tony Richards, the original drummer for heavy metal band W.A.S.P., has died at the age of 69. His passing was announced by band founder and frontman Blackie Lawless on November 11/12, 2026, through the band’s official Instagram account. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Richards was a member of W.A.S.P. from 1982 to 1984, performing on the band’s 1984 self-titled debut album as well as the controversial single “Animal (F**K Like a Beast).”
Lawless shared a heartfelt tribute to his former bandmate, remembering his personality and musicianship, as well as the important role he played in the band’s early years.
“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”
Former guitarist Chris Holmes also paid tribute to Richards alongside his wife and manager, Catherine Holmes. The couple revealed that Chris had been speaking with Richards regularly, including just a few weeks before his passing.
“His passing makes us sad. He deserved not to be forgotten along with what he brought to this industry,” they wrote, while also offering condolences to Richards’ brother John.
“Animal (F**K Like a Beast)” became one of W.A.S.P.’s most controversial recordings, attracting attention during the 1980s Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) hearings involving Tipper Gore.
Richards is the third former W.A.S.P. drummer to pass away, following Frankie Banali in 2020 and Steve Riley in 2023.
Although his time with the band was relatively brief, Richards helped shape the sound and identity of its original lineup. His contribution to W.A.S.P.’s debut album will remain part of the band’s history.
Tony Richards was 69.
