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\n\t\tAngel Witch bassist Kevin Riddles dies age 68 (Picture: Facebook\/Kevin Riddles\/Angel Witch)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tAngel Witch bassist Kevin Riddles dies age 68 (Picture: Facebook\/Kevin Riddles\/Angel Witch)<\/p>\n
Kevin Riddles, best known as the bassist from Angel Witch, has died at the age of 68, his bandmates have confirmed.<\/p>\n
He was a founding member of the metal<\/a> band, which rose to prominence in the mid-70s as pioneers of new wave of British heavy metal\u00a0(NWOBHM).<\/p>\n His death was announced by the only surviving founding member of the group, Kevin Heybourne, on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player passed away on Friday 4th July 2025,\u2019 he wrote. \u2018Kevin was a great guy and we remained mates until the end, he will be greatly missed.<\/p>\n \u2018Our condolences to his wife Julie. Rest in peace Kev.\u2019<\/p>\n Riddles had reportedly been diagnosed with cancer before his death, and in May, suffered from a \u2018serious medical emergency\u2019 resulting in cancelled shows.<\/p>\n \t\t His bandmates from later group Baphomet also shared a statement, writing: \u2018Kevin \u201cKev\u201d Riddles passed away peacefully in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning 4th July 2025. <\/p>\n \u2018An 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. Rest easy big fella.\u2019<\/p>\n Riddles formed Baphomet after leaving Angel Witch in 1982, after the group\u2019s brief chart success with Sweet Danger.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \t\t The single landed at number 75 for a week \u2013 a rare feat for a NWOBHM band but still earning them the title of \u2018least successful chart act of all time\u2019 in the Guinness Book of Hit Records.<\/p>\n While Angel Witch has reformed, Riddles pursued other projects, including Tytan with drummer Dave Dufort, but they only released one album.<\/p>\n The group reformed in 2012 and released their second record, continuing to tour until recently when Riddles\u2019 health declined.<\/p>\n He also founded Baphomet in 2021, which recaptured the Angel Witch music from his 70s to 80s era with the band.<\/p>\n Riddles was a key part of creating that distinct sound, cited as an influence for the likes of Metallica, Venom, and Slayer.<\/p>\n Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-09-at-07.49.01-eead.png\")
\n\t\tHis band paid tribute to the late musician (Picture: Facebook\/Baphomet)<\/p>\n![\"Hard](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-136411217.jpg\")
\n\t\tAngel Witch has reformed under various lineups (Picture: Photo by Kevin Nixon\/Metal Hammer Magazine\/Future via Getty Images\/Team Rock via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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