Founding Bassist of Legendary British Heavy Metal Band Dies at 68

Kevin Riddles was the original bassist for Angel Witch, one of the earliest bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal that influenced countless modern metal bands. He was also a founding member of Tytan and, more recently Baphomet. Riddles died in the early hours of Friday, July 4, while hospitalized.

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Angel Witch and Baphomet took to social media to mourn Riddles’ death yesterday (July 7). “It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player, passed away on Friday, 4^th July, 2025,” Angel Witch vocalist and founding member Kevin Heybourne wrote. “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,” he added.

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“It is with great sadness that we have to inform you all of the passing of the one and only Kevin Riddles,” the Baphomet post read. “We are all utterly devastated,” the band added. The post described Riddles as “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.”

Kevin Riddles Was a British Metal Legend

Angel Witch formed from the ashes of a band called Lucifer. The original lineup featured Kevin Heybourne (guitar, vocals), Kevin Riddles (bass), Steve Coleman (drums), and Rob Downing (guitar). Riddles was still in the band when they recorded their 1980 self-titled debut album, but left the next year.

Angel Witch was among the NWOBHM bands that inspired modern metal masters, including Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Testament, Celtic Frost, and many more.

After leaving the band, Riddles founded a new band called Tytan with Dave Dufort (drums), Norman Swan (vocals), Steve Gibbs (guitar), and Stewart Adams (guitar). They split in 1983 after recording their debut album Rough Justice, which wouldn’t be released until 1985.

Riddles formed Kev Riddles’ Baphomet in 2021 as a touring band. They performed tracks from Angel Witch’s debut album and a handful of other NWOBHM-era songs with which Riddles was involved. Heybourne gave Riddles his blessing to play their songs live.

Featured Image via Kev Riddles’ Baphomet Facebook Page