Steve Riley, Former W.A.S.P. and L.A. Guns Drummer, Dead at 67

Steve Riley, the previous drummer for W.A.S.P. and L.A. Weapons, has died on the age of 67.

“We’re devastated to share that Steve Riley has handed away on the age of 67,” Riley’s household confirmed in an announcement shared with Blabbermouth. “Steve had been battling a extreme case of pneumonia for a number of weeks, and on Tuesday, Oct. 24, succumbed to the sickness. His spouse Mary Louise and son Cole had been by his aspect in his remaining moments.”

“Steve spent the previous 5 many years increase a wealthy music legacy, touring the world numerous occasions, promoting hundreds of thousands of data, sharing the stage with unbelievable bandmates and bringing pleasure to followers throughout the globe,” the message continued. “His model was unmatched, influenced by the greats like Buddy Wealthy, Ginger Baker and John Bonham, and his ardour for the craft was evident till the very finish. However Steve’s biggest legacy was his function as a loving husband and caring father. At dwelling, he was greater than only a rocker — he was a Boston sports activities fanatic, a World Struggle II buff and an avid reader. As a lot as he beloved being on the street, nothing introduced him extra pleasure than coming dwelling to his household.”

Steve Riley’s Profession

Born in Massachusetts, Riley moved to Los Angeles after graduating highschool to pursue a profession in music. He briefly joined the lineup of Steppenwolf in 1979, however the group broke up months later.

Riley’s subsequent sop was the heavy metallic band Keel. He performed on the group’s 1984 sophomore album, The Proper to Rock, produced by Kiss’ Gene Simmons. Quickly after its launch, Riley left Keel to switch Tony Richards within the band W.A.S.P.

Riley’s W.A.S.P. tenure lasted three years, overlaying many of the group’s rise to fame. The drummer performed on two studio albums throughout that point, 1985’s The Final Command and 1986’s Contained in the Electrical Circus.

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In 1987, Riley joined one other rising rock group, L.A. Weapons. The drummer turned a part of the band’s traditional lineup, taking part in on one track for his or her self-titled debut LP, then dealing with all of the drum components on their subsequent two albums, Cocked & Loaded (1989) and Hollywood Vampires (1991). He departed the band in 1992 however returned two years later, taking part in on a further 6 LPs. In whole, Riley contributed to 10 studio albums throughout his greater than 20 years with the band.

When Tracii Weapons revived L.A. Weapons in 2016, Riley was not a part of the lineup. The drummer later launched his personal model of the band, additionally referred to as L.A. Weapons, in 2019. This led to a lawsuit between Riley and Weapons, which was in the end settled. As a part of the settlement, the drummer was allowed to carry out and launch music below the identify Riley’s L.A. Weapons, which he did till his dying. The band’s most up-to-date single, “The Darkish Horse,” was launched final month, with a brand new studio album tentatively deliberate for early 2024.