Cliff Notes – Iconic heavy metal musician Kevin Riddles dies age 68 after cancer diagnosis
- Kevin Riddles, founding bassist of Angel Witch, passed away at 68, confirmed by surviving member Kevin Heybourne on Instagram.
- Riddles had been diagnosed with cancer and faced serious health issues leading to cancelled shows prior to his death.
- He was remembered as a legendary musician and character by both Angel Witch and his later band Baphomet, which he formed after leaving Angel Witch in 1982.
Iconic heavy metal musician Kevin Riddles dies age 68 after cancer diagnosis
Angel Witch bassist Kevin Riddles dies age 68. The Iconic star Kevin Riddles, best known as the bassist from Angel Witch, has died at the age of 68, his bandmates have confirmed.
He was a founding member of the metal band, which rose to prominence in the mid-70s as pioneers of new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM).
His death was announced by the only surviving founding member of the group, Kevin Heybourne, on Instagram.
‘It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player passed away on Friday 4th July 2025,’ he 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.’
Riddles had reportedly been diagnosed with cancer before his death, and in May, suffered from a ‘serious medical emergency’ resulting in cancelled shows.
His band paid tribute to the late musician
His bandmates from later group Baphomet also shared a statement, writing: ‘Kevin “Kev” Riddles passed away peacefully in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning 4th July 2025.
‘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. Rest easy big fella.’
Riddles formed Baphomet after leaving Angel Witch in 1982, after the group’s brief chart success with Sweet Danger.
Angel Witch has reformed under various lineups
The single landed at number 75 for a week – a rare feat for a NWOBHM band but still earning them the title of ‘least successful chart act of all time’ in the Guinness Book of Hit Records.
While Angel Witch has reformed, Riddles pursued other projects, including Tytan with drummer Dave Dufort, but they only released one album.
The group reformed in 2012 and released their second record, continuing to tour until recently when Riddles’ health declined.
He also founded Baphomet in 2021, which recaptured the Angel Witch music from his 70s to 80s era with the band.
Riddles was a key part of creating that distinct sound, cited as an influence for the likes of Metallica, Venom, and Slayer.
