Kevin Riddles, founding bassist of Angel Witch, Tytan, and Baphomet, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, after a battle with cancer. He was 68. Riddles was a key figure in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, contributing to Angel Witch’s iconic 1980 debut and remaining an influential force in the heavy metal community for decades. After leaving Angel Witch in 1982, he co-founded Tytan and later launched Baphomet, a project revisiting his early Angel Witch-era.
Angel Witch’s Kevin Heybourne issued the following statement on the band’s social media:
“It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player passed away on Friday 4th July 2025. 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
Kevin Heybourne”
Riddles’s Baphomet issued the following statement on social media:
“It is with great sadness that we have to inform you all of the passing of the one and only Kevin Riddles, original Angelwitch member and bass player. We are all utterly devastated. 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.”
Remembering Kevin Riddles will be held on September 12 at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow, UK. The full event description reads:
“A night in memory of Kev Riddles, a NWOBHM legend. Kev was a larger-than-life, fun-loving, and kind member of our heavy metal community. As a founding member of Angel Witch, Kev went on to rock audiences with Tytan and Kev Riddles’ Baphomet. If you ever had the pleasure to meet Kev, or his wife Julie, you would know what great people they are. Genuine, generous with their time, and a bloody good laugh! Sadly, Kev passed on 4th July.
We have organised this night to celebrate his heavy metal legacy and to raise money for his wonderful wife Julie to put towards whatever she needs it for. Headlining will be long-time friends of Kev, the mighty Spartan Warrior! Joining them on the bill will be Pyroclast, Medusa Touch, Crusaders, and Carbon Replica. £15 adv. / £18 on the door. Advance tickets always preferable.”
Our thoughts are with Riddles family and friends during this difficult time.
