Kevin Riddles was one of the musicians who helped shape the early sound of British heavy metal. Although he never became a mainstream celebrity, his work inspired generations of fans and musicians. As the original article explains, his bass playing became part of **”a revolutionary movement that reshaped the face of British metal,”** leaving a lasting mark on the genre.
Riddles, the **”legendary bassist and co-founder of the cult British band Angel Witch,”** passed away on **”July 4, 2025, at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer.”** The news was shared by longtime bandmate Kevin Heybourne, who wrote, **”Kevin was a great guy and we remained mates until the end. He will be greatly missed.”** His most recent band, Baphomet, also honored him, calling him **”a true legend, larger than life, an incredible and dedicated musician, and a wonderful human being.”**
As a founding member of Angel Witch, Riddles helped define the sound of the **New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).** The band’s **”self-titled debut album”** became one of the genre’s most influential releases, blending melody with the raw energy of hard rock and punk. Even decades later, the album continues to influence heavy metal artists around the world.
After leaving Angel Witch in 1982, Riddles formed **Tytan**, another respected band from the NWOBHM era. Although the group’s original run was short, he later revived it in 2012, recording new music and returning to live performances. In 2021, he formed **Baphomet**, a project that celebrated the music and style that launched his career and allowed him to reconnect with his earliest musical roots.
Kevin Riddles leaves behind a legacy built on passion, creativity, and dedication to heavy metal. His influence extends far beyond the albums he recorded, living on through the musicians and fans inspired by his work. As the article concludes, **”His story is one of creativity, resilience, and unwavering devotion to the art of sound,”** ensuring that his contributions to heavy metal will not be forgotten.
