Former L.A. Guns and W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley passed away at the age of 67. Riley’s family released the following statement:
“We are devastated to share that Steve Riley has passed away at the age of 67. Steve had been battling a severe case of pneumonia for several weeks, and on Tuesday, Oct. 24, succumbed to the illness. His wife Mary Louise and son Cole were by his side in his final moments.”
“Steve spent the past five decades building up a rich music legacy, touring the world countless times, selling millions of records, sharing the stage with incredible bandmates and bringing joy to fans across the globe. His style was unmatched, influenced by the greats like Buddy Rich, Ginger Baker and John Bonham, and his passion for the craft was evident until the very end. But Steve’s greatest legacy was his role as a loving husband and caring father. At home, he was more than just a rocker — he was a Boston sports fanatic, a World War II buff and an avid reader. As much as he loved being on the road, nothing brought him more joy than coming home to his family.”
“Steve is survived by his wife and son, as well as his brothers Michael and Daniel.”
Riley drummed on the W.A.S.P. albums “The Last Command” (1985) and “Inside The Electric Circus” (1986.). He left W.A.S.P. and joined L.A. Guns for their two most commercially successful albums, “Cocked & Loaded” (1989) and “Hollywood Vampires” (1991). Riley played on more than 10 L.A. Guns releases in his career.
In later years, L.A. Guns singer Phil Lewis and guitarist Tracii Guns reformed the band but didn’t include Riley. The drummer would go on to form his own version of the group, Riley’s L.A. Guns.
Lewis commented on Riley’s passing via Facebook saying: “Very shocked to hear about Steve Riley’s passing today. He was a good guy and an excellent drummer. We toured the world together many times and countless adventures both good and bad. Unfortunately we were never truly friends in 30 years I never once visited his house and apart from band stuff we never hung out or went to dinner together. I think he valued his privacy and kept work and family very much separate. “My condolences to his wife of over 40 years Mary Louise and son Cole. Journey on mate.”
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