Ex-L.A. Guns and W.A.S.P. Drummer Steve Riley Passes Away at 67

We’re saddened to report today that former L.A. Guns and W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley passed away yesterday, October 26. He was 67 years old.

Originally reported by the sleaze masters over at Metal Sludge, the drummer’s passing has since been confirmed by Riley’s friend Jason Green over on his YouTube channel, Waste Some Time With Jason Green. In a special video posted earlier today, Green stated that Riley’s passing came as he was dealing with various health issues that recently left him hospitalized.

For those not in the know, Riley was a major player in the glam metal scene, having joined W.A.S.P. in 1984 to replace founding member Tony Richards. There he remained until 1987, at which point he left the band to join L.A. Guns until he was fired in 1992. He later rejoined the band in 1995.

Eventually, two versions of L.A. Guns emerged, with vocalist Phil Lewis leading one version and guitarist Tracii Guns creating his own. Riley played with Lewis’ version until the two bands became one band yet again in 2016. Three years later, Riley went on to create his own version of L.A. Guns, which was allowed to continue using the name after a legal settlement was reached in 2021.

Riley’s L.A. Guns had released a single album, Renegades, and had released a new single last month, titled “The Dark Horse” for an album slated for release next year.

We at MetalSucks offer our deepest condolences to Riley’s family, friends, and bandmates currently dealing with their loss.