Tony Richards: key obituary facts
Is Tony Richards dead? Yes. Tony Richards died on November 11, 2026, at age 69.
Cause of death: Tony Richards's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Tony Richards known for?
He was an American musician.
More about Tony Richards
Born: 19 June 1957.
Place of birth: Phoenix.
Gender: male.
Occupation: drummer, musician.
Nationality: United States.
Genres: Heavy metal, hard rock.
Years active: Late 1970s-2026.
Tony Richards, an American drummer and original member of heavy metal band W.A.S.P., died November 11, 2026, aged 69.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 19, 1957, Richards played in several bands early in his career before relocating to Los Angeles in 1980. He became part of the city’s heavy metal scene with Dante Fox, a band that later became known as Great White.
Dante Fox also included Don Costa, Mark Kendall and Jack Russell; Costa was associated with W.A.S.P. and M80, while Kendall and Russell were associated with Great White. In late 1982, Blackie Lawless asked Richards to join the new band he was assembling, and Richards left Dante Fox to become W.A.S.P.’s original drummer. His tenure ran from 1982 to 1984, spanning the release of the band’s self-titled debut album. Richards left after the album came out, and Steve Riley replaced him. His work encompassed heavy metal and hard rock, and his career extended from the late 1970s through 2026. His place in W.A.S.P.’s early history came during the band’s formative years, following his move from Phoenix and his work with Dante Fox in Los Angeles.