Former W.A.S.P. and L.A. Guns drummer Steve Riley has died. He was 67.s
Riley's family issued an exclusive statement to Blabbermouth confirming the musician's passing. His son, Cole, revealed that the patriarch died on Tuesday, October 24.
What Was Steve Riley's Cause of Death?
According to Riley's family, his wife, Maryl Louise, and their son were beside him in his final moments.
The statement added that he died following his battle with a severe case of pneumonia in the weeks before his passing.
"But Steve's greatest legacy was his role as a loving husband and caring father," the family continued. "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."
Riley is survived by his wife, son and his brothers Michael and Daniel.
The family's confirmation came after Riley's friend Jason Green revealed the news following a report by Metal Sludge. A source told the media outlet that the musician died following his hospitalization. Riley also seemingly had mobility issues in the past few months before he succumbed as he started using a cane to assist himself.
Green uploaded a video on his Waste Some Time With Jason Green YouTube channel in which he unveiled the news and disclosed that the drummer passed away after suffering from undisclosed health issues.
Steve Riley Receives Heartfelt Tributes
Fans and colleagues took to their social media pages to express their shock and heartbreak after hearing the news.
L.A. Guns singer Phil Lewis wrote a message on his Facebook page to remember the "good guy and excellent drummer."
"We toured the world together many times and had 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," he wrote. "I think he valued his privacy and kept work and family very much separate."
Riley and Lewis worked together in L.A. Guns after the former left W.A.S.P. following his works in its second and third albums.
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