Drummer Steve Riley is best known as a former member of the bands L.A. GUNS and W.A.S.P. Most recently after L.A. GUNS split up, Riley performed under the band name Riley’s L.A. GUNS.
Now, Riley’s family has released the sad news that Riley has died at the age of 67 years old. In a statement, his family shared, “We are devastated to share that Steve Riley has passed away at the age of 67.” His family went on to explain what led up to his unexpected death. “Steve had been battling a severe case of pneumonia for several weeks, and on Tuesday, Oct. 24, succumbed to the illness.”
At the time of his death, Riley had his family by his side. According to the statement, “His wife Mary Louise and son Cole were by his side in his final moments.” Besides his wife and son, Riley is also survived by his two brothers, Michael and Daniel.
Riley’s family also took a moment to reflect on Riley’s musical legacy. They shared, “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 family also explained that though his was known to the world as “rocker,” he was much more than that. They wrote, “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.”
According to a source that spoke to Metal Sludge, Riley had been using a cane to help him walk for the past few months, and Riley had been hospitalized recently.
