7/7/25 Page 2
NWOBHM legend KEVIN RIDDLES - founding member of Angel Witch, Tytan and Baphomet, passed away on Friday, July 4 at 68 years of age following a battle with cancer. Angel Witch founding member Kevin Heybourne shared the following via the Angel Witch Facebook page: "It is with immense sadness that I have to report that Kevin Riddles, our original bass player passed away on Friday 4th July 2025. Kevin was a great guy and we remained mates until the end, he will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his wife Julie. Rest in peace Kev."
Earlier today STRYPER issued the following statement via social media: "Following recent medical advice, OZ FOX has been advised to avoid extended or intense touring. With his full support, Stryper will tour Latin America this summer with guitarist Howie Simon, who has filled in previously. Oz may still be able to join us for occasional one-off or weekend shows, but longer trips are not recommended. We appreciate your prayers for Oz and his medical team, and we look forward to seeing you in July." Very longtime HardRadio friend Fox underwent brain surgery in 2024.
Universal Music Japan has announced that all 20 original albums by rock legends AEROSMITH who have won four Grammy Awards and whose best-selling albums have been certified diamond, will be reissued in mini-LP paper jackets with each era divided into four parts. The first wave will include the first seven albums from their time with Columbia in the US. The original artwork of Aerosmith's debut album will be reproduced as it was when it was first released in the US, and will also include a translation of the English liner notes that were on the back of the LP jacket.
Finnish power metal band SONATA ARCTICA has announced five headlining dates on their upcoming North American Tour. Joining the band as openers on all dates will be the American instrumental band PowerGlove. The band comments, "It's been awhile since we last toured the US & Canada so it's gonna be really awesome to come back and kick some ass once again. With our new album we made a return to power metal so you can expect to hear some favorites from the past that we haven't played in years as well as some new stuff. See you all soon!" September 29 - Toronto, ON - The Mod Club. 30 - Montreal, QC - Theatre Beanfield. October 1 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre. 2 - Boston, MA - Royale. 4 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage.
