Tony Richards (born Anthony Richard Orlando), is an American musician and drummer. He was the original drummer of shock metal band W.A.S.P. from 1982 till 1984.
Richards played for various bands in his early career before relocating to the Los Angeles, CA area from Phoenix, AZ in 1980. He began making a name for himself as one of the hottest drummers in the LA heavy metal scene with a band called Dante Fox, later to become known as Great White. With fellow band mates Don Costa (W.A.S.P./M80), Mark Kendall (Great White), and Jack Russell (Great White), they regularly played the most popular heavy metal clubs in Hollywood and LA such as the Troubador, Roxy Theatre, Whisky a Go Go, and Starwood Club.
In late 1982, Richards, along with Costa, left Dante Fox after being asked by Blackie Lawless to join the new band he was assembling called W.A.S.P. Richards left the band for unspecified reasons following the release of their debut album W.A.S.P. in 1984, being replaced by Steve Riley of Boston.
Richards is currently playing in a band called DellaVella along with Carl Della Vella on bass guitar and Lee Oliver on lead guitar.
Famous quotes containing the word richards:
“I wish the women’s rights folks would be more sensible. I think women have a great deal to learn, before they are fit to vote.”
—Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards (1842–1911)