KEEP ON TURNING with TYTAN main man Kev Riddles

/ Alikivi

Being at the outset of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal in ’79, zillions of UK & European gigs with Angel Witch, Paul Samsons Empire, Baphomet and Tytan – plus recording a few albums along the way – Kev Riddles has been a flag bearer for NWOBHM the past 40 plus years.

“In the halcyon days of Angel Witch we toured constantly, either in our own right or opening for Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Girlschool, Saxon or April Wine”.

left to right, Kev Riddles – bass/backing vocals, Andy Thompson – keyboards, Tony Coldham – vocals, Chris Borsberry – guitar, Garry Bowler – drums

Here we are in July 2023 and Tytan are sitting in the port waiting for the Calais ferry after playing at the Headbangers Open Air Festival in Germany. Kev reflects on the weekend…

“We had a blast. A superb crowd. But the ferry’s been cancelled….there’s a four hour wait!”

“I just drove for 11 hours, played to 2,000 people in Germany, ate too much, then drove back again. Is it worth it? Hell yeah! We do this because we can and we love it!”

On Friday 13th October Tytan are lined up to play a NWOBHM night with Kev Riddles’ Baphomet – yes second show of the night for Kev – Tailgunner and Trespass at Leo’s Red Lion in Gravesend. (Interview with Trespass coming soon).

Then on 3rd November a pre-Bonty Night triple bill with fellow NWOBHM bands Millennium and Spartan Warrior at Trillians Rock bar, Newcastle.

Are you looking forward to playing in the North East who spawned the big four – Raven, Venom, Fist, Tygers of Pan Tang ?

“I always feel a little pressure when playing the North East precisely because of the incredible talent coming out of the place” said Kev.

“I’ve had, and continue to have, the good fortune to witness and share a stage with all the bands you mention and this year we’ll be lucky enough to play alongside Spartan Warrior at Trillians again”.

What can the crowd at Trillians expect?

“Trust me we will have some fun on the night because that is what we do”.

Is there a wind up merchant in the band?

 “All of us are wind up merchants, it goes with the territory – Fun is for life, death is forever”.

Has that ferry turned up yet?

Alikivi  August 2023

For more info contact the official website:

Trillians Rock Bar (trilliansnewcastle.co.uk)

Interview with Kev Riddles May 2017:

BACK IN THE RING – Going Another Round with NWOBHM band Tytan | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)