Lou A. Kouvaris , former guitarist for Riot , has died after contracting COVID-19, according to the band's manager Giles Lavery .
According to Lavery's statement, the 66-year-old guitarist began experiencing symptoms of the illness more than a week ago and died at his home in Long Island, New York.
Kouvaris was Riot's first guitarist, participating in their debut album Rock City (1977). He also collaborated on the composition of some songs on Narita (1979).
On Riot's Facebook page, the band mourned and paid tribute to the guitarist: “He played on our first album and has played with the current lineup many times, because we are a family. We are very sad about his death and will continue our work to honor the Riot family.”
Rest in peace, Lou A. Kouvaris.
