Richard Bateman, the bassist for Florida '80s speed metal band Nasty Savage, died from a heart attack on Wednesday (Sept. 5) less than a month after his 50th birthday.

"It is with deep sadness to announce Richard Bateman has passed away today," posted the band on its Facebook page. "We are all devastated. God Bless his family God Bless Richard Bateman. RIP Brother."

Nasty Savage guitarist David Austin posted an additional message on his own Facebook. "My longtime friend Richard Bateman has passed away from a heart attack, absolutely devastated, extraordinary bass playing that he did with nasty Savage especially penetration point, I can't even put it into words, absolutely devastated. I hope the metal community will surround his family with open arms and give them the comfort that they need at this moment and time, I'm completely shocked. Love you Richard may he rest in peace, genuine loving person and extraordinary bass player to say the least."

Bateman, who began his career in the bands Purgatory and Nocturnus, joined Nasty Savage in 1988 and played on their third album, 1989's Penetration Point and their comeback album, 2004's Psycho Psycho. He also played for the Unearthed (Tampa Bay), After Death, Gardy Loo!, Lowbrow and toured live with Agent Steel. 

Nasty Savage formed in 1983 and built a loyal following, in part because of frontman  "Nasty" Ronnie Galetti's wild onstage antics. The vocalist used to pick up televisions and smash them over his head. After appearing on the compilation Metal Massacre 6, the band was signed by Metal Blade and released two albums for the label, 1985's Nasty Savage and 1987's Indulgence. Nasty Savage broke up in 1990 after releasing Penetration Point, then reunited for shows in 1998 and reformed as a recording band in late 2002.

Nasty Savage, "Penetration Point"

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