Quiet Riot

Quiet Riot: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of a Heavy Metal Icon

Quiet Riot, a quintessential Los Angeles heavy metal band, burst onto the scene in 1973 with the formidable pairing of guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni. Their original lineup, which also included vocalist Kevin DuBrow and drummer Drew Forsyth, was plagued by internal turmoil, ultimately leading to Garni's dismissal after he made death threats against DuBrow.

However, the band found its true stride with a new lineup featuring the powerhouse combination of DuBrow, guitarist Carlos Cavazo, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Frankie Banali. This lineup released their breakthrough album, Metal Health, in 1983, marking a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. Metal Health became the first heavy metal album to top the Billboard 200 chart, catapulting the band to international fame. The album spawned several iconic singles that dominated the airwaves, including "Cum On Feel the Noize" (a cover of the Slade original), "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" (another Slade cover), and the title track, "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)". Quiet Riot's impact on the genre was undeniable, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the heavy metal movement, earning them the #100 spot on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.

Despite numerous lineup changes and brief hiatuses, Quiet Riot continued to record and tour until DuBrow's tragic death in 2007 due to a cocaine overdose. While no original members remained, Banali, who had been a consistent member since 1982, resurrected the band in 2010. By 2020, the band consisted of Banali on drums, vocalist Jizzy Pearl, bassist Chuck Wright, and guitarist Alex Grossi. Quiet Riot has continued to tour and release new music, proving their enduring legacy even after DuBrow's passing. They released their first album in eight years, Quiet Riot 10, in 2014, followed by Road Rage in 2017 and Hollywood Cowboys in 2019, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the Quiet Riot flame alive.

Quiet Riot's story is one of triumph and tragedy, of musical innovation and enduring spirit. Despite the challenges they faced, their music continues to resonate with fans around the world, cementing their position as one of heavy metal's most influential and enduring bands.