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.

Rainbow: A Saga of Rock & Roll Reinvention

Rainbow, often referred to as Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow or Blackmore's Rainbow, is a British-American rock band born out of the ashes of Deep Purple. Formed in 1975 by the legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, the band initially featured four members of the band Elf, including vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Their self-titled debut album launched them into the rock scene, but Blackmore soon reshaped the lineup, keeping only Dio and bringing in drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and keyboardist Tony Carey.

This new formation recorded the band's sophomore album, Rising (1976), which solidified their place in the heavy metal world. The next album, Long Live Rock 'n' Roll (1978), saw Bob Daisley and David Stone take the places of Bain and Carey respectively. However, it also marked Dio's departure as he left to join Black Sabbath.

Rainbow's early work, deeply rooted in mystical lyrics, blended hard rock with heavy metal elements. With Dio's departure, the band took a turn towards a more pop-rock direction.

Blackmore and Powell overhauled the band once again in 1979, bringing in vocalist Graham Bonnet, keyboardist Don Airey, and another ex-Deep Purple member, bassist Roger Glover. This lineup propelled Rainbow to commercial success with the hit single "Since You Been Gone" from their fourth studio album, Down to Earth.

After Bonnet, Joe Lynn Turner took the lead vocal reins in 1980, and Rainbow released three more albums: Difficult to Cure (1981), Straight Between the Eyes (1982), and Bent Out of Shape (1983), all of which achieved significant commercial success. Other members during this period included drummers Bobby Rondinelli and Chuck Burgi, as well as keyboardist David Rosenthal.

The band disbanded in 1984 when Blackmore and Glover rejoined Deep Purple. Blackmore resurrected Rainbow again in 1993, following his second departure from Deep Purple. This iteration, featuring a then-unknown Doogie White on vocals, released their eighth and, to date, final studio album, Stranger in Us All (1995).

Rainbow's history is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of rock music. From its early heavy metal roots to its later pop-rock ventures, the band's sound has reflected the diverse talents of its members and the changing musical landscape. Ritchie Blackmore's vision, however, remained a constant, forging a unique and lasting impact on the world of rock music.

RATT (stylized as RATT), the iconic American glam metal band, ruled the 1980s. Their albums achieved multi-platinum status, cementing their place in music history. The bands infectious hits, including the Billboard Top 40 smashes "Round and Round" (#12) and "Lay It Down" (#40), along with anthems like "Wanted Man," "Youre in Love," and "Dance," became staples of the era. Shoulder-to-shoulder with rivals like Mötley Crüe, RATT was pivotal in shaping the explosive Los Angeles glam metal scene—also known as hair metal or pop metal—of the early 1980s.

Though they continued touring and recording sporadically from the 1990s to 2021, enduring numerous lineup changes and extended hiatuses, their final studio album, Infestation, dropped in April 2010.

Early Years (1973-1982):

RATT`s story begins in 1973 Hollywood with the band Firedome, formed by vocalist Stephen Pearcy and friends. After Firedome disbanded in 1974, Pearcy formed Crystal Pystal, later evolving into Mickey Ratt in 1976, finally shortened to Ratt in 1977, setting the stage for their legendary rise.

REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. Speedwagon, or simply REO) roared out of Champaign, Illinois, in 1967. The band built a strong following throughout the 1970s, exploding into mainstream success during the 80s. Their 1980 album, Hi Infidelity, became a multi-platinum juggernaut, spawning four Top 40 hits and selling over 10 million copies. In total, REO Speedwagons electrifying sound has sold over 40 million records and yielded 13 Top 40 hits, including the number-one anthems "Keep On Loving You" and "Cant Fight This Feeling."

History: Formation

The band`s genesis took place in the fall of 1966. Neal Doughty, a junior electrical engineering student at the University of Illinois, Champaign, met fellow student Alan Gratzer on his very first night of classes. Doughty, a self-taught pianist familiar with Beatles tunes, and Gratzer, a seasoned high school drummer with local band experience, launched an impromptu jam session in the basement of their Illinois Street Residence Hall dorm. Gratzer continued playing with his existing band, while Doughty became a frequent guest, eventually joining in on several songs, laying the groundwork for the rock behemoth to come.

Rival Sons: A Rock 'n' Roll Story

Rival Sons, the Californian quartet with a Nashville heart, burst onto the scene in 2009, bringing a raw and powerful brand of rock 'n' roll to the world. Their sound, a potent blend of blues-infused grit and hard-hitting energy, has garnered them a devoted following and critical acclaim.

The band's core lineup is a powerhouse of talent:

• Jay Buchanan (lead vocals) – a charismatic frontman with a voice that can both soothe and roar.
• Scott Holiday (guitar) – a master of the six-string, unleashing riffs that are both catchy and ferocious.
• Dave Beste (bass guitar) – the rhythmic backbone, providing a solid foundation for the band's sonic assault.
• Michael Miley (drums) – a dynamic drummer who drives the band's energy and propels their sound forward.

Their live performances are legendary, fueled by the raw passion of their music and the undeniable chemistry between the band members. Often joined by keyboard player Jesse Nason, and previously by Todd Ögren, Rival Sons deliver an electrifying experience that leaves audiences captivated.

Signed to Atlantic Records through Dave Cobb's imprint Low Country Sound, Rival Sons have released eight albums and an EP, cementing their place as one of the most exciting rock bands of their generation. Twice nominated for Grammy Awards, they continue to push the boundaries of rock music, captivating audiences with their soulful grit and undeniable talent.

Origins of a Rock 'n' Roll Force

Rival Sons' story begins in Long Beach, California, where Jay Buchanan and Michael Miley first crossed paths. Buchanan, already a seasoned musician with solo recordings under his belt, including the albums "All Understood" (2004) and "True Love EP" (2006), joined forces with Scott Holiday, a seasoned guitar virtuoso who had previously fronted bands like humanLab (signed to Atlantic Records) and Black Summer Crush (with Miley, Robin Everhart, Thomas Flowers and original drummer J. Harley Gilmore).

From these musical roots, Rival Sons emerged, poised to take the world by storm.

Royal Tusk, the Edmonton, Alberta-based rock trio, exploded onto the scene fueled by the raw energy of vocalist Daniel Carriere, guitarist Quinn Cyrankiewicz, and bassist Sandy MacKinnon. Their journey began in 2011, emerging from the ashes of Carriere and MacKinnon's previous project, Ten Second Epic.

The band honed their sound, culminating in their 2014 debut EP, Mountain, released by Hidden Pony Records. The single "Shadow of Love" garnered local radio airplay, laying the groundwork for their ascent.

Following minimal touring behind Mountain, Royal Tusk dove into their full-length debut, DealBreaker, which dropped on May 26, 2016. The album yielded two singles: "Fever," which received a music video, and "Curse the Weather."

A significant leap came in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, Tusk II, via Entertainment One Music (eOne). This marked a breakthrough for the band, catapulting them to wider recognition. The album's impact solidified Royal Tusk's position as a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian rock scene.

Saving Abel, the Mississippi rock band forged in the crucible of Corinth in 2004, emerged from an unlikely meeting of minds. Founding members Jason Null (lead guitar) and Jared Weeks (lead vocals) – initially rivals in separate local bands – found common ground, their collaboration ignited when Null stumbled upon the phrase "there was no saving Abel" while researching the Cain and Abel story. This morbidly poetic line became the band's name, a fitting moniker for their raw, emotionally charged sound.

Weeks' departure in late 2013 to pursue a solo career briefly fractured the lineup, but his return in 2021 rekindled the flame. However, a second departure in 2024 necessitated the return of Scotty Austin, adding another chapter to the band's evolving history.

Their early journey began with impromptu rehearsals and quickly escalated. By early 2005, their demos had caught the attention of producer Skid Mills, leading to recording sessions at his prestigious 747 Studio in Memphis. The band solidified its lineup with the additions of rhythm guitarist Scott Bartlett, bassist Daniel Dwight, and drummer Blake Dixon. Weeks' audacious demo-dropping tactics – tossing CDs onto the stages of touring acts passing through Corinth – proved effective, even amidst a lineup shuffle that saw Dwight replaced by longtime friend Eric Taylor. This relentless drive and unwavering determination cemented Saving Abel's place in the Southern rock landscape.

The Scorpions: A Journey Through Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

The Scorpions, a German hard rock band hailing from Hanover, were forged in 1965 by the masterful guitarist, Rudolf Schenker. While the band has seen numerous lineup changes, the period between 1978 and 1992 stands out as their golden age. This iconic lineup, featuring Klaus Meine (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar), Matthias Jabs (lead guitar), Francis Buchholz (bass), and Herman Rarebell (drums), achieved monumental success.

Schenker has remained the only constant member, with Meine contributing to every studio album. Jabs has been a consistent presence since 1978, while bassist Paweł Máciwoda and drummer Mikkey Dee joined in 2003 and 2016, respectively, solidifying the band's current core.

The Scorpions' musical identity took shape in the mid-1970s with the addition of guitarist Uli Jon Roth, replacing Michael Schenker. This era solidified their hard rock sound. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 1978 following Roth's departure. Schenker and Meine assumed control of the band, dictating the musical direction. The arrival of Matthias Jabs, coupled with producer Dieter Dierks' influence, led to the emergence of a melodic heavy metal sound infused with power rock ballads.

This sonic evolution was captured in the 1979 album "Lovedrive." The album marked a turning point for the Scorpions, showcasing a more polished and accessible style. "Lovedrive" also saw the brief return of Michael Schenker before he pursued a solo career.

Over the next decade, the Scorpions reached new heights of success. Albums like "Animal Magnetism" (1980), "Blackout" (1982), "Love at First Sting" (1984), and "Savage Amusement" (1988), alongside the live recording "World Wide Live" (1985) and the compilation "Best of Rockers 'n' Ballads" (1989), solidified their global impact. Each of these albums achieved platinum status in the United States, a testament to their broad appeal.

Their dominance extended beyond American shores. The Scorpions achieved an impressive streak of thirteen consecutive studio albums charting within the Top 10 in Germany, with one reaching the coveted No. 1 position. Their international success was further confirmed by three consecutive albums securing Top 10 spots on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

The Scorpions, with their undeniable talent and enduring legacy, have carved a permanent place in rock history. They masterfully blended hard rock energy with heavy metal grandeur, creating a sound that continues to captivate audiences across generations.

Seether: A South African Rock Band's Rise to International Stardom

Seether, a South African rock band hailing from Pretoria, Gauteng, emerged onto the music scene in 1999. Initially known as "Saron Gas," the band adopted their current moniker in 2002 after relocating to the United States. This name change aimed to avoid confusion with the deadly chemical agent, Sarin gas.

The band's core lineup has remained relatively consistent throughout their career, with Shaun Morgan, lead vocalist and guitarist, being the longest-serving member. Bassist Dale Stewart joined shortly after the band's formation, followed by drummer John Humphrey, who joined for their second album. Since 2018, the band has featured second guitarist Corey Lowery, making them a four-piece unit.

While notable guitarists such as Corey's brother Clint and Troy McLawhorn have contributed to tours and recordings, Shaun Morgan has predominantly handled the majority of guitar parts on their albums.

Seether's breakthrough came in 2002 with their US Active Rock number-one single, "Fine Again." Their success continued in 2004 with "Broken," which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, the band has amassed a string of chart-topping hits on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, including "Remedy," "Fake It," "Country Song," "Tonight," "Words as Weapons," "Let You Down," "Dangerous," "Bruised and Bloodied," and "Wasteland."

Seether has released eight studio albums, with their latest, "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum," dropping in 2020. As of 2023, Corey Lowery holds the title of Seether's longest-serving lead guitarist in their current four-piece configuration.

Seether's journey from their South African roots to their global success story is a testament to their raw talent, powerful songwriting, and unwavering dedication to their craft. Their impact on the rock scene continues to be felt worldwide, making them one of the most influential and enduring bands of the 21st century.

Sevendust: A Heavy Metal Journey From Atlanta

Sevendust, hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, is a rock band forged in the fires of 1994. The band's origins trace back to the rhythmic partnership of bassist Vince Hornsby and drummer Morgan Rose, who were initially jamming as "Snake Nation." Guitarist John Connolly, then a drummer himself, joined the fold, solidifying the core of the band.

Their first demo showcased their raw talent, but a dissatisfaction with the lead vocals led them on a year-long quest for the perfect voice. They found their answer in Lajon Witherspoon, a powerhouse vocalist destined to become the band's frontman. Rounding out the lineup was guitarist Lee Banks, ushering in a new chapter as "Rumblefish." However, Banks' touring commitment proved unsustainable, and the band welcomed Clint Lowery as his replacement.

This lineup solidified into the iconic Sevendust, a name that resonated with the band's heavy sound. Their self-titled debut album in April 1997, although initially selling only 310 copies in its first week, ultimately achieved gold certification thanks to tireless touring and the support of their label, TVT Records.

Sevendust's success story is a testament to their unwavering commitment. They went on to achieve three consecutive RIAA gold-certified albums, a Grammy nomination, and sold millions of records worldwide. Their extensive discography boasts fourteen studio albums, including a definitive reissue of their debut album featuring five new tracks and a DVD.

Early Years: Snake Nation to Sevendust (1994-1998)

The seeds of Sevendust were planted in 1994, when Hornsby and Rose, playing as "Snake Nation," were joined by Connolly, a drummer turned guitarist. This early incarnation saw the recording of their first demo, but their search for a powerful vocalist began after dissatisfaction with the initial recording. Witherspoon's arrival marked a turning point, adding a crucial element to their sound. Banks' brief tenure with the band under the name "Rumblefish" provided a glimpse into their evolving identity. Lowery's entry, replacing Banks, completed the lineup that would define Sevendust, a band destined to leave a lasting mark on the heavy metal scene.