Neil Peart, Riley Gale, Frankie Banali, Adam Schlesinger, and Eddie Van Halen Honored in NBC News 2020 In Memoriam


NBC News shared its 2020 annual recap of those we have lost from entertainment and pop culture. Among the legends who were paid tribute, rockers like Neil Peart, Eddie Van Halen, and Frankie Banali, Metal vocalist Riley Gale, composer and pop/rock artist Adam Schlesinger, and many more. Many other music heroes such as Ennio Morricone, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride, and others were also honored, along with iconic figures who passed away such as Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Chadwick Boseman, Alex Trebek, James Lipton, Vera Lynn (mentioned in a Pink Floyd song on The Wall), Congressman John Lewis, and sadly many, many more. RIP

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Quiet Riot to Continue Without Frankie Banali


 

In a surprising post to social media Hard Rock legends Quiet Riot, who recently lost founder and leader Frankie Banali to Cancer, has opted to continue despite his death. The band shared that it was Frankie’s wish for the band to continue with longtime bassist Chuck Wright, singer Jizzy Pearl, guitarist Alex Grossi and drummer Johnny Kelly (Silvertomb, Danzig, Type of Negative). Read the statement from the band below. Continue reading


UPDATED: Quiet Riot Drummer and Rock Legend Frankie Banali Dies, Rockers React


Sad news as Rock legend Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot, who battled pancreatic cancer for the last few years of his life, has died. He was 68. after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to published reports. The drummer passed away last night (Thursday, August 20) at 7:18 p.m. on August 20 in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife and daughter. Frankie was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on April 17, 2019 and given six months to live. He put up a brave and 16-month battle to the end and continued playing live as long as he could. He also updated his many fans with frequent social media posts, helping to encourage those around him. Standard chemotherapy stopped working and a series of strokes made the continuation of a clinical trial impossible. Funeral plans will be announced at a later date. Eddie Trunk revealed that Frankie had paid for and planned a huge party and celebration of life and according to his wife, will be held at a later date when safe, post-pandemic. We send our sympathy to Frankie’s family, friends, and family.

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Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali Returns Home After Suffering a Stroke


Hard rock legend Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot is recovering at home after recently suffering a stroke. Banali, who has been battling stage IV pancreatic cancer for the past 16 months, gave an update on his health in a social media post last night (Friday, August 14). He wrote: “Update: I spent the last three weeks in the hospital. Home now. Had two blood transfusions. I also had a stroke while there. I am rehabbing at home. Thank you for your concern and well wishes.”Continue reading


EVENT RECAP: Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund Commemorates 10th Anniversary with Awards Gala and Concert


The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of the late rock music legend, commemorated the 10th anniversary of his passing and the formation of the charity with its 10th Anniversary Memorial Awards Gala held on February 20, 2020 at the Avalon Hollywood. Hosted Eddie Trunk (That Metal Show, SiriusXM Trunk Nation), the organization recognized honorees in eight categories—each named after songs written by Ronnie James Dio–who have played a role in either Dio’s legacy or that of the charity. Live entertainment was provided by Ronnie James Dio’s live band Dio, featuring vocalists Tim “Ripper” Owens and Oni Logan, and band members Simon Wright, Craig Goldy, Scott Warren and Bjorn Englen, and highlighted by the vocals and visuals of Ronnie James Dio. Los Angeles comedian Brian Posehn, in addition, his comedic duties, performed a song from his upcoming GRANDPA METAL album accompanied by Scott Ian (Anthrax) and Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning), while local rockers Sadie & the Tribe opened the festivities with their set. Check out these EXCLUSIVE photos by Tyler Kanode of Brilliant Reverie Photography. Continue reading


Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali Undergoing Another Round Of Chemotherapy For Pancreatic Cancer


Quiet Riot and heavy metal legend Frankie Banali has checked in at the Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center in Woodland Hills, California on Friday (February 21) to undergo his twelfth round of chemotherapy. Banali has said he needed several more rounds of chemo to attempt to win his bout with pancreatic cancer. Banali had just appeared on stage the night before at the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout for Cancer Gala Awards show. Banali shared a messaged with fans. Continue reading


Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali Had Been Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer


In a sad announcement to Facebook, Hard Rock legend Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. The drummer and sole remaining longtime member of the band announced the news on social media, via a post from Mitch Lafon’s account. He has been battling the disease since spring 2019, and that accounts for him missing the first shows of his career. He does report is he “on the mend” and fighting back, vowing to return to the stage soon, this week at Whisky A Go Go on Saturday, October 26th and for 2020 commitments with the band. Quiet Riot’s new album, Hollywood Cowboys, will be released on November 8 via Frontiers Music Srl. We wish Frankie the best of luck in his battle with cancer. Continue reading


The Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute Streaming In Entirety


immortal randy rhoads the ultimate tribute

The Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute, a tribute album of cover tracks recorded to memorialize Randy Rhoads, the one time lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot, is out now via UDR Music, and is streaming the record in full here.

Full track listing with performers:

1. Crazy Train
Vocals: Serj Tankian
Gtrs: Tom Morello
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

2. Over the Mountain
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Jon Donais
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

3. Mr Crowley
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Gtrs: Alexi Laiho
Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads
Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

4. Believer
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

5. Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Kelle Rhoads
Gtrs: Bruce Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

6. I Don’t Know
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: George Lynch
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

7. S A T 0
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Rhythm guitars: Bob Kulick
Lead guitar: Dweezil Zappa
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

8. Killer Girls (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Joel Hoekstra
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

9. Goodbye to Romance
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Gus G.
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

10. Suicide Solution
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Brad Gillis
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

11. Flying High Again
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Bernie Torme
Rhythm Gtr: Bob Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

A lover of classical music, Rhoads had taken initial steps into rock’n’roll as a 16 year old when he formed a band, that soon became Quiet Riot. Rhoads was vaulted to the limelight in 1979 when Ozzy Osbourne chose the relatively unknown guitarist to help shape a new future for him via his band, Blizzard of Oz. The result saw Rhoads co-script two of the most famous albums in hard rock history, Blizzard Of Oz and Diary of A Madman, and rapidly ascended the stairway of fame and recognition for his virtuoso playing and writing. Famed for the way he fused classical flavors with technically-excellent hard rock, Rhoads became one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock.

When he tragically passed away on March 19, 1982 in a plane accident, Rhoads was only 25 years old, but thankfully, the legend of his work, ethos and their continuing influence on a whole new generation of guitarists, has never dimmed.

Celebrate the life and legend of Randy Rhoads with Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute.


‘Immortal Randy Rhoads’ Streaming “Mr. Crowley” feat Chuck Billy of Testament


immortal randy rhoads the ultimate tribute

UDR Music will release Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute and its accompanying bonus DVD (with digipack edition) on March 3, 2015. This highly-anticipated compilation of cover tracks – which feature an incredible gathering of renowned heavy metal and hard rock musicians – honors Randy Rhoads, who will forever be revered as the legendary lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot.

Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute includes a searing cover of the heavy-hitting Ozzy Osbourne track “Mr. Crowley”, which features a line-up of all-star performers: Chuck Billy (Testament), Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom), Kelle Rhoads (brother of Randy Rhoads), Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath/Dio). Stream “Mr. Crowley”, featuring Chuck Billy of Testament on vocals here.

Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will be available in double vinyl gatefold, digipack and digital formats. In the digipack version, Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will contain a bonus DVD along with the album, including interesting interviews with some of the involved artists, hosted by Bob Kulick and a feature on the Musonia School of Music, a teaching school on North Hollywood, CA, set up by the Rhoads family.

Full track listing with performers:

1. Crazy Train
Vocals: Serj Tankian
Gtrs: Tom Morello
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

2. Over the Mountain
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Jon Donais
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

3. Mr Crowley
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Gtrs: Alexi Laiho
Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads
Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

4. Believer
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

5. Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Kelle Rhoads
Gtrs: Bruce Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

6. I Don’t Know
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: George Lynch
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

7. S A T 0
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Rhythm guitars: Bob Kulick
Lead guitar: Dweezil Zappa
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

8. Killer Girls (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Joel Hoekstra
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

9. Goodbye to Romance
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Gus G.
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

10. Suicide Solution
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Brad Gillis
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

11. Flying High Again
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Bernie Torme
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen


Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute Out March 3


immortal randy rhoads the ultimate tribute

A tribute album for the late Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot guitarist Randy Rhoads called Immortal Randy Rhoads – the Ultimate Tribute will be released on March 3, 2015 via UDR Music. The album was produced and compiled by the Grammy-award winning guitarist and producer Bob Kulick.

Along with the album, Immortal Randy Rhoads – The Ultimate Tribute will also contain a bonus DVD available in the digipack version, including interesting interviews with some of the involved artists, hosted by Bob Kulick and a feature on the Musonia School of Music, a teaching school on North Hollywood, California, set up by Randy’s mother and run by his brother Kelle Rhoads.

Full track listing with performers:

1. Crazy Train
Vocals: Serj Tankian
Gtrs: Tom Morello
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

2. Over the Mountain
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Jon Donais
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

3. Mr Crowley
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Gtrs: Alexi Laiho
Keyboards: Kelle Rhoads
Bass Rudy: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

4. Believer
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Doug Aldrich
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

5. Back To The Coast (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Kelle Rhoads
Gtrs: Bruce Kulick
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Frankie Banali

6. I Don’t Know
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: George Lynch
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

7. S A T 0
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Rhythm guitars: Bob Kulick
Lead guitar: Dweezil Zappa
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Vinny Appice

8. Killer Girls (Quiet Riot)
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Joel Hoekstra
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

9. Goodbye to Romance
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Gus G.
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

10. Suicide Solution
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Brad Gillis
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen

11. Flying High Again
Vocals: Tim “Ripper” Owens
Gtrs: Bernie Torme
Bass: Rudy Sarzo
Drums: Brett Chassen