Quiet Riot

Quiet Riot was founded in 1973 in Los Angeles, California, by guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Kelly Garni, and vocalist Kevin DuBrow. The initial lineup included drummer Drew Forsyth. This early incarnation experienced internal conflict, notably between Garni and DuBrow, leading to Garni’s eventual departure. Before achieving mainstream success in the United States, Quiet Riot recorded two albums, “Quiet Riot” (1977) and “Quiet Riot II” (1978), which were released exclusively in Japan. Randy Rhoads left in 1979 to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band, and the group disbanded briefly in 1980.

The band reformed in 1982 with DuBrow, drummer Frankie Banali, guitarist Carlos Cavazo, and bassist Rudy Sarzo. This lineup signed with CBS Records and released “Metal Health” on March 11, 1983. The album’s success was driven by the single “Cum On Feel the Noize,” a cover of a Slade song, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1983. This marked the first time a heavy metal song entered the Hot 100’s top five. “Metal Health” went on to become the first heavy metal album to reach number one on the Billboard album chart, selling over six million copies in the US. The title track, “Metal Health (Bang Your Head),” also charted, peaking at No. 31 in early 1984. The band toured extensively, opening for ZZ Top and Black Sabbath.

Following their breakthrough, Quiet Riot released “Condition Critical” in 1984, which achieved platinum status but did not replicate the success of “Metal Health.” Internal tensions continued, leading to Rudy Sarzo’s departure in 1985 and Kevin DuBrow’s firing in 1987. The band underwent numerous lineup changes and brief breakups throughout the 1990s and 2000s, often reuniting with the “Metal Health” lineup for tours and new recordings. After Kevin DuBrow’s death in 2007, Frankie Banali initially stated Quiet Riot would not continue as a live entity. However, he reformed the band in 2010, ensuring Quiet Riot’s music and legacy persisted. Banali died in 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, with the band continuing to tour and record with new members, including the return of Rudy Sarzo in 2021 and the addition of Johnny Kelly on drums.