It is no surprise on this news, but it is still never news you want to hear. Frankie Banali was 68 years young and has been fighting pancreatic cancer for more than a year. Today, he lost that fight and the rock world lost another good one.
Frankie was not an original member of Quiet Riot, but he was there during the classic years so he might as well have been. He joined the band in 1982 and has been there the whole time (except for those points of band hiatus). He was the one, driving force to keeping the Quiet Riot name in the public eye (for good or for bad). He co-wrote songs like “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)”, “Condition Critical” and most every song on QRIII. He was a massive part of that sound and he pounded on those drums like a mad-man.
Frankie was on more Quiet Riot albums than any other member and has been in the band the longest. He was their biggest champion. He did everything he could to keep the brand going through numerous singers and band member changes He was the one constant. Now that he is gone, I assume the band will now be gone as well but the music will live on.
I think I will throw these on to celebrate his legacy…
When he gets to Heaven, I hope he can hook up with Kevin Dubrow and Randy Rhodes again, maybe they can “bang” some heads up there in Heaven. Who knows, the next Thunder you hear could be them jamming. Rest in Peace sir!!