Quiet Riot

Quiet Riot
Company type	Private
Industry	Music
Founded	1973 in Los Angeles, United States
Founder	Randy Rhoads, Kelly Garni, Kevin DuBrow
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Heavy metal music albums and live performances

Quiet Riot is a heavy metal band from the United States, established in 1973 in Los Angeles by guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Kelly Garni, and singer Kevin DuBrow.

The founding members were Rhoads, Garni, DuBrow, and drummer Drew Forsyth; however, internal disputes culminated in Garni’s removal after he threatened DuBrow. The lineup that achieved the greatest commercial success featured DuBrow alongside guitarist Carlos Cavazo, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Frankie Banali. Their 1983 release, Metal Health, became the first heavy metal album to reach number one on the Billboard charts. Notable tracks included "Cum On Feel the Noize" (a cover originally by glam rock group Slade) and "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)". Quiet Riot holds the No. 100 spot on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists.

Despite numerous lineup shifts and periods of inactivity, Quiet Riot persisted in recording and touring until DuBrow passed away from a cocaine overdose in 2007. While no original members remain today, Banali—who joined in 1982—revived the band in 2010. By 2020, the roster included Banali on drums, lead vocalist Jizzy Pearl, bassist Chuck Wright, and guitarist Alex Grossi. Albums released following DuBrow’s death include Quiet Riot 10 (2014), Road Rage (2017), and Hollywood Cowboys (2019). Banali succumbed to pancreatic cancer in August 2020. Honoring his request for the band to continue under the Quiet Riot name, they brought in Johnny Kelly as his replacement.

In August 2021, Quiet Riot revealed that bassist Rudy Sarzo had rejoined while Wright departed. The refreshed lineup announced plans for new recordings and touring throughout 2022 and 2023.

Formation, initial albums, and early disbandment (1973–1981)

Quiet Riot was established in 1973 by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni, quickly gaining recognition as a hard rock group within Los Angeles during the mid to late 1970s. Initially performing under names such as Mach 1 and Little Women, they ultimately adopted Quiet Riot in May 1975, inspired by a statement from Rick Parfitt of Status Quo.

Drummer Drew Forsyth, who had previously collaborated with Rhoads and Garni in Mildred Pierce, joined with vocalist Kevin DuBrow. Despite initial hesitation to include DuBrow—since Rhoads preferred a frontman akin to Alice Cooper or David Bowie—DuBrow’s determination secured him the position.

Rhoads emerged as both the musical leader and visual icon of the band, pioneering the "polka-dot" motif that became their trademark within L.A.’s club scene. His guitar skills attracted a growing hard rock audience throughout Los Angeles.

Before either band secured record deals, Quiet Riot developed a rivalry with Van Halen. Van Halen signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1977 and attained Gold certification, whereas Quiet Riot’s first two albums were released exclusively in Japan via Sony and never reached American audiences. Their debut album Quiet Riot (also known as QR I) was recorded in 1977.

As efforts to obtain a U.S. record contract faltered, tensions escalated between DuBrow and Garni. Garni attempted to oust DuBrow, causing internal discord that placed Rhoads in a difficult position to remain impartial. Their sophomore album Quiet Riot II (QR II) was recorded at The Record Plant and released solely in Japan during 1978.

During the recording sessions for QR II, Garni's conflict with DuBrow intensified severely; following an incident involving alcohol and a firearm with intentions to harm DuBrow—an act prevented by his subsequent arrest—Garni was expelled from the group. Nikki Sixx auditioned as his replacement but was deemed insufficiently skilled, leading to Rudy Sarzo's recruitment. Although Sarzo received credit on QR II, Garni performed on the recordings. DuBrow later described this era as frustrating despite Rhoads’ outstanding guitar contributions.

By 1979, weary of ongoing internal struggles and lack of breakthrough success in America, Rhoads auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne’s band and was immediately hired. Sarzo followed suit, casting uncertainty over Quiet Riot’s continuation. Rhoads incorporated riffs originally created for Quiet Riot into Osbourne’s music; notably, the guitar riff for "Suicide Solution" derived from a Quiet Riot demo.

DuBrow regarded Rhoads’ departure as effectively signaling the end of Quiet Riot. He and Forsyth briefly continued with guitarist Greg Leon, but eventually disbanded officially in 1980. Leon cited challenges working with DuBrow as a primary factor for his brief involvement. After Quiet Riot dissolved, DuBrow formed a new group named DuBrow with former Gamma drummer Skip Gillette, performing extensively on the Los Angeles club circuit for approximately two years.

Revival and Metal Health Breakthrough (1982–1984)

At the beginning of 1982, after bringing on drummer Frankie Banali, bassist Chuck Wright, and guitarist Carlos Cavazo, DuBrow resurrected the Quiet Riot moniker with consent from Rhoads and Rudy Sarzo. After Rhoads passed away in March 1982, Sarzo departed from Osbourne's band but soon rejoined Quiet Riot, taking over bass duties from Gary Van Dyke. The group comprising DuBrow, Sarzo, Cavazo, and Banali collaborated on much of the new album's recording.

Quiet Riot inked a deal with CBS Records in September 1982, working alongside producer Spencer Proffer. Their album Metal Health, launched on March 11, 1983, featured the groundbreaking single "Cum On Feel the Noize", a rendition of Slade’s 1973 track. This single climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 by November 1983—the first heavy metal song to reach such a position—driving Metal Health to the top spot on the Billboard album rankings. This milestone marked the debut American heavy metal album to lead US charts and was bolstered by extensive MTV airplay and inclusion in the movie Footloose. The album’s title track also entered the charts in early 1984, peaking at No. 31, while VH1 positioned it at No. 41 on their Top 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs. Metal Health achieved sales exceeding six million copies in the United States.

To promote Metal Health, Quiet Riot toured extensively across North America from 1983 into early 1984, sharing stages with bands such as ZZ Top and Black Sabbath.

Decline and DuBrow's Dismissal (1984–1989)

The band's next release, Condition Critical, arrived on July 27, 1984, selling around one million copies but only reaching No. 15 on Billboard charts. It featured another cover from Slade, "Mama Weer All Crazee Now", which gained some rotation on MTV. Disappointed by the album’s modest success, DuBrow openly disparaged fellow musicians within the LA metal community, causing friction with fans and colleagues alike.

This discord prompted bassist Rudy Sarzo to leave in March 1985. After several interim bassists, Sarzo made a brief return for charity performances before Chuck Wright permanently took over. The band's 1986 release QR III also failed to meet commercial expectations.

In February 1987, due to ongoing behavioral issues, management and band members dismissed DuBrow and brought in former Rough Cutt frontman Paul Shortino. With none of the founding members involved, Quiet Riot issued their second eponymous album (QR IV) in October 1988, which did not achieve commercial success. The group dissolved in April 1989 following a final tour documented on the DVD '89 Live in Japan. Band members moved on to other ventures while DuBrow engaged in legal disputes over ownership of the band’s name.

Reunion and Return of Classic Lineup (1990–2003)

After reclaiming legal rights to Quiet Riot’s name, DuBrow reassembled the band with guitarist Sean Manning, bassist Kenny Hillery, and drummer Pat Ashby. Initially touring under Little Women, they released Terrified in July 1993. By 1992, original members Cavazo and Banali had rejoined DuBrow and Wright for touring activities.

In 1994, DuBrow issued The Randy Rhoads Years, featuring remixed selections and previously unreleased tracks. Later albums included Down to the Bone (1995) and a CBS-era compilation Greatest Hits (1996). Tragically, bassist Kenny Hillery died by suicide in June 1996.

Rudy Sarzo came back in January 1997, reuniting the classic lineup. Subsequently, Quiet Riot released Alive and Well (1999) followed by Guilty Pleasures (2001). In late 2002, former vocalist Shortino temporarily substituted for DuBrow due to illness. A concert DVD entitled Live in the 21st Century was issued in 2003 before another disbandment occurred.

Second reunion and DuBrow’s passing (2004–2007)

In May 2004, Kevin DuBrow released a solo project. Later the same year, Quiet Riot reassembled with DuBrow, Banali, Wright, and newcomer guitarist Alex Grossi. They embarked on an extensive touring schedule, including participation in the 2005 Rock Never Stops Tour. Guitarist Tracii Guns joined briefly in late 2005 but exited due to creative disagreements.

Self-funded recording sessions culminated in October 2006 with the album Rehab, which featured DuBrow, Banali, bassist Tony Franklin, guitarist Neil Citron, and guest vocals from Glenn Hughes. The group toured supporting this lineup of DuBrow, Banali, Wright, and Grossi.

On November 25, 2007, Kevin DuBrow passed away at age 52 from a cocaine overdose. Frankie Banali confirmed his death but later expressed that he would not continue Quiet Riot out of respect for DuBrow’s memory.

Band resurgence with various vocalists and Banali’s death (2010–2020)

Despite earlier reservations, Banali revived Quiet Riot in September 2010 alongside Chuck Wright (bass), Alex Grossi (guitar), and new frontman Mark Huff. In 2011, this lineup toured Europe supporting Slayer and Accept. Early 2012 saw Keith St. John temporarily replace Huff as vocalist; later that year Scott Vokoun assumed lead vocal duties.

Original bassist Kelly Garni released his autobiography in October 2012 detailing the band’s formative years. By late 2013, Scott Vokoun departed amicably and was succeeded by Jizzy Pearl by year-end. The band recorded a new album featuring contributions from Rudy Sarzo and Tony Franklin as well as live recordings from DuBrow’s final performances. The documentary "Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back" debuted at the Newport Beach Film Festival in April 2014. Their first studio album in eight years, 10, was released in June 2014.

Pearl left at the close of 2016 and was replaced by Seann Nicols. In April 2017, the album Road Rage was announced but its release was postponed until August following Nicols’ departure and James Durbin’s arrival as vocalist. Durbin’s vocals replaced Nicols’ on the final version.

Throughout 2019, Banali battled stage-IV pancreatic cancer while occasionally missing shows; Johnny Kelly or Mike Dupke filled in on drums as needed. Durbin exited late that year with Pearl returning to lead vocals. Quiet Riot unveiled their fourteenth studio album Hollywood Cowboys in November 2019.

Frankie Banali succumbed to pancreatic cancer on August 20, 2020—sixteen months after diagnosis—becoming the second member of the classic lineup to die following DuBrow.

Johnny Kelly takes over drums and Sarzo’s return (2020–present)

In September 2020, honoring Banali’s wishes, Quiet Riot announced continuation without him; Johnny Kelly was appointed full-time drummer. The band toured during summer and fall of 2021 with intentions to release new material in 2022.

Former bassist Rudy Sarzo officially rejoined early in 2022 after nearly twenty years away. Sarzo confirmed plans for forthcoming releases coinciding with touring activities and a celebration marking the fortieth anniversary of Metal Health set for 2023.

Musical style

Quiet Riot is credited as a foundational force in American heavy metal incorporating hard rock and glam metal traits; their initial sound also draws from glam rock influences.

Legacy

The band’s impact permeates popular culture: they have been referenced by artists such as Ben Folds, Relient K, and Weezer, featured on soundtracks including Crank, Footloose, and The Wrestler, and appeared in musical theater productions like Rock of Ages. Their emblematic track "Metal Health" holds a distinguished place in heavy metal history.

Members

Current members

Rudy Sarzo – bass, backing vocals (1978–1979, 1982–1985, 1987, 1997–2003, 2021–present)
Alex Grossi – guitars (2004–2005, 2006–2007, 2010–present)
Jizzy Pearl – lead vocals (2013–2016, 2019–present)
Johnny Kelly – drums (2020–present)

Studio albums

Year	Album details	US	AUS	CAN	GER	NZ	NOR	SWE	UK	Certifications/Sales
1978	Quiet Riot (Japan exclusive) Released: March 2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1978	Quiet Riot II (Japan exclusive) Released: December 2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1983	Metal Health Released: February 28	1	39	5	—	33	—	—	—	US:6× Platinum CAN:3× Platinum
1984	Condition Critical Released: July 16	15	47	14	42	35	13	18	71	US: Platinum CAN: Platinum
1986	QR III Released: July	31	—	—	—	—	—	29	—	US:410,000
1988	'QR' Released: October	119	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	US:170,000

Videos

Bang Thy Head (1986)
Live in the 21st Century (2003)
'89 Live in Japan (2004)
Live at the US Festival, 1983 (2012)
Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back (2014)
One Night in Milan (2019)

Music videos

"Metal Health"
"Cum on Feel the Noize"
"Mama Weer All Crazee Now"
"Party All Night"
"The Wild and the Young"
"Twilight Hotel"
"Stay with Me Tonight"
"Can't Get Enough"
"In the Blood"

Bibliography

Gett, Steve (1985). Quiet Riot: The Official Biography. Cherry Lane Music.
Prato, Greg (2025). Bang Your Head, Feel the Noize: The Quiet Riot Story. Kindle Direct Publishing.
Whitney, Missy (2022). Keep On Rollin' - My Fan Club Years with Kevin DuBrow & Quiet Riot. Mima Publishing.

External links