Quiet Riot made history in 1983 when their album ‘Metal Health’ became the first heavy metal record to hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. But their journey was anything but smooth. Over the years, the band went through lineup changes, breakups, and tragic losses. So, what really happened to Quiet Riot?
The Early Years: From Small Gigs to Big Dreams
Quiet Riot was formed in 1973 in Los Angeles by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni. They brought in Kevin DuBrow on vocals and Drew Forsyth on drums. The band struggled to gain recognition in the U.S., but they managed to release two albums in Japan.
By 1979, things started falling apart. Randy Rhoads left to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band, and Quiet Riot broke up. DuBrow kept going under a new band name, but it wasn’t until 1982, after Rhoads’ tragic plane crash, that he changed the name back to Quiet Riot.
This time, the band recorded ‘Metal Health’ with Carlos Cavazo (guitar), Rudy Sarzo (bass), and Frankie Banali (drums). The album blew up thanks to their hit ‘Cum On Feel the Noize’ (a cover of a song by Slade).
Success and Chaos: The Rise and Fall of Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot became one of the biggest metal bands of the ‘80s with ‘Metal Health.’ But success didn’t last forever. Kevin DuBrow’s behavior caused serious problems. He often insulted other bands in interviews, and this made Quiet Riot unpopular in the music industry.
By 1987, DuBrow’s attitude, along with his drinking and drug use, led to his firing. Quiet Riot tried to move forward with Paul Shortino as the new singer, but things didn’t work out. The band broke up in 1989.
DuBrow didn’t give up. In 1991, he and Carlos Cavazo started a new band called Heat. This band was soon renamed Quiet Riot. They kept releasing albums throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, but never reached their earlier success.
What Happened to Kevin DuBrow?
Kevin DuBrow returned as Quiet Riot’s lead singer in 1993, but his life took a dark turn. On November 19, 2007, he died of a drug overdose in his home in Las Vegas. His friends had been trying to reach him for days, but he wasn’t responding. He had already been dead for nearly a week when they finally found him on November 25.
An autopsy confirmed that DuBrow overdosed on cocaine, sleeping pills, painkillers, and alcohol. Just weeks before his death, he told his friend, Glenn Hughes, that he wanted to make changes in his life. He sadly never got the chance.
DuBrow was buried at Pacific View Cemetery in California, next to his stepfather.
Quiet Riot After DuBrow: The Band Keeps Going
Drummer Frankie Banali decided to continue Quiet Riot after DuBrow’s death. In 2010, he brought in new members, including Jizzy Pearl on vocals, and released a new album.
The band continued to tour and record, but in 2020, Frankie Banali passed away from pancreatic cancer after a 16-month battle. Three weeks later, the remaining members announced they would keep the band alive just as Banali had wanted. Johnny Kelly took over as drummer.
Rudy Sarzo rejoined the band in 2021, replacing Chuck Wright on bass. Quiet Riot announced that they would be releasing new music and touring in 2022 and 2023.
Where is Quiet Riot Now?
Quiet Riot is still active as of 2025, despite having no original members left. They continue to tour and record new music. You can keep up with the band via their official website.
