Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali dies aged 68
Following a 16-month battle with cancer
Last updated 21st Aug 2020
Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali has died aged 68 following a 16-month battle with cancer.
Frankie Banali was first diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer on 17th April 2019, and he was given just six months to live by doctors at the time.
He first revealed his terminal condition to fans six months after his diagnosis in October 2019, and the cancer later spread to his liver.
Sadly, Frankie Banali lost his heroic battle with cancer last night (Thursday 20th August). His death came six days after he was discharged from hospital where he had suffered a stroke.
A statement from Frankie’s family reads: “Frankie was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on April 17, 2019 and given six months to live. He put up an inspiringly brave and courageous 16-month battle to the end and continued playing live as long as he could. Standard chemotherapy stopped working and a series of strokes made the continuation on a clinical trial impossible. He ultimately lost the fight at 7:18 p.m. on August 20 in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife and daughter.
“Frankie is survived by his devoted wife Regina, loving daughter Ashley, many dear friends, dedicated fans, and a menagerie of rescue animals, all of whom are family. He was a longtime advocate for animal rescue, a spokesperson for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and a sponsor of Children International. Donations in his name are encouraged for Fixnation.org, Aspca.org, Pancan.org, or Children.org. His wish for everyone is that you be your own health advocate for early detection so you may live long and rescue many animals.
“Funeral plans will be announced at a later date.”
Briefly the drummer for W.A.S.P amongst his various other projects, Frankie Banali first joined Quiet Riot in 1982 and his first album appearance was on their blockbuster breakthrough record ‘Metal Health’ a year later.
Although not a founder of Quiet Riot, his 38-year tenure behind the drum kit made him the longest serving member of the band.
The first Quiet Riot studio album Banali appeared on was 1983's 'Metal Health', which sold 6 million copies in the US alone and featured the band's huge cover of Slade's 'Cum On Feel the Noize'.
Former Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo has led the tributes to Frankie Banali, writing: "My hero, mentor, QUIETRIOT brother @FrankieBanali is now resting in peace and pain free. I will post a follow up in days to come as try to process this unmeasurable loss."
Dee Snider said: "Wow. What a day. So sad to hear about the loss of @FrankieBanali He fought hard until the end. His playing and rock 'n' roll spirit will live forever. A fellow New Yorker, Frankie was the real deal. RIP my friend.
"Take me away from all this death."
Glenn Hughes commented: "So very sad that my brother Frankie Banali, passed away last night. Frankie played drums on the the Hughes: Thrall album . There was no one more loyal honorable courageous and committed than Frankie. Words cannot express how I feel. Let’s all share the love for Frankie."
Fellow drumming icon Mike Portnoy said: "So saddened to hear of the passing of my drumming brother @FrankieBanali. He fought an incredibly brave battle against Cancer and his strength and dignity was truly inspiring...Rest In Peace my friend Crying face #RIPFrankieBanali"
Frankie Banali and Quiet Riot through the years:
Quiet Riot's Rudy Sarzo, Carlos Cavazo, Kevin Dubrow and Frankie Banali in 1983
RIP Frankie Banali
RIP Frankie Banali