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Quiet Riot are one of the most influential bands to emerge out of the 80's metal genre. They are true professionals and have maintained a high musical standard throughout their twenty year plus career.
Drummer Frankie Banali has long been the backbone of Quiet Riot. Along with dynamic frontman Kevin Dubrow, the two have proven that Quiet Riot is in it for the long run, and refuse to live on their past laurels, continuing to make quality music, and keeping the dream of Quiet Riot Alive and Well in 2005.
The latest version of Quiet Riot which features Kevin Dubrow on vocals, drummer Frankie Banali, guitar whiz Alex Grossi, and bassist Chuck Wright haven proven to be one of the band’s strongest lineups.
Quiet Riot are re-born, and have found a new found energy, which is garnering new fans across the country.
Quiet Riot have been on the road since early January, and have recently received rave reviews on this summer's Rock Never Stops Tour which also included Cinderella, Ratt, and Firehouse.
I recently had the chance to catch up with Frankie Banai. In this exclusive interview for GlamMetal.com. Frankie gives fans special insight into the Rock Never Stops Tour, the rise of Quiet Riot, the latest Quiet Riot album, and life as one of the most influential drummers in music today.
Hi Frankie, It is so great to see you performing with Quiet Riot again? I really enjoyed the Rock Never Stops Tour with Quiet Riot and Cinderella. How does it feel to be playing with Quiet Riot again? 
Playing in QUIET RIOT is a very natural thing for me since I've been with the band since I first stared working with Kevin DuBrow in 1981.
What was the Highlight on the Rock Never Stops Tour this summer? Is their any particular show that stands apart from the rest?
The tour was a great experience for all of us. The guys in Cinderella were terrific to work with both on and off stage, and having our friends in Firehouse also on the build made from a great tour. All the dates were great and many were exceptional, but if I had to pick one it would be San Juan, Puerto Rico where QUIET RIOT were received with headliner appreciation. Muchas gracias Puerto Rico!
Now Is Quiet Riot still on the road? Are their any upcoming shows that you would like to mention?
We completed our 2005 tour schedule recently with a date on November 29 in Salt Lake City, UT. I am already working on the 2006 tour calendar which at this early stage includes the following dates:
04/07/06 - BURNSVILLE, MN - PRIME TIME
04/08/06 - WALKER, MN - NORTHERN LIGHTS CASINO
05/12/06 - AUSTIN, TX - HYATT CONCERT
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How is the new Quiet Riot CD coming along?
The songs have already been written for the most part. I've been writing with guitarist Neil Citron and Kevin has worked on lyrics and melodies for those songs with vocal and bass great Glenn Hughes. Kevin has also written on his own as usual as well as with Alex Grossi on a few songs. Glenn Hughes is scheduled to record bass on one song as well as a vocal duet on the same song with Kevin. The material so far has been largely influenced by 70's British blues rock flavor.
When I saw you perform this past summer, I noticed that Quiet Riot has a new found energy? How does it feel to be working with guitarist Alex Grossi, and Chuck Wright again? It seems like the band has re-invented themselves with a fresh new attitude! How has the new Quiet Riot different from the early days with Carlos and Rudy?
QUIET RIOT has always been an evolution of music and musicians which goes back to the version of the band that included Randy Rhoads. I don't see the band in 2005 as being revitalized, it's been more of a continuation of that evolution. Kevin and I have been pleased to have Alex and Chuck perform with us in the 2005 edition of QUIET RIOT.
Frankie, Let's talk about the early days when Quiet Riot hit the Metal Scene. The band got really successful right from the start. It seems like one day you were playing club on Sunset Strip and then headlining Arenas? How did it feel to go from playing clubs to stadium status?
The first and second incarnation of the band with Kevin had been around since 1975, I started working with Kevin in 1981 and we kicked around several years before recording Metal Health, so in that regard it was not a speedy transition from the clubs to the arenas. Even after Metal Health was released, it was not the overnight sensation people seem to remember. The performance transition was not difficult either, same songs, bigger stages, that's all. Before I joined QUIET RIOT I had already performed arena, stadium and festival dates, so nothing really surprising for me.
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Now you and Kevin are the backbone of Quiet Riot. Your music is still being played on Television today at sporting events, and it is so cool to hear "Bang Your Head" on the Retro radio shows on FM RADIO. Quiet Riot still has a strong following today? What do you attribute to Quiet Riot's longevity?
Kevin and I have always been the backbone, the mainstay if you will, of QUIET RIOT. He and I were the only ones from the so called "Metal Health" lineup that recorded the demos which got us the initial record deal, so we are very comfortable in that position. It's always good to be recognized with and associated with the track "Metal Health/Bang Your Head" as it typifies what QUIET RIOT started out on a musical level. It has been an enduring legacy of QUIET RIOT which still continues today thanks to all the fans that have been with us through the years and continue to support us along with new and younger fans.
How do you feel about the music business today? How has it changed from when you started back in the 80's?
The major differences are, no label support, no radio support, which in turn makes it difficult for most bands to continue regardless of whether they are a old or new band. It has become a very disposable business and in actuality more so for new bands than the older bands. The new bands are for the most part faceless, here today, possible gone tomorrow.
When Quiet Riot was broke up, did you do any studio work? Did you play on Stephen Pearcy's "Fueler " CD?
I recorded three great tracks for Stephen. They were never used as Steven and the studio were we recorded the tracks had a business disagreement forcing Steven to re-record the tracks elsewhere because he could not get the tracks that I had played on back from the studio. Pity.
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Frankie, How long have you been playing drums? How did you get started in the music business? Did you always want to be a drummer?
A long time. I started playing drums later than most musicians do, I was about fourteen years old. I started out just like everyone else, playing in local bands, etc., but I've always wanted to be a drummer, no other instrument interests me except for bass which I am terrible at, but enjoy it anyway.
What has the highlight of your career been?
Playing the US Festival, Madison Square Garden, LA Forum, playing in Japan, traveling and performing all over the world. Performing on nearly ninety released recordings. It's been a great journey so far.
What is your favorite Quiet Riot song to perform onstage?
Probably "Condition Critical."
Do you have any endorsements that you would like to mention? Will you be attending NAMM next year?
I endorse Ludwig Drums enthusiastically, as well as Sabian Cymbals, DW pedals and hardware, Vic Firth Drumsticks, May Mic Systems and XL Percussion cases. Yes, I do plan to attend NAMM 2006 in January providing the recording schedule for the next CD does not interfere. I should be easy to find at the Ludwig Drums booth as always.
What can all the mighty Quiet Riot fans expect to hear from the band in the upcoming year? Any exciting new tour plans?
A new CD of original material as well as another year of live QUIET RIOT tour dates. You can get more information on QUIET RIOT as well as what I am up to by visiting www.frankie-banali.com
Any advice for aspiring drummers?/ You are one of the best drummers in the music business today.
Always do the best that your ability allows and always strive to improve that ability. Be positive in all situations and always be honest with yourself which will allow you to make educated decisions for you in any situation.
Thank you Frankie or doing this exclusive interview with me for Glam-metal. Best of Luck to you and Quiet Riot. We are looking forward to the new album.
Thanks for taking the time and the interest! I wish everyone the best in music and all things in life.
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