Had a great conversation with Frankie Banali about the new Quiet Riot release Road Rage!
Check it out here:
http://www.frontiers.shop/search?sSearch=Quiet+Riot
https://www.amazon.com/Road-Rage-Quiet-Riot/dp/B071FKGKFC/ref=sr_1_1? ie=UTF8&qid=1501808705&sr=8-1&keywords=Quiet+Riot
it’s LOUD, it’s DIRTY, it’s QUIET RIOT (so bang your head)
-the Hellion
Frontiers Music s.r.l. out on 08/04/17
1.Can’t Get Enough
2. Getaway
3. Roll This Joint
4. Freak Flag
5. Wasted
6. Still Wild
7. Make A Way
8. Renegades
9. The Road
10. Shame
11. Knock Em Down
Having been a Quiet Riot fan since forever I have to say I was quite intrigued when I heard they had hired James Durbin as their new vocalist. I had been paying attention and waiting for the new record to drop when, to my surprise, I received a preview copy of Road Rage in my inbox.
Not sure what to expect from 2017 lineup of Frankie Banali (drums), Chuck Wright (bass), Alex Grossi (guitars), and James Durbin (vocals) I quickly found myself picking my ass up off the floor upon listening to it.
The songs on Road Rage take me back to the days when groove laden rock was the norm, and yet these tracks have a freshness to them. There are homages to 70’s and 80’s bands throughout this record that make it a comfortable, yet head banging listen.
There are those who have proclaimed the death of Rock and Roll as we know and love it. I would say to them, “Listen to the new Quiet Riot record Road Rage and get back with me on that.”
Stand out tracks for me include: “Can’t Get Enough”, “Getaway”, “Still Wild”, and “Knock Em Down”.
As expected Frankie lays down a solid bed for the rest of the band to build upon. Chuck rounds out Frankie’s drumming with a heavy bottom end. Alex walks his guitar all over the map and if you listen you will hear the talent that this man has. James had his work cut out for him by laying vocals over such amazingly crafted music, and he pulled it off, and then some.
The record officially drops on 08/04/17 on Frontiers Music s.r.l. and I will for sure be ordering a copy to support hard working musicians to keep doing what they do and what we love.
I would give this a solid 8 out of 10 stars.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s QUIET RIOT
(so BANG YOUR HEAD)
-the Hellion
![UDR0470_ecolbook_cover_preview_141220[1]](https://thehellionrocks.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/udr0470_ecolbook_cover_preview_1412201.jpg)
September 27 1980- My friend Brett came over to my apartment to hang out with me on my 16th birthday. He smiled as he handed me a wrapped package. I eagerly tore the wrapping off to discover the Blizzard Of Ozz record. “I knew you loved Sabbath so I saw this and figured you would enjoy it.” We raced to my room and found ourselves entranced by the music. I was most impressed by the guitar playing album on this record. The passion and power of the guitar playing on it was enough to make me weep. Brett and I instantly became Randy Rhoads fanatics. A lot of our friends were Eddie Van Halen nuts through and through, but there was something a bit more magical about Randy Rhoads for me. We read everything we could find and tried our best to wear out my copy of Blizzard Of Ozz.
When Diary Of A Madman came out in late 1981 I was there at the record store and raced home to hear what Randy had come up with to blow our minds, I was not disappointed in the least. This record too found itself being quickly worn out on my turntable. Again, I read every bit of press, had the posters, t-shirts, and all of the necessary accessories. Brett and I even figured out the secret codes on the album. Then, miracle of miracles, Ozzy was coming to our town!!! I did odd jobs to earn my $8.50 for my ticket. We went and positioned ourselves in front of Randy and witnessed a show that has yet to be repeated. The way Randy commanded the stage was sheer magic, and the way he played the songs live was utter brilliance. We left the show elated and sold that Randy was the greatest guitar player ever. Then, three months later he was gone, and I openly wept.
Now in March of 2015 I find myself watching a DVD about people who were influenced by Randy and his music. Kelle Rhoads let us into the world that he and his brother developed their musical skills in by walking us through the legendary Musonia Music School. Kelle told us of how his mother, Delores, influenced Randy to audition for Ozzy. He also shared some moments of the younger Randy and himself performing is the school. I really felt the emotional bond and the sense of loss Kelle has for Randy when he showed the room where Randy taught guitar. It was stated that the room has been restored to the way it was when Randy packed up and left for his gig with Ozzy. It is truly a room frozen in time.
The legendary Bob Kulick hosts Bob’s interaction with Kelle was enlightening and I learned new things about Randy. Bob spoke with drummer Frankie Banali and I learned things about the formation of the Ozzy solo band that I never knew. Dana Strum? Frankie’s involvement? You have to watch it and see. Hearing the stage stories from my friend Rudy Sarzo was amazing as well. Bob talks on with George Lynch, Doug Aldrich, Dweezil Zappa, Joel Hoekstra, George Lynch. Bruce Kulick, and Jon Donias. They all tell how Randy affected them musically.
This DVD has led me to appreciate Randy “the person” more than I previously had. It is quite obvious how much his peers loved and respected him. I am glad that the time was taken to produce this in tribute to the great Randy Rhoads who continues to live on inside me and others who listen and truly appreciate his musical legacy. Please be sure to pick this up and allocate an hour and a half to learn about and share the life of this great musician and human being, you will NOT be disappointed. Randy truly is immortal.
it’s loud, it’s beautiful, it’s Randy Rhoads
-the Hellion
The Vegas strip had nothing on the Sunset Strip when it came to rock ‘n’ roll, and a new multi-media show is bringing that experience to the stage in a special sneak preview. LET IT RAWK will debut in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 18 at 9pm PST.
LET IT RAWK is a loud, colorful, energetic and interactive experience of the hair metal era on LA’s Sunset Strip. The showroom and stage will be infused with the sights and energy of a legendary rock club. Performed by guys who were there, shaping the scene, the show’s playlist includes the greatest hits from the ‘80s and early ‘90s. From Warrant to Motley Crue the best anthems will be performed in all the glory of the day. And hits from the LET IT RAWK band’s careers are highlights.
The LET IT RAWK band is the real deal. It’s fronted by Black “N Blue and ex-Warrant vocalist Jaime St. James. Guitarist Oz Fox is in the platinum-selling Christian glam rock band, Stryper. Dokken’s Sean McNabb has played bass for other Kings of The Sunset Strip including Great White and Quiet Riot. Drummer Brent Fitz from Slash And The Conspirators will be slamming the skins. Brent has also played for Vince Neil and Alice Cooper. The band will also feature floating members, such as Eddie Ojeda from Twisted Sister and Bullet Boys original drummer Jimmy D’Anda. The anchor of the band is LET IT RAWK’s creator and producer, Stacey Blades.
Stacey’s ten years with L.A. Guns cemented him as a must-watch guitar player, and his final record with the band, HOLLYWOOD FOREVER, earned him critical acclaim for his exceptional fretwork. He left the band last year to pursue his other projects, including LET IT RAWK. “I have been diligently working on this project since last March, and am super stoked to be sharing the stage with such awesome guys and talented musicians. The show will be playing a few times a month here in Vegas and then be doing casino shows nationally, LET IT RAWK! See you out there!”
LET IT RAWK debuts in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station and Casino, 4949 North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, on Saturday, January 18 at 9pm PST. General admission tickets are $21. VIP meet-and-greet upgrades will be available soon. Tickets are available athttp://www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004B798ED17265.
it’s loud, it’s sleazy, it’s RAWK N’ ROLL!!!
the Hellion
at the meet and greet
Rudy Sarzo, his accomplishments are many: Ozzy, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, M.A.R.S., Manic Eden, Michael Angelo Batio, Dio, Bassinvaders, “Ripper” Owens, Animetal USA, Queensryche, Project Rock, TRED, and several others. Rudy has become a legendary bass player that has inspired so many musicians. I was fortunate to have met him recently after a Queensryche show. Imagine my response when I confirmed an interview with him. The interview went well (a few rude people make noise in the beginning though) and Rudy was certainly a warm and down to earth person. I cannot thank him enough for taking the time to do an interview with me. Here’s the link and enjoy:
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
the Hellion
From the opening notes of “I Remember Now” to the closing notes of “Eyes of a Stranger”, Operation Mindcrime was played in its entirety to perfection at The Hard Rock Casino in Albuquerque, NM on 04/12/13. No breaks, and no interruptions, the story of Operation Mindcrime was told to completion. Never mind about controversy and nay saying, THIS was Queensryche at its finest. Like a superhero calling forth his team mates, Geoff Tate has assembled a rock solid lineup.
With Robert Sarzo (Hurricane, and was considered as Randy Rhoads replacement for OZZY), Simon Wright ( AC/DC, Dio, UFO, Rhino Bucket, John Norum, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Mogg/Way), Randy Gane (Myth), Kelly Gray (Myth, Slave To The System), and the LEGENDARY Rudy Sarzo (OZZY, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, M.A.R.S., Manic Eden, Michael Angelo Batio, Dio, Bassinvaders, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Animetal USA), you can’t go wrong.
Robert Sarzo on fire!
Kelly Gray in charge!
Somewhere behind this kit is Simon Wright
Rudy Sarzo showing us how bass is done!
After totally annihilating us with their blistering rendition of Operation Mindcrime, Geoff finally broke his silence and talked to the wildly enthusiastic crowd. “You want more?” he queried. Queensryche then launched into a four song encore set. “Silent Lucidity”, “I’m American”, “Jet city Woman”, and closing with “Empire”. Geoff and crew continued to whip the crowd into submission until the very end. It was awesome to see the massive crowd singing in unison to these great songs.
the crowd says it all!
Thanks Geoff, Robert, Rudy, Kelly, Simon, and Rudy S. for giving us a memorable evening and keeping the music of Queensryche true to form!
at the meet and greet
Funny story from the meet and greet. I happen to have a Tri-Ryche tattoo on my right arm. I also happen to have a green Happy Bunny tattoo wearing a blue shirt with my daughters nickname on it. In the process of showing Geoff my Tri-Ryche tattoo he asked “What’s with the green bunny?” A nice moment of levity with Queensryche.
I would like to give a special shout out to Jeff Albright from THE ALBRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT GROUP for making it possible for me to cover this show.
it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!
the Hellion
One of the questions I see the most is “What would your dream band lineup alive or dead be?” I have pondered this question many times and I come up with different answers each time. So I decided to write about it and come up with three bands. One with band members who are no longer with us, one with all living band members, and comprised with both. I will try to give reasons why and even try to give my fantasy bands an appropriate name.
From the other side,
SOPHISTICATED HOOLIGANS:
Bon Scott, AC/DC (deceased 19 February 1980) – vocals
Dimebag Darrell, Pantera/Damageplan/Rebel Meets Rebel (deceased December 8, 2004) – guitars
Randy Castillo, Lita Ford/Ozzy/Motley Crue (deceased March 26, 2002) – drums
John Entwistle, The Who (deceased 27 June 2002) – bass
I can only imagine what a jam session with these guys would sound like. I hope that they are hanging out on the other side. I think the combination of these “gentlemen” would make for a unique sound. I chose the name “Sophisticated Hooligans” for them because the oxymoron just suits the attitude I imagine they would have.
Still with us,
COSMIC DESTRUCTION:
Sebastian Bach, Skid Row/Solo – vocals
Zakk Wylde, Ozzy/Pride & Glory/Black Label Society – guitars
Justin Manning, Crowned By Fire – guitars
Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath – bass
Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater/Adrenaline Mob/Flying colors – drums
I shudder to think of the destructive power this band would have, hence the name “Cosmic Destruction”. There would have to be a warning label on the CDs and at the live performances. All of these players have that explosive power that would give this band the ability to crush your chest and have you thank them for it.
Some still with us and some not
RETROGRADE:
Paul Rodgers, Free/Bad Company – vocals
Randy Rhoads, Quiet Riot/Ozzy (deceased March 19, 1982) – guitars
Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers – bass
John Bonham. Led Zeppelin (deceased 25 September 1980) – drums
The mixture of Paul Rodgers beautiful voice combined with Randy Rhoads melodic playing style would compliment each other so well. Combine that with Flea holding down the bottom end and John Bonham keeping the beat and WOW! I know this lineup seems kind of weird but I think it could work. As for calling the band “Retrograde”, I think it just sounds cool.
There you have it those are just my thoughts, please share yours!!!
the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 