QUIET RIOT’s Frankie Banali Diagnosed With Stage Four Cancer

QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali, the only member from the Metal Health-era lineup still in the band, has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

“I just want to let all of my friends and fans know what’s going on with me and why I have unfortunately missed some appearances this year,” Banali said in a statement posted on podcaster Mitch Lafon‘s Facebook page.

“Since April 17 I have been battling stage four pancreatic cancer. The original prognosis was very scary. I had quite a battle on my hands and it took a lot, but I am thankful to say that after several rounds of chemo and other treatments I am on the mend. The road ahead is not going to be easy but cancer has met its match and I plan to continue fighting. I wish I could have been with you all at every Quiet Riot performance, as this is the first time in 38 years I have ever missed a gig. Please know that if I had been able to fly on a plane and play a show nothing else would have stopped me.“

Banali plans to return to the road this week. “I am feeling much better and stronger now,” he said. “I intend to play the Quiet Riot concert at the Whiskey a Go Go on Saturday, Oct. 26, and to continue touring in 2020 with Quiet Riot, so I hope to see you there. I appreciate all the fans that support Quiet Riot by coming to shows and I hope you will all continue that support as well as keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.”

Banali had missed several shows this past year, with Johnny Kelly (Danzig, Type O Negative) taking his place behind the drum kit. No reason for Banali‘s absence had been given, but they were reported to be the first concerts the band played without any members from its most famous lineup. The drummer joined in 1982 and was responsible for reviving the band in 2010, three years after the death of singer Kevin DuBrow, who had been, up to that point, the only constant member since QUIET RIOT‘s founding in 1975.