Quiet Riot, a hard rock band, finds itself in a situation reminiscent of “The Last of the Mohicans.” Nightly performances of ’80s hits like “Cum On Feel The Noize” and “Metal Health” are now carried out by Rudy Sarzo, the sole remaining member from the classic lineup that recorded these songs decades ago. The band has faced tragic losses with singer Kevin DuBrow passing in 2007 and drummer Frankie Banali in 2020, leaving guitarist Carlos Cavazo to pursue other musical endeavors.
Sarzo’s journey with Quiet Riot began in the late ’70s alongside guitar virtuoso Randy Rhoads before joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band. However, a fateful collaboration with DuBrow and producer Spencer Proffer led to a remarkable turn of events. The band’s fate hinged on their ability to deliver a powerful rendition of “Cum On Feel The Noize,” a ’70s glam rock anthem that had seen success with Slade in the UK but not in the US.
Spencer Proffer, the record label owner, saw potential in Quiet Riot’s version of the song and presented them with a challenge: secure a record deal with a compelling performance. The band’s successful execution of “Cum On Feel The Noize” catapulted them to the top of the charts, with the parent album “Metal Health” claiming the coveted No.1 spot, dethroning The Police’s “Synchronicity.”
In the aftermath of their meteoric rise, Quiet Riot faced the inevitable challenges of sustaining such monumental success in the competitive music industry. Sarzo reflects on the fleeting nature of triumph at the pinnacle of the charts, emphasizing the cutthroat nature of the business and the challenges it poses to artists and bands.
Amidst the band’s highs and lows, Sarzo fondly remembers the late Kevin DuBrow, a charismatic and complex figure whose life in the LA music scene was marked by both camaraderie and cautionary tales. DuBrow’s larger-than-life persona and the pitfalls of fame serve as poignant reminders of the price some pay for rock ‘n’ roll stardom.
As Sarzo reflects on Quiet Riot’s tumultuous journey, he offers insights into the dynamics of the music industry, the enduring legacy of their chart-topping success, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of rock ‘n’ roll glory. The band’s story serves as a testament to the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring spirit of those who dare to chase their musical dreams.
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