Frankie Banali, drummer for legendary Metal outfit Quiet Riot dies of pancreatic cancer. He died surrounded by his family according to his wife Regina Banali.
“He lived for playing live and performed for millions of fans around the world throughout his career,” his wife’s statement said. “His wish for everyone is that you be your own health advocate for early detection so you may live long and rescue many animals.”
Banali joined Quiet Riot in 1982, and played on the group’s breakthrough third album, Metal Health, which was the first heavy metal album to reach No. 1 on the Billboardcharts. Banali was the only member of the group to play on every single one of their albums since Metal Health, and took over managing the band in 1993. In 2010, three years after the death of vocalist Kevin DuBrow, the band reunited. Banali also played drums in the heavy metal band W.A.S.P.