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Franki Banali, the drummer for the band Quiet Riot, died on August 20, 2020 at age 68.
Frankie Banali, the drummer for the heavy metal band Quiet Riot and W.A.S.P, died on August 20, 2020, as reported by his wife, Regina Banali. He was 68.
On April 17, 2019, Banali was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and was given six months to live. “He put up an inspiringly brave and courage 16-month battle to the end,” his wife wrote in a statement. In November 2019, Banali after returning to live performances, he opened up about his diagnosis. He said, he had “everything to win and everything to lose in this situation. I intend to treat it the way I treat everything, which is to put everything into it and fight it all of the way to the end.”
Banali’s wife continued on to say in her statement that her husband was “most known for his lengthy career as the drummer for that multi-platinum heavy metal band Quiet Riot whose ‘Mental Health’ was the first heavy metal album to reach number one on the Billboard chars and ushered in the 80s metal band era. He is the only member to play on every album Quiet Riot released.”
“His signature ton, deep pocket and iconic drum intros are immortalized on many hits including Quiet Riot’s ‘Cum on Feel the Noize,’ ‘Mental Health (Bang Your Head), Billy Idol’s ‘Mony, Mony,’ and ‘L.A. Woman.’ and albums such as Hughes/Thrall and W.A.S.P.’s ‘Headless Children and Crimson Idol,’ as well as over 100 other recordings as a session player in every drama.”
Born on November 14, 1951 in Queens, New York, Banali relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-70s. He spent about a year in New Steppenwolf, which was an offshoot of the hard-rock legends led by their former bassist Nick St. Nicholas. In 1979, Banali left to begin working with singer Kevin DuBrow, whose band, Quiet Riot, had broken up after guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Rudy Sarzo left to play with Ozzy Osbourne, according to ultimateclassicrock.com.
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Banali is survived by his wife and daughter, Ashley. Regina said in her statement her husband continued playing live as long as he could. “Standard chemotherapy stopped working and a series of stroked make the continuation on a clinical trial impossible. He ultimately lost the fight at 7:18 p.m. on August 20.”
A GoFundMe Set Up To Help With Banali’s Mounting Medical Bills Raised Over $47,000
Getty(L-R) Musicians Tony Franklin, Frankie Banali, Phil Soussan and Vinny Appice pose at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp at AMP Rehearsal Studios on November 6, 2015.
In April 2020, A GoFundMe account was up by Edem Maureen Beckett to raise money for Banali’s cancer treatment and medical treatment. Beckett wrote,”
[Banali] has undergone 17 rounds of chemo so far, and several palliative procedures to ease symptoms and has been able to make it past the one-year point and even continue playing with the band. It has been a very difficult, painful, and agonizing journey that is not nearly over. He has been getting second opinions, out of network follow up biopsies, infusions, and treatments of alternative therapies that have kept his body strong enough to withstand the chemo.
“This endeavor has accumulated a mountain of medical expenses and now with the pandemic canceling or postponing the entire spring touring season he now being hit financially from the other side as well,” Beckett added, noting that she was aware it’s been a “rough time for everyone,” amid coronavirus. But “if you can contribute anything, it would be greatly appreciated.”
Heartfelt Tributes to Banali Filled Social Media Following the News of His Death
It’s w/great sadness that I announce the passing of @FrankieBanali @QUIETRIOT .As many know Frankie had been battling cancer & passed away last night. He was a great person, friend & musician. Join me now on #TrunkNation @siriusxmvolume 106 as we remember him pic.twitter.com/cqqSQS80vd
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) August 21, 2020
Regina’s Facebook page was filled with messages of condolences and “RIP Frankie” started trending on Twitter, with thousands of fans, friends, and fellow musicians sharing tributes to what Banali and his music meant to them. Dee Snider tweeted, “Wow. What a day. So sad to hear about the loss of
@FrankieBanali. He fought hard until the end. His playing and rock ‘n’ roll spirit will live forever. A fellow New Yorker, Frankie was the real deal. RIP my friend. Take me away from all this death.”
So saddened to hear of the passing of my drumming brother @FrankieBanali. He fought an incredibly brave battle against Cancer and his strength and dignity was truly inspiring…Rest In Peace my friend 😢 #RIPFrankieBanali pic.twitter.com/pTXPuqgScG
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) August 21, 2020
Glen Hughes tweeted, “So very sad that my brother Frankie Banali, passed away last night.
Frankie played drums on the the Hughes: Thrall album . There was no one more loyal honorable courageous and committed than Frankie. Words cannot express how I feel. Let’s all share the love for Frankie.”
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