Kevin DuBrow was the founding lead vocalist of Quiet Riot, with his tenure spanning from 1975 to 1979, and then from 1982 to 1987, 1991 to 2003, and again from 2004 until his untimely death in 2007. DuBrow was integral to the band’s success, especially with the release of Metal Health (1983), which became the first heavy metal album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His distinctive voice was the defining feature of all of Quiet Riot’s major albums, including Condition Critical (1984) and Guilty Pleasures (2001). DuBrow also contributed occasional guitar work, though his primary focus was as the frontman. His death in 2007 left a significant void in the band, but his impact on Quiet Riot’s legacy remains unparalleled.
Drew Forsyth was the drummer for Quiet Riot from its inception in 1975 until 1979. Forsyth played on the band’s early albums, Quiet Riot (1978) and Quiet Riot II (1979). His drumming contributed to the band’s foundational hard rock sound, which would later evolve into the glam metal style that the band became famous for. Forsyth’s time with the band was brief, and after leaving Quiet Riot, he did not continue with high-profile projects. However, his contributions to Quiet Riot’s early recordings have made him a key part of their history.
Randy Rhoads was the original guitarist for Quiet Riot, joining the band in 1975 and remaining with them until 1979. Rhoads’ time with Quiet Riot was short-lived, but his contributions were essential in shaping the early sound of the band. He played on the band’s first two albums, Quiet Riot (1978) and Quiet Riot II (1979), before leaving to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band, where he would go on to become one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. Rhoads’ innovative guitar work and his role in Quiet Riot’s early years are an essential part of the band’s legacy, and his tragic death in a plane crash in 1982 further cemented his legendary status.
Kelly Garni was the original bassist for Quiet Riot, joining the band in 1975 and playing until 1978. He contributed to the early sound of the band on their first two albums, Quiet Riot (1978) and Quiet Riot II (1979). Garni’s bass lines provided a solid foundation for the band’s hard rock style during these early recordings. After leaving Quiet Riot in 1978, Garni did not pursue any major projects and largely stayed out of the public eye. Despite his brief tenure with the band, Garni remains an integral part of their history.
Greg Leon was the guitarist for Quiet Riot from 1979 to 1982. He replaced Randy Rhoads and contributed to the band during their transitional period before they achieved mainstream success. Leon played on the band’s demo recordings, but his time with the band did not result in a major studio album. Despite this, he is an important part of the band’s early lineup. After leaving Quiet Riot in 1982, Leon did not remain with high-profile musical projects, though he continued to be involved in music for some years. His contribution to the band’s sound helped pave the way for the arrival of Carlos Cavazo.
Gary Van Dyke joined Quiet Riot in 1980 as the bassist, replacing Kelly Garni. He played on the band’s recordings during a period of transition, including on the Quiet Riot III album (1983), though he was not with the band long enough to contribute significantly to their commercial success. Van Dyke left the band in 1982, and after his departure, Quiet Riot went on to greater fame with the lineup that included Rudy Sarzo on bass. Van Dyke’s time with the band was short-lived, and he did not play a major role in their legacy.
Carlos Cavazo joined Quiet Riot in 1982, shortly before the band’s breakthrough with Metal Health (1983). Cavazo played on many of the band’s most iconic albums, including Condition Critical (1984), QR III (1986), and Live & Rare Volume 1 (2005). His guitar work, particularly on tracks like “Metal Health” and “Cum On Feel the Noize,” helped define the band’s sound and contributed to their commercial success in the 1980s. Cavazo was with the band until 1989, left for a period, and returned in 1991, playing until 2003. He was instrumental in both their early success and their return in the 1990s. Cavazo’s tenure with Quiet Riot made him one of the band’s longest-serving members. After leaving, Cavazo pursued work with other bands, including a notable tenure with RATT in the late 2000s.
Frankie Banali was the drummer for Quiet Riot from 1982 to 1989, then again from 1993 to 2003, and from 2004 to 2020. Banali’s drumming was a key element of Quiet Riot’s sound, particularly on albums like Metal Health (1983) and Condition Critical (1984). His heavy, driving rhythms contributed to the band’s distinctive style, and his work on tracks like “Cum On Feel the Noize” became iconic. Banali played a central role in the band’s success throughout the 1980s and 1990s. After a hiatus, Banali returned to the band in 2004, contributing to several more albums. He continued to perform with Quiet Riot until his death in 2020. Banali is remembered as one of the great drummers in heavy metal history, and his work with Quiet Riot was central to the band’s identity.
Kjell Benner briefly served as the bassist for Quiet Riot in 1985. His contributions to the band were limited, and he played during a time of transition for the band. Benner did not appear on any major studio albums, and his tenure with the band was very short-lived. He is primarily known for his brief involvement during a period of lineup changes. After leaving the band, Benner did not achieve the same level of recognition as other former members, and his time with Quiet Riot remains a minor chapter in the band’s history.
Chuck Wright played bass and provided backing vocals for Quiet Riot during several periods: 1985 to 1987, 1994 to 1997, 2004 to 2006, and 2006 to 2007. He made significant contributions to the band’s sound during his time with them, especially on albums like Metal Health (1983), where he played on two tracks, and QR III (1986). Wright’s bass playing was a critical part of the band’s rhythm section, and his backing vocals helped to add depth to the band’s overall sound. He also contributed to Live & Rare Volume 1 (2005) and Quiet Riot 10 (2014), continuing to work with the band well into their later years. Wright has played with several other bands and has a varied musical career beyond Quiet Riot.
Paul Shortino was the lead vocalist for Quiet Riot from 1987 to 1989, replacing Kevin DuBrow after his first departure. Shortino’s time with the band resulted in the album QR (1988), and he also performed on ’89 Live in Japan (2004). Shortino’s vocal style brought a different flavor to the band’s sound, but his time with the group was short-lived. He left in 1989 as DuBrow rejoined the band. Shortino continued his career in music, fronting the band Rough Cutt and working as a solo artist. His brief time with Quiet Riot remains part of the band’s diverse history.
Sean McNabb played bass and provided backing vocals for Quiet Riot from 1987 to 1989 and again in 2006. McNabb’s contributions were part of the band’s transition in sound during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He played on the album QR (1988) and provided the band’s rhythm section during a challenging time for the group. McNabb’s tenure with the band was brief but important, as he helped maintain the band’s presence during a period of lineup changes. After leaving Quiet Riot, McNabb went on to work with other bands, including Great White and Dokken, and has had a successful career in both music and acting.