LIVE! : Quiet Riot @ Sunset Station

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

May 14, 2011 at Sunset Station in Las Vegas, NV.

Quiet Riot performed at the Outdoor Concert Series at Sunset Station in Las Vegas on May 14. On Nov. 25, 2007, the ’80s genre lost one of metal’s most popular front-man, Kevin Dubrow. After the tragic death of Kevin Dubrow, many fans wondered what would become of the once popular metal band Quiet Riot?

In 2011, Quiet Riot is back on the road touring once again, comprised of Frankie Banali on drums, Chuck Wright on bass, guitarist Alex Grossi, and singer Mark Huff. I had the opportunity to check out Quiet Riot featuring new singer Mark Huff in Vegas on May 14 and I was not disappointed. Although, the legacy of Kevin Dubrow will live on forever with Quiet Riot, the band performed such hits as ”Cum On Feel The Noize”, and ”Slick Black Cadillac” with much conviction and new found energy.

Singer Mark Huff and founding Quiet Riot member Frankie Banali paid tribute to the late Kevin Dubrow numerous times during the set including on the poignant ”Thunderbird.” Singer Mark Huff has a bluesy vocal style similar to Dubrow. One of the highlights of the set was when former Quiet Riot singer Paul Shortino and bassist Sean McNabb, who played bass on the QR album, joined the band onstage to perform ”Stay With Me Tonight.” I had the opportunity to discuss the performance with Paul Shortino after the show and he informed me, “It has been over 20 years since I have performed this song onstage with Quiet Riot. It was a lot of fun. What a great way to spend my birthday!”

Guitarist Alex Grossi did a great job performing the classic Quiet Riot guitar riffs with a modern day flair. Alex adds a new spark to the band. In many interviews singer Kevin Dubrow always referred to Alex as a young Randy Rhoads.

The momentum of the set didn’t end there, as the band launched into two of their biggest hits ”Mama We’re All Crazy Now”, and ”Metal Health.” Drummer Frankie Banali is one of metal’s premiere drummers and back onstage performing where he belongs! From the smile on Frankie Banali’s face and the response of the audience, it is safe to say Quiet Riot is back and ready to make some new fans along the way. For Quiet Riot tour dates visit www.officialquietriot.com.