It’s been a few days since we lost QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali to cancer.
All the musicians who were friends with Frankie or influenced by him have paid homage to the legend.
Now, finally, Frankie Banali’s bandmates have come out and conveyed his feelings over his death.
QUIET RIOT bassist Chuck Wright says that he is “completely devastated” by his death.
Late Friday night (August 21), Chuck tweeted:
“I’m completely devastated by the loss of my lifelong friend and musical comrade. I truly felt if anyone could beat this horrible Cancer, it would be Frankie. He was the toughest guy I’ve ever known. No fear in him whatsoever. I first played with Frankie in 1981. I’ll so miss our psychic connection on stage as a rhythm section. We shared a common love for Jazz Fusion as well as the legendary Led Zep and others which helped fuse this strong musical bond. It’s so hard to fathom that this mighty force as a drummer, fierce leader and our brightest beacon has been dimmed forever.
Rest In Peace my friend… “Yasurakani….”
Guitarist Alex Grossi said:
“Another Thunderbird has taken flight.
Even though I have been preparing myself for this day for a while now, it is simply incomprehensible to me that you are really gone. I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the fact that I won’t be seeing you at the airport and behind the kit or hearing from you daily as I have for the past 16 years.
I take comfort in knowing that your suffering is over and that your legacy will go on forever through the iconic music you helped create. You will always be with me in my heart and will live on through all of the knowledge and values you have instilled in me.
Rest in peace Frankie, until we meet again….
Love Always,
Alex
P.S. – You and Kevin go easy on ’em up up there, ok ?”
Rudy Sarzo said:
“At the request of the Banali family, Eddie Trunk has announce Frankie Banali’s passing. On a personal note, Frankie was my hero, mentor, and QUIET RIOT brother. Frankie is now resting in peace and pain free. I will post a follow up in days to come as try to process this unmeasurable loss.”
James Durbin commented, saying:
“Rest In Peace Frankie…
The great gig in the sky just got a hell of a lot louder. No matter what, you always played with the intensity as if it would be your last. I can hear the sound of your signature laugh as I write this. I’ll never forget that. My thoughts and prayers are with Regina, Ashley, Alex & Chuck. Fly on Thunderbird…”