Quiet Riot Drummer Frankie Banali Dead at 68

Frankie Banali, the drummer for Quiet Riot, has died. He was 68.

Banali passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His wife Regina told USA Today in a statement that he “ultimately lost the fight at 7:18 pm on August 20 in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife and daughter.”

She continued, “He put up an inspiringly brave and courageous 16-month battle to the end and continued playing live as long as he could.”

A GoFundMe page was set up to help with his medical costs, and revealed he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in April 2019. At the time, he was given six months to live. “The cancer had already metastasized to his liver and is officially incurable,” according to the site.

He is survived by Regina, and his daughter Ashley, 23, from his marriage to his first wife, Karen.

Regina noted that they cared for many rescue animals and 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 the metal band Quiet Riot in 1982, and later served as the band's manager.