Tributes are flowing for Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, who sadly passed away at the age of 68 following a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Banali’s wife Regina broke the news in to USA TODAY, confirming the rocker had “ultimately lost the fight at 7:18 pm on August 20 in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife and daughter”.
“He put up an inspiringly brave and courageous 16-month battle to the end and continued playing live as long as he could,” she continued, noting that his chemotherapy treatment had stopped working after a series of strokes made the continuation on a clinical trial impossible.
Banali was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on April 17th 2019, with doctors initially giving him just six months to live after discovering that his cancer had become “incurable” after already metastasizing to his liver.
Banali joined Quiet Riot in 1982 and has remained a pivotal part of the band up until his death, drumming on their biggest hits including ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’ and ‘Metal Health (Bang Your Head)’.
Among those paying tribute to the fallen legend is iconic metal drummer Mike Portnoy, who wrote: “So saddened to hear of the passing of my drumming brother, Frankie Banali. He fought an incredibly brave battle against cancer and his strength and dignity was truly inspiring.”
Banali is survived by his wife Regina, daughter Ashley and a “menagerie of rescue animals all of whom are family”.
Regina wrote: “His wish for everyone is that you be your own health advocate for early detection so you may live long and rescue many animals.”
Vale Frankie Banali, one of rock’s greats.
