Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali battling stage four pancreatic cancer
Quiet Riot drummer and the band’s longest serving member, Frankie Banali, has revealed he's been battling stage four pancreatic cancer since April.
In a statement issued to social media, 67-year-old Banali said he was diagnosed in the spring and despite the initial “scary” prognosis, he’s “on the mend” after several rounds of chemotherapy.
Confirming he’s “feeling much better and stronger now”, Banali vowed to press ahead with Quiet Riot’s show at the world-famous Whiskey A Go Go in Hollywood this Saturday (26th October) and all their upcoming 2020 shows.
“I just want to let all of my friends and fans know what’s going on with me and why I have unfortunately missed some appearances this year. Since April 17th I have been battling stage four pancreatic cancer,” Frankie Banali said.
“The original prognosis was very scary. I had quite a battle on my hands and it took a lot, but I am thankful to say that after several rounds of chemo and other treatments I am on the mend. The road ahead is not going to be easy but cancer has met its match and I plan to continue fighting. I wish I could have been with you all at every Quiet Riot performance as this is the first time in 38 years I have ever missed a gig.
“Please know that if I had been able to fly on a plane and play a show nothing else would have stopped me. I am feeling much better and stronger now.
“I intend to play the Quiet Riot concert at the Whiskey A Go Go on Saturday October 26th and to continue touring in 2020 with Quiet Riot, so I hope to see you there. I appreciate all the fans that support Quiet Riot by coming to shows and I hope you will all continue that support as well as keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.
“Peace and Love, Frankie Banali”
The current incarnation of Quiet Riot features Banali alongside bassist Chuck Wright, guitarist Alex Grossi and vocalist Jizzy Pearl, who rejoined the group for a second tenure in September.
Also briefly the drummer for W.A.S.P amongst his various other projects, Banali first joined Quiet Riot in 1982 and his first album appearance was on their blockbuster breakthrough record ‘Metal Health’ a year later.
Everyone at Planet Rock wishes Frankie Banali all the best with his recovery.