Sad news to start the weekend on as Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali has succumbed to pancreatic cancer at age 68.
The following statement has been released from Frankie’s family:
Frankie was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on April 17, 2019 and given six months to live. He put up an inspiringly brave and courageous 16-month battle to the end and continued playing live as long as he could. Standard chemotherapy stopped working and a series of strokes made the continuation on a clinical trial impossible. He ultimately lost the fight at 7:18 p.m. on August 20 in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife and daughter
Frankie is survived by his devoted wife Regina, loving daughter Ashley, many dear friends, dedicated fans, and a menagerie of rescue animals, all of whom are family. He was a longtime advocate for animal rescue, a spokesperson for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and a sponsor of Children International. Donations in his name are encouraged for Fixnation.org, Aspca.org, Pancan.org, or Children.org. His wish for everyone is that you be your own health advocate for early detection so you may live long and rescue many animals.
Funeral plans will be announced at a later date.
Back when Quiet Riot released their 2006 effort – Rehab (their last with the legendary Kevin DuBrow) – Frankie reached out to both myself and Tony thanking us for our glowing review of the album. During that time we struck up a friendship with Frankie, when Kevin tragically passed away in November of 2007 both Tony and I felt the need to touch base with Frankie sending our condolences and Frankie got back to us right away thanking us for the kind words and thoughts as he was absolutely devastated having lost one of his best friends. With the sad news of Frankie’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer we know that he is now up in the great beyond rocking out with his friend once more as well as so many other legends no longer with us. Rest In Peace Frankie.