Another big loss in rock today with the passing of Frankie Banali. Frankie was a great drummer, great guy, and great friend over the years. I am pretty sure I’ve known him since ’83 when I first broke into the business and Metal Health was released. Frankie bravely battled pancreatic cancer for the last 18 months. He had been on my SiriusXM show several times during his illness and was amazingly open about all he was going through. It was truly incredible how brave and honest he was and how he played drums right till the very end. Frankie had the worst type of cancer to survive, but somehow because he never showed signs of weakness I was hoping he had a shot. His wife Regina contacted me Thursday night and told me he passed away and that she wanted me to break the news to the world on my SiriusXM show Friday which I did. She even called in. And many fans did as well once I told them the tragic news. 2020 has been the most brutal year on so many levels, least of which all the people we have lost personally and musically. Frankie will not be forgotten. Every time you hear the thunderous drum beat to Cum On Feel The Noize you will always think Frankie. He truly was a wonderful guy if you were lucky enough to know him. And a brave fighter that battled right to till the end. RIP Frankie. Condolences to his family, friends, fans and bandmates. The tribute show I did today to Frankie is now On Demand on the SiriusXM app. ‘This Monday 2-4 and 10-Mid ET on SiriusXM 106 Volume I will replay my last two interviews with Frankie as well as thoughts from his wife after his passing.
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I was at the taping of the final episode of TMS and met Frankie. He was very gracious and we had a great conversation about the Quiet Riot documentary that was on previously. He even told me how much he loved my Queensryche tour shirt I was wearing for the taping. He will be missed greatly! Him and Kevin are making music again in Rock ‘n’ Roll heaven!