To say Quiet Riot is an iconic band with a wild past would be quite an understatement. Heralded in their successes as one of America’s original Heavy Metal heroes but overcast with the tragic deaths of founding member Randy Rhoads, drummer Frankie Banali, and lead vocalist Kevin DuBrow, the group is no stranger to picking that beacon up and carrying it through the tough times.
Quiet Riot
O2 Academy Islington – 10 March 2024
Words: Monty Sewell
Photography: Steve Ritchie
Commemorating forty-one years—almost exactly to the day—of releasing their chart-topping album Metal Health, Quiet Riot returned to London’s O2 Academy Islington, after decades away from the venue. It was a show of benevolent marvel set deep within the hearts of one of metal’s most beloved bands.
Entering the Academy, throngs of headband-wearing, metal-plated belts styling fans were thick amid the fantastic opening act TigerTailz. A brilliantly styled set leaves the thirst for more drip from their audience’s cheering mouths. A taste was all we needed to place an eager eye on their next endeavour.
A quick break wrung out more conversation of the impending headliner’s journey to now before the intermission lights dimmed and the show was afoot. Longest-serving member Rudy Sarzo bounded on with a look of hard rock joy on his face. Joined by Alex Grossi on guitar, Jizzy Pearl of Love/Hate on vocals, and Johnny Kelly of Type O Negative on drums.
Though only remnants of the original band remain, there is no doubt about this Quiet Riot’s validity in the room as the crowd cheers with ear-cracking approval. Oversized quiffs and spilled beers galore.
With most of their set taking songs from acclaimed albums Metal Health and Condition Critical, Quiet Riot plays their cards graciously, kicking up a Heavy Metal storm while at it. Sarzo is an absolute beast on his four-stringed friend. It is not so much a hark back to the old days as it is a badass fling into the new.
The UK live debut of the song I Can’t Hold On is a heartfelt moment after tracks like Run for Cover, Slick Black Cadillac, Love’s a Bitch, and Thunderbird shake the room into head-banging submission. A touching moment comes when they pay tribute to their late band members, remembering those who had left their everlasting mark upon the music they made.
The Wild and the Young comes bound with a smooth-fingered solo from Sarzo before we get a snippet of Ozzy Osbourne and Type O Negatives Black No. 1. The guys play with such ease, melting in with each other like a finely oiled hard rocking machine. Soaring vocals from Pearl are crisp and clear, while the reinvigorated revitalization of the sunset strip explodes onstage with a stylish thump.
Ending with a bang, Quiet Riot finishes up with Cum On Feel the Noize and Metal Health (Bang Your Head). Though their most famous songs, by the time they come around the night has already been such a whammy of a show that it feels like added glory on top of an already superb evening.
With such an almost unbelievable history, Quiet Riot has become somewhat legendary in their ability to keep the music within the name alive. Tonight only added fire to the flames of heavy hair metal and the poignant place it has within our hearts through the musicians it has gifted us.
