Frankie Banali, 68, died after his chemotherapy began to stop working and he suffered a series of strokes, according to his wife, Regina Banali. The rockstar was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on April 17, 2019.
Doctors at the time had given Frankie only six months to live.
Mrs Banali wrote in a statement, “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 7:18PM on August 20th in Los Angeles surrounded by his wife and daughter.”
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Although Frankie was not a founding member of the popular 80’s metal band, he had a lengthy career with them after joining in 1983 on their third album, “Metal Health”, and appeared on 12 of the band’s records.
Quiet Riot were the first heavy metal band to take the number 1 spot on the Billboard charts.
Their cover of “Cum on Feel the Noize” was a smash hit across America and opens with Frankie’s signature drum sound.
“We were breaking records, selling ridiculous amounts of albums every week,” Banali told Classic Rock.
“Quiet Riot was a phenomenon. We were living the dream…”
Musicians paying immediate tribute to Banali included Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo, who tweeted: “My hero, mentor, Quiet Riot brother Frankie Banali is now resting in peace and pain free. I will post a follow up in days to come as try to process this unmeasurable loss.”
Fellow drummer Mike Portnoy 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… Rest In Peace my friend.”
Kiss founder Paul Stanley wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Frankie Banali. He was so open in his reports of his illness and seemed to live through his treatments and setbacks bravely and with grace. RIP.”