Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali Keeps the Band Alive (VIDEO EXCLUSIVE)

It's hard to believe but March, 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of one of the most legendary metal albums in history, Quiet Riot's Metal Health. On the strength of the now legendary anthems "Cum on Feel the Noize" (a cover of the 1973 Slade hit) and "Bang Your Head (Metal Health)," it became the first-ever American heavy metal debut album to reach number one in the United States.

As well, in November of that year, Quiet Riot became the very first heavy metal artist to have both a top five hit and a number one album in the same week. This was a group that broke down many doors for what was to follow in the metal genre; fueled by the theatrics of founding vocalist, the late Kevin DuBrow, and the thunderous pounding of his best pal, drummer Frankie Banali.

In 2007, DuBrow was found dead at his home in Las Vegas. After struggling with whether or not to continue the band, Banali eventually pulled things together and as the torchbearer for Quiet Riot has worked incredibly hard to not just maintain their legacy, but also keep an active band on the road called Quiet Riot. Many people don't realize that for decades, Banali was more than just the band's drummer. Banali - who has also played in WASP, Heavy Bones and Billy Idol, among others -- also served as Quiet Riot's manager and road manager which meant that in addition to getting up on stage every night, behind-the-scenes he was dealing with every other detail imaginable.

It's a labor of love for this iconic drummer who still misses his best friend every day, but will let nothing stand in the way of bringing Quiet Riot to the people. Noisecreep had the great pleasure of sitting down with Banali at the 2013 NAMM show to talk all things Quiet Riot. A documentary will soon be released on the band and in advance of that we were happy to hear the stories from one of rock 'n' roll's truly best storytellers.