My Friend Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot, Has Cancer

Quiet Riot posters covered my bedroom walls growing up...Metal Heath was (still is) on repeat, and at 11...In the last 3-4 years I got meet and become friends with a guy that was in every Circus, RIP, and Metal Edge magazine I owned...When I turned 44 the drummer for this iconic rock band sang happy birthday to me at my party...Now we've learned that Frankie Banali has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Always quick to return a text or call, I've noticed that Frankie was oddly quiet the last few months. Knowing that Frankie is a workaholic and lives a very full and happy life...I never worried. He'll get back to me when he can. Now comes news today that made me take a step back and realize how precious this friendship is, and life is.

From Blabbermouth Quiet Riot drummer, Frankie Banali has been battling pancreatic cancer since last spring. Here's the "official word" from the Facebook page of Podcaster Mitch Lafon:

"I just want to let all of my friends and fans know what's going on with me and why I have unfortunately missed some appearances this year, I just want to let all of my friends and fans know what's going on with me and why I have unfortunately missed some appearances this year. Since April 17th, I have been battling stage four pancreatic cancer. The original prognosis was very scary. I had quite a battle on my hands and it took a lot, but I am thankful to say that after several rounds of chemo and other treatments, I am on the mend. The road ahead is not going to be easy but cancer has met its match and I plan to continue fighting. I wish I could have been with you all at every QUIET RIOT performance as this is the first time in 38 years I have ever missed a gig, please know that if I had been able to fly on a plane and play a show nothing else would have stopped me. I am feeling much better and stronger now."

See you in the new year Frankie, DO NOT "Bang Your Head," this time...we are all here for you.