Whist Quiet Riot has had more members than most Rock bands out there – 27 to date (surpassed only by the likes of Santana, Iron Butterfly, Canned Heat and Whitesnake) it’s the only band in that list with no remaining original members. Music though, as they say, is eternal and there are of course plenty of people out there still wanting to ‘Bang their Heads’ and ‘Feel the Noise’ and it’s down to the wonderful and passionate Frankie Banali that this good ship is still afloat, and upon listening to their latest live offering ‘One Night in Milan’ it’s clear that there is still plenty of fuel in the tank.
Yet another offering from the Frontiers live album production line that is their own Frontiers Rock Festival ‘One Night in Milan’ it’s yet another well-produced live record that sees another band in fine form. Singer number 6 this decade so far, James Durbin, in truth, does seem to be doing a pretty decent job and he’s ably augmented by Chuck Wright (bass), Alex Grossi (guitar) and of course long-time member, Frankie Banali (drums).
Interestingly for a band that had its roots in the Seventies and have been largely a going concern this is only Quiet Riot’s fourth Live release and only their second that includes a full set, the other being 2012’s ‘Live at the US Festival, 1983’ which only had the ten songs (there was also ‘Live & Rare Volume 1′ (2005) and ‘Extended Versions ‘(2007) both compilations).
What you get is an energetic set in front of a packed house with a the bells and whistles you might hope for – opening with Metal Health’s ‘Run for Cover’ and ‘Slick Black Cadillac’ before the second Slade cover song ‘Mama Weer All Crazee Now’ that hoped to be ‘Condition Critical’s ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’.
There’s plenty from throughout the band’s career in the set though – ‘Whatever it Takes’ the standout from ‘Down to the Bone’ and the title track from ‘Terrified’ follow in quick succession before ‘Love’s a Bitch’ slows it down and ‘Thunderbird’ the tribute to Randy Rhoads (and here also to Kevin DuBrow) elicits some real emotion.
There’s even music from the latest album ‘Road Rage’ in ‘Freak Flag’ and ‘Can’t Get Enough’ after a spirited ‘Party All Night’ again from ‘Condition Critical’ and in truth the new stuff sounds great. There’s just one area of the bands legacy really that doesn’t get a look in and that’s the Paul Shortino fronted album ‘QR’ from 1988, which is a shame as there’s great stuff on there too.
The night and the set are rounded out by the crowd singalong to ‘The Wild and the Young’ from ‘QR III’ and of course the trio from ‘Metal Health’ – ‘Let’s Get Crazy’; Slade’s ‘Cum On Feel The Noize’ and ‘Bang Your Head (Metal Health)’.
Great album from what sounds like a great night. Banali and co are still kicking ass after all these years.
