JUST PLAIN ASSHOLES
Frankie Banali’s wife Regina Russell comments on Quiet Riot’s recent lineup of singers

Blabbermouth — The wife of QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali has weighed in on the band’s new singer, James Durbin, calling him “a real frontman in every sense of the word.”

Durbin, who became known as the “metal guy” on 2011’s season of “American Idol” after performing “Living After Midnight” and “Breaking The Law” with JUDAS PRIEST, joined QUIET RIOT last week after the dismissal of Seann Nicols (a.k.a. Sheldon Tarsha; formerly of ADLER’S APPETITE). Nicols was with QUIET RIOT for just a few months, but long enough to record the vocals for the band’s upcoming album, “Road Rage”.

Regina Russell (pictured inset), who wrote and directed the QUIET RIOT documentary “Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back: The Quiet Riot Movie”, offered her opinion of the band’s latest addition via a public post on her Facebook page. She wrote: “I don’t weigh in on Frankie‘s band business often, but I just have to say FINALLY after many false starts (post Kevin) with singers that were unprofessional, unjustifiably ego- and power-driven, think they know everything about the music biz even through they have done NOTHING, or just plain assholes, the band have James Durbin. He is not only talented but also a pro, that is motivated, positive, and grateful for the opportunity. He finished fourth place on ‘American Idol’ and has his own following and made a name for himself. Yet he also knows his role and doesn’t have a drop of ‘Lead Singer Disease.'”

She continued: “They don’t make old-school rock stars like they used to and it’s harder than ever to find a real frontman in every sense of the word, but James is it. (He is also 28 and HOT. Am I right, ladies?)

“QUIET RIOT shows are going to be FUN again!

“I am so happy for Frankie Banali and Chuck Wright and Alex Grossi. Congratulations, boys!”

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