Sep 29 2024 28 mins
The M Resort, October 5
This week, Ira spoke with Rudy Sarzo and Alex Grossi from Quiet Riot, performing October 5 in the M Pavilion at The M Resort. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rudy and Alex talk about the genesis of heavy metal; the beginning of Quiet Riot; why the band is focused on the “now” and the near future; the new documentary (and certain video games) that has helped remind people of the band’s history; the “consciousness” of the band; proving themselves in every single show; respecting the stage; why the band gets along; how “meet-and-greets” are important to connect with the audience; why they represent the legacy of the band 24/7; capturing the sound from the Randy Rhoads era to the “Metal Health” era; and why the fans enjoy the genre, not just the band.
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Quiet Riot is a rock & roll phenomenon. Famously described as the first heavy metal band to top the pop chart at #1 on Billboard magazine, the Los Angeles quartet became an overnight sensation thanks to their monster 1983 smash album “Metal Health”.
The band first signed a record deal with Pasha records in the dawn of the 80’s at a time when radio was dominated by the “new wave” sound. Their hard driving pop metal sound was deemed “out” by record labels so the debut album “Metal Health” was against the grain. Driven by the irresistible double whammy of the rendition of the old Slade chestnut "Cum on Feel the Noize,” and their original song “Metal Health” (Bang your head) the album stormed up the U.S. charts, duly reaching the number one spot and going platinum five times over in the process. Against all odds it jumped over Michael Jackson’s “Thriller and “Synchronicity” by The Police to land in the number one slot on the Billboard album chart.
This opened the door for the other Sunset Strip “Hair Metal” bands to get their record deals and kicked off the craze that dominated MTV and radio in the 80’s.
The sales of the “Metal Health” album have now well exceeded the 10 million mark worldwide. Quiet Riot went on to have other hits and over a dozen albums and still plays live with a line up consisting of Rudy Sarzo, Alex Grossi, Jizzy Pearl and Johnny Kelly.
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