Drummer dies from pancreatic cancer
Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 68. Banali passed away Thursday night (Aug 20th) in Los Angeles after being diagnosed with stage IV in April 2019. He was given only six months to live at the time, but put up a courageous 16 month battle.
Banali went public with his diagnosis last October on social media. He wrote that the cancer treatment caused him to miss several live shows with the band. In early June, Banali spoke with SirisXM’s Eddie Trunk about his battle.
“I’m still fighting the good fight. I’m still doing the chemotherapy. I switched to a different chemotherapy a few months ago. And the side effects on this one are pretty brutal, and they pretty much last into the next round of chemo. So you kind of don’t get a break for about three weeks, and then you get about maybe ten days off, and then the cycle starts again. But it’s part of what I’m doing,” he shared.
Trunk dedicated his Friday episode of Trunk Nation on SiriusXM to Banali where he and artists and fans shared stories about the drummer.
Funeral plans will be announced at a later date.
Per usual, the rock and drumming world took to social media to express their thoughts on Banali’s passing.
Wow. What a day. So sad to hear about the loss of @FrankieBanali. He fought hard until the end. His playing and rock 'n' roll spirit will live forever. A fellow New Yorker, Frankie was the real deal. RIP my friend.
"Take me away from all this death."— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) August 21, 2020
It’s w/great sadness that I announce the passing of @FrankieBanali @QUIETRIOT .As many know Frankie had been battling cancer & passed away last night. He was a great person, friend & musician. Join me now on #TrunkNation @siriusxmvolume 106 as we remember him pic.twitter.com/cqqSQS80vd
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) August 21, 2020
My hero, mentor, @QUIETRIOT brother @FrankieBanali is now resting in peace and pain free. I will post a follow up in days to come as try to process this unmeasurable loss. https://t.co/E1dqzJH5ln
— Rudy Sarzo (@rudysarzo) August 21, 2020
Devastating news today! Such a nice guy and respected drummer in the world of rock n roll.
Rest in Peace Master Frankie Banali. pic.twitter.com/jEZ8jO0D4O— Mikkey Dee (@themikkeydee) August 21, 2020
Rest In Peace Frankie Banali pic.twitter.com/N8qpQOCsB8
— Official Dio (@OfficialRJDio) August 21, 2020
Frankie Banali The heavy hitter that brought the heartbeat and the beginning of heavy metal in popular music has passed.
You will be missed my friend….
Fly high ?
Photo by Wayne Perez pic.twitter.com/cH3Uzt1qcg— Mark Slaughter (@markslaughter33) August 21, 2020
So saddened to hear of the passing of my drumming brother @FrankieBanali. He fought an incredibly brave battle against Cancer and his strength and dignity was truly inspiring…Rest In Peace my friend ? #RIPFrankieBanali pic.twitter.com/pTXPuqgScG
— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) August 21, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/TheRealRikkiRockett/posts/2645001159146670
So Sad To Hear Frankie Banali Has Passed…R.I.P. Sweet Frankie…My Love To Your Family, Friends & Fans…XXX pic.twitter.com/vJNrNnGLrN
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) August 21, 2020
Saddened to hear that @FrankieBanali has passed away. Not only was he a talented drummer/musician but also a great human being. He will be missed. Condolences, love & prayers to his family and friends.#RIPFrankieBanali pic.twitter.com/V94mjgVkNI
— Tom Keifer (@TomKeiferMusic) August 21, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family & friends on the loss of @FrankieBanali.
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) August 21, 2020
