Chuck Wright

Wed
29
Mar

DEMONS DOWN – I Stand (Album Review, 2023)

information persons: 
content: 
85%
Produced By: 
Alessandro Del Vecchio
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
85
Categories: 
Reviews

After the debacle of the House Of Lords’ infamous ‘Power And The Myth’ album, the last record to feature the main names from the band, it must have taken some luring to get Chuck Wright and Ken Mary back on board for this pseudo-HOL project.

As is the case with just about every project on the Frontiers label, it is another Alessandro Del Vecchio produced and co-written affair. I know there are many avoiding these projects now and some definitely need avoiding. But this is one of the better ones.

Yes, the production and large parts of the songwriting remain formulaic and very familiar, but the performances within certainly raise the bar here. Not to mention there’s some decent songs attached to this project.

A good part of what makes this album good is the work of Ken Mary. The added drum fills, the swagger around the songs and the precise percussion, especially with cymbal work is a pleasure to listen to.

The great Jimi Bell is also a major contributor. His rifftastic work doesn’t often get the credit it deserves and he’s the perfect fit here.

I wouldn’t call it a House Of Lords sounding project – despite the players and name – it remains another example of the label’s fondness for Euro-flavoured hard rock.

Vocalist James Robledo (Sinner's Blood) wouldn’t be my first choice for the kind of project. He reminds me of the ill-fitting Skills frontman Renan Zonta, except more likable. Again, it’s another Frontiers style quirk - that familiar raspy metal voice that they seem to gravitate towards. Guitarist Francesco Savino (False Memories) rounds out the band – House Of European’s is more accurate musical description. Robledo sounds best when he turns on the melody with his uncanny Jorn Lande impersonation at times.

Worth checking out of the description appeals.

And what is it with this ridiculous album credit that keeps popping up on the back covers of Frontiers releases - “A Project By Serafino Perugino”?

Talk about strocking one’s ego. Not even the legendary A&R man John Kalodner: John Kalodner inflicted that upon the artists he worked with.

“A Review By Andrew McNeice”

 
Tue
08
Aug

QUIET RIOT - Road Rage (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
30%
Produced By: 
QR
Running Time: 
50
Release Date: 
2017
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Hard Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
30
Friday, August 4, 2017
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Quiet Riot is of course one of the classic names in hard rock, but nothing here gives any indication of the music that earned them the status held prior to the death of frontman Kevin DuBrow.
Since that time, drummer Frankie Banali has taken a number of lineups out on the road under the QR moniker, but this is his first foray into new material.
 
One thinks he should have kept to performing the band’s hits live for this is horrible. I’d suggest that its actually one of the worst albums released by a name band in many years.
The fact that the label agreed to the band dumping Seann Nicols and hastily re-recording the vocals with newly recruited James Durbin shows how much faith they had in the original. I bet they didn’t expect something even worse to be delivered.
 
The production is demo quality at best; the songs (same music, new titles, new lyrics) are instantly forgettable and the new vocals of Durbin are simply horrid. He’s normally a great singer, but how long did they take to get this done, as he sounds out of tune in places, ultra-whiney throughout and in the opening track for example, the vocals are bordering on chipmunk territory.
The second track is even worse. There is a clear disconnect between the vocals and the music. The chorus is among the worst I have ever heard.
 
Even Banali’s drumming sounds rigid and straight forward. The constant thump thump thump of the mid-tempo songs is irritating.

It’s a huge disappointment and when you consider the guys had two attempts to get it right, even more surprising. If this was an album delivered by a no-name artist, it would have been swiftly disposed of. I really don’t enjoy being negative, but there is no way a record of this quality should have been released. I’d place bets on this being the last QR album.
 
 
Fri
02
Jun

QUIET RIOT Unleash Their 'Road Rage' (Take 2) August 4

Artist: 
Friday, August 4, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
Quiet Riot To Release “Road Rage” August 4th Via Frontiers Music Srl!
 
Pre-orders available now: http://radi.al/RoadRage
 
Quiet Riot continues their historic journey in 2017 with their new album, “Road Rage”. Led by drummer Frankie Banali, who is joined by veteran bassist Chuck Wright (who has been in and out of the band since 1982), guitarist Alex Grossi (who has been in the band since 2004), and new vocalist James Durbin, the band continues to be an unstoppable force in the rock ‘n roll world.
 
“The recordings for the new “Road Rage” record have been an incredible musical journey in the storied history of Quiet Riot. I asked vocalist James Durbin to fill the very large shoes of the late great Kevin DuBrow because I knew he could. While no one can ever replace Kevin DuBrow, he has the same spirit and drive that Kevin had. James is an amazing live performer with insane vocal range, but he is also a very gifted songwriter and brought to the "Road Rage” record totally unique original lyrics and melodies. Not only do they fit perfectly to the music we wrote, but took the songs to a completely new level. All the work that we have put into this record has been well worth the wait! I am extremely proud of guitarist Alex Grossi, bassist Chuck Wright and especially James Durbin for the work we have created on this record. Quiet Riot continues to tour relentlessly and will be on the road throughout the year. Expect to hear your Quiet Riot favorites as well as new songs from “Road Rage” at our shows!” exclaims Frankie Banali.
 
New frontman James Durbin comments on joining the band and his work on “Road Rage”: “The crown-jewel, on top of joining one of your favorite bands, has to be writing, recording & releasing a new album. No matter what, you are now a part of that band’s history & I’m honored to have had the opportunity to do that with Quiet Riot. I spent just over 3 weeks marathon song-writing brand new lyrics and melodies for every song & recording vocals. I’m extremely proud of the “Road Rage” record, not only that I had the band’s support & trust to deliver, or how great of a personal accomplishment & blessing it’s been, but that we can keep the Quiet Riot freak flag flying & have the chance to inspire a new generation of fans!”
 
“Road Rage” was originally scheduled for release in the spring of 2017, but with the injection of newfound energy for the band with the addition of American Idol alumni James Durbin in the vocalist slot, the band decided to scrap the original sessions and record a new version of the album with the new and improved line-up. The results are everything Quiet Riot fans could have hoped for! “Road Rage” is set for release August 4, 2017 via Frontiers Music Srl.
 
Quiet Riot is a rock 'n' roll phenomenon. Famously known as the first heavy metal band to top the pop charts, the Los Angeles quartet became a global sensation thanks to their monstrous smash hit album, 1983’s “Metal Health”. That album topped the Billboard album charts for several months and the follow up album; “Condition Critical” went double platinum. The band has continued to record and tour throughout the decades following.
 
Frankie Banali's history with QUIET RIOT spans over 34 years and he has the distinction of being the only member of Quiet Riot to have recorded on every single Quiet Riot release since the release of their now classic album, “Metal Health”. After nearly ten years since the loss of his friend and bandmate Kevin DuBrow, and with careful consideration, soul searching, and the blessings and support of Kevin DuBrow's family, Frankie has moved forward with the band to bring the fans “Road Rage”!
 
Musically, “Road Rage” offers exactly what you would expect from Quiet Riot. Arena ready hard rock with strong hooks and infectious riffs, along with maturity in the songwriting that only a band with such a history and pedigree can offer.
 
Quiet Riot has come back stronger than ever, in perfect METAL HEALTH with the new album, “Road Rage”! Catch them on the road this summer!
 
“Road Rage” Track Listing:
1. Can't Get Enough
2. Getaway
3. Roll This Joint
4. Freak Flag
5. Wasted
6. Still Wild
7. Make A Way
8. Renegades
9. The Road
10. Shame
11. Knock Em Down
 
QUIET RIOT:
Frankie Banali – drums
Alex Grossi – guitars
Chuck Wright – bass guitar
James Durbin – vocals
 
See Quiet Riot Live:
 
• 6/2: Lincolnton, NC @ Court Square
• 6/4: Myrtle Beach, SC @ The Boathouse Concert Series
• 6/10: Farmington, Hills MI @ Motor City Harley Davidson Festival
• 6/17: Sauk Rapids, MN @ Old Capital Tavern
• 6/23: Lynchburg, VA @ Phase 2
• 6/24: Big Spring, TX @ Annual Fantastic Fourth
• 6/30: Marksville, LA @ MARI CENTER - PARAGON CASINO
• 7/1: Junction City, KS @ Sundown Salute
• 7/7: Santa Cruz, CA @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
• 7/15: Lake Ozark, MO @ The Horny Toad At Camden On The Lake
• 7/21: Las Vegas, NV @ The Golden Nugget Casino
• 8/11: Greenville, TX @ The TExan Theater
• 8/12: Longview, TX @ Maude Cobb Event Center
• 8/18: Imperial, NE @ Chase County Fairgrounds
• 8/25: Le Roy, NY @ Jam At The Ridge
• 8/26: Port Falls, ID @ Stateline Cruiser
• 9/1 - San Pedro, CA @ USS IOWA - Fleetweek 2017
• 9/2 – Wilmington, NC @ The Thorne Theater
• 9/7 - Jim Thorpe, PA @ Penn’s Peak
• 9/15 - East Durham, NY @ Catskill Mountain Thunder
• 9/21 - St Charles IL @ Arcada Theater
• 9/23 – Newkirk, OK @ Southwind Casino
• 10/19: Houston, TX @ Proof Rooftop
• 10/28: Brownsville, TX @ Rock The Park Festival
• 10/29: Pekin, IL @ Avanti’s Dome - Rock ’N’ Skull Festival
• 11/4: Pembrook, Pines FL @ Rockfest 80’S -CB Smith Park
• 11/8: West, Hollywood CA @ The Whisky A Go Go
 
2018
• February 15-19 Rock Legends Cruise
 
For More Info Visit:
 
 
Tue
14
Mar

QUIET RIOT To Re-Record “Road Rage” With New Vocalist James Durbin

Artist: 
Friday, April 21, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Following the departure of singer Seann Nicols from Quiet Riot​, both Frontiers Music Srl and band leader Frankie Banali have made the joint decision to delay the release of the new Quiet Riot album, “Road Rage” until later this summer.  
 
Both the band and label feel that in order to truly represent Quiet Riot’s lineup, new lead singer James Durbin​ should be the vocalist on “Road Rage.” In order to execute that plan and promote the album accordingly, and with the full support of the label, the band will go back into the studio and record the album with Durbin on vocals to ensure that they deliver the album that Quiet Riot fans have been patiently waiting for and truly deserve. 
 
Regarding the critically important decision to re-record with new Quiet Riot vocalist James Durbin, Banali said, “After careful consideration, with the support of Frontiers and understanding the appeals from Quiet Riot fans to have our vocalist James Durbin represented on the new Quiet Riot release, we have made the decision to move forward and have James replace all the vocals on “Road Rage” with new lyrics and melodies for a summer 2017 release. Stay tuned!”
 
While the new Quiet Riot album will be slightly delayed as a result of the re-recording process, the Quiet Riot faithful can rest assured that the resulting album will be well worth the brief wait.  
 
Famously known as the first heavy metal band to top the pop charts, the Los Angeles quartet became a global sensation thanks to their monstrous smash hit 1983 album, “Metal Health.” The band now continues their historic journey in 2017 with founding member of the 1983 Metal Health era of QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali, veteran bassist Chuck Wright (who has been in and out of QUIET RIOT since 1982) and guitarist Alex Grossi (who has been handling his duties since 2004).
  
Frankie Banali's history with QUIET RIOT spans over 34 years and he has the distinction of being the only member of QUIET RIOT to have recorded on every single QUIET RIOT release from 1983’s METAL HEALTH through 2017’s “Road Rage”. After nearly ten years since the loss of his friend and co-founding member and bandmate Kevin DuBrow, and with careful consideration, soul searching and with the blessings and support of Kevin DuBrow's family, Frankie has moved forward with the band.
 
QUIET RIOT:
Frankie Banali - drums
Alex Grossi - guitars
Chuck Wright - bass guitar
James Durbin - vocals
 
QUIET RIOT Live:
March 18, 2017 -w- The Cotillion, Wichita, KS
March 24, 2017 -w- The Music Vault, Hardeeville, SC 
March 25, 2017 -w- John F. Savage Arena, Toledo, OH
March 30, 2017 -w- The Machine Shop, Sault Ste. Marie, ON 
 
April 7, 2017 -w- Bowery Live, West Palm Beach, FL
April 23, 2017 -w- The Rainbow Bar & Grill, West Hollywood, CA
April 28, 2017 -w-AVI Main Ballroom, Laughlin, NV
 
June 2, 2017 -w- City of Lincolnton, Lincolton, NC
June 11, 2017 -w- Motorcity Harley Davidson Festival, Farmington Hills, MI 
June 23, 2017 -w- Phase 2, Lynchburg, VA
June 24, 2017 -w- 15th Annual Funstatic Festival, Big Spring, TX
 
July 1, 2017 -w- Sundown Salute, Junction City, KS
July 15, 2017 -w- The Horny Toad, Lake Ozark, MO
 
August 11, 2017 -w- The Texan Theater, Greenville, TX
August 12, 2017 -w- Maude Cobb Event Center, Longview, TX
August 18, 2017 -w- Chase Co. Fairgrounds, Imperial, NE
August 26, 2017 -w- Cruisers Stateline, Port Falls, ID
 
October 28, 2017 -w- Rock The Park Festival @ Dean Porter Park, Brownsville, TX
October 29, 2017 -w- The Avanti's Dome, Pekin, IL
 
For More Info Visit:
 
Tue
14
Feb

QUIET RIOT Unleash Their 'Road Rage' April 21

Artist: 
Friday, April 21, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of Quiet Riot’s highly anticipated new studio album, “Road Rage” on April 21, 2017.
 
Famously known as the first heavy metal band to top the pop charts, the Los Angeles quartet became a global sensation thanks to their monstrous smash hit 1983 album, “Metal Health.” The band now continues their historic journey in 2017 with founding member and drummer Frankie Banali who, on this new release is joined by veteran bassist Chuck Wright (who has been in and out of QUIET RIOT since 1982) and guitarist Alex Grossi (who has been handling his duties since 2004,) together with new vocalist Seann Nicols.
I’m very excited about the release of ‘Road Rage’ on Frontiers Music Srl, which is the first official QUIET RIOT release in eleven years. It contains all newly written and recorded original songs. We stayed true to the great tradition and sound of QUIET RIOT while at the same time always moving musically forward,” says founding member Frankie Banali.
 
Frankie Banali's history with QUIET RIOT spans over 34 years and he has the distinction of being the only member of QUIET RIOT to have recorded on every single QUIET RIOT release from 1983’s METAL HEALTH through 2017’s “Road Rage”. After nearly ten years since the loss of his friend and co-founding member and bandmate Kevin DuBrow, and with careful consideration, soul searching and with the blessings and support of Kevin DuBrow's family, Frankie has moved forward with the band to bring the fans “Road Rage.”
Musically, “Road Rage” offers exactly what you would expect from QUIET RIOT. Arena ready hard rock with strong hooks and infectious riffs, along with maturity in the songwriting that only a band with such a history and pedigree can offer.
QUIET RIOT are back stronger than ever, in perfect METAL HEALTH with the new album, “Road Rage”! Catch them on the road this summer!
 
Road Rage Track Listing:
1. Nothing But Trouble
2. Let It Go
3. Snake Charmer
4. Hey Lil' Sister
5. I Don't Need You Anymore
6. Sledge Hammer
7. Never You Mind
8. Empty Rooms
9. Dirty Money
10. The Seeker
11. Road Rage
 
QUIET RIOT
Frankie Banali - drums
Alex Grossi - guitars
Chuck Wright – bass guitar
Seann Nicols - vocals
 
For More Info Visit:

 
Fri
10
Jul

Footage of July 8 Lucky Strike Live Jam Night in Hollywood Online

Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Tour News

Los Angeles, CA - Footage of the July 8 Lucky Strike Live Jam Night in Hollywood, CA has been posted on the California Rock News You Tube channel.
 
Songs performed included VAN HALEN's "Hot For Teacher", featuring Billy Sheehan (WINERY DOGS, MR. BIG), Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME, RHIANNA), Glen Sobel (ALICE COOPER, VIVIAN CAMPBELL), Steve Ferlazzo (ADAM LAMBERT, DRAMA GODS) and Carl Restivo (STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB).  Bettencourt took on double duty singing lead and performing a heavy rendition of RADIOHEAD's "Creep" along with Phil X (BON JOVI, THE DRILLS), Sobel, Ferlazzo and Daniel Spriewald (THE DRILLS).

Started earlier this year by house band members Chuck Wright (QUIET RIOT, HOUSE OF LORDS), Matt Starr (ACE FREHLEY, MR. BIG) and Mitch Perry (EDGAR WINTER, MSG), the Lucky Strike Live Jam, held weekly on Wednesday nights, has been a meeting place for L..A musicians to collaborate and jam in an unrehearsed, spontaneous environment, often resulting in eclectic line-ups with a rotating set list and packed house.
 
LSL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckystrikelive
 
Videos: "Hot For Teacher" - feat. Billy Sheehan, Nuno Bettencourt, Glen Sobel, Carl Restivo, Steve Ferlazzo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QLGmLYT0U0

"Creep" feat. Nuno Bettencourt, Phil X, Glen Sobel, Daniel Spriewald, Steve Ferlazzo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RxxAic1dUc
 
Fri
31
Oct

Benefit Concert For Children In Poverty & Conflict Zones

Artist: 
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Categories: 
Tour News
[]
A BENEFIT CONCERT
FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY & CONFLICT ZONES


7:00 PM - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014
THE GASLAMP RESTAURANT & BAR - LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

FEATURING GILBY CLARKE & TEDDY 'ZIG ZAG' ANDREADIS (FORMER GUNS N’ ROSES),
SEN DOG (CYPRESS HILL), DONOVAN LEITCH, CHUCK WRIGHT (QUIET RIOT),
ROBBIE WYCKOFF (ROGER WATERS), SCOTT BREADMAN (LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM),
BILLY THE FIST (FORMER LONDON) & SPECIAL GUESTS TBA

 
LONG BEACH, CA / October 30, 2014 - Renowned producer, songwriter, guitarist and humanitarian Lanny Cordola proudly announces PEACE JAM 2014, a special benefit concert for children living in poverty and conflict zones.

Since 2010, Cordola has worked with a variety of NGOs and musicians in Pakistan and Afghanistan to promote awareness, spread peace and give voice to the vulnerable children of the regions through the mediums of music, film and other creative outlets.

The stage is set for PEACE JAM 2014 at 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 23 at the Gaslamp Restaurant & Bar in Long Beach, California. This evening of music and multimedia will feature an array of talent, including guitarist Gilby Clarke and keyboardist and singer Teddy ‘Zig Zag’ Andreadis (both formerly of Guns N’Roses), rapper Sen Dog (Cypress Hill), actor and musician Donovan Leitch (son of folk legend Donovan), bassist Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot), singer Robbie Wyckoff (member of Roger Waters’ touring band), percussionist Scott Breadman (Lindsey Buckingham), Billy The Fist (formerly of London) and other special guests to be announced.

Soldiers of Sound (a group of veterans / musicians Cordola has been working with), writer, scholar and musician Mark LeVine (author of Heavy Metal Islam), Egyptian musician Ramy Essam (featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary, The Square, which depicts the ongoing Egyptian Revolution of 2011), keyboardist Eric Hirschhorn (The Master Plan) and the bandRandom will also be making appearances.

“I began my journey through Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2010, collaborating with musicians on a peace through music project,” Cordola said. “After visiting and meeting many kids who were living in poverty stricken areas and conflict zones, I decided to help give them a voice through music and by raising funds on their behalf. These Miraculous Love Kids’ lives are important, just as all our lives are important. I've become their friend, their advocate, their song and dance man. As Tom Petty sings: ‘You can stand me up at the gates of hell but I won't back down.’"

Tickets for PEACE JAM 2014 are available at the following prices:
  • General admission - $20.00
  • Booth seats - $30.00 (SOLD OUT)
  • Couch seats - $50.00 (SOLD OUT)
  • General admission / meet-n-greet - $100.00
  • General admission / meet-n-greet / autographed guitar - $500.00

Tickets can be purchased at gofundme.com/fmbl8o or thegaslamprestaurant.com.

All proceeds from PEACE JAM 2014 go to Lanny Cordola’s work with children living in poverty and conflict zones.

About Lanny Cordola
Born and reared in Los Angeles, California, Lanny Cordola's musical epiphanies have led him on many global explorations from club gigs up aand down the Sunset Strip to tours of North America, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East. He has shared musical communion on stage and in the studio with Ozzy Osbourne, members of Guns N’ Roses, Vanilla Fudge, House of Lords, Nancy Sinatra, Etta James, the Beach Boys, Donovan, and many others. Since 2010, Cordola has worked with a variety of NGOs and musicians in Pakistan and Afghanistan to promote awareness, spread peace and give voice to the vulnerable children of the regions through the mediums of music, film and other creative outlets.
gofundme.com/fmbl8o

About The Gaslamp Restaurant & Bar
6251 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 596-4718
thegaslamprestaurant.com

 

 
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