Bang Your Head, Feel the Noize

The Quiet Riot Story

By: Greg Prato

Narrated by: Greg Prato

In late 1983/early 1984, one of the biggest metal bands in the US was Quiet Riot. Their album, 'Metal Health,' had topped the charts (over Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and other now-classic mega-sellers), their single "Cum on Feel the Noize" was a top-5 smash, the album's title track became an instant anthem for headbangers, they were all over MTV and the covers of rock mags, and were a highly-sought after opening act (by the likes of Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, the Scorpions, ZZ Top, and Judas Priest). Heck, they even opened the now-famous US Festival's "Heavy Metal Day," headlined by Van Halen.

But most importantly, the success of 'Metal Health' could be pinpointed as the beginning of the soon-to-be-widespread hair metal movement, which would result in such bands as Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Ratt, Poison, and Dokken scaling the charts and rocking arenas. However, Quiet Riot's stay atop the metal heap would be fleeting for a variety of reasons – but tops probably being singer Kevin DuBrow's candid interviews.

Comprised of quotes from interviews past and present, 'Bang Your Head, Feel the Noize: The Quiet Riot Story' examines all eras of the band: their '70s period which featured guitar legend Randy Rhoads in their line-up, through the blockbuster 'Metal Health' time, and all the way to the modern day version of the group.

Be prepared for a wild and "crazee" story!

©2025 Greg Prato Writer, Corp. (P)2025 Greg Prato Writer, Corp.

Fascinating Listen!

Absolutely great audiobook with a lot of stories that I had never heard about Quiet Riot. You can feel the wide range of emotions that this band went through in the 70s, 80s & 90s.
Having seen Quiet Riot in concert several times; the one thing that stood out, which this book points out consistently... Quiet Riot were/are always an amazing and fun band to see live!

The definitive history of Quiet Riot

Renowned music critic Greg Prato takes a look back at a rock band that helped to open the door for many heavy metal groups in the 1980s. After losing the talented guitarist Randy Rhoads to Ozzy Osborne, before his untimely passing in 1982, Quiet Riot broke through to the main stream of popular music with their multi-platinum record Metal Health in 1983, spurring “”Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Bang Your Head” as hit singles.

“Bang Your Head, Feel the Noize” traces their California roots, and the struggles to land a recording contract in the United States. Their first two albums were only released in Japan, but when things looked bleak, record producer Spencer Proffer took a chance of them. Through diligent research and interviews with band members, the author establishes how they went from rags to riches.

However, within a few years of “Metal Health,” the band was no more. Despite reforming, and firing lead singer Kevin DuBrow, the band appeared to be going nowhere again. Prato puts their records under the microscope, examining the band’s evolution. “Bang Your Head, Feel the Noize” critics the bands songs, lyrical style, development of their identify, and probes where things went wrong for the band.

Prato shares the final days of Kevin DuBrow, and sad ending to the band’s most successful chapter in their rock history. The book asks the question, does Quiet Riot belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? “Bang Your Head, Feel the Noize” explores the legacy of DuBrow, and the impact of the band in Rock history. Prato also compiles the revolving door of band members of the years. “Bang Your Head, Feel the Noize” is an engaging read.