Quiet Riot singer found dead

Out of sympathy, fans ought to bang their heads instead of bowing them: Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow was found dead in his Las Vegas home on Sunday, according to the band's drummer.

Frankie Banali announced DuBrow's death on his official website. "I can't even find words to say. Please respect my privacy as I mourn the passing and honor the memory of my dearest friend ..." Banali wrote.

DuBrow celebrated his 52nd birthday last month in New Orleans and appeared to be in good health, according to a report on MTV.com. No cause of death has been determined.

One of the founding members of the 80s' heavy metal glam rock scene, Quiet Riot was actually formed back in the early 70s by Randy Rhoads and Kelly Garni, with DuBrow handling vocals. Their breakthrough album -- Metal Health -- was released in March 1983. It became the first heavy metal album to debut at No. 1 on the music charts and featured the hit songs "Cum On Feel The Noise" and "Metal Health."

DuBrow stood out among his heavy-metal peers for his gravely, loud voice and the suspenders he often wore on stage. In videos and promotional photos, DuBrow often donned a straightjacket and metal mask over his face. 

According to the Associated Press, a neighbor summoned paramedics Sunday to DuBrow's home, where he was pronounced dead at 5:20 p.m. Police told the AP that there was no forced entry at the house. Toxicology tests have been performed, and authorities await the results.

"Out of respect for both Kevin and his family, I won't comment further," Banali told CNN. "There's going to be a lot of speculation out there, and I won't add to that. I love him too much."

Quiet Riot's last studio album was "Rehab" in 2006. Click here to see Quiet Riot's video for "Cum On Feel The Noise."

[Getty Images photo]

Comments

[Paul]

I saw these guys play in St Pete on 1st ave north at some bar a couple of years ago. Glad I got to see them, they are an icon of heavy metal 80's rock. RIP Kevin.

[Bassnote]

Very sad news.

[Al]

God bless ya, Kevin. Hopefully the choirs of angels will have a "Headbanger's Ball" planned.

[Steelerway]

I was in a freshman in high school when QR first came out. They were the first to make Metal mainstream. I remember friends of mine that hated metal but loved QR. I'm glad to have seen them a few times over the years. The latest was 2 years back in Tampa when they came around with Cinderella and Ratt. Pretty good show. It was very nastalgic. Kevin will be missed. He was quite the personality.

[Rick]

I fear he went the way of Boston lead singer Brad Delp. It really makes me sick with compassion to think that people who've tasted such success cannot live peacefully thereafter, having attained what most only dream of.

Really sends a message to the rest of us with "normal" lives: Appreciate what we've got 'cuz the trappings of wealth and fame do not bring peace or happiness.

Sad, sad loss (tho I never liked Quiet Riot).

[Johnny B. Goode]

Very sad. As Steve well knows, there's no better way to simultaneously shake off the pain of a football team's embarrassing loss and irritate one's neighbors than with a little Quiet Riot.

[theroux]

I wonder if the funeral procession will include a slick black cadillac. Couldn't resist...

[Weldon]

Back in the early 90's I was fresh out of High School and working at my hometown radio station, we brought Quiet Riot in to town for a show.. I spent most of one day with them.. They were great guys.. I will always remeber sitting on the tour bus, eating teddy grams (dont ask) and drinking some nice cold beer... Kevin was a true gentlemen...... RIP

[Tony Russel]

Great band great singer! I pray he found Jesus before he died as I did years ago.