Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali Diagnosed with Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer

Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali has revealed that he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer this past spring.

Luckily, despite this being a particular vicious form of cancer that has an extremely high fatality rate, the drummer says that he is “on the mend” following chemotherapy and other treatments, and he intends to begin playing shows with Quiet Riot again later this month. Johnny Kelly, of Type O Negative and Danzig fame, has been filling-in for him while he underwent treatment.

Banali broke the news via a statement released to Rock Talk host Mitch Lafon (along with the above photograph, which was taken this past Saturday, October 19):

“I just want to let all of my friends and fans know what’s going on with me and why I have unfortunately missed some appearances this year. Since April 17th I have been battling stage four pancreatic cancer.

“The original prognosis was very scary. I had quite a battle on my hands and it took a lot, but I am thankful to say that after several rounds of chemo and other treatments I am on the mend. The road ahead is not going to be easy but cancer has met its match and I plan to continue fighting. I wish I could have been with you all at every Quiet Riot performance as this is the first time in 38 years I have ever missed a gig.

“Please know that if I had been able to fly on a plane and play a show nothing else would have stopped me. I am feeling much better and stronger now.

“I intend to play the Quiet Riot concert at the Whiskey A Go Go on Saturday October 26th and to continue touring in 2020 with Quiet Riot, so I hope to see you there. I appreciate all the fans that support Quiet Riot by coming to shows and I hope you will all continue that support as well as keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

“Peace and Love, Frankie Banali”

On behalf of everyone at MetalSucks, we wish Frankie a speedy recovery.

[via Loudwire]