The frontman of US metal band Quiet Riot, Kevin DuBrow, also died this weekend. The 52 year old founding member of the pioneering metal outfit was found dead at his Las Vegas home on Sunday. Cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
DuBrow fronted Quiet Riot's original incarnation in the mid-seventies, and also led the band's recreation in 1982, following the death of another founder member, Randy Rhoads. It was in the mid-80s that the band had the most commercial success, arguably the first in the pop metal genre to garner mainstream attention, paving the way for the likes of Motley Crue, Ratt and Bon Jovi who ultimately came to overshadow DuBrow's band.
DuBrow quit the band in 1987 but returned in the early nineties and had toured and recorded with them on and off ever since. Frankie Banali, the band's drummer since 1982, and their manager for the last decade, confirmed DuBrow's death yesterday, commenting on his 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 Kevin DuBrow".