When Quiet Riot broke into the mainstream in the early ’80s, the song “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” became the first American heavy metal anthem for other bands, including Slaughter, to follow through the decade. It was like Chubby Checker doing “The Twist” with its huge impact throughout the years.
Kevin DuBrow was Quiet Riot’s lead singer. Kevin had the self-proclaimed mouth like an alligator—outspoken and sarcastically shocking. He was abrasive to some and a teddy bear to others.
One day, as I was on tour, Kevin asked me if I’d ever heard of a band called Spooky Tooth. I had not. And in his travels, he went to a music store and purchased the CD for me. Trust me, that is very rare from one lead singer to another.
Kevin was a rock ’n’ roll purist, with roots ranging from Rod Stewart to Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Steve Marriott (Humble Pie) and beyond. Kevin kept his love for the classic sensibility throughout his career and shared that with his peers and fans.
It was a very sad day when I heard the news from my bass player, Dana Strum, that Kevin had passed away in his home in Las Vegas.
A friend who was so talented, persistent, irreplaceable.
Heavy metal just lost its American metal godfather.
Fly to the angels. Randy Rhoads is waiting.