Quiet Riot -Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, Batavia, NY – 07/10/2026

THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.

Batavia, NY – Batavia, NY – On a beautiful summer evening last Friday night, Quiet Riot headlined the second show of this season’s Batavia Downs ‘Rockin’ the Summer Concert Series’. Fans filled the racetrack, ready to enjoy a performance from one of rock music’s most loved bands. With an impressive 2.5 million monthly streams currently on Spotify, Quiet Riot continues to resonate with listeners across generations, and the good‑sized crowd reflected that ongoing appeal.

Quiet Riot’s breakthrough came in 1983 with Metal Health, the first heavy metal album ever to reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The record has since sold over 10 million copies worldwide and produced some of the band’s most recognizable hits, including “Cum On Feel the Noize,” “Metal Health (Bang Your Head),” “Slick Black Cadillac,” and “Thunderbird.”

Today, the group continues to honor its legacy with a line‑up featuring classic-era bassist Rudy Sarzo, along with guitarist Alex Grossi, vocalist Jizzy Pearl, and drummer Johnny Kelly. All members are amazing musicians and performers. Together, they carry forward the spirit and sound that made Quiet Riot a household name during the height of the ’80s hard rock movement.

Quiet Riot’s history is also marked by the loss of two key members whose contributions helped shape the band’s identity. Original vocalist and co‑founder Kevin DuBrow passed away on November 19, 2007 at age 52, and classic-era drummer Frankie Banali, who kept Quiet Riot going after DuBrow’s death, died on August 20, 2020 at age 68 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Their influence remains an important part of Quiet Riot’s legacy, and the band’s current line-up continues to honor the foundation they helped build.

Quiet Riot hit the stage at 8:30 p.m. and delivered a well‑paced, entertaining performance that immediately connected with the crowd. The show opened with the familiar MTV audio trademark lead‑in, a nostalgic touch that set the tone for the evening. As the intro faded, the band launched into “Run for Cover,” kicking off the set with energy and a clear determination to prove that they are still one of the best touring rock bands around.

All the members of Quiet Riot are talented and entertaining performers, but bassist Rudy Sarzo — who, in addition to Quiet Riot, has performed with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, and Blue Öyster Cult — remains a standout presence on stage. At 75 years old, he defies all logic with a level of energy and precision that has not slowed down in the slightest. His bass playing is exceptional, blending the power and clarity of classic rock greats like John Entwistle and Jack Bruce with flashes of Billy Sheehan‑style tap‑ons. Sarzo’s performance was both technically sharp and visually engaging, reinforcing why he is widely regarded as one of rock’s most skilled bassists. On this night, he once again proved that he is a living music legend.

Midway through the set, the band dedicated “Thunderbird” to the memories of several figures who played vital roles in Quiet Riot’s history. Originally written as a tribute to founding guitarist Randy Rhoads, who died in a tragic plane crash while on tour with Ozzy Osborne in 1982, the song was also dedicated to Kevin DuBrow, Frankie Banali, and Ozzy Osbourne. It was a sincere moment that highlighted the band’s appreciation for the musicians who helped shape their story.

The band played a great cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” giving vocalist Jizzy Pearl a chance to showcase his powerful range and command of the stage. Quiet Riot closed the evening with their two biggest hits, “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Metal Health (Bang Your Head),” delivering pure ’80s metal energy from start to finish. The band locked in tightly as the crowd stayed fully engaged, creating an exciting conclusion to the night. It was a standout performance — perhaps one of the strongest in the history of the Batavia Downs Summer Concert Series.

For more on Quiet Riot, visit www.quietriot.com

For upcoming show at Batavia Downs, visit Concerts – Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel

Quiet Riot – setlist 07/10/2026
Run for Cover
Slick Black Cadillac
Mama Weer All Crazee Now
I Can’t Hold On
Sign of the Times
Love’s a Bitch
Condition Critical
Thunderbird
Party All Night
Breathless
Blackout in the Red Room
The Wild and the Young
Let’s Get Crazy / Crazy Train / Guitar Solo / Eruption / Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All) / Let’s Get Crazy
Highway to Hell
Cum On Feel the Noize
Metal Health (Bang Your Head)

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