Modern Drummer Magazine
Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali
Frankie Banali was born in Queens, New York, to Italian immigrants Jack and Martha Banali. In 1975, he moved to Los Angeles, where he spent years honing his craft with many bands on the local scene. In time, he went on to play in the heavy metal band W.A.S.P., Faster Pussycat, Heavy Bones (with guitarist Gary Hoey), and even a very brief stint with Steppenwolf.
Banali also did hundreds of what’s known in the recording business as “ghost recordings” (paid session work without credit), along with well-known sessions. Most notably, Banali recorded the hits “Mony Mony” and “L.A. Woman” with Billy Idol. He also played drums on the acclaimed