Kevin DuBrow, 52

For those like me who grew up in the 80's and tripped out on the shambolic metallic music of Quiet Riot, the death of lead singer Kevin DuBrow is sad news indeed.

Kevin was found dead in his Las Vegas home. He was 52. The Associated Press released the following report:

Lead singer of Quiet Riot Kevin DuBrow found dead
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAS VEGAS --Kevin DuBrow, lead singer for the 1980s heavy metal band Quiet Riot that scored a hit with Cum on Feel the Noize, was found dead in a Las Vegas home. He was 52.

The cause was not immediately known.

A neighbor summoned police and paramedics Sunday to the house, where Mr. DuBrow was pronounced dead, police and coroner's officials said.

There was no forced entry, and no suspicious circumstances were reported, police Officer Jose Montoya said Monday.

Quiet Riot was perhaps best known for its 1983 cover of Cum on Feel the Noize. The song, featuring Mr. DuBrow's powerful, gravelly voice, appeared on the band's album Metal Health -- which was the first by a metal band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard chart.

Mr. DuBrow recorded his first solo album in 2004, In for the Kill, and the band's last studio CD, Rehab, came out in October 2006.

"I can't even find words to say," Quiet Riot drummer Frank Banali wrote on his Web site. "Please respect my privacy as I mourn the passing and honor the memory of my dearest friend Kevin DuBrow."

Determination of the cause of death was pending an autopsy and toxicology results, Clark County coroner's spokeswoman Samantha Charles said.


I remember first hearing Quiet Riot's version of "Cum On Feel the Noise" in 1983. Man, it blew me away - all that noise, the addictive guitar-solo, and DuBrow's smart-alecky gravel voiced howling. There was a time back in high school when every self-respecting rocker in school should own their "Metal Health" album and be able to sing at least a couple of lines from "Cum On..." if they wanted to maintain their creds.

We'll miss you, Kev. Rock on!