Quiet Riot is just a gig for singer Jizzy Pearl
Quiet Riot is just a gig for singer Jizzy Pearl
Current Quiet Riot frontman Jizzy Pearl was recently interviewed by Metal Mike for the 80’s Glam Metalcast podcast. Pearl was promoting the re-release of his three books — I’ve Got More Crickets Than Friends, Unhappy Endings, and Angst For The Memories — in limited edition soft cover format which are available via his website. The singer is currently working on a fourth book.
Photo by Joe Schaeffer Photography
Pearl has been a part of quite a few iconic bands where he has had to assume the lead vocalist position when fans associate the group with a certain singer. Besides Quiet Riot (2013-2016 and 2019 to present), Pearl has also handled the lead vocals in L.A. Guns (1998-1999) and Ratt (2000-2006). Quiet Riot have elected to continue even with the death of drummer Frankie Banali last year leaving the group without any classic line-up members. The band currently consists of Pearl on lead vocals, Chuck Wright on bass, Alex Grossi on guitar and Johnny Kelly on drums.
With respect to the critics criticizing Quiet Riot for continuing, Pearl indicated (as transcribed by the 80’s Glam Metalcast podcast with slight edits): “I don’t say anything to the critics. It’s just a gig for me. I’m not trying to be Kevin [DuBrow], I’m not trying to be anything but myself. If people don’t dig it, then don’t go see us. I think fans of ’80s bands are really loyal. They go out and like to see music, so it’s very important to maintain a standard of excellence. I don’t worry about past members coming out and forming their own version either. I think there should be 100 Quiet Riots…. one in every town!”
In regards to playing with L.A. Guns, Pearl stated: “I enjoyed playing with L.A Guns. They are great guys and Tracii [Guns] is a great guitar player. It was nothing but good times. There were two versions when I played with them in 2009-2010. It was kind of like tag team wrestling or something. It’s weird but the fans go online and they know which one they want to see and everyone should have the right to play music.”
In terms of his experience in Ratt, Pearl indicated: “Originally when I joined Ratt, there was some resistance from some people, but after a year or so that went away. If people want to see the original guy and another guy gets on stage, there’s gonna be some angst going down. People got used to it. I wasn’t intimidated by having John Corabi in there. He didn’t want to be a replacement singer at that point. He liked being a rhythm guitar player/background singer. We got along good.”
You can listen to the interview with Jizzy Pearl on the 80’s Glam Metalcast podcast below: