A 23-year-old singer from Massapequa, New York, has been named the new frontman of Quiet Riot, the heavy metal band announced Monday, after beating out more than 700 other applicants for the job.
John Torra landed the gig after posting an audition video on Instagram in which he performed three of the band’s signature songs: “Cum on Feel the Noize,” “Metal Health (Bang your Head)” and “Run for Cover.” He filmed the audition in front of a wall of posters featuring Megadeth, White Snake, Mötley Crüe and Dio, and submitted it on July 15 after the band put out a public call for a new singer.
“Quiet Riot recently announced they’re accepting submissions as they search for their new singer for next year. I figured… why not? Challenge accepted!” Torra said of his decision to send in the video.
Band manager Regina Banali, widow of longtime Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, said the band’s fans played a role in bringing Torra to their attention, but the final decision came down to talent.
“We saw your comments, tags, and messages urging us to bring him on board. But what earned John the gig was his undeniable talent. His videos were outstanding—but when he stepped into the room with us, he blew the doors off our songs. We all heard it: an authentic sound that brings our material to life the way it’s meant to be heard.”
Torra replaces outgoing frontman Jizzy Pearl and joins current members Rudy Sarzo, Alex Grossi and Johnny Kelly. He has been fronting the New Jersey band Fire ‘N Ice while awaiting word on the Quiet Riot job, and both he and Fire ‘N Ice have said he will keep performing with that group whenever his Quiet Riot schedule allows.
“To be clear, John Torra is NOT leaving Fire ‘N Ice. On days he is not performing or working with Quiet Riot, John will be actively involved with Fire ‘N Ice.”
Banali called Torra a young but committed addition to the lineup.
“He may be young, but he’s dedicated and professional. He brings a breath of fresh air that lifts us all, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future with him on lead vocals. Please join us in welcoming John Torra to QUIET RIOT!”
Torra will make his debut with the band on a tour that kicks off Oct. 1 in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma. The yearlong run of dates will take the band across the United States and into Mexico and South America, with stops in Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. The tour wraps in Uncasville, Connecticut — the closest stop to Torra’s home on Long Island.
A Band With a Long History
Quiet Riot formed in 1973 with original members Kevin DuBrow on vocals, Randy Rhoads on guitar and Kelly Garni on bass. The band went on to become, according to the announcement, the first heavy metal act to top Billboard’s pop chart at No. 1, and has released 14 studio albums while selling more than 15 million records worldwide.
The lineup has changed repeatedly over five decades. DuBrow died of a cocaine overdose in 2007. Frankie Banali, who anchored later versions of the band, died in August 2020 following a 16-month battle with cancer; the band continued afterward in keeping with his wishes. Sarzo has played with the band in multiple stints dating back to 1978, while Grossi, who joined in 2010, is currently its longest-serving member.
