Many former bandmates and performers who knew Kevin DuBrow have paused pay tribute to the late Quiet Riot singer:
Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali: "I'm at a loss for words. I've just lost my best friend. Out of respect for both Kevin and his family, I won't comment further. There's going to be a lot of speculation out there, and I won't add to that. I love him too much." (statement to CNN)
Ex-Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi: "I really don't know where to start. Kevin was a beautiful soul and I feel more than fortunate to have known, worked and learned from him. Kevin was always a positive influence in what sometimes can be a very negative business. I am proud to have called him my friend, and always will be. Kevin DuBrow was a true lover of music and was extremely dedicated to his craft. I am honored to have been part of a band that changed the face of hard rock forever and to have been given the opportunity to play, write, and most importantly be part of his life. He will be forever missed. Rest in peace, my friend."
Ex-Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright: "I'm completely shocked and devastated. I've truly lost a brother and it's a very sad loss for the world of rock n' roll. I'm so very fortunate to have been a part of his life these past 26 years. I have so many fond memories and it's a blessing that these recent few years have been so great with the band. There is no reason to say 'I wish we could have...' We did! I still can't believe I won't be sharing the stage with his larger-than-life presence ever again. The man left a mark wherever he went and I'm heartbroken that he is no longer with us." (statement to MelodicRock.com)
Ex-Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo: "All of us are in shock trying to deal with this. The last thing you expect when you get up in the morning is something like this. He was somebody who really loved life. He loved to have fun and have a great time. Every day to him was like a party — that's what it was like when I played with him. I think he’ll be remembered for being a hell of a rock singer. He was definitely one of the best singers of the '80s." (statement to Headbangers Ball Blog)
Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx: "I was thinking about sitting in Kevin's apartment in 1979. I had just been over to Randy Rhoads' (who still lived with his mom at the time) learning some of their songs. Randy called Kevin while I was there and told him they should get me to be the bass player in Quiet Riot. I passed... 'cause we all had a destiny. Today is a sad day. [Kevin] always did what he loved most — music — and always said what was on his mind. And that is the measure of a man. He will be missed. I'm grateful to have those early memories.... before the fame, just kids with dreams. I send my love and support to his family and friends... I know this is a hard time." (statement to Saviours of Rock)
Poison Drummer Rikki Rockett: I have known Kevin DuBrow for close to 20 years or so. Quiet Riot put metal on the radio in the early '80s in spite of the vanilla new wave surge of Duran Duran clones at the time. However he died or why, let's just remember the colossal contributions that he made. Rest in peace, my brother."
Ex-Black Sabbath, Deep Purple singer Glenn Hughes: "We are all grieving. Kevin and I were brothers. We spoke daily, and I mean on the phone, not e-mail. The Kevin that I knew was a beautiful human being. He was kind, giving, nurturing. And generous. He would stay at my L.A. home when he was in town. I never saw Kevin loaded. He respected my sobriety. He always spoke how about the change of my lifestyle, and how he also wanted to change his. The last conversation I had with him 10 days ago was about this subject; he said he had to make some life changes. I was so happy and elated to hear this. [My wife] Gabi and I spoke to him last on Friday, November 16. He wanted to know if I could pick him up at LAX. On the 23rd, the day of a party at my house. Then there was nothing, no communication. Zero. Come Thanksgiving I knew something was strange. At the house, Kevin's room was prepared as always, with his fave candies next to the bed. He always requests them when he stays. I thought, he's gonna come jumping through the door any minute and demand to play the winner of the pool game between Chad Smith and myself. As the party ended, Gabi and I spoke of his absence. She was very upset. All along, I felt something seriously wrong. Come Sunday morning, I couldn't take it anymore and called Lark Williams, Kev's ex-girlfriend. She was in San Francisco. I asked her if she knew a paramedic who could go over to Kev's house and investigate. Dana, the medic, got in the house only to find my sweet brother at peace. I am completely shellshocked. We were planning to go to Hawaii for some relaxation in the New Year. For those of you that didn't know him, he was a true, true friend. I'm gonna miss our dinners at the Palm in Beverly Hills. I'm gonna miss his loud voice bellowing through my house. I'm gonna miss those oh-so-corny jokes. We all will miss him. Sleep well, brother. Your legacy is in good hands with me. Your loving brother, Glenn."
Ex-Warrant guitarist Billy Morris: "Wow. Today I learned that my friend Kevin DuBrow passed away. This blows me away. No one would ever imagine this happening to Kevin, especially me, after knowing him for the past eight years. During our tours together, he would really take care of himself, eating well (certainly better than the rest of us). He'd take his vitamins every day, and always kept his body and voice in check. One thing about Kevin was that he was always so thankful for what he had. Performing live and creating music were his passions, and he was grateful for the time he spent with his friends and fans. The rock scene has lost an icon, an individual who brought it every night! Kevin, you will be missed." (statement to Cleveland Scene)
Annihilator guitarist Jeff Waters: Quiet Riot had an impact on me when I was a teen and when I wasn't listening to their music, I was playing it or seeing a cover band that was playing it! Metal Health was a brilliant record and his voice and [Carlos] Cavazo's [guitar] playing was damn good for that time... and very influential to many others. From [bassist Rudy [Sarzo] licking his thumb to the spandex and posing; pure cheese but great cheese! Their music was rock and metal and party music all in one. It is a sad day for metal, as DuBrow and Quiet Riot helped, in their own way, make metal what it has become today. RIP, dude. You will be missed by many and thanks for the memories and the music."
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