Riot

Bursting out of New York City with three ground-breaking albums in quick succession ‘ROCK CITY’(Capitol), ‘NARITA’ (Capitol) and ‘FIRE DOWN UNDER’(Elektra) featuring vocalist Guy Speranza then another iconic period with the albums ‘Restless Breed” (Elektra) and ‘Born in America” featuring vocalist Rhett Forrester, RIOT quickly became one of the biggest cult metal bands in the world. Stunning performances in the UK at the first ever Castle Donington Festival with Rainbow and Scorpions, and Port Vale supporting Ozzy Osbourne the following year, and support slots with Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Rush, Kiss to name and few cemented their reputation as the hottest ticket to see. With the Eighties developing into a metal-fest, a new-look new-sound RIOT bounced back transforming from an edgy hard rock band into a power metal assault. Guitarist Mark Reale recruited metal bassist Don Van Stavern (SA) Slayer) and collaborated on songs for the widely-acclaimed release ‘THUNDERSTEEL’ (Sony). Reale and Van Stavern joined vocalist Tony Moore, drummer Bobby Jarzombek and Marks guitar cohort, Mike Flyntz who completed the twin axe attack. RIOT was reborn, and followed ‘THUNDERSTEEL’ two years later with the jaw-dropping conceptual album ‘THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER’ (Sony) featuring an elite list of guest performers. With the departure of Van Stavern and Moore, Reale shifted gears with a new look RIOT featuring vocalist Mike Dimeo, bassist Pete Perez and drummer Frank Gilchriest. This line up released several albums and did tours but eventually after many industry, media and fan requests for the reformation of the legendary Thundersteel power metal line-up Reale contacted former members and the plan was put into action!