A 23-year-old Massapequa rocker just pulled off the kind of underdog story that would make even the most jaded Sunset Strip veteran bang his head.
John Torra recorded Quiet Riot classics in his bedroom, slapped them on Instagram, and now he’s the new frontman for the band that made “Cum On Feel the Noize” a stadium anthem. He beat more than 700 other hopefuls.
The kid didn’t wait for an invitation. In July he sent in videos of himself tearing through “Cum On Feel the Noize,” “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” and “Run for Cover.” The clips exploded in hair-metal circles. Fans tagged the band. Veterans started talking. Then he walked into the room and “blew the doors off” the songs, according to manager Regina Banali, widow of late drummer Frankie Banali.
“His videos were outstanding, but when he stepped into the room with us, he blew the doors off our songs,” Banali said. “We all heard it: an authentic sound that brings our material to life the way it’s meant to be heard. He may be young, but he’s dedicated and professional. He brings a breath of fresh air.”Torra already fronts the New Jersey glam outfit Fire ’N Ice and isn’t quitting that band. On days he’s not on the road with Quiet Riot, he’s still slinging it with his original crew.
He joins bassist Rudy Sarzo, the only original member still standing, plus guitarist Alex Grossi and drummer Johnny Kelly. First gig with the new lineup is Oct. 1 in Oklahoma. A South American run follows in 2027, including Bangers Open Air in São Paulo.
Quiet Riot has chewed through singers since Kevin DuBrow died in 2007. Jizzy Pearl just wrapped his second stint. Now a Long Island 23-year-old who recorded in his room with Whitesnake and Megadeth posters on the wall gets the mic.Do it. Just do it. That’s the whole story.
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