People forget how LA stalwarts QUIET RIOT completely revolutionized the modern hard rock scene. Kevin Dubrow and a young guitar prodigy named Randy Rhodes formed the initial version of QUIET RIOT way back in 1976. By 1978, together with bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Frankie Banali, QUIET RIOT assembled a couple albums worth of metallic party rock, and the hard-working band established themselves as a top player in the crowded LA club circuit. None other than Ozzy Osbourne caught the band’s act and was so impressed that he recruited Randy Rhodes for his own growing heavy metal machine. Undaunted, Dubrow, Sarzo, and Banali bought in axeman Carlos Cavazos, and the rest is history. The departure of Rhodes and the addition of Cavazo created a buzz for the boys, which resulting in them getting snapped up by a major label. For their 1983 debut on Epic Records, the rejuvenated QUIET RIOT performed a cover version of SLADE’s C’mon Feel the Noise and then penned the title track Metal Health; both songs charted in at number one positions in the US pop charts—and for the first time in history, a heavy metal band ruled the #1 position. The mainstream success of METAL HEALTH changed the way hard music was perceived in the music industry, and opened the doors for many other major mainstream metal acts like MOTLEY CRUE, QUEENSRYCHE, RATT, DEF LEPPARD, BON JOVI, and others. After lackluster follow-up efforts, QUIET RIOT could not recapture the magic if their initial success. Despite a lengthy career highlighted by break-ups and reunions, the group ultimately will be remembered as one-hit wonders. In celebration of their long history of triumphs and disappointments, Music Video Distributors presents QUIET RIOT LIVE IN THE 21^ST CENTURY: 20 YEARS OF METAL HEALTH, an appropriate title for their first long form home video.

The METAL HEALTH-era QUIET RIOT reformed in 1997, and took their place among the other old-school metal bands that refused to go away like MOTLEY CRUE, UFO, SCORPIONS, DOKKEN, etc. The concert portion of QUIET RIOT LIVE IN THE 21^ST CENTURY: 20 YEARS OF METAL HEALTH was filmed in 2002, with Dubrow, Cavazo, Sarzo, and Banali performing a career-spanning set, including their newer material, their greatest hits, and some cover songs:

• Vicious Circle
• Slick Black Cadillac
• Terrified
• Mama Weer All Crazy Now
• Feel the Pain
• Itchykoo Park
• Don’t Wanna Let You Go
• Thunderbird
• Danger Zone
• Sign of the Times
• Battle Axe (guitat solo)
• Psycho City
• Swinging Lumber (drum solo)
• Cum On Feel the Noize
• My Generation
• Metal Health

The entire concert was filmed at LA’s Cat Club, and it’s completely appropriate to see QUIET RIOT performing on the small stage, since this is were the band cut their teeth in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Kevin Dubrow’s between song banter is amusing although cliché-ridden at times. The rest of the band jams out pretty well on the small stage. Interestingly, during the concert, QUIET RIOT slow things down and play their patented Randy Rhodes tribute song, Thunderbird. The show suddenly becomes an ‘unplugged’ session, as the band members sit down on stage for an acoustic rendition of this emotional song. QUIET RIOT delivers a heartfelt tribute to Rhodes, without seeming like they are trying to capitalize on him. Later on the band’s manager comes on stage and bestows gold records to the band members for the record-shattering success of their METAL HEALTH album. Sometimes it seems like QUIET RIOT LIVE IN THE 21^ST CENTURY: 20 YEARS OF METAL HEALTH is an ego stroke for Dubrow and the boys, but the self-promotion of QUIET RIOT is nothing next to an egotistical and opportunistic band like KISS.

Music Video Distributors present QUIET RIOT LIVE IN THE 21^ST CENTURY: 20 YEARS OF METAL HEALTH in the full frame ratio of 1.33.1. The concert was filmed on video, and with poor stage lighting, things are a bit dark, and colors are muted. The camera work is excellent though, and rarely do you even see the same shot twice—things are constantly moving around the band, keeping the presentation exciting despite the crowded stage presence of the group. The lightshow is almost non-existent, and is not a factor in the presentation. You can select two audio options from the Setup menu, PCM Stereo or Dolby Digital 5.1. The PCM Stereo track offers excellent fidelity of this raw, unpolished musical performance (there is no overdubs here). However, the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack offers better sound imaging that will have your home theater setup kicking into high gear. Carlos Cavazo’s guitar playing (especially his solo) seriously rips, and it’ll rattle your cranium. Kevin Dubrow’s unique raspy vocal style takes center stage in the mix. And the bass and drum attack of Sarzo and Banali respectively will rumble your living room. Overall, the Dolby Digital 5.1 could use some improvement in the area of multi-speaker sound placement, but the rawness of the mix does this gritty rock group justice. Yeah, the band makes a few mistakes here and there, but that is the appeal of an unmixed live performance. From the Special Features menu, you can access an abundance of extras including a Photo Gallery, Music Videos (Metal Health), In the Studio footage, and go Behind the Scenes for the video shoot of The Wild and the Young. Unquestionably, the highlight of the extras section is an early live promo video for the song, Picking Up The Pieces, which showcases the musicianship of Randy Rhodes. There is also an alternate live performance of the QUIET RIOT power ballad Thunderbird.

Sadly, QUIET RIOT broke up in 2003, right before the release of this DVD, and it looks like its for good this time. Keeping that in mind, QUIET RIOT LIVE IN THE 21^ST CENTURY: 20 YEARS OF METAL HEALTH is the perfect swangsong to this band’s legacy. Dubrow and company have come full circle, and it’s fitting for them to be playing on a small stage, ending it where they began, forging their reputation as the ultimate LA club band. The performance consists of their best material from their hits and fan favorites, and fans of the band will be going through the extras section for hours at a time. Music Video Distributor’s even includes a live CD version of the show to play in your car. Except for some technical limitations in the audio/visual department, the disc delivers a truly nostalgic experience for those who appreciate old school Rock n Roll.