They asked him to feel the “Noize” — and he went wild.
A Long Island rocker, 23, was named the newest frontman for Quiet Riot, beating out more than 700 other applicants after publicly sharing his audition tape for the legendary heavy metal group.
John Torra, of Massapequa, secured the “wild” gig when he landed on the band’s radar while performing a trio of their top hits as part of his video audition on Instagram.
“We saw your comments, tags, and messages urging us to bring him on board. But what earned John the gig was his undeniable talent,” said Regina Banali, the band’s manager and widow of longtime drummer Frankie Banali.
“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 has been the lead singer for New Jersey-based Fire ‘N Ice as he waited for the official word from Quiet Riot.
Torra submitted his application to the famed rock band on July 15, sharing his renditions of “Cum on Feel the Noize,” “Metal Health (Bang your Head)” and fan favorite, “Run for Cover.”
The young metalhead pitched his skills for his dream job in front of a wall lined with posters of other heavy metal bands including Megadeth, White Snake, Mötley Crüe and Dio.
“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. “Here’s my take on “Cum On Feel the Noize,” one of their biggest classic hits.”
Torra joins current band members Rudy Sarzo, Alex Grossi and Johnny Kelly for their upcoming tour dates starting on Oct. 1 in West Siloam Springs, Okla., the group said in the announcement post on Monday.
“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!” said Banali.
The year-long tour is bringing the band across the US and down to Mexico and South America with stops planned for Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Brazil.
The tour ends with a show in Uncasville, Conn., the closest stop to Torra’s native Long Island.
The heavy metal band was first formed in 1973 by original members; frontman Kevin DuBrow, guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni.
Since its inception, it has been a revolving door of musicians and has released 14 albums.
Sarzo has been with the band in multiple stints since 1978, but guitarist Alex Grossi is the current longest-serving member, having been around since 2010.
Over the past half-century, Quiet Riot has been revived and reformed several times, led by frontman DuBrow before he died of a cocaine overdose in 2007.
The band then went through a change of artists in the reformed group, featuring Banali, lead vocalist Jizzy Pearl, bassist Chuck Wright and Grossi.
Banali died in August 2020 after a 16-month battle with cancer, but the band continued as part of their late drummer’s wishes, Blabbermouth reported.
Noted as the first “heavy metal band to top the pop chart at #1 on Billboard magazine,” the group has released 14 studio albums and has sold over 15 Million Records Worldwide.
Torra, who replaces Jizzy Pearl as the frontman, said he will continue his role with Fire ‘N Ice when he is not with Quiet Riot.
“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,” the New Jersey group said after Torra’s announcement.
Read the full article here
