QUIET RIOT - '89 Live In Japan

Music Video Distributors

Posted: 11/13/04

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: 80s Hard Rock

Released: 11/16/04

Label URL: www.musicvideodistributors.com

After the disappointing success of 1986's QRIII, lead vocalist Kevin Dubrow exited Quiet Riot.  The band re-emerged a few years later when guitarist Carlos Cavazo and drummer Frankie Banali recruited bassist Sean McNabb and former Rough Cutt vocalist Paul Shortino.  A bluesy self-titled album was released but completely overlooked despite the quality of the music. 

'89 Live In Japan is a long sought after DVD reissue of an often bootlegged Japanese VHS.  The DVD captures the Shortino, Cavazo, McNabb, Banali lineup performing six songs from the Quiet Riot album and a few classics - "Party All Night," "The Wild And The Young," and "Cum On Feel The Noize."

Quiet Riot was a very different band at this point in their career, delivering more melodic and blues-based hard rock than they had with Dubrow.  Shortino was an odd choice as a replacement, as he is the polar opposite of Dubrow, but this decision was probably a purposeful one.  Shortino's rough but soulful vibe took the band to a different place, which alienated Dubrow diehards, but attracted a new fanbase.

While somewhat on the short side, this performance is a quality one and it's filmed professionally.  The band sounds excellent and play as if they had been together forever.  Cavazo's guitar tone is really clean and crisp, something that can't be said of the performances that I've caught over the years.  The Quiet Riot soundman that's worked the boards when I've seen them should have been shot.  Banali pounds with precision and Sean McNabb fits in comfortably.  Shortino handles the three classics well even though they don't really suit his style.

As a bonus, the rare "Stay With Me Tonight" promotional clip is also included!

The Bloody Truth: Props to Music Video Distributors for digging up this rare concert.  I hope they keep releasing rarities like this, as many 80s bands issued concerts in Japan throughout the 80s and 90s.  '89 Live In Japan is for Rough Cutt / Shortino fans and 80s hard rock diehards.  If you are a QR fan, but this missed out on this period, you should enjoy the quality of the music and performance, despite the change in directions.