Deathriders vocalist Neil Turbin (ex-Anthrax), reporting for The Metal Voice in L.A., goes backstage at the Whiskey and chats with legendary New York rockers Riot. In the interview Riot talk about the legacy of founding member Mark Reale, the history and challenges of the band today, memories of songwriting with Mark Reale and the possibility of a new live and studio album.

When asked about the challenges of re-starting Riot without Mark Reale: “A couple of hurdles there, the first was do we continue. I take care of Mark’s Dad cause Mark was an only child and he said Mike please continue on , do it for Mark , if you stop, there are going to stop listening. You go out and play Mark’s music so that was the first thing. Second thing was could the band do a good live show? We didn’t know what to expect, we were nervous, so then we did four shows and they did well. Next step can we write a new album?” - Guitarist Mike Flyntz

When asked about the bands member working relationship with Mark Reale in the past: ”I did a record in 2006 Army of One, me and Mark spent three years working on that record by ourselves alone in a little room and we would talk about music for two hours, then rehearse for two hours.  That is the one thing we all have in common in this band, is that we spent a lot of time with Mark just talking about music, philosophy of a good song, philosophies of what a bands all about . He was kind of shy and quiet but when he sat down and talked to you music it was like an education it was really intense.” - Drummer Frank Gilchriest

On how Mark Reale thought of himself: “Mark Reale never wanted to be a guitar hero, he wanted to right a good song, that is what he taught us all. So when we wrote the last album, it’s got be good songs, every song has to be a hit.“ - Guitarist Mike Flyntz,

When asked about the future plans of Riot V: “We have a possible live album on the horizon a new studio one in about a year, we are going to stick with it for a awhile.” - Bassist Don Van Stavern

Riot V released their debut album, Unleash The Fire, last October via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD marks the first release from Riot without guitarist Mark Reale, who passed away in early 2012 and was limited on his participation on 2011's reunion album Immortal Soul because of his health issues. The band was encouraged at the request of Mark and the Reale estate to forge ahead in his honour and has dedicated this new offering to him.

 

 

Unleash The Fire promises to please fans of the Thundersteel era of Riot, as main songwriter and longtime Reale music collaborator Don Van Stavern does much of the writing, as he did on Thundersteel and The Privilege Of Power. Don is joined by longtime Riot bandmate, songwriter and Reale's guitar partner of over 20 years, Mike Flyntz, to create what they feel is something they are proud to call a Riot record. The Riot V lineup is completed by powerhouse vocalist extraordinaire Todd Michael Hall (Burning Starr, Reverence), Frank Gilchriest (Virgin Steele, Riot's Army Of One) and former Mike Flyntz guitar student and resident shredder Nick Lee.

 

 

Riot V tour dates:

July
16 - Portland, OR - Dante`s
17 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
18 - Spokane, WA - TBA