The following members of the metal community have shared their thoughts and condolences to RIOT guitarist and founder Mark Reale who passed away due to complications stemming from Crohn's disease in a San Antonio hospital yesterday (Wednesday, January 25th) at 56 year old.

MARTY FRIEDMAN (ex-MEGADETH)

I just heard that Mark Reale from Riot passed away. Rock City, Narita and Fire Down Under are 3 of my favorite albums of all time. I wore all three of them out and have loads of great memories attached to all those great songs. Thank you for the music. Friends please take care of yourselves."

Nigel Glockler (SAXON)

So sad to say that Mark Reale of Riot has lost his battle. RIP Mark, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Reale and Riot families. Yet another brilliant musician gone too soon."

Gord Kirchin (PILEDRIVER): "'Rock City, Narita, Fire Down Under, Restless Breed, Born In America, Thundersteel, The Privilege Of Power, Nightbreaker, Brethren Of The Long House, Inishmore, Sons Of Society, Through The Storm, Army Of One, Immortal Soul. Sickly underrated, but not by me. Indeed. An immortal soul if ever there was one. You will be missed, Mark... you will be missed."

Neil Turbin (DEATHRIDERS, ex-ANTHRAX): "RIP Mark Reale. My favorite metal band in high school and one of my greatest musical inspirations of all time. Fire Down Under was such a huge influence on me when I was writing songs like 'Metal Thrashing Mad'. My sincere condolences to Mark's family, friends, fans and bandmates. Shine on, warrior."

Andy DiGelsomina (LYRAKA): "Mark stuck by his heavy metal guns all this time. His guitar playing was impassioned and fiery, often with such a killer tone I'd just have to reach for my own. The ironic part of this tragedy is that with the release of Riot's 'Immortal Soul' I was listening to him and his playing more than I had in decades. My heart goes out to his family and friends; I pray they find condolence in the fact that he lives on through his music, and through the people that love metal."

CRYSTAL VIPER: "Heavy metal world lost another great, and talented musician. Mark Reale of Riot' lost his battle. We share the tears and sadness with all the friends, family, and fans of Riot'. Band, which had huge influence on Crystal Viper. Shine on, Warrior!"

DRAGONSCLAW: "So saddened to hear of the passing of Riot guitarist Mark Reale. Riot were and remain a major inspiration to me, and one of the bands that made me want to play music. From the moment I first heard Thundersteel I learned of this wonderful guitarist and his amazing band he led through some very tough times. He is a fine example to any musician younger or old... and his passing a MAJOR loss to heavy metal music .

Ronnie Stixx (BLOOD REDSKIES): "My heart and prayers go out to Reale family and his friends Mark was a true inspiration for me as he was to all of us here in San Antonio metal community. He showed us that no matter where you come from you can all ways make an impact in world wide music scene and he did with his of great forum of hard rock and metal with Riot. He was a big influence in my Carrier, he was my all time favorite song writer/guitarist. A true metal soldier may his soul forever Shine On. Mark Real a true legend for San Antonio, TX and the world!!!"