Rudy Sarzo

Quiet Riot bandmate wondered “What’s going on here?” when he first heard guitarist’s new direction.

Conversation with the wife of late drummer Frankie Banali convinced Sarzo to return.

Former Ozzy Osbourne bassist described the “multi-level” feeling he hopes never to experience again.

Bassist lost joy of performing “quickly” following tour tragedy.

Bassist says late guitarist prevented plane from hitting tour bus.

The Metal Box is a weekly web series posted each Friday where we discuss all things hard rock and heavy metal: news, videos, interviews, live concerts and more.

Happy Birthday today (Nov. 18) to Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. He’s 55. Also celebrating today is bassist Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake) who turns 67, former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell is 68.

Former Quiet Riot bass player Rudy Sarzo is getting in on the action with guitarist Dan Spitz, formerly of Anthrax, and ex-Journey drummer Deen Castronovo.

This series of events in early 1982 was, by turns, humorous, tragic and downright bizarre.

Happy Birthday today (Nov. 18) to Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. He’s 54. Also celebrating today is bassist Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake) who turns 66, former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell (67), and bassist Johnny Christ of Avenged Sevenfold (32).

They were the first heavy-metal group to capture the top spot on the 'Billboard' Top 200 Albums chart.