Today's Tune: "Thunderbird" By Quiet Riot

Photo of Kevin DuBrow by Tim Sharp / AP Photo

American rock singer Kevin DuBrow was born on October 29, 1955. DuBrow is mostly remembered for the many years he spent as lead singer for the heavy metal band Quiet Riot. Sadly, Kevin died from an accidental cocaine overdose in November of 1997. His energy and his fantastically unique voice are greatly missed by fans, which includes myself.

Quiet riot had a few very successful albums ('Quiet Riot II', 'Metal Health', 'Condition Critical') and singles ("Slick Black Cadillac", "Metal Health", "Mama Weer All Crazee Now") in the 1980s, before their appeal faded. They released a few more albums intermittently during the 1990s and through to 2006. The band's lineup changed regularly in that time period, and never regained the popularity they enjoyed in their early years.

For our 'Today's Tune' on this day of remembrance, I've chosen one of my favorite Quiet Riot tracks. "Thunderbird" might not be the most well known song by the boys, but it pulls at my heart strings when I hear it.

Quiet Riot - "Thunderbird"

Today's Tune: "Disturbing The Priest" By Black Sabbath And "Thunderbird" By Quiet Riot

Once again, I'm going to serve up two tracks for the 'Today's Tune' feature. One reason is that both videos are of the still picture variety. Secondly, I just plain felt like it. Making the cut today, we have "Disturbing The Priest" by the 1983 lineup of England's hard rockers Black Sabbath, to celebrate the birthday of former Sab singer Ian Gillan (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath). Slot number two is covered by the American heavy band Quiet Riot, and the tune is "Thunderbird" (1983), probably my favorite by them. I chose this tune because of the passing of England born actor Peter Dyneley (Thunderbirds, 'The Manster') on August 19, 1977. Dyneley is mostly known for his voiceover work in the television show Thunderbirds and the subsequent films.

Other August 19th births: 1921 - American science fiction screenwriter and producer Gene Roddenberry (Star Trek), 1939 - English drummer Ginger Baker (Cream, Blind Faith), 1946 - Former American President Bill Clinton, 1951 - English bass player and song writer John Deacon (Queen), 1963 - American actor John Stamos (Full House, ER) and 1969 - Canadian American television and film comedy actor Matthew Perry (Friends, 'The Whole Nine Yards').

Another August 19th, 1977 death would be American comedy film actor and game show host Groucho Marx ('Monkey Business', 'A Night At The Opera', You Bet Your Life).

Black Sabbath - "Disturbing The Priest"



Quiet Riot - "Thunderbird"