Massapequa's John Torra is Quiet Riot's new frontman

Long Island is about to "feel the noize" now that heavy metal band Quiet Riot recently appointed Massapequa's John Torra as its new lead singer. Torra, 23, is the band’s ninth frontman, immediately replacing Jizzy Pearl from Love/Hate.

The band went on a worldwide search and received more than 700 submissions for the role. Torra stood out among the pack, drawing positive comments on social media from his online audition videos.

"We saw your comments, tags and messages urging us to bring him on board. But what earned John the gig was his undeniable talent," band manager Regina Banali, widow of late Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali, said in a statement. "His videos were outstanding, but when he stepped into the room with us, he blew the doors off our songs. We all heard it: an authentic sound that brings our material to life the way it’s meant to be heard."

Torra is from the New Jersey rock band Fire ’N Ice, which released its first EP, "Hypnotized," in 2024 followed by its debut album, "High Roller," in late 2025. The band recently garnered attention for its new cover of the Michael Jackson classic "Beat It."

"I was very grateful for being offered this opportunity," Torra told NBC News. "I knew this was my time to shine. It was either go big or go home." He did not immediately respond to Newsday's request for comment. 

Torra is significantly younger than the rest of Quiet Riot, which is led by bassist Rudy Sarzo, 75, along with guitarist Alex Grossi, 49, and drummer John Kelly, 58. However, the chemistry was right.

"He may be young, but he’s dedicated and professional," Banali said. "He brings a breath of fresh air that lifts us all." 

When Torra did a live audition with the band, he felt a good vibe in the room.

"I remember singing, working the mic stand and I looked in the corner of my eye to see Rudy Sarzo. He’s playing with his eyes closed, grinning and nodding his head. I think that was a nod of ‘OK, yes. This is good,’ " Torra told NBC News.

Many people were amazed at how similar Torra sounds to Quiet Riot’s original lead singer, Kevin DuBrow, who died in 2007.

"His phrasing, his technique, his grit is very reminiscent of Kevin DuBrow. He really makes the music sound like it’s supposed to," Banali told NBC News. "I feel like Frankie sent him to me. Frankie would’ve picked him. Frankie would’ve loved him."

Quiet Riot formed in 1973, but the band’s commercial breakthrough came in 1983 when its third studio recording, "Metal Health," became the first heavy metal album to hit the top of the Billboard charts. The record went six times platinum and spawned two hit singles, "Cum on Feel the Noize" and "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)."

Quiet Riot has announced U.S. tour dates for the fall hitting Oklahoma, Missouri, California, Texas and Iowa as well as a stop in Canada. There is currently no Long Island tour date. 

Next spring, the band will venture to Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia.
For more information, visit: officialquietriot.com.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.