Episode 55: The Story of RIOT: Spinal Tap Without the Jokes

The Rock and Metal Profs: The History and Philosophy of Rock and Metal

the story of RIOT has all the elements of a good Greek tragedy. It is a tale that is equal parts raw talent, ambition, youthful recklessness, greed, calamity, and possibly the worst band mascot in history! There were a multitude of external forces that thwarted RIOT's efforts to make good, even as they produced a string of really good albums (and a couple bad ones) in the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.
Over RIOT’s 45-year career, they’ve endured revolving door line-ups, 28 different band members, including 5 vocalists and 7 drummers, and the passing of 3 key members of the early line-up, including founder Mark Reale in 2012. Nevertheless, RIOT inspired some of the greatest rock and metal acts in history, leaving an indelible imprint on the genre. RIOT may be the greatest rock band you've never heard of, until now! Professors Matt and Court do their best to present an unvarnished and honest look at a band that should have been massive in the mid-eighties.