Mark Reale was an American
heavy metal guitarist best known for being the only constant original
member in the band
Riot died from Crohn's disease he was 56..
(June 7, 1955 – January 25, 2012)
Mark was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1955. He grew up listening to
The Beatles,
Eric Clapton,
Gary Moore,
Ritchie Blackmore and lists
George Harrison as one of his greatest influences. After attending concerts by
Ronnie Montrose,
Rick Derringer and
Edgar Winter
he decided to become a rock guitarist, forming the band Riot in 1975,
who disbanded in 2012 following the death of Reale. Many music magazines
and critics have called him one of the most underrated heavy metal
guitarists ever.
Mark Reale was the principal songwriter and main creative force behind Riot starting with the band's 1977 debut album
Rock City. The group's most acclaimed album was 1981's seminal
Fire Down Under, the last of three studio albums to feature original vocalist Guy Speranza. Other notable records include
Restless Breed (1982), the band's comeback album,
Thundersteel (1988), and its follow-up,
The Privilege of Power (1990). Riot's most recent album was
Immortal Soul in 2011. Riot has toured all around the world and been a support act for major acts such as
Kiss,
AC/DC,
Sammy Hagar,
Molly Hatchet, and
Rush while maintaining a particularly strong fanbase in
Japan and Continental
Europe.
After Riot's temporary breakup following the
Born In America (1983) release, Reale formed a short-lived outfit named Narita with former members of
S.A. Slayer,
including future Riot bassist Don Van Stavern. The band recorded a sole
demo in 1984 before calling it quits. Reale decided to re-activate Riot
which led to a new record deal with
CBS Records and the
Thundersteel album in 1988. In 1998, Reale co-founded the group
Westworld with vocalist
Tony Harnell of
TNT fame. Westworld released three studio albums and one live disc between 1999 and 2002.
Death
On January 25, 2012, Reale died of complications related to
Crohn's disease.
[1] Reale, who had Crohn's disease most of his life, had been in a coma since January 11 due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Official Obituary:
[2]
"Dear Friends,
Our brother Mark Reale went home to be with our Lord this day January
25, 2012 after a long battle and complications from Crohns disease. He
is survived by his father Anthony Reale and was preceded in death by his
mother Frances Reale. Mark was born June 7, 1955 in Brooklyn New York
at a time when rock and roll was flourishing with many new sounds. Early
in his life, his first interest had been the movies. Ever so curiously,
he had shown an interest in films. But then, songs he heard on the
radio began to change that. He quickly began to love music from the
Beatles and Cream. Mark lists George Harrison and Eric Clapton as great
influences. When he was 7 years old his grandfather bought him his first
basic guitar to practice on and later his father bought him a new
guitar and amp, his passion had begun.
In the early to mid 70's his influences included the likes of Edgar
Winter, Ronnie Montrose and Rick Derringer. He also loved a range of
bands and artists from Al Di Meola to Deep Purple. In 1975 Mark formed
his band RIOT, then at a block party Mark's father found vocalist Guy
Speranza. Mark's guitar style and his passion for writing songs that
told stories that were so deep and moving had made a real connection
with those who would become lifelong fans. The fans felt so connected to
Mark because the lyrics in RIOT's songs were extremely close to the
stories of their own lives. His song writing style could weave tales of
anything from old lore to battle fields and warriors, personal loss and
triumph. And heavy metal anthems that will be with us for decades to
come.
The brethren of brothers that Mark spent his lifelong career in music
with and whom he leaves behind or joins in heaven are, Guy Speranza,
L.A Kouvaris, Kip Leming, Peter Bitelli, Rhett Forrester, Rick Ventura,
Jimmy Iommi, Sandy Slavin, Tony Moore, Don Van Stavern, Mike Flyntz,
Pete Perez, Bobby Jarzombek, Mike Dimeo, John Macaluso, Bobby
Rondinelli, Mike Tirelli, Frank Gilchriest and Damon Di Bari who was
always like the "6th" member of the band being Riot's lighting director /
production manager / tour manager and Mark's personal assistant from
1988 through 2008. Mark's final days were spent with Damon at his
hospital bedside, sharing the fans thoughts, well wishes and prayers.
Even though Mark began his career in New York, San Antonio was a special
place he loved and not only lived here for a while but had planned on
moving back here to make San Antonio his permanent home.
With heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world, the United
States, Japan, Europe and all points in between. The RIOT army meant
everything in the world to Mark, it's what kept him going. The loyalty
and love of the fans fueled his passion and desire to continue making
music for as long as possible. Please keep the Mighty Tior in your
hearts and the memory of Mark alive within you.
Shine on, Mark shine on!
6th Member"
Riot the "Thundersteel Reunion" line up bandmates have issued the following statement:
“To friends and fans of Mark Reale and Riot, we are deeply saddened
to confirm that Mark has lost his battle with a lifelong illness. Your
thoughts and prayers are appreciated by Mark’s family, friends, and
bandmates at this difficult time.
[3]
Discography
With Westworld
To see more of who died in 2011
click here
Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans was an American heiress and philanthropist died she was 91.. She was the great grand-daughter of tobacco industrialist and Duke University benefactor Washington Duke. She herself was a major benefactor of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
