Review of Quiet Riot: Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back (2014) by Paul S — 17 May 2015

Well, This is now my Most Favourite movie, I am a huge hair metal/rock fan and I am so pleased they put this movie out, if you have at least a remote interest in music, rock metal, 80s music, this is for you , but not only that it also appeals to the mainstream public in the way a rags to riches, tragedy, downfall and rise from the ashes once more story appeals to most people, think Rocky but with a metal/rock band, I am not a huge fan of boxing as it is but I love the Rocky films for their excellent story and that is what you get here.

The story starts with Kevin dubious formative years , getting his first guitar , forming a band, plowing away with gigs and writing until at last they finally manage to break it into the Billboard charts, we then see the rewards period and the lifestyle followed by the tragic part where Kevin Succumbs to his addictions and dies a tragic death.

All through these parts we get a constant commentary from past and present band members and members of rock royalty, giving insightful glimpses into the life and times of the scene and being in quiet riot, Lark Kevin's wife gives a touching recollection of Kevin's last days and Franky Banali drummer and lynch pin of the band gives a fascinating rundown all the way through.

At the very beginning we see Franky Banali living his day to day life sans quiet Riot and getting on with his life the best he can, but what is even more fascinating , we see him begin to rebuild the band and start auditioning singers, this is quite hard as even when he finds someone suitable he is in a strange angry place , as while playing in quiet riot , he has always had kevin out there in front of the kit and he finds it difficult to deal with having a new face out there.

Without giving too much away though it is a truly fascinating story and lots of things happen, probably that we don't expect, the ending leaves us satisfied for the moment but ready for the next instalment , as there are plenty of years left yet for things to happen.

I enjoyed seeing all the various personnel who have played in QR it really is a lineup of top names, Franky Banali, Rudy Sarzo, Randy Rhoads, Carlos Cavazo etc.

I hope you will take this review for what it is , it is written from the heart from someone who lives for 80s hair metal, I am not a journalist/reviwer and have no experience of writing a proper review , but I am a major fan of 80s metal and it meant so much to me to see this film, I am your typical rocker, long hair cowboy boots cut-off , bandannas, eyeliner etc still handgun on to that 80s scene, I jam a bit in local bars enjoy finding new music and different versions of the old stuff, This film really speaks to me and I am lucky to have seen it , I am hoping they release it on DVD with extra bits like more commentaries etc.

If so I will watch it over and over again as it is inspiring, it definitely has a spinal tap element but it is real and is uplifting, to see the band playing large festivals again,.

Like I said though you don't have to be like me to enjoy this movie , as a standalone story with a rock music theme it is a great story and it is still being written as the band continues, who knows if you are not already a fan of this type of music , it may open a whole new door to you, or it may provide you with a couple of good hours entertainment and a great story,.

For all you musicians and fans out there though it is a great very inspiring story and I would advise you to watch it at the earliest chance you get and KEEP THE SCENE ALIVE. keep Rockin Paul.