It was with great sadness that we had to announce that Mark Reale, the founder of US Metal legends RIOT, passed away last week, having lost his battle with Crohn's disease. He was just 56 years old. Mark's band mates have been devastated by his death.
Mike Flyntz on his personal loss: "I would like to thank everyone for the support and love regarding the passing of my dear friend Mark Reale. I have had the honor to stand next to him on the stage and in the studio for over 22 years. Mark gave me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of recording and writing records, and also touring in support of those records.
"I was a fan first, getting his autograph after a RIOT show at L'Amours when I was in college. Mark was a shy man who didn't talk much unless he was being interviewed or on the phone. Lord knows he could talk on the phone. Mark also loved to laugh. One part of our special relationship was that we could laugh until we were crying, and he would be lying on the floor yelling "please stop" and after 5 minutes of silence all I had to do was look at him and it would start all over. I will forever cherish those moments.
"As far as a musician, he is the most underrated guitarist, song writer, riff creator, visionary in Rock music. He should be in the Rock-n-Roll hall of fame for his vibrato alone. LISTEN TO HIS VIBRATO. His sense of melody was incredible. He taught me so much. There is so much more I need to say about my friend but I have been at a loss of words since his passing. The only comfort I have is that he is out of pain. Thank you everyone!"
The family will receive friends and fans near and far to join them on Tuesday, January 31, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, San Antonio, Texas.
If you would like to sign Mark's living guest book, please click here.
Mass will take place: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2012 12:00 P.M.
AT ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH 1602 THOUSAND OAKS, San Antonio, Texas 78232
All are welcomed and encouraged to attend this service.
A processional will follow to Holy Cross Cemetery for Interment.
Crohn's Disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, which had afflicted the guitarist for pretty much all his life. While rehearsing for the band's upcoming shows, Mark was hospitalized in San Antonio on 13th January. His condition deteriorated and it was apparent that he would not be well enough to play the band's forthcoming dates.
With the blessing of Mark's family RIOT fulfilled their live obligations (on 18th January 2012 at B.B. Kings, New York City, 20th January 2012 at Montage Music Hall, Rochester and 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise) as a four-piece, with Mark Flyntz covering all guitar duties.
Mark co-founded RIOT in 1976 in New York. Two years later they released their first album 'Rock City' and despite numerous line-up changes Mark steered the band through good times and bad for a staggering 36 years. The band's recently-released fourteenth studio album 'Immortal Soul' saw the reformation of the line-up responsible for two of the band's most popular albums ('Thundersteel' and 'The Privilege Of Power') and has been almost universally acclaimed as a massive return to form. Given that Mark was so crucial to RIOT's longevity it is far too early to speculate on the band's future.
With heartfelt thanks to the fans in the United States, Europe, Japan, and all places in between for all their support over the years. RIOT meant everything to Mark, the loyalty and love of his fans fueled his passion and desire to continue making music for as long as possible. Please keep Mark Reale in your hearts and his memory alive within you.
Related links:
Riot's Official Site
Riot on Facebook
SPV
