Riot reject cash-in claims after Reale death

Proud: Mark Reale

The surviving members of Riot have spoken out against claims they’re trying to cash in on the death of guitarist Mark Reale, who passed away earlier this year after a lifelong battle with Crohn’s disease.

His illness had made it nearly impossible for him to take part in recording sessions for the band’s latest album, and forced him to miss their last planned shows together.

Reale died, aged 56, after falling into a coma as a result of a brain haemorrhage on January 11. He died on January 25 without regaining consciousness.

He was Riot’s only remaining original member – a situation that’s generated negative comments from some quarters as the band try to continue working together.

In a Facebook post the band say: “We are not cashing in on the name. Riot has never really made lots of money – not even Mark. He lived with his parents until the day he passed. And we all have day jobs.

“Mark was our brother. He lived with us and we took care of him up until his passing, and we are still deeply saddened by the death of a family member.”

They say Reale was “too shaky” to play anything but four rhythm tracks on the Immortal Soul album, leaving Muke Flyntz to complete the work. “It did frustrate him,” they add.

But they continue: “Mark was at the studio, and was pleased with how it was coming out – and was proud to call it a Riot record.

“Mark and his estate’s wishes were for us to go on, and most people want us to. We play songs we wrote or co-wrote, and play a few of Marks’ songs in tribute to him and the early years. We’re all fans of the early stuff.”

The band namecheck other outfits including Guns n’Roses, Great White, Queensryche and Thin Lizzy which have continued after key members left, saying: “People come out to hear songs they love.”

And they say Flyntz has taken on the role of caring for Reale’s father.

Riot continue: “Have a little compassion. Get the real story before you post anything you have no clue about.”