Longtime Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. However, following a series of successful treatments, the musician said he is "on the mend" in a recent update.

Over the past year, drummer Johnny Kelly (Danzig, Type O Negative) has taken Banali's place behind the drum kit for several Quiet Riot performances, as Ultimate Classic Rock noted. At the time, no reasons were given for Banali's absence, but the shows were reportedly the first the band had played without any members of its most famous, Metal Health-era lineup. Banali, who joined in 1982, has been the only constant member since that period. Read the full statement about his health toward the bottom of this post.

"I just want to let all of my friends and fans know what's going on with me and why I have unfortunately missed some appearances this year," Banali communicated in a Facebook message Monday (Oct. 21). "Since April 17th I have been battling stage four pancreatic cancer."

The update continues, "The original prognosis was very scary. I had quite a battle on my hands and it took a lot, but I am thankful to say that after several rounds of chemo and other treatments I am on the mend. The road ahead is not going to be easy but cancer has met its match and I plan to continue fighting."

Banali was largely responsible for reviving Quiet Riot in 2010, three years after the death of lead singer Kevin DuBrow. Of late, the act is preparing to release new album Hollywood Cowboys on Nov. 8. The band's 14th studio album, it's their latest effort with vocalist James Durbin, although Durbin has since been replaced by former Quiet Riot singer Jizzy Pearl.

I’ve been asked by Frankie Banali to share the following message: <<I just want to let all of my friends and fans know what’s going on with me and why I have unfortunately missed some appearances this year. Since April 17th I have been battling stage four pancreatic cancer. The original prognosis was very scary. I had quite a battle on my hands and it took a lot, but I am thankful to say that after several rounds of chemo and other treatments I am on the mend. The road ahead is not going to be easy but cancer has met its match and I plan to continue fighting. I wish I could have been with you all at every Quiet Riot performance as this is the first time in 38 years I have ever missed a gig.

Please know that if I had been able to fly on a plane and play a show nothing else would have stopped me. I am feeling much better and stronger now. I intend to play the Quiet Riot concert at the Whiskey A Go Go on Saturday October 26th and to continue touring in 2020 with Quiet Riot, so I hope to see you there. I appreciate all the fans that support Quiet Riot by coming to shows and I hope you will all continue that support as well as keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and Love, Frankie Banali>> Picture taken October 19th 2019