Rhett Forrester, American singer-songwriter (b. 1956)
Rhett Forrester (September 22, 1956 – January 22, 1994) was a dynamic American musician, primarily celebrated for his impactful tenure as the lead singer for the New York-based heavy metal band, Riot. His distinctive vocal prowess significantly shaped the band's sound during his time with them, from 1981 to 1984, leaving a notable mark on the burgeoning hard rock and metal scene.
Rhett Forrester's Impact on Riot
Forrester joined Riot following the departure of their original vocalist, Guy Speranza. His arrival heralded a new era for the band, infusing their established hard rock sound with a more aggressive, yet melodious, heavy metal edge. He lent his powerful, blues-infused voice to two pivotal studio albums:
- Restless Breed (1982): This album showcased a raw, energetic side of Riot, with Forrester's vocals driving tracks like "When I Was Young" and "Loved By You." It marked a stylistic shift for the band, moving further into the heavy metal genre.
- Born In America (1983): Continuing the band's evolution, this album further solidified their sound with Forrester at the helm. Songs like the title track and "Loanshark" became fan favorites, demonstrating his vocal versatility and command.
His contribution was crucial in maintaining Riot's momentum during the early 1980s, a highly competitive period for heavy metal music.
Beyond Riot: A Diverse Musical Career
Prior to joining Riot, Rhett Forrester honed his skills in various local bands. After his departure from Riot in 1984, he continued to be an active presence in the metal community. He notably fronted Jack Starr's Burning Starr for their debut album, Rock the American Way (1984), and later worked on his own solo material, including the album Gone with the Wind (released posthumously in 1996), which showcased his continued passion for hard rock and blues. He also had a brief stint with the band Dog Eat Dog.
Legacy and Tragic Passing
Rhett Forrester's vocal style was characterized by its raw power, gritty texture, and impressive range, earning him recognition among his peers and fans. Tragically, his life was cut short on January 22, 1994, at the age of 37, when he was murdered in an apparent carjacking attempt in Atlanta, Georgia. His untimely death left a void in the hard rock community, but his contributions to Riot and the broader metal genre continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhett Forrester
- What albums did Rhett Forrester record with Riot?
- Rhett Forrester served as the lead vocalist on two studio albums for Riot: Restless Breed (1982) and Born In America (1983).
- What was Rhett Forrester's vocal style like?
- Forrester was known for his powerful, gritty, and often blues-infused vocal delivery. His style blended raw energy with melodic capabilities, making him a distinctive voice in the hard rock and heavy metal scenes.
- What happened to Rhett Forrester?
- Rhett Forrester tragically passed away on January 22, 1994, at the age of 37. He was murdered during a carjacking attempt in Atlanta, Georgia, an event that deeply saddened the music community.
- What other bands was Rhett Forrester involved with?
- Beyond his prominent role in Riot, Rhett Forrester also fronted Jack Starr's Burning Starr for their debut album, Rock the American Way. He pursued a solo career, releasing material posthumously, and had associations with other projects like Dog Eat Dog.