Testament frontman Chuck Billy shared his reaction to Quiet Riot bringing on new singer John Torra, speaking on Cassius Morris Official. Billy offered advice to the 23-year-old as he takes on the role with the legendary band.
Billy was asked for his perspective on Torra joining Quiet Riot and what guidance he might offer to someone at the start of their career with an established group.
Question: “A positive story has broken in the world of rock and metal of course with Quiet Riot bringing on a brand new singer the 23-year-old John Torra. That’s been a huge story in the business. Curious about your perspective and you know as somebody who’s a veteran in the business what would be some words that you could give to someone in John’s position 23 joining a legendary group like Quiet Riot.”
“Well, grab it by the horns, man, and hold on tight, you know?” Billy said. “I mean, that’s it. If he’s young and that’s a band with a lot of history going back, you know, get yourself some good representation and go into this business right strong and knowing exactly what you’re getting into.”
“You know, if you’re going to sign a dotted line, know what you’re signing, you know, don’t give away anything,” he continued. “So, there’s a so much to do, but I’m glad to see that for him. When I seen his little audition, I watched I said, ‘Man, he sounds great.'”
“You know, I was a big Quiet Riot Kevin DuBrow fan, you know,” Billy added. “So hear somebody doing like that and sound like that. I was like right on. Good for him. Have at it. So good.”
Billy’s comments came as Quiet Riot announced Torra as their new singer, replacing previous frontman Jizzy Pearl.
Quiet Riot found Torra after a search for a new vocalist following Jizzy Pearl’s departure in July 2026. The band posted publicly for submissions from singers in North America for 2026 and beyond, receiving more than 700 auditions. Torra impressed both fans and musicians after posting videos of himself singing Quiet Riot classics, and the band made the decision based on his vocal performance and audition.
On September 21, 2026, Quiet Riot officially announced Torra’s hiring. Band manager Regina Banali said the band had received many comments and messages from fans supporting Torra, but stressed that his selection came down to his audition and singing ability. Banali described Torra as having an “authentic sound” that brought the band’s material “to life the way it’s meant to be heard.”
Torra became the eighth full-time lead singer since Quiet Riot formed in 1975 and the sixth since original frontman Kevin DuBrow died in 2007. Before Torra was announced, Jason McMaster from Dangerous Toys sang with Quiet Riot at shows on August 29 and September 5. The band performed their first concert with Torra on October 2026 at the Cherokee Event Center in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, playing a 14-song set with bassist Rudy Sarzo, guitarist Alex Grossi and drummer Johnny Kelly. Fans noted how similar Torra’s voice sounds to Kevin DuBrow’s.
