Riot Act features former Riot guitarist Rick Ventura, Don Chaffin-vocals, Paul Ranieri-bass, Claudio Galinski-drums.
Riot Act is hard driving Rock-n-Roll!
The band made their live debut January 2020 at the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame Gala. Their strong performance made a lasting impression on host Eddie Trunk. Catch it on Amazon Prime!
Riot Act tragically lost founding member Lou Kouvaris as the band was about to release an EP and embark on a European tour.
After a few dark months and facing a world in quarantine, the band decided to go on, releasing a tribute video of the early Riot classic “Overdrive”. The band was ready to rock again!
Currently working on a new album and video, Riot Act ushers in a new era in hard driving rock! Stay tuned!
Rick Ventura
Guitar
Rick Ventura was born in Brooklyn, NY. Along with Mark Reale, he comprised the guitar driven,high energy sound of Riot. Rick picked up the guitar at 16 listening to bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. His first guitar was a Univox Mosrite copy which he eventually smashed. “I was trying to be Pete Townshend!” He then got his first real guitar, a white Fender Stratocaster after seeing clips of Jimi Hendrix. “I was fascinated by how he worked the guitar, it was like an extension of him.”
He went on to play and contribute songs on four studio albums and two live albums including the legendary Fire Down Under, touring the world with the likes of AC/DC, Black Sabbath,Rush and so on.
His guitar of choice is a vintage Les Paul which he calls “a mystery guitar” along with Telecasters and Stratocasters. “I’m basically just a blues based guitarist, I still listen to my idols, I’ve lived through the greatest period of rock.” His record collection consists of everything from AC/DC to Zappa. Now he comes full circle, joining Lou Kouvaris together for the first time, performing the classic Riot tunes and writing material for Riot Act.
Don Chaffin
Vocals
Born in Long Island New York, Don has toured the U.S.A. opening for Godsmack, Foreigner, Disturbed, Alice in Chains, Powerman 5000, Dr. John, Steve Howe of Yes, Robbie Krieger of The Doors , Vanilla Fudge and more. Don is the Lead Vocalist for the new band RED LAMB which features Dan Spitz ( dcpicAnthrax ) and is co-produced by Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) Don is also the Lead Vocalist for Voices of Extreme (formally co-managed by Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden).
Since 1995, Don has worked hand in hand as co-writer and co-producer with the legendary team of Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz from the Kasenetz and Katz Allstars. Don is currently the new Lead Vocalist for the project featuring RAM JAM. In addition, Don has performed countless appearances with projects such as O2 / LUB / John Macaluso Union Radio / Empyreon / and many more. Expanding his palette of well know music Icons, Don has also worked with Jim Bralower and Ace Frehley of Kiss.
Currently, Don continues to add to his resume by owning and operating DCity Studios in where he has directed countless music videos traveling the world to locations such as London England and Tokyo Japan.
Claudio Galinski
Drums
Claudio Galinski was part of the Argentinian Heavy Metal scene in the 80’s with his Thrash Metal Band ULTRAJE, sharing stages with such bands as Hermetica , Horcas, Lethal and Others.
Paul Ranieri
Bass
Bassist Paul Ranieri, born in Flushing NY has been playing professionally since he was 18 Known for his slapping technique and melodic style on Bass, his musicality has propelled him to the forefront with professional bass players across the country and internationally.
He has played and recorded with dozens of artists, recently Mondo Electro, Stratopheerius and Emmy Award winning Electric Violinist Mark Wood and is also a Band leader, Clinician, Teacher and Music Director.