Metal Pioneer Mark Reale of Riot Dead at 57

Riot guitarist Mark Reale died on Wednesday (January 25th) at the age of 57 after having been in a coma for the past two weeks due to severe complications from Crohn's disease.  Reale had suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage and was admitted to a San Antonio hospital in critical condition on January 13th. He had been battling Crohn's disease for most of his life, performing through constant pain on stage during shows.

A statement released by the band said,

To friends and fans of Mark Reale and RIOT, we are deeply saddened to confirm that Mark has lost his battle with a lifelong illness. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated by Mark’s family, friends, and bandmates at this difficult time.”

Mark Reale founded Riot in 1975 and was the only remaining original band member and songwriter through 14 studio albums which includes their most recent release "Immortal Soul" released on Halloween 2011.

The band has agreed that remaining performances will take place as scheduled which includes their participation in the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise.

You can read the Eulogy for Mark on his official website.

R.I.P Mark Reale.

[Loudwire]