Did You Know...

Queensryche got their start in 1981 with Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo, who were accomplished guitarists and known for playing in bands around Seattle, Washington. They soon incorporated Eddie Jackson on bass and Scott Rockenfield on drums, adding vocalist Geoff Tate to complete the line-up. The band was signed to EMI in 1983 and they released their self-titled debut album the same year.

The next two albums sold well, The Warning in 1984 and Rage for Order in 1986, and Queensryche's sound evolved from intense grinding metal into contemplative and progressive hard rock. The album that brought them to the attention of rock music fans worldwide was Operation: Mindcrime, which was a hit with audiences and received rave reviews. It was an elaborate concept album that remained a top seller for over a year. The band had already done successful tours with Bon Jovi and Metallica, but now they had proved they could do it on their own.

The early '90s proved to be the biggest years for Queensryche with the release of Empire and their breakout stardom on MTV with the songs 'Jet City Woman' and the title track. In the U.S., the single 'Silent Lucidity' reached number five on the charts and it was one of radio's most played rock songs. In 1991 the band joined the Monsters of Rock tour, did film soundtracks, and released a live version of Operation: Mindcrime.