Queensrÿche: 1981-1983

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Quick Links: Releases - Band Photos - Article Scans - Misc. Scans - Tour Dates

Queensrÿche originally started out as "The Mob" - a foursome of Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield, Chris DeGarmo and Eddie Jackson. Named after the Black Sabbath song called "The Mob Rules," the group played parties and local metal fests as a cover band, initially with Geoff Tate of BABYLON on lead vocals (since The Mob had no lead singer).

Over time, the band saved up enough money working day jobs to record a four-song EP, and asked Geoff Tate to be a part of it. At this time, Geoff was in the band MYTH (with Kelly Gray and Randy "Random Damage" Gane) and his bandmates were apprehensive about Tate singing for The Mob. Tate convinced them that in the long-run, having professional experience in a studio would be beneficial, and agreed to appear on The Mob's EP.

Once the EP was completed, while the local scene buzzed over it, the band spent the better part of a year shopping it to labels with no luck. Eventually, Kim and Diana Harris of Easy Street Records, saw promise in The Mob, and convinced the four guys to sign a management contract with them. At that point, The Mob also changed its name to "Queensrÿche" and had the EP pressed on its own "206 Records" label. Just through word of mouth and the underground, the EP sold thousands of copies, finally attracting the attention of magazines and major labels. At first, Tate wouldn't leave MYTH, but when the Queensrÿche EP received a killer review in KERRANG! magazine, the EP sales shot through the roof, convincing Tate to leave MYTH for the sure success with Queensrÿche.

The band secured an opening slot for ZEBRA for two shows in late June 1983, which were in Portland and Seattle. Having won over the crowds with stunning live performances, EMI Records came calling quickly afterwards, signing the band to a seven-album record deal, launching Queensrÿche's career. Now signed, Queensrÿche went on to open for Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, and DIO in the fall of 1983 and then headed home for the holidays and to start work on the band's first full-length album.

Releases

EP

Photos

QR with Kim and Diana Harris (first managers)

Article Scans

Kerrang #36 (1982/1983)

Kerrang #49 Pt. 1 (1983)

Kerrang #49 Pt. 2 (1983)

Kerrang #77 Pt. 1 (1983)

Kerrang #77 Pt. 2 (1983)

Kerrang #77 Pt. 3 (1983)

Kerrang #77 Pt. 4 (1983)

Kerrang #77 Pt. 5 (1983)

Misc. Scans

EP Promo Poster

Tour Dates

The Mob (Pre-Queensrÿche: 1981)

DATE	LOCATION	VENUE
September 19, 1981	Bellevue, Wash.	The Palace (Lake Hills Roller Rink)
September 26, 1981	Bellevue, Wash.	The Palace (Lake Hills Roller Rink)
October 17, 1981	Everett, Wash.	701 100th SE (residential address)

The EP Tour (1983)

DATE	LOCATION	VENUE
June 29, 1983	Portland, OR	Paramount Theater
June 30, 1983	Seattle, WA	Paramount Theater
September 14, 1983	Kansas City, Mo.	Memorial Hall
September 15, 1983	Little Rock, Ark.	Little Rock Convention Center
September 16, 1983	Dallas, Texas	Bronco Bowl
September 17, 1983	San Antonio, Texas	San Antonio Convention Center Arena
September 18, 1983	Corpus Christi, Texas	Memorial Coliseum
September 19, 1983	Houston, Texas	Sam Houston Coliseum
September 20, 1983	Austin, Texas	Austin Coliseum
September 23, 1983	Lubbock, Texas	Lubbock Municipal Coliseum
September 24, 1983	Norman, Okla.	Lloyd Noble Center
October 1, 1983	Seattle, WA	Paramount Theater
October 2, 1983	Portland, OR	Paramount Theater
October 4, 1983	Sacramento, CA	Memorial Auditorium
October 5, 1983	San Jose, CA	Civic Auditorium
October 9, 1983	Reseda, CA	The Country Club
October 12, 1983	Kansas City, Mo.	The Uptown Theatre
October ??, 1983	Detroit, MI	Harpo's
October 15, 1983	Chicago, IL	Haymakers
October 16, 1983	Milwaukee, WI	Eagle's Nest
October 17, 1983	Grand Rapids, Mich.	Top of the Rock
October 21, 1983	Cleveland, Ohio	Engineer's Auditorium
October 22, 1983	Buffalo, N.Y.	Roof Top Sky Room
October 24, 1983	Boston, Mass.	Paradise Theatre
October 26, 1983	Washington D.C.	Wax Museum
October 27, 1983	Pittsburgh, PA	Stanley Theater
October 28, 1983	Baltimore, Md.	Unknown
October 29, 1983	Poughkeepsie, N.Y.	The Chance
November 1, 1983	New York City, NY	Ritz Theater
November 4, 1983	Toronto, Ont., CANADA	Concert Hall
November 5, 1983	Montreal, Que., CANADA	The Spectrum

NOTE: If you have any dates not included on here, and ticket stubs/information to prove accuracy, please e-mail me. I am always on the hunt for live photos from shows, as well as promo posters, set lists, etc.