The Kelly Gray Era (1998-2001)

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The departure of Queensrÿche guitarist and chief songwriter Chris DeGarmo was a significant blow to the band in late 1997. Having relied on DeGarmo to guide the creative aspect of Queensrÿche since the band's inception, it came as a surprise to many fans when Queensrÿche announced its decision to carry on without him.

For months, two questions reverberated throughout the band's fanbase – "how and with whom?"

Initially, rumor spread that the band had discussed adding a keyboard player to its ranks, leaving Michael Wilton as the sole guitarist. Another hot stove discussion had Queensrÿche becoming a four-piece band, re-arranging songs when needed to accommodate the lineup change.

In the end, Queensrÿche broke with its mantra of always looking forward and reached into the past, emerging with fellow Seattle native Kelly Gray. Gray, the former guitarist of Myth (a band that vocalist Geoff Tate fronted prior to joining Queensrÿche) was now a successful record producer and ironically, had been slated to produce the next Queensrÿche album prior to DeGarmo's departure.

At Tate's urging, Kelly sat down for a jam session with Michael Wilton, and the duo wrote the music to "Right Side of My Mind" on the spot – a clear sign to the band that they had found the right man to follow DeGarmo. To gauge fan opinion, Queensrÿche staged two fan events – "Seattle '98" and "Seattle '99" – the latter of which included a live performance that was well received by fan club members who were able to attend.

Gray's combination of guitar playing and songwriting, knowledge of record production, and connections at major record labels (Queensrÿche had finished up a seven-album deal with EMI before the label folded in 1997) was exactly what the band needed at the time. Essentially, Kelly's involvement resurrected Queensrÿche at a time when the remaining members of the band could have moved on to other things (notably, Geoff Tate had considered joining Journey, and spent some time working on songs with band leaders Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain in early 1998 before deciding it wasn't for him).

Taking a much different approach to music than DeGarmo, Kelly focused more on rhythm and groove than the intricate guitar solos and time changes Queensrÿche was known for. The change was a drastic departure for the band, but one that ultimately got them signed to Atlantic Records. For the first time in years, the entire band sat in the studio together and wrote as a unit, reviving the band members' confidence and revitalizing their desire to play music.

With a new record deal, renewed chemistry and an album the band members believed in, Queensrÿche was reborn. The band released Q2k on Sept. 14, 1999, with "Breakdown" as the lead single sent to radio. Initially pushed hard by reps from Atlantic Records, the song appeared on modern rock stations nationwide, but was quickly dropped from rotation.

Undeterred, Queensrÿche launched its 1999-2000 "Electric Shockwaves World Tour" in Boise, Idaho, in late Oct. 1999. Playing mostly sold-out theaters in the United States, the band was received positively early-on, showing a renewed energy on stage. Performing a good chunk of Q2k, along with a generous helping of 1988's Operation: Mindcrime, the Queensrÿche "machine" appeared to be rolling along well.

The band continued the tour throughout the United States and then headed to Europe in early 2000, eventually returning stateside for more dates in the late winter, spring, and early summer. Taking a little time off, Queensrÿche hit the road again in Aug. 2000 as the direct support act of Iron Maiden on its tour in support of Brave New World.

All was not as good as it seemed, however. Fan reaction to Gray's playing style turned sour, and unknown at the time to fans, according to Geoff Tate in the liner notes of the 2006 re-release of Q2k, Kelly led a much different life on the road than the rest of the band. Said Tate:

"We were in a brand-new world, Kelly's world … Kelly lived hard and fast, and the people around him were the same. I have personally never seen as many drugs and as much alcohol consumed as when Kelly was in the band …The toll of indulgence was heavy. The band wasn't speaking, the new manager was fired, we were looking for a new record company, and three of our friends were dead. Road life is tough. It's not for everyone, and some people can't pace themselves, and then they get into trouble."

The chemistry the five band members worked so hard to develop was now ripped apart, and Queensrÿche was faced with an uncertain future.

Not surprisingly, band activity was sparse during the beginning of 2001. Although fans were told that Queensrÿche was writing a new record, no consistent updates were given. In addition, the band had separated from Atlantic Records and was in talks with the independent Sanctuary Records label about a potential deal.

The move was not unexpected. After "Breakdown" had fallen off the radio charts, Atlantic had limited its support of Q2k, as the singles "Falling Down," "Right Side of My Mind" and "Beside You" received little, if any airplay. The lack of support was noticed and loudly criticized by the fans. Clearly, both Queensrÿche and its fanbase felt it was time for the band to move on.

A number of "side projects" from the band members also started to pop-up during this time, including the tandem of Rockenfield and Gray with their new band "Slave to the System" and Geoff Tate announcing plans for a solo album. Rumors spread like wildfire that Queensrÿche was about to break up.

In the spring of 2001, however, it was announced that Queensrÿche would hold another fan club concert in Seattle on June 1, marking the band's first show since a "one-off" January appearance supporting Iron Maiden in Mexico.

The June 2001 Queensrÿche fan club show was followed in July by an announcement that the band had signed with Sanctuary Records and to celebrate the union, Queensrÿche would film two live performances at The Moore Theater in Seattle for the band's first live concert release since 1991's Operation: LIVEcrime. Titled "Live Evolution," the DVD featuring an abridged version of the two shows, while the two-CD set contained at least one version of each song performed on both nights.

Despite the good news and Queensrÿche's announcement that it would tour to support Live Evolution, the band dynamic had clearly changed. Done in an "Evening With" format in limited cities, the tour lasted for only six weeks, with the band playing around 90 minutes each night (a significant reduction from the typical two hours fans had come to expect).

In addition, it was painfully evident that something was amiss between the band members, as Kelly Gray was noticeably ignored by everyone on stage, with the exception of Scott Rockenfield.

From a personal perspective, it was an eerie feeling the night of Nov. 21, 2001, at the Beacon Theater in New York City, N.Y. With the city still reeling from the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, Queensrÿche managed to play for only 95 minutes, disappointing a crowd filled with energy and needing a release. After the final song was played, Tate, Jackson and Wilton walked off the stage, leaving Rockenfield and Gray by themselves. Fans didn't know it at the time, but it would be the last performance of Gray as a member of Queensrÿche.

Eventually, it was announced that Gray had been let go from the band. Fan reaction to this was mostly positive. As mentioned previously, most fans had tired of Gray's approach to guitar playing, which was nowhere near the clean, crisp playing style that DeGarmo and Wilton had featured for years.

Despite that criticism, the importance of Kelly Gray in Queensrÿche's history cannot be denied. In fact, fans of the band owe Kelly a debt of gratitude. Gray's pull at major record labels (due to his career as a producer) opened the door for Queensrÿche to sign with a major record label (Atlantic Records) – a big deal for a band many had considered "yesterday's news" after the grunge scene gave way to "nu-metal" in the late 1990s.

Creatively, Kelly's process of making music was exactly what Queensrÿche needed after DeGarmo's exit. While in retrospect, the band's sound was too stripped down and altered for most fans' tastes, the looser vibe and collaborative environment Kelly fostered had recharged the entire band, instilling confidence in each band member in a time of doubt, disappointment and anger.

While it was a tumultuous time in the band's history, without Kelly Gray, the foundation for Queensrÿche to emerge from the long shadow of its past would never have been established.

Copyright 2007, Brian Heaton. All Rights Reserved.

Releases

Q2k (1999)

Live Evolution CD/DVD (2001)

Special Interviews

"Coming Full-Circle with Kelly Gray" Q&A - June 2001

Photos

Q2k Promo Shot 1

Q2k Era Promo Shot 2

Live Evolution Era Promo Shot

Tour Dates

The Electric Shockwaves (Q2k) Tour (1999-2000)

DATE	LOCATION	VENUE
January 16, 1999	Seattle, WA	NAF Studios (fan club show)
October 27, 1999	Boise, ID	Bank of America
October 29, 1999	Las Vegas, NV	The Joint
October 30, 1999	Las Vegas, NV	The Joint
November 1, 1999	Seattle, WA	Paramount Theater
November 3, 1999	Spokane, WA	Spokane Opera House
November 4, 1999	Portland, OR	Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
November 6, 1999	San Jose, CA	San Jose States Events Center
November 7, 1999	Los Angeles, CA	Universal Ampitheater
November 9, 1999	San Diego, CA	Cox Arena
November 10, 1999	Mesa, AZ	Mesa Ampitheater
November 12, 1999	Salt Lake City, UT	E Center of West Valley
November 13, 1999	Denver, CO	Fillmore Auditorium
November 14, 1999	Albuquerque, NM	Kiva Auditorium
November 16, 1999	El Paso, Texas	Don Haskins Center
November 18, 1999	San Antonio, Texas	Majestic Theater
November 19, 1999	Dallas, Texas	Bronco Bowl
November 20, 1999	Houston, Texas	Aerial Theater
November 21, 1999	New Orleans, LA	House of Blues
November 23, 1999	Kansas City, MO	Memorial Hall
November 24, 1999	St. Louis, MO	American Theater
November 26, 1999	Chicago, IL	The Riviera
November 27, 1999	Milwaukee, WI	Riverside Theater
November 28, 1999	Minneapolis, MN	Roy Wilkens Auditorium
November 30, 1999	Detroit, MI	State Theater
December 2, 1999	New York City, NY	Beacon Theater
December 3, 1999	Boston, MA	Orpheum Theater
December 4, 1999	Wallingford, CT	Oakdale Theater
December 5, 1999	Providence, RI	Lupo's
December 7, 1999	Toronto, Ont., CANADA	The Warehouse
January 13, 2000	Bremen, GERMANY	Pier 2
January 14, 2000	Berlin, GERMANY	Columbiahalle
January 16, 2000	Hamburg, GERMANY	The Docks
January 17, 2000	Hamburg, GERMANY	The Docks
January 20, 2000	Ludwigshafen, GERMANY	Ebert Hall
January 21, 2000	Stuttgart, GERMANY	Boblingen Sporthalle
January 22, 2000	Zurich, SWITZERLAND	Volkshaus
January 24, 2000	Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC	Stvanice Sports Hall
January 25, 2000	Nuremberg, GERMANY	Furth Stadhalle
January 26, 2000	Munich, GERMANY	Zenith Colosseum
January 27, 2000	Milan, ITALY	Alcatraz
January 29, 2000	Neu Isenburg, GERMANY	Hugenottenhalle
January 30, 2000	Koln, GERMANY	Palladium
February 2, 2000	Brussels, BELGIUM	Ancienne Belguique
February 3, 2000	Rotterdam, HOLLAND	Ahoy
February 4, 2000	Paris, FRANCE	Elysee Montmartre
February 6, 2000	London, UK	Brixton Academy
February 7, 2000	Manchester, UK	Apollo
February 25, 2000	Cleveland, Ohio	Agora Metropolitan
February 26, 2000	Columbus, Ohio	Newport Music Hall
February 27, 2000	Indianapolis, IN	Egyptian Ballroom
February 29, 2000	Peoria, IL	Madison Theater
March 1, 2000	Evansville, IN	Victory Theater
March 3, 2000	Washington D.C.	9:30 Club
March 4, 2000	Myrtle Beach, SC	House of Blues
March 5, 2000	Raleigh, NC	Ritz Theater
March 7, 2000	Atlanta, GA	The Tabernacle
March 9, 2000	Clearwater, FL	Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 10, 2000	Orlando, FL	House of Blues
March 11, 2000	Sunrise, FL	Sunrise Music Theater
March 14, 2000	New Brunswick, NJ	State Theater
March 15, 2000	Philadelphia, PA	Electric Factory
March 17, 2000	Pittsburgh, PA	Metropol
March 18, 2000	Cincinnati, Ohio	Bogarts
March 19, 2000	Grand Rapids, MI	Orbit Room
March 21, 2000	Ft. Wayne, IN	Pierre's
March 23, 2000	Merrillville, IN	Star Plaza Theater
March 24, 2000	Chicago, IL	House of Blues
March 25, 2000	Chicago, IL	House of Blues
March 26, 2000	Chicago, IL	House of Blues
June 6, 2000	San Francisco, CA	Warfield Theater
June 7, 2000	Reno, NV	Pioneer Theater
June 9, 2000	Los Angeles, CA	House of Blues
June 10, 2000	Los Angeles, CA	House of Blues
June 11, 2000	Los Angeles, CA	House of Blues
June 12, 2000	Anaheim, CA	Sun Theater
June 14, 2000	San Diego, CA	4th & B
June 15, 2000	Phoenix, AZ	Celebrity Theater
June 16, 2000	Las Vegas, NV	House of Blues
June 17, 2000	Las Vegas, NV	House of Blues
June 25, 2000	Seattle, WA	Memorial Stadium

The Greatest Hits Tour (2000)

DATE	LOCATION	VENUE
August 5, 2000	New York City, NY	Madison Square Garden
August 6, 2000	Mansfield, MA	Tweeter Center
August 8, 2000	Hartford, CT	Meadows Music Center
August 9, 2000	Portland, ME	Cumberland Civic Center
August 11, 2000	Pittsburgh, PA	Starlake Ampitheater
August 12, 2000	Camden, NJ	Sony E Center
August 13, 2000	Scranton, PA	Coors Light Ampitheater
August 15, 2000	Clarkston, MI	Pine Knob Music Theater
August 16, 2000	Buffalo, NY	Darien Lake Ampitheater
August 17, 2000	Holmdel, NJ	PNC Bank Arts Center
August 19, 2000	St. Louis, MO	Riverpoint Ampitheater
August 20, 2000	Kansas City, MO	Sandstone Ampitheater
August 23, 2000	Cleveland, Ohio	Blossom Music Center
August 25, 2000	Chicago, IL	UIC Pavilion
August 26, 2000	Milwaukee, WI	Marcus Ampitheater
August 27, 2000	Minneapolis, MN	Roy Wilkens Amphitheater
August 29, 2000	Colorado Springs, CO	World Arena
August 30, 2000	Denver, CO	Red Rocks Ampitheater
September 1, 2000	Dallas, Texas	Smirnoff Music Center
September 2, 2000	Houston, Texas	Woodlands Pavilion
September 3, 2000	San Antonio, Texas	Sunken Garden Amphitheater
September 4, 2000	El Paso, Texas	Univ. of Texas
September 8, 2000	Alburqurque, NM	Mesa Del Sol
September 9, 2000	Phoenix, AZ	Desert Sky Pavilion
September 10, 2000	Irvine, CA	Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
September 12, 2000	San Diego, CA	Sports Arena
September 13, 2000	Los Angeles, CA	Universal Ampitheater
September 15, 2000	Bakersfield, CA	Bakersfield Convention Center
September 16, 2000	San Jose, CA	Shoreline Amphitheater
September 17, 2000	Las Vegas, NV	Aladdin Theater
September 19, 2000	Tacoma, WA	Tacoma Dome
September 20, 2000	Vancouver, BC, CANADA	Pacific Coliseum
January 9, 2001	Mexico City, MEXICO	Foro Sol

Live Evolution Tour (2001)

DATE	LOCATION	VENUE
June 2, 2001 (one-off)	Seattle, Wash.	The Showbox
June 19, 2001 (one-off)	Salt Lake City, Utah	Rocky Mountain Speedway
June 20, 2001 (one-off)	Cadot, Wis.	Unknown (festival)
July 27, 2001 (Live Evolution taping)	Seattle, Wash.	Moore Theater
July 28, 2001 (Live Evolution taping)	Seattle, Wash.	Moore Theater
October 26, 2001	Tokyo, JAPAN	Air East (cancelled)
October 27, 2001	Tokyo, JAPAN	Air East (cancelled)
October 28, 2001	Osaka, JAPAN	Bayside Jenny (cancelled)
November 1, 2001	Phoenix, AZ	Celebrity Theater
November 2, 2001	Las Vegas, NV	House of Blues
November 4, 2001	San Francisco	Warfield Theater
November 5, 2001	Los Angeles, CA	Wiltern Theater
November 6, 2001	Anaheim, CA	House of Blues
November 9, 2001	Denver, CO	Fillmore Auditorium
November 10, 2001	Albuquerque, NM	Kiva Auditorium
November 12, 2001	Dallas, Texas	Bronco Bowl
November 13, 2001	Austin, Texas	Austin Music Hall
November 16, 2001	Milwaukee, WI	The Rave
November 17, 2001	Chicago, IL	Vic Theater
November 18, 2001	Chicago, IL	Vic Theater
November 20, 2001	Boston, MA	Orpheum Theater
November 21, 2001	New York City, NY	Beacon Theater