Author Bio

Brian Heaton has been a professional writer since 1998. He started his career as a journalist, covering sports and fitness for two trade publications in New York. He became an attorney, only to return the world of journalism after a five-year stint in political communications for a local government organization in California. He currently covers technology legislation and policy for a publication geared toward the public-sector.

In the world of Queensrÿche, Brian is best known as the founder and administrator of The Breakdown Room, a Queensrÿche fan community that was online from 2004-2014. During its decade-long run, the discussion forum served as both a neutral platform for fans to talk about the band without being censored by Queensrÿche's management (Susan Tate) and for those who were disenchanted with the "Tateryche" era of the band.

In addition, The Breakdown Room was the first site to provide open access to all the legal documents of the Queensrÿche lawsuit. This enabled everyone to read for themselves about the disconnect between Geoff Tate, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Michael Wilton and what led to their split. When Jackson, Rockenfield and Wilton were awarded the rights to the Queensrÿche name in a settlement with Tate in 2014, Heaton closed The Breakdown Room, citing a desire to move on after a tumultuous two years of fan wars spurred by the legal battle.

AnybodyListening.net is Heaton's definitive historical retrospective about Queensrÿche's original five-member lineup of Chris DeGarmo, Jackson, Rockenfield, Tate and Wilton. But it also stands as Brian's tribute to the band and fellow fans.

When Heaton's not writing or attending metal and hard rock shows in his area, you can most likely find him on the lanes of his local bowling center. He has been a member of the Professional Bowlers Association since March 2014.