Operation I: The Original Lineup

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Queensrÿche originally started out in 1981 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 and join 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.

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