Let me think now… the year 1984. What pops into my head first and foremost was how awesome it was to be a young music fan at that time.
I was 14 years old and in my second year of attending concerts with my cousin and older siblings. That particular year I saw Ozzy Osbourne’s Bark At The Moon tour, Rush’s Grace Under Pressure tour, Twisted Sister’s Stay Hungry tour, and finally, Dio on The Last In Line tour. It was my first time seeing all four acts.
Somewhere in between the Twisted Sister and Dio shows (around October 1984), I came across a new band in Hit Parader magazine called Queensryche. Before I ever heard a note of the band’s music, I remember being intrigued by journalist Andy Secher’s description of them as being “a sonic cross between Judas Priest and Rush.”
At that time, Queensryche had just released its full-length debut album, The Warning. A year earlier though, the band first released a self-titled four-song EP. Originally released on independent label 206 Records, eventually EMI Records would re-release it when they officially signed Queensryche in the summer of 1983.
“Yeah, those first two years of Queensryche were very memorable”, said lead guitarist and founding member Michael Wilton over the phone earlier this week– on a day off from the second leg of The Origins Tour. “It was exciting going from releasing the EP on our own label to getting signed to a major label not long after that.”
Wilton continued. “Shortly after the EP was reissued through EMI, we headed out on our first national tour with Quiet Riot. Looking back, it really was an incredible time as young musicians in our early 20s.”
On that point, touring would become a crucial factor in the band’s climb to the top. In late 1983 alone, in addition to Quiet Riot, Queensryche would also open (separate tours) for Dio and Twisted Sister, respectively. And it didn’t stop there– more on that shortly.
I asked Wilton about something that Queensryche did on that first tour that, frankly, took brass balls for a young, up-and-coming (and largely unknown) band to pull off. For all intents and purposes, the band debuted a few unreleased songs on that first tour, as I said, as an opening act.
In short order, in the 1980s, it’s fair to say that simply didn’t happen with support acts. Or if it did, make no mistake, it was very rare.
By the way, in case you were wondering, some of those unreleased gems would indeed end up on The Warning the following year: Before The Storm, Child of Fire and Roads to Madness, respectively.
“Well, to be honest, we had to keep writing during that time, because the EP only had four songs”, Wilton said with a laugh. “More importantly though, we knew the material was strong and we believed in it. To us, that’s all that really matttered.”
Preparing for that first full-length album in early 1984, Wilton noted. “We recorded the album in England, which was a big deal for us. Meeting and working with James Guthrie (co-producer of Pink Floyd’s The Wall) was pretty surreal as well.”
Upon the Sept. 1984 release of The Warning, Queensryche was signed on to open for no less than three major bands for the album’s touring cycle. I’ll let Wilton tell you which ones.
“Yeah, we did another tour with Dio, this time opening their European tour– 40 or so shows, which was great. After that, we came back to America and opened for Kiss on their Animalize tour in late ’84 into 1985. They were great to us as well.”
Fun fact: Queensryche’s first time playing in Phoenix was on Feb. 6, 1985. Yes, they indeed opened for Kiss. Good times I should say.
I mentioned to Wilton that on paper, Kiss and Queensryche together was probably seen as an unusual bill by some. However, he was quick to point out that the band welcomed the opportunity.
“Yes, we went over very well with Kiss’ audience most of the time”, Wilton said. “Sure, we were polar opposites. But it was the variety of bands we toured with that made all those opening slots so cool and special. Iron Maiden at Radio City Music Hall as well— those shows were a lot of fun!”
Wilton added. “Yes, I look back to that time and realize that we were definitely fortunate for all the touring opportunities we had in those early years.”
It should be said that both the EP and The Warning are being performed in their entirety on The Origins Tour by the current incarnation of Queensryche. The tour arrives in Phoenix this Wed. Nov. 6 at Celebrity Theatre. Ticket info. is listed below.
In addition to the two remaining original members (lead guitarist Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson), the band today also consists of lead vocalist Todd La Torre, guitarist Mike Stone, and drummer Casey Grillo.
Wilton sounded like a proud papa regarding the latest tour.
“This tour has been fantastic”, he said. “Our fans are so happy that we went “old school” for this. I look out at the audience and see those “Oh my God!” reactions on their faces to songs that some of them maybe haven’t heard in a long time.”
He continued. “Also, the band is firing on all cylinders. We’re all friends and we get along great. The musicianship is top notch, which is something that’s always the number one priority for Queensryche.”
Some of you might be wondering which songs are Wilton’s favorites to play live on the current trek— so I asked him.
“Oh, the deep cuts”, Wilton stated happily. “I’d say Before The Storm, Deliverance, and Blinded are a lot of fun to play. Roads To Madness as well. The fans are lovin’ it— and so are we.”
Listening to both the EP and The Warning, I imagine it’s not easy for La Torre to sing those songs night after night. Even though he does a very credible job with them vocally.
“Oh yeah, they’re absolutely not easy to sing”, Wilton openly acknowledged. “But I’m happy to say that we’re performing those albums in the original tuning. Todd gives 100% every night, and the fans love him.”
Given that Queensryche will be playing at Celebrity Theatre for The Origins Tour, I concluded our chat by jogging Wilton’s memory about a particular incident (in Nov. 2001) at this same venue when an earlier incarnation of the band played there. It had to do with his guitar. Those who were there, I’m sure you remember it.
Wilton explained while chuckling at the memory. “Yeah, someone ran up onstage and tried to steal one of my guitars. I remember the small “in-the-round” stage very well at that venue. Anyway, we had ended the main set, and I got word from one of our crew that a “fan” just swiped my guitar, and the place just went crazy.
“Long and short of it, the guy ran out the door into the parking lot with guitar in hand, and eventually security tackled him outside about 15 minutes later. I’ll never forget it” (laughs).
By the way, there was no encore that night. Someone from the venue nervously announced that “The show’s over” after that very memorable “display”, if you will. Needless to say, there was a lot of booing going around the Celebrity that night.
To this day, I’ve never seen anything like that at a live show—since or after. Of course, in hindsight, that’s probably a good thing.
IF YOU GO:
Queensryche w/special guest Jared James Nichols are scheduled to perform THIS Wed. Nov. 6 at Celebrity Theatre.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Showtime at 7:00 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $35-$75 plus tax and service charges. All tickets are reserved seating.
