Mark's legacy with Vicious Rumors defined the band's reputation as pioneers of the genre known as 'Power Metal'.

His songwriting, guitar work, harmony vocals and production contributions were signature elements in the bands sound.

To this day his performances and style are revered throughout the metal community. This period of VR including vocal legend Carl Albert (R.I.P.) is held in high esteem around the world and cherished by new and longtime fans.

 

In Fall of 1986 shortly after departing from Starcastle, Mark met with friend and VR bassist Dave Starr. Dave mentioned that VR was eager to find a new guitarist for the band and asked Mark to get together for a writing session between the two of them at the legendary 'Practice Pad' rehearsal studios. Drummer Scott McKenzie was invited to come along to provide a backbone for their jam session. The result was the song 'Digital Dictator' with Dave offering the main riff and Mark penning the music for the choruses and solo sections. Mark was asked to officially audition for the band and while Mark wasn't intending to go in that musical direction at the time, he decided to check it out and was immediately asked to join the band.

 

By 1987 rehearsals were in full swing with Dave, Mark, vocalist Gary St Pierre, drummer Larry Howe and guitarist Geoff Thorpe the band founder.  Following about a month of rehearsals new singer Carl Albert was invited down to check it out and would join the band replacing St Pierre as the VR frontman. This cemented what is now thought of as the Classic VR lineup.​ An impactful songwriting chemistry was quickly forged between McGee and Thorpe and with only one album remaining in their contract with Shrapnel Records, they hit the studio to record their second album 'Digital Dictator'. Receiving rave reviews worldwide, it remains historic and groundbreaking! With tour dates to follow including their first trip overseaAn impactful songwriting chemistry was quickly forged between McGee and Thorpe. With only one album left to record for Shrapnel Records, the band hit the studio to record their second album 'Digital Dictator'.

 

Released in February 1988, 'Digital Dictator' receives rave reviews worldwide knocking the biggest artists of the metal charts for the top spots. To this day it is considered one of the greatest Metal records ever and regarded as historic and groundbreaking! With tour dates to follow including their first trip overseas, the bands buzz was spreading like wildfire. After appearing at the legendary Marquee Club in London, the press went wild on VR and the word was out.

 

Now in 1989 and in search of a new record deal, the band performed relentlessly doing many showcases up and down California. They would soon meet their new Manager Bob Zemsky who was a unique character and became integral in helping the band secure a seven record contract with Atlantic Records. The band was ecstatic and dreams were coming reality. After reviewing various producers the band hired Michael Rosen who was known for his amazing work with legend Todd Rundgren and many others. The Atlantic debut dropped in 1990 and the first video single 'Don't Wait for Me' enjoyed plays on MTV's 'Headbanger's Ball', the worldwide debut was introduced to the public by guitar wiz and guest host, Steve Vai. This explosive, aggresive song resonated with the Metal scene unlike the glam metal that began saturating the airwaves. The band gained video rotation worldwide and soon they were off to tour the USA as well as a tour across Europe with Death Angel and Forbidden gracing stages like the epic Hammersmith Odeon in London!

 

While writing on the road VR quickly returned to the studio to record the follow up, 'Welcome to the Ball'. This album took no prisoners and could be the bands finest hour! Nominated for a Bay Area Music Awards in 1992 in the  'Outstanding Metal Album' category alongside Metallica and Tesla, it showcased the tightness and musicianship only gained by a working band out on the road! The album also spawned the music video for the incomparable song 'Children'. Directed by the young and up and coming 'Gore Verbinski' (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Ring), the video garnered even more support from MTV (worldwide) as the band hit the road for their longest tour to date. Crisscrossing across the US with a six week European tour with 'Savatage' then topping it off with a headlining, sold out tour of Japan.

 

​The bands 3rd release for Atlantic Records was their first live album 'Plug In and Hang On / Live in Tokyo."

Recorded with a mobile unit at their performances in Kawasaki, Japan (aka Tokyo) at Club Citta concert hall. The album is in your face and honest with the spirit of the band firmly intact and running on all cylinders. These were the highest of highs for the band as their future seemed unstoppable. Upon returning home to America from this iconic experience, it seemed that the Grunge era was seriously taking hold and soon major and independent record labels began shifting towards this new low grade trend as metal acts began to get cut from their record deals with VR becoming one of the many casualties of the music industry.

​

Once again they played constantly and dove into the writing process to prepare a new album. However tensions brewed within the band and certain members were not always present. Thorpe was stricken with carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists and completely out of action. McGee navigated the band with Starr and Howe to keep productivity going but it was clear that aside from directing the music, his hands were full as the rift between Starr and Howe was widening. Aside from the inner dynamics, things progressed, Thorpe would return and recover and the final music preparations were ready as studio time for the 'Word of Mouth' album was booked. However by Dec 1993 the band was forced to make an extremely tuff decision and parted ways with longtime bassist Dave Starr. Vocalist Carl Albert suggested his former Vilian bandmate Tommy Sisco and after auditioning he was added into the fold.

 

1994's 'Word of Mouth' is a more artist driven record and features some of the most iconic songs ever to be recorded by the band. Songs like 'Thunder & Rain pt 1&2', 'No Fate', 'All Rights Reserved' and McGee's melancholy acoustic piece and album closer 'Music Box'. McGee plays Bass on six of the albums tracks with Sisco handling the rest.

Two music videos were produced, 'The Voice' directed by Les Spring and 'Against the Grain' directed by McGee's life long friend John Lucasey. "The Voice" features a duet style vocal arrangement with Carl and Mark trading off on leads and the song's title has become synonymous with stratospheric vocalist Albert.  What many people are unaware of, is that the lyrics, penned by McGee were actually about Mark's personal musical journey with VR up until that time. The band would unknowingly go out for their final tour together with McGee and Albert in the band, the 'Ultimate Power Force' tour of 1994. The 2 month tour throughout Europe was originally to be 'Metal Church', 'Riot', 'VR' & 'Killers' (w/ Iron Maiden's Paul Dianno) but unfortunately, at the last minute Riot was unable to do it and 'Zodiac Mindwarp' from the UK filled the opening slot. VR & Killers would flip flop from night to night for the 2nd and 3rd slots while Metal Church closed the shows.

​

Upon returning home in Spring of 1995, and as his lyrics in 'The Voice' foretold, Mark departed from the band to explore more diverse musical ventures. The band was very sad to hear this news and they tried intently to persuade him to stay, but Mark's path was clear. It was tuff on their friendship and only time could be the healer. Fortunately Carl and Mark would spend time together shortly afterwards and mend any lingering feelings leaving everything great between them. Then tragically only three weeks later, Carl was killed in a bizarre car crash and McGee ironically being the last member of the band to speak with right before he stepped into his car before that fatal drive. The metal/music world was shocked and devastated! Then awkwardly the band was thrown back together by Carl's side in his hospital room.

Carl was a truly genuine and sweet human. So funny, so kind and wonderful to be around! Always going out of his way to make everyone around him feel good and happy! A magical, bringer of light!

 

With VR, Mark performed in more than 20 countries around the world. Festivals, theaters and clubs to crowds as big as 40,000 people. In their time together they shared the stage with artists like Paul Stanley (Kiss), Blue Oyster Cult,  Megadeth, Zakk Wylde and many others! VR's story from 1986 to 1995 was an epic tale of passion, hard work, success, joy and tragedy. History was made, amazing times were had and classic albums remain for the world to enjoy!