DeGarmo News

October 1998: NEW and NOTEWORTHY: Saturday, October 17, 1998 my friend Leigh and I got to see Chris and Jerry play at the KLOL Fall Jam. Before each band's set, the station was interviewing all or part of the band due up next. Leigh and I had front row at the KLOL area when Jerry came out. Before this, we had spoken with a producer for the radio station who did not even know Chris was with Jerry. When we told him, he freaked :) Anyway, to make a long story short (too late) The DJ asked Jerry about Chris, and he went on and on about him, then paused and went "he's like, my best friend, man.". I believe these are his exact words, however, it WAS very noisy (there was a band playing in the near background, and a huge crowd). Just thought I'd share this lil tid bit with you all. As far as a "review" of their set...they kicked ass!! Chris was featured more prominently than he was when we saw them back in early August opening up for Metallica. They were tight and loud. I wanted MORE, but alas...it was a festival..... Maybe next time perhaps???

Cantrell tour ends in Seattle on Halloween night.

September 1998: From Wall Of Sound's September 17th news: (Thanks to Mystii for this info!)
Jerry Cantrell Announces Club Tour
As Metallica's opening act, he's just finished warming up arenas across the country, and now Jerry Cantrell is going to bring his show to much smaller, intimate venues, kicking off Oct. 1 in Minneapolis, Minn., and running for the entire month before winding down with two shows in Cantrell's hometown of Seattle, Wash. The Alice In Chains guitarist continues to support his first solo album, 'Boggy Depot', released in April. Joining Cantrell on the road will be Chris DeGarmo, former Queensryche guitarist, bassist Nick Rhinehart, and onetime Fishbone keyboard maven Chris Dowd. Cantrell's AIC mate Sean Kinney will take his place behind the drum kit. Flight 16 has been confirmed as the opening act for all shows.

August 3, 1998 Taken from SiD , news about the "famous" tattoo:
After the Metallica show in San Antonio, Felix Garcia of the Rio Grande Promised Land empire reported that Chris now has a new tattoo in black ink where his red tri-ryche used to be. Becky in Houston also saw this at the Woodlands show. Thanks to Felix and Becky for the news!

August 1, 1998: Some VERY interesting news from SiD
When Chris DeGarmo left Queensrÿche, everyone involved - and quite a few others in the Seattle music scene - insisted that everyone was on good terms. Six months later, though, it looks like sentiments may be cooling down. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, reliable sources within the 'Ryche camp have told me that Chris has indeed had his tri-ryche tattoo removed. The same sources also hinted that Chris may be legally asserting his share of the copyrights on songs he co-wrote, which would have far-ranging implications on Queensrÿche's ability to perform or record those songs in the future, or even include them on "best of" releases. You may remember that a Japanese "best of" release was cancelled this spring after Chris left - the odds are very good that copyright issues played a role in that abrupt cancellation

June 2, 1998 Taken from Jerry Cantrell's Official Page First confirmation that Chris had joined up with Jerry for his opening stint with Metallica!
JERRY GETS A BAND (snip) For his first tour as a solo artist, Cantrell has put together a touring ensemble together featuring Chris DeGarmo, formerly of Queensryche, on guitar; Nick Rhinehart, from the Seattle-based Old Lady Litterbug, on bass; Chris Dowd, formerly of Fishbone, on keyboards; and Jerry's Alice In Chains bandmate Sean Kinney on drums.

May 1998: Hearing rumors that Chris has hooked up with Jerry Cantrell!!

January 31, 1998: Also taken from SiD :
Dave Hill, a drummer who's worked with Peter Cornell for the last five years - including an occasional gig with Chris when Peter's hand was broken - offered the following thoughts on Chris's departure from Queensrÿche and the rumors of association with Peter: "I am sorry to say though that Chris is not officially, or unofficially playing with us. He has not committed to playing with us. We have not committed to playing with him. "Chris DeGarmo is a great guy and I wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do. He writes music daily in his basement and has as much passion for music and the art of making music as anyone I know. He will surface with some band soon. He has too much drive and way too much talent to fade away."

January 30, 1998: Chris' Official Statement from Screaming in Digital:
Chris DeGarmo contacted Screaming in Digital today with this statement:
"I thought I might clear up a misconception or two. I did decide to end my participation in Queensrÿche in mid-November '97 (the South America shows were previously committed to). My decision had nothing to do with Peter Cornell. I am very proud of everything we (QR) have created and achieved together. I wish each member individually, and collectively, the very best. I love them, they are like brothers."

January 27, 1998: Official word about Chris' departure taken from an Empire newsletter. "On 1/27/98, at 8:52 PM, QR EMPIRES wrote: (snip) BAD NEWS FIRST: Let me start off by telling you the Chris DeGarmo has departed from the band.. The news will be out shortly of his recent departure, and his new venture with Peter Cornell. This is devasting news, I know.. No doubt, a sad day for Queensryche fans around the world.... and more so for the rest of the band..... I know that many of you might want to send cards or letters to Chris, that's cool... just send them on like you normally would, and we will make sure that they get to him... He will surely be missed........"

January 1998: Still hearing rumors about Chris leaving the band.

December 1997: I began hearing rumors that Chris had left the band.