In November of 1986 longtime friend and bassist Dave Starr and I got together with our drummer-friend Scott McKenzie. Dave wanted me to collaborate with him on a song, and the song we finished became the classic "Digital Dictator". VR was in the market for a new guitarist at the time. I auditioned, and the rest is history. Vocal legend Carl Albert joined about 1 month after I did. Together we wrote songs for the album, and in Feb. '87 we went in to Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, Ca. "Digital Dictator" was the band's second release. The album was recorded and mixed in just 3 and a half weeks and was produced by Steve Fontano and VR for Shrapnel Records. For this recording I used Ibanez electric guitars with Seymour Duncan pickups through Marshall and Gallen Kruger amplifiers. After Ibanez heard "Digital Dictator" they signed me up as an artist endorsee! This album has since become a Heavy Metal Classic amongst many fans abroad. It established the essential VR sound and marked the beginning of the exciting heavy metal guitar duo of Thorpe/McGee. The tour for "Digital Dictator" took us from Vancouver, B.C. down the west coast of the U.S., into Mexico City and Europe where we headlined the legendary Marquee club in London as well as performed at the well known Aardschock Festival with Megadeth! The critics gave "Digital Dictator" outstanding reviews. For Vicious Rumors (Carl Albert-Lead Vocals, Mark McGee-guitars & harmony vocals, Geoff Thorpe-guitars & backing vocals, Dave Starr-bass and Larry Howe- drums) this was the beginning of what would be an unforgettable journey together.