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

His songwriting, guitar prowess, harmony vocals and production contributions were defining elements in VR's signature sound. To this day his performances and style are revered and this period of the band with Mark and vocal legend Carl Albert (R.I.P.) is what all other versions of the band are measured against.

 

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' received rave reviews worldwide knocking the biggest artists of metal charts for the top spots. To this day it's 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. After performing 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 song resonated with the Metal scene unlike the glam that began saturating the airwaves. Receiving video rotation worldwide, they were soon off to tour the USA as well as Europe with Death Angel and Forbidden even gracing stages like the 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 as the band headed out for their longest tour to date. Crisscrossing across the US with six weeks in Europe co-headling with Florida's 'Savatage', then topping it off with a headlining, sold out tour of Japan. The band would record the shows in Kawasaki, Japan (aka Tokyo) at Club Citta concert hall with a mobile recording unit and it would become their third release for Atlantic Records titled 'Plug In and Hang On / Live in Tokyo." 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.

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In 1993 the band toured across the US as song ideas were being prepared for the soon to be 'Word of Mouth' album. However tensions were growing within the band and some members were not always present. Thorpe became stricken with carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists and was completely out of action. McGee navigated the band with Starr and Howe but it was clear that aside from directing the music, his hands were full managing the widening rift between Howe and Starr. Aside from the inner dynamics, things still progressed and Thorpe would eventually recover and return in time for the final preparations. Soon the studio sessions for the 'Word of Mouth' album were booked but by December the band was forced to make an extremely tuff decision and decided to part ways with longtime bassist Dave Starr. Carl then suggested his former bandmate Tommy Sisco and after auditioning, the band welcomed him into the fold.

 

Over time 1994's 'Word of Mouth' has become regarded as perhaps the strongest, most artistic statement in the bands discography featuring the iconic songs 'Thunder & Rain pt 1&2', 'No Fate' and 'All Rights Reserved'. McGee plays the Bass on 'All Right's Reserved', 'Thunder & Rain pt. 1 & 2', 'Sense of Security' (the middle solo section), 'Building #6' and Ministry of Fear"

with Sisco on the remaining tracks. 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 on 'The Voice', penned by McGee were actually about Mark's personal 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 two month tour of Europe was originally '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 in as the shows opener. VR & Killers flip flopped from night to night for the 2nd and 3rd slot with Metal Church closing the shows. An incredible tour!

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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.

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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 dozens of 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 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 and amazing times were had with classic albums left for the world to enjoy!