Mark's involvement with Vicious Rumors was integral in solidifying the band's reputation as pioneers of 'Power Metal'.

 

His songwriting, guitar playing, harmony vocals and production contributions were defining elements in the bands signature sound. To this day this period of the band with Mark and Carl Albert (R.I.P.) is revered and is what all other incarnations of the band are measured against.

 

In Fall of 1986, shortly after his departure from Starcastle, Mark bumped into friend and VR bassist Dave Starr who mentioned that VR was eager to find a new guitarist and he extended an invitation to Mark for a get together and jam. The meeting took place at the Bay Area rehearsal studio complex known as the 'Practice Pad'. Mark invited his former drummer Scott McKenzie to come along and provide a backbone for their session. The result was the song 'Digital Dictator' with Dave writing the main riff and Mark penning the music for the chorus and solo sections. Mark was asked to audition for the band and while he wasn't really planning to go in that direction, he decided to check it out and was instantly asked to join.

 

By 1987 rehearsals were in full swing with Dave, Mark, vocalist Gary St Pierre, drummer Larry Howe and guitarist Geoff Thorpe. Following a couple of months of rehearsals, vocalist Carl Albert was then invited in to check it out and would  replace St Pierre as the VR frontman. This cemented what is now thought of as the definitive 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 quickly hit the studio to record the 'Digital Dictator' album. 

 

In February 1988, 'Digital Dictator' was released and 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.

 

In 1989 while on the search for a new record deal, the band performed relentlessly performing showcases up and down the California coast. They soon met music Manager Bob Zemsky and he was integral in helping the band secure a seven record contract with Atlantic Records. The band was absolutely ecstatic as dreams were becoming reality. After reviewing various producers for their Atlantic debut, the band chose Michael Rosen who's work with Todd Rundgren and others cemented their decision. Released in 1990 their major label debut was powerful and strong. The first music video single 'Don't Wait for Me' received spins on MTV's 'Headbanger's Ball'worldwide and was introduced to the public by guitar wiz and MTV guest host Steve Vai. The explosive song resonated with the Metal scene as it was unlike the many glam metal bands saturating the airwaves and ultimately it enjoyed video rotation worldwide. They soon began touring the USA with follow up tours throughout Europe with fellow Bay Area bands Death Angel and Forbidden, even gracing the stages of the iconic 'Hammersmith Odeon' in London!

 

While writing on the road VR quickly returned to the studio to record the bands follow up release for Atlantic titled 'Welcome to the Ball'. This album took no prisoners and was nominated for 'Outstanding Metal Album' at 1992's Bay Area Music Awards alongside Metallica and Tesla. The album showcased the seamless, tight style and musicianship only gained by a working band that's been out on the road! The album also spawned the music video for the very special song 'Children'. Directed by a young, 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 they crisscrossed the US for months, spent six weeks in Europe on the legendary co-headling jaunt with Florida's 'Savatage', and then topped it off with a headlining, sold out tour of Japan! The shows in Kawasaki, Japan (aka Tokyo) at Club Citta concert hall were recorded with a mobile truck unit and a portion of the shows were released as their third album for Atlantic titled 'Plug In and Hang On / Live in Tokyo." This album is a raw and in your face collection of performances with the spirit of the band firmly intact and running on all cylinders. This moment in time was the highest of highs for the band and their future seemed unstoppable. Upon returning home to America it seemed the Grunge era had seriously taken hold before you could blink an eye many major and independent record labels were shifting towards the new trend. Metal acts famous and on the rise began getting released from record company rosters and sadly VR become one of the many casualties of the music industry.​

 

In 1993, now as an indie artist, the band toured across the US as the song ideas for their next album 'Word of Mouth' were being prepared.  After returning home Geoff Thorpe was suddenly stricken with carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists and was completely out of action. McGee was left at the helm to navigate the forward motion of band, but it became clear that aside from composing and 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 eventually recovered and returned in time for the final preparations. Soon the studio sessions were booked but by December the band was forced to make an extremely tuff decision and parted ways with longtime bassist Dave Starr. Carl then suggested his former bandmate Tommy Sisco and after a powerful audition, the band welcomed him into the fold. They soon again headed into there studio with Michael Rosen to record their next album 'Word of Mouth'. As they moved through this transition, McGee would step up and record over half of the albums Bass tracks including 'All Right's Reserved', 'Thunder & Rain pt. 1 & 2', 'Sense of Security' (the middle solo section), 'Building #6', Ministry of Fear" and various other sections on the remaining tracks with Sisco completing the rest.  Released in 1994 it was an amazing follow up to the bands previous outing, 'Welcome to the Ball' and it clearly takes a new, bold and adventurous step forward expanding on its vintage sound. The album was a re-birth of sorts for the band and it propelled them out of a challenging time and into new territory. It's now become regarded as perhaps the strongest artistic statement in the bands discography. Featuring iconic songs like 'No Fate',  'Thunder & Rain pt 1 & 2',  'All Rights Reserved' and 'The Voice' it was an epic link in the bands powerful musical story. "The Voice" with it's duet vocal arrangement, presents Carl and Mark trading lead vocals on the verses and then coming together for their classic vocal harmonies (a VR staple) for the rest of the song. The song's title has become synonymous with the bands beloved stratospheric vocalist Carl Albert but what many people don't know is that the lyrics were penned by McGee and are actually about Mark's personal journey in VR up until that time. Two music videos were produced, 'The Voice' a collaboration with Leslie Spring and 'Against the Grain' with McGee's life long friend John Lucasey. The band would unknowingly go out for their final tour with McGee and Albert in the band on the incredible 'Ultimate Power Force' tour. From 1994/95 this incredible tour throughout Europe was originally to be 'Metal Church', 'Riot', 'VR' & 'Killers' (featuring Iron Maiden's Paul Dianno) but unfortunately at the last minute, Riot was unable to participate and the UK's  'Zodiac Mindwarp' would fill in as the opening act. VR & Killers flipped back and forth from night to night for the 2nd and 3rd slot with Metal Church closing 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 sad to hear the news and they tried intently to persuade him to stay but Mark's path was clear. It was tuff on their friendship but time would be a healer. Fortunately Carl and Mark would spend some private time together shortly afterwards and any lingering feelings were mended leaving everything great between them. And then tragically only three weeks later, Carl was taken after being killed in a bizarre car crash. McGee's final visit with Carl was ironically right before he stepped into his car for that fatal drive making Mark the last person to speak with him. Then awkwardly the band was thrown back in each others presence only to be gathered together at Carl's bedside in his hospital room.​ The music world and metal community was shocked, saddened and devastated when hearing the news!  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!