My Two Favorite Ghosts of Progressive Metal Haven’t Said “Boo”
"Hopefully these two great ghosts of progressive metal
will manifest themselves for a final farewell."
 |
| A well-respected progressive metal guitarist and keyboardist have entirely disappeared from the world of music in recent years to the dismay of many fans. |
With the Halloween season upon us, it seems like a perfect opportunity – or, should I say, a wicked good time – to discuss my all-time favorite “ghosts” within the progressive metal genre: Chris DeGarmo and Kevin Moore.
DeGarmo, of course, was the primary songwriter and lead guitarist for Queensrÿche (also known as the “thinking man’s metal band”) from its inception through its commercial peak in the 1990s. He penned a number of the band’s biggest hits – including the Grammy-nominated power ballad, “Silent Lucidity” – before suddenly leaving the group after a tour for their sixth studio album in 1997.
Moore, meanwhile, was the original keyboardist for progressive metal pioneers Dream Theater as well as the lyricist for the group’s greatest hit, “Pull Me Under,” which peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart in 1992. He left the band abruptly in the midst of its commercial breakthrough and just prior to the release of their third studio album, Awake, in 1994.
Of course, Moore was also the brains behind the beautiful “Space-Dye Vest,” a dark and haunting piano ballad that is the last track on Awake and is considered by many to be his signature song.
Needless to say, the incomparable DeGarmo and Moore were both incredibly important parts of their bands’ rise to fame and ultimate success, so their losses were without a doubt disappointing for fans and band members alike. Some critics might even contend that the two groups have never been the same since their respective exits. I, for one, certainly prefer the early eras of both bands.
But, achievements aside, one of the most interesting – or, dare I say, spine-chilling – things about these two mind-blowing musicians are the spooky similarities in their stories. For example, they both unexpectedly quit after reaching their career peak and are now essentially estranged from music.
Poof!
Gone!
Hasta la vista, baby!
Sure, they’ve participated in other projects since leaving two of the genre’s most notable bands, but neither has released – or appeared on – any new music in years. DeGarmo’s last effort was a six-song EP with his daughter under the name The Rue in 2015 followed by an acoustic contribution to an Alice in Chains’ song in 2018, while Moore’s last album was OSI’s Fire Make Thunder record in 2012. Although Moore has since released a series of demos on Patreon, his last post there was back in 2021.
While I respect their desires to do something outside of music (DeGarmo reportedly became a professional pilot, while Moore is now a licensed psychiatrist), the selfish part of me thinks it’s criminal for two of the most adored artists in progressive metal history to basically shelve their skills. I mean, imagine how many gorgeous songs are just sitting inside of them. It gives me chills to think of.
The other heartbreaking part is that neither musician has even graced a stage in ages. Moore’s last performance was an hour-long solo show at a Turkish bar in 2007, while DeGarmo accompanied the daughter of late Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell as part of an Alice in Chains tribute in 2020.
They have both been instrumental to so many lives even if they never touch another instrument, but hopefully these two great ghosts of progressive metal will manifest themselves for a final farewell.
I miss you, Chris and Kevin. We all do. Give us a sign of life so we can pay our last respects.
Please say something. Anything.
Even if it’s just a simple “boo.”
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