Another Rainy Night (Without You)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a classic tonight with Another Rainy Night (Without You) by Queensrÿche from their iconic 1990 album Empire. This track, drenched in the moody vibes of a Seattle downpour, was penned by guitarist Chris DeGarmo, bassist Eddie Jackson, and vocalist Geoff Tate. According to DeGarmo, in the sleevenotes for the Japanese edition of Empire, the song captures the essence of longing while waiting in the rain, with the rain itself acting as a metaphor for loneliness. Geoff Tate, in an interview, shared that the song was inspired by the rainy weather of their hometown, Seattle, painting a picture of solitude and yearning for someone far away. The lyrics, like “Strange how laughter looks like crying with no sound / Raindrops taste like tears without the pain,” hit hard with poetic emotion, making it a standout on the album.

Some fans on platforms like SongMeanings have spun darker interpretations, suggesting the song’s protagonist might be waiting for someone who’s never coming back, possibly even deceased, with ghostly imagery in the music video—like dusty phones and a swaying figure—adding to this eerie vibe. Released as a single in November 1991, the track is part of Empire’s lineup of radio-ready hits, though it didn’t chart as high as the album’s blockbuster Silent Lucidity. Fun fact: the album’s pristine production, helmed by Peter Collins, is so spot-on that engineers use it to balance soundboards at concerts, as noted by Tate and guitarist Michael Wilton in a 2020 Billboard feature celebrating Empire’s 30th anniversary.

Now, let’s rewind to how Queensrÿche got their start. Formed in 1982 in Bellevue, Washington, the band emerged from the ashes of a local act called The Mob. The original lineup—vocalist Geoff Tate, guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield—was inspired by heavy metal titans like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Rush. They honed their progressive metal sound, blending intricate guitar work, innovative rhythms, and Tate’s multi-octave vocals. Their self-titled EP in 1983 caught the attention of EMI, leading to a record deal. By 1988, their concept album Operation: Mindcrime earned critical acclaim, cementing their status as pioneers of progressive metal alongside bands like Dream Theater and Fates Warning. Empire, released in 1990, propelled them to mainstream stardom, selling over three million copies and earning triple-platinum status.

Queensrÿche’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. The grunge wave from Seattle in the early ’90s, ironically from their own backyard, challenged their commercial success as alternative rock took over. Lineup changes, including Geoff Tate’s departure in 2012, shook things up, but the band pressed on with new vocalist Todd La Torre, continuing to tour and record. Their logo, the Tri-Ryche, designed by artist Wes “Grizz” Griswold and refined by Todd Rockenfield, remains an iconic symbol, though its origins sparked some controversy over creative credit. Today, Queensrÿche is still rocking, with a dedicated fanbase and a legacy of over 20 million albums sold worldwide.

Want to dive deeper into the Queensrÿche universe? Check out their official website at queensrycheofficial.com for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, where they often share throwbacks like their 2020 post celebrating Empire’s triple-platinum milestone. Fans can connect on community-driven sites like Metal Storm, which hosts forums and news, or join the Queensrÿche Fans Facebook group to swap stories and setlists with fellow devotees. Keep those dials locked to THE ZOO, Zoo Freaks, for more epic tunes and tales!