Real World

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the haunting track "Real World" by Queensrÿche from the 1993 Last Action Hero: Music From the Original Motion Picture soundtrack. This song, a collaboration between the progressive metal giants and orchestral composer Michael Kamen, was crafted specifically for the Arnold Schwarzenegger flick. Kamen, who had previously worked with Queensrÿche on their debut album The Warning (1984) and the hit single "Silent Lucidity" (1990), had a clear vision for the track. Guitarist Michael Wilton shared in an interview that Kamen requested "a real haunting ballad, but nothing too sentimental," instructing the band to start slow and then "break loose and really hit hard." The result was a dynamic, emotionally charged song that perfectly complemented the film’s intense action vibe. Fun fact: "Real World" was recorded during the sessions for Queensrÿche’s 1994 album Promised Land and later included on the 2003 remastered CD of that album, as well as the 2007 compilation Sign of the Times.

Another tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: the Last Action Hero soundtrack, featuring "Real World," was a commercial hit, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning platinum certification for selling over one million copies. Unlike the movie, which flopped at the box office, the soundtrack received rave reviews for its diverse lineup, including heavyweights like AC/DC, Alice in Chains, and Megadeth. Queensrÿche’s contribution stood out, with the single released on May 31, 1993, accompanied by a music video that dropped a month before the film’s premiere, boosting promotion for both the song and the movie. The track’s creation was a unique moment for the band, blending their signature progressive metal sound with Kamen’s orchestral flair, making it a fan favorite among Queensrÿche devotees.

Now, let’s dive into how Queensrÿche got their start. Hailing from Bellevue, Washington, the band formed in 1982, evolving from a local group called The Mob. The original lineup featured guitarists Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo, drummer Scott Rockenfield, bass guitarist Eddie Jackson, and lead vocalist Geoff Tate. The Mob had been cutting their teeth on covers of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, but things took a turn when Tate, who was fronting progressive bands Babylon and Myth, joined for a demo recording. The demo, featuring the song "Queen of the Reich," caught fire after a glowing review in Kerrang! magazine, thanks to a friend of their manager Kim Harris. With the name "Queensrÿche" adopted to avoid Nazi connotations from the original spelling "Queensreich," the band released their self-titled EP in 1983 on their independent label, 206 Records. The EP’s success led to a deal with EMI America, launching their rise in the progressive metal scene.

Queensrÿche’s breakthrough came with their 1988 concept album Operation: Mindcrime, often hailed as one of the greatest heavy metal concept albums ever, followed by the commercially successful Empire (1990). With over 20 million albums sold worldwide, including 6 million in the U.S., the band became a cornerstone of progressive metal alongside Dream Theater and Fates Warning. Despite lineup changes, including Tate’s departure in 2012 and the addition of vocalist Todd La Torre, Queensrÿche continues to tour and record, delivering high-energy performances with influences from Pink Floyd, Queen, and Iron Maiden.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Queensrÿche, check out their official website at queensrycheofficial.com. Follow them on social media for the latest updates: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join the vibrant community at the Queensrÿche Fans Facebook group or visit fan-driven sites like Metal Storm and Progarchives for discographies, reviews, and forums. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!