Chris Collins (singer)
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Chris Collins is mainly known in the heavy metal world as being the first vocalist for the progressive metal band that later became known as Dream Theater. Collins was chosen as their lead singer after the band heard a demo tape in which he was singing in a Queensrÿche tribute band. The band was impressed with his ability to hit very high notes. Guitarist John Petrucci states in Score that Collins was their buddy from Long Island, New York and he had never previously been a singer (said Petrucci, "I guess he was aspiring to be a singer."). When the band returned from Berklee, they were surprised to hear Collins sing like Geoff Tate. After joining Dream Theater still known at the time as Majesty, Collins recorded six tracks with the band. These recordings became the famous "Majesty Demos" that were mostly circulated by the band in the form of tapes given out at shows.
Collins was fired from Majesty because the band was moving in a different direction and did not think that his range would work with the music they wanted to create. His most notable contribution to the band's early years were the lyrics he wrote for the songs "Afterlife" and "Cry for Freedom"; however, neither song was ever recorded with his lyrics, and later Dream Theater singer Charlie Dominici re-wrote the lyrics to "Afterlife".
Collins largely removed himself from the musical world after Majesty, occasionally doing Dream Theater related interviews. Collins is now part of the band Winterspell which is reminiscent of bands such as Mercyful fate and Six Feet Under. Collins is the singer, guitarist, and main songwriter in the band. Winterspell is currently working on their debut album.
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