Crystal was formed in early 1983, bringing together the talents of a diverse set of musicians. Singer/Bassist Andy Nossal and keyboardist Bill Cornish both came from backgrounds that included jazz and classical music while Grady McGrew and Rick Williams had extensive experience in the rock genre. Combining their musicianship with a large-scale sound and light show, they spent the next twelve years performing steadily in their hometown of San Diego, California as well as touring extensively through California, Nevada, Arizona, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, Alaska and Japan. During this time, Crystal opened concerts for national acts such as Kansas, Steelheart, Firehouse, Steppenwolf, Joan Jett, The Romantics, Pat Travers, Andy Taylor (formerly of Duran Duran), Foghat, Gary Ridgerath (REO Speedwagon), Head East, The Bus Boys and others.