For more than 30 years, the members of Queensryche focused on building an “empire,” but as the saying goes…all good things must come to an end. It’s been nearly two years since quintessential frontman, Geoff Tate, was unceremoniously ousted from the “empire” that he helped build. Devoted fans of the band were caught in the middle as Tate and the other original members of Queensryche (Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield) exchanged “killing words” in an attempt to stake their claim to the iconic band name.
The prolonged court battle for the Queensryche name resulted in the confusing scenario of having two separate entities releasing new music and touring under the same moniker simultaneously. Some fans chose sides, while others embraced both versions of the band, but the uncertainty and fighting made things bittersweet for everyone.
It took much longer than it should have, but the battle is finally over, and an amicable settlement has been made between the two opposing factions.
Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield along with new frontman Todd LaTorre and guitarist, Parker Lundgren will be the ones to write the next chapter in Queensryche’s illustrious history. However, Tate will be given the opportunity to give the band name a proper goodbye as he does one final tour as Queensryche (sort of).
Billed as Queensryche Starring Geoff Tate – The Farewell Tour, Tate will tour the country with his version of the band [Rudy Sarzo – bass, Robert Sarzo – guitar, Kelly Gray – guitar, Simon Wright – drums and Randy Gane – keyboard]. The tour commences on July 31, 2014 in Hermosa Beach, CA (see below for complete list of tour dates).
On the forthcoming tour, Tate will perform all of Queensryche’s hit songs, along with some rarities to celebrate the music that he’s enjoyed making over the past three decades.
Upon the completion of the tour, the name of the band will change, at which time they will perform under the moniker, Geoff Tate: The Voice of Queensryche. Despite the fact that the name is changing, the expectation is that the band members will remain the same.
Even though Tate didn’t end up with the right to the Queensryche name, he did retain something of tremendous value in this amicable settlement…the exclusive right to perform the concept albums Operation Mindcrime and Operation Mindcrime II as unique performances. “Mindcrime was my thing and my story, so it’s only appropriate that I keep that,” stated Tate.
Queensryche fans the world over undoubtedly wish that the amicable settlement had resulted in the original band members reuniting. However, based on the 3-part interview with Tate that was featured on Hard Rock Daddy back in August of 2013, things went about as well as can be expected.
Tickets go on sale for the majority of dates on the upcoming tour on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd.
For more information, please visit www.Queensryche.com, www.facebook.com/GeoffTateOfficial and www.twitter.com/GeoffTate.
QUEENSRYCHE STARRING GEOFF TATE / 2014 FAREWELL TOUR DATES
Wednesday, July 30 – Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, California
Thursday, July 31 – The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California
Friday, August 1 – Sycuan Casino in El Cajon, California
Saturday, August 2 – House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday, August 3 – The Canyon Club in Agoura, California
Thursday, August 7 – Strummer’s in Fresno, California
Friday, August 8 – Theatre Deville in Vacaville, California
Saturday, August 9 – Downtown Amphitheater in Morgan Hill, California
Tuesday, August 12 – Music Marathon Works in Nashville, Tennessee
Wednesday, August 13 – Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina
Thursday, August 14 – The Chop Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina
Friday, August 15 – Ziggy’s by the Sea in Wilmington, North Carolina
Saturday, August 16 – Ziggy’s in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Sunday, August 17 – Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia
Tuesday, August 19 – Trees in Dallas, Texas
Wednesday, August 20 – Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, Texas
Friday, August 22 – Rialto Theatre in Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, August 23 – Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona
Sunday, August 24 – Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tuesday, August 26 – The Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah
Thursday, August 28 – The Cotillion in Wichita, Kansas
Saturday, August 30 – Tailgaters in Bolingbrook, Illinois
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