Queensryche & Geoff Tate part ways

Posted on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 12:38:38 EST

According to Billboard.com, QUEENSRŸCHE has officially parted ways with vocalist Geoff Tate, and have replaced him by CRIMSON GLORY/RISING WEST singer Todd La Torre.

"Over the past few months, there have been growing creative differences within Queensryche. We want our fans to know that we hoped to find a common resolution, but in the end parting ways with Geoff was the best way for everyone to move forward in a positive direction," drummer Scott Rockenfield said in a statement. "We wish him the best of luck with all of his future endeavors. We can't wait to bring Queensryche to our fans with Todd behind the microphone."

The statement also said that scheduled Queensrÿche performances "are on hold at [the] present time and revised routing is being worked on. Fans can check the band's website for all of the latest tour information as it [becomes] available.

Tags: Queensryche

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by KISSmaniac on June 20, 2012 at 2:01pm

I can't imagine Queensryche without Geoff. This sucks!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by xDarKxRaveNx on June 20, 2012 at 2:05pm

to be honest, it seems a m i r a c l e ta me that many of the older bands/members DO stay together after so many years, etc.......(people change - they get families - blah bla blaaaa)

but

maybeeeeeeee if tons of fans voice their ways, things may change back?

it is what it is in S H O W B U S I N E S S

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by kat on June 20, 2012 at 2:10pm

I am stunned and sadden by this I like this band what good would the new singer do? I know he won't sound like Geoff tate at least there are videos to remember them by

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by xDarKxRaveNx on June 20, 2012 at 2:19pm

i wonder IF this is gonna jack up the prices/rarity of the OLD collections/albums?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by KISSmaniac on June 20, 2012 at 7:20pm

I recently saw a vinyl copy of Rage for Order in excellent condition for $75, almost bought it because I was going to a meet and greet with Geoff. Glad I got my Operation Mindcrime CD autographed!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Van Alan on June 20, 2012 at 7:50pm

When Tate played Utah with the Scorpions, he was with a solo (orchestra) band, the rest of his band was doing the Rising West thing (I think in Vegas).

The Scorpions Queensryche show was June 11th here. The bill was slated as Queensryche and Scorpions. This was the start of the split.

I guess the show was still good with just Tate, I couldn't go cause of the work schedule. Refunds were available, if people wanted them.

I'm not sure, but from what clips I've seen on the interent, it seems part of the band wanted to do the harder rocking, older material, Rising West is now Queensryche? While Tate wanted to still do the Queensryche songs, but sound a bit more mature and probably play more newer songs.

Anyway, I am either going to go see a Beach Boys show (for the 4th of July) or Kansas (also around the 4th). Not sure which? And I still have an Iron Maiden ticket.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Van Alan on June 20, 2012 at 7:56pm

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/queensryche-form-rising-wes...

Queensryche future unclear as band form Rising West without Tate.

The future of prog metal giants Queensryche is in doubt after the band announced plans to tour and record with Crimson Glory singer Todd La Torre in Geoff Tate’s place.

Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Parker Lundgren have teamed up with La Torre to form Rising West. They’ll play tracks from the first five Queensryche albums and aim to start work on their own record in the coming weeks.

Tate, meanwhile, is concentrating on his solo career.

Speculation has increased recently that the band were experiencing internal tensions, with unconfirmed reports of arguments, secret meetings and outbursts of violence. Tate surprised fans by telling them: “You suck!” at the Rocklahoma festival last weekend.

A band spokesman tells Classic Rock: “The fact of the matter is that Geoff Tate is concentrating on his acoustic solo performances this summer, while the other members of the band have formed Rising West. Everyone wants to stay busy, try new things and do what they do best: rock in front of the masses. Queensryche are slated to perform select dates throughout the year.”

But the band’s official website and social media channels carried no statement regarding the Rising West shows, while continuing to promote Tate’s solo tour and his range of wines.

Asked about his take on the situation, La Torre tells BraveWords: “I don’t know the dynamics within the band.”

He adds: “We’re going to be covering the first EP all the way up to Empire with a high energy show for the fans. No one else has performed these songs with the the band so it’s a huge honour for me. Geoff Tate is doing his solo stuff and that’s great. Everyone has to branch out.

“Geoff Tate is one of the best and created a style of singing. A lot of guys can sing the notes but it’s about the tone, the texture. I will deliver to the best of my ability.”

Rising West make their debut appearances on June 8 and 9 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle. La Torre, who says there are no plans to retire Crimson Glory, has released a recording of his rendition of Queenrsyche classic Queen of the Ryche.