Stuck in the middle of a legal battle, there are two bands currently calling themselves Queensryche – one version features original lead singer Geoff Tate with a bunch of hired guns (including bassist Rudy Sarzo), the other version features original members Michael Wilson (guitars), Eddie Jackson (bass), and Scott Rockenfield (drums) with new singer Todd La Torre. To make things more confusing, both versions are currently touring but only one is stopping at The Newport this week.
Now, here’s the thing … I’m definitely a fan of the band’s earlier work (up through Empire) and I’ve interviewed Geoff Tate in the not-so-distant past, but he’s not coming out of this thing looking very good – a mix of arrogance and general douchebaggery abounds (see: Geoff Tate takes iPhone from fan and throws it into the audience at the 10:21 mark, Geoff Tate asks fans to film themselves slamming the his new Queensryche album). And yet, the promise of hearing Operation:Mindcrime in full (with the original singer) might be worth any shenanigans that happen on YouTube or even at the show.
The Tate-led version of Queensryche is at the Newport on June 19. Tickets are $25.
