Tag: Geoff Tate
0 GEOFF TATE Reveals KINGS & THIEVES Cover Artwork and Track Listing
GEOFF TATE, the acclaimed voice of Queensryche, will release his second solo album, KINGS & THIEVES, on November 6, 2012 in North America. KINGS & THIEVES will be TATE’s first solo album in more than a decade and his debut release for InsideOut Music. As one of the most well-known and respected vocalists in the history of hard rock and heavy metal, GEOFF TATE has sold over 20 million records and received four Grammy nominations. It is with much excitement that he reveals both the track listing and cover artwork for KINGS & THIEVES:
KINGS & THIEVES Track List:
01. She Slipped Away
02. Take A Bullet
03. In The Dirt
04. Say U Luv It
05. The Way I Roll
06. Tomorrow
07. Evil
08. Dark Money
09. These Glory Days
10. Change
11. Waiting
GEOFF TATE will head out this October for a full tour in support of KINGS & THIEVES, including a 7-date Canadian run with metal legend ALICE COOPER. More dates are constantly being added and a list of currently confirmed dates can be seen below.
Tour Dates:
10/17/12 – Newton, NJ @ Newton Theatre
10/18/12 – New York, NY @ B.B. King’s Blues Club
10/19/12 – Rochester, NY @ The Montage Music Hall
10/20/12 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
10/21/12 – Philadelphia, PA @ JC’s Washington House
10/23/12 – Springfield, VA @ Empire
10/24/12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theatre
10/25/12 – Teaneck, NJ @ Mexicali Live
10/26/12 – Amityville, NY @ Ollie’s
10/27/12 – Chesterfield, MI @ New York New York
10/28/12 – Akron, OH @ Ripper Owen’s Tap House
10/29/12 – Akron, OH @ Ripper Owen’s Tap House
10/31/12 – Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall
11/01/12 – Barrington, IL @ Penny Road Pub
11/02/12 – Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
11/03/12 – Bolingbrook, IL @ Tailgater’s Grill
11/07/12 – Calgary, AB, Canada @ Southern Jubilee Auditorium (*with Alice Cooper)
11/08/12 – Saskatoon, SK, Canada @ TCU Place (*with Alice Cooper)
11/09/12 – Moose Jaw, SK, Canada @ Mosaic Place (*with Alice Cooper)
11/11/12 – Medicine Hat, AB, Canada @ Medicine Hat Arena (*with Alice Cooper)
11/13/12 – Dawson Creek, BC, Canada @ Encana Events Centre (*with Alice Cooper)
11/14/12 – Edmonton, AB, Canada @ Northern Jubilee Auditorium (*with Alice Cooper)
11/16/12 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre (*with Alice Cooper)
11/21/12 – San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
11/23/12 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
11/24/12 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
11/27/12 to 12/1/12 – Shiprocked
For more information of GEOFF TATE, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/GeoffTateOfficial
1 FORMER QUEENSRYCHE FRONTMAN GEOFF TATE SIGNS WORLDWIDE SOLO DEAL WITH INSIDEOUT MUSIC
GEOFF TATE, the legendary Queensryche frontman and one of the most acclaimed vocalists in the history of hard rock and heavy metal, has signed a worldwide recording contract with INSIDEOUT MUSIC.
“I’m very excited to join forces with InsideOut Music,” says Tate of his multi-album deal. “They are very committed to progressive music and care deeply for their artists, working together with them to bring music lovers worldwide some of the most compelling rock music available.”
As the frontman of Queensryche, GEOFF TATE has sold more than 20 million records and received four Grammy nominations. The band’s landmark concept album Operation: Mindcrime thrust their unique social consciousness, expertly crafted lyrics and progressive style into the national spotlight in 1988, and was followed by Empire in 1990, the album that delivered the band to arena-headlining status and sold more than three million albums on the back of hit singles “Silent Lucidity” and “Jet City Woman.” By the time Queensryche released Promised Land in 1994, Tate was universally acknowledged as one of the greatest frontmen in rock and metal, and a driving force behind progressive metal’s most innovative force in mainstream music. Queensryche have released 12 studio albums, with one of their most overlooked gems being American Soldier in 2009, Tate’s ambitious concept album that explores the consequences of war as told through the voices of veterans.
“Obviously, we at the label have been fans of Geoff for a long time,” says InsideOut Music founder Thomas Waber. “We are looking forward to working with such a renowned musician – welcome to the InsideOut Music family!”
GEOFF TATE is currently finishing production on his first InsideOut Music release. The album is planned for release this fall, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tate joins an InsideOut Music roster that includes Devin Townsend, Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, King’s X, Fates Warning, Dream Theater frontman James LaBrie, The Flower Kings, Arjen Lucassen, Pain Of Salvation, and many more.
GEOFF TATE ONLINE:
Website: http://www.geofftate.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GeoffTateOfficial
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GeoffTate
INSIDEOUT MUSIC ONLINE:
Website: http://www.insideoutmusic.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/InsideOutUSA
1 Vie’s Verses – Reflections on M3 2012 – Part Two: The Lows
As there always is with any festival the size of M3, the low points come alongside of the high points. And while they were few and far in between, there were some unfortunate lows at the 2012 M3 Music Festival.
STARTING TIME
While Friday night’s show went off without a hitch, the same cannot be said for the Saturday show. Great White was supposed to kick off at 12:10PM shortly after the opening acts of Let There Be Rock and Drum Wars. At 12:30PM I was nestled in my seat, still waiting for the band to come onstage and still wondering what was happening. By 12:50PM, Great White finally took the stage.
I do not know what caused the delay. I do not know if it was the band, the festival producers, or some other unforeseen force, but what I do know is that the late start time cost some acts their stage time. Great White was supposed to play for 45 minutes and they got reduced to 35. If that wasn’t bad enough, Stryper had to do their sound check in front of the live audience, and their set was cut to 30 minutes. They didn’t even get to perform Honestly, or Always There For You, which pissed me off. Again, I don’t know who to direct my anger at, but at the end of Stryper’s set I was extremely aggravated. They had just given a brilliant performance and they weren’t even allowed to do a final song. What the hell is up with that?
DOKKEN
One word describes Dokken’s set—terrible. Don sounded awful, and while the fill in band members he assembled were decent, they lacked the cohesiveness of the original band. Hearing Dokken butcher his own songs was hard to sit through. In fact, Rob Rockitt decided he’d had enough about halfway through the set and left to get pictures of the next band. I muddled my way to the end, but was sorry I did. The fans in attendance seemed to love it, but between Dokken’s awful vocals, his jab at George Lynch, and his endless desire to pretend that it was 1987 again, I couldn’t stomach the set. Don, if you want to live in the past, then pull out your vinyl albums and stay at home.
RATT
I know that I am in the minority with my opinion here. I know that the fans were ecstatic to see Stephen Pearcy back in Ratt. I know that the M3 crowd went berserk when Ratt took the stage, but to me, they had absolutely no right to headline M3. I know that Cinderella was supposed to headline and had to bow out due to injury, so M3 had to put someone in that slot. However, after seeing Queensryche and Ratt, it’s obvious that Queensryche should have headlined.
Ratt was terrible. Yes, Juan Croucier was back for this show and Stephen Pearcy was at the helm, but it couldn’t save their abysmal performance. Look, I am a huge Ratt fan, have been since 1984, but I’m also honest. Stephen Pearcy cannot sing anymore. His vocals at M3 reminded me so much of Slaughter’s performance last year, that I was just happy when the set was over. As terrible as that sounds, it’s true.
For the first three songs, Pearcy couldn’t even be heard, because their soundboard technician was not very good at his job. Once his microphone situation was fixed, it was easy to tell that he was straining to sing. His voice has lost any power that it had, and he sounded like a cover of his former self. The guitars were way too loud and drowned out the rest of the music. Bobby Blotzer’s drums could barely be heard. Overall, their performance was disappointing at best, but to me it was just horrendous. Judging by the fans response, no one else felt this way, so maybe I was just expecting too much, or I wasn’t drunk enough, but the next time Ratt is on the road with Stephen Pearcy, count me out.
GEOFF TATE’S MICROPHONE INCIDENT
As I mentioned, Queensryche performance was brilliant. However, there was one moment during their set that I found a little disturbing. During one of their first three songs (perhaps it was I Don’t Believe In Love) Geoff Tate decided that it would be all right to throw the microphone stand.
Sometimes this is rock star cool, like when guitars get smashed. Unfortunately, in this instance, Tate decided to throw the stand as hard as he could at the photographers in the pit. What was up with that? I found it strange and even though to myself “I hope no one got hit with that.” I was also hoping it was done as a performance enhancement. Apparently, that was not the case.
I later found out that the stand did hit one of the photographers, and that there have been instances with Tate and photographers in the past. I guess some rock stars just think it’s cool to hate on photographers. It’s one thing to hate the Paparazzi, but to direct anger toward professional photographers that are there to give your band press coverage is just kind of stupid.
Don’t miss out tomorrow when I talk about all The Pleasant Surprises.
Follow RyoVie on Twitter at Twitter.com/RyoVie
0 Shiprocked Announces 2012 Lineup – ShipRocked 2012: Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch & Many More!
GODSMACK, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, P.O.D.,
SEVENDUST, FILTER, FUEL, BLACK STONE CHERRY, LIT,
GEOFF TATE, GILBY CLARKE AND IN THIS MOMENT
ON BOARD FOR
SHIPROCKED 2012
ANNUAL ULTIMATE ROCK MUSIC CRUISE VACATION
DEPARTS FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FL NOVEMBER 27
FOR 4-DAY VOYAGE
Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch, P.O.D., Sevendust, Filter, Fuel, Black Stone Cherry, Lit, Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), Gilby Clarke (ex-Guns N’ Roses) and In This Moment are confirmed for the fourth annual ShipRocked, the ultimate rock music cruise vacation. ShipRocked 2012 embarks from Fort Lauderdale, FL November 27 and provides guests with four days and nights of music and mayhem–along with a little relaxation–onboard the MSC Poesia while sailing the Caribbean. Ports of call include Key West, FL and Nassau, Bahamas (subject to change), with the cruise returning to Fort Lauderdale December 1. Additional bands will be announced in the coming weeks. Monster Energy is set once again to partner with ShipRocked and help fuel the 2012 voyage into the hard rocking seas.
ShipRocked guests will enjoy multiple performances from each band on various stages throughout the ship, artist meet and greets, and Q&A sessions, along with artist-hosted activities including contests, game shows, insane parties, theme nights and more. ShipRocked offers unique opportunities to interact with bands in various settings onboard and in ports of call. Check out the recap video from ShipRocked 2011 here: http://vimeo.com/34154420.
Godsmack’s Shannon Larkin performed on ShipRocked 2011 with his band Another Animal and says, “The whole experience was very unique and very kick ass! I would recommend this highly to bands and fans alike. I made a ton of fond memories and hope to do it again!”
Morgan Rose of Sevendust–who performed on ShipRocked 2010 and 2011–comments: “Being invited to be a part of ShipRocked again is amazing. We’ve had an awesome time the past two years. It gives us a chance to be so close to the people, while on tour it’s nearly impossible to do that. I hope to see all of our fans on the boat!”
In between the live shows and other events during the music festival at sea, ShipRocked guests will have plenty of opportunities to rest, recharge, feast on all-you-can eat cuisine, or simply kick back on their private balconies overlooking the ocean and star-filled sky. The MSC Poesia from Italy offers luxury cruising at its finest, lavishing its guests with luxurious Italian style, modern amenities, and an abundance of recreational activities and entertainment. Along with swimming pools, whirlpools, a fitness center, and multiple restaurants and bars, the ship also offers a miniature golf course, shuffleboard, tennis court, jogging track, cigar lounge, wine bar, discotheque, Internet cafe, shopping arcade, Vegas-style casino, and a 12,000 square-foot spa. In essence, almost everything a guest could ever want is available onboard the floating resort.
“As rock music evolves, so does ShipRocked,” notes ShipRocked producer Alan Koenig of ASK4 Entertainment. “Our fourth annual voyage is poised to be our biggest and best sailing yet, and we couldn’t be more excited to have Godsmack at the helm. SR12 will include some of the biggest names in modern hard rock, as well as a generous helping of new bands to watch out for in the future. Of course, it wouldn’t be a ShipRocked cruise without a few of the amazing artists who have helped make the last three decades sound so good.”
Vacation packages start at only $799 per person (double occupancy) and include exclusive access to all ShipRocked concerts and special events, deluxe stateroom, meals, ship activities, ship entertainment and more. Guests are also able to choose their specific cabin when booking a reservation.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, March 10 at 10:00 AM ET. Space is limited, so early booking is encouraged to guarantee a cabin. For more information–including travel discounts–and to make a reservation, go to www.GetShipRocked.com or call 1-888-370-9680.
For the fourth year in a row, the ShipRocked onboard charity auction will benefit Cancer Sucks (www.cancersucks.com), a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative medical research and finding a cure for cancer. The auction will feature one-of-a-kind rock memorabilia from this year’s performers and more. ShipRocked guests have a history of generosity, with previous onboard auctions raising over $100,000 for various charities.
www.facebook.com/GetShipRocked
4 Queensrÿche – Concert Review: Live At The Crocodile Rock Cafe, August 2nd, 2011
Queensrÿche – When I received the assignment from Rob Rockitt to cover the Queensryche show at The Crocodile Rock Cafe, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, I was swirling with many emotions. Queensryche has been a core favorite of mine since I first heard their Metal classic “Queen of the Reich”, on a late night FM show called Metal Shop, way back around 1983. The last time I saw Queensryche in concert was back in 1986. 1986! They opened for Ozzy Osbourne on his “The Ultimate Sin” tour, while they were supporting their own eventual classic: “Rage For Order”. The venue back then was the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Fast forward twenty five years later and I’m still the ever loyal Queensryche fan. Or am I? You see, I still did not pick up their new album “Dedicated To Chaos” going into this concert and believe me, I felt really out-of-place for this. I figured all along: Old School Queensryche rules anyways. Truth be told, on this Tuesday evening, on August 2nd of 2011… “live” Old School Queensryche DID rule. I will touch more on this “Old School” topic as you read along. To make up for my slacking of loyalty, I did purchase an autographed CD of “Dedicated To Chaos” at the merch table. I fulfilled my Metal duty after all.
As I sat at the front bar at the Croc Rock, with staff photographer Tom Coderre, we both realized the atmosphere around us getting a bit more crowded. A hell of a lot more crowded. As soon as 6 pm hit, the line of Queensryche fans began to stretch from the venue door, through the bar and pouring out onto Hamilton Boulevard. This was not a short line. This was a very long line of Old School Queensryche fans. Immediately, from checking the faces of the fans and the sea of Queensryche concert t’s of past tours, within this growing line, I felt the electricity in the air. Tom and I were about to witness an amazing night of live Queensryche… a night of Old School Metal.
Any Rock, Hard Rock or Metal fan knows that feeling right before a core band of theirs takes the stage. The anticipation and the dragonflies in my stomach seemed to overwhelm me. I was getting psyched-out and Queensryche had not even taken the stage yet! I gave Tom the nod to take his position at the reserved area for photographers, he looked back at me and smiled with Metal glee. I studied the guitar tech at work, the artificial fog that enveloped the venue, the security guards (or public relations as their called on their t-shirts) as they began to make hand gestures to each other that only meant it was all about to go down… then… Queensryche took the stage!
The exhilaration was on overdrive now as Queensryche fired up the opening track from “Dedicated To Chaos”: “Get Started”. Metal be thy name did this “new” Queensryche song sound unreal great to my Old School ears! As the rhythmic thunder of this song was raging through my veins, I’m thinking to myself, “Get Started” couldn’t be a better song to open this night with! So much for my Old School mentality. Yes, I did get schooled on some new Queensryche this particular night.
Onstage Geoff Tate did frequently acknowledge the voluminous crowd of fans, making us all feel like we were one big Queensryche family. The entire band looked and played not only like seasoned pros, they commanded the stage as a unified force of their legendary songs. Never once could I not realize I was witnessing a Metal band of immense influence, a band that deserves more recognition for their contributions to Rock. From Progressive Metal to a chart topping ballad the likes of “Silent Lucidity”, Queensryche has played it all… and they played it with pride, class and skill for me to witness on that memorable night.
The Old School fever meter began its climb once the first beat of “I Don’t Believe In Love” hit the amps. This was early in the set and the song that told all of us in attendance that Queensryche will Rock our faces off tonight… and they did just that. Geoff introduced “The Lady Wore Black” as where “it all began for us”. The fans went nuts. I went nuts. Queensryche ripped into this legendary song with probably the same enthusiasm as they held for it 30 years ago. As I sang out loud to “The Lady Wore Black” and pumped my fists and Metal horns to the air, I also
found the time to high-five my fellow Old School fans around me, both young and old. The excitement was all too much to not share. It’s nights like these where Metal fans unite as one.
“Walk In The Shadows” rocked the place down! If there ever was a song that sounds ten times better when played live by Queensryche, then this is the one. This Queensryche classic sounds intense on album, I’ll never deny that, only hearing and experiencing it live with a throng of frenzied fans singing along was unquestionable Metal bliss for me. This was a point during the night when I realized just how powerful Geoff Tate’s vocals are. What a song… what a band… what a Metal moment.
To say I was moved and psyched-out beyond my wildest Metal dreams is an understatement, when describing how I felt when Queensryche played their encore. “Jet City Woman” had every fan squeezed into this hot and sticky Croc Rock belting out each
syllable, to each word, of this song’s amazing lyrics. This was a Metal high that money can’t buy. Without warning, “Empire” was next, without a hesitation from the band. Metal as my witness, my circulatory system was running on pure adrenaline now… there was nothing that was going to separate the energy that we the fans were sharing with Queensryche, on this glorious August night. Then, my god almighty it only got more insane… the final song of the night kicked in: “Eyes Of A Stranger”.
To summarize this Queensryche encore is to say: After 30 years of Queensryche, this band specifically saved the best for last. Geoff Tate sounded ridiculously amazing on vocals, from “Get Started” all the way to the shows close. The band sounded prolific at every turn and it was as if these three encore songs were meant to be played for just the fans in attendance that night and never be played again. 19 songs were played live by Queensryche, a lengthy set that usually fans can only wish for. Only this night of live Queensryche songs were very real.
I witnessed for myself many, many club shows during my lifetime, only I’ve never witnessed the embracing of Old School like this before, among the fans and band. Queensryche wanted to be there. The fans wanted to be there. I wish I could go back there again and relive that night over… and over again. Metal be thy name.
As side notes: I lost Tom Coderre for the entire show, yet I did make a couple of new friends. Upon Tom and I reuniting after the show, we were both fortunate enough to meet each member of Queensryche. I will tell the world this: Queensryche are Metal legends, professionals… and Metal gentlemen. Thank you Queensryche for this everlasting Metal moment in time.
Set List:
Get Started
Damaged
I Don’t Believe In Love
Hit the Black
The Hands
A Dead Man’s Words
At 30,000 Ft
Rhythm of Hope
Real World
NM 156
Screaming In Digital
The Lady Wore Black
Walk In The Shadows
The Right Side Of My Mind
Around the World
Silent Lucidity
Encore:
Jet City Woman
Empire
Eyes Of A Stranger
LONG LIVE QUEENSRYCHE.
Stone.
2 Sin-Atra (2011)
Call me an old soul if you will, but I have always liked Frank Sinatra. When I first heard about the Sin-Atra CD , I knew I would have to add it to my collection when it came out. This CD features the vocals of some of the best singers in hard rock including Dee Snider, Robin Zander, Glenn Hughes, Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate, Tim “Ripper” Owens, Eric Martin, Jani Lane and dUg Pinnick.
This collection is put out by the same folks who did the We Wish You A Metal X-Mas Christmas CD. That CD has become a metal staple during the holidays at my house, so I knew this had to be good. Sin-Atra is not just another cover CD. The musicians involved in this project put their own unique spin on Frank Sinatra’s songs making it a must have for most hard rock fans.
Former Deep Purple, and current Black Country Communion singer, Glenn Hughes shows off his impressive vocal range on the Old Blue Eyes classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”
“It Was A Very Good Year” features Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider on vocals. This is a really cool, heavy version of this song. Bob Kulick’s guitar work is awesome, and Dee Snider gives this song a great vocal performance.
Mr. Big’s Eric Martin takes the Sinatra staple, “Lady Is A Tramp” and helps turn it into a real rockin’ tune. This version is 100% different from the original, but is a very fun spin on this song.
Tim “Ripper” Owens takes the song “Witchcraft” to new heights with an over the top metal vocal.
Do I dare say that I like the version of “High Hopes” from Scars of Broadway front man, Franky Perez better than the original? I do….this version is less cheesy than the original version.
I can’t hardly hear “Love And Marriage” without thinking about the TV Show, “Married With Children”. This version is a very heavy, up tempo number. Nonpoint front man, Elias Soriano does a pretty good job with it.
The CD closer “That’s Life” features the blazing guitar work of Richie Kotzen, and a solid vocal performance by former Warrant front man, Jani Lane.
Overall, I have been enjoying Sin-Atra, and I think many of you will too. Long time fans of Frank Sinatra will probably hate this, and I am pretty sure Frank Sinatra (god rest his soul) is probably rolling around in his grave. Hard rock and metal fans will be sure to enjoy these unique spins of the classic Sinatra tunes!
You can listen to this CD in its entirety for a limited time at this link. Check it out!!
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing
- New York, New York (Devin Townsend)
- I’ve Got You Under My Skin (Glenn Hughes)
- Summerwind (Geoff Tate)
- It Was A Very Good Year (Dee Snider)
- Witchcraft (Tim “Ripper” Owens)
- Fly Me To The Moon (Robin Zander)
- Lady Is A Tramp (Eric Martin)
- Strangers In the Night (Joey Belladonna)
- High Hopes (Franky Perez)
- I’ve Got The World On A String (Dug Pinnick)
- Love And Marriage (Elias Soriano)
- That’s Life (Jani Lane)
Band Lineup:
Bob Kulick – guitar
Brett Chassen – drums
Billy Sheehan – bass
Doug Katsaros – keyboards & orchestrations
Richie Kotzen – Lead Guitar on “That’s Life”
5 Geoff Tate Of Queensrÿche – The Hard Rock Hideout Interview!
GEOFF TATE – When you delve your eardrums back into the eighties decade, midway through the nineties, Heavy Metal had it’s fair share of flamboyant front men. What set any front man from the pack then, as it does to this very moment, are the vocals. Smoke and mirrors will only take you so far in the vast world of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. Geoff Tate has never tricked anyone with his vocals, instead he has left a generation or two in pure awe from his falsetto and vocal range. Of course, there is the entire Queensryche band behind Geoff Tate, a band which has distinguished themselves as innovators within the progressive realm of Heavy Music for three decades strong.
Whenever names of the greatest singers of the Heavy Metal era come up through conversations I have, with my peers or other musicians, Geoff Tate is at the top of the list. While interviewing Geoff, I realized he is focused on the present and not the past. Geoff is not only extremely polite, he is one to pause before answering a question, putting precise care into how he chooses his words. Geoff talks about the thirtieth anniversary of Queensryche, the twentieth anniversary of their “Empire” album, his thoughts about Grunge and his committed patriotism towards the U.S. Armed Forces. Here is what Geoff Tate had to say.
HRH: Queensryche are celebrating the twentieth anniversary of “Empire”. After two decades, what is it, that stands out the most about “Empire” for you?
GEOFF TATE: We never look back as a band. I never really listened to it again, maybe for reference purposes. It’s what we’re doing at the moment that I listen to. For the re-release, we found stuff sitting around in the closet to put on the record. “Empire” happened at a really good time in history, right after the “Mindcrime Tour”. “Empire” reflects us being home from a writing standpoint, how we felt towards relationships and the environments around us. I really like the record. It was a special time in Rock history, Rock music was everywhere, on MTV and radio. Now, Rock seems to be underground.
HRH: “Silent Lucidity” illuminates that “it” factor. This song became huge of course. How were you able to make “Silent Lucidity” coexist amongst the other songs on “Empire” so well?
GEOFF TATE: It was written like all our songs, as acoustic and voice. Our musical character went into it, there’s Classical and all different styles of music that makes up our signature sound. This song was written with the mentality of Queensryche in mind, usually a group has chemistry and Queensryche has always had that chemistry. The chord sequences and frequency patterns will emerge from a song, then you know it’s Queensryche, then you can identify the song to our band.
HRH: How is the next Queensryche album coming along?
GEOFF TATE: It’s coming along really good, we worked on it for the whole day today. We’re looking at a release for Spring of 2011, that’s our goal. We’re in the final stages of the album now, we need to do drum tracks on a few songs. After Thanksgiving we’ll get right back to it.
HRH: What young gun band or vocalist out there today, impresses you the most?
GEOFF TATE: Well, you know, being the age I am, the younger and newer bands just don’t speak to me artistically. Being an older guy, I’ve been through a lot. I’m pretty busy listening to the music that’s in my head.
HRH: The exemplary and patriotic “American Solider” album resonates your pride and respect for our U.S. Armed Forces. Would you ever consider a sequel to “American Soldier”?
GEOFF TATE: I could write a lot of albums based on that subject! I listened to so many wonderful stories and they were all amazing stories. So yes, I could write several albums on that subject.
HRH: Have you ever pondered making a documentary on “American Soldier”?
GEOFF TATE: On our Iraq and Kuwait trips, there was a lot of footage shot and I’m very pleased with how it came out. We did two weeks of shows for our troops over there in Iraq and Kuwait. It was inspirational and a great honor to play for our troops live.
HRH: It’s been reported that you will be performing along with Y&T and other Rock greats, at a New Years Eve benefit concert for Phil Kennemore. How far back do you go with Phil Kennemore?
GEOFF TATE: Let’s see, our first tour with Y&T goes back to the mid 80’s, around 1984 or something like that. I’m good friends with Mike Meniketti as well, my wife is friends with his wife too.
HARD ROCK HIDEOUT NOTE: Phil Kennemore has been the longtime bass guitarist for Y&T. Dave Meniketti is a founding member, vocalist and lead guitarist for Y&T. Phil Kennemore is currently and bravely battling metastatic cancer. This benefit concert for Phil Kennemore will take place on New Years Eve at The Avalon in Santa Clara, California.
HRH: The progressive style of Queensryche is what sets your band apart from ever being pigeonholed as just Heavy Metal. Do you agree that “Operation Mindcrime” set the standard for other Progressive Metal bands to follow?
GEOFF TATE: Well, I think it was a pivotal record for us. “Operation Mindcrime” broke new ground for us and other bands as well. That album was very inspirational to us and other bands. As musicians, we are inspired by other musicians, it affects the way we play.
HRH: What’s your most proud vocal performance, live and/or in studio?
GEOFF TATE: Probably what I’m working on now! This next Queensryche album is a personal journey. In terms of best or worst, it’s all about just getting the song out. We try to paint the best picture with the subject matter as musicians. We’re always experimenting musically. With me, it could be phrasing a song or experimenting with melody, experimenting with chord arrangements, playing around with different patterns and making it work.
HRH: Is there another solo album in the future for you?
GEOFF TATE: Yeah, I’ve been working on one. I have so many songs written, only I’ve been busy with Queensryche the last several years. Probably in the next couple of years I’ll have a new solo album out.
HRH: Do you stay in touch with Chris DeGarmo?
GEOFF TATE: Yeah, probably once every couple of months we have lunch together. We definitely stay in touch.
HARD ROCK HIDEOUT NOTE: Chris DeGarmo was a founding member for Queensryche. Chris was their lead and rhythm guitarist, as well as being a songwriter for the band. Back in 1997, Chris officially left Queensryche. In 2003, Chris did record on the Queensryche album “Tribe” and wrote and recorded on the song “Justified” for the 2007 Queensryche greatest hits album “Sign Of The Times”.
HRH: Having strong roots in Seattle, Washington, did you embrace Grunge, tolerate it or it never mattered?
GEOFF TATE: The term “Grunge” is not something the bands that get lumped into are very comfy with. They were and still are Rock bands to me. They were all right behind us. Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, they all played gigs with us, they all opened for us and I know these guys well. I’m very good friends with Mike McCready and Jerry Cantrell.
HRH: Growing up as a young singer, musician and songwriter, how much were you influenced by Ronnie James Dio?
GEOFF TATE: Quite a bit in a lot of ways. Ronnie was a mentor for me and the band. Our first tour to Europe was with DIO. Ronnie showed us what to do and what not to do. Ronnie was a true gentleman, a great man and very kind. He always explained things to us. Ronnie had open ears and would listen to what you had to say. I definitely miss him very much.
HRH: When you released the first Queensryche EP, back in 1983, did you envision your band to reach such legendary status?
GEOFF TATE: No. I never really think about that. I always thought of the present day and still do. Queensryche’s Thirtieth Anniversary is coming up, with a big tour to follow in the Spring and Summer of 2011. It’s been thirty years already, it’s very sobering!
1 Rock Stars Unite for New Year’s Eve Cancer Benefit Concert In Benefit For Bassist PHIL KENNEMORE Of Y&T
NEW YEAR’S EVE @ THE AVALON in SANTA CLARA, CA
GEOFF TATE, DON DOKKEN, CHUCK BILLY, JIMMY DEGRASSO, RON KEEL AND MANY MORE!
A parade of Rockstars are coming together to support beloved bassist, Phil Kennemore, founding member of Northern California’s legendary rockers Y&T,
Kennemore was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer while on tour this last summer. Having recorded and toured the world relentlessly since 1974, Kennemore has dedicated his life to making millions of people happy with his music. Now, he needs your help.
Due to the overwhelming medical bills, Y&T’s lead singer and best mate, Dave Meniketti, started the “Phil Kennemore Fund” to help Phil with his bills. This New Year’s concert is the ultimate fund-raiser for a friend who has made such a positive impact on the music scene.
This concert is an allstar line up of many of Kennemore’s friends from bands such as Queensryche, Dokken, RATT, Black Sabbath, DIO, Alice Cooper, Testament, and Y&T all donating their time to perform on New Year’s Eve. This is a must-see concert and is going to rock!
The lineup for the all star extravaganza is as follows:
- · Geoff Tate (Queensryche)
- · Don Dokken (Dokken)
- · Bobby Blotzer (RATT)
- · Vinny Appice (DIO, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell)
- · Sean McNabb (Dokken, Montrose)
- · Loren Gold (Roger Daltrey)
- · Chuck Billy (Testament)
- · Paul Bostaph (Testament, Slayer)
- · Jimmy DeGrasso (Alice Cooper)
- · Joey Alves
- · Leonard Haze
- · Ron Keel
- · Greg Kihn
- · …and more (see www.YandTRocks.com for updates)
The show will take place at the Avalon (777 Lawrence Expressway. Santa Clara, CA), a 1000+ capacity venue which Y&T has performed at several times on New Year’s Eve over the past five years. The club, like the performers, has generously volunteered to donate 100% of the ticket proceeds directly to Phil.
The doors open at 8:00PM. Tickets are $75. For further information, call the Avalon at 408.241.0777 or visit www.YandTRocks.com.
4 Queensryche Front Man Geoff Tate Releases New Wine
TIME TO GO “INSANIA” ONCE AGAIN
AS QUEENSRYCHE’S GEOFF TATE AND
THREE RIVERS WINERY ANNOUNCE PLANS
FOR NEW WHITE WINE BLEND FOR 2010
INITIAL WINE TASTING AND LAUNCH TO
TAKE PLACE PRIOR TO QUEENSRYCHE CABARET
SHOWS IN SNOQUALMIE, WASHINGTON IN FEBRUARY
Hot on the barrels of his sold out “Insania” red wine signature blend, Queensryche front man Geoff Tate has announced a new collaboration with Walla Walla, Washington-based Three Rivers Winery (www.threeriverswinery.com) for a white wine blend of the same name.
The new “Insania” — an artfully balanced offering that shines with honeydew melon, pear and apricot — is a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc (78%) and Semillion (22%) that will be available early next year for an anticipated price of $25 per bottle.
The initial tasting and launch of the new blend will take place at the Snoqualmie Casino in Snoqualmie, Washington on Thursday, February 4th and Friday, February 5th, 2010 in conjunction with Queensryche’s forthcoming performances of the highly anticipated “Queensryche Cabaret.” (heralded as “The First Adults Only Rock Show!”).
Crisp and lively, the finish of the “Insania” white lends itself to an encore performance with its bright, crisp acidity, leaving you wanting more…
“Insania” (a Latin word meaning insanity, irrationality, madness) has become a labor of love for Geoff Tate, who remains deeply involved with its development and looks forward to further collaborations with Three Rivers Winery in the future.
“Wine has been an important part of my life and the creation of Insania is yet another avenue to express my creativity and give my fans something more they can enjoy,” states Geoff. “I hope to keep producing wine as long as I enjoy drinking it… and that’s likely going to be for a very long time. May everyone enjoy this new white blend.”
“Insania” is certainly off to a good start as Geoff and his red wine signature blend were prominently featured in the March 31, 2009 issue of Wine Spectator (online version available at http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/Wine-Talk-Geoff-Tate_4436).
Please call Amy at Three Rivers Winery (509) 526-9463 and register for this VIP tasting event to be held before the shows at the Snoqualmie casino and pay your $15.00 tasting fee. This fee will be waived if you purchase 2 bottles of the upcoming Insania Red or Insania White to be released in 2010. You must also have tickets to the performance the same night as your tasting to the Queensryche Cabaret. Geoff and other members of Queensryche will be present at both tastings.
0 New Lita Ford Live Clip
Queensryche has posted a new live clip of Geoff Tate performing “Close Your Eyes Forever” with Lita Ford. Check it out!
5 Queensryche – American Soldier (Release Year – 2009)
I have been a huge fan of Queensryche for years. In the 80’s and 90’s, I probably saw Queensryche play live five or six times. I have been disappointed with their last few CD’s although Mindcrime II gave me a glimmer of hope with this band. I just don’t think the band has been the same without their long time guitarist, Chris DeGarmo. With that being said, I had low expectations for the new Queensryche disc “American Soldier”.
“Sliver” starts this record off with a song that almost sounds like a classic Queensryche song, but there is a twist. Jason Ames is a guest vocalist on this song. His chants during this song almost gives this tune an almost rap metal slant. Tate sounds better than expected, but I am not sure if Ames parts on this song were really necessary. I did not think this was a very good opening track at all.
Queensryche has never been afraid to make a statement with their music, and they try it again with the song “Unafraid“. This song sounds like news clips mixed with a heavy Disturbed like riff. The chorus is very good, but the rest of the song is a hot mess. I am not sure who mixed this CD, but the audio clips mixed into this tune are quite distracting.
“Hundred Mile Stare” is the first song on American Soldier that I could truly get into. This song actually has some potential as a radio single. The guitar work is pretty good, and Tate’s voice is in fine form here. Once again, the mixing on this song is odd. This song would have been better served by an end fade instead of the end chant.
“At 30,000 ft” is another solid tune with some pretty good song writing. This song is written from the perspective of what I assume is a fighter jet pilot. You have to listen to the words to fully appreciate this song. This is pretty cool stuff.
“A Dead Man’s Words” is longest tune on this disc, clocking in at over six minutes. This song has a really cool, moody sounding guitar riff that blends well with Tate’s vocals. This is another song that grows on you with repeat listens.
“The Killer” is a mid tempo number that seems to get better with each listen. This song is quickly becoming one of my favorites on this disc.
“If I Were King” is the first song that I heard off of “American Soldier” when it debuted on the Eddie Trunk show a few weeks ago. I have heard this one a few times since then and I like it pretty well now.
On “Home Again” Geoff employs the help of his ten year old daughter Emily. Emily sings quite a bit of the vocals with her dear old dad on this song. I have to imagine that it is pretty hard for a child her age to sing in a key this low. I am sure that Geoff will have fond memories of recording this song, but I am not so sure that the end result is what he was looking for. It is an average tune at best.
Queensryche has released better CD’s than “American Soldier” in the past, but this easily the best they have done in quite some time. This CD doesn’t show the band trying to make an attempt at trying to recapture their past glory, but Michael Wilton did a pretty good job at trying to recapture that classic Queensryche guitar sound. The subject matter is interesting, and the song writing is pretty good for the most part. This disc could have used a couple of more catchy tunes to push it over the edge, but the music tends to grow on you which is a good thing. This probably isn’t that type of album that will generate a bunch of new fans for Queensryche, but it should keep their long time fans happy for quite a while.
You can listen to “American Soldier” at this link. For more information on Queensryche, please visit the band’s website.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Sliver
2. Unafraid
3. Hundred Mile Stare
4. At 30,000 ft
5. A Dead Man’s Words
6. The Killer
7. Middle Of Hell
8. If I Were King
9. Man Down!
10. Remember Me
11. Home Again
12. The Voice
Queensryche is:
Geoff Tate – lead vocals, horns
Michael Wilton – lead & rhythm guitars
Eddie Jackson – bass
Scott Rockenfield – drums
0 Queensrÿche – Xbox Game With Fame on April 13
Get Ready to Rumble! Geoff Tate will be taking on competitors in “NASCAR 09” and Michael Wilton will be squaring off against users on “Halo 3.” The Queensrÿche “Game With Fame” will take place on April 13 between 1:00-3:00 PM PT.
QUEENSRYCHE IS XBOX ARTIST OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL
Xbox Live Marketplace Is Exclusive Retailer For “If I Were King” Video
New Album American Soldier Now Available From Atco/Rhino; U.S. Tour To Begin April 16 In Seattle
Queensrÿche has been selected as “Xbox Artist Of The Month” for April to coincide with the release of their new album American Soldier. Starting today, the Xbox LIVE Marketplace will be the exclusive retailer
for the band’s new video “If I Were King.” Xbox LIVE users can now purchase the video for a cost of 160 Microsoft points. Xbox LIVE users can also watch an exclusive free video clip of the recording session of “Sliver”
featuring lead singer Geoff Tate and guest vocalist and soldier A.J. Fratto.
On April 13, just days before the kickoff of the American Soldier Tour, Tate and guitarist Michael Wilton will take part in a Xbox “Game With Fame,” where Xbox LIVE users can play against the band members. Tate will be taking on competitors in “NASCAR 09” and Wilton will be squaring off against users on “Halo 3.” The Queensrÿche “Game With Fame” will take place on April 13 between 1:00-3:00 PM PT. Visit www.xbox.com/gwfqueensryche for more details.
American Soldier features a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Tate, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various
conflicts from World War II to Iraq, Tate turned their firsthand experiences from the frontlines into an unflinching musical examination of war from the soldier’s perspective.
Queensrÿche will launch an extensive tour of the U.S. on April 16 at the Snoqualmie Casino outside of the band’s hometown of Seattle. The shows will be presented in three suites, with the band performing sets from American Soldier, Rage For Order, and Empire.
1 New Video – QUEENSRŸCHE’s ‘If I Were King’
0 Classic Video – Queensryche – Nightrider
Back in the early 80’s, when Queensryche was struggling to get signed, they sent out a 4 track demo. Queensryche released the demo later as their EP.
The debut EP contains the classic tracks, Queen of the Reich, Nightrider, Blinded and the Lady Wore Black. It has been re-released a few times, and is worth seeking out.
Check out the video for one of the earliest Queensrcyhe songs, Nightrider, below!
4 Queensryche – Operation Mindcrime II (Released – 2006)
2006 brought forth one of the most anticipated hard rock sequels in quite some time, Queensryche’s Operation Mindcrime II.
How does the sequel compare to the original? Just like most sequels, this one is not as good as the original. The dual guitars of Michael Wilton and Mike Stone don’t quite meet up to the great sound of the former dynamic duo of Wilton and Chris DeGarmo. They do sound very good, but maybe not quite as powerful or melodic as the original guitar tandem.
Once upon a time, Geoff Tate’s voice could reach notes that most rock singers could only dream about imitating. Watch the video below; if you aren’t blown away by his amazing vocals, you are probably reading the wrong website:
In 2006, and beyond Geoff Tate can still sing well, but those amazing high notes has moved out of his vocal ability. With that being said, the last few Queensryche releases have been mostly disappointing to me, so my approach to Mindcrime II was timid at best.
Amazingly, I would consider Mindcrime II is the best disc that the band put out since 1994’s Promised Land. Mindcrime II continues on with the story of Nikki, and the infamous Dr. X. It may take you a couple of times to absorb the story from the music, but I am betting you will want to listen to this a few times anyway.
Some of the highlights of this disc are I’m American.
One Foot in Hell is a very cool, heavy progressive number. Hostage is a dark and heavy track that seems to grow on me more with each listen. The Hands is one of those tracks that you will need to listen to over and over a few times. The guitar work is superb, and sounds pretty close to classic Queensryche.
The Chase, featuring the combined vocals of Geoff Tate and (Dr. X) Ronnie James Dio is one of the better Queensryche tracks I have heard in a while. Tate’s and Dio’s voices sound great together.
Fear City Slide has a killer bass groove, and is a very good listen.
Every time I listen to this disc, I hear something different, and tend to like the songs a little more each time. The first time I listened to this disc, I was disappointed, but my opinion has changed with time. This is one of those sleeper discs that needs to grow on you.
This may not be the stellar effort that Operation Mindcrime is, or the hit cranking machine of Empire, but is a solid listen, and certainly essential to every Queensryche fan.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Freiheit Over
- Convict
- I’m American
- One Foot in Hell
- Hostage
- The Hands
- Speed of Light
- Signs Say Go
- Re-Arrange You
- The Chase
- Murderer?
- Circles
- If I Could Change It All
- An Intentional Confrontation
- A Junkie’s Blues
- Fear City Slide
- All the Promises
Hard Rock Hideout 