Geoff Tate Out of Queensryche

We all saw this coming: Geoff Tate and Queensryche have officially parted ways. This isn't surprising, with the public rift between Tate and the rest of Queensryche... and then the Queensryche band members forming what is basically a QR cover band called Rising West, featuring Crimson Glory singer Todd La Torre.

Now, La Torre is the lead singer of Queensryche.

The remaining members of Queensryche released this statement, announcing Tate's departure:

"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. 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."

As you would expect, all previously scheduled Queensryche shows are on hold.

I'm a little surprised that Geoff is walking away from the Queensryche name, but all in all, this is probably best for all concerned. Geoff really wanted a solo career and the rest of 'Ryche wanted to take their music in another direction. So be it. It will be weird going to a Queensryche show without Geoff behind the mic, but I'll keep an open mind.

What do you think about the split?

Comments

[Kenny Ozz]

I was never a huge fan, but I wish them well. But man, replacing a singer is THEE hardest thing to do in rock music. Even if you get a "better" singer, it may not work, like John Corabi with Motley Crue. So many of our beloved hair metal bands are out there without their original singer, and most of them suck now, like Quiet Riot, Warrant, and Skid Row. Its just NOT THE SAME. Why cant this happen to bands that NEED to replace their singers. Like Slaughter and Poison. UGH.

[JT]

When I think of Queensryche, I think of Tate. I know nothing else of the band. I've never seen them live...never had the desire to see them live...

I disagree with Kenny on Warrant. The new album isn't great, but Robert Mason can sing the old Warrant songs.

[Rock-It]

I disagree also... Mason does fine with Warrant and Quiet Riot was surprising at M3. It is hard to replace a vocalist but it can be done.

It was no secret backstage at Rocklahoma that Queensryche was playing their last show with Tate. All the bands were talking about it.

[reptileblvd]

I cannot imagine anyone else fronting Queensryche, but I said the same about Skid Row and I think they are great with Johnny Solinger fronting them.

[Brian L]

I also love Mason w warrant...A lot!! I think that he adds a great deal to the band and kicks major ass. Never liked QUeensrych that much but they were good at M3. BTW. Motley is not Mötley without Vince.

[Sam]

Mason is shit with Warrant.
But this change might be good!

[Rita]

Geoff Tate has an awesome voice. One of the best singers in Metal. Success without the original singer is still possible. Look at Van Hagar.

I will always love Jani Lane and maybe the other guy is a good singer, but he is not Jani, it's not the same. Jani was Warrant, for me anyway. They died when he did.

[scott whitt]

Warrant with Mason is terrific and you are missing out on a terrific album. Solinger Row is horrible, the M3 was proof of that. Replacing a singer is tough, if you do it you need to find someone different. Replacing Tate with a sound a like is stupid. Look at Priest, they did the same thing and the fans always thought of the singer as just an imitator.
QR has been going non-stop for awhile, a break will do them good.

[Kenny Ozz]

Robert Mason is a good singer, and the new Warrant record is OK. My point is that its NOT a Warrant record. Jani Lane is and was Warrant. Bottom line. And youre smoking crack if you think Johnny Solinger rules, reptileblvd.

[Brian L]

Johnny In skid row is not that good. He cannot even get close to the ranges that SB can. JS was horrible at M3... I totally agree.

[Sam]

What Kenny said.

[Chessie]

My husband, who introduced me to Queensryche when we were dating, is very excited about this. He really hasn't liked anything that they've done for several albums now. Mindcrime II was the last 'new' CD we bought, otherwise it was the live CD/DVD.
I did get into a bit of a controversy earlier--I knew that Tate was not an original member of the band when it formed. I have since been proven right. Rockenfeld, Wilton & Jackson are the last 3 of the original lineup from Seattle. So on a technicality, Tate might not have as much 'right' to the Queensryche name as most would believe.
And I did hear a video clip of the new guy singing. He was hitting the sound pretty close to Tate's voice, much like the latest Journey singer sounds so much like Steve Perry (who wasn't an original member of Journey, either...).

[Sleaze Rocker]

This is one case I look forward to a new singer. Tate has gone the way of Halford. The new guy will give the old tunes the Balls they use to have. Tate should go do broadway and sing show tunes in his underwear.

[Kenny Ozz]

I'm begging Poison to be the next band to get a new singer..

[MetalMan17]

well thats that,Tate out of Queensryche...=no more Queensryche....just like no Bas=no skid row,...........no Jani= no warrant........hey folks,although these bands go on they will never be as good or capture there past,it is what it is,PERIOD......IF YOU THINK OTHER WISE YOUR KIDDING YOURSELF.....EITHER THAT OR YOU NEVER GOT TO SEEM THEM ALL IN THERE HEY DAY........SORRY

[metal mike]

QR with the new singer may not be exactly QR, but lets face it, the last couple albums with Tate have not exactly been QR either. Personally, I liked a fair amount of the more recent stuff, but it was the first five records that made them my favorite band. So, if given a choice between seeing QR with Tate playing a bunch of new stuff, and QR with a new singer playing the old stuff, I will prefer the latter (but will still like Tate and wish him all the best)

[Rock-It]

To Metalman I say... None of the bands from the 80's will ever put out another release like they have in the past. Makes no difference if they have a new singer or the same one from their glory days. If you think Poison, Def Leppard,Van halen, or anyone else can duplicate the past you are the one kidding yourself.

None of the bands you listed even included the vocalists from the classic line ups when they were formed. Many of the bands with newer members have put out releases with the new vocalist that are just as good as bands who push on with older washed up vocalists. I still say... who cares about the band name...? If they release something decent I will by it and that is the bottom line.

[MetalMan17]

HEY ROCK-IT...........BACH,AND JANI LANE WERENT THE VOCALISTS FROM THE CLASSIC LINEUPS OF THOSE BANDS.WHAT ARE YOU 13.....WAKE UP BRO.

[Metalboy!]

Never fear, Metalboy! is here!

Now that Tate has left, maybe Quennsryche can leave, too. Like I've said before, I give 'em one song -- "Queen Of The Reich"!!!

As far as bands not matching their past glories, they should at least try. Case in point: RATT. "Infestation" is great! Poison and Cinderella should do get a clue and take a cue!