Geoff Tate’s version of Queensryche have just signed a worldwide record deal with Los Angeles-based independent label Cleopatra Records.
Although a line-up was originally announced in the fall of 2012, things have changed. The band will now feature Tate along with bassist Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot), guitarist Kelly Gray (Queensryche 1998-2001), keyboardist Randy Gane (Myth), drummer Bobby Blotzer (Ratt) stellar new additions, guitarist Robert Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Hurricane) and drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio, Rhino Bucket). Wright will be in the studio and on the road with the band, while Blotzer will be primarily utilized in the studio.
Queensryche, with all members cited above, will soon be entering the studio for the first Cleopatra effort due out later this year. The recording will mark the band’s thirteenth studio album and its first with this particular line-up. Legendary guitar slinger K.K. Downing of Judas Priest fame will be making a special guest appearance on the forthcoming CD.
“I try to surround myself with the best players available and feel our longtime fans deserve nothing less,” states Geoff Tate. “I expect the forthcoming effort to be one of our best yet.”
New member Simon Wright expressed his excitement by stating, “I’m very much looking forward to being involved in the Queensryche project with Geoff. I’ve always admired his singing and songwriting and working with Rudy Sarzo again is going to be cool! Between this and my other project, Dio Disciples, I look forward to a very busy year!”
Beginning in early April, Queensryche will be hitting the road to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the band’s epic 1988 release, Operation: Mindcrime, performing all fifteen songs from the album (including Revolution Calling, Operation: Mindcrime, I Don’t Believe In Love and Eyes Of A Stranger) along with other well-known hits and rarities from the catalog they’ve compiled over the past 30 years.
Last November, Tate released his first solo CD in over a decade titled, Kings & Thieves (InsideOut Music), and toured with his solo band in support of the CD, which included dates with the legendary Alice Cooper.
25th Anniversary Operation:Mindcrime tour dates:
April 6 Peppermill Casino – West Wendover, Nevada
April 9 Belly Up – Aspen, Colorado
April 11 Paramount Theatre – Denver, Colorado
April 12 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Albuquerque, New Mexico
April 13 Chrome – Las Vegas, Nevada
April 14 Marquee Theater – Tempe, Arizona
April 16 Rialto Theatre – Tucson, Arizona
April 17 The Coach House – San Juan Capistrano, California
April 18 The Canyon Club – Agoura, California
April 19 Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach, California
April 20 Club Nokia – Los Angeles, California
April 21 Fillmore – San Francisco, California
April 22 Ace of Spades – Sacramento, California
One Response
Not to be picky but because of the breakup, shouldn’t the wording of this article be different? This article makes it sound like this is the official Queensryche and that has yet to be determined. Of course if Geoff Tate released this article then that would make sense. 🙂