By: Rob Cavuoto
Mid-way into tonight’s set, singer Geoff Tate told the crowd, “It’s been 30 years since the band formed. We can’t live in the past because it already happened and we can’t live in the future, so we can only live in the present and enjoy the moment.” He then asked the crowd, “Are you enjoying yourself tonight?” the crowd responded with a thunderous applaud in agreement. That set the tone for tonight’s show!
Queensrÿche is currently on tour in support of their 13th studio release, Dedicated to Chaosand celebrating their 30 Anniversary. On this tour they are showcasing a few songs from each of their CDs.
Queensryche Live Photo: Rob Cavuoto
Loyal and diehard fans alike arrived in full forces to the Bergen PAC Theater in Englewood, NJ with one thing in mind…to celebrate and enjoy the music of the last three decades.
I’ve been a fan of Queensrÿche since the day the self-titled EP came out and seeing the band faithfully every year since 1986’s Rage for Order Tourwhen they opened for Ozzy Osbourne, and I always look forward to their shows.
Related: Guitar International’s Interview with Geoff Tate
Tonight Geoff’s still recovering from an inflamed throat & vocal cords which canceled a few show. I was told by the band’s tour manager that at one of the shows, the venue used a smoke machine which was oil base vs. water and the burning oil immediately caused the inflammation. By the time they shut the machine down after a song or two, the damage was already done.
Geoff Tate Photo: Rob Cavuoto
Geoff still sounded great and performed well as did the rest of the band, but the set was noticeably cut short by about five to six songs and missing was “Queen of the Ryche” and “Take Hold of the Flame.” When I asked Scott Rockenfeild (drums) after the show about the two missing songs, he said “Each show is different and changing it up is important for the fans as well as the band.”
This evening, all the songs were played with a sense of ferocity, from the opener “Let’s Get Started,” off Dedicated to Chaos, to “Empire” to “Silent Lucidity.” The searing guitar duo of Mike Wilton and Parker Lundgren combined with the unflinching back beat of Scott Rockenfeild (drums) and Eddie Jackson (bass) drove the songs home. Highlights and crowd pleasers were “I Don’t Believe in Love” and “Jet City Woman.”
Queensryche's Twin Guitar Masters Photo: Rob Cavuoto
Related: Guitar International’s Interview with Mike Wilton
Fans appreciate the effort, detail and passion the band puts into every song, for example when Geoff shares his unique perspective for a song, like on “A Dead Man’s Words,” off American Solider, was inspired by a situation regarding a solider that was shot down behind enemy lines and forgotten. Three soldiers did a selfless act and volunteered to go in and rescue him. I find this insight just as intriguing and compelling as the music.
If Queensrÿche is playing in your area, be sure to check them out and see what I considered to be a fantastic and entertaining show.
Michael Wilton Photo: Rob Cavuoto
