The Seattle-based band announces the addition of vocalist Todd La Torre, citing “creative differences” resulting in a “parting of the ways” with original frontman Geoff Tate.
In a statement issued this week, Queensrÿche said the new lineup consists of La Torre along with guitarists Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren, bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield.
New singer La Torre hails from metal band Crimson Glory. But don’t think he’s leaving his longtime bandmates in the lurch. Instead, he’ll be a singer with two jobs, performing with one band when the other is inactive. Queensrÿche recently road-tested their new frontman by performing a couple of shows in the Seattle area under the nom de plume “Rising West.”
To be sure, there were some rumblings that all was not well in the world of Queensrÿche. The band was booked to appear with the Scorpions in West Valley City, Utah. However, Tate, who was also touring with his solo band, was the only Queensrÿche member to make the gig, according to an interview he did with Oregon Music News.
“That was a situation where it was unfortunate that the rest of the guys in the band couldn’t make it – I can’t really talk about why,” Tate told Oregon Music News. “I was very happy to be able to step in and do the show.”
Then Queensrÿche made it official.
“Over the past few months, there have been growing creative differences within Queensrÿche,” Rockenfield said in a statement. “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 Queensrÿche to our fans with Todd behind the microphone.”
Click here for the Queensrÿche Website and here for Geoff Tate’s homepage.