Geoff Tate has yet to play his first gig with his newly created Queensryche lineup and already he's down one member. Tate revealed earlier this year that former Megadeth and King Diamond guitarist Glen Drover would be part of his version of the band, but Drover has just announced his exit.

Back in early September, Tate revealed that Drover would join Ratt drummer Bobby Blotzer, former Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo, keyboardist Randy Gane, and Tate's onetime Queensryche cohort Kelly Gray in a reconstructed lineup so that he could continue playing his band's music after being ousted by the other Queensryche members earlier this year.

Drover said in his exit statement:

I am really sorry to say that I have decided to bow out of Geoff Tate's Queensryche. I was very excited about doing this gig initially, but learned in the past week or so that it's in my best interest not to do this right now. I feel really bad for those who were excited about the idea, and to Geoff himself, who, I have to say, was very nice to me on my past trip to Seattle. I, of course, am very disappointed for arriving at this point, and making this decision, to say the least. I sincerely wish the Geoff and the band all the luck on what they do in the future.

Tate and his former bandmates have been locked in a legal battle over the rights to the Queensryche name and both have received permission from the presiding judge in the case to use the moniker until a final decision is rendered.

At present, Tate is promoting his 'Kings & Thieves' solo record, but he has hinted at touring with the new lineup next year.

More From Loudwire