Queensryche Part Ways With Geoff Tate, Name Todd La Torre New Singer
After recent rumblings of tension and rumored incidents, veteran rockers Queensryche have parted ways with singer Geoff Tate. They've announced that Crimson Glory’s Todd La Torre is their new singer and have put their current tour dates on hold while they work on revised routing.
Queensryche drummer and band founder Scott Rockenfield explains the split. “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 microphon
The new lineup already played two shows in Seattle under the name Rising West before Tate’s exit was official. The now former lead singer had to play as a solo artist when opening for the Scorpions last week in Utah after the rest of the band withdrew from the show. He already had solo acoustic shows planned for the summer along with a new solo album.
Replacing any vocalist is a big risk, especially when it is somebody as iconic as Tate, who had been in Queensryche since 1982 and was the voice behind all their hits. However, perhaps it’s one of those situations where both the band and Tate will end up better off in the long run.