My .02 - I think the writing is on the wall for current Queensryche. It is HARD out there to survive as a touring headliner that plays clubs. I know some guys in bands of QR's caliber, and when I asked about touring, they basically said it is getting more difficult each year to do it, financially. What I think will happen for Queensryche is that these casino/hairband pairings will continue to increase, minimizing the amount of shows, but maximizing profit (most of those fly-ins pay well, and accommodations come with it).
I'm not saying fly-ins are the only shows they will do, in the next few years, but I think you'll see Queensryche co-headlining clubs now, and continuing the 80-85-minute sets and more six-to-eight week runs, as opposed to a full on tour. And the "tours" will get shorter, in favor of those fly-ins. One more record, and in my opinion, that will probably be the end of Queensryche in terms of new music. They'll probably then embrace more of a "retirement" plan, and then start limiting shows to those fly-ins. Probably over the next four years.
I think Todd's comments on certain heavier elements and styles not being right for Queensryche speaks volumes about where the band is. They probably wouldn't come out and say it, but in my opinion, they've likely made a decision to play things safe from here on out with their records. I wouldn't expect any left-hand turns or "growth" from them in new directions. And to be honest, for a certain segment of the fan base, that is probably really appealing.
Regarding any reunion with Tate and/or DeGarmo: The only way I can see it happening is if there is a HUGE offer on the table, ala Dokken in Japan, that is run by the best in the business, management-wise. Some limited run, with the original band, and once done, everyone goes back to what they are doing. But I still find that to be unlikely, because to be honest, DeGarmo doesn't strike me as that kind of guy. He doesn't need more money. Has plenty. He enjoys life, he loves music, and does it with his daughter and writes for himself. But Chris cares about his professionalism and image as it relates to Queensryche.
Here's a very small example. An old acquaintance of mine is friends with Chris. They play golf at the same club and were having lunch post-golf. This was post-settlement, probably fall 2014. Folks recognized Chris, and came back with a QR CD, and asked him to sign. Not only did Chris take the time to talk to the person, keep eye contact, and make them feel welcome (what Chris always does), he signed the CD liner insert, and then blew on the marker to make sure that autograph wouldn't smear because he knew how important it was to that particular fan.
That may seem like a small detail to a lot of people, but honestly, it's not common. Most guys sign and move on. But Chris cares about the details. In short -- Chris' reputation as a member of Queensryche and that legacy is very important to him, and in my opinion, he's not going to get together with them just to make a buck. The other guys may not care about that "legacy" thing, but Chris' actions (and inaction regarding things) show me that he most certainly does.
That's why I don't think he'd involve himself with the current band, or with Geoff's side project. It would look like he was favoring one over the other, and he's always tried to avoid that. Perhaps, if a farewell tour was arranged, and the money was there for everyone else, and QR was playing amphitheater sized stages again like they did on HITNF and PL, he'd consider it, if it was something that could be done to the standards they had when he was in the band. Or a final record, done properly, with the original band and a farewell tour. But outside of something with finality, connected with the original band, I think DeGarmo will contently stay out of all of it. He's wisely kept himself wisely above all of it for a long time. He's met Todd. If he wanted to work with him, and get involved with current Queensryche, he would have.
And do I think any of that original lineup reunion stuff will actually happen? Not really. Probably 30 percent yes, 70 percent no. And those odds likely will significantly decrease further over the next few years.
Now, in regard to Tate: IMO, Tate is probably angling to trot out Mindcrime (as bosk said) in 2018 for the 30th. I just don't see him and his Mindcrime band getting big offers to do it. He saturated people with it over and over again. But that's probably his angle. He might garner SOME interest if he was able to lure someone from current Queensryche over, but the only one I think would be likely would be Scott. And I still think it is a long shot, given how Scott is currently taking time off the road (he wasn't and isn't a big fan of long tours). So it really doesn't look feasible for Tate to pull anyone out of QR to make it more attractive. So Mindcrime 30 may happen for Tate, but not at the level it probably deserves, that's for sure.
As for Tate and his voice, I saw him on the acoustic tour this spring. And I have to say, it was very enjoyable. He was in his element, honestly. His vocals sounded good, and he sang well against the acoustic backdrop. Not sure why he sounds different over electric instrumentation, but his power, tone and control were very good. Yes, his range is significantly lower. But range isn't everything. I went in expecting nothing. And he surprised me with how much fun he had, and how relaxed and good he sounded. Say what you want about Tate's actions. They are what they are. I certainly had a problem with it. But he's moved on, and they've moved on, and at the end of the day, as a fan, I just want to enjoy the music.
But I personally don't expect Queensryche to reunite with Tate without DeGarmo being a part of it. And I don't think DeGarmo would return unless it was the entire original band. And the likelihood of all that happening decreases with each passing year.
I wish them all the best, although personally I think that Todd and Parker are doing the right thing by starting to branch out and do stuff like solo albums and connecting with other bands. Makes good sense, given the direction QR seems to be turning.
Topic: Official Queensryche thread: Kickstart the next album (Read 694602 times)
