I’ve seen Geoff Tate several times at the Canyon both with and without the original Queensryche.  I caught both of his solo shows last year and two Queensryche shows prior to that.   I was excited to see his new band with Simon Wright and the Sarzo Brothers.   After hearing that they’ve only really rehearsed for a few weeks, it was hard to say if it was going to “work” or not.   Without a doubt, it did.   It sure was nice to feel 25 years younger.   Everyone I knew wore that cassette out back in 1988 and needed a new one.   And that was a “must buy disc” when CDs became the standard in the 90s.

From the start of “I Remember Now” to the conclusion of “Eyes of a Stranger”, this show COMPLETELY ROCKED.   And shockingly so.   The sound and lighting were absolutely superb.  These are not “replacement players”, this is a bona fide super group.

Geoff Tate was in top form throughout.  He really owned this performance.

Nina Noir as Sister Mary was incredible and the vocal interplay between her and Geoff was a true highlight of the show.

Seeing Rudy Sarzo do his thing on the bass was another highlight of the show.   Rudy rules.

Simon Wright gave a commanding performance on the drums, complete with an excellent drum solo close to the beginning of the show.     After seeing this concert, it’s good that they’re playing again in LA this weekend.   They’re going to get a LOT of repeat performance from this incredible line-up.

 

Randy Gane, Kelly Gray and Robert Sarzo are more great additions to the band.   Argue and compare all you want, but Geoff Tate is Queensryche.  This is the real Queensryche and they are fantastic live.

SET LIST:
1. “I Remember Now”
2. “Anarchy-X”
3.  “Revolution Calling”
4. “Operation: Mindcrime”
5. “Speak”
6. “Spreading the Disease”
7. “The Mission”
8. “Suite Sister Mary”
9. “The Needle Lies”
10. “Electric Requiem”
11. “Breaking the Silence”
12. “I Don’t Believe in Love”
13. “Waiting for 22”
14. “My Empty Room”
15. “Eyes of a Stranger”
ENCORE:

“Silent Lucidity”
“Best I Can”
“I’m American”
“Jet City Woman”
“Neon Knights”
“Empire”

All the awesome people in attendance made the evening even cooler….  Everyone was there for the right reasons – to celebrate a true masterpiece of a recording played by excellent musicians.

Brian Tichy was there enjoying himself and checking out the band.   It turns out that he will be covering for Simon Wright in June.  Brian had to be impressed with what he saw tonight.