Queensryche – battle over band name is over

The long running battle between the two rivals versions of prog metal outfit Queensryche is officially over.

“We wanted to let Queensryche fans around the world know that an amicable settlement has been reached between Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield, Michael Wilton and Geoff Tate with regard to the future of the Queensryche name,” the two bands said in a joint statement.

Original Queensryche members Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield, with newer members Todd LaTorre and Parker Lundgren,will now be the sole band using the name of Queensryche for recording and touring.

Original Queensryche lead singer Geoff Tate will no longer use the Queensryche name.  However, he will have the  exclusive right to perform albums Operation: Mindcrime and Operation: Mindcrime II in unique performances.  Tate will do a brief Queensryche “farewell” tour this summer before launching a new chapter his musical career.

It’s been nearly two years since the band split into two separate bands using the same name, and both sides say they are relieved to have settled the dispute and are looking forward to moving on.

“It’s the rebirth of Queensryche and the way it used to be,” Wilton said. “We’re rebuilding the Queensryche name.”

“One thing that’s really important for people to understand is that this never went to court,” Geoff Tate said. “They bought the name from me.  But I retain Operation Mindcrime.  It’s sort of similar to the Pink Floyd situation where Roger Waters retained The Wall.  Mindcrime was my thing and my story, so it’s appropriate that I keep that.  So they will continue on as Queensryche, and I will continue on as me.”

Tate has created a new “Rock and Vaudeville” show that reinterprets the history of rock ‘n’ roll since the ‘50s, featuring songs by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, AC/DC and other artists. A series of five shows are scheduled May 1st to 3rd at the Triple Door in Seattle.

“It started out as a project to take my mind away from the court case, because there was so much negativity,” Tate said. “I’m a very creative person, and I like to live in that world of making things up and creating musical pieces and stories.  That’s where I operate the best. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

Queensryche are working on songs for a follow-up to last year’s successful self-titled album, but aren’t planning to do a local show until later in the year.  “We’ll definitely do a big re-launch of the band in Seattle,” Wilton said.