Source: Bravewords.com
Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp organizers report: “Hold your excitement, metal fans, Hell Bent For Vegas is coming for you! Here’s the ultimate Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, specifically for you metal heads.
Formed in Birmingham, England in 1969, JUDAS PRIEST‘s landmark album, British Steel, and leather and studs look helped define the era of heavy metal. They are known for their searing twin lead guitars and operatic vocals and have sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Their top-selling album was 1982’s Screaming for Vengeance, which featured the hit ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’. Other hits by the band include ‘Breaking The Law’, ‘Living After Midnight’, ‘Metal Gods’, ‘Turbo Lover’, and ‘Heading Out To The Highway’, to name a few.
The current lineup includes:
Rob Halford (vocals) Ian Hill (bass) Glenn Tipton (guitar)* Richie Faulkner (guitair) Scott Travis (drums)
On top of it all, we’ll have special guests Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ex-OZZY OSBOURNE) and Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE), you don’t want to miss this.
Your experience begins the moment you sign up when our Music Coordinator will contact you to make sure you are prepared in advance for this once in a lifetime experience. We will be streaming your live performance for free which will give your friends and family members back home an exclusive opportunity to see you perform.
Take advantage of our recording package and learn the ins and out of producing an album with professional engineers in a world-class recording studio. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience. It’s time to get Hell Bent for Vegas!”
*please note Glenn Tipton will be unable to attend the camp. All other members will be participating.
Roger Scales of TheyWillRockYou.com recently conducted an interview with QUEENSRŸCHE vocalist Geoff Tate. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
TheyWillRockYou.com: No matter what happens with the pending litigation regarding ownership of the name later this year, as a QUEENSRŸCHE fan, I can’t see why others can’t sit back and enjoy both and take each for what it is..new music. Why do you think fans feel the need to “take sides?”
Tate: Because we’re in litigation (November court date is set to decide who has the right to use the QUEENSRŸCHE name: Geoff Tate or Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson and Scott Rockenfield), there is a concerted effort to create a personality for me, to try and create a smear campaign, really. They have a pretty sizable amount of people that are participating in that. If you do a little bit of research, you will find that most of the negative comments are coming from a small group of people that have multiple Internet sites and multiple Facebook sites. Multiple personalities are really arguing with themselves, in a sense. As Americans, we love our controversy.
TheyWillRockYou.com: The first leg of [the “Operation: Mindcrime” 25th-anniversary] tour started out with Simon Wright on drums and Nina Noir as [Sister] Mary. On this leg, you know, have Brian Tichy on drums and Sass Jordan filling in on the Mary role, and even had John Moyer from DISTURBED filling in on bass for Rudy Sarzo on a few dates. You seem to be able to add an abundance of talent within the hard rock community whenever the need arises. What do you attribute this to?
Tate: Gosh… I just asked them. These are all people I’ve known over the years and I’ve always admired their playing and had a lot of conversations, musically, with them over time. In the case of the Sarzo brothers (Rudy and Robert), for example, they’ve wanted to make music together for years and have just never been able to for various scheduling reasons, mostly. This is a dream come true for me, because I get to play music with some of my great favorite players and wonderful friends as well so it’s a win-win situation, for sure. It’s amazing the difference between the different players we have out with us so far. Simon is an incredible drummer but so different from Brian. Completely different kinds of styles, but they are both playing this music and giving it their own twist. Another great thing for me (personally) is this is the first time this music has truly been played live. QUEENSRŸCHE in the past always relied heavily on click tracks and backing vocals being flown in and guitar parts being flown in and all of the keyboard parts and all that stuff was on click tracks and the computer, in a sense, controlled our tempo. We just all played to it. We incorporated this technology years ago because it gave us the ability to present our songs live the way they sounded on the records. Something that was very important to us at the time. We always went into the studio with the idea that we never wanted to be limited. We never wanted to say well we can’t write this song or record that way because how would we ever be able to pull this off live? We will just imagine whatever we can and record whatever it is we can from that imagination. Then we will just worry about it later. That’s when we came up with the click track idea. It works very well on one level because you get an exact-sounding performance and all the tempos are laid out for you so that the drummer just needs to follow along, in a sense. Night after night, it’s an exact representation of our sound and the band sounds incredible. On the other hand, it just kills your spirit to play to that machine. There’s no band camaraderie, there’s no human element, there’s no ability to jam. You’re stuck to this arrangement that you cannot change. Right now, I can look at Simon or Brian and give them a nod and we can extend a section out on a song on the fly. We can ad-lib or stretch a guitar solo out if somebody is in the mood for it. I can do an impromptu talk-to-the-audience thing. It makes for a more interesting show, I think.
TheyWillRockYou.com: Is there a QUEENSRŸCHE album of material that you will simply not play live now or in the future?
Tate: I can’t really think of one — not off hand. Honestly, I’m not that interested in looking back. I’m more focused in what’s going on in the present. When you perform live, you kind of have to play material from the past, because that’s what fans know the most. Your audience almost “tolerates” any new material in your set. Music needs time to sit with people. I try not to perform that many new songs in a set because the audience simply doesn’t know them that well. I will probably wait a few years before you play it live. Gives the fans time to get a feel for it and understand it better. These songs off “Mindcrime” people have been listening to for 25 years now. It means more to them.
Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing has has posted the following message on his his Steel Mill web site:
“Well, it has been a while. I haven’t been hibernating this winter but often thought of doing so. Hopefully the worst of the weather is behind us and we can look forward to a great festival season.
“I had a call from one of the world’s great singers Geoff Tate who I guess knew that I would be available to guest on one of the tracks of his new album. Despite the sad division within the band at the moment, in the name of music I decided to go ahead.
“QUEENSRŸCHE, as you know, have long since galvanized their position in the world of metal and are known and respected for the hard work that they have dedicated to music over so many years. PRIEST have had the pleasure many times to have played alongside the band and I can say openly that I have many great memories of the fun and crazy times that we shared whilst on tour. I remember one incident that nearly killed or at least maimed me — that was DEATH BY SOFA!
“Let me explain. One night after the show — mentioning no names — one of the QUEENSRŸCHE guys suggested levitating a ginormous sofa between just four of us using just one finger each. After quite a few beers, something was destined to go wrong. Anyway, we proceeded and it was amazing until the thing was over our heads. Then two of the guys dropped out. As the thing came careering in my direction, I had immediate visions of a hospital bed. By the skin of my teeth, I somehow managed to escape the flying sofa. My tour could have well and truly ended there! Anyway someone said: ‘Who’s for a beer?’ and the night went on. However, I often think of what the headline might have been: ‘Rock musician killed by a sofa!’
“Anyway, now back on safer ground in the UK I have been trying to create a circuit that unsigned bands can tour without paying to get on. It is not easy but I guess it’s early days. So if you are close to Wolverhampton Slade rooms on the May 16th or Birmingham Asylum on the 17th please swing by for a full on metal night with HOSTILE, MORAY FIRTH (from France), UNDER BLACKENED SKIES and LEFT UNSCARRED for the start of Future of Metal.
“Talking of great singers I was speaking to (Tim) ‘Ripper‘ (Owens; former JUDAS PRIEST and ICED EARTH singer) recently and he told me of his plans to open his own bigger and better venue soon in his hometown. So watch this space for updates on that. I am sure the opening party will be very metal and one not to be missed.
“Have a great summer festival season and thank you for feeding the flames!”
Do you really hate “Frequency Unknown”, the new album from the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE? Have you already blogged about it online? Well, metal geeks, if you’ve got the balls to stand behind your opinion, then here is the contest for you.
Stop hiding behind your computer keyboards and smart phones and show Tate and his record label, Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records, how much you hate “Frequency Unknown” by submitting your “video rant” to them via YouTube video. Start by giving them your real name on camera and proceed to rant away. Geoff Tate will film himself choosing the best video rant and will post online for your enjoyment. The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Seattle, Washington to see QUEENSRŸCHE in their hometown on June 29, along with VIP special guest seating, meet-and-greet passes for after the show and a merchandise package worth $250 that he or she can feel free to either burn — or wear in style!
Contest rules:
1. Video rants must be submitted via YouTube and contestant must state on camera before beginning the rant: “My name is (real first and last name per ID and/or passport) and this is my video submission for the QUEENSRŸCHE “best rant” contest — or video will not be considered.
2. All video submissions must include a link to: http://www.cleorecs.com or video will not be considered.
3. Please limit your rants to the music and production of the album “Frequency Unknown”. Personal attacks/personal threats on QUEENSRŸCHE bandmembers and family members will not be tolerated. Any video submissions that cross the line will be denied and possibly reported to YouTube for violation of YouTube policies (seriously — wives and children are off limits!)
4. Content of the video rant must be limited to the QUEENSRŸCHE “Frequency Unknown” album as released by Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records on April 23, 2013 and not on any previously released QUEENSRŸCHE or Geoff Tate solo albums.
5. Contest limited to ages 18 and up only.
6. Deadline for submissions is May 10, 2013.
7. Runners-up will receive free “goodie bag” from QUEENSRŸCHE and Cleopatra Records Inc.
8. Contest limited to U.S. residents only
9. Employees of Cleopatra Records, E1 Entertainment or its business partners are not eligible.
As previously reported, Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records is making available the “new and improved” mixes of “Frequency Unknown” to any customers who have purchased the original mix version and are dissatisfied with the audio. Simply e-mail the label a scan of your actual receipt for the physical CD to Queensryche@cleorecs.com and they will happily send you a replacement disc — at no charge whatsoever. No questions asked!
“Frequency Unknown” was released on April 23. The CD was produced by Jason Slater at a studio in Northern California. The first single from the effort, “Cold”, can be streamed below. The track, which was mixed by Anthony Focx (NEWSTED, AEROSMITH, NIGHT RANGER, TED NUGENT), will also be released as a special limited-edition seven-inch vinyl single with a newly recorded version of the QUEENSRŸCHE classic “Silent Lucidity” — mixed by Jürgen Engler (DORO, DIE KRUPPS) — on the B-side.
Asked about the decision to remix “Frequency Unknown” shortly before the album’s release, Tate told “The Continental Breakfast With James & Raina”: “We were a little rushed on the mixing end of it, so after listening to it back, we’re having some of the songs remixed now before the album comes out. But that’s typical with records — you have to have them in on time. So sometimes you compromise in areas. Luckily, with this situation, we get to go back and correct some areas in the sound where we thought it was kind of lacking. So that’s fine. I’ve done that on… gosh… probably three quarters of the records I’ve ever made. It’s no new thing, but it’s a luxury when you get to fix it.”
“Frequency Unknown” is packaged with bonus tracks — four QUEENSRŸCHE classics, newly recorded, including the smash hit single “Silent Lucidity”. Guest musicians on the CD include K.K. Downing (JUDAS PRIEST), Chris Poland (MEGADETH), Ty Tabor (KING’S X), Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, TESTAMENT, EXODUS), Lita Ford, Brad Gillis (NIGHT RANGER), Dave Meniketti (Y&T) and Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN).
“Frequency Unknown” track listing:
01. When Lightning Strikes
02. Running Backwards
03. Fallen
04. Life Without You
05. In The Hands Of God
06. Cold
07. The Weight Of The World
08. Slave
09. Dare
10. Everything
Bonus tracks: (2013 versions)
11. Silent Lucidity
12. Empire
13. Jet City Woman
14. I Don t Believe In Love
Although a lineup for Tate‘s QUEENSRŸCHE was originally announced in the fall of 2012, things have changed. The band now features Tate along with bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, DIO, WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT), guitarist Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE 1998-2001), keyboardist Randy Gane and new additions, guitarist Robert Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, HURRICANE) and drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, RHINO BUCKET).
Legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) says that he decided to join Geoff Tate‘s newly assembled version of QUEENSRŸCHE because the the opportunity to work with a “world-class vocalist” like Tate was too good to pass up.
“My motivation for joining the band is, you know… Working with great singers is always the toughest thing to find,” Sarzo told Artisan News at the December 12 premiere screening in Los Angeles, California of “Randy Rhoads: The Quiet Riot Years”, the first documentary film to be released on the late guitarist. “Of course, somebody that plays at the level of Randy Rhoads, of course, that’s one in a million times that you’re gonna find that. But a vocalist, a real word-class vocalist like Geoff Tate, they’re very rare, especially the ones that happen to be available. So when he called me up and said to join forces, of course, I said ‘yes’ — immediately.”
Tate‘s QUEENSRŸCHE also includes drummer Bobby Blotzer (RATT), guitarist Kelly Gray (MYTH) and keyboardist Randy Gane (MYTH).
Geoff Tate‘s QUEENSRŸCHE will hit the road next year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the group’s epic 1988 release, “Operation: Mindcrime”.
The performance of “Operation: Mindcrime” next spring will cover all fifteen songs from the album including such fan favorites as “Revolution Calling”, “Operation: Mindcrime”, “I Don’t Believe In Love” and the closing track, “Eyes Of A Stranger”. It will also feature other selections from the QUEENSRŸCHE catalog, including songs from “Operation: Mindcrime II”.
Glen Drover (MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND) announced his departure from Geoff Tate‘s QUEENSRŸCHE last month before playing a single show with the band. He said in a statement: “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, who was fired from QUEENSRŸCHE in June after fronting the group for three decades, recently sought to prevent his former bandmates from touring and operating under the QUEENSRŸCHE name without him. While ruling against Tate, the presiding judge determined that there was no legal hurdle in Tate also using the name with an all-new lineup of musicians. “I don’t see any reason that Mr. Tate can’t have the benefit, if he gets other members, of whatever name he uses of using the brand,” Superior Court Judge Carol A. Schapira said during the July 13 court hearing. “I think [doing that would be] inherently confusing, although I’m sure the market can get these things sorted out,” she added.
Since parting ways back in June, vocalist Geoff Tate has been referred to as the former singer of QUEENSRŸCHE while his ex-bandmates have forged on with the name and CRIMSON GLORY frontman Todd La Torre in Tate’s place. The courts have allowed both entities to tour under the Queensrÿche moniker with Tate announcing in September that his line-up would include the following pillars of heavy metal: bassist Rudy Sarzo (ANIMETAL USA, ex-WHITESNAKE), drummer Bobby Blotzer (RATT) and guitarists Glen Drover (ex-MEGADETH), Kelly Gray (ex-Queensrÿche).
However BraveWords has just received the following note from Glen Drover saying that he’s bowing out of the band:
“I am really sorry to say that I have decided to bow out of Geoff Tate’s Queensrÿche. 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.”
Just a few weeks ago BraveWords spoke to Tate (here) about his new solo album Kings & Thieves, the Queensrÿche drama and his plans for 2013 amidst all the legalities. He had the following kind words to say about Glen Drover:
“Well I chose specifically because I’m a fan of that guy’s guitar playing. He just really has this really fluid effortless style of playing. And he’s the kind of guy that can play anything you throw at him. He’s very schooled and very disciplined. Personality-wise, he just has a really easy going personality. He’s not difficult.”
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