Tate unveils his new Queensryche

Name game: Geoff Tate

Geoff Tate has delivered on his promise to use the Queensryche name, and unveiled a band including Rudy Sarzo ex of Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot, Bobby Blotzer of Ratt and Glen Drover, formerly of Megadeth.

The move follows Tate’s failed attempt to force his former bandmates to stop using the Queensryche name after they sacked him. When a judge ruled against him he stated it meant both parties could employ the title.

Now he’s confirmed his band is also called Queensryche – and slammed former colleages Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield and Eddie Jackson for having “no spark”.

He tells fans: “I’m sure the last few months have been very frustrating for you. I know they have been for me. It’s said that adversity makes one stronger. I’m definitely in a better place now than I’ve ever been before.

“Today is a new day and I am thrilled to announce the new Queensryche. Together we shall embark on a new musical journey that will be a greater extension of where Queensryche has ever been.

“It’s a whole new scene. There are new ideas, different musical backgrounds and a whole new set of parameters. Everyone has ideas you haven’t heard before.

“I look forward to this new life and I hope to see you on tour.”

Referring to his three decades with Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson he says: “The challenge, when you’re in a creative environment, is keeping things fresh and invigorating. After working with the same people for thirty years it gets very difficult.

“You walk into the room and everybody knows what everyone is going to do. There’s no spark – the chemistry is very tried and true and you just keep coming up with the same ways of expressing yourself.”

Last week Tate said his dismissal from Queensryche had been a “betrayal.” The remaining three original members, alongside Parker Lundgren, are working on new material with singer Todd La Torre. They play at Rock The Bay with Accept, Dokken and Michael Schenker Group on Texas on October 12, then at Snoqualme Casino, Washington, on October 27.