Originally published March 2, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 12, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Corrected version
Concert review
Queensryche returns home in triumph
A review of the show Queensryche played at Seattle's Paramount Theatre March 1, 2008.
Seattle Times music critic
Queensryche has always gone for the grandiose, crafting urgent, dramatic heavy-metal songs that soar on the high-strung vocals of Geoff Tate and the precise, searing guitar of Michael Wilton.
Ending another national tour with a triumphant homecoming concert, Saturday night at the Paramount, the 27-year-old Seattle band was more theatrical than ever, delivering a variety of material from throughout its career for an adoring capacity audience filled with family, friends and longtime local followers.
The group — also including ace drummer Scott Rockenfield, commanding a huge, chainbound kit; thunder-bassist Eddie Jackson, playing better than ever; and second guitarist/keyboardist Mike Stone, wearing huge headphones — was tighter than ever, from the solos to the harmonies.
The piercingly high-voiced Tate performed with his usual elegant flair, but with a certain detachment that sometimes bordered on aloofness. His verbal pronouncements tended toward the portentous ("everywhere there are people are you've got to live with them"), like an actor delivering well-practiced lines. But his unique, sophisticated way has always separated him from other heavy-metal belters.
Almost, but not quite, like a greatest-hits show (some big ones were omitted, including "Silent Lucidity" and "I Don't Believe In Love"), highlights of the 20-song set included such fan favorites as "Another Rainy Night," "Last Time in Paris," "Anybody Listening," "Jet City Woman," "Eyes of a Stranger" and "Empire," the big closing number. They covered Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine" and Black Sabbath's "Neon Knights." The latter included a guest vocal from a contest-winning fan who sounded just like Tate.
The show was opened with an acoustic set by Don Dokken, formerly of the minor 1980s metal band Dokken. Accompanied by a guitarist/harmony vocalist, he sang "Just Got Lucky,' "Alone Again," "Dream Warrior" and other Dokken songs, with the audience sometimes joining in.
Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com
The information in this story, originally published March 3, 2008, was corrected March 12, 2008. The story incorrectly identified a member of the band Queensryche. Mike Stone is the second guitarist in Queensryche, and the cover song was "Neon Nights" by Black Sabbath.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
CD review | Wale's 'Attention Deficit'
Dozens of acts, several stages beckon at first Seattle cabaret festival
Deck the Hall Ball lineup announced; tickets on sale Saturday
Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic to tour U.S.
Taylor made? All eyes on Swift at CMA awards

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Washington coordinator Nick Holt says his Huskies defense is improving
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
256 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
246 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
171 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
143 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
135 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
119 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
99 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
69 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
69
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Book review | Ayn Rand: goddess of the market, gateway to the American right





