I saw Queensryche / John 5 / Eve To Adam at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids MI last Wednesday night.
Eve To Adam opened with a nice set of heavy rock. I don’t know much about these guys, but they had kind of a typical late 90’s early 00’s heavy rock sound. Not quite metal, but not too far away from it either. Their set didn’t make me want to rush out and buy an album, but it was enjoyable.
Next up was John 5. John is probably best known for his work with Rob Zombie (his current full-time gig), Marylyn Manson and Rob Halford, but 5 has played with a who’s who of other musicians over the years. In the break between bands, the roadies quickly constructed a rather elaborate little stage set that was pretty cool looking like something out of a horror movie. 5 came on and proceeded to do about an hour set of cool instrumental hard rock / metal that obviously featured a lot of riffing guitar. 5’s set reminded me a lot of Satriani or Vai live and I really enjoyed it. For his finale 5 payed tribute to Neal Peart performing an instrumental version of “Limelight” and “Fly By Night” followed by a selection of other classic rock riffs, some that he wrote. I would like to get the chance to see him do a full set sometime if he ever comes around again.
Next up was Queensryche. Of course, the debate rages on as to who the “real” Queensryche is. After the split with Geoff Tate in 2012 a lot of people have refused to even give the time of day to the current Todd Latorre version of the band, but I think that is a big mistake. For me LaTorre has breathed new life into this band, and they have put out 3 excellent albums which are by far the best thing the band has done since “Promised Land” back in the mid-90’s. I have seen the LaTorre led Queensryche once before a few years ago, and they have definitely upped their production values since then. The performance featured a great light show and just generally strong production. The band were great right from the get-go mixing up newer material with old classics. LaTorre’s vocal range is truly amazing and he can hit all the high notes on material that went all the way back to the band’s first EP. He sounds enough like Tate that it is certainly still Queensryche but puts his own unique spin on his vocals as well. Michael Wilton has really stepped up to the plate on guitar and played most of the leads throughout the night. Parker Lungren also took the occasional solo and they both did some really nice twin harmony guitar work during the set. Eddie Jackson is solid as ever on bass. All in all, I loved this show. For those out there that say, no Tate, no Queensryche I would suggest giving the current band a chance. This was so much better than the last few times I saw the Queensryche with Tate (and I have seen the band more than a dozen times).
Here are the set lists:
JOHN 5:
CRANK IT LIVING WITH GHOSTS
SIX HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SIX PICKERS IN HELL
ZOINKS
HELL HAW I.G.R.
HOWDY
SEASON OF THE WITCH
FIRST VICTIM
THE BLACK GRASS PLAGUE
I AM JOHN 5
CACTUS FLOWER
NEAL PEART TRIBUTE / INSTRUMENTAL MEDLY (LIMELIGHT, FLY BY NIGHT, THUNDER KISS 65, THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, SPOONMAN, DR. FEELGOOD, UNCHAINED, I’M BROKEN / WALK)
QUEENSRYCHE:
PROPHECY
OPERATION MINDCRIME
WALK IN THE SHADOWS
RESISTANCE
MAN, THE MACHINE
TAKE HOLD OF THE FLAME
NO SANCTUARY
BENT
DARK REVERIE
BREAKING THE SILENCE
SILENT LUCIDITY
JET CITY WOMAN
SCREAMING IN DIGITAL
QUEEN OF THE REICH
ENCORE:
LIGHT-YEARS
EMPIRE
EYES OF A STRANGER
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by MudShark22
Bookmarks