9:15, the tour manager took the microphone, introduced the band and there they were. Queensryche, live and in the flesh, no intro music, no pomp and circumstance, just them. The set kicked off with "Burning Man." I loved nearly every moment of the set, even getting a bird's eye view of the set-list from my vantage point right behind the soundboard. While it was great getting a sneak peek into what was to come, it also led to some major disappointment, which I will get to in a moment.
After the first couple of songs, Geoff took a moment to talk about being quizzed about the last time he played The Chance (in Poughkeepsie, NY). It seems those doing the asking were counting on his memory having faded, but he did have the answer. He doesn't remember the exact day, but it was 1983 during their first national tour. They were the support act for Twisted Sister (New York locals!). Could you imagine these two on the same bill? Must have been a wild show.
The show went on, loud and proud. Geoff Tate led the charge through the set-list, sounding good, although it was apparent he has lost a step or two in his vocal power (to be expected after over a quarter century on the scene). He also admitted partway through that he was being hampered by illness; it was affecting his chest and the set-list. The guitars from Michael Wilton and Mike Stone (who I swear looks like Vanilla Ice, post rap era) sounded strong. Their interplay was tight with perfect timing. Eddie Jackson remained out of sight for the most part, in the shadows at the top of the left hand drum riser, keeping solid bass rhythms going. In the middle of it all was Scott Rockenfield, bashing those drums like there was no tomorrow, he sounded great. Together, they got better the further into the night they went, sick or not, and the crowd was into every moment.
Being this tour is in support of their latest release, No Cover, they did play one song off the cover collection, Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine." I found it to be mediocre at best. This seems to be the perfect material for them, but there was something that sounded a little weird to it, not to mention Geoff playing sax.
The show really kicked into gear once they reach "Bridge." There is something about that song that gets to me. Then " Gonna Get Close to You" sounded really good. I think the biggest surprise was the inclusion of "Real World," a song I've always liked, but don't believe has appeared on a Queensryche album. The song originally appeared on the soundtrack for the Arnold Schwarzenegger film Last Action Hero, I recommend that soundtrack it is very good.
The set built to a crescendo as they reached the "Jet City Woman" - "Eyes of a Stranger" combination. These are two fan favorites (me included), and as those songs poured off the stage, you could almost see the sparks jumping through the audience. Man, it was fantastic. Then the encore: "Empire." I remember singing along to that oh so many years ago.
Now, the I have the upsetting piece of business to discuss the disappointments of the night. I am sure it is primarily due to the fact of Geoff being sick, but as I looked at the set-list I saw a good number of songs being skipped, songs I would have really wanted to hear. Now, much like the Dokken songs, I am going to try and remember which ones were skipped: "The Lady Wore Black," "I Dream in Infrared," "Neon Knights," "I Don't Believe in Love," "Walk in the Shadows," "Another Rainy Night (Without You)," plus "Take Hold of the Flame" was left off the encore. I hope I remembered those right, I have a feeling I may have added a wishful thinking or two based on my faulty memory bank.
My other concern lies with the use of piped in sound. Some I can understand, keyboard parts and programmed drums, but it was the background vocals that bugged me. It sounded weird, particularly when there were processed vocals, it sounded as if Geoff wasn't actually singing those parts. This was particularly noticeable during "Empire." Far be it for me to accuse of lipsynching (I'm not). The layering just looked a little off.
Overall, this was a great night of music, from the fun, loose performance of Don Dokken to the much more focused and strong Queensryche presence, I would not give it up for anything. Make sure you get out there and see them if you have the chance.
Set-list (may be a bit off, but I think this is about right):
01. Burning Man
02. NM 156
03. Screaming In Digital
04. Welcome To The Machine
05. I'm American
06. Hostage
07. Bridge
08. The Killing Words
09. Gonna Get Close To You
10. Real World
11. Anybody Listening
12. Jet City Woman
13. Eyes Of A Stranger
Encore
14. Empire
Read more at Draven99's Musings.