Queensryche: A Tale From The Photo Pit

QUEENSRYCHE; photo Reuben Martinez

QUEENSRYCHE; photo Reuben Martinez

First show of the year and I am getting to cover a band I was listening to since their beginning! Over 35 years in the business this band has endured many obstacles over that time. Their recent album The Verdict was released a year ago bringing the total to 21 albums (16 studio) in their career. The tour started in Southern California with Eve to Adam and Rob Zombie’s guitar virtuoso John 5 to support. East coast band Eve to Adam took the stage and I was new to hearing them. They are a solid choice to open for the rock icons. Very energetic set.

JOHN 5; photo Reuben Martinez

JOHN 5; photo Reuben Martinez

One huge thing about this night was getting to shoot John 5 in a venue with great lighting and a photo pit. I’ve covered John 5 a few times in the smallest clubs shooting from a crowd. And tonight, John 5 stayed constant to each time I’ve seen him. Visually, John 5 can look Metal/Zombie and play hard, yet beautiful. Hard riffs to country twang. But just like shooting from a crowded floor, the photo pit was full of about 20 photographers this night. Limited space to move around. But every angle had heavy blue and green lights to set the scene. John 5 even came out with a mask of himself, ripping it off to reveal a green skull. He finished with a quick tribute to Rush (who recently lost their drummer, Neil Peart) a homage to the band, then went into very familiar riffs of White Zombie and Pantera. These were definitely fan favorites of the night.

QUEENSRYCHE: photo Reuben Martinez

QUEENSRYCHE: photo Reuben Martinez

At last it was time for headliners, Queensryche to take the stage. When the lights went out you could see the band members walk on stage and right away jump into their classic “Prophecy”. I’ve seen this band dozens of times and every time I get drawn to when I was a teenager. Singer Todd La Torre sounded amazing going through the classics and on to the new songs. The Ryche vibe is still there. Part of that sound is the guitar harmonies of Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren. Of course, when Eddie Jackson started the bass line for the intro to “Jet City Woman” the crowd went nuts. One of their biggest hits. They ended the main set with “Queen of the Reich” from the first album.

QUEENSRYCHE: photo Reuben Martinez

QUEENSRYCHE: photo Reuben Martinez

They opened up the encore with something new and then finished the night with “Eyes Of a Stranger” from the Operation: Mindcrime concept album. Even with a lot of media in the photo pit and seeing a lot of familiar faces, this show was a great way to kick off 2020. It’s great seeing bands like Queensryche still packing in venues. And sounding amazing.

Queensryche Set List:
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