Glen Drover Quits Queensryche

Glen Drover has quit Geoff Tate’s Queensryche – before the band played their debut show.

The former Megadeth and King Diamond guitarist says he’s discovered it would be best for him not to take part in the band formed after the original Queensryche sacked Tate and hired new frontman Todd La Torre.

That leaves Tate with bassist Rudy Sarzo (ex Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot), drummer Bobby Blotzer (Ratt) and regular collaborators Kelly Gray and Randy Gane.

Drover explains in a statement: “I am really sorry to say that I have decided to bow out of Geoff Tate’s Queensryche.

“I was very excited about doing this gig initially, but learned in the past week or so that it’s in my best interest not to do this right now.

“I feel really bad for those who were excited about the idea, and to Geoff himself, who, I have to say, was very nice to me on my past trip to Seattle. I, of course, am very disappointed for arriving at this point, and making this decision, to say the least. I sincerely wish the Geoff and the band all the luck on what they do in the future.”

Tate revealed his lineup in September after a court ruled that both parties could use the Queensryche name until a full hearing at the end of 2013. The original band are recording their first album with La Torre, while Tate, who’s currently promoting solo record Kings And Thieves, plans to start work with his band next year.