Queensryche Guitarist: ‘Once Tate Left, the Darkness Went Away’

As the Queensryche drama had seemingly cooled down in the public eye, at least before the final court date, guitarist Michael Wilton of the band’s La Torre-fronted edition discussed singer Geoff Tate’s departure from the group, calling it a liberating experience.

“Oh, yeah. Once this burden was lifted from us, this darkness went away and the light came through and everybody just had the freedom to create and take chances and take risks musically and not be squandered because it didn’t fit a certain way that someone wanted to sing,” Wilton told Metal Wani. “So it was just a blessing in that aspect.”

Michael also addressed Tate’s claims that the court battle over Queensryche name is “all about money,” pointing out that much more is involved. “To me, it’s bigger than that,” he explained. “It’s basically the entity of the name, what it means, the inherent value, creatively, and everything encompassed with the fans. As far as revenue streams, whatever, that’s all part of it, but it’s what’s in our hearts that matters.”

Asked on the chance of Tate winning in court, the guitarist commented: “We are prepared for that. Honestly from each individuals we have the elements of metal, progressive, pop, hard rock, classical and that’s great when you put everybody’s creativity in the mix as civilized individuals and not egocentric people. You mix it in a blender and you get Queensryche. We have the following of the fans and our recent European tour has been success. We were rebuilding and fans have been supportive. They have come up-to me and said ‘This is real Queensryche.'”

La Torre-fronted Queensryche released their new self-titled effort back in late June via Century Media Records.