QUEENSRYCHE BID FAREWELL TO TATE

Fans and media have speculated about the state of Queensryche, which marked its 30th anniversary last year, for weeks due to rumors of internal conflict between the band and vocalist Geoff Tate.

On May 29 the other members of Queensryche announced they were forming a project, Rising West, with Crimson Glory singer Todd La Torre on lead vocals. Rising West played Queensryche's older material at two sold-out shows June 8-9 at Seattle's Hard Rock Cafe.

When Rising West appeared June 7 on KISM Seattle radio show "The Men's Room," Rockenfield said it was "a day-to-day" process as Queensryche determined its next move, but the band would definitely continue.

Queensryche was scheduled to perform June 11 to open for the Scorpions in West Valley City, Utah, but only Tate appeared, backed by his solo band.

The growing tension culminated in the band dismissing Tate, and announcing he will be replaced by LaTorre.

Drummer Scottt Rockenfield issued the following statement:

"Over the past few months, there have been growing creative differences within Queensryche. We want our fans to know that we hoped to find a common resolution, but in the end parting ways with Geoff was the best way for everyone to move forward in a positive direction."

"We wish him the best of luck with all of his future endeavors. We can't wait to bring Queensryche to our fans with Todd behind the microphone."

Queensryche is a Grammy Award-nominated band that broke into the mainstream with the 1988 concept album Operation Mindcrime. The group has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and their biggest U.S. radio hit was 1991's "Silent Lucidity," which reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.