Queensryche Live at Billboards
When Queensryche toured here last it was a magical evening. It felt like the planets aligned. To hear the majority of Operation Mindcrime was basically a dream come true.
So when it was announced that Queensryche were returning I needed no convincing to go. In fact I bought tickets for the usual suspects without consulting them. However this time it would be different as the music would come from Rage For Order their new album American Soldier before closing with Empire. While this would not be my preference for a Queensryche set I knew it would be well worth my time.
Sydney's Darker Half got the night off to a solid if not spectacular start. They played a nice blend of thrash and power metal. Still there is something missing. Basically they sound too much like Lord who are a far superior band.
Eyefear came on soon after and as much as I've seen them do better they are one of Australia's finest bands. Their set was painfully short and I certainly wanted more. Still I got to hear Always Reasons, which will forever be a favourite.
Queensryche were as expected, amazing. Starting with Rage For Order (which I found to be the weakest part), songs like I Dream in Infrared and Walk In The Shadows were the standouts. For me though I was crushed they didn't play We Are Rebellion.
Next it was American Soldier. I am still shocked at how good these songs were live. The crowd obviously agreed because it was all well received. I particularly enjoyed Man Down! but I was so impressed I would have liked to hear another couple from American Soldier.
From the moment Best I Can kicked in it was clear what the crowd wanted to hear. Everyone was singing now. This extended through The Thin Line, which saw frontman Geoff Tate drag out the saxophone for added effect. When it came time for Jet City Woman the place was crazy. Eventually Queensryche closed with Empire, leaving most more than satisfied.
What a band? The more I listen to Queensryche the more I understand what the fuss is about. They could have played a completely different set and still been as enjoyable, which is a real indication of how good they are.
Set list
Neue Regel
London
I Dream in Infrared
Surgical Strike
Walk In The Shadows
Screaming In Digital
I Will Remember
Sliver
The Killer
If I Were King
Man Down!
Best I Can
The Thin Line
Silent Lucidity
One and Only
Jet City Woman
Anybody Listening?
Empire
