Progressive rockers Queensrÿche had a highly publicized backstage altercation prior to a show in São Paulo Brazil back in 2012. Singer Geoff Tate was fired from the group which led to a lengthy wrongful termination lawsuit and a battle over the band name. For a while there were two versions of the band running before Tate changed his version of the band to Operation: Mindcrime, naming his group after one of the band’s biggest albums.
Tate and Queensrÿche have both remained active, and in a recent interview with This Day In Metal, Tate discussed the possibility of a reunion with his former band.
“I mean, there’s been several offers on the table, getting the band back together,” Tate said. “And nothing has inspired anybody to get in the same room or even pick up the phone and talk. So, I think it’s pretty unlikely. In fact, there’s not really a band anymore. With (drummer Scott) Rockenfield gone, it’s just Eddie (Jackson, bass) and Michael (Wilton, guitar) playing, using the name Queensrÿche, of course, which is very valuable. And it’s not really a ‘band band’ as we know it. So, yeah, I don’t really think it’s likely.”
Still, despite previously saying a reunion would never happen, Tate still seems willing to at least entertain the idea. “Well, I would say that I’m very willing to talk about it,” he said. “That’s the first step. You’ve gotta actually pick up the phone and answer the phone call,” he continued with a laugh.
Tate’s full interview can be viewed below.
