Queensrÿche - Take Hold of the Flame | REACTION 

Geoff Tate is widely regarded as one of, if not the, best singers in the world during this period. I would say between 1984-1989, he cannot be beaten. I use that sustained high E to tune my guitar, and I'm not joking.

This was a criminally underrated group in the 80s and 90s.

The 8 stages of listening to Take Hold of the Flame: 1. Ok...he's pretty good 2. Not too bad 3. (first E5 note of 3) What was that?! 4. Holy crap!!! 5. What the f***! 6. (second E5 hits) WHAT THE F***! 7. (third E5 finishes song) IS THAT POSSIBLE! and ending in... 8. WHY HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF GEOFF TATE?

Geoff is actually a baritone that lives in that high register most of the time , this is just crazy . His range , stage performance and unique singing style are beyond comparison .

Geoff was 25 in 1984 and is 63 today. Still recording and touring

During that time (mid 80s) period Dickinson, Dio, Halford and Tate were the tops vocally. All had distinct styles

This may be the greatest live male vocal performance of all time, by anyone, ever!!!

Operatic singing AND he's jumping and spinning around, not at all worried about running out of breath and his notes go on FOREVER! GOLD!!

This is some of the metal that I grew up with.... I feel so fortunate to have grown up in this era..... Literally unbelievable.

This song is not as famous as it supposed to be. Pure GOLD!

Geoff is one of the best metal vocalist of all time there are several videos of opera singers reviewing this video he is a monster

I love this reaction. You 3 are chill then Geoff hits the first high note and the you 3 turn in to 3 dashboard bobble heads in sync

This is why its hard to listen to todays music with as much respect as the 70, 80s, and sooome 90s. For me the talent is not even close. This had to be done organically, no autotune, no protools or laptops to do 90% of the work for so called artists today. This is as raw as it gets. PURE talent. Gotta respect the S%$# out of it. Thanks guys

I love watching people react to his voice. It's just mind-blowing. 🤘🤯

Geoff Tate's voice is like expensive whiskey, smooth with a kick. I could listen to this live version every day. Watching other people watch it for the first time is like watching people experience NHRA drag racing in person for the first time.

Geoff Tate is one of the best singers in metal! More great Queensryche songs are: Eyes of a Stranger, Walk in the Shadows, The Lady Wore Black, and Empire.

The crazy thing is, this was the ENCORE!! They played for 90 minutes and then did this one then Queen Of The Rÿche! Geoff was 24 here and that badass guitarist Chris DeGarmo was only 19-20 at the time. A lot of bands didn’t want them as openers early on since they killed it so good! 🤘

Solid performance and clean vocals. Its what the 80s wanted to be.

also , this was an encore , one of the last songs they performed that night. So basically had sang for about an hour before doing this strenuous and challenging song. He's a beast. glad to see you guys really enjoy it. Loved them for years seen them around 4 or 5 times before he left the band.

Queensryche Unplugged. Della Brown. The Killing Words. I Will Remember. Such a great and overlooked performance.

I've said it a million times. These guys are hands down the most underrated bands ever! They did not get publicized very well at all. What a shame. My personal favorite band of all time. I mean after 40 years of listening to them I still love hearing their music. I can't say that about any other band.

Watch this whole concert. Incredible.

The 3 highest notes are Geoff Tate hitting the E5 note, and for most of the song Geoff is just chilling at around the C5 area

Queensryche is my favorite band of all time in the whole universe (original line-up). They are fantastic songwriters, very diverse. Great musicians, each one, and you've heard Geoff sing!!! Early on he stayed more in his high register, but in later albums he brought in a bit more of his lower range. In his prime he had a 4-octave range! The album, OPERATION: MINDCRIME is essential listening. It's a HIGHLY acclaimed concept album with one continuous storyline told in flashback. And the LIVE performances of this album in its entirety are amazing! These guys are the real deal! They deliver live! I've seen and met them numerous times, and was SO impressed with them in every way! When you mentioned you wondered what the studio version of this song sounded like compared to the live, I'll tell you, it's ALMOST identical! Geoff has a gift of being able to bring all the charisma, energy, and emotion to a studio recording, that he does to a live performance! Epic stuff! Sorry, I've gone on far too long, but it's hard NOT to be passionate about Queensryche! GREAT reaction, btw!! I liked how the three of you picked up on different aspects of the song to comment on. And, yeah, isn't Scott killer on drums!! He frequently incorporates unique time signatures and rhythms. Also, I read that a couple of his drums (toms?) for this performance we're electric, which gave them that cool sound in the opening section. I didn't hear it on the studio version. I liked the live drum sound the best. Hope to hear more Queensryche reactions from you guys, I really enjoyed it!

Best song Queensryche ever produced. Lyrics are incredible with the best line's of any song. ''Don't you see life's a game, ..............you got nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

They performed this song about an hour into the concert, if you notice Geoff isn't even breathing hard...if you listen to the studio version you'll see there's not much difference other then this live version is way better. If you wanna hear a strong ballad, please listen to the studio version of "Road To Madness"...the vocals are just mesmerizing

You guys need to hear Queen of the Ryche.

He's in his 60's now. Still out there performing and sounding great. Just watched a recent live version of their song Queen Of The Ryche and he hit all the high notes, which is no easy task on that song.

That is live perfection. Not only is Tate amazing, but so is the rest of the band. I miss Chris DeGarmo in the band. He’s just as valuable as Geoff is to Queensrÿche. When he left the band, they were never the same imo, and not for the better.

I got the Album and the concert as a VHS - Version at home - Welcome to my Metalworld for more than 40 years - I m 54 years old and love this music

Not only a life performance, this was a encore performance

I'm 57 years old. My first-time hearing this I was younger than you guys. I'm happy to see expression on young people hearing those Screams for the first time.

You guys really need to try more!!! They are amazing!!!

No auto tune. Live. Damn. The voice. Famous for it.

One of the Greatest Rock Anthems of All Time.

Puget Sound boy here and these guys were the shit. We all knew it before the Warning ever came out! They blew us away!!

This guy is my favorite vocalist besides Steve Perry..His name is Geoff Tate and he still sounds amazing! Please explore more!! Keep On Rockin'

Queensryches performance of Suite Sister Mary live is insane too. Progressive theatrical metal at its best

Welcome to my Metalworld for more than 40 years - i m 54 years old - The Best Music on this Planet

Saw them live three times back in the day. Absolutely phenomenal. Best concert ever.

I love watching these reactions to this performance when he hits that E5 in the intro. Not only was this a live performance, this song was at the end of the set. He had been singing like that for like an hour before this.

I LOVE watching these reaction videos when he sings. Kids today don't realize back in " our day" live meant LIVE . And anyone who sa geoff tate live, understands he sounds fantastic! I've tried over the years to find a better vocalist, and hits impossible. Geoff is THE best vocalist in history. Period.

I love watching the young ones react to this stuff, I grew up seeing all these bands live.

There is SO much more to hear! Thanks for this reaction!

Wow, shocked this is the first time you've heard them. You're in for a treat

Love when new people discover this performance. Lol @ " who is this guy?'" Geoff Tate was the real deal.

One of the best singers ever!!!

Became a fan as a kid in the mid 80s and they were my biggest influence in music. The original line up was not only very talented but ahead of their time in what they were writing.

Welcome to the greatness of Queensryche.

I saw Queensryche in 1993. They ripped the roof off the place. One of the tightest bands I've ever seen.

Saw them supporting DIO in ‘84 and they were outstanding! A gig I’ll never forget! The MTV unplugged they did is outstanding too! 😎

Thank you. Y'all gonna F'king enjoy this Rabbit hole. 😉✌😎💯🔥⚡🤘

Saw them 3 times in the 80s and they did not disappoint. The dual guitarists are both excellent. Operation Mindcime is a must listen.

God... welcome to my teens. So much memories does that song bring back. A whole era... Thanks guys.

Guys, this is before the era of computer “touch up” on vocals and sound. This is the age of Raw Talent and their Live performances were as good or better than studio. Raw Talent! Not positive but I think the drum sound was Roto Toms.

The studio version is nearly identical. That’s why that live version is so impressive. For those in the know, many people consider Geoff Tate to be the best metal vocalist of alltime. The two singers you compared him to are both fantastic vocalists, but there is no one out there who could do what Geoff did in his prime, and that is sing those high notes, not only loud, but crystal clear. His clarity singing that thpe of music makes him different than almost anyone else. No one could or can do what Geoff did.

during this time period Geoff was untouchable.

This was an encore after two hours. The man is amazing.

Being new to Queensryche, You may want to take a step back to their first hit from their debut EP: Queen of the Ryche.

I was fortunate enough to catch this tour at L'amour in Brooklyn. They were even wearing the same clothes, and yes - they were this amazingly good.

This was the next to last song of the concert…can you imagine?

I lived in a small town in Texas and came across Queensryche by accident. I tried to show my friends but they were not having it. Then, Queensryche opened for KISS in Corpus Christi Texas at the Coliseum at about the time KISS was starting to play without makeup and all my friends wanted to see them without makeup so they went to the concert. For them, Queensryche was just filler until KISS showed up. When Queensryche played this song the crowd went absolutely BONKERS!!!!! They blew KISS out of the fucking water and got Encored back on stage 3 times. TBH, I don't even know why KISS got on stage. But after the concert everyone couldn't shut up about Queensryche on the ride home. You gotta check out "Roads to Madness" from the same album. It is another banger.

soo many good musicans in the 80s we were soo spoiled

Queensryche is a rabbit hole you won't regret going down.

Let’s not forget scotts totally awsome drumming, no computers there👍

I can’t believe you’ve never heard Silent Lucidity by them!!

The amazing thing is that this was the last song of the set and this was their second set of the night. Geoff had been singing for about 4 hours when this was recorded. Also, Queensryche was so good that if you listen to the studio version of this song, there's not much difference between it and the live. These guys were PRO-DAMN-FESSIONALS.

You guys are cool. But I had to laugh my ass off as you all begin to head bob in unison at the beginning!!! I want the three of you on the dash of my car😂. That's pure metal shit right there!

On my top 10 performance live on RU-vid 👌

That whole concert is on RU-vid. Highly recommend watching it. To see the other end of his range, check out "Silent Lucidity", "Someone Else?", and "I will Remember "

That ‘high note’ is an E5, and some of the most accomplished singers who have ever lived could not have pulled it off that well...and all these years later, he can still do a tremendous job with his pitch...they played this song on every tour they did...and it sounded exactly like this version...just an incredibly talented group of dudes...and the drummer Scott Rockenfield, is next lvl, like Neil Peart from Rush! Godlike y’all!!!...🤠

Geoff was one of the most pure vocalists of all time. Pure mastery of his voice.

Tate's voice was in a class all by itself. And the rest of the band was to a man the best in the business. They could play with anybody.

That high E5 he hits at 7:44 is so good, it almost sound like there's another harmony behind it. It's the best E5 he's ever nailed actually. He does it 3 times in this song... once in the intro, then in the middle, and at the very end. This is the one in the middle and there is nothing better.

he's ( Scott) is using electronic pads on some of the tom fills you guys like. Geoff was the top of his game here. keep in mind. this was the LAST song of the night and he stilled crushed it.

Live performances show true talent! Geoff has a incredible voice. Btw, operation mindcrime is a masterpiece, any song from that album could be reviewed.

Gotta do Jet City Woman, , Silent Lucidity, Eyes of a Stranger, Another Rainy Night....I haven't heard the entire Operation Mind Crime album, but I'm sure it is fantastic. Thanks for all you guys do!!

‘Bout time! Knew these guys from their eponymous EP. So after hearing Queen of the Reigh, Take Hold of the Flame was epic, but no Surprise!

Paid five bucks at the door , Small club in Baltimore in 1984 , Picked a seat at a bar overlooking the stage , I was about 10' away . Queensryche was the band .That night I felt like Queensryche was mine !! . During this song's lead break , Geoff Tate climbed up to me and took my hand , Stayed with me the entire lead . I remember looking down at the lead guitarist and if I could read his eyes " Dude .. please don't throw our singer off " . They were as tight as the album .. flawless !! . The song Take Hold changed my life .

You guys are diggin’ that E5 aren’t ya?!? Lol! Pure vocal power there. Can’t fake it! As for the sound of the Toms… I would also love to know what Scott Rockenfield does to tune those to get that sound! His drum tech must’ve been some kind of creative genius

One of my favorite bands growing up in the 80's!!

Screaming in Digital by queensryche!!!!

His voice was on fire as he amplified the energy in the room to levels rarely achieved. To me this is supernatural in every way including the message. Take responsibility and take hold of that VIOLET FLAME!!!!!!!!❤️

I saw this tour live back in ‘85 and QR was absolutely awesome. This is The Warning tour. They opened for Kiss and pretty much blew them off the stage. Geoff Tate hits all of the notes and Scott Rockenfield is one of the best drummers of his time. He also is one of the best at tuning and sound performance. The entire band is badass.

Have these 3 dudes seriously just discovered Queensryche, and Geoff Tate? With everything going on now...Queensryche arrived somewhere just after Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, these cats (from Seattle, Wa.) made both British bands stop and say, "well...shit!"

"That crash cymbal" is a china type, and those toms off to the side were Simmons electronic pads incorporated into the setup. We were so spoiled for amazing bands in the 80s, but Geoff was from another planet.

One of the greatest live performances.....ever

This song is THE song that always reminds me of my brother who died too young. Gives me chills and makes me cry every time. Glad you liked it.

I love metal voices. They’re so theatrical. I have no idea who this is but he’s a true tenor

Geoff Tate has such a unique voice. Love their Operation Mindcrime and Empire albums. My favorites from them.

I love watching first reactions to this Classic Masterpiece !! Loved your reactions, heads bangin' and jaw's dropped and lots of smiles !!

Bad ass! Best vocalist of all time in my opinion!

Geoff Tate was one of the best live vocalist in hard rock! He's in his 60's now and still sounds better than most singers half his age. Watch their Mtv unplugged and be prepared to be floored.

Excelent reaction dudes! Proove with "Walk in the Shadows"...great song! Thanks!

Operation Mindcrime is a great album. It’s a great concept album🔥

Scott Rockenfeld is probably one of the best "power" drummers out there. Maybe he's not as technical as some other drummers, but he kicks some serious A$$

Your synchronised head-bopping is contagious 😁🤘!

I've been lucky enough to see Queensrÿche perform live at The Garden to smaller venues in New York City and Jersey, having worked at one of those. Words can't express how insane it was to be third row, center @ the Beacon Theatre in NYC for the Operation: Mindcrime show . Not only are all members of the band extremely talented, but equally nice as well. To see another side of the band, check out the video for "Silent Lucidity." On a separate note, I loved watching your reactions and hearing your comments to the video. They were classic! ... and yes, I subscribed to your channel shortly thereafter.

Night Ranger “ don’t tell me you love me “. Brad Gillis was one of the guitarists who also toured with Ozzy Osbourne. After Randy Rhoads passing away. This band also went on to become another big band from the late 80s, Damn Yankees. Just the lead vocalist Jack Blades.

Funny that you said he reminds you of RJ Dio, I saw Queensryche supporting Dio many years ago. Two amazing singers