Actually it wasnt that impossible at the point Todd came in. Tate's voice and attitude were soooooo far gone by that time. Todd was actually replacing the ghost of 1988 Geoff Tate and he has done so gracefully.
I agree with the OP. Very difficult position. No one can replace the talent that Geoff Tate brought to Queensryche. Todd at times managed to sound like Tate, which is always interesting to see. Rich Little was a master at impersonating singers but he himself was a comedian. With Todd being a singer, I imagine it's tough on the old psyche. I'd like to see him use this opportunity to make original music with a new band with a new name. I wish him the best!
Myself at 50 today at 2021 I also grew up with Queensryche. Extremely important at the time of my life a lot was going on . A lot of bands don’t realize how helpful this music is to us I was it out of the home in really early age around 15 going through Group homes Eldora which was a young youth prison type situation in Iowa . This music and others kept us alive seriously and strong in our mental ways I couldn’t imagine not having heavy-metal helping us all through this or each one of our times . Honestly when the lead singer was kicked out it was extremely painful. There’s no denying that it’s hard it’s painful no one ever wants any of the bandmembers to leave a break up . With out question you’re extremely talented brother adapting to unusual situation take time and you’re doing the impossible I salute your brother nice work
when i fist heard that Queensryche replaced Geoff Tate i just startad to LOL. Then i heard this guy sing and i realized that holy shit, this guy can actually pull this off. Love the albums he have done with Queensryche
There are so many things about this interview and about Todd that are so refreshing. For starters, this dream happened later in life. I can relate to that with the small successes that I’ve had and experiencing now. I also love what he says about not subscribing to the typical ‘hacks’ that so many look for. He seems to follow his own tuition, which is far more effective than the guidance of any guru, so to speak.
I was in high school when friends of mine were into Operation: mindcrime. However, I am just now getting into them heavily and realize how AMAZING they were! As a guitarist, composer and producer for 30+ years I have so much appreciation for the sophistication of their music! I always loved Rockenfield! I think he might be underrated.
He has an amazing voice and it's awesome to hear the old school songs being played again. Not too many people could fill the shoes of some of these song's like Todd does.
This man single handedly brought back Queensryche from a 25+ year slump! Their last 3 albums have been incredible, and Queensryche NEVER would have done that these days with Geoff Tate. If you remember where Queensryche was before Todd rescued them, they were in the middle of some weird Geoff headed burlesque theme weirdness. They had no idea what to do, they were so lost. Todd brought Queensryche back to being REAL Queensryche! Thank you Todd!
Totally. as a fan starting in the late 80's as a highschooler, I love the classic lineup with Geoff, but totally agree with you. Mad respect for Geoff and QR era, but total props go Todd for just bringing what he brings and the resurgence of Queensryche! not to mentions Todd's bad ass heavy solo stuff as well!
@@hinjurock70 hmmm. By that logic, was Deep Purple a Deep Purple tribute band when they got to MK II? Scorpions a tribute band when they replaced everyone but Klaus and Rudolph on the second album? If you had a band and replaced some of your members, would yours be a tribute band?
It is what it is and I'm glad Todd's doing a great job so that the band lives on another day .queensrhyue has never been the same since DeGarmo left.He was the man behind the music
I didn't know this Guy, but after listening him in the videos he has a lot of talent doing both things plus it's humble and passionate to do a job that he deserve
The first time I heard of Todd is when he sang in a band that I thought was long gone: Crimson Glory, whom I had never seen live before Midnight passed. Thanks to him, I could, so he was already very high up in my estimate. And then he goes and basically saves Queensrÿche, my favourite band ever. A goddamn hero and no two ways about it! Of course there's those that say he can never replace Geoff Tate. Logical of course, no two people have the same voice. But he can sing the old material better than Geoff Tate can, these days. I hope he will stay with Queensrÿche until they all retire so I can see them another gazillion times :)
For anyone who finds it surprising when drummers are also lead singers? Meet Todd La Torre, former rock metal drummer, now lead singer for Queensryche. It shouldn't really surprise anyone, since many of the great rock and pop singers started out as drummers. There's far too many to list here, but, it always makes me laugh when people are *so surprised* when they discover a particular band's drummer is also the lead singer. It's not as rare, or surprising, or unexpected, a thing as some people make it out to be.
I do like Todd and I'm glad the band is back. I have every album and basically everything Queensryche related. I respect Todd. But for me, Geoff Tate is irreplaceable. In my opinion though, they hired a singer who sounds very similar to Geoff Tate. I wish them well. I guess I just miss the Queensryche lineup that included Geoff, Chris, and Scott.
@@cheriejohnston1789 Scott and Chris were the first members then came Mike and Ed. They were called The Mob. They recruited Tate to sing and only changed the name to Queensryche after Tate joined. So he actually is a founding member.
Saw Queensryche a few years before Tate was curbed. Was thinking the whole time that his voice was toast and seemed like his performance was mere rote,let me keep checking my watch,disinterest. The question was for me was why did the other guys take so long to break with Tate. Todd owns the songs as if he were in Queensryche from the beginning. Bravo to him. He seems thankful and humble.
I saw this band with Tate about 15 years ago. Replacing him would be nearly impossible. In that respect, this guy has something in common with Ripper Owens.
Todd's bad ass. Resurrected Queensryche. I actually stopped listening to them after promise land. Until Todd came and brought a fire desperately need ,and to the band.
Todd you can sing all the operatic and Highs of a young Tate. But I will say you have way more power to your vocals. Much stronger than even early Tate was. I know he was part of making the music. But you couldn't find a better vocalist to replace him...
The dude pretending to be the drummer now is a joke. He isn't anywhere close to good enough. I am fine with them replacing Scott if he refuses to play any longer, but find someone good enough to do it. Tall order? Yup.
That's a very ignorant and disrespectful comment. Without Geoff Tate, no one would know who Todd La Torre is. Also, Geoff is over 60 - let's see how good Todd looks and sings at that age. I'll take the real thing (even if it's two decades past it's prime) over an uninspired imitation any day. Can
@@hinjurock70 FACTS. also, Geoff literally wrote the story to Operation Mindcrime. He is the greatest lyricist in heavy metal. Rage For Order and Operation Mindcrime are lyrically masterpieces (musically as well of course). Those are Geoff's stories and there's no one I'd rather hear singing them
@@DannyGadish The Tate/DeGarmo years WILL NEVER be overshadowed. QR is measly just a name now..the REAL legacy lies with the original 5 members. The current line up isn't capable of writing anything near the caliber that Tate and DeGarmo did. Won't support this band now that Scott is gone and they have a drummer who is out of time and butchers the drum parts like Kelly Gray did with guitar parts. Yeah I play drums and have studied Scott's style for several years. BTW Todd's the reason this band is slowly falling apart...bets on Eddie Jackson is the next one to leave the band lol
I give Todd a lot of credit for picking up the Microphone and trying to fill the HUGE VOID left when Geoff Tate left Queensryche! However, as good as Todd is, NO ONE AND I MEAN NO ONE CAN REPLACE GEOFF TATE! Tate has one of the Most Prolific and Iconic voices ever in Rock! He’s in the Top Three of all time in my opinion!
@@mben-david2064 Todd is also 15 years younger than GT. You can’t compare the 2 today. As much as I like Todd, let’s see how he sings 15 years from now 🤷🏽♂️
I think alot of people have forgotten or refuse to take into consideration, Todd LaTorre is a 'complete musician.' Drums, guitar, vocals and a genuinely good dude!!!! Rock On Todd
Unfamiliar with all of the (verifiable) intimate details of the split, I have always sided with Tate by default, just out of a sense of long standing admiration. As I became aware of Todd, I was impressed with how he was able to deftly deliver Tate's contribution, an incredibly difficult feat. Now I see something very respectable in him, the absence of ego. Sign me up for camp La Torre...a remarkable musician and a man of the people. Long live the Ryche.
I saw Queensryche with Todd at the Hampton beach casino and ballroom. I had no idea before going that Tate had left, I just wasnt keeping up on things in the rock world. No need to be concerned, he was OUTSTANDING. Great show, everyone had a good time.
One of the things that has impressed me most about Todd as a person is the way he deals with people that are acting like jerks. He's so patient with people whose behavior only deserves a smack in the head. That kind of patience takes a LOT of humility. He's just overall respectful, courteous, and personable. We need more people like that, even if they're not crazy good singers like Todd!
I don't know this Cat. Who knows who he really is, or what he's really like - unless you actually know him. But, with that said, he sure does represent himself really well - and he seems like a genuine and appreciative man. It's really nice to see in this day and age. Really cool interview. Would love to see these guys one of these days, and would even be really cool to meet him. He really does seem like a good man! Cool interview.
Jimmy Z... we agree. He is a really good guy. We enjoyed interviewing this man as he has so much respect for what he does. Also we did get a chance to see him live as you see in the interview ftg. It was awesome!! Amazing live band.
I saw them at a local Seattle casino. The guys were walking around enjoying some time after the show around the casino. We saw Todd and wanted pictures. He was on the phone at the time and asked the person to hold for a minute while we took some pictures. I really appreciated that. Him taking HIS time for us for a few pictures. He was very kind. When I heard he was joining, I knew the band would be on fire again!! Could not have found a more choice person for the mic!
@@richardkeenan4876 Cool story! Thanks for sharing, Richard. Glad to hear he is really like... he seems in the interview. There are still some good People around. That's nice to see.
My FAVs were Maiden and QR as well, growing up. I, like many thought QR was dead in the water like 99% of bands who lose their iconic singers. How refreshing yet true to the QR sound Todd's been. But more importantly, in the grand scheme of things, what a HEART in this man. Humble, smart and oozing integrity. To say his heart's in the right place is an understatement. Life is about priorities. Sure, he's lead singer in one of the greatest Metal bands of all time. The fact that his HEART stays home on tour says all you need to know about this man. 🤘😎 Good people, ROCK!! In spite of the rebel in us that Rock long represents.
My husband (another rock musician) introduced me to Todd on one of the Monsters of Rock cruises. Todd is a wonderful, warm person - totally without arrogant ego issues and he sings the hell out of QR's incredible back catalogue. He is a phenomenal frontman. We are gunning for you, Todd! Hope to chat with you again sometime. Melissa and DV
I didn't know he was a drummer before the last album. I think Scott is one of the most unique drummers in metal. It sounds like he is having some difficulties with the band. I hope they can all iron things out.
Todd reenergized the band. The 4 albums with him are great, especially Digital Noise Alliance which is, in my humble opinion, the best QR album since Promised Land... and perhaps even Empire. I have my tickets for the next show.
Uh. No. He is emulating Geoff's voice to the T. That's not what I'd consider talent or a successful replacement at all. I won't ever see Queensryche the same since Geoff and Scott Rockenfield left. No originality in this guy's voice.
Not going to lie didn't like him at first queensrÿche fan Geoff tate fan and it hurt what Geoff was doing to the rest of the band once he left I even got to see him in 2013 but was still skeptic about Todd but as a late bloomer to Todd with Queen's Right he this man is growing on me the power in this man's voice and songs off their new album digital alliance here sorrow that song captures me and I haven't felt that way about a queensryche song since the early days still love them still love the name God bless you Michael Wilton you're carrying on the flame
I seen Queensryche open for Judas Priest in April 2022 queensryche and Judas Priest both sounded amazing Todd's vocals were incredible and of course Rob Halford the Metal God sounded amazing
Todd seems to be a very decent man and his humility is rare in a career full of egotists. I grew up listening to Queensryche and after hearing his version of Queen of the Reich I just couldn't listen to it. His vocal style is just too different and yet so similar to most metal front men. Geoff Tate has been and will always be one of a kind. No one can ever replace him but I have much respect for Todd giving it his best effort.
