Queensryche Concert Review Celebrity Theater Phoenix AZ 11-06-24
Concert Review and Photos By Roc Boyum
Queensryche brought their “Origins” tour, featuring special guest Jared James Nichols, to the stunning Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, AZ, on November 6, 2024, entertaining a passionate crowd of devoted fans.
This second leg of the Queensryche 2024 Fall North American tour is aptly named the “Origins Tour,” as the band highlights their first two recorded works: their self-titled EP from 1983 and their debut full-length LP, The Warning, released in 1984. Both of these albums are being performed in their entirety, along with two classic Queensryche hits for the encore: “Prophecy, Empire,” and one lesser known gem” Screaming in Digital,” off their Rage For Order LP.
Celebrated blues-rock guitarist, Jared James Nicholes, opened the show and featured his distinctive finger-picking playing style which has been captivating audiences in clubs and festivals everywhere, since 2010.
JJN delivered a powerful set featuring eight original songs, along with a faithful rendition of the Black Sabbath classic, “War Pigs.” After the JJN original “Thrown to the Wolves,” JJN let his band mates showcase some of their skills that featured short but sweet solos from bassist Brian Weaver and drummer Ryan Rice.
The JJN track “Nails in the Coffin” offered a nice shift in tempo, starting with a gentle and melodic introduction that evolved into a powerful and heavy grind. JJN’s vocals come across much grittier in the live performances as compared to the studio recordings, perfectly complementing the band’s musical style.
The Black Sabbath cover of “War Pigs,” highlighted JJN tearing up all the iconic Tony Iommi guitar riffs. JJN conducted the audience choir through the song’s various influential guitar lines that have helped to define Tony Iommi as the “godfather” of heavy metal. Drummer Ryan Rice contributed impressive rapid-fire drum fills that definitely stamped out his signature expression, while bassist Brian Weaver expertly held everything together with the standout Geezer Butler bass lines that contribute to the timelessness of “War Pigs.”
With JJN’s electrifying guitar skills, an outstanding band, and hard-hitting rock material, it’s no surprise that Queensryche chose to feature this incredible new artist on their tour. I’m confident that we’ll be hearing much more from JJN in the years ahead, so be sure to catch him live whenever possible.
Queensryche:
The second segment of the Queensryche 2024 Origins tour is crafted for both devoted fans and newcomers. With a focus on songs primarily from their first two albums, long-time fans can enjoy tracks they may not have experienced live in years, if at all. Meanwhile, new fans will have the opportunity to hear the material that established Queensryche as a prominent force in the progressive hard rock scene.
The Warning LP first debuted in 1984, over 40 years ago, with certain tracks not performed live for 8 or 10 years, while “Before the Storm” from that LP had not been played live since its original release in 1984.
It was fantastic to experience this classic material, brought to life by the original members—guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson—alongside the fresh energy of newer members, including vocalist Todd La Torre, guitarist Mike Stone, and drummer Case Grillo.
This material is challenging to perform live, so some credit must be given to the new guys. Vocalist Todd La Torre sounded brilliant giving an exceptional vocal performance on all these songs that stretches the limits of vocal gymnastics. Guitarist Mike Stone delivered a fantastic sound, seamlessly blending with Michael Wilton’s guitar work. Drummer Casey Grillo expertly maneuvered through the tricky time signatures while locking into the intricate bass lines by Eddie Jackson. Grillo skillfully incorporated a mix of Scott Rockingfield’s original drum concepts while throwing in some of his own signature style and licks.
The band surprised the Phoenix with a three-song encore that wasn’t featured in every show on this leg of the tour. It was great to hear “Prophecy,” “Screaming in Digital,” and “Empire” as part of the encore. While some fans may have preferred the classic “Eyes of a Stranger,” which was swapped out for “Screaming in Digital,” I think this addition was a fantastic choice for their set. Don’t miss the chance to see Queensryche live whenever you can. This legendary band has played a significant role in shaping a genre and continues to expand the limits of their musical creativity.
Queensryche Photo Gallery:
Jared James Nicholes Photo Gallery:
