Queensryche Rocked Delmar Hall Sunday in Saint Louis
–by Sean Derrick
Veteran metal act Queensryche finally made it back to Saint Louis for a headlining show on Sunday at a packed Delmar Hall, and the wait was worth it.
The last time the band played a headlining show was in 2011 next door at The Pageant for their 30th Anniversary Tour, and that lineup, and sound, was considerably different than what showed up on Sunday. Not that it all was a bad thing. On the contrary, the band’s sound has returned to their heavier roots of the early 80’s (minus the progressive stylings interweaved throughout the earlier material), much to the pleasure of the hardcore fans. They also visibly are a more cohesive unit compared to that show nine years ago.
“New” vocalist Todd La Torre (I use the term even though he has been with the band for almost eight years) put his strong vocals on display for the Saint Louis crowd, who hadn’t heard a full set from this version of the band. They opened a show at The Fabulous Fox in 2016 for The Scorpions, and that eight song set seemed like just a tease.
Well, tease no more as the quintet (La Torre on vocals, Michael “Whip” Wilton on guitar, Eddie Jackson on bass, Parker Lundgren on guitar, and Casey Grillo on drums) tore through a 90-minute set that saw them seemed bent on blowing the lid off the venue.
Digging down deep in the way back machine the band opened with “Prophecy” a very deep cut early track that was recorded for their self-titled debut ep in 1983. That was a treat.
They didn’t stop there as they scorched through fan favorites early with 1988’s title track “Operation: Mindcrime” and “Walk in the Shadows” from Rage For Order.
La Torre’s vocals were spectacular for most of the show, save for one point during “Breaking the Silence” where it cracked several times. Thanks to an offstage drink of water that issue cleared up nicely and the crowd barely noticed.
Wilton, Jackson, and Lundgren were all spectacular and tight, and Grillo did a nice job filling in for original drummer Scott Rockenfield. Word is that Wilton has been voting for Grillo to become the band’s permanent drummer. From what I saw Sunday, that wouldn’t be a bad decision.
The band performed four songs from their most recent album, 2019’s The Verdict with the sharpest selections being “Light-Years” and “Man the Machine”.
Throughout the best-known classic songs like “Silent Lucidity”, “Jet City Woman”, “Empire” and “Eyes of a Stranger” I would catch myself closing my eyes and being amazed at the quality of the sound; the vocals, the melody, the drumming, the solos. This version feels solid and cohesive, absent of internal drama and strife. This band feels like what it should be: a family having fun.
guitar virtuoso John 5 was a welcome addition to the show. Not originally billed to play this show I was incredibly pleased when I found out he was added. I have seen him perform several times with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, but had never had the opportunity to see his own show.
I was not disappointed. With the ability and finesse to wow any crowd from blues to jazz to metal, John 5 has the talent to play anything. He showcased that throughout his 45 minute set and especially on the medley to close it out, paying homage to Rush with two tracks (“Limelight” and “Fly by Night”) was a treat for those fans still stung by the death of Neil Peart.
From bluegrass “Hell Haw I.G.R.” to the metal “Season of the Witch” John 5’s set was music to the ears. If anyone in the crowd was unfamiliar with him before the show started, they certainly weren’t afterwards.
John 5 is easily on my top 10 guitarists list. If you ever get a chance to see him live do so. You can thank me later.
Eve to Adam opened the show with a solid set.
Check out the photo gallery after the setlists below.
Queensryche Setlist:
Prophecy
Operation: Mindcrime
Walk in the Shadows
Resistance
Man the Machine
Take Hold of the Flame
No Sanctuary
Bent
Dark Reverie
Breaking the Silence
Silent Lucidity
Jet City Woman
Screaming in Digital
Queen of the Reich
Encore:
Light-Years
Empire
Eyes of a Stranger
John 5 Setlist:
Robot Invasion Warning
Crank It – Living with Ghosts
Six Hundred and Sixty Six Pickers in Hell, CA
Zoinks
Hell Haw I.G.R.
Howdy
Season of the Witch
First Victim
The Black Grass Plague
I Am John 5
Cactus Flower
Limelight/Fly by Night (Rush covers)/Thunder Kiss ’65 (White Zombie cover)/ The Beautiful People (Marylin Manson cover)/ Spoonman (Soundgarden cover)/Dr. Feelgood (Motley Crue cover)/ Unchained (Van Halen cover)/ I’m Broken/Walk (Pantera covers)
