Queensrÿche Plays Rare Intimate Acoustic Set

By Andrew Bansal

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October 5th 2015, The Rainbow Bar & Grill, West Hollywood CA: In the final week of their massive North American arena tour as sole support act for Scorpions, Queensrÿche rocked a capacity crowd at the Forum last Saturday October 3rd 2015, and two nights later, made a surprise Los Angeles appearance which was announced last-minute, a gig that couldn’t have been any more contrasting than the one they played with Scorpions. To celebrate the release of their latest Century Media Records release ‘Condition Human’, Queensrÿche performed an acoustic set at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood, as this Todd La Torre-fronted lineup showcased a new facet of their musicianship to squash any doubts about them being worthy of representing the Queensrÿche name.

The party started at 8 PM at the upstairs bar, as complimentary pizza and drink tickets were served to attendees, and all they had to do was specify at the door that they were here for the ‘private event’. This tiny, dark room was completely packed as 50 people turned up, and all members of Queensrÿche were seen mingling with the crowd, exuding a very humble, relaxed vibe before taking the ‘stage’ here.

Stools and microphones were set up in the corner of the ‘live music’ room adjoining the upstairs bar, and at 9:30, Queensrÿche took their positions, as singer Todd La Torre and a bass-less Eddie Jackson gave a short introduction of the new album. Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren on acoustic guitars and Scott Rockenfield rocking a tambourine instead of drums, Queensrÿche played a six-song set that started with the new single ‘Arrow Of Time’ and straightaway moved onto some of the most loved fan favorites. The audience flocked as close to the ‘stage’ as they possibly could, and were in good voice as they sung along the words to these classics. According to La Torre, the band had not rehearsed this set and it was their first time performing in this setting, at least with this lineup, but they did a splendid job as all the songs seamlessly fit the acoustic arrangements.

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Besides exhibiting their own musicianship in this strange setting, the band also brought on singer Gabbie Rae, who opened for them with her band at the House Of Blues Anaheim earlier this year. She joined the band as guest performer for one song, and floored the entire audience with her incredible highs on ‘Queen Of The Reich’ to make this Queensrÿche set all the more special. There is no denying that Gabbie Rae is one of the most talented young singers going around at present, and her exploits here proved as much.

This was advertised as a 2-song set, but the audience rightfully kept demanding Queensrÿche for more songs and the band obliged to a large extent. After seeing them sell out club venues on their own and command giant stages as support act in arenas, it was a real treat to witness them in this intimate setting in front of such a small crowd. Through this set, they never stopped smiling and kept cracking jokes between songs. These five musicians are clearly having a great time playing together as a group, and it reflects in their performances.

It could not be emphasized enough that this lineup is not only the best representation of all things Queensrÿche, but Todd La Torre, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield, Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren together constitute what is unarguably one of the finest live bands on the planet at the moment, electric and acoustic. Forget about any of the inhibitions or pre-conceived notions you may have previously associated with Queensÿche and see the current incarnation of this band and pick up their new album because they will change your mind forever.

Set List:
01. Arrow Of Time
02. Eyes Of A Stranger
03. Queen Of The Reich (w/ Gabbie Rae)
04. The Lady Wore Black
05. Take Hold Of The Flame
06. Silent Lucidity

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