Get ready, Europe! Progressive metal icons QUEENSRŸCHE are returning to your shores this summer for an epic tour that promises to be unforgettable. Kicking off on June 6th in Köln, Germany, and wrapping up on July 5th in Cartagena, Spain, this tour is a mix of headline shows and festival appearances that no metalhead will want to miss. But here's where it gets exciting: they're bringing along special guests RIVERS OF NIHIL for select dates, ensuring each night is packed with powerhouse performances.
Tour Dates with RIVERS OF NIHIL:
- June 12: Köln, Germany - Essigfabrik
- June 16: Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
- June 17: Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
- June 22: Manchester, UK - Club Academy
- June 23: London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
- June 30: Lund, Sweden - Mejeriet SE
- July 1: Hannover, Germany - Pavillon
- July 2: Lindau, Germany - Club Vaudeville
Festival Appearances:
- June 13: Into The Grave, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
- June 14: Rock For People, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- June 19: Hellfest, Clisson, France
- June 20: Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium
- June 25: Copenhell, Copenhagen, Denmark
- June 26: Tons Of Rock, Oslo, Norway
- June 28: Tuska, Helsinki, Finland
- July 3: Plane'R Fest, Colombier-Saugnieu, France
- July 5: Rock Imperium Festival, Cartagena, Spain
But that's not all—this tour comes at a pivotal moment for the band as they gear up for their next studio album, the follow-up to 2022's Digital Noise Alliance. In a recent interview, guitarist Michael Wilton revealed that the band has already started the songwriting process, working in 'pockets of time' between their busy touring schedule. 'It's a new way of doing things,' he explained. 'Producers are adapting, and so are we. Gone are the days of having three months to record an album.'
And this is the part most people miss: QUEENSRŸCHE is once again teaming up with producer Chris 'Zeuss' Harris, who has been instrumental in shaping their sound since 2015's Condition Hüman. 'We built such a relationship,' Wilton said. 'When he hears my ideas, he just gets it. I trust him completely.'
Bassist Eddie Jackson echoed this sentiment in a November interview, stating, 'We're still in the writing process, but we're making progress. We bring our recording devices on tour to capture new ideas. It's not the same as being in a studio, but it works.'
Here's where it gets controversial: When asked about unexplored musical directions, singer Todd La Torre admitted, 'After 40-plus years, I don’t know if there’s much left to explore within the confines of what QUEENSRŸCHE is. We’re not going to write a hip-hop or death metal song.' But he did hint at incorporating more clean guitar sounds, orchestration, and unique percussion elements, sparking debate among fans about the band's future sound.
Another point of contention: The band's lineup has seen changes, with guitarist Mike Stone rejoining in 2021 and drummer Casey Grillo filling in for Scott Rockenfield since 2017. Rockenfield's departure led to a legal battle with Wilton and Jackson, which has since been settled out of court. But the question remains: How will these changes influence the band's next album?
Wilton offered a glimpse into their songwriting process, emphasizing a 'fresh approach' where they create on the spot rather than relying on past material. 'Everything we create is new,' he said. 'It’s a real band effort, just like in the early days.'
So, here’s the big question for you: With QUEENSRŸCHE’s legacy and evolving lineup, do you think their next album will break new ground or stick to their tried-and-true sound? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your thoughts!
Don't miss your chance to see QUEENSRŸCHE live this summer. With their legendary performances and new music on the horizon, this tour is bound to be a highlight of the year. Will you be there?
