Todd can't come close to Geoff Tate. It's not even in the same ballpark lol Geoff Tate is probably THE best rock singer of all time with his opera training and range.
@@KILLSHOT_117 Geoff is not close to being the best rock vocalist, not when talking about Dio and Steve Perry, and that in my understanding of vocal physiology, they are the best rock vocalists of all time, especially Dio who is very revered by many vocal critics who consider him the best vocalist in metal.
It's a shame Tate often gets left off the greatest metal vocalists of all time to go with Halford, Dio and Dikenson, and I an a huge fan of all 4 bands.
@@sharkfarm44 Awesome.. but i saw them in a nightclub! 5 ft from the stage on the Mindcrime tour in 1988..They were just doing some practice sets in between arena dates. I'm still recovering. One the best shows i ever saw! fan since 83
Ken, i have to agree with iamrickrock.. imo you are way off. Geoff was an inovator. Clean, with a beautification of this metal sound. Though good, Why are you riding Todd?
hmm sounds like someone really likes Todd. He is a hell of a singer but Tate is truly an artist and puts so much emotion and skill Into what he does. it's extremely difficult to step into iconic shoes. I think he does better when he relaxes and kinda makes the songs his own
Seen Geoff with Lita Ford a few years back and he took over the show, He has been asked to come on stage many places and he kills it and almost takes over the show but no one can play their music.. lol
Todd is a great singer but Geoff Tate, just WOW, he's an extremely, extraordinary, talented, epic singer. One of the greatest singers ever. His voice gives gives me chills. Silent Lucidity and Is there anybody listening is to be played at my memorial. ❤️
I think the cleanliness of Geoff's voice defined the Queensryche sound. Todd is an amazing singer, no disrespect intended.. But Geoff IS the Queesnryche sound.
Yeah! With the greatest respects for Todd`s voice and performance, but Geoff is the original sound of Queensryche that made the band so decisive! Well, I wish fate would have brought a better outcome to Queensryche!
Todd LaToure for better or worse is very similar style to Tate. Todd is good but he doesn’t bring anything original . He imitates for lack of a better term Geoff. And ironically Helloween Kiske has been compared to Iron Maiden’s Dickinson and Tate. Todd LaToure is similar to all of them.
I am a hard core Queensrÿche fan. I think the challenge here is that Geoff Tate has a velvety operatic voice that we all loved, and it’s hard to accept anyone taking his place. Even though Todd is a very good singer, he has changed the dynamics of the band.
I think Geoff's voice has declined over the years and it's nice to have a replacement who may not be as good, but better than Geoff is right now. I think you need Steve DeGarmo back. They need song writers and I think Geoff was the cause of the mellowing out of their music. I determined that after I heard his solo album. I liked everything up through How In The Now Frontier, but they started going downhill after Empire.
Geoff Tate had me at "Hush now, don't you cry". No one can top him . His natural speaking voice , his range , his attitude, the heart he put into his performance . He didn't just sing it , he lived the songs on stage like a perfect actor. His face and eyes. All the notes from low to high and the subtleties. He was Queensryche . Geoff is one of the greatest vocalists of all time for me.❤
Ken Tamplin I asked Rudy Sarzo if he would reach out to YOUR amazing vocal student Gabriela Gunchikova and have her do Queensryches Queen of the Ryche. Her voice has the operatic range of Geoff Tate so it would show off her true range. Am glad Rudy Sarzo turned me on to her vocals and your school. Kudos
YES! Jeff completely FEELS every bit of what he sings. His tone and musicality are so unique in all of music and his stage presence is calm but POWERFUL.
@@Madkaddy818 i had not listened to music for a time for personal reasons. And one day I was surfing channels and ran across MTV Unplugged and heard Geoff Tate. I heard Silent Lucidity from the beginning . First QR song I ever heard. That is the moment I referred to. I sat and listened to everything and went out to get all the CDs . It grabbed my heart for the situation I had been going through. I now realize it was about lucid dreaming ,at least partly. But for me it was about someone I had lost to suicide. He was a musician. It was comforting . But I loved the other songs he did as well. But Silent Lucidity will forever be number 1 and Geoff as well.
La Torre is an excellent vocalist who fits in very well with the music Queensryche is putting out today, (The Verdict is an awesome album). But . . . you can't compare them. Mr. Tate is a unicorn., an enigma, a once in a generation voice. He is, and always will be, the G.O.A.T. of my generation. Period.
There was a quality to Geoff Tate's voice that was unique and so beautiful. Whether it was a slow build type of song or one that started fast, every note he sang was sheer perfection. Sure, the new singer can scream, but he is missing that irreplaceable Tate tone. In my opinion, Tate did it better by a mile.
I feel the same way about Roy Khan. His replacement Tommy Karevik is an amazing singer, but he simply doesn't have that worm, soothing, and yet powerful voice. Geoff and Roy are both unique in their own way.
Geoff Tate is a master at his craft. End of story Todd changed Queensrÿche. I’ve seen them both live multiple times and to this very day Geoff is and will always be the man.
The one is a metal screamer the other one is a pro vocalist. its like comparing an opera singer to a pop singer... In his prime, Geoff was one of the best vocalists in any genre. His live performance was phenomenal
Geoff Tate and the old Queensryche are perfection. I think you miss the overall dynamic of the band as a collective, that cant be duplicated. Geoff has a silkiness to his singing that Todd cant duplicate. Even though Todd can sound like Tate and hit notes. He cant bring the same emotion and energy. That would be like one of us trying to pick up where GOD left off. You cant recreate perfection. No disrespect to Todd he is an awesome singer but he is walking in the shadows.
The recording you found was the last song of this concert and he STILL blew it away! Sorry there is no comparison. Geoff is a vocal animal and his band was spot on
Tate has something no other metal singer has- a haunting quality that has an extreme beauty to it without any overt gothiness or creepiness. It’s pristinely hauntingly beautiful in a way only his voice can be.
Geoff has been the best Heavy Metal Progressive Rock Vocalist per excellence. La Torre is good and has good chops but cannot compare them. Geoff has the trajectory and the creativity of the original sound and space.
Geoff has a tone and vocal quality that is beautiful to listen to, and an emotional element that Todd doesn't have. I also believe Geoff was a more captivating performer and superior technically. I don't believe there's a comparison.
Tate's ability to walk, jog and run with his voice made him an icon in metal history. His ability to sing with such a crisp sound made him unique. He might have been a bit tough to work with, but you can't deny his pure power and originality at the time. You can have many people able to come close to sounding like him but he will always remain the original. It's always easier to copy something than to invent a sound.
I have been a queensryche fan for 30 years.I have seen them 5 x with Tate and with Todd. Firstly these are two different songs there's way more aggressive vocal in queen of the ryche so it's too hard to compare. But I will say Todd does an excellent job live but if you look into theatrics watch live crime there's no holding a candle up to Tate. Tate is way better and suited to the queensryche sound we all grew up with hands down. Remer GT built the thrown that Todd is sitting on. There's no comparison in frasing or showman ship when GT was in his hay day. , GT is untouchable.
I’m from Seattle saw Queensryche as rising stars in 1983 with Zebra , in Boise Idaho for the promise land tour , and again in 2005 , the last time I seen them with Judas Priest and neither of them even attempted high notes, that being said,in my humble opinion there was no better singer in his prime than Geoff Tate, his clarity ,range and phrasing are unmatched , I personally prefer the more polished sound of Geoff
ANYONE can SCREAM into a mic and call it music. There is NO comparison to Geoff Tate! His notes are SO clean and and clear. Like milk chocolate ... maybe sprinkled with a little salt here and there, and his vibrato so incredibly concise I can't believe you would even TRY to compare the two.
High notes aren‘t everything… Todd is great but replaceable. Geoff is unique and especially his lower „opera“ register is still giving me goosebumps when I listen to the old records. The „Promised Land“ album for me is still a dark masterpiece. Just listen to „Someone else“ or „Lady Jane“ 🌶
People tend to overlook Promised Land. I rank that right there with Rage for Order as my favorite QR album, but I'd also argue that Rage, Mindcrime, Empire, and Promised Land are all pretty much perfect albums. Consistently strong from beginning to end, no skippable tracks. I can count the bands who have done that (four perfect albums in a row) on one hand, so they hold a special place in music IMO.
I saw Tate on the Empire tour and he could do no wrong. Mindcrime is without a doubt the greatest metal album to come out of the 80s. Now, Todd is fantastic live as well and the album they have released with him have all been very good. But I'm afraid the 'Ryche will never again reach the heights of Mindcrime.
BBowman - Agreed. Queensryche has the most uniquely beautiful sounds of the 80's metal bands, and that is because of Geoff. His rich vocal tones both high and low, unique phrasing, and that calm but authoritative stage presence can't be replaced.
In his prime, Geoff was a breed apart from others- his timbre, enunciation, mastery of passage and shameless romanticism were unrivaled- you said it best: signature.
@@New_Zealand_Music I saw him live, a mere two days ago. He has NOT lost his voice. The man is 65 years old now. He's not the same powerhouse of a 19-year-old who dazzled us in Tokyo, (STILL does!) in 1984. But I'd STILL pit him against about any singer of his time, who is still performing NIGHTLY some 40 years later. My money would be on him FTW. Even after open-heart surgery a couple of years ago, he bounched back in record time, and back on the road he went. The guy is STILL bringin' the house down, at every show!
I would say Geoff Tate hands down is the best singer. I just saw him here in Tucson on Oct 5th doing Rage and Empire. He sounded amazing. I have been listening to Queensryche since Empire days. Geoff has complete control with his vocals, where as Todd does not have that. I have seen Todd live once with Queensryche. To be honest I thought Todd was boring. Geoff has great stage presence and is very interactive with audience. He sings with emotion. I recently heard a live concert with Todd and I think he started out trying to sound like Geoff but now it seems to be changing. His true voice is coming out and doesn't fit Queensryche sound. The death metal growls he does does not fit into Queensryche. If your going to do that, then change the band name. Queensryche will always and forever be Geoff Tate. Period!
Exactly... I seen them with Geoff 6 times and every time kicked ass and then I seen them with Todd.. lol.. I left after three songs it wasnt even close to the feeling you get when Geoff is singing... Ive listen to Queensryche since day one.. It has to be Geoff..
LaTorre is an excellent singer and has done an amazing job replacing Tate. But Tate, in his prime, is the better singer. What separates them, in my humble opinion, is when Tate sings, he paints a picture. You feel the emotions and intensity in his vocals. LaTorre does not have that same intensity. Suite Sister Mary is the perfect example. You can feel Tate's pain. There is not a song on any of the albums with LaTorre that I can say captures the same intensity as any of Tate's albums.
Not even close. Geoff Tate is Queensryche. Absolute consummate singer and front man. He brought it everytime I seen him. Tight band and they were never off when I went to there shows.
I just saw Geoff Tate Sunday night. He is 63 years old and he blew my head off. Geoff Tate has one of the greatest and most unique voices I have ever heard. He sings with feeling and opens his throat which is the correct way to sing. Todd is a good impressionist and I could see him with Iron Maiden, but he is no Geoff Tate. I lost all respect for Queensryche when they fired Geoff. Geoff IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE Queensryche. Without him, they are just another bar band.
Tate is obviously the choice, he was awesome in his prime, and still is. But regarding Queensryche, reading interviews from the members it seems that Tate "destroyed" the band from the inside, becoming impossible to work with, a control's freak and bringing his wife and family members into it. Read Wilton's interview, doesn't paint a good picture of Geoff, sadly.
@@livingbeing1113 hey I read the same story and talk about a one sided interview he(Michael) also said Geoff Tates wife was the manager and she was some how stealing money from the band last time I checked it was very illegal to commit theft by deception but I dont recall any charges being brought against her and then the Brazil incident I believe that's around the same time GT was experiencing some back problems the ol knife in the back diagnosis and usually the singer does;have his finger in the pie on most bands he's expected to he's the lead singer the frontman. and I've read that the boys weren't digging Geoffs efforts musically yet they had nothing to offer but who knows !I know that they had been around each other for over 30years and if that's the straw that broke the camel's toe there seems to be a pattern here first Chris degarmo leaves the band but he comes back then splits again then geoff is let go and then its Scott's turn and hes sueing the band and then there were two it's sad and pathetic together they were amazing apart not so amazing
Great video. You hit the nail on the head. Todd could stand in for other front men, like a back up quarterback. He's good, he can handle his own when thrown into the spotlight and can carry the band. But for me he just does have the "IT" factor like Geoff Tate. There was something unique and special about his voice. He's often imitated but never duplicated.
Something very much overlooked is the ability for a singer to transport the listener to the song’s emotional space or atmospheric location. Todd is fine, but Geoff has an emotional tone shaping that is difficult to replicate. Geoff’s phrasing and note choices in his original songs, as opposed to Todd’s, are cinematic and help to define a specific situation, mood, or atmosphere. Todd’s are generic metal fry/distortion choices.
great way to describe it! thats the difference Geoff had so much more emotion in his vocals just like Ken said you can see him living the songs through his eyes. Geoff is definitely one of a kind!
I just want to add how important being the original composer is, which Ken solidifies in his video. Geoff created a path for others to follow. There was nothing like this when it came out in the late 70s early 80s. Now Emotional Fantasy Metal is everywhere. Outside of maybe Iron Maiden, this definition of music was almost unheard. They were true intellectual pioneers of progressive metal. And, you have to wonder if bands like Metallica strove into deeper meaning songs because they toured with QR before they became contemplative in their song writing....
Just saw Jeff Tate A couple weeks ago he still has everything from back in the day, that twinkle in his eyes and that powerful voice! Singing a double shot of Albums! So good 👍🏼
Bro it's not even close. Geoff is one of the iconic singers of metal. Halford, Dio, Tate and not in any particular order. I get it (from your prospective) that technically Todd is good but the raw emotion in Geoff's voice is unmatched. Remember you do not hear music, you feel music.
Geoff is the man. After seeing them multiple times in the 80s. He can’t be replaced. Todd is no slouch though. Is it me,does it seem like Todd can’t belt out those high notes as long as Geoff,like his support isn’t quite as good?!
To me, it’s the exact opposite. I’ve seen them both live. Todd sounds like he’s got WAAAY more support & girth. Geoff is great, but Todd takes it for me.
Todd's transition from register to register is not as clean. The weights and textures of the notes don't always match up. He is more the typical metal vocalist. Geoff has more vocal graces. That said Geoff in his prime was Grade A all the way. He skips a lot of high notes now and doesn't sustain notes the same. When he started using more lower register in recordings his voice placement started to drop. Todd is an excellent replacement, very different voice though less glottal pressure on low end, more screechy on top. He seems to jump from register to register rather than a blend thru. The vocalist from Steal Heart does that also. Also Geoff does not hold notes as long as he use to live. He has a wide, slow wobbly vibrato and adds a lot of reverbs and delays on recordings.
@@markm716 Saw Queensryche in 1988 opening for Metallica And Justice For All tour... No comparison... Todd sound like William Duvall trying to sing Layne Staley for Alice In Chains... Great voice but no Geoff Tate... sounds like a karaoke singer
I know that Geoff isn't the only one that can hit those high notes but dunno ... it's something about this man that makes him unique compared to other singers . It's maybe his style or his tone or his presence on stage or all these combined together , imo he is one of a kind .
YESSS! It’s his passion, stage presence, voice, Geoff is completely unique. No one could ever compare to Geoffs style, he will always be my all time favorite!!!
Geoff makes you feel like your floating through a ever changing fantasy world . It locks your mind and attention on every smell ,sight and taste of every moment in the story. The other , of course I enjoyed his singing , was a fan but he isn't and they should have formed under a new name . He has power and full of talent but compared to the real one time band , he didn't bring you through an in-depth story fantasy world but more leaves you feeling like he is stepping on your neck . Therefore they should have picked a new band name when Tate and Chris left.
Geoff Tate, period. There is no Queensryche without Geoff Tate. His vocals are phenomenal! His voice is gorgeous and strong. One of the absolute best in vocal range, in my opinion. Maybe the second is Pat Benetar, followed by Sebastian Bach. I clearly love strong operatic vocals.
Ken, I was actually surprised to hear you say Todd raised the bar. I have heard Todd and he isn't even close to smooth transitions and he forces the changes. I was blessed to see Geoff live do both Empire and Rage in their entirety last March just before the lockdown and I can tell you that Tate certainly didn't lose it! Todd for me is just someone to keep Geoff's seat warm until maybe one day he returns with Scott and Chris. Does Todd do a good job? Sure. Is he close to even being compared vocally to Geoff? Absolutely not! I love your videos Ken and respect you. Keep bringing us your good stuff!!
I think what makes him better in this guy’s opinion is his energy and how he incorporates new techniques…That means more than who sings better. You can have a great voice but if you’re not feeling it, the crowd won’t either
At their Zenith no one could touch them (Queensryche) and one of the main cogs in the gear of that machine was Geoff Tate. New fellow, while producing a great 1st effort on first album with them. I have to say The two follow ups fell short for me. Also while he can ‘hit the notes’ it is also about delivery. Tate in his prime was virtually unequaled. All drama aside…. Tate wins hands down.
Geoff created the sound, wrote a lot of the songs and without him he wouldn’t need someone to inmate him. So much more depth to his voice. Greatest Metal singer for me, ever.
Thanks for the video, I'm glad thatvthey found someone who can sing and brings the fire, but it's not the same without Geoff. I was sad to see them break-up
Both are amazing singers for sure..That's a given. But Geoff in his early days had vocals that were unheard of. You don't hear live vocals that good anymore.
Geoff Tate is just so talented, he set the bar out of the stratosphere. Hands down one of the greatest vocalist in the world no matter the genre. Todd is great but he’s just a place holder.
It is Geoff all the way for me. The band kind of lost its soul when Chris DeGarmo stepped away. Geoff has a unique gift of reaching the listener with his approach like no other singer I know of. He really knows how to connect and lock you in bringing you in to the storyline of the song. Mind theater at its best. A true master of his art form. I base this mainly on the Operation Livecrime tour which was a life changing moment for me. I was not very familiar with the band until Empire was released. I was so impressed that I purchases the Livecrime concert video which impacted me more than any other rock composition I have ever experienced. Having seen them 3 times as well I can not give Todd a fair shake at being the best front .man for the band. Geoff was the man.
Let’s face it, they’re both supremely talented vocalists. That said, Ken summed it up right at the start - Tate originated this style of music and along with Chris DeGarmo wrote some absolutely timeless tunes. I don’t really think there’s a comparison to be made. The band’s best songwriting effectively ended when DeGarmo left (imho) 😬
I heard Geoff with Queensryche in the 90s in Pensacola, FL. Best live singer of any other concert I’ve been too. Most consistent with the album. My girlfriend at the time turned to me and said, they are really good! Todd clearly talented and that may not mean much coming from this Monday morning quarterback, but as a queensryche fan, I prefer Geoff.
Hey brother, I think Todd did a good job in taking queensryche back to their original sound being that Tate was/is unable to hit the high notes, but in my opinion there’s a purity and a uniqueness to Tate’s voice that cannot be matched.
Geoff was a beast, no question but lets give Todd some props, i mean he replaced probably some of the best and influencial metal singers in the 80s : Geoff Tate (from QR) and Midnight (from Crimson Glory) Thanks for the video again Ken! 💯
As a teacher you would know. I am not a teacher I just go by what my ears hear. To me, Geoff sounds a lot more clean. They are both great singers but Geoff just has that clean, clear sounding edge. I will say, with Todd they have put out a couple of pretty good albums. That is coming from a very long time fan. They fell off the edge after Promiseland which I still have the hand painted, signed, tapestry that was at the listening party over at the Museum Of Flight in Seattle.
Geoff Tate is one of the best in rock/metal in my opinion so in my not-so-qualified opinion (I'm not a vocalist) it's Tate for me. His vocals in "Eyes of A Stranger" are peerless to me where he was 100% solid and not so wailing/wavering as he was earlier even if his range dropped a bit. He's come back strong around 2019/2020.
Geoff will always be the heart of Queensryche, and his voice will never be bettered. Much like Don Dokken, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, and the most iconic singers of those times, no one could ever replace them. Todd changed the way Queensryche sounds and I will always lean towards Geoff Tate's Queensryche and not Todd.
Geoff's performance was the second to last or last song of the concert he had already been singing in. There was no autotune when Geoff sang. Todd can't touch what Geoff innovated.
Todd is great, but he is still a distant second to Geoff. It's not even close. You can tell Todd struggles to belt it out loud enough to even approach Geoff's ability. Todd has to push himself to perform at 120% just to get into the same ballpark as Geoff Tate.
I saw Tate in his prime, several times. He was always spot on, and to have the live show, sound as good as the record, 30yrs, 40 yrs ago, was masterful. Today its a lot easier with technology. Tate's training, and talent has always shined through.
While I would agree with you on Todd having an aggressiveness and energy that Geoff doesn't I believe you are greatly underestimating the warmth and tone Geoff brings to the lower and slower registers. I hear Todd in his head voice moreso and using much more falsetto. Todd is a strong metal singer IMO, Geoff is IMO a world class vocalist in these examples. For me there is no comparison hands down for Queensryche it's Geoff.
Props to Todd for stepping in the fill those shoes. He's entertaining for sure, but I still have to say hats off to Geoff. Geoff tends to have a little more finesse and is unique in his sound. Todd is great, but a little run of the mill.
Before I even watch this video…….. hands down Geoff Tate!! I have no problem with Todd, I think he’s great but Geoff Tate was one of the best, most unique, and powerful voices of all metal times.
I just saw Geoff Tate on February 28th (on my birthday). He had a band of members from all over the world, and that band and Geoff Tate were FREAKIN' amazing. There is only one Queen'sryche and that is Geoff Tate.
Geoff vs Todd at their best was no comparison. Geoff’s voice was unique and unmistakable. I think if queensryche would have started with Todd the band would not have had the same success. But Todd has more range now. I have seen Geoff recently and he has to work with dynamics and key changes to sing the songs but it is still unmistakably him and that can’t be replaced.
Just seen him, first night of UK tour, the range is more than just still there, he was amazing, and I've also just seen David Coverdale who I also love, who was just awful vocally. So it's not a nostalgia bias.
Todd had some huge shoes to fill, and that he did that more than credibly is a huge testament to his ability. I will also forever be thankful for his participation in bringing QR back where they belong after the total disaster that was the late Tate years. The fact that he can do Queen of the Rich, Take hold of the flame, and all the other stuff without me squirming even a little is amazing. But Tate in his prime was untouchable.
I've seen Queensryche live shows since The Warning tour. I feel they hit their prime on Building Empires. Geoff is just so much more than a great singer. He brought you into the music and made you believe the stories. The shows became this experience that I never forgot. Todd is great too. It's a very tough job to step into those shoes. But I feel it is just a little too generic. The uniqueness of the band has faded. As a pure vocalist, sure he has a ton of energy...as he should. He doesn't have the miles Geoff has, but also it hasn't even been ten years. It was just a different time back in the early days. Great review.
Todd can sing the notes. Geoff lived each note and each word.
Bingo
Bingo squared. Spot on!
"Dio is just an Ozzy wannabe, this sucks." - Bill Simpkins in 1980 upon listening to Heaven & Hell for the first time.
yes!!!
100%
Geoff is untouchable. One of the GREATEST Metal vocalists ever.
Todd can't come close to Geoff Tate. It's not even in the same ballpark lol Geoff Tate is probably THE best rock singer of all time with his opera training and range.
@@KILLSHOT_117 Geoff is not close to being the best rock vocalist, not when talking about Dio and Steve Perry, and that in my understanding of vocal physiology, they are the best rock vocalists of all time, especially Dio who is very revered by many vocal critics who consider him the best vocalist in metal.
Yes he is
Untouchable...i like that...
@@luamoliveira3467 Dio? Come on! He's limited in his range. Steve Perry is much better vocalist and so is Rob Halford.
C'mon man, it's not even close. In his prime, Geoff was one of the best vocalists in history, in any genre, male or female.
It's a shame Tate often gets left off the greatest metal vocalists of all time to go with Halford, Dio and Dikenson, and I an a huge fan of all 4 bands.
I was in the 3rd row at the Warning tour, they opened for Kiss, and Geoff melted my face off!!!...lol I still haven't fully recovered
@@sharkfarm44 Awesome.. but i saw them in a nightclub! 5 ft from the stage on the Mindcrime tour in 1988..They were just doing some practice sets in between arena dates. I'm still recovering. One the best shows i ever saw! fan since 83
Ken, i have to agree with iamrickrock.. imo you are way off. Geoff was an inovator. Clean, with a beautification of this metal sound. Though good, Why are you riding Todd?
hmm sounds like someone really likes Todd. He is a hell of a singer but Tate is truly an artist and puts so much emotion and skill Into what he does. it's extremely difficult to step into iconic shoes. I think he does better when he relaxes and kinda makes the songs his own
I just saw Geoff Tate on 4/2/2024 and he still kills at 65, his voice his held up remarkably well. One of the Greatest rock singers ever.
Seen Geoff with Lita Ford a few years back and he took over the show, He has been asked to come on stage many places and he kills it and almost takes over the show but no one can play their music.. lol
Todd is a great singer but Geoff Tate, just WOW, he's an extremely, extraordinary, talented, epic singer. One of the greatest singers ever. His voice gives gives me chills. Silent Lucidity and Is there anybody listening is to be played at my memorial. ❤️
I think the cleanliness of Geoff's voice defined the Queensryche sound. Todd is an amazing singer, no disrespect intended.. But Geoff IS the Queesnryche sound.
you're so right bro🤘🤘🤘💯💯💯
Agreed! Geoff is the best!!
Agree 💯
Yeah!
With the greatest respects for Todd`s voice and performance, but Geoff is the original sound of Queensryche that made the band so decisive! Well, I wish fate would have brought a better outcome to Queensryche!
No, DeGarmo is.
Tate in his prime was unbeateable
Agree, top 5
In his prime, absolutely. Todd complete agrees with that as well.
First time I seen Queensryche, 1984 when they opened for KISS, I was blown away, went and bought The Warning the next day.
Agreed. However his Prime wasn't very long. He lost his voice too quick
@@TheRealMediaMan just saw him yesterday he still sounds great
Can't believe this is even a question. Geoff Tate is one of the best vocalist of all time.
Was. Not anymore
Todd LaToure for better or worse is very similar style to Tate. Todd is good but he doesn’t bring anything original . He imitates for lack of a better term Geoff. And ironically Helloween Kiske has been compared to Iron Maiden’s Dickinson and Tate. Todd LaToure is similar to all of them.
@@KilroyWasHere83 lol..He's 62
Absolutely
@@keithderosa7393
Exactly. In their prime, not even a fair competition. ✌️
I am a hard core Queensrÿche fan. I think the challenge here is that Geoff Tate has a velvety operatic voice that we all loved, and it’s hard to accept anyone taking his place. Even though Todd is a very good singer, he has changed the dynamics of the band.
I think Geoff's voice has declined over the years and it's nice to have a replacement who may not be as good, but better than Geoff is right now. I think you need Steve DeGarmo back. They need song writers and I think Geoff was the cause of the mellowing out of their music. I determined that after I heard his solo album. I liked everything up through How In The Now Frontier, but they started going downhill after Empire.
I have never heard this guy before, and Ken is spot on, Sounds like Iron Maiden to me. Bruce Dikenson clone.
@@bmrobsonYears of belting it out plus weight gain and let's not forget age took its toll
The key is that Geoff was better than most “in his prime” however absolutely no one can sustain singing in that register, night after night forever.
Geoff is amazing, truly one of the top 3 vocalists, ever. Todd can sing, but with him it’s like listening to a tribute band.
Your mom is a tribute band.
Exactly!!!
@@Houlgravely if thats a joke...its really NOT FUNNY!!!!
Bingo !
Tribute bands don't put out new music.
Geoff Tate Will Always Rule.
Todd is a great vocalist...Geoff Tate from 1985-1995 was amazing. GT and DeGarmo was a unstoppable force of nature..
Exactly...he forgets about Chris and Tate, this dude todd sound off key most the time
Geoff Tate had me at "Hush now, don't you cry". No one can top him . His natural speaking voice , his range , his attitude, the heart he put into his performance . He didn't just sing it , he lived the songs on stage like a perfect actor. His face and eyes. All the notes from low to high and the subtleties. He was Queensryche . Geoff is one of the greatest vocalists of all time for me.❤
The MTV unplugged version of that is pretty amazing 👍👍
Ken Tamplin I asked Rudy Sarzo if he would reach out to YOUR amazing vocal student Gabriela Gunchikova and have her do Queensryches Queen of the Ryche. Her voice has the operatic range of Geoff Tate so it would show off her true range. Am glad Rudy Sarzo turned me on to her vocals and your school. Kudos
YES! Jeff completely FEELS every bit of what he sings. His tone and musicality are so unique in all of music and his stage presence is calm but POWERFUL.
@@aquamarine0023 you are so right !
@@Madkaddy818 i had not listened to music for a time for personal reasons. And one day I was surfing channels and ran across MTV Unplugged and heard Geoff Tate. I heard Silent Lucidity from the beginning . First QR song I ever heard. That is the moment I referred to. I sat and listened to everything and went out to get all the CDs . It grabbed my heart for the situation I had been going through. I now realize it was about lucid dreaming ,at least partly. But for me it was about someone I had lost to suicide. He was a musician. It was comforting . But I loved the other songs he did as well. But Silent Lucidity will forever be number 1 and Geoff as well.
It's Geoff all the way, imitation by Tod is good but Geoff's real original voice is my favorite
100%. Even, Geoff can't do it like Geoff. That's how good he was. Todd is a good replacement. As Ken mentioned, he filled some pretty big shoes!
La Torre is an excellent vocalist who fits in very well with the music Queensryche is putting out today, (The Verdict is an awesome album). But . . . you can't compare them. Mr. Tate is a unicorn., an enigma, a once in a generation voice. He is, and always will be, the G.O.A.T. of my generation. Period.
There was a quality to Geoff Tate's voice that was unique and so beautiful. Whether it was a slow build type of song or one that started fast, every note he sang was sheer perfection. Sure, the new singer can scream, but he is missing that irreplaceable Tate tone. In my opinion, Tate did it better by a mile.
I feel the same way about Roy Khan. His replacement Tommy Karevik is an amazing singer, but he simply doesn't have that worm, soothing, and yet powerful voice.
Geoff and Roy are both unique in their own way.
Exactly. There's way more to vintage Tate than just the actual notes. His phrasing, expression, drama, and inflections were completely his own.
100%!!!
Geoff also wrote all those lyrics and stories for the songs. That's what really makes him irreplaceable imo
Geoff Tate is a master at his craft. End of story Todd changed Queensrÿche. I’ve seen them both live multiple times and to this very day Geoff is and will always be the man.
Geoff's voice is more soothing, controlled, smooth and operatic. ❤
The one is a metal screamer the other one is a pro vocalist. its like comparing an opera singer to a pop singer...
In his prime, Geoff was one of the best vocalists in any genre. His live performance was phenomenal
Geoff is once in a lifetime talent
I disagree. I didn’t hear one note that Geoff hit off key, however Todd had many.
Geoff Tate and the old Queensryche are perfection. I think you miss the overall dynamic of the band as a collective, that cant be duplicated. Geoff has a silkiness to his singing that Todd cant duplicate. Even though Todd can sound like Tate and hit notes. He cant bring the same emotion and energy. That would be like one of us trying to pick up where GOD left off. You cant recreate perfection. No disrespect to Todd he is an awesome singer but he is walking in the shadows.
Todd is screaming in digital..😂
@@chrisp9975 while visiting London
so true
😆 haha, nice pun
Geoff Tate gives me chills when he sings, that explains all I need to know!
No offense to Todd but come on! There’s only one Geoff Tate and that voice that gives chills is incomparable!
Geoff Tate is one of the best singers in history. Not many can even come close to him...
The recording you found was the last song of this concert and he STILL blew it away! Sorry there is no comparison. Geoff is a vocal animal and his band was spot on
Tate has something no other metal singer has- a haunting quality that has an extreme beauty to it without any overt gothiness or creepiness. It’s pristinely hauntingly beautiful in a way only his voice can be.
So well put
I totally agree!!!!!!
I don't believe in love .probably my favorite by them .omg Mr. Tates vocals are irreplaceable.
No one was better than Tate during Queensryche's halcyon days.
Well Steve Perry, different genre though. A couple others that were maybe 5-10% less awesome & perfect: Brad Delp, Jimi Jamison, Mercury.
@@BrianHunsakerMusic you can't put Freddie Mercury below Tate; Mercury is the singer everyone else aspired to
@@BrianHunsakerMusic Apples and oranges here… Your list includes original and non-original singers of bands.
There is no doubt that Geoff is the greatest singer of all time ...
That would be Jorn Lande. But Tate is certainly on the Mt. Rushmore of rock/metal singers with the other main trailblazers--Dio, Dickinson, Halford.
The title of greatest singer of all time belongs Ronnie James Dio.
Geoff has been the best Heavy Metal Progressive Rock Vocalist per excellence. La Torre is good and has good chops but cannot compare them. Geoff has the trajectory and the creativity of the original sound and space.
Geoff has a tone and vocal quality that is beautiful to listen to, and an emotional element that Todd doesn't have. I also believe Geoff was a more captivating performer and superior technically. I don't believe there's a comparison.
Emotion … thank you
Tate's ability to walk, jog and run with his voice made him an icon in metal history. His ability to sing with such a crisp sound made him unique. He might have been a bit tough to work with, but you can't deny his pure power and originality at the time. You can have many people able to come close to sounding like him but he will always remain the original. It's always easier to copy something than to invent a sound.
I have been a queensryche fan for 30 years.I have seen them 5 x with Tate and with Todd. Firstly these are two different songs there's way more aggressive vocal in queen of the ryche so it's too hard to compare. But I will say Todd does an excellent job live but if you look into theatrics watch live crime there's no holding a candle up to Tate. Tate is way better and suited to the queensryche sound we all grew up with hands down. Remer GT built the thrown that Todd is sitting on. There's no comparison in frasing or showman ship when GT was in his hay day. , GT is untouchable.
I think Todd is awesome
Todd sounds like a hundred other singers… a great cover band vocalist. Geoff is unique… no comparison, no competition.
100% correct.
Geoff IS The Man ❤
1000% agreed!!!
Yeah and Geoff lost a couple octaves over 10 years ago.
Amen. Todd is a good singer but this is out of his league.
I’m from Seattle saw Queensryche as rising stars in 1983 with Zebra , in Boise Idaho for the promise land tour , and again in 2005 , the last time I seen them with Judas Priest and neither of them even attempted high notes, that being said,in my humble opinion there was no better singer in his prime than Geoff Tate, his clarity ,range and phrasing are unmatched , I personally prefer the more polished sound of Geoff
ANYONE can SCREAM into a mic and call it music. There is NO comparison to Geoff Tate! His notes are SO clean and and clear. Like milk chocolate ... maybe sprinkled with a little salt here and there, and his vibrato so incredibly concise I can't believe you would even TRY to compare the two.
I love Geoff... don't get me wrong, but Chester Bennington had a bigger range. Chester was awesome, but Geoff is still with us, thankfully.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
High notes aren‘t everything… Todd is great but replaceable. Geoff is unique and especially his lower „opera“ register is still giving me goosebumps when I listen to the old records. The „Promised Land“ album for me is still a dark masterpiece. Just listen to „Someone else“ or „Lady Jane“ 🌶
Someone Else and Lady Jane are two of my favorite songs by them but then again there were so many favorites I cant even name them all lol
People tend to overlook Promised Land. I rank that right there with Rage for Order as my favorite QR album, but I'd also argue that Rage, Mindcrime, Empire, and Promised Land are all pretty much perfect albums. Consistently strong from beginning to end, no skippable tracks. I can count the bands who have done that (four perfect albums in a row) on one hand, so they hold a special place in music IMO.
Nobody can touch Geoff's live performance in Tokyo 85
I saw Tate on the Empire tour and he could do no wrong. Mindcrime is without a doubt the greatest metal album to come out of the 80s. Now, Todd is fantastic live as well and the album they have released with him have all been very good. But I'm afraid the 'Ryche will never again reach the heights of Mindcrime.
BBowman - Agreed. Queensryche has the most uniquely beautiful sounds of the 80's metal bands, and that is because of Geoff. His rich vocal tones both high and low, unique phrasing, and that calm but authoritative stage presence can't be replaced.
I was there too, awesome show! Omg!!!!
In his prime, Geoff was a breed apart from others- his timbre, enunciation, mastery of passage and shameless romanticism were unrivaled- you said it best: signature.
Beautiful phrasing
Have you not listened to him in 2023. HE HAS NOT LOST HIS VOICE
Lol warren dane and especially midnight were superior
@@New_Zealand_Music I saw him live, a mere two days ago. He has NOT lost his voice. The man is 65 years old now. He's not the same powerhouse of a 19-year-old who dazzled us in Tokyo, (STILL does!) in 1984. But I'd STILL pit him against about any singer of his time, who is still performing NIGHTLY some 40 years later. My money would be on him FTW. Even after open-heart surgery a couple of years ago, he bounched back in record time, and back on the road he went. The guy is STILL bringin' the house down, at every show!
Geoff. Hands down. The voice of Queensryche. Reunite. Period.
I would say Geoff Tate hands down is the best singer. I just saw him here in Tucson on Oct 5th doing Rage and Empire. He sounded amazing. I have been listening to Queensryche since Empire days. Geoff has complete control with his vocals, where as Todd does not have that. I have seen Todd live once with Queensryche. To be honest I thought Todd was boring. Geoff has great stage presence and is very interactive with audience. He sings with emotion. I recently heard a live concert with Todd and I think he started out trying to sound like Geoff but now it seems to be changing. His true voice is coming out and doesn't fit Queensryche sound. The death metal growls he does does not fit into Queensryche. If your going to do that, then change the band name. Queensryche will always and forever be Geoff Tate. Period!
Exactly... I seen them with Geoff 6 times and every time kicked ass and then I seen them with Todd.. lol.. I left after three songs it wasnt even close to the feeling you get when Geoff is singing... Ive listen to Queensryche since day one.. It has to be Geoff..
Todd is a screamer, Geoff is a singer.
This 100%. I tried to mention that to fans of the current incarnation and they look at me like I'm crazy
EXACTLY!
Yesssss! This!
100%.
Todd's voice / tone doesn't captivate you. Simply doesn't have the range / talent as Geofff.
Tate is not over with opera voice. It's 2022 I still listen to Tates voice because smooth, rich, clean. God it's pure 😊
It would be great to compare Tate singing this same song in his prime at the end of the 80’ s 😊
Thanks Ken 🙏
No comparison, even to today, Geoff Tate at 64 blows Todd away. 💯
LaTorre is an excellent singer and has done an amazing job replacing Tate. But Tate, in his prime, is the better singer. What separates them, in my humble opinion, is when Tate sings, he paints a picture. You feel the emotions and intensity in his vocals. LaTorre does not have that same intensity. Suite Sister Mary is the perfect example. You can feel Tate's pain. There is not a song on any of the albums with LaTorre that I can say captures the same intensity as any of Tate's albums.
I agree 100%. Tate is feeling the song when he sings it. Todd is just singing the words.
Not even close. Geoff Tate is Queensryche. Absolute consummate singer and front man. He brought it everytime I seen him. Tight band and they were never off when I went to there shows.
I just saw Geoff Tate Sunday night. He is 63 years old and he blew my head off. Geoff Tate has one of the greatest and most unique voices I have ever heard. He sings with feeling and opens his throat which is the correct way to sing. Todd is a good impressionist and I could see him with Iron Maiden, but he is no Geoff Tate. I lost all respect for Queensryche when they fired Geoff. Geoff IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE Queensryche. Without him, they are just another bar band.
Totally agree!!!
I agree as well.
Tate is obviously the choice, he was awesome in his prime, and still is.
But regarding Queensryche, reading interviews from the members it seems that Tate "destroyed" the band from the inside, becoming impossible to work with, a control's freak and bringing his wife and family members into it.
Read Wilton's interview, doesn't paint a good picture of Geoff, sadly.
@@livingbeing1113 hey I read the same story and talk about a one sided interview he(Michael) also said Geoff Tates wife was the manager and she was some how stealing money from the band last time I checked it was very illegal to commit theft by deception but I dont recall any charges being brought against her and then the Brazil incident I believe that's around the same time GT was experiencing some back problems the ol knife in the back diagnosis and usually the singer does;have his finger in the pie on most bands he's expected to he's the lead singer the frontman. and I've read that the boys weren't digging Geoffs efforts musically yet they had nothing to offer but who knows !I know that they had been around each other for over 30years and if that's the straw that broke the camel's toe there seems to be a pattern here first Chris degarmo leaves the band but he comes back then splits again then geoff is let go and then its Scott's turn and hes sueing the band and then there were two it's sad and pathetic together they were amazing apart not so amazing
Agree 1000%. Tate is heads and shoulders above La Torre. Without Tate and really, De Garmo, Queensryche is nothing but a cover band now.
Geoffs voice is the truth. You know it when you hear it, it touches your soul.
Great video. You hit the nail on the head. Todd could stand in for other front men, like a back up quarterback. He's good, he can handle his own when thrown into the spotlight and can carry the band. But for me he just does have the "IT" factor like Geoff Tate. There was something unique and special about his voice. He's often imitated but never duplicated.
Tate by far! He will always be the voice of Queensryche! Tate & DeGarmo in the 80s we’re truly AMAZING! 🔥🤘🏼
Something very much overlooked is the ability for a singer to transport the listener to the song’s emotional space or atmospheric location. Todd is fine, but Geoff has an emotional tone shaping that is difficult to replicate. Geoff’s phrasing and note choices in his original songs, as opposed to Todd’s, are cinematic and help to define a specific situation, mood, or atmosphere. Todd’s are generic metal fry/distortion choices.
Exactly. Songs like No Santuary, Suite Sister Mary and Anybody Listening are perfect examples of that
great way to describe it! thats the difference Geoff had so much more emotion in his vocals just like Ken said you can see him living the songs through his eyes. Geoff is definitely one of a kind!
I just want to add how important being the original composer is, which Ken solidifies in his video. Geoff created a path for others to follow. There was nothing like this when it came out in the late 70s early 80s. Now Emotional Fantasy Metal is everywhere. Outside of maybe Iron Maiden, this definition of music was almost unheard. They were true intellectual pioneers of progressive metal. And, you have to wonder if bands like Metallica strove into deeper meaning songs because they toured with QR before they became contemplative in their song writing....
@@keithderosa7393 also Mary Jane and The lady wore black, and someone else shows Geoff Tate’s powerful and meaningful voice.
Just saw Jeff Tate A couple weeks ago he still has everything from back in the day, that twinkle in his eyes and that powerful voice! Singing a double shot of Albums! So good 👍🏼
Geoff Tate doing Warning, Rage for Order and Operation Mindcrime the best albums ever!
Bro it's not even close. Geoff is one of the iconic singers of metal. Halford, Dio, Tate and not in any particular order. I get it (from your prospective) that technically Todd is good but the raw emotion in Geoff's voice is unmatched.
Remember you do not hear music, you feel music.
Geoff Tate may have been the best singer alive in his prime.. One of my all-time favorite singers ever, if not.
Dio, Steve Perry, Chris Cornell? Think than are best alive.
Me too i seen them right after Original E.P. was Released GI
Geoff is the man. After seeing them multiple times in the 80s. He can’t be replaced. Todd is no slouch though. Is it me,does it seem like
Todd can’t belt out those high notes as long as Geoff,like his support isn’t quite as good?!
To me, it’s the exact opposite. I’ve seen them both live. Todd sounds like he’s got WAAAY more support & girth. Geoff is great, but Todd takes it for me.
@@markm716 agree. All love and respect to Tate. The man is STILL a legend. But Todd is clearly singing effortlessly in comparison.
Geoff all the way Todd is a Geoff Tate wanna be. There will never be another Geoff Tate.
Todd's transition from register to register is not as clean. The weights and textures of the notes don't always match up. He is more the typical metal vocalist. Geoff has more vocal graces. That said Geoff in his prime was Grade A all the way. He skips a lot of high notes now and doesn't sustain notes the same. When he started using more lower register in recordings his voice placement started to drop. Todd is an excellent replacement, very different voice though less glottal pressure on low end, more screechy on top. He seems to jump from register to register rather than a blend thru. The vocalist from Steal Heart does that also. Also Geoff does not hold notes as long as he use to live. He has a wide, slow wobbly vibrato and adds a lot of reverbs and delays on recordings.
@@markm716 Saw Queensryche in 1988 opening for Metallica And Justice For All tour... No comparison... Todd sound like William Duvall trying to sing Layne Staley for Alice In Chains... Great voice but no Geoff Tate... sounds like a karaoke singer
I know that Geoff isn't the only one that can hit those high notes but dunno ... it's something about this man that makes him unique compared to other singers . It's maybe his style or his tone or his presence on stage or all these combined together , imo he is one of a kind .
YESSS! It’s his passion, stage presence, voice, Geoff is completely unique. No one could ever compare to Geoffs style, he will always be my all time favorite!!!
No way dude. Geoff’s vocal range & tone are bar none butter. His voice brings one to tears.
I just saw Geoff 2 days ago at the House of Blues in New Orleans and .... Wow! I was impressed!!!
Geoff Tate to me just can not be replaced he in my opinion one of the greatest vocalists I have ever heard Thanks for the video Ken 👍😀
Thanks for listening!
Right on...
My thoughts excatly. Every time I seen him he was awesome.
@Christine I agree 100%!!!!!! Geoff RULZ!!!!!!
I agree. Geoff brings an element in his delivery of the vocals that just can’t be replicated in his unique style.
Geoff makes you feel like your floating through a ever changing fantasy world . It locks your mind and attention on every smell ,sight and taste of every moment in the story. The other , of course I enjoyed his singing , was a fan but he isn't and they should have formed under a new name . He has power and full of talent but compared to the real one time band , he didn't bring you through an in-depth story fantasy world but more leaves you feeling like he is stepping on your neck . Therefore they should have picked a new band name when Tate and Chris left.
Damn you put this perfectly.
Tate blows Todd away in my book big Queensryche fan like the original lineup!!
Geoff Tate, period. There is no Queensryche without Geoff Tate. His vocals are phenomenal! His voice is gorgeous and strong. One of the absolute best in vocal range, in my opinion. Maybe the second is Pat Benetar, followed by Sebastian Bach. I clearly love strong operatic vocals.
Queensryche with Todd and the current players are only a cover band. The original guys are what made the band unique. Loved their music from day one!
Ken, I was actually surprised to hear you say Todd raised the bar. I have heard Todd and he isn't even close to smooth transitions and he forces the changes. I was blessed to see Geoff live do both Empire and Rage in their entirety last March just before the lockdown and I can tell you that Tate certainly didn't lose it! Todd for me is just someone to keep Geoff's seat warm until maybe one day he returns with Scott and Chris. Does Todd do a good job? Sure. Is he close to even being compared vocally to Geoff? Absolutely not! I love your videos Ken and respect you. Keep bringing us your good stuff!!
He obviously did not saw much footage of both 🙄 Tate was a perfect singer gentleman 👏
relax fanboys its an opinion
Very well said. Awesome 👏🏼🤘🏼✌️
I think what makes him better in this guy’s opinion is his energy and how he incorporates new techniques…That means more than who sings better. You can have a great voice but if you’re not feeling it, the crowd won’t either
What, are you the moderator-du-jour?
At their Zenith no one could touch them (Queensryche) and one of the main cogs in the gear of that machine was Geoff Tate. New fellow, while producing a great 1st effort on first album with them. I have to say The two follow ups fell short for me. Also while he can ‘hit the notes’ it is also about delivery. Tate in his prime was virtually unequaled. All drama aside…. Tate wins hands down.
Geoff created the sound, wrote a lot of the songs and without him he wouldn’t need someone to inmate him. So much more depth to his voice. Greatest Metal singer for me, ever.
No, Dio was best rock/metal vocalist off all time.
Tate the best
Thanks for the video, I'm glad thatvthey found someone who can sing and brings the fire, but it's not the same without Geoff. I was sad to see them break-up
Both are amazing singers for sure..That's a given. But Geoff in his early days had vocals that were unheard of. You don't hear live vocals that good anymore.
Geoff Tate! Ironic that an unknown vocal coach would question Tate’s talent.
Geoff Tate is just so talented, he set the bar out of the stratosphere. Hands down one of the greatest vocalist in the world no matter the genre. Todd is great but he’s just a place holder.
Compared to what? Tate in 2022 can barely control his mid range.
It is Geoff all the way for me. The band kind of lost its soul when Chris DeGarmo stepped away. Geoff has a unique gift of reaching the listener with his approach like no other singer I know of. He really knows how to connect and lock you in bringing you in to the storyline of the song. Mind theater at its best. A true master of his art form. I base this mainly on the Operation Livecrime tour which was a life changing moment for me. I was not very familiar with the band until Empire was released. I was so impressed that I purchases the Livecrime concert video which impacted me more than any other rock composition I have ever experienced. Having seen them 3 times as well I can not give Todd a fair shake at being the best front .man for the band. Geoff was the man.
Let’s face it, they’re both supremely talented vocalists. That said, Ken summed it up right at the start - Tate originated this style of music and along with Chris DeGarmo wrote some absolutely timeless tunes. I don’t really think there’s a comparison to be made. The band’s best songwriting effectively ended when DeGarmo left (imho) 😬
I heard Geoff with Queensryche in the 90s in Pensacola, FL. Best live singer of any other concert I’ve been too. Most consistent with the album. My girlfriend at the time turned to me and said, they are really good! Todd clearly talented and that may not mean much coming from this Monday morning quarterback, but as a queensryche fan, I prefer Geoff.
Hey brother, I think Todd did a good job in taking queensryche back to their original sound being that Tate was/is unable to hit the high notes, but in my opinion there’s a purity and a uniqueness to Tate’s voice that cannot be matched.
Geoff was a beast, no question but lets give Todd some props, i mean he replaced probably some of the best and influencial metal singers in the 80s : Geoff Tate (from QR) and Midnight (from Crimson Glory)
Thanks for the video again Ken! 💯
No one can replace Geoff Tate in Queensryche and be considered “better”. That’s impossible.
Agree 100,,%
Todd a good showman...Geoff is all the highs and mix, with one of the smoothest voices ever.
As a teacher you would know. I am not a teacher I just go by what my ears hear. To me, Geoff sounds a lot more clean. They are both great singers but Geoff just has that clean, clear sounding edge. I will say, with Todd they have put out a couple of pretty good albums. That is coming from a very long time fan. They fell off the edge after Promiseland which I still have the hand painted, signed, tapestry that was at the listening party over at the Museum Of Flight in Seattle.
Geoff Tate is one of the best in rock/metal in my opinion so in my not-so-qualified opinion (I'm not a vocalist) it's Tate for me. His vocals in "Eyes of A Stranger" are peerless to me where he was 100% solid and not so wailing/wavering as he was earlier even if his range dropped a bit. He's come back strong around 2019/2020.
Geoff will always be the heart of Queensryche, and his voice will never be bettered. Much like Don Dokken, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, and the most iconic singers of those times, no one could ever replace them. Todd changed the way Queensryche sounds and I will always lean towards Geoff Tate's Queensryche and not Todd.
Geoff's performance was the second to last or last song of the concert he had already been singing in. There was no autotune when Geoff sang. Todd can't touch what Geoff innovated.
Todd is great, but he is still a distant second to Geoff. It's not even close. You can tell Todd struggles to belt it out loud enough to even approach Geoff's ability. Todd has to push himself to perform at 120% just to get into the same ballpark as Geoff Tate.
Geoff created all the melodies lyrics style in the band he's the mastermind ...and the voice omg so dam awesome
I saw Tate in his prime, several times. He was always spot on, and to have the live show, sound as good as the record, 30yrs, 40 yrs ago, was masterful. Today its a lot easier with technology. Tate's training, and talent has always shined through.
Geoff was absolutely untouchable back in the day.
While I would agree with you on Todd having an aggressiveness and energy that Geoff doesn't I believe you are greatly underestimating the warmth and tone Geoff brings to the lower and slower registers. I hear Todd in his head voice moreso and using much more falsetto. Todd is a strong metal singer IMO, Geoff is IMO a world class vocalist in these examples. For me there is no comparison hands down for Queensryche it's Geoff.
There is no competition here. Geoff is shortlisted for the greatest vocalists in recorded history, male or female.
Props to Todd for stepping in the fill those shoes. He's entertaining for sure, but I still have to say hats off to Geoff. Geoff tends to have a little more finesse and is unique in his sound. Todd is great, but a little run of the mill.
Geoff state is the man, and will always be the voice of Queensryche.
Before I even watch this video…….. hands down Geoff Tate!! I have no problem with Todd, I think he’s great but Geoff Tate was one of the best, most unique, and powerful voices of all metal times.
Well said!
Still is now!!
I like to be able to understand the words that are sung . . . . Geoff all the way, I live for perfection
I just saw Geoff Tate on February 28th (on my birthday). He had a band of members from all over the world, and that band and Geoff Tate were FREAKIN' amazing. There is only one Queen'sryche and that is Geoff Tate.
I don't mind the current singer. At times I can't believe how close he gets to Geoff,but Geoff will always be king
Geoff vs Todd at their best was no comparison. Geoff’s voice was unique and unmistakable. I think if queensryche would have started with Todd the band would not have had the same success. But Todd has more range now. I have seen Geoff recently and he has to work with dynamics and key changes to sing the songs but it is still unmistakably him and that can’t be replaced.
Just seen him, first night of UK tour, the range is more than just still there, he was amazing, and I've also just seen David Coverdale who I also love, who was just awful vocally. So it's not a nostalgia bias.
Geoff Tate is what I think of. I was in high school when Operation Mind Crime dripped so he brings back the nostalgia for me
Geoff Tate hands down my brother.
Todd had some huge shoes to fill, and that he did that more than credibly is a huge testament to his ability. I will also forever be thankful for his participation in bringing QR back where they belong after the total disaster that was the late Tate years. The fact that he can do Queen of the Rich, Take hold of the flame, and all the other stuff without me squirming even a little is amazing. But Tate in his prime was untouchable.
I've seen Queensryche live shows since The Warning tour. I feel they hit their prime on Building Empires. Geoff is just so much more than a great singer. He brought you into the music and made you believe the stories. The shows became this experience that I never forgot. Todd is great too. It's a very tough job to step into those shoes. But I feel it is just a little too generic. The uniqueness of the band has faded. As a pure vocalist, sure he has a ton of energy...as he should. He doesn't have the miles Geoff has, but also it hasn't even been ten years. It was just a different time back in the early days. Great review.