We are a group of dedicated Queensr˙che fans who live in Northern California and Reno, NV.
Our goal is to support the band any way we can, and have a ton of fun doing it. To learn more
about us, Queensr˙che or to become a Queensr˙che Campaign and NCSE member,
surf our site or click on the “About us” tab at the top of this page. LIVE TO RźCHE, RźCHE TO LIVE!!
Check out the NCSE and QUEENSRźCHE on MySpace, all are welcome!
RźCHE OPENING FOR CHICKENFOOT ON CA TOUR
Queensr˙che will be special guests and an opening band on Chickenfoot's California tour dates. Sept. 25th in Berekley at the Greek Theatre, Valley Center at Harrah’s Rincon Open Sky Theater on Sept. 26th and at the Gibson Amphitheater on Sept 27. Tickets go on sale for the So. Cal shows on June 27th and the Berkeley show is on sale June 28th 10am at Tickemaster.com.
Chickenfoot is Joe Satriani, Chad Smith, Michael Anthony, and Sammy Hagar. Check em out at their website Chickenfoot!
RENT STAR WANTS TO BRING MINDRCRIME TO BROADWAY
Rent Star Pascal Wants to Put Operation: Mindcrime, the Musical, on Broadway
By Kenneth Jones
June 12, 2009
Adam Pascal, the Tony Award-nominated actor-singer known for his dual passions of musical theatre and rock music, is pursuing a dream he’s harbored since his teen years: to create a stage musical version of “Operation: Mindcrime,” the 1988 concept album by metal group Queensr˙che. Pascal, currently starring in his Tony-nominated role of Roger in the new national tour of Rent, told Playbill.com that Queensr˙che (pronounced “Queens-Rike”) has given permission to — and will collaborate with — Pascal to conceive a Broadway-aimed musical of their popular recording about a brainwashed drug addict, Nikki, who becomes an assassin and seeks the love of a reformed hooker named Mary, who is now a nun.
The project is in the early stages, with no director, librettist, producer or music director attached, but Pascal said that Queensr˙che — including frontman and co-songwriter Geoff Tate and manager Susan Tate — has given him the go-ahead, and that the new musical will include new songs and connective material by the band.
Project conceiver Pascal said that the role of Nikki has been cast: He’ll play it.
The actor is a veteran of Broadway’s Rent (for which he was Tony-nominated as Best Lead Actor in a Musical) and Aida, and was a replacement Emcee in Broadway’s hit Cabaret. He starred in benefit concerts of Hair and Chess (and appeared in a London Chess concert with Josh Groban and Rent vet Idina Menzel) and is a rock presence in clubs and on his own rock recordings (”Blinding Light,” “Civilian,” “Model Prisoner”). He also co-starred in the film version of Rent, the smash hit by late composer-lyricist-librettist Jonathan Larson.
Pascal indicated that a natural launching place for Operation: Mindcrime is Seattle, where the band got its start in the ’80s. The actor is reaching out to his Broadway connections to put a creative team together.
“I’m talking to several different amazing book writers to transform this thing, and I need to hook up with a director because I want somebody to be with the project as it grows,” Pascal said, adding that he’d like to have a draft of the show ready for a spring 2010 reading.
The musical might incorporate some content from the 2006 follow-up album, “Operation: Mindcrime II,” but Pascal said that he had no interest in cobbling together a Queensr˙che “jukebox” show that might include, for example, the band’s non-”Mindcrime” hit, “Silent Lucidity.”
Plot-wise, he sees the show using the content of the first album, and looks forward to discussions with a librettist and director to determine the show’s setting and time period. Pascal said he loves the size of the Rent cast as a template for Operation: Mindcrime: maybe 15 performers.
Pascal said he felt like he was in a position in his career where he could probably get the show created and produced, so he approached the band.
“Queensr˙che, and especially their singer, Geoff Tate, if not for him, I wouldn’t be here right now,” Pascal told Playbill.com. “He’s the guy, when I was 12 years old, when I heard him sing and heard this band, I’d never heard anything like it before. I am definitely a product of wanting to — and trying to — sound like him all through those formative years of growing up and playing in rock bands and just idolizing this guy as a singer — and the band in general.”
When the record came out, Pascal said he “was floored — I had never heard anything like it. It was like a hard-rock version of [Pink Floyd's] ‘The Wall.’ Not in story, but in tone and in musical aesthetic, but a harder version of that. I’ve always been obsessed with the record.
“Throughout the years, I’ve envisioned how this can be turned into a real musical, a book musical. The concept album is not nearly as specific as [The Who's] ‘Tommy.’ It’s told in very broad strokes, so that it allows me a tremendous amount of freedom to create a story.
“[The album's] got plot points, things that happen to these characters, but it’s very non-specific. These characters can be any age, any ethnicity, they can have any backstory you want to give them…”
The NCSE hosted a soundcheck/preshow party at the San Francisco (Fillmore) show on June 4th. It was also a benefit to raise money for the National Military Family Association www.nmfa.org.
Thanks to the generous donations from our guests we are thrilled to have raised almost $1000 that evening. $940 to be exact for our fighting men and women and their families.
As a thank you to our attendees they were treated to a private Queensr˙che soundcheck, early entry into the show and raffles for some awesome prizes which included 3 signed, limited edition "Sign Of The Times" flats, a signed American Soldier CD and a signed bottle of Geoff Tate's signature red wine "Insania". Congrats to all our winners! Each guest received a souvenir lanyard and NCSE military themed button.
After the soundcheck we made our way around the corner to Bruno's Pizzeria for some grub and beers before the show. A HUGE thanks to them for accomodating all of us crazy R˙chers so efficiently. The service was great, the food and drinks even better. If you ever find yourself by the Fillmore make sure to stop by Bruno's Pizzeria.
After dinner it was time to head back to the Fillmore to get to the front of the line. Ahead of us were those that had a military ID. They received applause as they made their way to the front. We were let in promptly and everyone was able to get their spot on the rail, or upstairs in the balcony, for the AWESOME show we got that night. June 4th was a night to remember from start to finish.
Our deepest and sincerest thanks goes to our party guests and friends. Queensr˙che and their management who allowed the NCSE to host this event and helped us coordinate it along the way. And for the fantastic show they gave us in SF!! And last but not least, our American Soldiers who this event was in honor of.
NORCAL SANCTUARY EMPIRE ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN
Going to a Queensr˙che show and have nothing to wear? Just want to show your NCSE pride? Well, shop here for all your NorCal Sanctuary Empire needs! Shirts, hoodies, stickers, intimate apparel and more. We're building Empires! Click the logo to be directed to our store!
QUEENSRźCHE RINGTONES
Get Queensr˙che on your phone! Check Out Queensr˙che’s brand new ringtone “If I Were King” Text QUEENSRYCHE to 74466
(Terms & Conditions) “This is an a la carte, transactional service. No recurring subscription charges are involved. Each ringtone costs $2.49. No Credit Card Required - users will be charged on their wireless bill or be deducted from prepaid minutes. Standard carrier fees may apply. Must be at least 13 years old and have bill payer’s permission. Offer available for AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and T-Mobile users with compatible phones. Opt out: STOP to 74466. For more information call 866-528-6192.”
QUEENSRźCHE PAGES
Catch the official Queensr˙che pages on these social networking sites by clicking on the icons below.
"IF I WERE KING" VIDEO
LOS ANGELES -- The video for "If I Were King," the first single from Queensr˙che's highly anticipated new album AMERICAN SOLDIER, received it's worldwide debut on Monday, March 23 on MILITARY.COM, home of the largest military and veteran membership organization. The military community site, 10 million members strong, will also feature a podcast interview with lead singer Geoff Tate as well as an op-ed column that he wrote exclusively for the site.
The video for "If I Were King" was directed by J. Andrew Colletti and Jonathan Williams and addresses the same themes of loss and healing that are the focus of the track. The song was written based on an interview Tate conducted with Sean Lenahan, a veteran of U.S. conflicts in Somalia and Kosovo.
"Military.com is the perfect place to premiere the 'If I Were King' video and we are proud to be involved with the site," says Tate. "I hope their members can find a connection to the song and video. The whole album is a tribute to the soldiers, told in their own words, sometimes using their own voices, and I hope it will spark discussion within this community."
Mike Stone has decided he will not be touring with Queensr˙che this spring. We will miss him. He is a wonderful player and has contributed to our lives musically and spiritually. We wish him the best and hope to see him succeed in everything he chooses to participate in.
He adds this statement: "After much consideration, I will not be joining Queensr˙che on the 2009 American Soldier Tour. I feel now is the time to focus on other musical endeavors, including my new band Speed X with Nick Catanese of Black Label Society. I would like to thank all of the Queensr˙che fans around the world for being nothing less than amazing to me during my time with the band. You have treated me like gold, and I will never forget it. It has been an honor to be a part of the Queensr˙che family, and I wish Geoff, Michael, Scott and Eddie nothing but the very best." - Mike Stone
It has now been announced that Parker Lundgren will be Queensr˙che's new guitarist. He is a member of The Geoff Tate Band as well. Welcome Parker!
The NCSE wishes all the best for Mike Stone. We'd like to thank him for being so wonderful to the fans and sharing his talents with us as a member of Queensr˙che. He will be greatly missed in the R˙che realm, but we look forward to seeing him again in all his new endeavors. Good Luck Stone!! ~Your Friends in the NCSE
EPIC CONCEPT ALBUM LOOKS AT WAR FROM THE SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
Queensr˙che's 12th studio album, AMERICAN SOLDIER is set for release March 31 from Rhino/Atco. AMERICAN SOLDIER, a concept album, finds the band once again tackling some heavy subject matter, this time focusing on telling the story of war from a firsthand perspective. Singer and chief songwriter Geoff Tate has spent the last few years conducting extensive interviews with veterans and has crafted their thoughts into this epic tale. AMERICAN SOLDIER examines
American wars from World War II through Iraq from the viewpoint of those in the trenches and on the frontlines. Following the album’s release, Queensr˙che plan to present tracks from the album live on an extensive spring tour of the U.S., with international dates to follow later in 2009. The first date of the tour will be a hometown gig at Seattle’s Snoqualmie Casino on April 16.
“Queensr˙che has always had incredible support from members of the Armed Services,” says Tate. “It seems like after every show, I’d end up speaking with a fan that was or had been involved with the military. The more and more I began to hear their accounts and feelings, the more I really felt a conviction to tell their story. Over the last two years, I’ve conducted dozens of one-on-one interviews with veterans of many different American wars. I listened to their amazing and moving recounts and did my best to examine war through their eyes.”
The two-hour show will consist of three suites:
Suite #1: selections from Rage for Order
Suite #2: selections from American Solider
Suite #3: selections from Empire
MTV's Headbangers Blog with Geoff Tate talks about the new release American Soldier in stores NOW!! - Check out the exclusive podcast interview and video interviews part 1, part 2 and part 3.
Operation: Podcast. See the band discuss American Soldier in their own words.
AMERICAN SOLDIER TOUR MARCHES THROUGH NCSE TERRITORY
Get ready troops!!
Currently Queensr˙che has their marching orders for shows all across the US and overseas and Northern CA is blessed to have four of those shows. Tickets for the second leg of the tour are on sale now in some areas. The show is 2 hours long and features suites of music from the new album, "American Soldier" as well as, "Rage for Order" and "Empire". Please check out Queensr˙che's tour dates and be a part of the American Soldier Tour when it marches through your area!!
NorCal Dates -
4/19 Chico - Senator Theater
6/4 San Fran - Fillmore
6/5 Kelseyville - Konocti Resort
11/7 Stateline, NV - Harrah's Lake Tahoe: tickets on sale TBA
In celebration of Queensr˙che’s AMERICAN SOLDIER, all of those in possession of a ticket and a current military photo I.D. plus a guest will be able to go to the front of the line and participating venues on the upcoming American Soldier tour.
Visit QUEENSRźCHE.COM for more details.
SHIPROCKED
QUEENSRźCHE TO GET SHIPROCKED IN NOVEMBER 2009 AS THEY HEADLINE A FIVE-DAY ROCK & ROLL MUSIC CRUISE
SHIPROCKED WILL SAIL NOVEMBER 15-20, 2009, TO JAMAICA AND GRAND CAYMAN ON THE MSC POESIA FEATURING ON-BOARD CONCERTS, MEET AND GREETS, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR MUSIC FANS
In November 2009, QUEENSRźCHE -- Geoff Tate, Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield, and Eddie Jackson -- will board the MSC Poesia to headline "ShipRocked," an unparalleled five-day rock and roll music cruise. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 15th, ShipRocked will sail to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, before returning on November 20th.
"Everyone in the band is excited to share this new performing experience with our fans," states QUEENSRźCHE front man Geoff Tate. "We'll crank it up, drink some wine and bask in the sun on the Caribbean together. The ShipRocked cruise will definitely be rockin' come next November and we hope you can join us in the festivities."
In addition to QUEENSRźCHE, ShipRocked will feature live performances on multiple stages by Skid Row, EndeverafteR, Lynam, and several other major artists being announced soon. Throughout the cruise, ShipRocked passengers will be treated to an array of on-board events and activities, including meet and greets with the artists, theme nights, heavy metal karaoke, contests, charity auctions, and maybe even a few all-star jam sessions!
Everyone on-board will feel like a rock star, as they bask in both sun and luxury on MSC's Poesia. The Poesia is the third spectacular vessel in the MSC Cruise Line's "Musica" family of ships. This amazing super-liner features MSC Cruise Line's signature Italian inspired decor, impeccable service, sumptuous cuisine in multiple restaurants, beautiful swimming pools, hot tubs, a full-service spa and fitness center. Nearly two-thirds of the ship's staterooms include private balconies!
ShipRocked will truly be the ultimate rock and roll vacation and backstage pass!
QUEENSRźCHE frontman Geoff Tate has teamed up with Walla Walla, Washington-based 3 Rivers Winery to create a new red wine signature blend called Geoff Tate Insania.
Insania a Latin word meaning insanity, irrationality, madness — was unveiled in the fall and became available to the general public Feb. 2009.
Tate who has been deeply involved in the development of this special blend with 3 Rivers Winery states that "Insania is a creative project similar to the process of making music. Wine has been an important part of my life and the creation of Insania is yet another avenue to express my creativity and give my fans something more they can enjoy. With a limited production, I hope everyone who loves wine will join me in this wonderful new venture."
Winemaker Holly Turner of 3 Rivers Winery is equally excited about the new offering. "Geoff Tate simply rocks and so does his love of wine," says Turner. "We share this passion for wine and have put together a powerful blend that represents Geoff. We feel so fortunate to be working with such a well-respected artist that is also a friend."
Geoff Tate and 3 Rivers Winery launched Insania at a concert event on September 20, 2008 at the winery. The show marked Tate's first solo performance in six years. The Geoff Tate Band played music from his solo album as well as some QUEENSRźCHE songs.
With mutual respect for the artistry of wine and music, the bond between Tate and 3 Rivers was instantaneous. "Here's to fine wine and rock and roll," comments Tate. "Cheers!"
3 Rivers is sold out of the first vintage (2007) of Geoff Tate’s red wine INSANIA. Whole Foods has the only remaining bottles and will sell them at bottle signing events with Geoff Tate and wine maker Holly Turner. The 2 stores and dates are below:
Redmond Whole Foods Market
17991 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA. 98052
425 881-2600
April 17 2:00-5:00 PM
Chandler Whole Foods Market
2955 W. Ray Rd.
Chandler, Arizona. 85224
480 821-9447
May 30 12:00Noon-3:00 PM
Bottle Signing of GT Insania Saturday May 30, 2009 Chandler Whole Foods Store – Phoenix AZ. 12pm - 3pm. People can get tickets up to 2 hours prior to the event starting to make sure they get a bottle. (Please do not bring anything else to be signed so that everyone gets a chance to have their bottle signed.)
Geoff Tate - Vocals
Scott Rockenfield - Drums
Jason Slater - Bass
Joe Mulkern - Guitar 2
Parker Lundgren - Guitar 1
Ben Anderson - Keys
Pamela Moore - Vocals
Jason Ames - Vocals
QUEENSRźCHE ON iTUNES
The band, Fan Club and EMI Records are happy to announce the band’s new iTunes page! Still available are all the album releases, but what’s new are the music videos (all 18 of them) each for $1.99. So get your dose of RźCHEness on iTunes today!
JOIN THE QUEENSRźCHE CAMPAIGN
Queensr˙che fan club members are getting great benefits with their membership's. Including, chances at meet and greet privileges to hang with the band after select shows. Opportunities for sound check passes, to watch the band warm up before a gig. You’ll receive access to the member's only message board, where you can interact with other R˙che fans around the world. Enter fan club exclusive contests with awesome prizes at stake. Get in to member’s only parties, and have the chance to score the best seats in the house with fan club seating at select shows. You also get Empire privileges, where you can join an Empire in your area or start one yourself! Upon signing up and each time you renew your membership, you’ll get an autographed 8x10 photo of the band, along with some other cool stuff. All this and so much more!
$30 for one year, $25 to renew. It’s worth every cent! If you’d like to learn more or are ready to join the ranks and become a Campaign member, please visit Queensr˙che.com by clicking on the logo below. If you live in the Northern, CA/Reno, NV area and would like to learn more about our Empire, click on the “About Us” tab at the top of this page.
There is no other band better to their fans! Help support Queensr˙che by becoming a member. Join the Campaign TODAY!!
GEOFF TATE "INSANIA"
~The Geoff Tate Band~
