According to The Breakdown Room, Jason Slater, the producer, engineer and songwriter of QueensrŸche's 2006 release "Operation: Mindcrime II", has confirmed that he is producing the band's as-yet-untitled next studio album. He also revealed that Kelly Gray (QueensrŸche guitarist/producer/engineer from 1998 to 2001) is engineering the record. Slater is quoted as saying, "The plan is that we'll [Kelly and Jason] mix it together, but who the fuck knows?! Everything always seems to change at the last second. I'm pretty happy with the way it's shaping up. The focus is on great songs that the band is proud of and the fans will like."
QueensrŸche performed with an orchestra (dubbed the "Empire Orchestra") for the first time ever Saturday night (August 23) at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington. The concert was part of Seattle station KISW 99.9 FM's Pain in the Grass 2008 event, also featuring Seether, Shinedown, Sevendust, Drowning Pool, Jet Black Stare and Earshot.
Robert Williams of Metal-Rules.com conducted an interview with QueensrŸche frontman Geoff Tate at the South Texas Rock Fest, which was held July 11-13 at the Javelina Harley-Davidson Festival grounds in San Antonio, Texas. Watch the chat at this location.
Geoff Tate will perform a series of exclusive solo shows in conjunction with his Insania wine collaboration with Walla Walla, Washington-based 3 Rivers Winery.
On Saturday, September 20, a special performance will take place at 3 Rivers Winery with two additional performances taking place the Friday before and the Sunday after at the Knitting Factory in Boise, Idaho and the Knitting Factory in Spokane, Washington, respectively.
The forthcoming September shows will mark his first solo performances since 2002 and it's likely that more promotional tour dates surrounding the official launch of the new red wine signature blend will be announced shortly.
Thanks for the info to Blabbermouth.net.
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