From a small American town to a global phenomenon: it took Queensryche just a few years to make this journey. The day after a concert, we caught up with two of the band's members, Geoff Tate and Chris De Garmo, to talk about their latest album and their sudden success.
While most of the bands in Los Angeles express the fun and glamour of the West Coast with their music, and those in New York are more interested in the fantastic in all its forms, Seattle, Washington, has until now been completely unknown in heavy metal circles.
But things changed with the appearance of a quintet. You've probably guessed who we're talking about... Queensryche, of course. And as Geoff Tate (vocalist) and Chris De Garmo (guitarist) assure us, that's not a bad thing at all...
Geoff Tate: The fact that we're from Washington helped us tremendously, because we weren't put into any trend, neither the Los Angeles one, nor the New York one. The city we're from, Seattle, sticks in your mind very easily, because you don't hear people talking about it every day.
Tell us about how you started. Is it true that you hadn't given a single concert before you signed a contract?
G.T.: Yes, it's true. There aren't that many rock clubs in Seattle, and we refused to play other people's songs from the start, waiting for luck to knock on our door. We worked during the day and in the evenings we would gather in Scott, the drummer,’s basement and write songs, rehearse, etc.
We decided to record a demo that later became our maxi single.
Can you explain the musical differences between your maxi single and your album “The Warning”?
C.d.G.: On the album, we didn’t want to look like anyone else! The maxi was made up of the first four songs we wrote. With this album, we were able to work more on our style, while the maxi single was written very quickly.
- Are we afraid of the future, as some of your songs show? For example, what is the theme of “Take Hold of the Flame”?
G.T.: The flame is a very positive symbol for us, it represents a purpose. So the song gives everyone the advice to dare, to take risks, because if someone doesn't try their luck, they will regret it for the rest of their lives. We were inspired by our own history to write this song, because we took a lot of risks. Doing rock is generally risky, because you can lose everything without even realizing it. So we wanted to encourage those who accept this challenge.
In an earlier interview, you said that your wish for '84 was "Peace in the world." Are you really worried about current events, such as the possibility of a third world war?
G.T.: Yes, very much. I believe that you in Europe are at the center of the American-Soviet conflict. I felt this threat especially when I was recording an album in England: these people are afraid and are constantly asking for subsidies from the state for fallout shelters.
Is the song “No Sanctuary” related to this rumor?
G.T.: Not so much, it talks more about religion. It seems that our civilization, moving towards the 21st century, is becoming more oriented towards technology and I believe that our old values will disappear. And what will take their place? That is precisely the question that concerns me...
I have the impression that you are scared by the increasing importance of information technology, right?
G.T.: I seem so paranoid, (laughs). I have the impression that computers are becoming humanized: they can already think for themselves in a way. So there will come a time when they will have their own ideas. I wonder if it will be possible to control them then...
Can you explain to us the "NM 156" that deals with this issue?
G.T.: "NM 156" is a character programmed according to a certain form. But he starts to have doubts about the system he lives in, so they take him out of the way. So these lyrics refer to authoritarian political regimes, where no questioning is allowed.
In the summer, you did a tour in Japan: was it a good experience? What was the response of the audience, who are more attracted to the "image" of the group?
G.T.: It was a very good experience. This tour in Japan was particularly interesting, from the point of view that Queensryche does not have a specific "look". Even though the Japanese love flashy shows, they still consider music very important.
They also respect the fact that some groups feel deeply about what they have written.
And what do you think of the French public?
G.T.: Honestly, I found it fantastic. I was skeptical at first, which I completely understand, because it's a We were almost unknown here.
Oh, I'd like to clarify something. I hope the audience didn't think the inflatable doll was part of our decor!
The Paris show was the last of our European tour with Dio, so that's why we pulled this prank, among others!
C.d.G.: Anyway, we knew something was going to happen to us, since we saw that inflatable doll in the dressing rooms the whole tour. We were starting to wonder!
Do you think you're a Heavy Metal band?
G.T.: But the only thing we're interested in is moving forward as much as we can. Do you know what Queensryche means by "No Limits"?
But haven't you thought that sometimes the audience is afraid to evolve?
C.d.G.: No, I don't think so. Besides, we're just growing up and some evolution is inevitable. Anyway, we're constantly improving as musicians. We could easily release an album that's the same as our maxi. That would appeal to a lot of people, but we wouldn't have progressed at all.
Do you think the USA is more conducive to musical evolution?
C.d.G.: No, not at all. I think that, ultimately, every audience appreciates changes in a band. People get tired of hearing the same thing over and over again.
G.T. Heavy Metal definitely has to change in order to survive. You can't keep exploiting the same space, because at some point you'll reach a saturation point. You have to bring new things to this music.
Do you think there is still room for development for Heavy Metal?
G.T.: As long as people keep their minds open, there are no limits.
Do you want to be heard on American radio stations?
G.T.: As strange as it may seem, “Take Hold of the Flame” and “Queen of the Reich” were already heard on the radio last year. Diana Harris (their manager): Queensryche don’t write about the radio, but they’ll never say “to hell with the radio.” If they’re heard on the stations, that’s great. Otherwise... Anyway, that will help Heavy Metal in general.
G.T.: Anyway, radio has evolved tremendously in recent years. And then, the discrimination they make on these radio stations didn't stop Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Kiss from having incredible success in America. The public's opinion is decisive.
When you play in the main part of the program, will you have more specific decors?
G.T.: Yes, next time, the public will see the real Queensryche show. You know, when you play in the first part of a show, you are very limited. We can't have regular decors, since the space is small and our time is short! But I hope that next year, we will come back to give our own concerts!
Can you explain to us what the cover of your album means?
G.T.: I don't like answering that question at all! (laughs). I can't explain what it means exactly!
And the title? (The Warning),
C.d.G.: Our album in general is a warning: a message that we are trying to convey to the world with this album.
G.T.: Today, there is a lack of communication between people. I believe that the fate of people depends on this. People no longer respect each other and "The Warning" is an allegory on this.
Very nice words...
But is it possible to take them seriously in this world of show business. Only time will tell.