San Antonio Gears Up for Queensrӱche’s Nostalgic Origins Tour at Aztec Theatre

San Antonio Set to Rock with Queensrӱche’s Unforgettable Origins Tour

Get ready, music lovers of San Antonio! This Sunday, one of the titans of progressive metal, Queensrӱche, is set to take the stage at the historic Aztec Theatre. The legendary band, known for their soaring vocals and intricate song structures, is embarking on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with their The Origins tour, which promises to be a feast for long-time fans as well as new listeners.

From Jock to Rock: Michael Wilton’s Journey

Queensrӱche guitarist Michael Wilton has had an incredible transformation over the years. As a young lad, he was deeply immersed in sports, playing baseball and football in high school like many kids. But after catching a mind-blowing Black Sabbath concert featuring an opening act called Van Halen, everything changed. “I was a jock,” he shared in a friendly Zoom chat. “Then I saw Eddie Van Halen and said, ‘That’s it!’” From that pivotal moment, the guitar became his newfound passion, leading Wilton to explore the world of heavy metal through garage bands and classic albums.

A Blast from the Past

This tour has a special twist—it’s all about celebrating the band’s roots. Queensrӱche is showcasing their early work, including their 1983 self-titled EP and the iconic 1984 debut album, The Warning. If you’re a fan—or even if you’re just curious about what all the buzz is about—be prepared to hear some unforgettable tracks like “Queen of the Reich,” “The Lady Wore Black,” and “Roads to Madness.” Expect to be transported back in time as they play these songs chronologically.

Wilton explained how the idea for the tour originated, saying, “We had an offer to do the Hell’s Heroes Festival in Houston, and the promoter said, ‘Hey, it’d be really cool if you did The Warning in its entirety.’” They decided to include the EP for an exciting, jam-packed set. It quickly gained traction, and now, they’re on the second leg of this much-anticipated tour. “It caught on and did really well, so now we’re doing the second leg of ‘The Origins’ tour,” he added.

More than Just Music

Since their beginning in 1982, Queensrӱche has balanced commercial success and critical acclaim with a unique fusion of metal and progressive tunes. Their renowned concept album, Operation Mindcrime, released in 1988, is often regarded as a cornerstone in the heavy metal genre. The album’s captivating stories, combined with epic anthems like “Eyes of a Stranger” and “I Don’t Believe in Love,” have left a mark on music history.

Michael Wilton reminisced about those days, describing the exhilarating experience of making music and touring. With its catchy choruses and thought-provoking lyrics, it’s no wonder that the group quickly climbed to success.

The Band’s Evolution

Today, the lineup features original members Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson, along with drummer Casey Grillo, guitarist Mike Stone, and vocalist Todd LaTorre. LaTorre has taken on the role of frontman for over a decade now, and his vocal prowess is a significant part of what keeps the band’s legacy alive. “Todd just has an amazing voice, and it’s what people want to hear,” Wilton noted.

As they prepare for their San Antonio show, the excitement is palpable. Everyone is eager to relive those magical moments from the past while witnessing the rebirth of a classic sound. Wilton hinted that they might even turn some of their recent demo ideas into album material soon. “We’ve been throwing around demo ideas and writing on the road,” he said.

Don’t Miss Out!

So grab your tickets for what promises to be an unforgettable night! With ticket prices ranging from $50.75-$64, it’s a small price to pay for a trip back to the glory days of metal. Blues-rock guitarist Jared James Nichols will also be opening, ensuring that the night kicks off with a bang. The show starts at 7 p.m., and if you’ve ever wondered what the sound of nostalgia feels like, now’s your chance to find out!

Come join fellow fans at the Aztec Theatre—let’s show Queensrӱche how much we love their music!