photo by Luca DePalo

by Luca DePalo, Contributing Blogger

Queensrÿche

Bally’s Event Center, Lincoln, RI

May 16, 2026

On a beautiful Saturday night in Lincoln, Rhode Island, the iconic metal band Queensrÿche played to a packed audience at the Bally’s Event Center. This 90-minute show turned a calm and breezy evening into a heavy, dark, and gloomy gathering.

photo by Luca DePalo

Queensrÿche was formed in 1980, and although the band has lost founding members along the way, the band remains constantly active. With headbanging classics like “Jet City Woman,” “I Don’t Believe in Love,” “Take Hold of the Flame,” “Empire,” and the mellow “Silent Lucidity,” I could not wait to hear the setlist, as this was my first time attending one of their performances.

With original guitarist Michael Wilton and original bassist Eddie Jackson, other members include lead singer Todd La Torre, rhythm guitarist Mike Stone, and drummer Casey Grillo. Although the band has only two original members left, I could not pass on the opportunity to witness if they still hold the power. And man, they do.

photo by Luca DePalo

As the lights slowly dimmed, the robotic voiceover came through the speaker: “I am the essence of your reality.” She continued, “I am the Queen.. the Queen of the Reich,” followed by lead guitarist Michael Wilton running onto the stage, standing high above, and shredding the intro to the song “Queen of the Reich,” with lead singer Todd La Torre following him and hitting that famed high note. Starting off the show with this song just felt perfect. It showed Todd’s singing abilities compared to original singer Geoff Tate, and it also brought the audience back to the first song the band ever wrote (when they were originally named “The Mob”) in 1981.

photo by Luca DePalo

Following the song, as the crowd continued to fill the seats, the band performed “Operation: Mindcrime,” my personal favorite, “Walk in the Shadows,” “Breaking the Silence,” and “I Don’t Believe In Love,” perfectly balancing the setlist. Furthermore, the band played some songs I do not know much of. “London,” “The Mission,” “Neue Regel,” and their most recent song, “Behind the Walls.” Although I had never heard of those four in my life, I – and many others – remained standing and just enjoyed every second.

photo by Luca DePalo

And then came the mega hits. “Take Hold of the Flame” created a massive sing-along, “Jet City Woman” shook every seat from that powerful bass, and was followed by “Screaming in Digital.” Finally came “Silent Lucidity,” probably one of their most listened-to songs. Even after hearing the song constantly, the song always hits the spot. And in all, the crowd knew every word! As for myself, I favor the metal era of Queensrÿche more than their ballad songs, but this felt necessary, almost as if the song was giving a message to the crowd. The band then came out for the encore with “Best I Can,” “Empire,” and “Eyes of a Stranger,” ending an incredible night of heavy metal.

photo by Luca DePalo

Coming out to this show just felt right. I never had the opportunity to see Queensrÿche perform in their prime. But after seeing this new lineup, I quickly realized, as I left the show on Saturday night, that they are true to the music and true to the fans. They are the closest band you could see that can do the songs justice, the way the fans want to hear them. They still have the spirit, energy, thrill, and the fun that all of those tracks possess for all fans, young and old.

Queensrÿche often has several New England dates scheduled every year, with an upcoming performance in New Hampshire this winter. Stay up to date with their shows on the “Tour” page of the band’s website.