STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet has weighed in on CRIMSON GLORY vocalist Todd La Torre replacing Geoff Tate as QUEENSRŸCHE's frontman:

"I read through all the comments and debated whether or not to chime in and I flipped a coin and heads it was! On to my 2 cent rant.

I personally had the opportunity to see Queensrÿche at Halfway Jam (we did our set before they did theirs) and I'm here to tell you that Todd has breathed new life into the band. Not only does he have the pipes to deliver the vocals but more important, he is as nice and as humble as they come. He's excited about the music and performance and doesn't take it for granted and it shows. I've never met Geoff Tate personally so I certainly can't comment on who he is nor would I want to, but I can say that it was a joy for me to see Queensrÿche with a sense of excitement and passion to perform.

I'm quite biased and I don't throw compliments around unless they are earned and Todd more then earned my respect and applause at Halfway Jam. Change is always a bit uncomfortable but sometimes it's for the best. Trust me, you won't be disappointed...... See you on the cruise"

Footage from Queensrÿche's set at the Halfway Jam, which took place July 26th-28th in Royalton, Minnesota is available below:

As previously reported, Queensrÿche and Stryper have all added to The Monsters Of Rock Cruise which will embark on its second voyage March 16th and sail till the 20th, 2013.

Confirmed acts are now as follows:

ALCATRAZZ, ARCADE, ATOMIC PUNKS, BANG TANGO, BLACK 'N BLUE, JOHN CORABI & TED POLEY, DANGEROUS TOYS, ENUFF Z NUFF, FASTER PUSSYCAT, FEMME FATALE, JAILHOUSE, LITA FORD, GREAT WHITE, HEAVY MELLOW, HELIX, JANET SHARE ROXY GINA, KEEL, KIX, L.A. GUNS, LONDON QUIREBOYS, LOUDNESS, LYNCH MOB, NELSON, QUEENSRŸCHE, RHINO BUCKET, SAXON, STRYPER, TESLA, TNT, XYZ, Y&T.;

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this cruise will visit the private island of CocoCay, plus Nassau, Bahamas with a rockin’ bonus day at sea, sailing the emerald waters in this unprecedented floating heavy metal festival.

For one all-inclusive price, fans will enjoy a myriad of special heavy metal concerts, events and activities, designed to please the most discerning rock n' roll metal-head. While the music is the centerpiece, this is more than a concert cruise event. It is fantasy camp designed for interaction between artists and fans. The fun will begin the moment fans begin to board the beautiful MSC Poesia, meeting new friends poolside during the kickoff Sailaway Concert. Visit MonstersOfRockCruise.com for further details.