QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield has issued the following:

"After receiving a few requests, I've decided to sell my studio kit from last week and make room for building a brand new kit for next year! I've been doing this as my 'business' end of things for decades now, but thought that some of you may be interested. That being said, I posted the kit on my eBay store last nite, so if anyone wants to take a look, you can check it out here ."

Queensrÿche, now fronted by Todd La Torre in place of original singer Geoff Tate, are currently working on a new album with producer James Barton, who engineered the band's classic Operation: Mindcrime album. La Torre checks in with the following update:

"Yes, Queensrÿche fans are very intelligent people, and this is why the majority go to Queensrycheofficial.com for all of the latest news having to do with those that WROTE THE MUSIC for the last 30 years. That is the reality. Thank goodness I'm not a hired gun with only a voice. When I write a song, I can actually play all of the instruments. Queensrÿche has a new dynamic that it never had before. The cherry on top: We have the strongest artist management company in the business, the world class producer/engineer James Barton on our new record, a wonderful new booking agency, QR's crew and touring manager, have since shared the stage with the loved Pamela Moore, and re-establishing global contacts that are eager to book us. If that isn't a testament to what the majority of people and peers deem as the most valued version of today's QR then I don't know what is. Another reality is that we are moving forward with a new album while playing material off of the first five albums, which includes the EP. Queen Of The Reich: Yes, people do stare speechless, because they are shocked to hear the song performed well, a song that 'broke out' this legendary pioneering band. Shame on anyone to deny the music that garnished fans in the first place and still resonates 30 years later. I couldn't be more proud to front my favorite band, sing with passion, and take time at every show to acknowledge every person I can. Queensrÿche is rising once again, respecting the fans first and foremost, which is why we (the band) all interact with the fans...a far cry from so many other artist's social sites. We all thank you all for embracing the change and positive new energy of the band, music, and growth. Thank you so much!

Footage below shot on December 2nd at London Bridge Studios in Seattle features drummer Scott Rockenfield mic testing levels for Barton at the board:

Catch Queensrÿche live at the following shows:

December

21 - Masonic Temple - Detroit, MI
29 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
31 - Fremont Street Experience - Las Vegas, NV

January

12 - Kewadin Casino - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
19 - Speaking Rock Casino & Entertainment Center - El Paso, TX

February

27 - Auditorio BlackBerry - Mexico City, Mexico

March

8 - Bergen Performing Arts Center - Englewood, NJ
9 - Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA
12 - Wildhorse Saloon - Nashville, TN
14 - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi - Biloxi, MS
15 - The Ritz Ybor - Tampa, FL
16 - 20 - Monsters Of Rock Cruise - Fort Lauderdale, FL
22 - House Of Blues - Lake Buena Vista, FL
30 - Mohegan Sun Casino - Uncasville, CT

April

11 - 12 - Sweden Rock Cruise - Stockholm, Sweden

Queensrÿche recently released a trailer for their forthcoming new album. Check it out below: