It appears like there will no longer be two Queensrÿches. Singer Geoff Tate and his former band mates have reached an agreement and the legal battle is over. After two different versions of Queensrÿche appeared following a split with the long-time singer, a lawsuit had resulted in a ruling that each side could use the same name until the case went to trial or was settled. Both sides now seem relieved with the outcome and are ready to move on. Queensrÿche, fronted by Todd La Torre, will continue touring and recording as Queensrÿche while Geoff Tate will pursue other endeavours and have exclusive rights to perform Operation: Mindcrime I and II in their entirety.

The following joint statement was released: "We wanted to let Queensrÿche fans around the world know that an amicable settlement has been reached between Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield, Michael Wilton and Geoff Tate with regard to the future of the Queensrÿche name. According to the agreement, original Queensrÿche members Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield and Michael Wilton along with recent members, Todd La Torre and Parker Lundgren, will now be the sole entity recording and touring as Queensrÿche, performing selections from their entire musical catalog that spans over 30 years of material. Original Queensrÿche lead singer Geoff Tate will continue to record, perform and pursue a variety of other creative endeavors and, as part of the agreement, will have the exclusive rights to perform Operation: Mindcrime I and II in their entirety as a unique performance. Both sides wish each other well and are excited about what the future holds. We want to thank the fans for standing beside us through this ordeal and look forward to sharing our music with you for years to come."

Tate is pleased that the dispute was settled outside of a courtroom and will do a brief Queensrÿche "farewell" tour this summer before launching a new chapter of his career.

He stated to The Seattle Times: "One thing that's really important for people to understand is that this never went to court. They (Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield) bought the name from me. But I retain Operation Mindcrime. It's sort of similar to the Pink Floyd situation where Roger Waters retained The Wall. Mindcrime was my thing and my story, so it's appropriate that I keep that. So they will continue on as Queensrÿche, and I will continue on as me."

Guitarist Michael Wilton said: "It's the rebirth of Queensrÿche and the way it used to be. We're rebuilding the Queensrÿche name."

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Queensrÿche