An epic night of heavy metal with two incredible bands
Last night, heavy metal fans packed The Aztec Theatre in San Antonio for a truly special evening with Queensrÿche. The legendary band treated the audience to a full performance of their debut EP and their groundbreaking 1984 album, The Warning. It was a night of pure nostalgia, with every note taking fans back to the roots of Queensrÿche’s iconic sound. Opening the show was the fantastic Jared James Nichols, who warmed up the crowd with his powerful blues-rock riffs and high-energy stage presence.
As the venue filled with cheers and anticipation, the atmosphere was incredible, setting the stage for a night of classic heavy metal magic. From the moment both bands hit the stage, it was clear this was going to be a performance to remember, filled with intricate guitar solos and soaring vocals.
JARED JAMES
Jared James Nichols kicked off the night with an explosive set that had the crowd roaring from the get-go. His raw, blues-infused rock sound was the perfect appetizer for the heavy metal feast to come. Jared opened with “Easy Come, Easy Go,” his fingers flying across the fretboard in a display of masterful guitar skills that left the audience in awe. His signature “pick-less” playing style was on full display, showcasing his unique approach and deep connection to the instrument. The energy in the room was palpable as Jared engaged with the crowd, cracking smiles and sharing anecdotes between songs.
Highlights of his set included a powerful rendition of “Threw Me to the Wolves” and “Way Back,” both of which showcased his gritty vocals and dynamic range. Jared’s bandmates matched his intensity, creating a wall of sound that filled every corner of the venue. By the time he closed with the iconic Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” the crowd was fully primed and ready for the main event. Jared James Nichols left the stage to thunderous applause, having made a strong impression as one of rock’s most exciting rising stars.
QUEENSRŸCHE
Queensrÿche took the stage to a wave of cheers, launching straight into their self-titled debut EP. From the opening riffs of “Queen of the Reich,” the audience was transported back to the early days of metal, with every note played to perfection. Vocalist Todd La Torre delivered an outstanding performance, hitting the high notes with power and precision, reminiscent of the band’s original recordings. The set continued with classics like “Nightrider” and “Blinded,” each song met with enthusiastic headbanging and cheers from the crowd.
The second half of the show was a true metal fan’s dream as the band played their iconic album The Warning in its entirety. The intricate guitar work of Michael Wilton and the thunderous bass lines from Eddie Jackson stood out, especially during epic tracks like “En Force” and “NM 156.” The haunting melodies of “Take Hold of the Flame” had the entire venue singing along, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The performance of the album’s title track, “The Warning,” was a highlight, with its dramatic instrumental breaks and La Torre’s electrifying vocals taking the audience on a wild ride.
Two Acts and One Powerful Encore
Queensryche divided their show into 3 sections as they had already announced. The first section was a journey back to their roots, as the band played their debut EP in its entirety. Four songs that immediately filled the venue with their powerful sound. The second act was purely dedicated to songs of their album “The Warning.” A total of nine songs that had the crowd singing and headbanging.
For the encore, the band included three songs, “Prophecy” released in 1983, “Walk in the Shadows” from the album “Rage Of Order” (1986), and for the very last end “Empire,” which belongs to the album with the same name and is considered their most commercially successful material, reaching triple-platinum status.
As the final notes of “Empire” echoed through The Aztec Theatre, the crowd erupted into applause, showing their appreciation for an incredible night of classic metal. Queensrÿche’s decision to play their debut EP and The Warning in full was a nostalgic treat, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the early magic of the band’s career live. The energy in the room was powerful, a testament to the enduring power of Queensrÿche’s music and their ability to captivate an audience decades later. Paired with a blistering opening set from Jared James Nichols, the show was a perfect blend of old-school metal and fresh rock energy.
Queensrÿche – San Antonio, TX – 11/10/2024
Queensrÿche EP
- Queen of the Reich
- Nightrider
- Blinded
- The Lady Wore Black
The Warning - Warning
- En Force
- Deliverance
- No Sanctuary
- NM 156
- Take Hold of the Flame
- Before the Storm
- Child of Fire
- Roads to Madness
Encore: - Prophecy
- Walk in the Shadows
- Empire
