After months of anticipation due to Hurricane Helene, Queensrÿche finally took the stage at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on November 19, 2024 as the original show was scheduled for October 9, 2024. And, the band proved the wait was absolutely worth it. The crowd was treated to a full playthrough of both the albums Queensrÿche and The Warning—two iconic albums that still sound as fresh and powerful as ever.
Jared James Nichols delivered an unforgettable performance as the opening act for the evening, blending blues-rock prowess with a charismatic stage presence that kept the crowd energized from start to finish. He opened with “Easy Come, Easy Go,” setting the tone with gritty guitar riffs and soulful vocals. Nichols’ playing was sharp and expressive, each note showing off his impressive skill and deep feel for the music.
Nichols has an engaging, funny side that came through between songs—his witty banter added a personal touch and made the show feel intimate. It was clear that he not only loves what he does but genuinely connects with his fans. The energy continued to build throughout the set, with Nichols weaving through a mix of high-octane rockers and slower blues tracks, each one elevated by his expressive guitar solos. But it was the closing cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” that truly brought the house down. To top it off, Nichols announced he’d be meeting fans at the merch booth after the show, adding an extra level of warmth to an already memorable night.
Jared James Nichols proved once again why he’s one of the heavy hitters in blues rock today. His mix of talent, humor, and down-to-earth charm makes him a must-see live performer. Don’t miss the chance to catch him on stage!
Band:
Jared James Nichols – Guitar
Ryan Rice – Drums
Set List:
1. Easy Come, Easy Go
2. Down the Drain
3. Hard Wired
4. Threw Me to the Wolves
5. Way Back
6. Bad Roots
7. Good Time Girl
8. Nails in the Coffin
9. War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover)
Queensrÿche kicked off their set with a bang as the band played the classic Queensrÿche EP immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Todd La Torre sounded great as he opened the show with one of the most difficult songs to belt out… “Queen of the Reich”. Then came the real treat: The album The Warning played front to back. Highlights like “Take Hold of the Flame” and “Child of Fire,” brought the crowd to a frenzy, showing why this track remains a fan favorite after all these years. Every song from the album felt timeless, and the band nailed each one with the kind of passion and energy that first made them legends.
Guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone were on fire all night, trading solos and harmonizing effortlessly. Their chemistry was undeniable, especially on tracks like “NM156” (a personal favorite) where they locked into each other’s playing, creating a seamless flow of intricate guitar work that never missed a beat. The rhythm section—bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Casey Grillo—kept things locked in and driving forward. Casey’s amazing-looking drum set dominated the stage and Eddie’s backing vocals are a hallmark of the Queensryche sound.
The crowd was electric from start to finish, but by the time the band returned for their encore and played “Eyes of a Stranger,” the energy in the room was absolutely off the charts. Fans sang every word back to the band, and you could feel the connection between them—this wasn’t just a show, it was a celebration of Queensrÿche’s legacy.
Band:
Todd LaTorre – Vocals
Michael “Whip” Wilton – Guitar
Eddie Jackson – Bass and Vocals
Mike Stone – Guitar and Vocals
Casey Grillo – Drums
Set List:
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Scott Diussa is a photographer, guitarist, bassist, videographer and audio engineer based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Scott has been photographing concerts since 1994 and has a degree in commercial photography. You can follow Scott on Instagram at @sdiussa. www.scottdiussa.com
