Queensryche

Summer Starts Loud As Queensrÿche Opens Rockin’ the Downs In Batavia, NY

Kicking off the summer with unfiltered energy and pure sonic force, legendary progressive metal titans Queensrÿche returned to the Rockin’ the Downs Concert Series at Batavia Downs, playing under the open skies on the horse racing track where they last appeared in 2021.

***Queensryche – Rockin the Downs Concert Series – Batavia, NY***

This time around, the band delivered a no-frills, bare-bones performance — and it was exactly what the crowd came for. Stripped of flashy lights or over-the-top production, the music stood front and center, a visceral reminder of what rock and metal can still mean in 2025.

As the clouds moved in on a very warm June day and a cooling breeze swept through by dusk, the band exploded onto the stage with their classic opener “Queen of the Reich.” Frontman Todd La Torre prowled the stage with charismatic menace, nailing the high-wire vocals that defined the band’s early sound. The interplay between Michael “Whip” Wilton and Mike Stone on guitars was a masterclass in metal duality — savage riffs and intricate harmonies layered with razor-sharp precision.

Bassist Eddie Jackson, one of the founding pillars of the group, anchored the performance with thunderous low-end finesse, while drummer Casey Grillo delivered a relentless, machine-tight backbone that pushed each track to the edge.

The setlist was heavy on the hits — “Jet City Woman,” “I Don’t Believe in Love,” “Empire” — all of which sent fans into a frenzy. “Silent Lucidity,” the haunting ballad that brought the band mainstream acclaim, was met with a sea of swaying arms and singalongs.

Despite a deep and well-received 2022 release, Digital Noise Alliance, only “Behind the Walls” made the cut — a choice that left some fans wanting more new material, though few could complain after such a powerful legacy-driven set.

By the time the encore rolled in, culminating with the anthem “Eyes of a Stranger,” the crowd was drenched in sweat and catharsis. Lifelong fans mouthed every word. Newcomers watched closely. Every raised fist and shouted chorus felt like a ritual — a celebration of a band still commanding the stage with integrity and force.

In a time where overproduction can drown out authenticity, Queensrÿche proved that sometimes, all you need is five musicians, great songs, and a crowd ready to believe.