QUEENSRŸCHE Singer Says He's Not Impressed By Any New Metal Bands

QUEENSRŸCHE vocalist Geoff Tate recently spoke to ElectricBasement.com about the release of the group's new DVD/CD, "The Art of Live", and his views on the current political situation in Iraq. The following are a few excerpts from that interview:

ElectricBasement.com: Reports have circulated over the years that metal doesn't impress you much. That seems ironic, considering your background. Have you been misunderstood?

Geoff Tate: "Of course, I'm a heavy rock singer and that's what I do. I've been at it 24 years and pretty much explored every heavy rock avenue, I think. We've broken a lot of new ground, set new precedents. I've had a very full heavy rock life. The last thing I want to do is listen to someone else attempt it."

ElectricBasement.com: Does any current metal impress you?

Geoff Tate: "No. I don't mean to be arrogant or sound conceited, but I'm at the top of my game. Probably three other guys can do what I can do, so I'm pretty hard to impress especially with someone in their 20s on so many different levels. If you're in your 20s, what are you going to say to someone in his mid-40s? What will you tell me?"

ElectricBasement.com: You've been critical of U.S. foreign policy, specifically our involvement in Iraq and facing the terrorist threat. If Geoff Tate were president, how would you handle the situation?

Geoff Tate: "One thing Bush has done incorrectly is left the motivation for Iraq open to much speculation. Everyone in his cabinet it seems is connected to the oil business. Their point in going over there seems to be to gain control of vast amounts of oil reserves. If that's the agenda, which seems like a damn good idea for us to have those (reserves) with high gas prices, why not just say it?"

ElectricBasement.com: So you're saying Bush has failed to articulate his reasons.

Geoff Tate: "Exactly. By not specifying his motivations, it's easy to misconstrue. Let's not beat around the bush, no pun intended."

ElectricBasement.com: Does religion play a role? Some say America is being insensitive to Islam.

Geoff Tate: "I do not believe in any type of fundamentalist religion. People who follow that are immature spiritually and emotionally. Fundamentalism, if I was president, I'd outlaw it. It's a dangerous thing.

"I've read quite a few books on the issue lately and look to outside sources for information. Islamic fundamentalism is cruel and torturous. It's a philosophy that dehumanizes their people. They are torn up about it. It can't be for good for them the way they live their lives now. You're talking about humanity now."

Read Geoff Tate's entire interview with ElectricBasement.com at this location.