About a week ago, I got an email from CEB that contained really important news. It was actually a news item that I will have to summarize, because I don't know where he got it, therefore I don't know should be credited.
Short version: Chris DeGarmo is back with Queensrÿche.
Slightly longer version: Chris DeGarmo has been out of the band for seven years, but now a spokesperson has confirmed that he is indeed back with Queensrÿche. Apparently, you can get the whole story at the band's web site, but I haven't bothered to go check it out yet.
This news raises some questions. First of all, what is Chris DeGarmo doing with a spokesperson? I mean, sure, he was in Queensrÿche and all, but as we just covered, that was seven years ago! If that spokesperson was anyone other than his mom or his wife, there is just something wrong. There are two believable scenarios:
Example One
Neighbor of Chris DeGarmo's mom: "I thought Chris wasn't going to paint your garage until May."
Chris DeGarmo's mom: "Well, he's back with Queensrÿche now, so he'll be busy in the studio this spring."
Example Two
Friend of Chris DeGarmo calling on phone: "Is Chris around?"
Chris DeGarmo's wife: "He's writing with Queensrÿche this afternoon, can I take a message?"
I can't believe that he has paid staff to deliver messages to the press. I mean, I'm sure he made some good money off Silent Lucidity, but COME ON.
I asked Aaaahj what he thought of the news, and he didn't know why everyone was so excited about Chris DeGarmo's return, because, "He did write Hear In The Now Frontier, which is their worst album. Well, Q2K was their worst album and he wasn't on that, but still. Hear In The Now Frontier." Yeah, but I am now obligated to go see Queensrÿche no matter how bad the next album is, just because Chris DeGarmo is back.
But has anyone stopped and thought why Chris DeGarmo is back? I know why he is back. I would like to refer you to something the Pirate said in our review of Geoff Tate's solo album:
"This would be my advice to you. Locate Chris DeGarmo and patch up your differences immediately."
Obviously, Chris DeGarmo is back with Queensrÿche because of Rocksnobs. The Pirate said it, I posted it, and now, after seven years, the original lineup is back together. I'm guessing we aren't getting the credit we have coming to us at the Queensrÿche web site, but that's okay. We know why they are back together, and that's what counts.