Concert Review
Queensrÿche
Quiet Riot
Friday February 27, 2026
OLG Stage @ Fallsview
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
It was an evening of firsts out at OLG Stage at Fallsview last night. Queensrÿche played Niagara Falls for the first time ever and the show also marked the first time I ever saw two bands that start with the letter Q play on the same bill. To cap it off the show also marked Quiet Riot’s first show of the new year.
Queensrÿche was playing a one off gig as according to vocalist Todd La Torre the band has started to record some new material during their downtime. The next two months the band is only booked for a pair of cruises. Considering their recent recess from the grind of the road, the band packed a powerful punch and left the crowd begging for more.
They came hard and fast out of the shute with “Queen of the Reich” quickly followed by the title cut from their masterpiece Operation: Mindcrime. Before the crowd could settle in they hit with perennial favorite “Walk in the Shadows”. Quite an impressive way to start a show from the diehard fans perspective. When La Torre asked how many never seen the band before tonight, it was amazing how many hands went up and judging by the reaction they surely gained some new fans after this performance.
The band dipped into Mindcrime quite a few times as the gallant crowd sang along. Despite La Torre now having played on four albums it seemed quite surprising the band only reached into 2022’s Digital Noise Alliance for a stirring rendition of “Behind the Walls”. Considering the great reaction it received I hope this opens their eyes so more La Torre material gets added down the road.
Rage for Order seemed to be an experimental as well as a transitional album. The band chose to close out the show with “Screaming in Digital” a song that was ahead of its time. It was the perfect closer leading into the encore. “Empire” followed by “Eyes of a Stranger”, the latter the closing song from Mindcrime proved to be the perfect way to end the night.
The band’s performance brought to light that these guys are still on the top of their game and show no signs of slowing down. The lineup which now features drummer Casey Grillo, rhythm guitarist Mike Stone and original card holders bassist Eddie Jackson and guitarist Michael Wilton fronted by La Torre have kept the band’s name out on the touring circuit with nothing but praise and admiration for a job well done. To be continued..
Quiet Riot played their first show of 2026 and they delivered a solid set that featured many Quiet Riot classics and a ton from Metal Health the band’s #1 album from their heyday.
Vocalist Jizzy Pearl was quite the comedian addressing the crowd early on calling the audience Toronto tongue in cheek. He said he it was noting political as the audience gave him some jeers. Pearl was on point whether it was covering classics such as “Run For Cover” and “Love’s A Bitch”.
Joining Pearl were drummer Johnny Kelly, guitarist Alex Grossi and the legendary bass thumper himself Mr. Rudy Sarzo. The crowd was kinda subdued for much of the set until “Cum on Feel The Noize” and “Metal Health” closed out the set. Overall a solid set by a veteran band who were a perfect to get the night started.
Set Lists
Set List
Queensrÿche
Queen of the Reich
Operation: Mindcrime
Walk in the Shadows
Breaking the Silence
I Don’t Believe In Love
London
The Mission
Warning
Behind the Walls
Take Hold of the Flame
Silent Lucidity
Jet City Woman
Screaming In Digital
Encore
Empire
Eyes of A Stranger
Quiet Riot
Run For Cover
Slick Black Cadillac
Ma Weer All Crazee Now
Love’s A Bitch
Thunderbird
Blackout in the Red Room (Love/Hate Cover)
The Wild and the Young
Let’s Get Crazy Medley
Cum on Feel the Noize
Metal Health (Bang Your Head)
