QUEENSRŸCHE's TODD LA TORRE Defends SKID ROW's TONY HARNELL Against Online Critics

QUEENSRŸCHE vocalist Todd La Torre has defended new SKID ROW singer Tony Harnell against criticism from longtime SKID ROW fans who have refused to embrace the former TNT frontman following the departure of the band's singer of the past fifteen years, Johnny Solinger, in early April.

La Torre, who replaced QUEENSRŸCHE's original vocalist Geoff Tate in June 2012, wrote on his personal Facebook page: "I'd like to take a moment to address something, in support of my friend Tony Harnell. I've not seen negative stuff about him in the band, but I did recently read a post from him, where he was defending himself and what he chooses to do musically, so this is simply touching on that premise. He has stepped into a position that he holds in very high regard. If the members of SKID ROW felt he was the right choice, then it was and is. The supporters are packing venues to see them with him, and that is wonderful!!

"Tony was always the original voice of TNT that others were compared to, [and] now he is being compared to the original voice of SKID ROW [Sebastian Bach]. I know all too well what type of criticism such a position brings on, and it's not for the thin skinned. The true fans of SKID ROW will be happy for the band to carry on the legacy while injecting something new into the band; good for you guys \m/

"It's so easy for others to sit in their chairs, typing on their keyboard doing nothing but criticizing, offering advice as if they know the business and artistic variables, while many or most of these 'critics' have NEVER been a touring vocalist dealing with all of those demands. It's sad really when people feel the need to talk negatively or criticize so easily. We all know that if we don't have something nice to say about someone, perhaps saying nothing is best; take the high road. Too many out there don't have the self control or human decency to refrain, so they resort to trolling on artist pages, online forums, etc. I speak from experience, which is why I refuse to read such commentary. We are human beings too.

"I'm quite confident in saying that Tony is likely his own worst critic; most people are. Heck, I've sung straight for the past 90+ days between shows and recording, have not been home in nearly five months, and the ONLY day off is a travel day, and it's just not sensible for anyone to expect perfection all of the time.

"I encourage those that like to critique so much to consider these facts: tour bus travel, massive airflow in buses, airplanes, and venues. Talking for interviews, meet-and-greets with wonderful fans, let alone any other personal conversation that isn't band related (talking is actually more fatiguing on the voice than singing),constant environmental changes, i.e. dryness, allergies, sinus pressures, altitude changes which also affect your ears, nose and throat, etc. Then there is sleep, quality sleep (wait...what's that??),lol, then showtime. Rinse and repeat.... every day wink emoticon We love making music and performing — don't get me wrong — but that too comes with a price that many are not aware of.

"My greatest peers (too many to name),including Tony, and some coaches, have commended what I have done and still continue to do, but I am too my own worst critic. So, I am proudly reciprocating the support by saying that Tony is doing an amazing job, singing those songs to the best of his ability and has nothing but support from thousands of fans, countless peers, and those that truly understand what it means and takes to do what we do. To our fellow artists and musicians, we applaud you too!! To the supporters, your encouraging words do matter.

"Hold your head high, brother, pay no mind to those that want to tear you down, because it's only a reflection of what they wish they could do or be! Cheers to you and all of the guys in SKID ROW!"