QUEENSRŸCHE vocalist Todd La Torre has weighed in on the importance of free speech, comparing his right to express his opinions publicly to the First Amendment protections afforded to citizens in the United States.

In a recent interview with Hakos Pervanidis for the Metal Hammer Greece TV program 'TV War', La Torre stated: 'I think that if you go back and you listen to the classic stuff, the beginnings, there is a lot of political messaging or very geopolitical, social things.' La Torre acknowledged that he has faced backlash from some QUEENSRŸCHE fans who disagree with his views.

'Of course.

I don't care.

Some people will say, 'Shut up and sing.

We don't wanna hear your political view.' My reply to that is, first and foremost, I am an American.

Never mind the singer.

I have every right.

For someone to tell me to shut up is very anti-American,' La Torre said.

La Torre clarified his stance on free speech, stating: 'I try to be educated and current on world affairs, not just what's happening where I live, but things that are happening in different parts of the world.' When asked about the implications of human actions in relation to global issues, La Torre expressed hope for humanity's ability to do the right thing.

La Torre has been outspoken about his disdain for U.S.

president Donald Trump and Republican positions on various issues since his tenure as vocalist for CRIMSON GLORY from late 2010 until early 2013.

In that time, La Torre became a household name in the metal world when he officially joined QUEENSRŸCHE as the group's new vocalist in 2012.

The band immediately began touring globally and started writing new material for their self-titled 2013 album 'Queensrÿche'.

To date, QUEENSRŸCHE has released four studio albums with La Torre: 'Queensrÿche', 'Condition Hüman' (2015), 'The Verdict' (2019) and 'Digital Noise Alliance' (2022).