IMPHAL, April 22 - Legendary American heavy metal rock band Queensryche is all set to make their debut performance in North East, which is emerging as the most popular destination for international rock bands, next month.
One of the leading metal bands through the eighties and nineties, Queensryche received worldwide acclaim after the release of their 1988 album �Operation: Mindcrime� which is often considered one of the greatest heavy metal concept albums of all time.
The veteran rock stars will be joined by fellow countrymen, rock band Steelheart in the upcoming ShiRockfest, an annual international rock festival of Manipur at Bakshi Ground, Ukhrul from April 22-28.
�These two famous bands will perform in India for the very first time,� said Venkat Yumnam, the event Manager of ShiRock 2018. Steelheart will be performing on April 24 while Queensryche on April 28�, he added.
All arrangements are being made for the arrival of Steelheart on April 22 and Queensryche on April 26 in Imphal. At the same time Manipur based rock band competition will be held in Imphal from April 9-10 while North East bands will be staged in Guwahati from April 12-13.
ShiRockfest, a ticket-free international music festival held as part of Manipur Government sponsored Shirui Lily Festival (April 24-28), aimed to promote conservation of the endangered State flower Shirui Lily and to promote young talented artistes.
Shirui Lily flower is a unique and rare species of terrestrial lily grown naturally, and only found in Shirui peak in Ukhrul, Manipur. This seasonal flower blooms in Summer.
The top bands will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh.
