Geoff Tate’s Operation Mindcrime
Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
03.18.16
Divorce tears families apart. Never easy to deal with, it often creates situations that sadly make you feel as though sides must be chosen. That a line must be drawn.
The ugly rock and roll divorce that occurred over the last four years between original lead singer Geoff Tate, and his former bandmates in Queensrÿche, was a split that divided fans and confused the music scene, as both parties toured under the “Rÿche” moniker for a period of time. With the dust of the lawsuit finally settled in 2014, Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime played the final show of their current 34 date US tour in their hometown of Seattle. “It’s good to be home” Tate said.
Local act Syztem7 opened up the night’s festivities at the Neptune Theater with their unique brand of industrial, experimental metal. Their high energy was a great crowd warm up for the main event.
Tate’s band walked out while the background opening of “Neue Regel” began to ring forth. I was a little worried as this is one of my favorite Queensrÿche songs. How will he sound? How will the band sound? But All fears were quickly put to rest as Tate walked out confidently, in his now trademark vest and tie, singing with the genre-defining voice we have all come to know. He sounded great from start to finish.
The night’s set mainly consisted of Queensrÿche faves – many of which haven’t been heard in some time – including acoustic renditions before breaking into “Silent Lucidity.” Where the band really shone through was the original set from the debut Operation: Mindcrime album The Key. Those songs sounded fresh and relevant in comparison to the altered versions of Queensrÿche songs. While the band was quite competent in their performance there was a little disjointedness, hearing songs you know being played by a cover band with the original singer.
As the evening drew to a close Tate addressed the crowd with a heartfelt “You are the reason I am here, I’ll never not have the time to take that photo with you or sign anything you have. Thank You!” With that, the almost two-hour set concluded with “Empire” and the entire band coming out front to take a bow. Whatever side you chose, everyone that was in attendance tonight was treated with a more than worthy homecoming show.
Geoff Tate – Operation: Mindcrime Set List
Neue Regel
Screaming in Digital
I Am I
One More Time Around
I Don’t Believe in Love
SpOOL
At 30,000 Ft
Acoustic Set
Jet City Woman
Take Hold of the Flame
Silent Lucidity
The Weight Of The World
Re-Inventing The Future
The Stranger
Burn
The Fall
Damaged
Walk In The Shadows
Eyes Of A Stranger
Encore
Breaking The Silence
Empire
Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang
Geoff Tate
Syztem 7
