Geoff Tate turns back the clocks at Trillians in Newcastle for the second time inside of twelve months.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Queensryche’s seminal album Operation Mindcrime. The band’s former frontman Geoff Tate has been touring the world relentlessly whilst celebrating this important milestone. The cornerstone of this musical jubilee being a live performance of Queensryche’s timeless rock opera in full.
Of course, Operation Mindcrime was the third studio album to be released by the US-based progressive metal outfit. The platinum-certified concept album depicts the story of Nikki a recovering drug addict. The record went on to receive widespread critical acclaim, a whole raft of award nominations as well as much commercial success.
Back in 1988 when Operation Mindcrime was released there was a real romanticism about going to your local record store, picking up a copy of your favourite band’s latest album, taking it home and playing it none stop whilst at the same time pouring over the album artwork, lyrics and sleeve notes.
In this day and age and with the advent of streaming music fans appear to consume songs rather than albums; a rather sad state of affairs indeed. This evening Geoff Tate transports his fans back to those simpler times by giving them the opportunity to hear this classic album performed in full and as the artist intended.
From the moment the man himself takes to the stage, you can feel just how much this album means to those in attendance. The fans sing every word wholeheartedly from the off, almost acting like an army of backing vocalists – not that Geoff Tate needs any help tonight, his voice is in impeccable shape.
To witness such a spectacle inside of an intimate venue such as this is a rare treat indeed. The crowd mere inches from the band themselves, which in turn creates somewhat of a special atmosphere inside of the room. Tate prowls the edge of the stage all night long whilst simultaneously engaging and spurring on the crowd.
Operation Mindcrime itself is quite a complex piece of music, and tonight Geoff Tate and his incredible five piece international band deliver the album with flawless precision and much enthusiasm. Highlights of which being the melodic yet atmospheric “Revolution Calling”, the infectious “Spreading The Disease”, along with “Suite Sister Mary” featuring daughter Emily Tate from opening band Till Death Do Us Part.
Performing the album in its original running order results in the almost 60-minute Operation Mindcrime segment of the show concluding with an incredible airing of “Eyes of a Stranger”. However, the band aren’t done yet just quite yet. The cherry on the top of tonight’s musical feast being a four-song encore featuring key cuts from Queensryche’s Empire album. This includes a spellbinding rendition of “Silent Lucidity”, fan favourite “Empire” along with the anthemic “Jet City Woman”.
This approach taken by Geoff Tate to touring and live shows is certainly refreshing, nostalgic and most importantly incredibly enjoyable. Tonight once again the ex-Queensryche frontman lifts the roof off Newcastle’s most beloved rock bar.
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Operation: Mindcrime
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Event Date: 27-Nov-2018