On a balmy Sunday evening in Fort Lauderdale, progressive metal fans gathered at the Parker Playhouse for a historic night: Geoff Tate’s final live performance of Operation: Mindcrime.
Billed as Operation: Mindcrime – The Final Chapter, the concert was a bittersweet farewell to one of the genre’s most iconic concept albums, paired with a nostalgic nod to Queensrÿche’s storied past. With an international supporting band and a captivating opener, the night delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, impeccable musicianship, and a shared sense of musical history.
The evening started with a refreshing surprise: the Irish trio Tomás McCarthy, featuring a husband-and-wife duo joined by a saxophonist. Armed with two acoustic guitars and a saxophone, they brought a unique blend of folk-infused energy to the stage. Their set was marked by soulful melodies and gravelly vocals, with several songs featuring lyrics in their native Irish language — a nod to their heritage that added an authentic, heartfelt layer to the performance. For their first-ever show in Fort Lauderdale, they set a warm and intimate tone, easing the crowd into the night ahead. A 30-minute break followed, giving the audience enough time to buzz with anticipation for the main event.
At 8:45 PM, the lights dimmed, and an ethereal chorus of voices filled the air, signaling the start of Operation: Mindcrime. The opening notes sent shivers down spines—goosebumps were practically mandatory. Geoff Tate, the legendary voice behind Queensrÿche’s golden era, stepped into the spotlight with a presence that defied his 66 years. His vocal excellence was on full display, crisp and powerful, proving that time has done little to dull his edge.
Backed by a truly international band — hailing from France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, and the USA — the sound was rich and dynamic. Three guitars wove together seamlessly, breathing life into the album’s intricate arrangements. The setlist followed the 1988 masterpiece track-by-track, from the revolutionary fervor of “Revolution Calling” to the haunting drama of “Suite Sister Mary.” The crowd erupted during “I Don’t Believe in Love,” singing along with fervor, their voices blending with Tate’s in a communal celebration of the song’s enduring power. By the time “Eyes of a Stranger” closed out the Mindcrime portion, the audience was left spellbound — an unforgettable experience that felt like witnessing a piece of history being etched into the night.
With Operation: Mindcrime complete, Tate and his band didn’t let the energy dip. They transitioned into a selection of Queensrÿche hits, delighting the crowd with fan favorites. “Silent Lucidity” was a standout moment, its tender notes resonating deeply with a couple in the audience who swayed together, later revealing it was their wedding song — a touching reminder of the music’s impact. The setlist included other gems like “Jet City Woman” and “Empire,” each delivered with precision and passion.
Feeling the nostalgic pull, Tate then threw it way back to 1984, suggesting “something very old” with “Take Hold of the Flame” from The Warning. The crowd roared in approval as the band launched into the classic, its raw energy a fitting capstone to a night steeped in Queensrÿche’s legacy. The song’s fiery riffs and Tate’s soaring vocals transported everyone back to the band’s early days, a perfect blend of nostalgia and vitality.
Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime – The Final Chapter was more than a concert — it was a pilgrimage for fans, a chance to say goodbye to a seminal work while reveling in the timelessness of his voice and vision. The international ensemble brought a vibrant, global flair to the performance, and Tomás McCarthy’s opening set was a delightful bonus that broadened the night’s musical palette.
From the goosebump-inducing start to the nostalgic finale, this show was a masterclass in storytelling through sound, leaving the Fort Lauderdale crowd with memories—and melodies—they won’t soon forget. For those who caught this tour, it was a privilege to witness the final chapter of a metal masterpiece unfold live.
Geoff Tate Photo Gallery
1 Comment
Not sure how he gets rave reviews. His backing band must be some kind of international internship program for student musicians who work for free. At one point there were like 7 guitarists on stage at once. Idk wtf that is but Queensryche didn’t require a team of guitarists to reproduce their studio sound. Furthermore Geoff refused to sing the songs he’s currently doing because he was formerly not capable. So not really believable that his voice suddenly came back at 70 years old.