Experiencing Operation: Mindcrime For The Final Time At The House Of Blues On March 28th

- advertisement -

All Photos By Larry Petro/Petrofyed Photography

It was almost exactly one year ago that former QUEENSRYCHE vocalist Geoff Tate last played in Houston at the House of Blues. Tate would mention toward the end of the evening of this most recent show on March 28th, 2025 that he loves playing at the House of Blues and performs at as many of those locations across the country as he can when he tours, and judging by the lower packed house, the House of Blues enjoys him just as much.

Last year's tour was dubbed the 'Big Rock Show' and as good as it was I was really looking forward to this one because it is supposedly the last time Tate will perform the epic concept album Operation: Mindcrime album in its entirety. And having seen QUEENSRYCHE numerous times over the years going all the way back to their debut EP as an opener for QUIET RIOT and AXE in 1983 the one thing I was never lucky enough to see was Mindcrime played in full. My excitement was certainly piqued.

I don't think it was widely publicized but there was an opening act on this tour, that being Irish singer/songwriter Tomás McCarthy. This was an acoustical set in nature with Tomás being backed by additional acoustic guitarist James Keegan and Tomá' lovely wife Clodagh on saxophone. Those familiar with this married couple may have heard or seen them perform over the last decade or so under the FIRE & WATER moniker. This time around, as Clodagh would address the crowd, they were touring as Tomás McCarthy to promote his new EP Colours that's coming out this year. Individually they each release their own music and she has new music coming out soon as well. The music could be described as Irish folk, acoustic but with tinges of rock thrown in. Tomá' voice lends itself perfectly to this style as he's crooning and very soulful and when mixed with Clodagh bringing the saxophone to life it made for a very refreshing opening set, perfectly contrasting the heavy rock show that would follow it. Clodagh would return later to play keyboards for Tate and serve as the voice of 'Mary' for the Mindcrime performance.

As for Geoff Tate, well what can you say except 'WOW'. Instead of the normal 15-song, hour and 15 minute show that seems to be the standard headlining show these days from any artist, we got a monster 2 hour show comprised of 23 tracks, starting with the full performance of Operation: Mindcrime. When the lights dimmed and the opening track "I Remember Now" played over the PA the crowd roared to life. The band members took the stage for "Anarchy-X" and as it segued into "Revolution Calling" and Tate appeared we were off and running. The crowd was as loud as I've ever heard as they sang along with such classics as the album title track, "The Needle Lies", Breaking The Silence", "I Don't Believe In Love" and "Eyes Of A Stranger". Tate was in really fine form, smiling and having a great time, feeding off the crowd's energy at every turn.

Following the conclusion of Mindcrime we were treated to an 8-song portion comprised of a mixture of songs from Mindcrime II (which I'm ashamed to admit I had never listened to before) including "I'm American", "Murderer?", and "A Junkie's Blues" and also a trio of tracks from Empire; "Jet City Woman", "Empire" set closer "Silent Lucidity". The band would return for one encore, "Take Hold Of The Flame" as the crowd gave its rousing approval for Geoff going after those high notes. What a way to cap off a fantastic performance!

Setlist:

• "I Remember Now" (PA)
• "Anarchy-X"
• "Revolution Calling"
• "Operation: Mindcrime"
• "Speak"
• "Spreading the Disease"
• "The Mission"
• "Suite Sister Mary"
• "The Needle Lies"
• "Electric Requiem"
• "Breaking the Silence"
• "I Don't Believe in Love"
• "Waiting for 22"
• "My Empty Room"
• "Eyes of a Stranger"
• "I'm American"
• "The Chase"
• "Jet City Woman"
• "Murderer?"
• "If I Could Change It All"
• "Empire"
• "A Junkie's Blues"
• "Silent Lucidity"