Geoff Tate Talks Queensrÿche’s ‘Operation Mindcrime,’ “The fact that so many people loved it took me by surprise” – 2022 Italy Tour Dates
Geoff Tate:
Recent interview with Geoff Tate by Francesco Sacco from CSI Magazine in Italy as we lead up to our upcoming live Italy shows in Rome, Venice and Bergamo starting on September 23rd.
You can read the entire interview @ this location. An excerpt has been provided below.
On coming up with the storyline for Queensrÿche’s Operation Mindcrime:
I lived in Montreal, where I assiduously frequented a certain bar. At that time, there was a lot of talk about political unrest there. I often sat down to listen to the locals, and there was this kind of somewhat sinister leader from whom I came up with the idea for Dr. X. So, I just sat down, ordered drinks, and made up the whole story while listening to their talks.
The character of Mary, on the other hand, came from a night club, also in Montreal, where I saw a woman dressed as a nun, dancing. It happened around the same time, so, at that point, I got to work on the story.
On the album’s commercial success:
In all honesty, I never asked myself the question of whether it could be a commercial success or not. I was so immersed in history, and so in love with the whole work, that I didn’t think about it in the slightest. The fact that so many people loved it took me by surprise. Obviously, however, at that moment I was very happy to have so many people next to me on that sort of emotional journey. I really loved Mindcrime and was happy to be able to share it.
Geoff Tate – Operation: Mindcrime and Greatest Hits Tour
23 Sep 2022: Stazione Birra, Rome
24 Sep 2022: Revolver Club, San Donà di Piave (VE)
25 Sep 2022: Druso, Ranica (BG)
