Tim SchumannOperation Mindcrime, The Final Chapter, makes a stop in West Texas
What a treat we had here last Friday night and I might add, Friday the 13th, no less. Regardless, this was a show that once announced back in early December, February 13th was circled on countless calendars here in the borderland, pretty simple, Geoff Tate was coming to town and bringing his infamous Operation Mindcrime, The Final Chapter to a club, 11:11 EPTX, that I had never been to in my 12 years as a photojournalist here in El Paso. I didn’t know it yet, but boy was I in for a treat. In a nutshell, I was given a guided tour by Rudy once inside, (one of the owners) introduced to security and basically given All Access to shoot from anywhere else in the venue after my first three up front. Does it get any better? I think not. Just a fantastic venue and everything was on point to set times and some of the best lighting ever. All in all, I cannot wait to cover another show at this jewel of a concert venue, I give it 5 stars. 
This was one show of late that I was pretty excited to cover, needless to say, I’ve been a fan of Queensryche for a minute but in my 55 years of attending concerts, never had I seen them live. I did cover Queensryche two years ago, but as we all know, not Geoff Tate. While with Queensryche he produced 13 full length albums and toured the world. As fate would have it, in 2014 he continues on, but as Operation Mindcrime and has been melting faces ever since. In the past 12 years he has put out 3 albums and still tours at breakneck speed, truly a sight to see. The band he has now of course is a touring band, which consists of Dario Parente on guitar, Jack Ross on bass, James Brown on guitar, Robert Baker on percussion and Bruno Sa on Keys. This seems to be the core of the band, member wise, it is subject to change though. As in this evening, the house was packed, 1600 Geoff Tate fans, all wanting one thing, the house lights to go down and the show to start, myself included.
I love an event that’s on time and that’s certainly the case with the evening opener. A husband-and-wife team, that to be honest were super entertaining with their blend of Irish folksongs/music. It was Tomas McCarthy on guitar and his wife Clodagh playing the sax. At first, I didn’t know what make of it, but it doesn’t take long to get with the program, talk about passion and energy, just off the charts. I always love these types of performances, one would say these two, once on stage in front of an audience, become one force, a wave of energy that glues your eyes to them. Tomas was a madman in that 6 string, beating it half to death at times as a true showman he is.
At 10 sharp, Geoff and company hit the stage and the joint went nuts, as it should be. And to my delight, Clodagh was also on stage, I had no clue, but as stated, her enthusiasm is off the chain, this is going to be fun. The album Operation Mindcrime which was released in 88, is going to be played in its entirely for the last time 15 songs to be exact, a bittersweet farewell to say the least. As I watched him through the lens, he looked like he was having the time of his life, his energy was electric and he commanded the stage, it was his and his alone. That set list was devoured, each song delivered with such passion and precision, how could you not fall under Geoff’s spell. He voice never wavered , still hitting those high notes as he did 40 plus years ago. He definitely has one of the most noticed, iconic voices in metal, still going strong at 67 and showing no signs of slowing down on this tour which started last year late. Your encore was a 4 shot of classic Queensryche, Empire, Walk in the Shadows. Jet City Woman and Silent Lucidity, now that’s the way to wrap the night, a night West Texas will hold close to their hearts on this one, truly unforgettable, thank you Geoff. In closing, it felt less than a concert and more of a thank you and we’ll see you on the other side. I give this show 5 stars, simply put, just unbelievable, an absolute must to see so please check those listings and get to the show. You too will be still humming Jet City Woman three days after the show, that’s a promise. And of course, we’ll see you at the next rock show, until then. Special thanks to Belle, Andre and Rudy for making it happen, you guys are the best.
Story and Photography by Tim Schumann
Set List-
I Remember Now
Anarchy X
Revolution Calling
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
Encore-
Empire
Walk in the Shadows
Jet City Woman
Silent Lucidity
