Geoff Tate Brings Operation: Mindcrime Final Chapter Tour to Greensburg, PA

Photos By: Kim Mickel
Article By : Sean Mickel

On Friday evening, October 3rd, former Queensrÿche frontman, Geoff Tate, brought the Operation: Mindcrime Final Chapter tour to the Palace Theatre in Greensburg, PA. For fans like myself, this was more than just a concert—it was the realization of a long-held dream. Queensrÿche’s 1988 concept album Operation: Mindcrime has always been my all-time favorite, and the chance to experience it live, in its entirety, was something I’d waited decades for.

A Packed House and an Unconventional Opener

The anticipation was evident. A long line of excited fans snaked up the street outside the Palace Theatre, reflecting the buzz around this rare performance. Once inside, the venue’s charm immediately stood out. The Palace is a beautifully preserved historic theater, and the staff were professional, courteous, and efficient, ensuring the crowd got to their seats quickly and smoothly.

Opening the night was Irish musician Tomas McCarthy, joined by his wife Clodagh McCarthy and guitarist James Keegan. While not the typical choice for a hard rock opener, their set was a revelation. With Tomas on vocals and guitar, Clodagh on saxophone, and James on second guitar, the trio delivered a powerful five-song set that blended Irish folk, blues, and rock. Clodagh’s haunting performance of Siúil a Rúin—a traditional lament sung from the perspective of a woman whose lover has gone to war—was a highlight. Another standout was a stunning cover of Out on the Western Plains, during which Tomas used his guitar as both a melodic and percussive instrument, playing and drumming on it simultaneously with jaw-dropping skill.

The Main Event: Operation: Mindcrime Live

After a short intermission, the theatre darkened and the familiar sounds of a hospital room began to play over the PA — signaling the beginning of Operation: Mindcrime. The band took the stage: Kieran Robertson, James Brown, and Dario Parente on guitars; Jack Ross on bass; and Robert Baker on drums. Clodagh McCarthy returned, this time on keyboards and vocals, stepping into the role of Sister Mary.

The first notes of “Anarchy-X” rang out, rolling seamlessly into “Revolution Calling” as Geoff Tate appeared with the words: “For a price, I’d do about anything. Except pull the trigger…” The crowd erupted. From there, the band launched into a flawless performance of the entire album — “Speak,” “Spreading the Disease,” “The Mission” — every track executed with precision and passion.

A major highlight was “Suite Sister Mary,” delivered as a stunning duet between Geoff and Clodagh that left the audience in awe. “The Needle Lies” and “Electric Requiem” followed, building momentum into a blistering “Breaking the Silence” and a fan-favorite performance of “I Don’t Believe in Love.” The journey wrapped with a powerful rendition of “Eyes of a Stranger,” capping off the Mindcrimeexperience in epic fashion.

But Wait, There’s More…

After a standing ovation, Geoff let the crowd know the night was far from over. The band launched into a second set featuring five tracks from Operation: Mindcrime II, including “I’m American,” “Murderer?,” and “A Junkie’s Blues.” A particularly memorable moment came during “The Chase,” with guitarist James Brown stepping up to perform the vocal part of Dr. X — originally recorded by the late, great Ronnie James Dio. Brown held his own, delivering a fierce and convincing performance.

Clodagh once again joined Geoff for “If I Could Change It All,” reprising her role as Sister Mary with poise and emotional depth.

Three tracks from 1990’s Empire rounded out the set — the soaring title track, crowd-favorite “Jet City Woman” (instantly recognized by its iconic bassline), and the lush ballad “Silent Lucidity,” which brought the main set to a gentle close.

Encore: Going Back to the Beginning

The crowd’s cheers brought the band back for an encore, starting with the 1984 classic “Take Hold of the Flame.” Geoff and the audience sang in unison — a hair-raising moment of unity and nostalgia.

Finally, Geoff introduced his incredible, multinational band before launching into “Queen of the Reich” — the first Queensrÿche song I ever heard, and the perfect high-energy closer to an emotional and powerful night.

A Night to Remember

As Geoff and the band took their final bows to another standing ovation, I found myself wiping away tears. This wasn’t just a concert — it was a visceral, cathartic experience. The production was top-notch, the sound mix crisp and clear, and the band was in sync and clearly enjoying themselves, feeding off the crowd’s feverish energy.

Even my wife — who also happens to be the Rock Rapture photographer for this show — commented that she’d never seen so many grown men crying at a rock concert. That, in itself, says everything you need to know.

Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime – The Final Chapter tour continues through November 21st, with plenty of cities left to go. It’s a story that is still relevant and relatable almost 40 years after its release, and If you're on the fence, get off it — buy a ticket. This is one show you do not want to miss.