Geoff Tate – Varsity Theater – Minneapolis MN – April 22nd 2025

Goeff Tate live at the Varsity Theater on April 22nd 2025 in Minneapolis Minnesota with special guests Tomás McCarthy

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

Attending a Tomás McCarthy concert is not just a musical experience—it’s an immersion into the living history of Irish Traveller culture. Held in an intimate venue where every word and note could be felt as much as heard, McCarthy delivered a performance that was as emotionally rich as it was musically profound.

McCarthy’s set opened with “Stand Your Ground”, his voice weaving intricate ornaments through songs passed down through generations. He brought an incredible depth of feeling to every line, pausing at times to share the backstory of a tune—many collected from family members or fellow Travellers.

Highlights of the evening included a moving rendition of “Colours,” a protest song written about his cousin who passed away, which drew audible murmurs of empathy from the crowd. Another standout was “Young Willie,” performed in homage to his mother, whose own voice graced McCarthy’s album Herself and Myself. These personal connections made the performance feel less like a concert and more like being welcomed into a tradition.

What sets McCarthy apart is his ability to communicate a history of resilience, hardship, and love without sentimentality. His storytelling between songs—soft-spoken but impactful—provided context for the music’s emotional weight and cultural significance.

In a world of overproduced performances, Tomás McCarthy’s concert was refreshingly raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. His voice, steeped in history, reverberated far beyond the walls of the venue.

Geoff Tate’s live performance of Operation: Mindcrime is a powerful showcase of theatrical rock at its finest. Known for his iconic role as the voice of Queensrÿche during their classic era, Tate has continued to tour the full Operation: Mindcrime album, often to mark anniversaries or by fan demand. The show is a complete, immersive rendition of the 1988 concept album, widely regarded as one of the greatest progressive metal records of all time.

🧠 A Concept Album Brought to Life

Performed in full, Operation: Mindcrime becomes more than just a concert—it’s a staged experience. Tate doesn’t just sing the songs; he embodies the character of Nikki, the album’s central figure, guiding the audience through a dark narrative of political manipulation, addiction, and rebellion. The band supporting him is tight and precise, clearly respecting the complexity and structure of the original recordings.

🎤 Tate’s Voice

Tate’s vocal performance remains the centerpiece. While age has naturally altered his voice since the album’s release in 1988, he retains an impressive range and dramatic delivery. His ability to bring nuance to the album’s emotional highs and lows—particularly on tracks like “Suite Sister Mary” and “Eyes of a Stranger”—keeps the storytelling gripping.

🎭 Theatrical Elements

Recent tours have included added dramatic elements, including video backdrops and guest vocalists. Notably, McCarthy has performed the role of Sister Mary, adding depth and chemistry to key scenes. These touches enhance the concert’s feel as a rock opera rather than a typical gig.

💥 Setlist and Extras

Tate often follows Mindcrime with a mini-set of Queensrÿche favorites like “Empire,” “Jet City Woman,” and “Silent Lucidity.” It’s a satisfying encore that gives fans a broader taste of his legacy.

🎟️ Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of Operation: Mindcrime, Geoff Tate’s performance is a must-see. It’s a faithful, passionate recreation that doesn’t feel like nostalgia for its own sake—it feels vital. Even for those less familiar with the original album, the concert is engaging, darkly theatrical, and musically sharp.