The split between Queensrÿche and their original vocalist, Geoff Tate, was far from smooth. In April 2012, the band dismissed Tate‘s wife, Susan, from her role as manager during a meeting he didn’t attend. This decision sparked escalating tensions, ultimately leading to Tate’s dismissal from the band in June 2012. Following his departure, Tate released an album titled Frequency Unknown under the Queensrÿche name in 2013 before focusing on new projects, including Operation: Mindcrime and Sweet Oblivion.
What Are the Prospects for Geoff Tate and Queensrÿche Reuniting?
When considering the likelihood of Geoff Tate and Queensrÿche, reconciling and reuniting, the chances appear slim. In an interview with This Day In Metal, Tate expressed that the possibility is virtually nonexistent. He mentioned that there hasn’t been a genuine motivation among the members to mend their relationship. Additionally, Tate highlighted that QUEENSRŸCHE, currently retains only two of its original members: guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson.
“I don’t think it’s likely, really, at this point,” he responded. “I mean, there’s been several offers on the table, getting the band back together. And nothing has inspired anybody to get in the same room or even pick up the phone and talk. So, I think it’s pretty unlikely. In fact, there’s not really a band anymore. [Laughs] With [drummer Scott] Rockenfield gone, it’s just Eddie [Jackson, bass] and Michael [Wilton, guitar] playing, using the name QUEENSRŸCHE, of course, which is very valuable. And it’s not really a ‘band band’ as we know it. So, yeah, I don’t really think it’s likely.”
“I would say that I’m very willing to talk about it,” he added. “That’s the first step. You’ve gotta actually pick up the phone [laughs] and answer the phone call. [Laughs]”
Released in 1988, Queensrÿche‘s Operation: Mindcrime propelled the band to new heights. This iconic concept album tells the gripping story of Nikki, a drug addict caught in the clutches of a sinister cult led by the enigmatic Dr. X. Praised for its compelling narrative and innovative music, Operation: Mindcrime is widely regarded as a progressive metal masterpiece and continues to resonate with fans to this day.
By contrast, the 2006 sequel, Operation: Mindcrime II, received mixed reviews. While it delivered a solid musical effort, many fans and critics felt it was an unnecessary addition to the original, diminishing the impact of the groundbreaking first album.
When questioned about whether Operation: Mindcrime III would include “political interplays” in its lyrical themes, Geoff Tate replied: “Oh, I think so. Yeah, I think that people will be able to detect little bits of what’s happening around them. And it’s an interesting time right now — very interesting. Especially next week [after the 2024 U.S. presidential election], it’s gonna be really interesting [laughs] what happens. So, we’ll see.”
