Operation: Mindcrime (band)

Operation: Mindcrime
Genres Progressive metal, heavy metal, hard rock
Years active 2014–present
Associated acts Queensrÿche
Website operationmindcrime.com
Members Geoff Tate
Kelly Gray
Randy Gane
Robert Sarzo
Rudy Sarzo
Simon Wright
Sass Jordan[1]

Operation: Mindcrime is a progressive metal band that is fronted by the former lead singer of Queensrÿche, Geoff Tate, and features members such as Rudy Sarzo (also known for being in Whitesnake) and Simon Wright (also known for playing with Ronnie James Dio). Tate has stated that he expects to have the group's first album released by early 2015.[2] The group signed a worldwide deal in December 2014 with Frontiers Music Srl for its coming releases.[3]

History

Singer-songwriter Geoff Tate is pictured here in 2004 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Tate was fired from Queensrÿche in 2012, as his relationship with the rest of the band had deteriorated. The acrimonious split caused a considerable amount of discord among fans and major lawsuits began. Tate has filed suit for wrongful termination while the band counter-sued citing what it alleged as violent behavior by Tate. With an ongoing court case over the rights to use the name 'Queensrÿche' going on, Tate announced his own line-up under the name, leading to two bands using the name while actively touring at the same time.[4] Tate's group released the album Frequency Unknown, produced and mixed by Jason Slater, on April 23, 2013 in the U.S. Although selling well, the release picked up mixed reviews from music critics and somewhat of a fan backlash.

Following a settlement, Tate was granted performance rights to the band's concept albums Operation: Mindcrime (1988), and Operation: Mindcrime II (2006). Those two releases garnered both critical praise and widespread commercial success for the group, with Tate then serving as its frontman. In return, musicians Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield, Todd La Torre, and Eddie Jackson retained all rights to the 'Queensrÿche' brand.[2][5]

Tate was allowed, according to the settlement, to perform with his own line-up under the name 'Queensrÿche' until his tour concluded, after which his group agreed to adopt the official name 'Operation: Mindcrime'. That tour terminated on August 31, 2014.[5] The La Torre-fronted Queensrÿche has retained the right to perform material coming from and related to the two Operation: Mindcrime albums live. The legal set-up is somewhat similar to that of Roger Waters' relationship to his former group Pink Floyd, in which both artists have performed songs from The Wall live.

Tate is reportedly working on a new concept album. Planned as a trilogy of albums, he has claimed it as one of his most ambitious projects to date. He hopes to have the first release available by early 2015.[2][5] The band signed a worldwide deal with Frontiers Music Srl for its coming releases in December 2014.[3]

About the group, Tate has said, "It is so refreshing to be able to concentrate on the many stories and ideas that I have been working on with no boundaries or restrictions". He's also remarked, "I think fans will continue to enjoy the music we create and perform together and hope they share this new musical journey with us.[2]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "Operation: Mindcrime". operationmindcrime.com. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Geoff Tate's QueensrŸche To Forge Ahead As Operation: Mindcrime". Blabbermouth.net. July 30, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Geoff Tate's Operation: Mindcrime Signs With Frontiers Music". Blabbermouth.net. December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Geoff Tate Wins Court Ruling to Continue Using Queensryche Name". Loudwire.com. October 20, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "QueensrŸche: More Settlement Details Revealed In Dispute Over Ownership Of Name". Blabbermouth.net. May 5, 2014. Retrieved December 7, 2014.