Exclusive In-depth Geoff Tate (Queensryche) Interview!

During the 30th anniversary of Operation Mindcrime, Singer Cathy Rankin of Wicked Kiss sits down with one of her major vocal influences, singer Geoff Tate, on his tour to discuss his history with Queensryche, song inspirations, hobbies, laughing at youtube videos and more...from the in-depth to the not so serious, Geoff was a surprisingly open and fun interview, despite the seriousness of his hardcore work in heavy metal...

[@RVered]

As an opera singer and classical composer, the album (Operation Mindcrime) is pure opera with modern instruments. The plot is very operatic; love, betrayal, tragedy, losing one's sanity, a villain, etc. His singing has Wagnerian power and projection. He is by far my favorite metal singer.

[@goodpainlive1]

listen to their hidden masterpiece real world

[@ronthompson95]

The interviewer was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable about the band, the albums, and asked really good thoughtful questions. I get tired of seeing shallow interviewers that kiss the butt of the person they are interviewing. She also is polished. Asks the questions and then sits back and lets Geoff go without interruption. Well done!!

[@WickedKissBand]

Thanks so much!

[@tylanreedy2210]

Everytime I hang out with a close uncle of mine, we either listen, or talk about the great songs this band has put out. When I was a little boy in the 90s, "silent lucidity" was played on kzel, a rock station then here in Oregon; to this day, that song brings tears to my eyes.

[@rbrunner9575]

Absolutely 100% agree! Well said

[@snowmanfl]

She’s gorgeous, smart and a Queensrÿche fan! 😍

[@eclypse1259]

Used to hitch a ride with some friends when I went to High School back in the ‘80’s, and can’t tell you how many times we’d start our ride with Take Hold of the Flame. The silliness of everyone in the car pretending to hit Geoff’s “Take Hold” note in the beginning of the song. Priceless if someone would have caught us on camera. Long live the Ryche!

[@albertlemont5471]

By far the best underrated band in the history of rock.

[@denizenofclownworld4853]

Underrated how? lol Seems like something you geeks just throw out there as a substitute for a thought. They've had many a gold and platinum record under their belt. Had many successful tours and, of course, a wane in popularity like every other band in their genre. Seems like their career and the public's reaction to that are 1:1.

[@albertlemont5471]

@@denizenofclownworld4853 Empire did well in the charts. Thier older music never caught onto main stream. Thier talent was overlooked by many.

[@denizenofclownworld4853]

@@albertlemont5471 Their older music didn't appeal to as many people. Still not a good explanation. Some albums not doing as well as others = / = underrated dummy.

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

So underrated...

[@denizenofclownworld4853]

@@CathyRankinEntertainment No, rated exactly as they should have been. Go be stupid somewhere else.

[@shilohlove5498]

'Operation Mindcrime' was most definitely prophetic in an overall political underground sense.. However, 'The Warning' album was filled with end times prophecy about the nwo, digital currency, the microchip and spiritual rise and fall. I've always wondered whether or not Geoff knew in the 80's that much of those lyrics was future prophesy.

[@mmmfun77]

Saw him live here in Phoenix two weeks ago. It was a dream come true. I still can’t believe it. When he sang Silent Lucidity with his friend Steve’s ashes in a satchel he held close to his heart, I lost it. My favorite song. It was Steve’s too. Steve’s wife and daughter were in the audience. Geoff still has it!!

[@robertalsup6959]

Geoff Tate and Queensryche are a thinking man's band!! I love his interviews.

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

Yep and a thinking girl's band too lol :-)

[@carsandhealthtoddrosenzwei2661]

He's such an interesting person to listen to.

[@robertalsup6959]

@@CathyRankinEntertainment Oh definitely!!

[@diegomazzaron9191]

I love Queensryche, Geoff, Chris and Scott especially. I want an acoustic tour of Geoff on vocals with Chris on guitar. 😍

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

I know right!?

[@diegomazzaron9191]

@@CathyRankinEntertainment Yeah and this would be amazing. 😍

[@Thenys01]

i'll never forget seeing them at Montreal Operation Mindcrime Tour. I dont know how many times i've listened to this album... still jamming the catchy guitars riffs... Best singer i've heard!

[@3VAudioVideo]

This man still has it! Seen him in 2019 and 2021! I posted a couple of his songs from the show if anyone is interested in see it. Hope to see him again soon! BTW, you got a great voice too, Cathy!

[@carsandhealthtoddrosenzwei2661]

Thank you so much for posting this captivating Interview with Geoff Tate. As a fan since 1986, I always enjoy listening to my music icons reminisce and explain their thoughts on it all. As a kid growing up listening to and idolizing Queensryche, and now Geoff Tate as a solo artist, as well as with Sweet Oblivion, it's been incredible to be a fan who follows the progression of his muscial career. Was lucky enough to get to attend TWO of his concerts this year here in Florida. Big fan.... always!

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

Thanks for watching and commenting - I couldn't agree with you more - their music was crucial to our youth! :-)

[@carsandhealthtoddrosenzwei2661]

@@CathyRankinEntertainment and my adulthood... ! :) I'll never stop listening. Such captivating music.

[@charleskp947]

this interviewer is top notch... intelligent and unique lines of questioning

[@ruthwhittingham4]

Musical genius , an album way ahead of time. Guitar work was spine tingling

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

Amazing interviewer! Wonderful highlights! Longtime Queensrÿche fan! Witnessed them live in 1984. Phenomenal live band.

[@JohnLRice]

Same here, Lisa! 👋😉👍

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

@@JohnLRice Hey hey!! ❤️ love me some Queensrÿche!!

[@JohnLRice]

@@LisaBellaDonnaMusic I got to know Geoff (then Jeff) well in later high school and we were pretty close for many years after. We lost touch for the most part once Queensryche took off and we haven't spoken in probably 20 years?

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

@@JohnLRice Holy wow! That’s amazing!! I really loved their early records. Those first 3 are really special. They were brilliant and beautiful. No other band like them!

[@JohnLRice]

@@LisaBellaDonnaMusic I absolutely love all of their albums from the Warning through Empire! But after that my interest quickly dropped off for what ever reasons.

[@MrWilly2204]

That interviewer is one of the prettiest women I’ve ever seen. Very cool that she’s also a true fan. She knows her stuff.

[@sdsmt99]

She's not going to sleep with you.

[@robertdickerson7454]

I agree.. she's hot af

[@michaelsine5586]

Wow! Awesome video with one of my favorite musicians. Thank you. Just saw Geoff Tate in Scottsdale. Great show.

[@paul.theeightiesluvr.1945]

These are My Hometown Heroes of Seattle Washington glad to see this interview of one of the most iconic concept albums ever produced🎉❤

[@rAsphkA]

Such a great interview. G.Tate one of my 'heroes' of my teen. Still have my precious vinils of Queensryche!

[@tross6380]

Dude!!! What a great f'n interview. I'm impressed.. these are the questions I would ask.. all a fan since 1984. Truly,,, brilliant job. *just saw him 3 nights ago and I'll always love you geoff tate

[@tonyrauls1941]

A timeless album. The subject matter was relevant then, now, and will continue to be well into the future to people of all ages. The music stands the test of time sonically and lyrically. It's an album that moves me the same way now as it did the first time I heard it with my young virgin ears 30 years ago. It is rightfully a rock masterpiece. A bonafide "desert island" album. But somewhow really only maintains a cult following. Which to me means that people still aren't ready for it..somehow.

[@joemusicman64]

In 2023 I'm just now becoming obsessed with Queensryche while studying their guitar work. I'm just getting started so I have years of studying ahead of me. It's great. Epic song writing and musicianship on all fronts. So cool to shred along to their songs. Really enjoy these interviews.

[@lifeson8362]

Chris and Mike are right up there w Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson/Gary Moore and Dave Murray and Adrian Smith 😎🤘 highly recommended Al Di Meola for guitar craziness too 🍻

[@joemusicman64]

@@lifeson8362 and some lifeson 😍

[@sergiomichelmusic]

Wow Kathy, know you all these years and never knew you did interviews so well. Excellent

[@BronzeRivet]

That was a really good interview. Thank you.

[@wayne9934]

my Neighbor just saw you in concert He said you were great so ever since then, I've been watching your concerts on KZbin. Because I remember how great you were thirty years ago queen ryc

[@kmanick107]

it's amazing how the lyrics from this 30 year old album, relate to what's going on today . these guys nailed it on this album. Gotta Love Cathy Rankin too, besides being a total babe , she's a great interviewer. I just saw Geoff 2 nights ago and he still sounds fantastic.

[@tbird911949]

Amazing interview. Asked some fantastic, thoughtful questions. Thank you for this!

[@willp5322]

2 nights in Denver I got to see the empire tour, best shows I've ever seen

[@WOLFENCT]

Operation Mindcrime is an absolute masterpiece!

[@smccorrison]

Mindcrime is a master piece and their will never be another album that will effect you the way that one does!! Couldn’t imagine (being a musician myself) writing material like that and the pride that would come a long with it!!

[@pmtnyc1]

So amazingly great and epic that I am on the brink of tears every time I listen to it.

[@eddiemuniz761]

I always tried to figure out the words that Geoffrey is saying in the middle of Roads to madness in the background prior to the last verse and passing away, an absolute GEM!!!!!!!!

[@FinsMom]

Wow ! Just ... wow . I loved Queensryche . Very talented musicians and amazing music . I had the privilege of seeing them open for Metallica in Providence RI .

[@SunShine-kd6td]

Great interview! GT is an awesome singer. Operation Mindcrime is a masterpiece!

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

For sure!!

[@kyndred-ry5mm]

favorite albums of all time

[@pdxpete48]

Mindcrime is still the most epic contribution to the music world , it's the album to have on a deserted island. also rage for order is pretty awesome, and empire.

[@deeran656]

Great great interview 👍👍👍

[@lisabarnes457]

@Wicked Kiss What and awesome interview with Geoff..great to see him so relaxed and loving all the topics that were discussed! I learned a lot more about him, and Im thrilled he is still out there enjoying his craft musically, cause this world would suck if he ever hung up those awesome "pipes" of his! I personally love hearing about his many new adventures, wine making ect., I love listening to his childhood stories and his journeys from then til now! I'm also loving how much he and enjoy his life! Cathy Rankin,Thankyou for this🎶🖤✌..Tate fan forever!

[@WickedKissBand]

thanks so much for the kind words, and we are so glad you enjoyed the interview! He was such an interesting and articulate gentleman in person!

[@nicecutie]

this is a good interview. geoff is growing his hair again

[@wayne9934]

30 years ago I was so into this record big time still loving it today

[@recintodelosagrado]

What a great interview! I’m glad KZbin added to my feed. I just subscribed to the channel.

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!!! We just started this channel and will be uploading lots more fun music stuff!

[@turtle19dad]

Man she’s so right. You HAVE to listen to the whole Mindcrime album from front to back. You can’t just have one song. And maybe it’s just me. But life today totally makes me think of Mindcrime. Corrupt preachers/politicians. The poor being run into the ground, etc.

[@metalmami7862]

So intellectual. Love that man !

[@rickb6149]

The Mt. Rushmore of metal vocalists: Tate, Dio, Halford, Dickinson

[@evangelicalsnever-lie9792]

Steve Perry, Lou Graham, Tommy Shaw (Styx), Ian Gillian, David Coverdale, Robert Plant, Freddy Mercury, Ann Wilson, and probably many more great singers to add to the Book of Great Rock Singers. Even the Beach Boys were fantastic singers with great production. Hell, Lionel Richie and the Commodores were great singers!

[@Devlins10]

Great interview! Subscribed. Keep em coming!

[@Sacapuntas69]

Wow, great interview! You can tell you know exactly what you are asking. Even threw in some lyrics!

[@goodpainlive1]

him singing Take Hold of the Flame- he's not human.

[@geezberry8889]

Roads to Madness incredible tune

[@robertghanem1424]

What an absolutely beautiful interviewer hot and a Metal head.

[@leRoi10]

Great interview.

[@SuperNick090]

Wow ! Great interview , I’m a Queensryche fan for life, too bad there was so much turmoil with money and legal issues with the break up towards the end . Very common with a lot of bands though… Still not a takeaway of how great of a band they were though! ✌️

[@LOSTINMAIA]

Awesome interview!! you get a 100 for comment number 100!!!

[@runningfree4606]

What a great interview!

[@terryeaster1]

Great interview. I saw mindcrime and empire way back when I was young and beautiful. In my humble opinion Joeff had the best voice in music and is perfectly matched by his creativity. We have tickets to see you in OKC in December. Can't wait.

[@evangelicalsnever-lie9792]

Fantastic you got to see them then when you and the band were in your youth. Did you make the show this month?

[@terryeaster1]

@@evangelicalsnever-lie9792 I did. It was an incredible show. Loved the opener. Loved the band. The tower is a cool venue. Geoff is still incredible. I hope I can take a tour sometime.

[@KurtStoffer]

Great Interview, thanks for sharing.

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to watch and comment!

[@nitro_001newman2]

Great interview! I learned a lot of different things about Geoff Tate, that I didn’t know before.

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

Me too! And thank you, glad I could get him to open up and share some cool stuff for the fans! He was so gracious and actually quite funny!

[@diegomazzaron9191]

Well probably one of the favorite Geoff songs by Queensryche is Falling down. 😂

[@nickmaci28]

@Diego Mazzaron Ahahaha, e forse anche Falling Behind

[@jamiebeach3243]

Id really like to hear the O.G version of Mind Crime

[@South3West77]

That's a shame for people not being able to hear the first album's first recording.

[@jimbrown5552]

Thanks again for taking my son James under your wing

[@elenasanchez1868]

Amazing Man🔥🎙🎼

[@SP-rx4tb]

He looks great. Still hot ! What a voice

[@lizcuero9065]

Imagine if Zeph Daniels and Geoff Tate collaborated!

[@Amanet13]

🔥

[@daviclar867]

Genius!

[@bettinaschreiner1248]

I Love it

[@lizcuero9065]

I hope no babies were ever hurt at these concerts.

[@nicoleanderson8591]

✝️

[@BrettOwen71]

I think Geoff was checking out her legs! Can’t say I blame him!

[@jemsar2]

Still wonder what happened to Scott....

[@vickhones9961]

Love how she just blew up that whole left wing media narrative right in front of Tate when talking about the song "Revolution Calling ". Tate didn't even know how to react . Mad props for that darling !

[@OceanofMaya]

What, on Earth, are you even talking about?

[@itchyomalley]

40th anniv? Am I missing something? 35th anniv is next year

[@elf1955]

Said he hopes to be able to perform it at 40 years.

[@CathyRankinEntertainment]

LOL great catch! Just a typo, will have to go fix...

[@lizcuero9065]

Has Geoff watched "Key & Peele?" yet?

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I expected this interview to suck. Im pleasantly surprised

[@mlaforce]

I went through two cassette tapes to this album from listening to it so much. I saw them open up for Metallica in Sacramento in 89 and I went solely for Queensryche.

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

Retire.. to working a Vinyard...that's just like Jean Luc Picard!

[@jimbrown5552]

Can we get your wine here in Ireland

[@warriorv9359]

Nobody i mean nobody can or will ever sing like this cat

[@lovemytuneskristian7751]

MIND CRIME IS SO PERTINENT.

[@stratdx]

2112… say it Geoff. Just say it.

[@AndrewGrey22]

I love hot girls who are Queensryche fans.

[@ShadowLadyLost]

You can really feel the sexual tension here...esp on GT's side.

[@ShadowLadyLost]

And what was muted out? LOL! "Brick House"!

[@AndrewGrey22]

I didn't like Operation Mindcrime as much. I thought Rage For Order was way better.

[@PhilipRGarza]

Damn he looks old

[@seanvogt221]

He’s 63 and a grandfather. Remember he’s been around a long long time. Operation Mindcrime was released in 1988 (34 years ago).

[@carisballing]

I think he seems to look real good for his age.

[@purplekat5864]

Well, time has its way with all of us in the end, but I think he still looks pretty darn good! And he has always had heaps of natural charisma! Love the dimples too! Most of his "official" photos are with a serious, penetrating, or menacing expression in which you can't see his dimples. I was rather delighted the first time I saw them! Personality and character play a part in how attractive a person is too. So, all in all I'd have to say aging isn't an issue.

[@islandrepublic9166]

Im an elf… he is very young.