Interview with Geoff Tate of Queensryche

Extended interview footage with Geoff Tate of Queensryche for the feature documentary, "PROGRAMMING THE NATION?" - Oct. 2005 at the Warfield in San Francisco.

[@jenx4115]

Every interview I've ever seen Geoff do, from the early days to now, he's come off as completely honest & intelligent. He doesn't bullshit, and that's why I love him.

[@the-dave-house-project]

Agreed, and DeGarmo was the same way. I miss the original lineup.

[@ekspresija101]

Great interview, very smart man, also one of the best vocalist in rock music ever.

[@valfaria8407]

Totally agree whith you, +Milos Momcilovic!!! For me, the greatest singer, the best front man of all times.

[@rockyh3425]

As an armchair critic I got some opinions I could rival you but you know what hands down Point Blank Geoff Tate's f****** badass he's the man

[@chuckmcgill6673]

Very Smart Oh the Irony

[@silverdesert1930]

Tako je!

[@us4damons]

Correction.. THE best voice❤

[@tatejamo]

Once I started listening to him I didn't stop until the end of the video. Tate is really intelligent, his opinions are very captivating.

[@rockyh3425]

I didn't think Geoff Tate was that a socially aware of things but obviously his art in his music replicates life and life imitating art blah blah blah blah blah yada yada yada

[@don-eb3fj]

​@@rockyh3425If you heard almost ANY Queensrÿche song and didn't get the social message, you weren't listening. That's one of the qualities that kept me listening since I found the Rage For Order album in 1986(?); one of my favorites is Out Of Mind from Promised Land, listen to that one with your thinking cap on, and look around, you'll see the point everywhere.

[@CoryFinchProductions]

Love him or hate him, but you have to respect him. He puts his beliefs out there and he has every right to. He stays aware on the issues and thinks critically about them, developing his own beliefs. Is that not the most patriotic, American thing a person can do? Lay off of the guy. We need more free thinkers like him, not people standing in line eating a steady diet of government cheese.

[@stacydalebarendse3978]

I'll never forget the day I met Geoff on the Q2K tour. I am a republican. I don't always agree with his views, but I respect the fact that he speaks his mind....and that is what America is about.

[@surfertube44]

The best interview I have every heard! Tate you are a True American Patriot! Thank you for the wonderful music and such a voice! God bless you!

[@valfaria8407]

Brazil is also grateful for his talent!

[@blackbasin6284]

There will never be another. He's truly one of a kind!

[@IgniteTheMind]

You're right, it is like beating a dead horse. Let's get it straight. Geoff Tate is a musician. Not a politician running for office. In this interview we were simply having a conversation about the music of Queensryche, their style and technique, and we started talking about political and social issues. Its his opinion. He owes us no solutions.

[@jenx4115]

Great interview - thank you for sharing it!

[@Chopperdoll]

He saw this years ago. He's spot on today! We live in scary times. You have to resist.

[@ARod-br2ui]

These guys were on the cutting edge of these topics way back in the 80’s. Lyrically speaking, they were way ahead of their time.

[@michellecappel4560]

Geoff is "the voice", when I remember Queensryche he was the mojo, the looks, the voice, the magic, the ART. Don't get lost in the BS in all of the articles. We love the music.

[@sextinaaquafina]

The bass in his voice. DAYUM!

[@tubby1843]

I love him. I'm 50, I remember the empire album debut. Then a friend showed me more of their music. Turns out I already liked a bunch of their songs just didn't know it. The EMPIRE album is what is happening right now. Listen. Just listen.

[@alexmartya1733]

Not only the voice, but the brain (or, at least, a hemisphere) of Queensryche

[@valfaria8407]

Exactly!!!

[@luigirnotyourbusiness8127]

A mad man. A true living legend

[@SonyEE-hl6mq]

The best of metal

[@2ndthesselonians2]

great artist

[@axlh.1827]

What he said is completely true

[@ziggybammurphy191]

Nothing will come close to matching the Seattle scene from the late 80’s and early 90’s...it was truly an awesome time for rock music...glad i was around to see it....

[@valfaria8407]

Thank you so much, +IgniteTheMind!!! Love GT forever!!!

[@miriamsamaniego3335]

God, I love this man! He says it all right all the time and doesn't give a fuck who doesn't like it! Keep talking Geoff!

[@johncallicott2675]

Love his point/theory on "subliminal messages"... Great analogy Geoff

[@don-eb3fj]

I suppose the average American Idiot prefers their messaging spoon fed to them by the Propaganda machine- pick your brand, "Progress"ive or the one with the red label, it's the same artificially flavored poison. If this is you, drop the remote control, you're a danger to yourself and others.

[@IgniteTheMind]

I don't think Geoff realized he needed to offer solutions either! Isn't it enough that he writes provocative lyrics which make us think about the world we live in? In my book, he has the right to bitch about whatever he wants, just as you do in the comments section here. Regarding the demise of Queensryche, after 30 years and over a dozen studio albums, I'm certain there are countless bands which got their start in the 80's that only wish they were as fortunate and had such longevity.

[@lpr7694]

“All these Yo-yo’s” 😂😂 Jeff is one intelligent guy! 🤘🏼

[@kcleach9312]

100% more respect for goeff tate GREAT interview

[@IgniteTheMind]

In fact, when people start offering solutions that's when I usually start to become skeptical. However, It is quite typical of people in today's society to expect to have answer spoon fed to them rather than going out and finding them on their own.

[@ZaheedaNaheedya]

Smart guy. Great insight.

[@sergeyalexandrovich8443]

Such a deep powerful voice. He could be no worse than Elvis but he had to sing higher tones because Hard Rock / Progressive metal was better paid. Nevertheless, if he was performing "Love me tender", Elvis would die again of envy

[@jenx4115]

I love Geoff Tate, and that voice of his! He's still amazing after all this time. People with deep voices often have a huge range because they have thick vocal cords and can sing those very high notes. 🔥❤️

[@friskies89]

Anytime I see old videos or interviews of Geoff Tate of queensryche music videos, I begin to ovulate. He's so gorgeous! The whole band was!

[@ADDISON857]

Wouah, Geoff it’s so beautiful singer with Queensryche 🙏a voice💕 » Eyes of a Stranger, Another Rainy Night.... and the magnificent »The Thin line »👍it’s my favorite song, style Begin Iggy Pop.. I’m like very, very Geoff, the VOICE💕👍

[@IgniteTheMind]

I doubt Geoff is "centering his image." Rather, just being himself. Good we agree, he's NOT a politician. Based on current history, I strongly doubt the people who ARE politicians even have a clue what it takes to run a country!

[@TruckernutzBJL]

They need to release the MTV Unplugged show...

[@the-dave-house-project]

I have it on VHS somewhere, right after Nirvana and Live. Lol. That was a damn good year to be young.

[@purplekat5864]

I have it on DVD. I just got online and was able to order it. I love that it's uncut too! You get to hear and see what went on in-between takes. Interesting! Oh how I LOVE this band!! Their breakup was a knife to my heart.

[@kimberlycaceres3449]

I had him sign my arm in April and I had it tattooed on me. He is my favorite singer ever......

[@TheRiceowlex]

I subscibe to people with courage and just subscibed to your channel...I hope we can start a trend here !!

[@Foldedskateshop]

Youre badass Geoff.

[@silverblack5475]

Alot of this applies too whats going on right now .

[@NewGamer101]

anyone listen to this interview as if he was singing a song? hahaha

[@miriamsamaniego3335]

Erick Thor only when he said the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. That's from MindCrime!

[@don-eb3fj]

​@@miriamsamaniego3335"...and the cops get paid to look away, while the one percent rules America." Yup, the "disease" has reached epidemic proportions, and the only vax is learning to smell for yourself.

[@DenairSantos]

#Geoff_Tate_4Ever ♥

[@valfaria8407]

#Geoff_Tate_4ever

[@don-eb3fj]

Artists, and children, are the canaries in the coalmine of our societies; my song was silenced as a child, and bands like Queensrÿche, Dio, Iron Maiden, etc. became my voice, my psychologists, philosophers, and priests, when no one else answered, and LITERALLY kept me alive. Thanks in large part to those voices I'm finally beginning to find my own, so to those who want to silence artists, F*CK YOU!, keep your noxious-fume-spewing orifice shut, and keep your darkness to yourself.

[@IgniteTheMind]

You sound pretty passionate too about such small stuff. But what solutions do you offer? Tate is simply answering the questions I asked him, which were all related to the topic of subliminal messaging for our feature doc. "PROGRAMMING THE NATION?"

[@thesunisbright]

i like geoff tate. he is not perfect but a great artist. you a legend geoff

[@IgniteTheMind]

I wouldn't say "screwed." But, definitely FLAWED. Yes, one should have a deep knowledge when offering solutions. However, as Americans we can all gather around the watering hole to discuss issues without having to SOLVE everything. Besides, if it was that easy, we wouldn't have all the problems to begin with.

[@mattgraham2835]

hearing him talk about normal sensible things and why again was he kicked out of queensryche kind of baffling seems like a smart dude i feel like i heard kirk hammett say some very similar things thats very interesting

[@EloiseXtechnoXqueen]

All I'll say is everyone has a right to have an opinion

[@carsandhealthtoddrosenzwei2661]

Love it! And amen to our right to iur freedom of expression...

[@bluelamp6745]

Geoff Tate- More power to you man! If you want to watch something on tv that doesn't want to sell you anything but freedom try OAN One American News. It's pretty awesome and refreshing to hear. Their commercials are actually history lessons. They are beholden to no one. Kickass. And you Geoff I hope you rock on forever!

[@johnnyzamaripa6090]

Well he sure ate shit after queenryche

[@mattgraham2835]

he's correct about freedom of expression

[@MattWeismiller1994]

I feel like everything that anyone will say, hear or read is a relative opinion. And even some scientific laws only function under certain perspectives.

[@gofuxo1664]

If i ever run for president, I'm gonna need Geoff at my side

[@ronaldmello7193]

So sorry to hear about the threats you get from those sick minded individuals. Great band...great music. Never stop keeping your opinions to yourself.

[@mackfarlainethebarenakedau5113]

How do you pronounce Queensryche?

[@robertalecander2673]

Some listen to music some hear it

[@Fitch721]

Fans in general don't so much care about their favorite musician's political beliefs, they just don't want to hear a sermon, i.e. Bruce Springsteen come to mind.

[@Cordy712]

He looks kind of like Morpheus in this interview.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

7:00 TRUE !

[@DanMowry]

yuknow?

[@russelblacker2562]

3:00 that's the law of the land

[@FreeMTrider]

What kind of citizen believes a politician doesn't work for us? Are you reading what you wrote? It's we the people, for the people, by the people and that's what we need to fight for. It's been taken away by the all mighty dollar. He is saying that we need to run the country, not a politician. Get it?

[@carltonec]

You know, there is not a hint of anything that Geoff says in any interviews that really makes much sense or a difference. He sounds so passionate about such small things, and NEVER offers a solution. He bitches about things like commercials selling us things, marketing, etc. WHY on earth does any of that bother him?! He brings up the topic of hearing snippets of conversation around him, and says he pushes it out. VERY deep Geoff. Maybe you should walk around with earplugs, and never watch tv.

[@MetalHeart8787]

WE? by that do you mean regular citizens? somebody needs to be in charge of something Politicians Don't work "for us" they work for themselves. IF they were working for us Then why allow outsourcing of Jobs? we allowing it by Buying everything. the 2 Big Countries that said "capitalism doesn't work" are Full of shit because they have earned Billions of it, pick up several items in your house & see (made in ---- ) the we you are talking about are the ones who decided on outsourcing Jobs.

[@ny5280]

Why did he start shaveing his head? Does not seem like his hair is thinning! I shave mine cuz i got a bald spot! LOL!!

[@denizkasap5087]

Tate looks older than now

[@carltonec]

Actually, I misunderstood part of it, and have a question... The part about the fun exercise of walking down the street and listening to conversation... I thought he was saying that we should block it out (which most of us do because it is none of our business), but it sounds like he was saying he listens in on purpose? Those poor folks in Seattle have no privacy! :)

[@purplekat5864]

I think he meant that as you walk down a street you can't HELP but hear snippets of conversations. Not that he was eavesdropping per se.

[@Kenebneb1]

Hungry:eat a burrito....Barfegnugen

[@fortheloveoftunes]

Oh no all the times lead vocalists loose control of their egoes, it´s so sad for the true fans .-)

[@jeffsimon9594]

*lose *egos

[@drummer7557]

I liked Queensryche in their hay day, but he's far to analytical just like back then. But I liked when he was quiet. He's become quite the bitter conspiracy theorist. I mean he pulled a knife on his bandmates and just went overboard on all of his view. Basically his way of thinking was his way or the highway. Many things are true, but everyone is NOT just out to get you, or sell you something. Though it exists it's not just one big bad spectacle to sue you, or rob you of your freedom. Then again he was born in Germany, so like the Van Halen (boys) he has that same mentality. Though I think he's more mellow now with daughters and grand kids etc. I mean in the song Speak he says "Educated the Masses, We'll Burn The White House Down" in 1988. Yeah that's real patriotic, (even if it was just art/expression). Not cool.

[@FreeMTrider]

Maybe you should listen and think for yourself. It's called critical thinking. You voice the problems and then look for the answer. Get a damn clue.

[@dwightyboy2075]

Tommy wiseau

[@carltonec]

This is like beating a dead horse I guess. Hard to make some understand. I believe that when a person is very vocal about how screwed society is, or how we are being programmed and what not, they should try to show a little intelligence by saying what needs to be done. If you know what is "wrong", surely you know what "right" should be, correct? Any drunk in a bar can tell you that society has issues. But, like Geoff, most can't come up with a lucid idea as to what needs to be done.

[@carltonec]

I didn't realize I had to offer a solution to Geoff's interview comments. But since you asked, I would suggest he stop bitching about society, and concentrate on the demise of his band. ;) If you don't want people to comment on the interview, don't put it out there. Geoff has ALWAYS bitched about things in interviews... people buying stuff (that one still cracks me up), the rich, government, etc., and NEVER says how it should be or how it can get better. Typical Geoff interview.

[@theresaeben6869]

Society is screw-up but do you have convey that!! Instead say i love rock!:).

[@ziggypop79]

Geoff before he lost his marbles.. and hair follicles

[@SomewhereInTheMaidenverse]

He's beginning to lose his marbles here...

[@paisleyprincess7996]

He’s not dealing with a full deck

[@jameswilliams-zr8co]

well he is right when he said "the rich get richer, the poor stay poorer, and the middle class pay for everything", as usual

[@Albendova666]

Go away Jeff, you can afford it.

[@allen41391]

The botom line geoff seems like its his way or no way,if you listen to his voice he has problems holding that high note.He was able to do it now take this todd dude yup young he has what geoff had many years ago.I think the band may have been frustrated and could not talk to him about ,some of these problems.He would get mad and fight and argue.Listen to this interview he is basically saying what I just expressed.Geoff love man move on.If you listen to Rush now these guys are at the pinnacle.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Right! At the core of it, your fans pay your bills, not your viewpoints. At this point of his moribund career, it would be best not to puss them off too much... As for Rush, he’s no Neal Peart, is he? RIP, that man was so intelligent

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Man, this was painful to watch. He’s just a tad too full of himself

[@carltonec]

Geoff centers his "image" around his comments about what is wrong with this country and society in general. He puts it out there every chance he gets. When you paint that picture of yourself to try to look a certain way to people (trying to seem all guru like to sell cd's), people ARE going to ask you what the heck you feel should be done about it. And yes, Geoff is NOT a politician. He has no clue about what it really takes to run a country, but he bitches about the job they do. Brilliant. ;)

[@purplekat5864]

He DID offer solutions by suggesting we: Be aware. Think for ourselves. Look deeper into what we hear from the media and public figures. Get involved. Not get taken in by wrong-headed ideas. I have always LOVED that Queensryche/Geoff write about things that have a measure of weight and substance to them. And NOT about girls,girls, girls, partying, getting loaded, and other vacuous subjects. QR's original line-up was magical! No one could touch them in my opinion!

[@don-eb3fj]

​@@purplekat5864Yep, anyone who needs a musician, or a politician or actor or corporate advertising executive (but I repeat myself) to sell you solutions, or inflict them on you by force, is part of the problem. FREEDOM requires your participation, and a reasonable level of intelligence.

[@purplekat5864]

@@don-eb3fj I don't know that anyone NEEDS a musician, politician, or other figure to tell them what to believe. And no one can FORCE another to believe their words. But I don't see anything wrong with someone expressing their opinions, whether in writing a book, writing a song, hosting a podcast, or whatever. We're all free to listen to these various things, or not. EACH of us ultimately decides for ourselves what we believe. Or am I not getting your point?

[@don-eb3fj]

@@purplekat5864 my response was a reinforcement of your point, from a slightly different approach, to the first poster who seems to not understand the message in the music and also seems to not really have anything of substance to add to the conversation. He, too, is certainly entitled to his opinion, but his entire spiel reads like a gag order and personal vendetta, chastizing the messenger (artists, Tate) for bringing bad news but no magic pill to cure the ill. My intent was to help point out the hollow argument by supporting your point of the need for each of us to be aware and proactive rather than being spoon fed a "cure" or attempting to character-assassinate the messenger.

[@purplekat5864]

@@don-eb3fj OK, I DO agree with you. I wasn't sure with your first comment if I was understanding your intent. Thanks for clearing that up. 😌

[@carltonec]

So, what you are saying is that it is more logical to point out that society is screwed, and not offer any ideas how to make it better, than to actually show that you truly understand the issues you are talking about by saying what is wrong and what you feel could help? Man, you can't make this stuff up! :) Here I was believing one should actually have some deep knowledge about the subject matter before attacking what is wrong with society and government in general. Who knew. ;) Take care.

[@don-eb3fj]

Trolls should stay under the bridge

[@ryancarver585]

The poor stay poor because of their bad life choices

[@john51880]

I think he is full of crap!