Queensryche Live '88 Full Concert

Queensryche live in Cologne, Germany on Operation Mindcrime tour
Interview
Anarchy X/Revolution Calling
Operation Mindcrime
Speak
Spreading the Disease
Take Hold of the Flame
Breaking the Silence
I Don't Believe in Love
Eyes of a Stranger

[@aarondeepurple]

Don't forget to mention they had the most thought-provoking, moving lyrics in the late-eighties metal world. A bulletproof band.

[@D6EH]

Bulletproof….until they imploded. Sad but true.

[@dancampbell9652]

l recently read an artical in which the masterpeice(operation mindrime)was rated on a scale of 1-10 on various aspects of its content. After reading and trying to relate to the critic,it became painfully obvious this group knew absolutely nothing of the true storyline or its theme yet labeled it as an 80's commercial sellout that didnt stand the test of time. Are you kidding me? That album is the defenition of a conceptual master peice.Absolutely one of a kind.Without a doubt my deserted island first choice.BRILLIANT

[@divinederelicts2956]

Before its time for sure

[@curtnicholson7771]

Dan Campbell You are exactly right Dan it was and always will be a masterpiece, and as far as I'm concerned you gotta remember that music critics are like used toilet paper FULL of SHIT.

[@jmzochsnrtr]

Put a space before and after parenthesis and after periods, exclamation marks, etc. .... You can work on that on your deserted island.....

[@angusorvid8840]

I've always been a huge QR fan, and when Operation: Mindcrime came out it blew people's minds. It's conceptually brilliant, the arrangements are utterly original, and the guitar work is absolutely clean and rhythmic. Scott Rockenfield is one of the most underrated drummers out there. Tate had a voice like no other. I'm not going to say my songwriting was anywhere near this level. It still isn't. If I want to tell I story I do it one of two ways: I write a novel (I write science fiction) or an instrumental guitar piece. I don't write good lyrical music. I consider Mindcrime to be of the highest plane of lyrical metal. The popularity of this album galvanized the truth that many of us metalheads were serious thinkers and wanted something more from our genre. We wanted something that dealt with the reality of the world, government corruption, crime, the human lust for power, justice and injustice. Mindcrime has everything. That album just wrenched me when I heard it. I can think of very few times when an album, concept or not, got to me. I felt the drama of the music, and it helped me deal with the world. Iran-Contra and all sorts of ugliness where going on back then. The 80s were not the chair of bowlies a lot of people think they were. The world still had its problems. Mindcrime dealt with these problems. It's the first metal album to deal with the drug war as well.

[@festushaggen2563]

2nd only to Pink Floyd’s The Wall for conceptual albums. A very close 2nd.

[@ejd715]

Tate and DeGarmo firing on all cylinders! Absolutely perfect! DeGarmo's backing vocals really shine on this video.

[@Rui.Bordalo]

I was there at Köln Sporthalle in 88. Queensrÿche opened for Metallica's And Justice for All tour. The first song they played was Queen of the Reich, which does not appear in this video I don't know why. Queensrÿche performance was incredibly accurate and the sound was fantastic. After this Metallica played so loud that I've spent three weeks with continuous feedback ringing in my ears. I thought I was going to be deaf forever.

[@betsywaldrop]

Geoff Tate is the all time greatest metal singer...ever.

[@scout805]

Cool Pic Betsy Roo Cheers 🍺

[@TheSobe30]

There are absolutely no words to describe this band. Pheeeenominal!

[@sydhamelin1265]

Scott Rockenfield is a criminally underrated drummer. MIndcriminally underrated.

[@chassy]

Totally true.

[@Spock456]

Agreed totally he was amazing live

[@lespaulcustom7309]

With out a doubt

[@christschinwon]

Just a class act. I still listen to Mindcrime and Empire and hear bits of his playing I've previously missed. Solid and talented beyond belief!

[@deathtothebots1]

Isn't it sad how a band member is rated by "popularity" of the band at the moment? Geoff is an excellent singer, Michael and Chris work together seamlessly on the guitar, Eddie and Scott worked together excellent, kinda makes you feel sorry for what Cliff/Jason/Robert had/have to work with for the band Scott and company were opening for in this. I like Metallica well but Lars is probably the most overrated drummer of all time.

[@sltwentytwo]

without question. few were in their league. they had it all. great vocals, drummer, guitar duo, & bassist. not many bands managed to string together a stronger set of records like they did. everything from the ep-empire is brilliant.

[@pokospikos5672]

I am a huge fan of them. Overall performance is even better than the original album. This shows their enormous skills. It's a pity we 'll not have the chance to enjoy this lineup again.

[@iancorcoran713]

I saw Queensryche on the Operation Mindcrime tour at Nottingham’s Rock City in 1988. One of my all the favourite gigs! What a band, what an album…

[@jeanlucgaliana6697]

THE GREAT QUEENSRYCHE ! One and only !!!

[@jasonadkins8894]

So loved Scott Rockenfield's chain hardware back then , still do. Too sweet.

[@hillarysoldsaggytit8666]

Geoff was at the top of his game then. Damn, he was one of the greatest singers of all time then.

[@dawnman57]

Huge THX !!! Watching this concert on RTL+ was like a slap in the face. I will always remember this afternoon.

[@sroth42]

I saw Queensyrche about 3-4 years ago at a small venue in So. Cal. It was just the band, the fans and the music; no theatrics, pyrotechnics, video feed in the back, etc. I was very impressed. Geoff Tate is as good live as on CD or better. Everyone's vocal range changes with age, but that didn't impede his ability to belt out the music better than I've seen in most concerts. The best part about rock/metal bands is there is no autotune to make them sound good on CD and suck in concert.

[@j800r]

PL wasn't just a great album. It was a Prog masterpiece. It's unfortunate that people seem to lack the insight and open-mindedness to enjoy that album. It's actually the one that first introduced me to the band. People love to make Geoff the scapegoat of the failiure that was Dedicated To Chaos yet overlook the fact that HITNF was almost entirely DeGarmo.

[@diegogharcia9552]

WTF...his voice was amazing in that time...

[@karenkimberley241]

I actually saw them back up Ronnie James Dio,loved them from that night I always thought Geoff had an awesome voice 😊

[@CasonovaCorkClub]

WOW!!! ... that's as good as it gets. ... What year?

[@jubankta1627]

Karen Kimberley hello beautiful

[@benitokamelo252]

1984/1985 I guess.

[@WebSolutionsMediaDesignAgency]

Awesome. Great Geoff, great Queensryche.

[@traceyrychewhite1874]

I saw them with Metallica, but I was there for Queensryche!!! Im Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, The Civic Arena. They were amazing!! The first time I heard Operation Mindcrime, my hair stood up on my arms. It was the best CD I'd ever heard. They are incredible !!!!!

[@JimsDoors1971]

Saw them in Cleveland that year in 88 opening for Metallica. Sounded as if I was listening to the cassette in my bedroom Blown away!!.

[@TheSoundgod59]

JimsDoors1971 Thanks! I remember that night in Cleveland, we all had a great show.

[@RochelleEskue]

+JimsDoors1971 That was a great tour. I also saw them both in late 88', in Denver. That was my 1st time seeing Queensryche, and they didn't disappoint.

[@loumason6120]

Well i had the Privilege to watch them play a set in a Bar!!!! in Winston Salem, NC on THIS tour that only held 300 hundred people, on the same stage i use to play My drums. i stood 8 feet away from them as They F'n rocked out for over an hour. They played a handful of bars/club dates to keep tight and promote. It was one of the best shows i ever been to in My life!. I've been a Ryche fan since 84.. so it was just crazy!

[@TheSoundgod59]

@@loumason6120 Was that show in 88' ? I remember playing there on that tour.

[@loumason6120]

@@TheSoundgod59 YEP summer of 88...You played where? and what band?

[@GetfitwithWitt]

This is pure joy, listening to QR firing on all cylinders. All the theories posted here on why Geoff's voice faded over the years, especially taking a hit starting with the "Empire" tour. Well, QR was mostly just doing 45 minute sets as the opening band for their "Warning", "Rage" and "Mindcrime" tours. Starting with "Empire" tour, the set time doubled to 90 minutes as they were now the headliners. That was a certainly a great endurance strain on Geoff's voice right from the start and his vocal chords were just not able to sustain it...especially since that highly successful "Empire" tour lasted more than a year I do believe. Geoff was and still is (for his age) amazing. A real trail blazer vocally, and a wonderful song writer/composer.

[@paulmaddicks6642]

The best band I have ever seen live ..quite a few times 89 Hammersmith - 91...incredible !

[@dannythompson9163]

I was months old when queensryche released operation mindcrime but has been my favourite album ever I can remember being 3 or 4 years old and having operation livecrime cd and vhs boxset and belting it out lol

[@neugey]

No need to worry, Queensryche made videos for Operation Mindcrime which turned out to be a masterpiece with or without them!

[@kevinnazario1015]

Live performances dont get much better than this. Pure 80' s metal awesomeness!!!!

[@johnlopresto439]

I worked out in a gym in Jersey when they were touring in North America Took a great pic with all of them. Mind Crime is an epic album. Geoff’s voice is off the hook!!! 🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@Kommentaraccount]

I would like to be able to sing like Geoff back then. Fantastic performance.

[@cay113]

This Queensrychr line up...absolutely untouchable!...Geoff ...unmatchable voice...DeGarmo...untouchable riffs and voice...Scott...so much feel, amazing technique and uniqueness in his drumming!...

[@donaramco]

Geoff sang EFFORTLESSLY back then - WOW!

[@JacksonAxe]

I saw this tour in April 1989. Queensryche opened with Queen of the Reich and it was one of the very few shows on that tour where Metallica switched instruments for Am I Evil. James on drums, Jason on guitar, Kirk on bass and Lars "singing" if I remember correctly. Great show, still have the ticket stub.

[@alexandrosplexidas4123]

I wouldn't believe Tate's voice could sound EXACTLY like the studio recording... But here is the proof!

[@metalman1767]

AWSOME!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@corvettebmw]

I saw The Warning Tour in 1984, those were the days.

[@frisbeeshawn5356]

Yes I saw the Warning tour as ryche opened for KISS Animalize album. Ryche brought it for Real ! Blew my mind.

[@MetalMike87]

Thaaaaaaaaaanks! Great show!

[@4GabeArellano]

I saw queensryche last night in LA, it was sad to see far much his range has been reduced =( his voice is still incredible, there is no denying that

[@QueensrycheGirl]

Love this video !

[@needahandle]

Great!. Wish I could have seen them live back then.

[@superredhawk43]

I created another account just so I could add this video to my favorites twice.

[@OpheliaDarkling]

What a weird interviewer lol...Fantastic performance captured here. The energy & power of the conceptual set is something to behold live. Goddamn I miss Chris. He did the right thing leaving when he did--they were all tapped out. Part of me wishes/hopes they'll do just one more tour but I don't think it's possible cos of everything that's happened. Thankful for this to capture and share the magic they once had. Cheers all!

[@PropertyOFTheState]

Gives me the chills, so awesome at this point in their career. A+++

[@is150975]

all the stuff with Chris DeGarmo is great, even Tribe you can feel his vibe all over...

[@heashon2000]

I was there too! Minneapolis, 1988! It was fantastic and I was a Ryche fan ever since!

[@ejd715]

This is one of the best recorded performances from Tate himself-he nails it here the whole way!

[@bobirober6131]

Not sure if it is 'better' than the Wall. They are both masterful creations, but they are different. I don't know of another in their league, though. Thanks for posting. I saw this tour and it is/was awesome.

[@DioRonnieRJ]

Great - especially Take Hold Of The Flame

[@williamweiss6128]

Back when they were all live. Nice.

[@conradnoto6745]

Chris DeGarmo's harmonies made this bands vocals sound so much better. It wasn't the same sound once his high harmoies were gone.

[@1998ntlchamps]

badass. i saw them in Memphis on this tour opening for Metallica. Didnt know who they were. I left there that night and bought their other albums the next day.

[@JonLondrezos]

1980s was the best decade for heavy metal. I probably bought all the records from all the top bands, and if I had to chose 5, Operation Mindcrime would be my 1st pick. During the late 80s Queensryche were at the top of their game.

[@joseffleisch8976]

Tate sin duda es el mejor 👍👍👍

[@Tigelinus]

Hi there, if you mean whether anyone attended this show, yes I did, this very show.in '88. I was quite young but managed to get in, no ID check. The venue (Sporthalle) is no longer, they knocked it down and built a bigger one on the very spot. I wasn't there to see Metallica, never cared for them, but I just had to see QR, glad I did. What a great band they were back then and what a fantastic album Mindcrime was and still is. Killer songs, great sound, super smart lyrics, perfect package.

[@psychocity1963]

What an album...I agree...R.I.P. Queensryche....What a loss...

[@kmanick107]

Firing on all cylinders here, what a great band they were.

[@jbexciter]

QUEENSRYCHE - Take Hold Of The Flame - the beast song it band.

[@hamletp]

legendary band.....great vision

[@outtahere321]

Man, that Revolution Calling tune takes some PIPES and no doubt Geoff could more than handle it...... what a BAND!!! Awesome vocals and instruments..... no doubt when they played and sang they didn't hold back.

[@phillymichelle8370]

I saw them when they opened for Def Leppard in 1988 in Philadelphia. Hands down best concert I EVER saw, and I seen Metallica, GnR, Motley Crue, Whitesnake, you get the Idea. We were all waiting to see if Geoff's voice was gonna sound live as good as on the CD. And halfway into Revolution Calling, we knew hell yeah, and were blown away. The ppl behind us never knew anything about who Queensryche even was, so we are trying to explain the whole concept story. Their mouths dropped to the floor by the end of the 1st song. There was 4 of them and after their show was done, they all ran out and bought Operation Mindcrime at the vendors. It was cool because on their Hysteria tour, DL had the stage in the middle, so nobody had a bad seat, was great. Wish they would get back together. What is it with lead singers and guitarist? I saw Dokken at Monsters of Rock, I loved them, but Don and George hated each other, Ozzy had a new guitarist every 10 years, Whitesnake (ex-guitarist) John Sykes and Dave Coverdale, Vanhalen brothers with David Lee Roth. I could go on for hours probably. Too many growing egos? I was hoping Queensryche was gonna come back later that tour but I think they went opening for Metallica after Def Lep. They came back in 1991 in support of Empire. You could tell they were beat by that point. They had been touring for almost 2 and a half years, So they looked a little beat up, but they still were awesome! Whoever is singing backing has a good voice, it may be Eddie. NOBODY can beat Geoff Tate's voice, he is in a category all himself. Sebastian Bach was great live too, but still not as good. Baz was on Broadway a few years back. Dr.jeckyl and Mr. Hyde. He was the perfect person to play him! LOL

[@VideoGameMetal01]

Greatest Metal Concept album, but also the greatest concept album period.

[@Kaziriasatalve.]

such an amazing live , totally sounds like studio album..

[@TheSoundgod59]

kazi riasat Thank you!

[@squidippy]

I had the fortune of living in the Seattle then and watching Queensryche in the clubs and throughout their career. They were the perfect storm of musicans. They were unbelievable in the late 80's and very early 90's. But "Empire" was the pinacle. Geoff Tate's voice blew out and he started just singing and not belting it out. Degarmo wrote the badass tunes. After he left they never sounded the same. In the end Queensrych's magic was destroyed by greed and Geoff Tate's ego. RIP Queensryche.

[@kyleservis219]

Before Scott, Ed and Whip stopped giving a shit about the band... the glory days, when Scott had that epic drum set, Geoff could shatter glass, Chris and Whip could kill and dual combo and Ed could shake foundations....

[@jamesadams7131]

I saw them open for Kiss in San Diego 198???

[@Redliwild]

Great Concert thanks

[@seanjtyose]

geoff was out of his prime too quickly. even on this he doesent sound the same as on the cd and his singing here is better than livecrime. why did he smoke with a voice like that?

[@FreeMTrider]

I saw this tour and Livecrime in '91. By Livecrime the show was dialed and better than this one. Everyone comments on the smoking part. He hasn't smoked for way over a decade now and the effects of smoking are not what he experienced. His is due to constant touring and singing very difficult songs. Everyone's voice changes as they age. You lose the high notes. He still has sustain which is what smoking would have taken away and it would have become rough like Halfords. His vocals changed too.

[@iLIKEHDMi]

WTF they're perfect!!!!

[@heashon2000]

Boy, the camera really hates Michael Wilton.

[@matalmike]

I concur. The last true QR album was "Empire"! QR was never the same after that and they never will be no matter who's up front. Degarmo was key to the vision of QR, and watching Wilton try to perform (sloppy as he is) half stoned and drunk was a joke.....

[@호철-i7s]

젊음이 좋구나..최고의 라이브.

[@ya6655]

I WASN'T AT THIS SHOW !!! but give me a like anyhow .

[@andythompson203]

Seen this tour in Denver! These guys were amazing! Metallica was great too!!

[@ManolitoMystiq]

It’s not so much the lung capacity and not being able to breath freely that is suicidal for the voice, but the dehydration of the vocal folds. Sure, they ones you mentioned are additional factors, but obviously the vocal folds are the main source that can get some serious issues.

[@bryanpearson8865]

WTF, that late 80s trend of cutting your concert shirts into nothing, right after paying $20 for them. Brings back high school memories! Damn this band is tight and talented.

[@F1fan56]

This is when Queensryche was great.

[@loveguitars]

Excellent

[@HitMan1515]

Is this the tour where they blew metallica away?

[@jestermindcrime1773]

+Teresa Godfrey sry my friend ,,,THEY DID!

[@HitMan1515]

+Mike Worth I had 2 friends that seen different shows and said that. QR was tight back then!

[@jestermindcrime1773]

+Myst hell yeah!! that's what I ment, saw this tour myself,was awesome,blew Metallica all the way back to San Fran!!!

[@Lighteye67]

+Myst - They were tight AF in Frankfurt, Germany in Nov '88...it was an amazing show. Metallica didn't even register on me that night.

[@Encrypted_God]

Don't worry about what the others say, I gotcha. However, I would've gone that far but I gotcha. :)

[@rduquet]

FANTASTIC! YOU ROCK! rduquet

[@popandroid]

damn they were good...still are, at least playing the old stuff. and i REALLY miss my black n red Mindcrime tee shirt, i dont know what happened to it!

[@denniswhalen4345]

Ryche backing up Judas Priest in Toronto.Best two voices in one night=awesome night.

[@BeachRose61]

Poor Geoff! When he had to talk to that German guy in the beginning, he looked like he would rather be in hell or something! That was painful to watch, but the music is all worth it! Love me some Queensryche, and I'm a 50+ year old grandma!!! And Geoff is still hot....

[@toddaldworth644]

Dont get all crazy now with Queensryche then and now. The new lineup featuring Todd La Tora, that is the new Queensryche album released June 25 2013. The music and La Tora on vocals smokes Jeff Tate. Buy the new album and listen and you will see!

[@troyalcorn1184]

Is funny how time changes concepts and perspectives, but we keep repeating the same arguments. Maybe it is something else faulty

[@John_bot.]

I need a Captain,why i can't find the full concert of Operation live crime?

[@laudanum669]

+John Senth bot I'm not sure. I was wondering the same thing. I saw them at First Avenue in Minneapolis in 2005 they played Operation Mindcrime in it's entirety. First Ave holds only 1500 people it would have been a great opportunity to record a show. They had actors playing out some of the parts, it was an amazing show. I got a laminated set list from the sound guy.

[@DadsAPleb]

+John Senth bot I got a question here... I want to know... is there anyone here in Madison Wisconsin that believes.... in love..... well I don't....

[@ColKorn1965]

Geoff is looking at the German guy like" WTF is he sayin'?"!!!

[@Crackhitler68]

First of all I've met the man twice!! Once in 86 and then 04.. In 86 I was very lucky with help from ex girlfriend we followed there limo and bus after the show 2 the Holiday Inn where they stayed at! My ex did her magic and presto I'm hanging with the band! Geoff was chain smoking like crazy and party favors as well!

[@breathcancer]

The mighty Queensryche. IMO there are no bad recorded media of Qr.

[@Crackhitler68]

The last year of Geoff Tate's vocals in his prime... His voice starts to fade due heavy smoking and partying etc.. Not to say he couldn't sing anymore.. He just can't hit those same high notes anymore with power.. :-(

[@m.d5483]

I remember taking my sister in law to see this show with Metallica and she had never heard Queensryche before. She cried during the show. That's how you know a band is truly great when it evokes an emotion that cannot be contained. She still talks about it. This band is hands down the best progressive metal band of the era.

[@jbexciter]

QUEENSRYCHE - Take Hold Of The Flame - the beast song it band.

[@festushaggen2563]

These lyrics are more relevant than ever today. “I used to trust the media to tell me the truth. But now I see the payoffs everywhere I look. Who do you trust when everyone’s a crook?” - Revolution Calling

[@gaetano5669]

Hey bud, cool it with the pro maga talk.

[@Muisje68]

Exactly my thoughts!

[@loveloveandhatehate]

Try to distinguish between art and reality... They may overlap but don't let the sound drive you crazy 😧🤣 Magagagagoogoogaga 😆

[@LarryWhitford]

Should be a movie!. Probably a documentary today though.

[@dawson1787]

No Geoff Tate, Chris DeGarmo, and Scott Rockenfield means no Queensryche

[@swampscott2670]

Saw this a few days earlier in Dortmund, opening for Metallica. This was Queensrych in their prime and they blew Metallica away, both musically and for having a much better mix. Came mostly to see them and remember leaving during the Kirk Hammett solo...

[@raymondlurvink348]

swampscott2670 They blew Metallica away damn right. I saw them in Leiden, it felt like they had a podium of just 10m2 but the sound and the set were amazing. Geoff hit every note, Chris, Michael and Eddie were spot on and Scott was out of this world. Never ever saw an opening act better than QR, they should have been headers already by then, they were in their prime. After Chris left in 1997 the band lost its magic, he was the spider in its web.

[@YusukeTomB]

When De Garmo left....it broke them....and me. I thank them for the amazing work they gave us. This band was everything to me back in the day.

[@Lordestroyer]

DeGarmo is so underrated as a guitar player, but forget that. Let’s talk about his vocal ability and range!!!

[@Mechashiva76]

Under lights and judging eyes ;)

[@PlacidDragon]

No, he was not underrated as a guitar player (both DeGarmo and Wilton were very very good). He might have been a bit underrated as a backup vocalist, because his voice is surprisingly good (for someone who isn't a vocalist). Where he was definitely underrated was..well.. how do i say this... it became very evident that DeGarmo was the "engine" of the band.. he wrote most of the songs, etc. When he left, it created a void that simply could not be filled. For me personally, when DeGarmo left, Queensryche died.

[@tool7empest353]

00:00 Interview 04:52 Anarchy X/Revolution Calling 10:58 Operation Mindcrime 15:30 Speak 19:09 Spreading the Disease 23:37 Take Hold of the Flame 28:30 Breaking the Silence 33:20 I Don't Believe in Love 37:49 Eyes of a Stranger

[@JamesMartinGuitar]

In their prime, these guys were downright intimidating to aspiring musicians.

[@rafaelmarmusic]

The first deeply intelligent metal band, the one that made Heavy Metal seem to have reached some maturity. Geof was untoutcheable at live performances...

[@scottduyser8583]

I saw this American tour. these guys opened for Metallica on there Justice for all. Awesome!!!

[@angusorvid8840]

Yeah, I saw it at Long Beach Arena. The Hell's Angels stole our seats! Then ripped them off the foundations! We had floor seats, center, four rows from the stage. It was a madhouse! I was there for QR, not 'Tallica.

[@dnashofficial]

......and wiped the FLOOR with them! i was tenth row centre in New Haven, and it was a slaughter. metallica was wasted and just god awful. lars didn't get a single double kick run in "one" proper. ryche was surgical, note perfect, and didn't even take an encore.... just left you with "REVOLUTION!!!". the lights went off, and when they came back on again all of 10 seconds later, half their set was struck and the crowd was left standing there in shock, lol. simply amazing.

[@kennethfurr7397]

Me too! In Greensboro, NC. Queensryche sounded better than Metallica.

[@crownrights]

Geoff Tate in his prime.