reviews
Mindcrime - Islington Assembly Hall 5th September
The show began with a haunting introduction and a smoke machine, which created a ghostly effect. The ambience felt very forboding as if you were in a cemetary but the energy very quickly shifted to a fast pace with an immersive drumbeat when Geoff Tate came on stage
He wore a bowler hat, tight leather trousers and sunglasses, parts of which he took off bit by bit during the show slowly revealing himself. First the hat, then the sunglasses and unzipping his vest. Maybe he wanted us to see his face behind the sunglasses, maybe it was hot on stage but entertaining non the less. He can truly sing as he bellowed lyrics to "Operation Mindcrime" and "Revolution Calling" hitting and holding his notes. In a venue like Islington Assembly Hall this type of sound travels well and can give you chills. I caught myself singing along with the other fans despite hearing both songs for the first time and chanting "hey ho" with my fists in the air, his music is just that catchy and easy to remember. Clodagh McCarthy, an irish vocalist and keyboardist, dressed in a goth black tulle dress was an absolute highlight who's vocals harmonised perfectly with Geoff Tate, you could hear the sadness in her voice as she portrayed the part of tragic Mary. Their theatrical performance together made for a convincing dramatic rock opera.
There were many elements that were small but important touches which made the overall show that little bit more entertaining. A venue who customises a playlist between sets deserves a special mention with songs from the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Asia and ZZ Top. I always appreciate a smoke machine, the hazy lighting fitted the music well. Geoff Tate didn't hesitate to share the stage and limelight with the entire band which emphasized every members importance, something that isn't always acknowleged effectively with headlining musicians. The audience participation and singing echoed through the room almost finishing his sentences, letting the fans carry the song.
The crowd were a passionate eclectic mix of metal fans donning t- shirts from the likes of Iron Maiden, Skindred, Motorhead and of course Queensryche with battle vests to fit. The show ended with pick and drumstick throwing, a fan standing next to me wearing...you guessed it! a Geoff Tate tour t-shirt, gave me his second Ernie Ball guitar pick he found on the floor thrown by the guitarist himself, on one side read his name "James Brown". Tate sang a new song from his upcoming album Operation Mindcrime iii called "Answers" which was a nice treat for his followers. Again, I caught myself singing along to the catchy chorus.
Towards the end of the show he introduced each band member, a round of applause from the room. Humbly leaving himself out, in true british fashion the crowd began to chant and point as if in a football stadium "who are ya!" before Geoff began to blow kisses to the audience and finish with an encore.
Islington Assembly Hall is a very simple venue to navigate. They have an upstairs seating area and the main hall with two bars on each side and official merchandise stands in the foyer. The venue is a grade ii listed building and I have overheard stories from the staff about chewing gum being left in unruly places instead of the bin, so in effect they have a strict policy with no chewing gum allowed inside to protect the interiors. They do bag searches before entry and have signs before you enter the queue stating what other items are prohibited. There is also a sign to warn you of flashing lights which can be stimulating for some and nauseating for others.
I rocked up to this show not knowing what to expect and was truly captivated by Geoff Tate's vocals and smooth dance moves. The entire band executed a fantasric performance, especially Clodagh McCarthy who didn't fail to command the stage. The theatrical element was a great surprise and the excited crowd made for a great atmosphere. They definitely have a new fan.