Geoff Tate interview

Ahead of the event taking place on July 19th in the stunning San Marco Basin in Venice (all the info here, editor’s note), we caught up with the legendary Geoff Tate, the iconic voice of Queensrÿche and frontman on masterpieces such as “Rage for Order”, “Operation: Mindcrime”, and “Empire”. Our chat happened during a sudden drop in temperature across the Venetian province, an unexpected cold snap that seems to have affected Tate as well, “freezing” him, so to speak. Perhaps that’s why he came across as a bit tight-lipped in his responses (even skipping a few questions, editor’s note).

Here’s the recap of our chat. Enjoy!

Puoi leggere l’intervista in italiano qui.

Interview by Marco Donè

Hello Geoff – Marco Donè here from Truemetal.it. It’s a genuine pleasure to have you with us today. How are you?

Thank you, I am doing fine.

On 19 July you’ll be playing a one-off concert in Venice’s San Marco Basin, an echo of Pink Floyd’s iconic performance 36 years ago. How does that resonate with you?

Yes I’m very excited about the show. The location is something very different for me and I like different.

This performance is part of your tour marking the full-album celebration of “Operation: Mindcrime”. As a landmark in metal history, what does it feel like to revisit the album after all this time?

One word comes to mind and that is “Great”. I love playing the album live.

Do the themes of “Operation: Mindcrime” still strike a chord in today’s world, or do they feel rooted in their original 1988 context?

The story of Operation: Mindcrime seems to stand the test of time. Political intrigue, corporate sponsored murder, drug addiction and religious manipulation seem to be on the front page of every news story today.

Your vocal delivery is celebrated for its dramatic flair. Are there any contemporary metal singers you see carrying that same torch? Who springs to mind?

I actually don’t remember a time when there were so many metal singers. Times change.

When you first began singing, which vocalists inspired you most?

I started singing when I was very young, nine years old in fact, so my early influences were the Beatles, CSN&Y, The Eagles. I was very drawn to music that featured vocal harmonies.

Looking back over your career, is there anything you would do differently, or would you retrace exactly the same path?

I would absolutely do everything different. Why repeat what you’ve already done. Life is such an amazing adventure and it’s so unbelievably short. I wish I could live forever.

Of all the records you’ve lent your voice to, which are your personal favourites, and why?

I like all the records that I’ve performed on. It’s really impossible to choose a favorite because music is about an emotional connection, a mood you are in.

You’ve hinted at the possibility of a Queensrÿche reunion – something fans have long speculated about. Is there genuine momentum behind a reunion, or is it wishful thinking?

I don’t think I have hinted at any kind of reunion. What I have said is that I am open to talking. Queensryche was incredibly productive for thirty years. Thirty years is an amazing amount of time, most bands can’t make it to ten years.

Outside of music, you have a strong affinity for Italy and its wines. Could you tell us about your ventures beyond singing?

Yes I have a wine label and brand called “Insania”. We make a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Grigio. The wine grapes are grown organically in the southwest of Germany in an area called Baden.

Do you have a particular favourite Italian wine?

I do. Actually I live in Umbria and I love the Sangrantino grape. Della Cima 2010 is my favorite red. I also love the Vernaccia white wine from San Gimignano in Tuscany. My favorite is from Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara.

Dave Mustaine shares your passion for wine – his daughter even runs an estate in Le Marche. Have you tried their vintages, and do you ever swap notes with Dave on the subject?

I have not tried their wine. I would like to.

That brings us to the end, Geoff. Thank you ever so much for your time. Any parting words for the readership of Truemetal.it?

I hope to hear everyone, that attends the concert, singing along with me – LOUDLY ! Thanks for the interview Marco!

Marco Donè