by Deb Rao
– Sr. Columnist —
February 6, 2016 at Vamp’d in Las Vegas, NV. —
What better way to celebrate Superbowl weekend than watching Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime at Vamp’d in Las Vegas on Superbowl eve? Geoff and company performed to a sold out crowd at one of the hottest nightclubs in Las Vegas–Vamp’d.
The band performed a two-hour set infused with hits from Operation: Mindcrime and his new album The Key. Geoff was in a great mood complimenting Sin City’s entertainment roster and restaurants. Highlights of the set included “I Don’t Believe In Love” and the haunting “Eyes Of A Stranger.” The Rock set was great but what really touched on the bands musical expertise was the magical acoustic set. Guitarist Scott Moughton executed the precise melodic riffs and chords so eloquently on his red Ovation acoustic guitar. Guitarist Kelly Gray was also great. The vocals of Geoff Tate soared on the acoustic renditions on “Silent Lucidity” and “I Don’t Believe In Love.”
Geoff Tate and company also performed two new songs from The Key. The new music sounds very modern and has a rocking edge. Geoff paid tribute to the new modern age of computers with new song “Re-inventing The Future.” New song “The Fall” also has a nice saxophone solo. Drummer Simon Wright never missed a beat, pounding out the great tempos. Geoff is not one to rely on his past laurels and new album The Key takes the talented singer to a new chapter in his life. One thing was for certain tonight, Geoff mesermized the crowd with his unique melodic golden voice.
I had the pleasure of talking with the band after the show at the meet and great. On Superbowl eve they were hoping for The Broncos to win The Superbowl, as their beloved Seattle Seahawks were defeated by The Panthers earlier this year.
Special Thank you Geoff’s management for making this review possible.
For tour dates go to www.operationmindcrime.com
You know what the full set list was?