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By Andrew Danesi
In 1988, a heavy metal band from Seattle known as Queensr˙che wrote the record that would change their careers forever. Operation: Mindcrime was a bold record, filled with social commentary, politically driven anthems, and to top it off, a Shakespearian love story. It was a rock opera written at a time when metal fans were more into mindlessly banging their heads rather than using them to think.
Queensr˙che brought this sci-fi rock opera on tour in the early '90s as Operation: Livecrime, a full-scale performance complete with animated video sequences and live action video sequences. Lead vocalist Geoff Tate even had costume changes, playing many of the male roles in the story. Vocalist Pamela Moore played the part of Mary on stage with them and the tour was very successful.
This year, Queensr˙che did something that most bands probably wouldn't dare do - revisit old material and use it to create a sequel to the original Operation: Mindcrime, and then take it out on tour as a complete two-act play featuring actors, props and video sequences. The story itself is quite involved. The cast of characters includes the hero, a junkie named Nikki, an ex-hooker turned nun named Mary, and probably one of the most sinister villains ever, Dr. X. For years, the story had a very open end, with many fans having their own interpretations. For a detailed explanation of the story, check out the band's website.
Queensr˙che has built a reputation for being an amazing live act, and this tour was no exception. Having no opening act, they played the first Mindcrime in its entirety, had a brief intermission and then performed the new Operation: Mindcrime II in its entirety for the first time ever. This also allowed them to reveal how the story truly pans out and gives so many fans closure after so many years of wondering what happened to their favorite rock 'n' roll anti-hero.
Their overall performance was amazing. The show at Nokia Theatre in Times Square was a truly riveting show. They brought in an actor to portray Nikkie, and the beautiful Pamela Moore joined them once again to portray Mary. They even went so far as to have an actor play Dr. X when Nikki finally kidnaps him, and well, I'll let you listen to the album and figure it out. I wouldn't want to spoil anything.
If you get the opportunity to see this show on tour you will not be disappointed. Unfortunately, they have already left New York, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a DVD in the works. Also, in the near future they hope to begin production on a movie version of the first Mindcrime record. So don't fret, if you can't make it to whatever city they're hitting next, you'll be able to see this awesome story unfold on the big screen.
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