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GEOFF TATES Operation Mindcrime The Final Chapter packs the Ogden Theater in Denver, CO 2-21-2026


I was very happy to see Geoff Tate's Operation Mindcrime tour playing the Ogden Theater in Denver this time around. The Ogden holds 500 fans more than the previous venue he played in for years. And it was no surprise the venue was packed for his show. On a side note, I was the only photographer. 


Returning with Geoff was long time friend Tomas McCarthy along with his wife Clodagh and long time friend James Keegan. I was really happy to see them again, I really enjoyed them a great deal last year when I first saw them.

The crowd was eager for the night to get started and roared when Tomas McCarthy took the stage and opened their set with “Stand Your ground”. It might have been just me but, I felt the energy level was already heading to the roof from their first song. I wasn’t wrong! Tomas and Clodagh vocals rang out through the venue. Then Clodagh picked up her saxophone and poured out her heart through it! The crowd was wowed by her playing and stage presence. (see photo gallery) Closing out their set, Tomas worked over his guitar playing it like a drum as Clodagh held it down. When he finished, the venue let out a deafening roar. Tomas McCarthy is a must see live experience! You will not be disappointed!


Tomás McCarthy - vocals and guitar 

Clódagh Kearney - vocals and saxophone

James Keegan - guitar


Set list:

Stand Your Ground

Siúil a Rúin

Battle My Way

Colours

Out on the Western Plains - Lead Belly cover



With the stage turned over, it was time for OGMA. OGMA is a newly formed hard rock band from Ireland. They started touring just a few weeks ago and their set is a mix of originals and covers. Right away the guys came jumping and bouncing their way on stage and that set the tone for a fun and very energetic set. Two familiar members were James Brown and Jimmy Wynen who would join Geoff Tate a little later. Throughout their set they had the crowd jumping with them through their set. Keep an eye on these guys, I see good things for them in the future.

OGMA members:

Colin Frecknell - drums, vocals

Jimmy Wynen - bass, vocals

James Brown - guitar, vocals

D.J. O'Sullivan


Set list:

Keep Movin"

Jailbreak - Thin Lizzy cover

New Day

All Right Now -Free cover

Uaigness

Enslaved




With the stage now set, the clock seemed to slow town. You could feel the anticipation throughout the venue, the fog poured out onto the stage as the wait continued. As the track, “I Remember Now” brought a roar from the crowd as the band members took their place on stage. The guitarists lined up facing the drummer as the fog moved across the stage. And then the explosion into “Anarchy-X”. The guitarists turned and moved to the front of the stage displaying their amazing skills as the crowd was roaring, arms in the air. 



Soon to follow timing his vocals, Geoff Tate steps out of the fog moving to the front of the stage, fans cheering and waving their arms in the air. This wasn’t just another concert, it was a theatrical experience of sight and sound. Moving through the story of “Operation Mindcrime” movement about the stage was choreographed. Guitarists would meet together, a tap on the shoulder by Geoff meant the guitarists moved away as Geoff would pour out his vocals leaning out to the crowd. This would continue throughout the night. There's one thing for sure, at 67 years old, Geoff's vocals are as powerful as ever.



Throughout the show, the interaction of the musicians with each other and the crowd was fun to watch and for me, to photograph. I was the only photographer and that made for a little extra attention from the members that adds to the enjoyment of being a concert photographer. (see photo gallery) After the first 3 songs, I joined my stepdaughter, Sherry in the crowd. This was a big night for us, we had recently connected with each other after 26 years. Geoff Tate is her favorite vocalist but had never seen him live, I changed that for her.



For the rest of the show, we watched what I mentioned earlier, a theatrical experience. One by one, Geoff made it a point to latch onto each member, showcasing their amazing talents. Clodagh McCarthy was also on stage the entire set with her vocals and duets with Geoff. Other additions to the musicians that night were, Bruno Sa on  keyboards, Ryan Parsons on Violin, and Julia-Maria QWuirke on the Cello. Adding to this amazing evening of sight and sound. Leading into the encore, Geoff took a moment to tell his fans about how the next song was played at weddings, funerals, and making children, he admitted to have 2 of his own children to this song. Sherry and I held onto each other a little tighter because this was both of ours favorite song. We and the crowd knew which song it was going to be. “Silent Lucidity”. Looking throughout the crowd, people were moving back and forth and singing along with each other and Geoff. This incredible night came to an end with, “Take Hold of the Flame”. This was the final stop for the American tour. Europe is next. What an amazing night! This will go down as one of my all time favorite shows.



Geoff Tate band members:

Lead vocals - Geoff Tate 

Guitarist - James Brown - 

Guitarist - Dario Parente

Guitarist - Kieran Robertson

Drums - Robert Ray Baker Jr 

Bass Guitar - Jack Ross

Clodagh McCarthy - Vocals, joined Geoff for his full set 

Bruno Sa - keyboards

Ryan Parsons - Violin

Julia-Maria QWuirke - Cello


Set list 2-21-26 Denver, CO

Anarchy-X

Revolution Calling

Operation: Mindcrime

Speak

Spreading the Disease

The Mission

Suite Sister Mary

The Needle Lies

Electric Requiem

I Remember Now

Breaking the Silence

I Don't Believe in Love

Waiting for 

My Empty Room

Eyes of a Stranger

Jet City Woman

Empire


Encore

Invincible

Silent Lucidity

Take Hold of the Flame 



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