In a recent interview with "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern", ex-QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate opened up about his upcoming "Operation: Mindcrime – The Final Chapter" tour and his new solo music. The tour, set to kick off on March 18, 2025 in Tucson, will mark the last time the 65-year-old vocalist performs the band's classic "Operation: Mindcrime" album in its entirety.

Why This is the Last Time

When asked why this is the last time he is performing "Operation: Mindcrime" in full, Tate had a simple yet humorous answer. He said, "Well, because it’s gonna take me a couple of years [to hit all the cities and countries around the world], when I’m almost 70. [Laughs] That’s a good reason, I think." It shows his practicality and sense of timing.Regarding his new music, over the last couple of years while preparing for this tour, Geoff revealed that they have quite a few songs written for the album. He mentioned that they will release a song one at a time over a two-year period. And in the meantime, he is finishing up the "The Big Rock Show" tour which ends in Scandinavia in January. It's a slow process that takes him about two to two and a half years to reach everywhere.

Musical Direction of New Solo Material

Geoff described the musical direction of his new solo material as having more of an early QUEENSRŸCHE feel. The new songs are super heavy and some of them are incredibly technical, like algebra. You need a calculator when listening to them. [Laughs] And of course, some of them are very emotional. It's the last chapter in the 'Mindcrime' series, following the exploits of Dr. X and Nikki and Sister Mary, and picking up at a particular point in their story to do a detailed exploration of what is happening at that time. He is extremely happy with everything so far and can't wait for people to hear it.When asked if there will be "some of those political interplays" within the lyrical themes on "Operation: Mindcrime III", Tate said, "Oh, I think so. Yeah, I think that people will be able to detect little bits of what’s happening around them. And it’s an interesting time right now — very interesting. Especially next week [after the 2024 U.S. presidential election], it’s gonna be really interesting [laughs] what happens. So, we’ll see."

About "Operation: Mindcrime II"

In a 2016 interview with East Valley Tribune, Tate looked back fondly on "Operation: Mindcrime II". He admitted that he hadn't listened to that album since he recorded it. However, he believed it was a new story and went down well live with the audience. He had no complaints or regrets about it.During QUEENSRŸCHE's 2012 legal battle with Tate over the rights to the band's name, guitarist Michael Wilton submitted a sworn declaration. He claimed that the idea to make "Operation: Mindcrime II" was first brought to the table by Geoff's wife and the band's then-manager Susan Tate. The band was hesitant as they didn't want to lessen the original. But Susan and Geoff hired a budget producer and took control without much input from the rest of the band. Scott Rockenfield, Eddie Jackson and he were squeezed out of the musical direction and business decisions, and the project suffered. He was frustrated as he was often excluded from the writing process and final recordings. It was only years later that he became aware of the issues during the final recording and mixing.In April 2014, a settlement was reached after a nearly two-year legal battle. Tate sued over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being fired in 2012. Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson responded with a countersuit. The settlement allowed Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson to continue as QUEENSRŸCHE, while Tate would have the sole right to perform "Operation: Mindcrime" and "Operation: Mindcrime II" in their entirety live.Tate's replacement, Todd La Torre, has released four albums with QUEENSRŸCHE so far: 2013's "Queensrÿche", 2015's "Condition Hüman", 2019's "The Verdict" and 2022's "Digital Noise Alliance".

Nintendo is making a significant move in the gaming world by bringing back the beloved Disney Music Parade. This revival, known as Disney Music Parade Encore, is set to captivate audiences on the Nintendo Switch. The original Japanese rhythm mobile game, which ran from 2021 to 2023, has now found a new home on this popular gaming console.

Game Release and Availability

Disney Music Parade Encore was released on November 21 in Japan and is scheduled to get a wider Asia release on December 12. However, a specific release date for the United States has not been announced yet. This anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the chance to immerse themselves in the magical world of Disney music through this game.

Track Selection and Variety

The game boasts an impressive collection of 60 tracks, including classics from Disney and Pixar films such as "Cinderella," "Peter Pan," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "The Lion King," and "Toy Story." In addition to these beloved movie soundtracks, there are also four Disney Parks tracks that feature the theme music from Main Street Electrical Parade, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Fantasmic, and "it’s a small world." This diverse range of music ensures that players of all ages and interests will find something to enjoy.

Each track has been carefully curated to capture the essence and spirit of the respective Disney franchises. The attention to detail in the music selection is evident, transporting players to the magical worlds of their favorite Disney stories with every note. Whether it's the enchanting melodies of "Cinderella" or the adventurous tunes of "The Lion King," every track adds to the overall immersive experience of the game.

The inclusion of Disney Parks tracks brings an extra layer of nostalgia for those who have visited the parks and experienced the magic of these parades in person. It allows players to relive those memories and bring a piece of the park into their homes.

Gameplay and Features

The gameplay of Disney Music Parade Encore is designed to be both engaging and fun. Players will need to tap, swipe, and slide in time with the music to progress through the levels and complete various challenges. The intuitive controls make it accessible for both casual and hardcore gamers alike, allowing everyone to enjoy the rhythm-based gameplay.

The game also features colorful and vibrant graphics that bring the Disney characters and worlds to life. The animations are smooth and fluid, adding to the overall visual appeal of the game. Whether it's watching Mickey Mouse dance along to the music or seeing the characters from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in action, the graphics enhance the overall gaming experience.

In addition to the main gameplay mode, there may be additional features and mini-games that players can unlock as they progress through the game. These additional elements add to the replay value and keep players coming back for more.

Trailer and Further Information

To get a glimpse of what Disney Music Parade Encore has to offer, be sure to watch the trailer below. The trailer showcases some of the game's best moments and gives a taste of the music and gameplay that await players.

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