Ex-Queensrÿche singer Geoff Tate has revealed the 2026 leg of his "Operation: Mindcrime – The Final Chapter" tour will be the last time he performs the band's classic 1988 concept album in full, citing his age and the physical toll of the show. Tate, 67, said he wants to retire the performance while he is still able to do it justice rather than risk appearing on stage in poor health, and described the album as a gruelling emotional and physical workout that leaves him drained after every gig.

Speaking to YouTube channel Trust In Rock, Tate said the hour-long record takes performers and audiences alike on an emotional "rollercoaster", leaving him feeling "shell-shocked" the next day. He remains proud of the record, whose themes of political manipulation and disillusionment he considers timeless, and noted he never expected to still be performing it decades on. The interview comes after Tate released "Operation: Mindcrime III", the final chapter in the album series under his own name rather than the Queensrÿche banner, produced by Disturbed bassist John Moyer and featuring new guitarist Kieran Robertson, retelling the story of drug addict-turned-assassin Nikki from the perspective of the manipulative Dr. X.