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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: DragonAttack on January 26, 2022, 02:07:19 AM
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I have had a few members mention that they would be interested in following along and adding comments regarding the band's discography.
When my life allows me to proceed along, I am going to try to do this massive undertaking. Whether you care to follow along and chime in or not, I politely ask you all to abide by the following few rules:
I am more than aware that some of their songs were...well, shall I say, not to my liking. I am not a fan who always wore Queen colored glasses throughout their career. In fact, some of their songs were truly disappointing. But, I loved that band more than any band I followed, though The Beatles and Alice Cooper were very close to such an impressionable youngster of the time.
PLEASE DON"T JUMP AHEAD
So many of their live releases were decades after the performances. I am going to do abide by the years of performance. Therefore, I am going to post 'Live at the Rainbow '74' after their 'Queen II' release, and not near the end of their official releases (in this case, 2014).
I respectfully ask that commentators do not make comments such as "well, in 85 they did this or that" when we are still discussing what they did right or wrong in '78 " ....which, btw, was the best rock concert I have ever attended.
I am by no means a ‘know it all’ expert, though in my five North American Queen convention trivia contests in the ‘00’s, I won once, and finished in the Top Five the other times. I also finished with the high score two times during the written preliminaires, but gave up my spot to the 6th place contestants.
My most ‘memorable’ moment: sitting with the other four finalists in chairs in front of all the attendees one year, and having it come down to the final two. We would be asked to write down our responses. The question: ‘Who was the lead actor in ‘Highlander’? I had just purchased a 12” ‘One Year of Love’ vinyl for my wife with his picture on it, and….. my mind went blank! :censored
My wife and I have made friendships spanning three decades because of our enjoyment of the music (and common interests).
Just as with assisting Orbert during the Jethro Tull discography, I hope this helps both you and me distract me from the pandemic. I am also not going to be a whirlwind, as each album (live album if applicable) is going to be for 2-4 weeks (you'll understand once this gets going)
We'll sift though the 'Smile' album and any pre Queen release comments by the first weekend of February, and move on from there.
Enjoy!
QUEEN in 1970, with then bassist Mike Grose
(https://i2-prod.cornwalllive.com/whats-on/music-nightlife/article1721146.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/queen1-new.jpg)
March 2023 update
QUEEN DISCOGRAPHY INDEX
(chronological as to when the concerts occurred, not when officially released)
QUEEN I this page
BBC Sessions 1-6, Pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 31, 42
QUEEN II, tour, and Rainbow March ’74 Pages 2-4
SHEER HEART ATTACK, tour, and Rainbow Nov ’74 Pages 4-6
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, tour, and Hammersmith Odeon ’75 Pages 6-9
HYDE PARK concert, September ’76 (attendance 150,000) Page 9
A DAY AT THE RACES, tour, and Earl’s Court Pages 9-11
NEWS OF THE WORLD, tour, and Houston ’77 Pages 11-14
JAZZ, and tour Page 14
LIVE KILLERS Page 15
THE CRAZY TOUR, Concert for Kampuchea, Hammersmith ‘79 Page 16
THE GAME, and tour Pages 16-17
FLASH GORDON Pages 17-18
South American first tour (record setting 120,000 attendance at the time), and then ‘Gluttons For Punishment’ Page 19
GREATEST HITS I Pages 19-20
ROCK MONTREAL ’81 Page 20
HOT SPACE, tour, Live At The Bowl, Page 20-22
THE WORKS and tour Pages 22-25
ROCK N RIO (with Iron Maiden and 350,000 in attendance) Page 25
LIVE AID Pages 25-26
A KIND OF MAGIC, tour (including Live Magic, Wembley, Budapest, and Knebworth) Pages 26-28
THE MIRACLE Pages 31-32
INNUENDO Pages 32-33
GREATEST HITS II (and North American GH and Classic Queen) Pages 33-34
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert Pages 34-35 (STL on 36)
MADE IN HEAVEN Pages 37-38
ROCKS Pages 38
GREATEST HITS III Page 39
FOREVER Page 40
21st CENTURY reissues, Q+PR, Q+AL Pages 41 onwards
Solo works to be inserted later on.
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OCTOBER 2023 EDIT
All of the concert links throughout this discography went to the nether world when Ryan Newton shut down his youtube site earlier this year.
If you wish to listen to most of the shows, I found this individual's account a while back, and just have never got around to posting it until today. The quality of these uploads are virtually the same, but the in depth discussion and breakdown of each song's performance have also vanished. :sad: :tdwn
MILES FERNANDO
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4A5EY_jw2aNBiF1sI-L_w3_iAfoJZcDT
video
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4A5EY_jw2aPQV58ddrKAjRwIfFDiAT1y
Time to go back to where we started...........
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First of all, the official release of the album 'Smile'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile_(band)
https://www.discogs.com/release/1969093-Smile-Ghost-Of-A-Smile
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Alright Joe. I'm in! A Queen Discography And Listening Party™ Thread.
Looking forward to your stories and experiences. I love when music and music history mix. I put a lot of time and research into my UFO Listening Party thread and it was a labor of love.
I'm an extremely casual Queen fan. I had a copy of Queen's Greatest Hits in college and I wore it out, but I was more of a metal guy and was not intrigued enough to follow up on their albums. I did buy Live Killers in a wonderfully small used record shop at that time.
The Lovely Mrs TAC loves Queen.... she had the movie on in the bedroom the other night when I went to bed.
But she's really loves Freddie Mercury. Loves him. In fact, I've offered to take her to see the Queen and Adam Lambert shows and she said she wasn't interested. No one could replace Freddie. We even loved Adam Lambert on American Idol that season and thought he was amazing.
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I'll be following as well. I did a Queen listen through a while back and honestly was a bit shocked and how much I didn't care for some of their music. I'd like to give it another listen through and see if my opinion has changed.
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I'll be following, I did listen to every Queen album, but as of now I've probably forgotten most of the lesser known tracks.
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I will follow, and maybe do a deep dive into the albums as we go along.
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First of all, was the official release of the album 'Smile'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile_(band)
When Staffell left in 1970 to join another band, Humpy Bong, Smile effectively disbanded.
Humpy Bong?? :rollin :rollin
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Listening to Smile now.
Doin' Alright-
I can hear future Queen here. Has both mellow and bombast. Even the use of blended vocal harmonies is present. But what jumped out at me was Brian's lead tone. Just proves how unique it was and simply not studio trickery.
Tim Staffell is pretty good vocalist too.
Blag-
Almost metal! Staffell reminds me a bit of John Lawton here.
Holy crap, this song freaking rocks!
April Lady-
Once again, the harmonized vocals stand out.
Polar Bear-
Would love to hear Freddie sing this. Seems like it was made for his style.
Earth-
Actually a pretty nice song. Brian's trademark solo style for sure, though I feel like the solo doesn't quite fit the feel of the song. I like this song though.
Step On Me-
My first impression is that it reminds me of Slade. Man, you can hear Brian's guitar right through this. Really unique sound.
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Alright Joe. I'm in! A Queen Discography And Listening Party™ Thread.
Looking forward to your stories and experiences. I love when music and music history mix. I put a lot of time and research into my UFO Listening Party thread and it was a labor of love.
I'm an extremely casual Queen fan. I had a copy of Queen's Greatest Hits in college and I wore it out, but I was more of a metal guy and was not intrigued enough to follow up on their albums. I did buy Live Killers in a wonderfully small used record shop at that time.
This is kind of me, too. The first Queen I heard - We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions - was excellent, but "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" didn't sink in until later, and "Another One Bites The Dust" was a big hit when I was still forming my musical tastes, and I don't really like that song at all. I really got into them with Killers, and more specifically, A Kind Of Magic (I LOVE that album, and the followup live record, "Live Magic"). THEN my brother turned me on to Queen II (my favorite Queen record to this day). I find something to like about all their records (yes, even Hot Space) but I can't deny that they are a streaky band for me. I don't love everything, though I do like a lot of it, and the run from AKOM to Innuendo is an amazing run.
One of my few musical regrets not seeing them live, but fair play to me, once I started going to concerts (October 9, 1982, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest) they had just played CT two months prior, and never played CT again.
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and the run from AKOM to Innuendo is an amazing run.
I'll be honest for me that's when things went downhill. Obvisously 'Hot Space' is a low point too, but 'The Works' was a real return to form - arguely right up alongside their best period (Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack & Night at the Opera). Magic, Miracle and Innuendo have a few good singles but as albums they are lightweight for me.
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and the run from AKOM to Innuendo is an amazing run.
I'll be honest for me that's when things went downhill. Obvisously 'Hot Space' is a low point too, but 'The Works' was a real return to form - arguely right up alongside their best period (Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack & Night at the Opera). Magic, Miracle and Innuendo have a few good singles but as albums they are lightweight for me.
I forgot about Works; GREAT album.
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I will follow this. Although I have all of the regular Queen records I'm more of a casual fan, my favorites being The Game, A Kind Of Magic and The Miracle. But the really best record imo is Greatest Hits I.
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Will follow, but cannot promise I will chime in a lot, as I have not listened to a lot of Queen lately and am on several other musical tangents currently. Great band though, one of my favorites. :tup :tup
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Has anyone else listened to the Smile stuff? It's literally about 25 minutes.
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https://www.queenvault.com/ as in depth of listings for all official releases, including all the (too?) numerous variants of individual songs
https://www.queenconcerts.com/ just as in depth for all of their concert appearances
https://www.queenlive.ca/ Bob Wegner has more commentary with pix, audio and video availability of various shows, and his reviews.
Tim, nice comments as to the 'Smile' tracks. For those that don't know, 'Doin' Alright' would appear on Queen I. Parts of 'Blag' will find its way into two different songs, one of which is still part of the Q+AL set list
As to 'Polar Bear'.... damn, was this exciting to hear when leaked on the web years ago. Love the banter between the 'highest pitched' vocalist of the band, Roger Taylor, and Freddie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbIPdx-3cys
(oh, and yes, Tim Staffell did leave to join a band named 'Humpy Bong' )
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https://www.queenlive.ca/ Bob Wegner has more commentary on certain shows, with pix, audio and video availability of various shows, and his reviews.
Holy shit! What an amazing resource this is. Wow, I could spend an entire evening looking through this.
I've spent countless nights researching area (Boston/Providence) shows from the 70's/early 80's (before I started going to concerts). I love looking at the venues, pics, tour postings. I really enjoy that.
This pic from Providence in 1980 jumped out at me:
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-08-26_Providence_08.jpg)
I grew up going to the Civic Center. I know this viewpoint well.
Judas Priest June 4, 1986
(https://i.imgur.com/0r2XoYU.jpg)
I have a couple other shows from that spot as well, but apparently not scanned in.
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^
SWEEEEET !
(and, btw, no matter what discography I'm writing in, somehow a Uriah Heep reference manages to find its way in somehow :lol)
Briefly putting things together from various sites:
Smile was built from the ruins of the band 1984. Brian May left in 1968 and was soon followed by Tim Staffell. Needing a drummer, May posted a note on the Student Union notice board at Imperial College in London, looking for a "Ginger Baker/Mitch Mitchell style drummer". Roger Taylor responded. Smile went on to become a popular live band locally, playing support gigs for Free, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Yes. Smile signed a recording contract with Mercury Records and went on to record six tracks over the course of two sets of studio sessions.
The ’Earth’ / ‘Step On Me’ 45, which I own (hopefully authentic), was not promoted well, and Staffell soon left.
Doin’ Alright would be redone on Queen I. The three ex-Smile members would perform this together on Tim Staffell’s ‘aMigo’ album in 2001, as well as for the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ movie soundtrack. Since Tim was listed as cocreator with Brian, he was able to share in the royalties for the album sales.
Around the same time as Staffell left in 1969, Fred Bulsara was in the band Ibex. During a Liverpool concert in September 1969, for the encores Vagabond Outcast / I’m Going Home, for the first time, Freddie, Brian, and Roger perform onstage together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-RCu9cM8pQ
NEXT UP: Finally settling on a bassist, working on their first LP, the long delay in its release, and what made the airwaves beforehand that ended up as part of the 'Queen' catalogue. [after my edit :D]
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Smile was built from the ruins of the band 1984. Brian May left 1968 and was soon followed ...
So let me get this straight... He was in 1984, but he left 1968??
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/xT9IgN1zEf1Md6N3hu/giphy.gif)
;D
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Leave my cousin out of this.
I'll definitely chime in on this. I own every studio album.
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Smile was built from the ruins of the band 1984. Brian May left 1968 and was soon followed ...
So let me get this straight... He was in 1984, but he left 1968?
;D
Guess I was thinking of Detroit Tiger World Series championships for some reason :lol :facepalm:
INsert 'in', and, oh dear, I could get in trouble for telling you where to insert it ;)
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Free of charge, Queen tested the new De Lane Lea Studios in December 1971 to record their first demos. They finally signed a contract with Trident, and worked at their studios from June-November 1972 during off hours or overnight. In February of 1973, they made the first of their six appearances on BBC radio. ‘My Fairy King’, ‘Keep Yourself Alive’, ‘Doing Alright’, and ‘Liar’ were performed. This band photo of Freddie, Brian, Roger and bassist Deacon John would not be available to the buying public for another four months.
(https://i2-prod.cornwalllive.com/whats-on/music-nightlife/article1150922.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/13660990JPG.jpg)
During 1972, Freddie was approached by producer Robin Geoffrey Cable to record a song in the Phil Spector "Wall Of Sound" style. The Ronettes ‘I Can Hear Music’ was recorded that summer in Trident Studios and features Brian on guitar and Roger on drums. The 1966 Dusty Springfield cover, ‘Goin’ Back’, with Brian on guitar/BVs and Roger on drums/BV.
The style of ‘I Can Hear Music’ will be particularly noticeable on a future recording. A snippet of ‘Goin Back’ will be used decades later on the ‘Made in Heaven’ album. They both appear on various Freddie posthumous releases. 'Goin Back' is a melancholy listen at every spin.
This 45 was released under the pseudonym Larry Lurex. It was released in 1973, one week before the band’s first single. It did not chart.
'I Can Hear Music' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzA4OyalTuI
'Goin Back' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3epki8NAbWg
background of 'Goin Back' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goin%27_Back
Next up: the debut album
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Sweet photo!
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QUEEN I
Released: UK, EMI, July 9, 1973, USA, Elektra, September 1973
UK #32 (recharted in ‘75/’76 at #24), USA #83
Eventually certified Gold in the UK and USA, Platinum in Poland
Singles: Keep Yourself Alive / Son and Daughter, July 1973
Liar / Doing All Right, February 1974 (US only, ‘butchered’ 3 minute version)
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1639/6425/products/s-l500_39751666-c666-4ace-b4fc-8c077b7e8077_2000x.jpg?v=1597964283)
December 1971, June – November 1972
Liner Notes
QUEEN are FREDDIE MERCURY (vocals, piano), BRIAN MAY (guitars, piano, vocals), DEACON JOHN (bass guitar), ROGER MEDDOWS-TAYLOR (percussion, vocals).
Representing at last something of what Queen music has been over the last three years, this album was produced by JOHN ANTHONY, ROY BAKER, and QUEEN
and engineered by Roy Baker, Mike Stone, Ted Sharpe, Dave Henschel.
Queen's photographer Douglas Puddifoot; cover design Douglas, Freddie and Brian ... and nobody played synthesizer
* The 'names' would change, but the band members would be a constant throughout their career.
Side One
Keep Yourself Alive 3:46
Doing All Right 4:10
Great King Rat 5:41
My Fairy King 4:07
Side Two
Liar 6:26
The Night Comes Down 4:24
Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll 1:48
Son And Daughter 3:24
Jesus 3:45
Seven Seas of Rhye (inst.) 1:10
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Additional notes: ‘Mad the Swine’ was not officially released until the B-side of ‘Headlong’ in '91, and the Hollywood Records LP reissue in ’91. It was originally intended to be placed after ‘Great King Rat’. ‘Keep Yourself Alive (long lost retake) was also included on the HR release. (I will not discuss the long list of 'played with' songs on those reissues).
The remastered version of Queen I in 2011 also included the following De Lane Lea December ’71 demos:
Keep Yourself Alive, The Night Comes Down, Great King Rat, Jesus, Liar, Mad the Swine
*At 7:54, the original 'Liar' would have been one of two 7+ minute studio offerings.
'Hangman', played often up through their ’75 tours, was worked on but no demo exists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPKDe3P8qGc
The same goes for 'Rock n Roll Medley' (which starts with 'Jailhouse Rock', Sept '73) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsFbQfQLFaA
As well as 'Stone Cold Crazy'
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There is certainly a rawness on this album, even more so on the demos and BBC versions (to be discussed later).
The opening track was played in concert through 1981. What a great way for a band to ‘start’ off their career. Freddie’s overlapping LVs (Brian and Roger each get one line). 'Doing Alright’ is a slow then fast holdover from their Smile days. The next two are Freddie in fantasy land, ‘Great King Rat’ being the heavy, with the ‘dreamy’ ‘My Fairy King’ introducing us to Roger’s high vocals (often mistaken for Freddie). For the prog lovers here, there are a dozen or so different melodies throughout its short four minutes.
Side Two kicks off with ‘Liar’, part of their set list through 1977. One of a half dozen songs in their catalogue that would clock in at over six minutes. 'Deacon John' really shines on bass. :D The next three have only a split second between them. ‘The Night Comes Down’, our first real introduction of the ‘old fireplace’ with its symphonic sound. An instrumental ending leads right into a rocking ‘Modern Times’ with Roger on LVs, with some profanity mixed in. ‘Son and Daughter’ provides the first hint of their ‘out front’ overdubbed backing vocals. Brian’s ‘only child’ lyrics, with ‘the world expects a man, to buckle down and shovel sh*t’ line that’s been appropriate during my lifetime (literally and figuratively 😉 ) ‘Jesus’ is a hard one to describe, ‘processional’ and at times heavy. The early instrumental version of ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’ closes out their debut effort.
Personal highlights are certainly ‘Keep Yourself Alive’, and then simply putting the ‘needle down’ and listening to Side Two from start to finish.
As for the wife, tracks 3,4,5, and 9 still rate incredibly high
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Queen_(album)
BBC sessions will be discussed in a few days
(https://images.eil.com/large_image/QUEEN_QUEEN%2B-%2BRADIO%2BSTATION%2BWHITE%2BLABEL-25060c.jpg)
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Going to try and spin the first Queen album later today as long as we don't lose power. We're getting pummeled today.
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It's not their best record, but for all the talk of "great debut albums", this gets sorely overlooked. It's a record I listen to a fair amount; certainly more than some of the more well-known records in their catalogue.
I know DragonAttack asked to keep it in order, so I don't know when this will come up, but the BBC recordings (you need the box set to get all of them) are STELLAR.
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Indeed a great debut. I put it on the same pedestal as the following three albums, but it's definitely the weakest of the bunch.
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Agreed, the next three are better, but still a good debut. Keep Yourself Alive, Liar and Great King Rat are all among my favorites by the band.
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Jesus is an underrated fave. That Deep Purple solo section gets me every time.
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Joe, I reread the OP, and that's interesting about the Convention Trivia contests.
Can you share how and when you became aware of Queen, and how old you were at the time. By my math, you're HS Class of '76? Is that right?
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Imo the debut is solid, but I rarely listen to it.
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Wow, Liar has a great intro..
Damn, this song reminds me of The Sweet.
Has a great solo too.
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The Spotify stream numbers are interesting. The second half of the album has 2+million streams. Doing Alright has 6.6M, and the next two songs have aboiut 4.2M each. Obviously Keep Yourself Alive has a ton. 18+M, but what jumped out at me was how many streams Liar had...25M!!
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Joe, I reread the OP, and that's interesting about the Convention Trivia contests.
Can you share how and when you became aware of Queen, and how old you were at the time. By my math, you're HS Class of '76? Is that right?
Conventions were fun back in the day. Oh, and yeah, I played a certain Alice Cooper song on a jukebox in a bar in '76 when I was legal enough to buy my first beer.
I heard 'Keep Yourself Alive' in late March of '74 at an older friend's house. A month later, I heard 'Queen II' while riding in his VW Bug. A few weeks later,
it's the Aerosmith or Queen warming up for Mott the Hoople concert. I can't remember. Brian May remembers the Farm Arena in Harrisburg as well. Not the particulars of that night, as both him and Joe Perry got snockered, so much so that Brian swore off getting drinking before shows. His story to me and my wife on day 1 of our honeymoon twenty years ago.
Wow, Liar has a great intro..
Damn, this song reminds me of The Sweet.
Has a great solo too.
'Liar' was/is terrific live as well.
Funny you mention Sweet. Check the track listing for this bootleg. https://www.discogs.com/release/2523883-Queen-Sheetkeeckers-Recorded-Live-In-Concert
Father To Son, Orge Battle, Son And Daughter, Keep Yourself Alive, The Seven Seas Of Rhye, Modern Times Rock 'N Roll, Liar, Ballroom Blitz (Studio Version)
Back in the early days of the internet, I almost bought this because dubious sellers simply listed 'Ballroom Blitz'. Many bought it, thinking Queen performed it on stage, since they did some covers occasionally.
The Spotify stream numbers are interesting. The second half of the album has 2+million streams. Doing Alright has 6.6M, and the next two songs have aboiut 4.2M each. Obviously Keep Yourself Alive has a ton. 18+M, but what jumped out at me was how many streams Liar had...25M!!
Tim, if you could share the totals as we go along, I would be more than interested, and twice as thankful. Hope the snowblower keeps working...
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Great King Rat is absolutely fantastic! I love also Jesus among the lesser known tracks....
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The Spotify stream numbers are interesting. The second half of the album has 2+million streams. Doing Alright has 6.6M, and the next two songs have aboiut 4.2M each. Obviously Keep Yourself Alive has a ton. 18+M, but what jumped out at me was how many streams Liar had...25M!!
Tim, if you could share the totals as we go along, I would be more than interested, and twice as thankful. Hope the snowblower keeps working...
Sure...
Keep Yourself Alive.....18,711,211
Doin' Alright.....6,676,115
Great King Rat.....4,199,447
My Fairy King.....4,377,051
Liar.....25,040,083
The Night Comes Down....2,853,198
Modern Times Rock n Roll....2,412,615
Son And Daughter....2,569,760
Jesus....2,420,502
Seven Seas Of Rhye....2,934,729
Like I said, the numbers for Liar jumped off the screen for me. I've never really heard it before, and was stunned at how many listens it had. That's a great song, and for me, the standout of the album.
Queen
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For the ‘bean counter’ and somewhat trivia geek in me, that’s quite amazing. I’ll kindly ask more of you on this later 😉
The ‘De Lane Lea’ demos: they might have been from Brian’s acetates, but I had a very good quality bootleg decades ago. Most of us here enjoy and want that chance to hear various songs in their beginning stages. As to the demos, Queen shopped them around. No takers, not even Terry Ellis and a somewhat new Chrysalis Records (of Jethro Tull).
‘Liar’…perhaps a better drum sound, longer guitar solo. ‘The Night Comes Down’ already shines.
‘Keep Yourself Alive’….extended drum solo, fun to hear some the little shouts and such. “All you pretty people keep yourself alive….”
Speaking of which, If you read through books and what is on the web, it is interesting that Brian was at odds with Roy Thomas Baker regarding the mix of this song (then again, Brian was overly meticulous throughout his career from all accounts). It wasn’t until months later that Mike Stone at Trident Studios worked out an acceptable arrangement and mix.
Will move on to the first two BBC radio sessions and BBC live performance on Tuesday. That will complete 1973.
After that are two more BBC sessions, their second studio album, a live album, a third studio album, and another live album.
And that’s just 1974!
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Roger Taylor was also at odds with the studio about the drum sound, and the problems he had with it are pretty audible, fortunately it was fixed on the second album.
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As to the demos, Queen shopped them around. No takers, not even Terry Ellis and a somewhat new Chrysalis Records (of Jethro Tull).
...and UFO!!
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Stop it !!! :rollin
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I cannot listen to the debut version of Son and Daughter, as it is so inferior to the "At the BBC" one where the guitar solo is longer and the song clocks in at over 7 minutes. That version is so money.
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I just gave the first album a spin for the first time in a while, I think the album is better than I remember but still largely mediocre. There are some highlights for me like "Keep Yourself Alive", "Doing Alright", and "Liar" but the rest is largely forgettable.
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I just gave the first album a spin for the first time in a while, I think the album is better than I remember but still largely mediocre. There are some highlights for me like "Keep Yourself Alive", "Doing Alright", and "Liar" but the rest is largely forgettable.
:facepalm:
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I agree it's surprising that Liar has so many streams compared to the other songs from the album. I wonder if it was featured in the Guitar Hero game at some point? That seems to be how some tunes by classic bands gain popularity with the young ‘uns :biggrin:
I don’t listen to the first Queen album as often as I do the subsequent releases, but it is a strong album.
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I agree it's surprising that Liar has so many streams compared to the other songs from the album. I wonder if it was featured in the Guitar Hero game at some point? That seems to be how some tunes by classic bands gain popularity with the young ‘uns :biggrin:
Yeah, that's an interesting thought. You might be right. I mean, the number jumps out at you.
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I had no idea this was going. I like Queen and look forward to learning more about them.
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Will follow but likely won't contribute anything. Just really know them through their hits and some other lesser known songs more than on an album basis.
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Long time QUEEN fanatic since 1975. Here's how I rank their discography:
MEH :huh:
15. Flash S/T
14. Hot Space
GOOD :tup
13. Made In Heaven
12. The Miracle
11. The Works
10. A Kind of Magic
9. Jazz
VERY GOOD :tup :tup
8. The Game
7. Queen I
6. News of The World
GREAT :metal
5. Innuendo
4. A Night At The Opera
3. A Day At The Races
2. Sheer Heart Attack
1. Queen II
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^
I see we differ on just a couple, very similar on most. Feel free to add, comment, or make corrections where needed.
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1. Queen II
This guy gets it :hefdaddy
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Can we do this
15. Flash S/T
14. Hot Space
13. A Day At The Races
12. Made In Heaven
11. Jazz
10. The Game
9. Sheer Heart Attack
8. The Miracle
7. A Night At The Opera
6. News Of The World
5. I
4. Innuendo
3. Works
2. A Kind Of Magic
1. Queen II
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Well, I would prefer that people simply state where they rate the album (or sessions) that are being currently discussed. There is thread for Queen discussions here
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=4119.msg2809070#msg2809070
Thanks
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The BBC Sessions
(https://images.eil.com/large_image/QUEEN_AT%2BTHE%2BBEEB-133134.jpg)
Sessions 1-6 for easy future access https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1WwJW1Mu_w&list=PLgC34OV_4iVXqAMIUaL-o7p0_cpnbpkcp
Despite fans pleading for years, only the first and third of Queen’s BBC sessions were made available on ‘At the Beeb’, and that was not until 1989 in the UK. Having made the rounds for decades via bootlegs, all performed songs were finally made commercially available in 2016, on the simply named ‘Queen On Air’. This was on both a 2 CD release (with as nondescript of an album cover imaginable) and an overly bloated 6 CD box set (will provide the cover on my next session's post).
With studio work for their debut album completed months earlier, but still no record company contract, Trident gets the band a BBC session. Session 2 is performed less than two weeks after Queen I is released.
BBC Session 1
February 5, 1973, broadcast February 15:
My Fairy King / Keep Yourself Alive / Doing Alright / Liar
Parts of the 'eventual' Queen I songs might have benefitted from some changes performed that night. Because of the differences, these offerings make for different and enjoyable listens. ‘My Fairy King’ is less polished, but the vocals and piano are much clearer. ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ and ‘Liar’ are very similar to the studio versions, with an occasional extra ad lib here and there (“We have liftoff!”). ‘Doing Alright’ is similar, although Roger sings lead on the last verse. This performance would be broadcast ten days later on John Peel’s ‘Sound of the Seventies’ program.
BBC Session 2
July 25, 1973:
See What A Fool I’ve Been / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / Son And Daughter
‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ would become a concert staple for years. It was based off a 1959 Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee song, 'That's How I Feel', written during Brian's days with Smile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ponCp68Oq38 It would find its way onto the B-side of their next single, though in a much different style (an understatement and a half).
It made sense to play ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ and ‘Liar’ once again, as the band finally had an album released weeks earlier to promote. Both are similar to Session 1, though ‘Liar’ has a few vocal silences, and the earlier session is better than this one. ‘Son and Daughter’ incorporates some of the guitar solo from the Smile song ‘Blag’, is over six minutes long, and Roger inserts a ‘steal yourself, this is valid’ line near the end. It has a rather harsh sounding guitar after the five minute mark. A better version awaits.
I’ll give this a few days for catch up /responses before moving on to the next two BBC recordings.
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The BBC Sessions
Session 1: February 5, 1973: My Fairy King / Keep Yourself Alive / Doing Alright / Liar
Parts of the 'eventual' Queen I songs might have benefitted from some changes performed that night. Because of the differences, these offerings make for different and enjoyable listens. ‘My Fairy King’ is less polished, but the vocals and piano are much clearer. ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ and ‘Liar’ are very similar to the studio versions, with an occasional extra ad lib here and there (“We have liftoff!”). ‘Doing Alright’ is similar, although Roger sings lead on the last verse. This performance would be broadcast ten days later on John Peel’s ‘Sound of the Seventies’ program.
I love the rawness of this. Really powerful, especially My Fairy King. I enjoyed this much more than the album versions.
It's as if the production on the album neuters these songs a bit.
I'm a really casual Queen fan, and had never heard their first album, but I'm definitely familiar with their classic (mid to late) 70's albums. I hope there'll be lively BBC sessions to contrast with those albums. I know Queen was a great live band, and sometimes I think the reason I never stuck with them was that they were very unaggressive on their studio versions, especially compared to..say..Desolation Boulevard.
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This is my definitive version of Doing Alright - Roger is already a fully formed and capable lead vocalist on that one and it's just lovely. Not that he's not great on Modern Times before that, but this required a different set of skills.
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The BBC Sessions
Session 2: July 25, 1973: See What A Fool I’ve Been / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / Son And Daughter
‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ would become a concert staple for years. It was based off a 1959 Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee song, 'That's How I Feel', written during Brian's days with Smile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ponCp68Oq38 It would find its way onto the B-side of their next single, though in a much different style (an understatement and a half).
It made sense to play ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ and ‘Liar’ once again, as the band finally had an album released weeks earlier to promote. Both are similar to Session 1, though ‘Liar’ has a few vocal silences, and the earlier session is better than this one. ‘Son and Daughter’ incorporates some of the guitar solo from the Smile song ‘Blag’, is over six minutes long, and Roger inserts a ‘steal yourself, this is valid’ line near the end. It has a rather harsh sounding guitar after the five minute mark. A better version awaits.
I would kill to hear Gary Moore do What A Fool I've Been. Wow, this song is cool as shit.
Son And Daughter smokes here. So much better than the studio version.
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This is my definitive version of Doing Alright - Roger is already a fully formed and capable lead vocalist on that one and it's just lovely. Not that he's not great on Modern Times before that, but this required a different set of skills.
My favorite version as well.
I would kill to hear Gary Moore do What A Fool I've Been. Wow, this song is cool as shit.
Son And Daughter smokes here. So much better than the studio version.
I listened to a couple of Moore's songs last night. I could certainly see him doing 'See What A Fool I've Been'. At least, this version.
The best 'Son And Daughter' awaits.
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BBC Golders Green Hippodrome
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/04/On_Air_%28Queen%29.jpg)
Recorded on September 13, 1973, and broadcast a week later by the BBC, Queen perform at the Golders Green Hippodrome. This is part of the 3rd disc of the bloated ‘Queen On Air’ 6 CD box set in 2016 (a shame that a 3 CD offering wasn’t made available) . This is their earliest available soundboard recording. Sadly, as with most of the Queen Productions offerings from the ‘90s onwards, it is not complete. In this instance, ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ is not included. This is the complete show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJhWfr4V_ns&t=961s
Introductions: Procession / Father To Son / Son And Daughter / See What A Fool I've Been / Ogre Battle / Liar / Medley: Jailhouse Rock / Stupid Cupid / Be Bop a Lula / Big Spender / Bama Lama Bama Loo
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This was one of my first bootleg CDrs in the mid 90s, and it was one of the most heavily traded, under many names including 'Sons of Sheetkickers' :D. The crowd is in the balcony, and have never heard these songs before. The sound engineers and equipment are on the main floor. The four Queen II songs are still in their infancy. The taped ‘Procession’ is incomplete at this time, and ‘Father To Son’ and ‘Ogre Battle’ are still works in progress. Freddie’s vocals are buried to varying degrees thoughout, and Brian’s guitar echo effect is prominent on stage for the first time during the ‘Son And Daughter’ instrumental, but doesn’t always work. The cover songs shine, as they had been worked on back during the Queen I sessions. It is still a damn good recording of a ‘new’ band with only one studio album released, getting stronger after almost three years of touring.
('Jailhouse Rock' and 'Big Spender' would be played on various tours throughout their career).
BBC announcer Alan Black introduces the bassist as ‘Deacon John’ (Freddie can be heard in the background shouting “No, he’s not!”) They are also ‘good lads that you should see on stage, as they are quite entertaining, and they’ll be touring soon throughout the UK and United States’.
They would be opening for Mott the Hoople in November.
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BBC Session 3
Arranged to promote the release of their upcoming album, as well as their first headlining tour starting in January, the band is scheduled for their third in studio BBC performance.
Recorded December 3, 1973, broadcast December 6:
Ogre Battle / Modern Times Rock n Roll / Great King Rat / Son And Daughter
Some preconceived thoughts of the band might disappear here. Guitar feeback acts as bookends to the rocking ‘Ogre Battle’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vCFn4EUJKw (though only present for the ‘On Air’ release, not ‘At the Beeb’). ‘Modern Times’ has a slightly altered ending and additional lyric, borrowing a phrase used by Mott's Ariel Bender.. ‘Great King Rat’ is grittier than the studio version (I much prefer the different guitar during the instrumental).
The final track is their second BBC offering of ‘Son And Daughter’. It clocks in at over 7 minutes, and as Kev mentioned last week, is far superior to the studio version. The guitar solo from ‘Blag’ is still present and ever evolving (and would live forever in one fashion or another throughout the band’s career and beyond). If you are making any 'best of Queen' lists, this version needs to be included.
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BBC Session 3
Recorded December 3, 1973, broadcast December 6: Ogre Battle / Modern Times Rock n Roll / Great King Rat / Son And Daughter
I'd never heard Ogre Battle before. That's an interesting song. I said it before, but these sessions are so raw, they're really awesome. I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Son And Daughter is awesome here. This is really eye (and ear opening) for me.
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I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Everything thinks of Freddie and his amazing voice first, and that's perfectly fine, but some of my favorite Queen "moments" are when the three instrumentalists are just tearing things up live. Power trio sound.
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BBC Session 3
Recorded December 3, 1973, broadcast December 6: Ogre Battle / Modern Times Rock n Roll / Great King Rat / Son And Daughter
I'd never heard Ogre Battle before. That's an interesting song. I said it before, but these sessions are so raw, they're really awesome. I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Son And Daughter is awesome here. This is really eye (and ear opening) for me.
You never heard Ogre Battle at all before, or never heard the BBC version?
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I'm shocked Tim even knows who Queen is.
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BBC Session 3
Recorded December 3, 1973, broadcast December 6: Ogre Battle / Modern Times Rock n Roll / Great King Rat / Son And Daughter
I'd never heard Ogre Battle before. That's an interesting song. I said it before, but these sessions are so raw, they're really awesome. I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Son And Daughter is awesome here. This is really eye (and ear opening) for me.
You never heard Ogre Battle at all before, or never heard the BBC version?
Never heard it at all.
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BBC Session 3
Recorded December 3, 1973, broadcast December 6: Ogre Battle / Modern Times Rock n Roll / Great King Rat / Son And Daughter
I'd never heard Ogre Battle before. That's an interesting song. I said it before, but these sessions are so raw, they're really awesome. I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Son And Daughter is awesome here. This is really eye (and ear opening) for me.
You never heard Ogre Battle at all before, or never heard the BBC version?
Never heard it at all.
Free beer for you if you listen to Queen II. It's by far my favorite Queen record, and there's really nothing like it in the entire catalogue.
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Oh look, an excuse to listen through Queen's discography.
Not sure how I didn't see this until now, but I will try to get caught up!
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BBC Session 3
Recorded December 3, 1973, broadcast December 6: Ogre Battle / Modern Times Rock n Roll / Great King Rat / Son And Daughter
I'd never heard Ogre Battle before. That's an interesting song. I said it before, but these sessions are so raw, they're really awesome. I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Son And Daughter is awesome here. This is really eye (and ear opening) for me.
You never heard Ogre Battle at all before, or never heard the BBC version?
Never heard it at all.
Free beer for you if you listen to Queen II. It's by far my favorite Queen record, and there's really nothing like it in the entire catalogue.
On it!!
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BBC Session 3
Recorded December 3, 1973, broadcast December 6: Ogre Battle / Modern Times Rock n Roll / Great King Rat / Son And Daughter
I'd never heard Ogre Battle before. That's an interesting song. I said it before, but these sessions are so raw, they're really awesome. I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Son And Daughter is awesome here. This is really eye (and ear opening) for me.
You never heard Ogre Battle at all before, or never heard the BBC version?
Never heard it at all.
Free beer for you if you listen to Queen II. It's by far my favorite Queen record, and there's really nothing like it in the entire catalogue.
On it!!
Cool!
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Looking forward to listening and discussing it.
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NO SYNTHESIZERS!
I would be remiss in not mentioning a key line that appeared in the Queen I liner notes, and would do so again on future releases.
It was initially thought by many fans that Queen were placing the “No Synthesizers” line in response to the popular backlash against their use in rock music. In the early 70s, there was a resentment by some because many felt it was 'cheating', as well as putting some musicians out of work. They were extremist in their critiques. This backlash was considered one of the reasons why “No Synthesizers” was written on their records.
The main reason Queen placed that line on their albums was in response to a music critic who had praised the synthesizer work on the band’s debut album. The comment had been made by Chris Wels in the British magazine Melody Maker. In the video documentary to the making of 'A Night At The Opera', Roger explained that the quote infuriated the band, especially Brian (understatement), who had worked so hard in creating such original sounds on guitar.
(edited from classicrockhistory.com)
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This is slightly in error, as the ‘No Synthesizers’ line did appear at the very bottom of the back cover on 'Queen I'. Perhaps the critic had heard their BBC broadcasts or seen them perform. As one who poured over sleeves and back covers back then, I had an odd sense of pride to read that line every time. It surprised various friends (some who were in bar bands) as we would listen to various artists. I’d throw a Queen album side on, mention that those sounds were from Brian’s guitar, they'd have a ‘huh?’ or 'BS' reaction, but they’d take note and perhaps ask to borrow some of their albums to hear what else The Red Special might create.
*****
next up in a few hours....'Marlena Dietrich meets The Beatles' ;)
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QUEEN II
Released: March 8, 1974, UK (EMI): April 9, 1974 USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #5 (11 weeks…it would later chart three more times, reaching #23),
USA #49 (13 weeks), Japan #26, Norway #19
Certifications: Gold in the UK, Platinum in Poland
Singles: Seven Seas of Rhye / See What A Fool I’ve Been, February 1974. UK #10 USA (-)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/611cXSl7mwL._SY450_.jpg)
* Recorded August 1973 at Trident Studios, London.
Liner Notes
Freddie Mercury - vocals, piano / harpsichord
Brian May - guitar, piano, vocals, bells
John Deacon - bass guitar, acoustic guitar #
Roger Meddows-Taylor - percussion, vocals
(# the band delayed the initial release to correct, as he was listed once again as Deacon John)
Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen
Additional production by Robin Geoffrey Cable and Queen
Engineered by Mike Stone at Trident Studios, London
Photography and art direction by Mick Rock
Sleeve concept by Mick Rock and Queen
Virtouso castanets by Roy Thomas Baker... and nobody played synthesizer... again.
The Fairy Fellers Master-Stroke inspired by a painting by Richard Dadd
Nevermore and Funny How Love Is Produced by Robin G. Cable and Queen
The March Of The Black Queen produced by Roy Thomas Baker, Robin G. Cable,and Queen.
(* actual studio sessions ended in February 1974)
SIDE WHITE
Procession (May) 1:12
Father to Son (May) 6:14
White Queen (As It Began) (May) 4:34
Some Day One Day (May) 4:23
The Loser in the End (Taylor) 4:02
SIDE BLACK
Ogre Battle (Mercury) 4:10
The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke (Mercury) 2:40
Nevermore (Mercury) 1:17
The March of the Black Queen (Mercury) 6:33
Funny How Love Is (Mercury) 2:50
Seven Seas of Rhye (Mercury) 2:50
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Additional notes: ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ was made widely available on the Hollywood Records ’92 reissue. A concert closer through ‘75, this nonalbum B-side of ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’ is vastly different from the BBC and live versions. It is as camp as you can possibly get.
2011 Universal reissue bonus disc: See What A Fool I've Been (BBC version, July 1973; ), White Queen (live, Hammersmith, Dec 75), Seven Seas of Rhye (backing track) Nevermore (BBC), See What A Fool I’ve Been (B-side version, ’74).
Queen Productions missed the mark on yet another reissue. Will comment in another post.
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From the iconic cover, to the sound, production, writing, (and risks), this is an advanced, more professional sounding effort compared to their debut. Brian’s ‘orchestral’ guitar sound and their backing vocals became much more prominent, and Freddie sounds like, well, Freddie. ‘Side White’ opens with four Brian songs, the fittingly titled instrumental ‘Procession’ before the bombastic first chords of ‘Father To Son’ (together, my second favorite(s) next to a release the following year). A love letter of sorts 'from' Brian's father, one of their best instrumentals, to its fade out and gentle segue into the beautiful and grand ‘White Queen’. ‘Some Day One Day’ follows, a semi ballad and Brian’s first as lead vocalist. ‘Loser In The End’, penned and sung by Roger, closes out the side. I enjoyed all of his offerings in the 70s, and on its own this song is fine, but it feels somewhat out of place on this album (the mix, the drums, and no BVs….)
‘Side Black’ is all Freddie. Various fantasy land topics from his early childhood with his sister appear throughout. ‘Ogre Battle’ is a surprising rocker, and was part of their setlist off and on through 1977. The ending quickly fades into ‘Fairy Feller’ inspired by a painting by Richard Dadd, an uptempo harpsichord driven song. The very short but beautiful ‘Nevermore’ follows. Finally, a second of rest before ‘The March of the Black Queen’, their second longest ‘epic’ at over six and a half minutes. Freddie’s first tour de force, setting the stage for so much that would follow. You want something that includes everything AND the kitchen sink? Well, it’s all here. It has everything one might love (or hate) about Queen, until fading into the “I Can Hear Music’ Larry Lurex inspired ‘Funny How Love Is’. The debut album ending instrumental is ‘reprised’ with ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’, their first single to reach the UK Top Ten. The ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’ fadeout will appear again in the future.
*****
I find Side White more ‘accessible’, while the wife absolutely adores Side White (but tears up during ‘White Queen’). Then again, once I start listening to Side Black....... :tup (Procession/Father to Son, and most of Side Black are pure stereo headphone delights!)
One of the band's 'Mount Rushmore' releases.
To hear the songs that segue from one to another as they appear on the album:
Procession / Father To Son / White Queen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbZxHojeb3E
Ogre Battle / The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke / Nevermore https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqTk1lzoQGk
The March Of The Black Queen / Funny How Love Is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R-fErvfHDY
My original vinyl had the old boring plain white sleeve with the center hole. Having worn it out on an inexpensive crystal cartridge turntable, the replacement had a 'full' sleeve with lyrics. 'Side White' was with black writing, and 'Side Black' was black with white writing. Occasionally, fortune smiles.
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(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/611cXSl7mwL._SY450_.jpg)
One of the band's 'Mount Rushmore' releases.
So I find this an interesting statement as an outsider. Obviously a Greatest Hits collection is not always representative of a band or their great deep cuts, but if this is a Mt Rushmore Queen album, none of these songs appear on their Greatest Hits album or Live Killers.
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I think Seven Seas of Rhye is on the greatest hits (or maybe it was the Classic Queen one), but II definitely doesn't have any of their big hits. Still a darn good album. I don't think it's their best like some do (I think the next one is the best), but it has some great tunes in Ogre Battle, March of the Black Queen, Father to Son and White Queen.
Oh, and who thinks Kevin Moore (or DT) was listening to the beginning of Father to Son when he wrote the beginning of Surrounded? ;)
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Maybe Classic Queen I, whatever that is, but I was thinking of this:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/Queen_Greatest_Hits.png)
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I don't know that one, but I remember getting into Queen in the early 90s and there was a greatest hits and Classic Queen (cover below).
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9b/ClassicQueenalbumcover.png)
The greatest hits was the below, but I do not see that listed on wiki. Weird.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3f/RedGreatestHitsQuennalbumcover.png)
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Wow, seems one album was a lot bigger than the other...
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I've never thought of Queen as a metal band, but this is every bit as heavy as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple....even more heavy, actually.
Everything thinks of Freddy and his amazing voice first, and that's perfectly fine, but some of my favorite Queen "moments" are when the three instrumentalists are just tearing things up live. Power trio sound.
It's not so much Freddy's voice, but my experience with Queen hardly screams Power Trio. But I love what I've heard on these BBC sessions so far. I hope there's more to come containing some of their more popular hits that might present them in a different and more powerful and raw light.
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'Greatest Hits' track lists were different, depending on where it was released. The red and blue issues would be released in the 90s. 'Live Killers' was an incomplete concert, but 'Ogre Battle' would be part of the setlist in '77.
'Hits' are a tricky thing. Nothing from 'Sgt. Pepper' or 'The White Album' would make it onto a UK GH release if only singles qualified.
EDITED
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Well I guess I started it with this comment..
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/611cXSl7mwL._SY450_.jpg)
One of the band's 'Mount Rushmore' releases.
So I find this an interesting statement as an outsider. Obviously a Greatest Hits collection is not always representative of a band or their great deep cuts, but if this is a Mt Rushmore Queen album, none of these songs appear on their Greatest Hits album or Live Killers.
But we're really not discussing the Greatest Hits packages per se, but really in relation to the current album being presented. I think Kev was just seeking clarification of my statement.
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Yep, no jumping ahead intended, good sir. :tup :tup
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(Not a good week here. Sorry. I need a break after this to :chill)
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Comments on the 2011 reissue: the original album and bonus material would have fit on one disc (yet again). The fifteen minutes offered a song in two versions, an instrumental backing track, a live version of a song eighteen months away, and a live snippet of another from more than a decade later. :huh:
What woulda/coulda/shoulda been released on that second disc: Soundboard recordings of 'Procession'/'Father To Son', ‘White Queen’, ‘Ogre Battle’, ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’, ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’, and the ‘Rock n Roll Medley’ were available. As well as the BBC versions of ‘White Queen’, ‘Ogre Battle’, ‘Nevermore’, and ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’.
I would gladly have paid the $20 for these reissues, even though I already had the original UK and US vinyls and CDs from years ago, for the ‘should have been’ extras. So, I say ‘thank you’ to my public library, for saving me money on most of the reissues, and a good friend for copies of the others.
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Below is the Richard Dadd painting 'The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke'. My wife owned a 24"x30" glass framed copy before I met her. It was in our bedroom in our first home for a decade. It currently resides in our 'mostly for show' dining room.
(https://shop.tate.org.uk/dw/image/v2/BBPB_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-TateMasterShop/default/dw8c7358fc/richard-dadd-fairy-fellers-master-stroke-ricdad1401.jpg?sw=420)
Until SB weekend, here are a few more song links to get everybody through the week.
'Funny How Love Is' Japanese 3” CD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8FTGNX413Y A stand alone version, without TMOTBQ fade in. The wife bought this box set eons ago. It includes other songs in the catalogue that are separate without fade ins/outs
'Seven Seas of Rhye' fan mix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mqgNU73v94 An interesting and enjoyable merger of the studio version, with the backing track from the 2011 bonus disc, which eliminates the ending 'seaside singalong'
'Seven Seas of Rhye' fan mix, vocals and piano only https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhAdwyM_vv0 There's hundreds of tinkered with fan mixes available in various fashions. I rather like this one.
Florrie Forde 'I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPQ3cpn-Unc from where the singalong at the end of 'Seven Seas' came from, starting a brief 'chain' on the next album. Note: the 'chain' idea was originally for 'Seven Seas' to start the LP, linking it with the instrumental version that ends Queen I.
The Good Old Gold Rush Days https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV7_yB5f6PA I'm sure one of the boys watched this for the seaside inspiration as well.
The picture inside of the gatefold sleeve.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Flinernotes%2Fqueen2innersleeve.jpg&hash=b66626ca8e5cf72a8a0214480f4e91fa3e7159ad)
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Queen II is absolutely fantastic and is my favorite Queen album.
It has 150% the charm of that era, the sound, the atmosphere, I wouldn't compare them but those were the years of Rainbow starting up, you could feel the magic in the air when the world was young and the musical map was still uncharted and some bands were starting to go wild with their explorations.
The side white / side black division is interesting, and while there are great songs on the white side (White Queen for example), the side black is where things go wild.
Ogre Battle, Fairy Feller and Nevermore is a magical trio. Ogre Battle is essentially a fantasy metal song, Fairy Feller is an excellent way to bring a painting to life through music, and although it's short, Nevermore is an absolutely wonderful and touching piano piece.
And then, it comes, THE MARCH OF THE FUCKING BLACK QUEEN. Masterpiece. Utter and complete masterpiece. One of Queen's best songs EVER, and I'd probably rank it in my top three. Probably it's even "better" than Bohemian Rhapsody. It pains me that so many people don't even know this song exists, and that people that do know it, might not like it as much as Bohemian Rhapsody (one would suppose that if you're into crazy musical sheaningans and you can digest Bohemian Rhapsody, you can dig also Black Queen).
Anyway, fantastic song on a fantastic album, I'm so glad that I'm not the only one that loves this record so much.
My life is in your hands, I'll fo and I'll fie
I'll be what you make, I'll do what you like
I'll be your bady boy, I'll be your bad boy
Now do the march of the black queen
:metal
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Comments on the 2011 reissue: the original album and bonus material would have fit on one disc (yet again). The fifteen minutes offered a song in two versions, an instrumental backing track, a live version of a song eighteen months away, and a live snippet of another from more than a decade later. :huh:
Wait, what's that? Based on your descriptions, that one would be "Nevermore", right? And it's a BBC recording from 1974.
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^
Sorry, I was 'distracted', and was thinking of the Universal 2011 iTunes video bonus, and what appears on their next reissue.:facepalm:
EDIT: Queen II charts, lyrics, etc. http://www.queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Queen_II.
And their first 'Top of the Pops' performance Seven Seas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6n2FBcd5n0
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I really, really, really, really love Queen II.
The aesthetics are also killer:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/83903354889e876335ec64e4fbcaf356/598b72e51fe20807-4c/s500x750/6e1fa9772750ca65a4a8b3b3300702342e23f003.png)
Look at this bunch of pretty boys. :heart
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I'm going to try and get to QII tonight.
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I am a hits kinda fan with Queen, yet if you said I had to listen to one album all the way through with no skips, I might pick Queen II.
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OK, listening now...
Procession...ok it's an intro...
Father To Son- So I started out on Spotify. It's the 2011 reissue. Not a comment on the actual song, but this sounds like ass. I pulled the original up on youtube. I feel like it's better, but is the production on this really this bad??
The song is interesting. Seems all over the place as Queen seems like they were. But in a good way, meaning there's a lot of ideas going on. I'd need a few listens to break this down properly.
White Queen- This song really builds nicely. Takes a bit, but when it gets there, it's a nice payoff. I can see how this was a foreshadowing of things to come.
Some Day One Day- At first, I was a bit iffy on this but it wore on me, and I got to thinking..in a way, I feel like Freddie makes this band a totally different animal. I know that's stating the obvious, but I feel like Brian's vocal, which I really like, is perfect for this song. It has a great feel to it.
Loser In The End-This is one I'd likely skip going forward. I can't say I love Roger's voice here, and this song is a bit too mid-tempo for me.
Ogre Battle-This song rocks. Feels incomplete. I'd have to digest it a bit more I think.
The Fairy Feller- The orchestrated vocals are really interesting. Really cool songwriting. Not sure I love the tune, but it's construction is damn impressive
Nevermore-Fantastic little piece.
The March Of The Black Queen- Wow, a lot to chew on, but damn, this is really nice.
Funny How Love Is-This is a nice and harmless song. Not sure what it does though.
Seven Seas Of Rhye-Great tune. Man, it reminds me so much of The Sweet. Probably my favorite on the album.
Oh, and who thinks Kevin Moore (or DT) was listening to the beginning of Father to Son when he wrote the beginning of Surrounded? ;)
Damn, you can't unhear that, can you?
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Oh, and who thinks Kevin Moore (or DT) was listening to the beginning of Father to Son when he wrote the beginning of Surrounded? ;)
It's the same four-note motif, for sure. But its placement in Father to Son is interesting, coming as something of a transition, leading us into the next part. And then it's gone. I honestly think Kevin had heard it at some point, maybe in the background sometime, so he didn't consciously file away the riff or anything. It just went into his head, and happened to come out when he was working on a song later.
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I was always wondering about Father To Son/Surrounded, because MP never brought it up in any way, and he's our main reference guy. When you look at that video about making IAW, Kevin plays Surrounded on the piano and he starts at the ballady bit, not at the beginning, so I think this was a whole-band-decides-to-put-reference-in thing, as it usually was with them. It's one of the top things I would ask MP if I ever got to meet him, for sure!
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It's a shame that no decent-sounding version of Queen II exists. I settled on the 2011 remaster, but the brickwalling is annoying.
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Of their first five albums, Queen II is the one I've come back to the most over the years. So many great moments! Like others have said, I'd kill to have clearer production.
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Honestly, the dirt and grime of the production is part of its charm. It gives it that little extra edge that would be lost in a cleaner sound.
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When listening with headphones or in the car, I might agree with you Kev. But on my house (whole home) stereo system, it's just too muddy.
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It jumped out at me on Father And Son, but after that, I didn’t take much notice to it.
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I meant to say it before, Tim, but I am with ya on Loser in the End. Pretty forgettable song on an otherwise very good album.
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(oh, did you give the Bside version of 'See What A Fool I've Been' a listen? Not sure if I want to hear your comments.....)
So, other than singing as a woman.. :lol ..Stylewise, I have no issue with it. Reminds me of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. It rocks though! I still maintain that this song was made for Gary Moore.
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Queen II Spotify streams
Procession...2.6M
Father to Son...3.7M
White Queen (As It Began)...4.6M
Some Day One Day...2.8M
The Loser in the End...2.3M
Ogre Battle...4.0M
The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke...3.7M
Nevermore...5.6M
The March of the Black Queen...6.9M
Funny How Love Is...2.4M
Seven Seas of Rhye...67.7M
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^
67M for SSOR !?!?!! Holy crap on a cracker !!!!
My wife was finally able to assist me in taking down ornaments and the tree today (she broke her wrist seven weeks ago...add in a shattered ankle last fifteen months ago, and it's been tough.....oh and two rear ACL surgeries on the mutt as well). We would 'work' for a few minutes at a time before sitting down, with Queen II in the background...LOUD. Then a couple of BBC sessions and Golders Green. She told me a wonderful story of her one UK Queen Convention (I never made it), and walking into a small area that had a piano. A person began playing 'Nevermore', and thirty or so people began singing along near the end of that one minute heart grabber. The little moments...
And she adores the studio SWAFIB. It's camp and glam and very T-Rex and Sweet.
NEXT UP: another BBC session and the live album that wasn't (until it was). Those will be over the weekend. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Savor Queen II a few more times, catch up on the prior material, or step away to some other music for a few days.
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I listened to Queen II on my flight to Florida last night and I enjoyed it a lot more than I remembered. The songs are not only better but the album feels a lot more concise. I will say the second (Mercury) half is weaker than the first.
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So I gave these first two albums another listen today.
I think all in all, I favor the first album. I love the, as O says, the "Power Trio" feel of it. I think it's more consistent that QII.
Son And Daughter has great Black Sabbath overtones to it.
My Top 4 tracks from the first album are:
Keep Yourself Alive
Great King Rat
Son And Daughter
Liar
And from QII:
Ogre Battle
Seven Seas Of Rhye
Some Day One Day
The March Of The Black Queen
The March Of The Black Queen is really interesting. Kind of like a pre Bohemian Rhapsody. And I still love the feel of Some Day One Day.
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The Daily Doug did a reaction to The March Of The Black Queen a few months ago..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXImf-R1QFY
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I'm driving to New York this afternoon; maybe I'll listen to both back to back like that.
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The Daily Doug did a reaction to The March Of The Black Queen a few months ago..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXImf-R1QFY
That was fun! :tup
Except.... now I've gotta listen to his 'Breaking All Illusions' some time tonight.....
EDIT: that was fun as well! First time I had seen the Fourth Wall video. His 8vm review was edjumecational as well :D
Up next: BBC Session #4
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BBC Session 4
Queen was the warmup band for Mott the Hoople in November of '73. The band travelled to Australia to perform at the Sunbury Festival in the first week of January. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunbury_Pop_Festival (does not sound like a good time....)
Upon returning to the UK, they embark on their first headlining tour. A month after Queen II is released, and one night after their final UK performance promoting the album in Birmingham, it is time once again for a visit to the BBC.
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Recorded At Langham One Studio, London On 3rd April 1974
Broadcast On Radio 1 On 15th April 1974, As Part Of Bob Harris's 'Sounds Of The Seventies' Programme
Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll (Taylor) 2:46 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJFKAJbpwkY
Nevermore (Mercury) 1:29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OdjtWhO6yQ
White Queen (As It Began) (May) 4:54 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR-AthSw0bY
The March Of The Black Queen (Mercury) 6:40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWQQMgf2QaM
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The April session was one of the two most talked about (and sought after) sessions by fans for decades. This is the second BBC performance of ‘Modern Times’, sung again by Roger. It includes Freddie providing some nice 'rock and roll' ad libs near the end. It is a much better and more complete version than what was performed for Session 3, in spite of the slide whistle ( time travelling, .....this should have been on a future 'heavy' album, but that’s for a later discussion).
The beautiful ballad ‘Nevermore’ is much less polished than the studio version. It is just Freddie at a regular piano without any studio tricks. The vast majority of the BV tapes are eliminated, and those that remain are at a lower volume. Oh, and Roger plays drums (no percussion is on the studio version).
‘White Queen’ is also very different from what appears on Queen II. Once again, less polished and more bare bones. Only one BV remains, the guitar is Brian's 'orchestral' style (not the 'sitar' sounding one *) Even better, at 1:45, is the added bonus of Freddie at the piano. Very noticeable at around 3:40 (the wife will do her ‘air piano’ at this point). This is how it was/would be performed on stage. After a listen, one questions why it was not used originally. Perhaps it originated from the tour. Perhaps Freddie was in need of doing 'something' on stage during this time. Or, it was wiped from the studio version (which would be a shame). Regardless, this version is superb from start to finish.
From all reports, ‘The March of the Black Queen’ was simply a taped recording, with a few ad libs thrown in. They may have ran out of time, or were dissatisfied with the end result. It was not part of ‘Queen On Air’ (BBC fire? lost tapes? bad sound?.....you name it....). If you wish to make your BBC sessions ‘complete’, use the link above from a ‘Deep Cuts’ release (without the fade in to ‘Funny How Love Is’), complete with a ‘fake’ ending. It actually works out well.
(There were rumors that the ending of TMOTBQ was a separate entity, titled ‘Surrender To The City’. The most likely reasons are that someone was puffing themselves up and claiming they had a copy of a 'new' song years later, or that the title was simply to distinguish the various segment reels in the studio. If you want your own 30 second ‘song’, a fan put this together, also using the ‘Deep Cuts’ version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YVeO_t6ygc )
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Personal notes: I finally got my hands on the ‘Nevermore’ and ‘White Queen’ BBC versions in 2000. Such a shame that I to wait way too long to hear them. Then again, my first listen to these versions was with my current wife. Our first shared new Queen music experience. I know we were both in tears at the end.
Do we prefer the originals (which we had listened to for decades), or these versions with their various additions/subtractions? Easy answer: we prefer them both!
(*The song features May playing his Hairfred acoustic guitar. The guitar had been given a replacement hardwood bridge, chiselled flat, with a small piece of fret wire placed between it and the strings, which lay gently above. The strings produce the buzzing effect of a sitar. [per wiki])
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BBC Session 4
Recorded At Langham One Studio, London On 3rd April 1974
Broadcast On Radio 1 On 15th April 1974, As Part Of Bob Harris's 'Sounds Of The Seventies' Programme
Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll (Taylor) 2:46 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJFKAJbpwkY
Nevermore (Mercury) 1:29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OdjtWhO6yQ
White Queen (As It Began) (May) 4:54 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR-AthSw0bY
The March Of The Black Queen (Mercury) 6:40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWQQMgf2QaM
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I like Modern Times RnR. This version has some nice punch to it. I feel like Roger's voice is "almost there" meaning I think he has a cool sound..not quite Rod Stewart, yet I always feel his vocals are severely lacking.
Nevermore is a nice song, but unfortunately it will be one that will be forgotten by me once this thread is over.
White Queen- If you can make it to the solo it has a nice payoff. I mentioned the studio version take a while to get going. I feel like this performance teeters a bit in the beginning, yet they hold it together.
March Of The Black Queen-This is a great song. I love the BBC collections so far. For a band so heralded for their production values, these versions are so full of life.
@Joe...is there a connection or a relationship between the White Queen and the Black Queen?
Is there a Red Queen on the next album? ;D
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@Joe...is there a connection or a relationship between the White Queen and the Black Queen?
Is there a Red Queen on the next album? ;D
Not sure of the color, but I heard she's a killer..... ::)
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Queen are what got me into music in general and the reason I started playing the guitar and singing.
Queen were, are, and always will be my favorite band.
White Queen (As It Began) is probably my favorite song from the early albums.
I even recorded an acoustic cover as a birthday gift for a friend a couple of years ago.
Greetings...
Nef
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^
Regardless of the band, I truly enjoy hearing these types of stories. Of course, the fact this is a Queen song, and a deep cut at that, gives me even more enjoyment. :tup
A note before the ‘upcoming’ live release. Doing this discography as the events happened, rather than by release date, one might grow slightly fatigued at hearing many multiple versions of some songs. One can always skip and come back to them in their order of release (I will make a two line post about ‘Rainbow’ near the end of this thread with page reference when the time comes). Or you experience the changes as they occurred in 'real time'.
As with the handful of live recordings released decades after they happened, it is a shame that most were not made available in the 90s, much less having to wait until the 2010s. Many of us were getting third generation discs or cassette tapes of performances from the same tours. Though enjoyable, many were quite inferior. But we were just glad to have something ‘new’. Thanks to Fbook, I still keep in contact with some in the UK and Brazil that I purchased from/traded with in the 90s.
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A note before the ‘upcoming’ live release. Doing this discography as the events happened, rather than by release date, one might grow slightly fatigued at hearing many multiple versions of some songs. One can always skip and come back to them in their order of release (I will make a two line post about ‘Rainbow’ near the end of this thread with page reference when the time comes). Or you experience the changes as they occurred in 'real time'.
You could always skip the studio stuff and just give us the live stuff! :lol
Seriously, the live stuff has been great so far. I'm just enjoying it, and any nuance or changes between the tracks aren't jumping out at me anyway. I'm just trying to get a handle on the material. But yes, definitely keep on giving the corresponding live material alongside each studio release.
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You rang? ;D
LIVE AT THE RAINBOW
Released: September 8, 2014, UK (Virgin/EMI), USA (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #11, US Hard Rock Albums #5, Billboard #66
Netherlands #7, Germany #9, Austria #12, Scotland #12, Belgium #13, Italy #15, Spain #17, Switzerland #19, Portugal #22, Hungary #34, Finland #40, Ireland #54, France #55
US Billboard Video Sales #2
(https://dvfnvgxhycwzf.cloudfront.net/media/SharedImage/image500/.fvE9JWlU/SharedImage-20028.jpg?t=5720769b43f262a4d4a8)
The March and November 1974 Rainbow concerts were released together as a 2CD package. To stay chronological, we’ll focus on the March 31st show here
QUEEN are
Roger Taylor: Drums and Backing Vocals
Freddie Mercury: Lead Vocals and Piano
Brian May: Guitars and Backing Vocals
John Deacon: Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals
... and nobody played synthesizer
Management: Jim Beach
Executive Producers: Brian May and Roger Taylor
Mix Produced by Justin Shirley-Smith, Joshua J. Macrae and Kris Fredriksson
Recorded by Roy Thomas Baker and Mike Stone
March show mastered by Tim Young at Metropolis Mastering
Post Production Supervision: Kris Fredriksson and Justin Shirley-Smith
Design: Richard Gray
Picture Research: Richard Gray and Gary Taylor
1. Procession (May) 1:15
2. Father to Son (May) 6:08
3. Ogre Battle (Mercury) 5:27
4. Son and Daughter / Guitar Solo / Son And Daughter (reprise) (May) 7:58
7. White Queen (As It Began) (May) 5:49
8. Great King Rat (Mercury) 7:05
9. The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke (Mercury) 2:52
10. Keep Yourself Alive / Drum Solo / Keep Yourself Alive (Reprise) (May) 4:02
13. Seven Seas of Rhye (Mercury) 3:10
14. Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll (Taylor) 2:41
15. Jailhouse Rock / Stupid Cupid / Be-Bop-A-Lula / Jailhouse Rock (Reprise) 4:32
16. Liar (Mercury) 8:28
17. See What a Fool I've Been (May) 4:59
('Big Spender' and 'Bama Lama Bama Loo' were omitted. They were played after 'Liar')
1 hour 5 minutes
(https://www.superdeluxeedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/queen_rainbow_vinylbox-300x231.jpg)
Queen was now a headlining act in early 1974. At the 3000 seat sold out Rainbow Theater, the first of the Rainbow concerts was recorded by Roy Thomas Baker. Their management intended to release the Rainbow concert as the third album, which the band refused. Eight of the songs performed would end up on the 1975 'Sheetkeeckers' bootleg.
This was one of the debut appearances for Freddie Mercury's Zandra Rhodes-designed 'eagle suit', and apparently marks the only live recording of ‘The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke’.
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Comments: From the darkened theater with the tape of ‘Procession’ playing, as dry ice clouds billow on stage, followed by the bright white lights shining to the blasting first chords of ‘Father To Son’, you would be in for a treat (years later, concert reviewers would still write ‘never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!’ ..and weeks later, I would be there for the first time to bear witness :tup). The band has certainly advanced in a short time. Freddie performs all the LVs, An outstanding performance. I can understand not releasing it in ’74, but it truly is a shame that is was not made available in the 90s. A+
Slight complaints: These later day issues always seemed to have the lower rung options picked for the album covers (and Queen is a band, not an individual). I have no idea why ‘Son And Daughter’ and ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ are each divided into three segments. Trivial… the chatter that introduces a song is at the end of the preceding one.
Complete concert (with video of 'Son And Daughter' and 'Modern Times Rock n Roll' starting at 12:47...the only known video of the concert)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS1JkHVy0vM
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbravewords.com%2Fmedias-static%2Fimages%2Fnews%2F2014%2F540761B4-queen-open-rock-time-capsule-on-inthestudio-roger-taylor-brian-may-discuss-live-at-the-rainbow-74-image.jpg&hash=72deaac75707db143ef0c3b17c59ea22e3cf2b96)
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Joe, that looks awesome. I'm going to hit it tomorrow though. I'm having a Classic Metal Meltdown tonight! :lol
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'Svengoolie' and then some Rush for me tonight.
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'Svengoolie' and then some Rush for me tonight.
What is Svengoolie? :lol
Don't forget to do your Rush list for Kev!
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So I watched the clip from Son And Daughter. Wow, that was powerful.
I ordered the double CD from Amazon.!! :metal
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^
You are going to make yourself and your wife very happy! :D
We listened to the March show again yesterday. You should like the extra instrumental in 'Great King Rat'. TFFMS is nice as something 'new', having had to wait decades to hear it. I could tell the audience had that 'Pavlovian' moment at the end, waiting for 'Nevermore' to follow it.
BBC Session 4: when you come back to these versions later on, or give Queen II a relisten, you may change your views a tad. Especially when you get old ;)
Coming soon ;): the band's successful initial venture to the States, and one man's living hell that saw it cut short.
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Queen II USA Tour '74
After their headlining UK tour and BBC session, the band heads to the States for their second turn as the warm up band for Mott the Hoople. The first performance is at the Regis College Field House, Denver CO on April 16th. The set list for the most part would be: Procession / Father To Son / Ogre Battle / Son And Daughter / Great King Rat / Liar / Keep Yourself Alive / Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll. Encores were Big Spender / Bama Lama Bama Loo.
St. Bernard Parish Civic Auditorium New Orleans, April 21st https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8woEsfgBOWo Quality: B
The first available USA audience tape. Worth it just to hear the person talking during ‘Procession’ and becoming quiet once the band hit the first notes of ‘Father To Son’.
Palace Theatre, Providence, Rhode Island, April 27th Attendance: 3,000. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pLTr3f1EZw Quality: B
If you come across any Dan Lampinski audience tapes, as TAC has, give them a listen. I just came across this a month ago. He’s working out the bugs during ‘Procession’, but the sound is consistent afterwards. Queen puts their allotted 45 minutes to good use every night, and the pace of ‘Liar’, KYA and MTRnR is smoking!
PORTLAND, Maine April 28 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4k0HUSAwC0 Quality: A-
‘Great King Rat’ has been dropped, with ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ taking its place. Oh, to have had these two quality recordings decades ago! (other than some weird fan and his occasional ‘whistle’)
On to Harrisburg PA in May. These people remember it much better than Brian and I do in many aspects😉
Aerosmith, Queen and Mott the Hoople: A fabulous night of music, but legendary only in hindsight
https://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/2014/04/aerosmith_queen_and_mott_the_h.html
Mott the Hoople and Queen then head to NYC for five consecutive nights at the Uris Theater. No rock act had ever played a Broadway venue before this pairing. Being the opening act, Queen would be the first to do so.
Uris Theater, May 7th Attendance ~2000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ZtqrBLhjA Grade: B to B- (cut during Son And Daughter)
A rarity that both ‘Big Spender’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’ were performed on the same night in the States. And, as always, I enjoy hearing the crowd reaction at the first cords of ‘Father To Son’. This one I did own in the 90s. :tup
(https://www.gottahaverockandroll.com/ItemImages/000023/nov17-057_lg.jpeg)
On the final night, the band joins Mott on stage to sing BVs during ‘All The Young Dudes’. What should have been an enjoyable finale changes quickly, as Brian becomes seriously ill. Throughout the tour, Brian’s right arm had been bothering him, and he often looked pale. Part of this was chalked up to their first American winter. The band travels to Boston, where Brian is diagnosed with a severe attack of hepatitis. Queen's remaining eighteen concerts are scrapped (Kansas takes their place), and Brian is flown back to London on the 16th.
The band, road crew and anyone else who may have come into contact with Brian hastily inoculate themselves. He would be hospitalized on two different occasions that summer, the first in total isolation. There is nothing for the band to do but start writing songs for the third album. After rehearsing for a week, they start recording at Trident in mid July. But it just isn't Brian's year. On August 2nd, he is rushed to the ER for surgery on a duodenal ulcer. His long painful year may have all been related to the inoculations received before their one week trip to Australia in January. Queen have to cancel their US tour planned for September, assuring their British fans they still plan on touring the UK that fall.
From July onwards, recording continues at Trident, but it is a sporadic process. Sessions are frequently cancelled when Brian is too sick to attend, and when he does manage to turn up, his contributions are so below par that they have to be scrapped. As a result, the band decide it would be better to continue recording without him, and let him play his parts when his health improves. During this time, he was afraid that the band was going to drop him. He was also approached by Spooky Tooth to join up with their group. Fortunately for all involved, Queen remained 'as is', and their third studio album would be completed and released in November.
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Queen II USA Tour '74
St. Bernard Parish Civic Auditorium New Orleans, April 21st https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8woEsfgBOWo Quality: B
Palace Theatre, Providence, Rhode Island, April 27th Attendance: 3,000. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pLTr3f1EZw Quality: B
PORTLAND, Maine April 28 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4k0HUSAwC0 Quality: A-
Since getting a sneak peak yesterday, I've listened to these three shows. Damn, these are a treasure.
The New Orleans show is legit. What a spirited performance. Roger is insane on this. The sound is more than decent and was a great listen.
Yes, Dan Lampinski is a famous taper from this area, recording a ton of Rhode Island shows in the 70's.
Joe, he has a great capture of Alice in 1975 at the Providence Civic Center.
The Portland show is a great capture by Joe Maloney, who also recorded a ton of shows up here. He has a cool Alice '72 show from the U of Maine.
The Portland Queen show is outstanding quality.
I'm really loving this early era of the band.
The band travels to Boston, where Brian is diagnosed with a severe attack of hepatitis. Their remaining eighteen concerts are scrapped (Kansas takes their place), and Brian is flown back to London on the 16th.
The band, road crew and anyone else who may have come into contact with Brian hastily inoculate themselves. He would be hospitalized on two different occasions that summer, the first in total isolation. There is nothing for the band to do but start writing songs for the third album. After rehearsing for a week, they start recording at Trident in mid July. But it just isn't Brian's year. On August 2nd, he is rushed to the ER for surgery on a duodenal ulcer. His long painful year may have all been related to the inoculations received before their one week trip to Australia in January. Queen have to cancel their US tour planned for September, but assure their British fans they plan on touring the UK that fall.
From July onwards, recording continues at Trident, but it is a sporadic process. Sessions are frequently cancelled when Brian is too sick to attend, and when he does manage to turn up, his contributions are so below par that they have to be scrapped. As a result, the band decide it would be better to continue recording without him, and let him play his parts when his health improves.
During this time, Brian was afraid that the band was going to drop him. He was also approached by Spooky Tooth to join up with their band. Fortunately for all involved, Queen remained 'as is', and their third studio album would be completed and released in November.
This is all interesting. The Queen Live website mentions that the Boston show on the 26th never happened because Ian Hunter was sick. Those pics of the band walking around the Boston Commons are priceless.
Seems they did play Providence the following night.
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I edited my post after taking the wife to therapy, wrote to you personally, and then I saw your response. So, what you quoted, and what I have now modified, may be different.
The Dan Lampinski website is here: http://www.rirocks.net/about.htm
My grades for audience recordings vary, as they do for others. A later Queen performance he recorded is the gold standard I measure others against. I also don't want to give too high of expectations to those who are used to what modern technology often provides via a phone. The same goes with the era. The New Orleans show is consistent, and as I mention far too often, I would have killed to have heard this in the 90s. Hearing it on any good stereo system at a loud volume also helps :tup
A couple of other things to note about the UK 73 and USA 74 tours: first, as the warm up band, and perhaps limited to the amount of stage set up, there is no piano. So, there's no 'White Queen' or 'Seven Seas Of Rhye' in the set lists for the States. The second item to note was the relationship between the bands. From all accounts, and various pictures of the tour on queenlive.ca, Mott treated them as friends. They often dined and partied together, and didn't pull any of the BS that other headliners were notorious for. The friendships seemed sincere, and Morgan Fisher would appear on tour with Queen later on.
I'll check out the Alice shows this week :tup
Tim.....I'm glad you're 'along for the ride' (another DT related comment in my next album review....)
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Ah shit. I'm listening to Sheer Heart Attack. Am I ahead of the game?
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Ah shit. I'm listening to Sheer Heart Attack. Am I ahead of the game?
I listened to it last night. I've never heard it and I wanted to get a bit of a head start.
I wouldn't look at it as ahead of the game., but more of a preparation for the next featured album.
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Ah shit. I'm listening to Sheer Heart Attack. Am I ahead of the game?
No, you are correct, as 'Sheer Heart Attack' does come ahead of 'The Game' <bada boom ;)>
I have Friday night/Saturday morning scheduled for that album post. Zoom meetings, and a fellow community Board member announcing his run for a 'to be vacant' County Council seat are taking a huge chunk of time out of my week.
That, and I'm waiting for an answer to a question I have regarding SHA.
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Ah shit. I'm listening to Sheer Heart Attack. Am I ahead of the game?
No, you are correct, as 'Sheer Heart Attack' does come ahead of 'The Game' <bod a boom ;)>
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/l4q8cJzGdR9J8w3hS/giphy.gif)
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My Live At The Rainbow '74 came today! Listening to the March show tonight. :metal This is a great recording. They are so heavy here. Like early Rush, really.
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Ah shit. I'm listening to Sheer Heart Attack. Am I ahead of the game?
No, you are correct, as 'Sheer Heart Attack' does come ahead of 'The Game' <bada boom ;)>
I have Friday night/Saturday morning scheduled for that album post. Zoom meetings, and a fellow community Board member announcing his run for a 'to be vacant' County Council seat are taking a huge chunk of time out of my week.
That, and I'm waiting for an answer to a question I have regarding SHA.
Maybe ask us as well?
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^
I'm more than welcoming for comments, critiques, and corrections. Just be gentle ;D
Contacting my friend of almost thirty years gives me the excuse of talking about the band and, of course, touching base with his life. He runs the N.A. Convention trivia, and calls me every year to try and 'embarrass' me. He is effective waaaay too often :D). I would hate to see the blank look on my face at some of his questions. And I'm glad that I'm not sitting in a chair, as I was eons ago, trying to answer some of what his devious mind comes up with :hefdaddy
I tell him what is too hard, what could and should be reworded, and credit him with questions I have absolutely no clue about, but think are fair.
He told me I would have had the high preliminary score a couple of the time over the past decade. That, and three dollars, makes for a damn good cup of coffee.
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So ever since I heard Liar last week for the first time, there's a lick in Brian's solo that I know I've heard before. It's been killing me ever since as I have been unable to place it. Well, today, I solved my own personal mystery. It's the lick right here (https://youtu.be/oU7rqB9E_0M?t=229).
I know it's not exact, but this (https://youtu.be/0kjettm41LU?t=147) was what I was thinking of, played a bit faster.
I know right..what am I thinking? But it jumped out at me, what can I say.
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Posting from my phone as my back decided to do its annual ‘remember me?’ bit. Album 3 Monday
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Posting from my phone as my back decided to do its annual ‘remember me?’ bit.
I can’t believe I’m about to do this.. but here goes…,
Well, at least that’s better than a sheer heart attack.
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Posting from my phone as my back decided to do its annual ‘remember me?’ bit.
I can’t believe I’m about to do this.. but here goes…,
Well, at least that’s better than a sheer heart attack.
;D :tup
But I feel so inar-inar-inar-ticulate …
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So ever since I heard Liar last week for the first time, there's a lick in Brian's solo that I know I've heard before. It's been killing me ever since as I have been unable to place it. Well, today, I solved my own personal mystery. It's the lick right here (https://youtu.be/oU7rqB9E_0M?t=229).
I know it's not exact, but this (https://youtu.be/0kjettm41LU?t=147) was what I was thinking of, played a bit faster.
I know right..what am I thinking? But it jumped out at me, what can I say.
Well, this is near the end of the original https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu_ozjAu_vM Perhaps you were thinking of the finale of SHA, as I even give it a mention for its 'Slade-ish' singalong ending.
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SHEER HEART ATTACK
Released UK, November 1, 1974 (EMI): USA, November 12, 1974 (Elektra)
Charts: UK #2 (25 weeks, 12 weeks Top Ten…it would chart again two more times, reaching #12); USA #12 (32 weeks),
Canada #6, France #6, Italy #6, Netherlands #7, Finland #7, Norway #9, Japan #23
2011
Scotland #83
Certifications: Platinum in UK, Gold in USA
Gold in Japan, Platinum in Poland
Singles: Killer Queen/Flick Of The Wrist UK, October 12, 1974, #2 (Platinum): USA October 21, 1974, #12 in June ’75. Australia #24, Austria #10, Canada #15, Ireland #2, Netherlands #3, Norway #2, West Germany #12
Now I’m Here / Lily Of The Valley UK, January 17, 1975, #11: USA (not released). Ireland #14, West Germany #25, Belgium #29, Netherlands #29, Japan #87
(Queen I would rechart in the UK for one week in January ‘75 at #49. Queen II would rechart in the UK for three weeks in November ‘74, reaching #30, two weeks in February ’75, reaching #40)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f4/Queen_Sheer_Heart_Attack.png)
ROGER TAYLOR - Drums, vocals, percussion, screams
FREDDIE MERCURY - Vocals, piano, jangle piano, vocal extravaganzas
JOHN DEACON - Bass guitar, double bass, acoustic guitar, almost all guitars on 'Misfire'
BRIAN MAY - Guitars, vocals, piano, genuine George Formby ukelele-banjo, guitar orchestrations
Equipment and crew supervision by John Harris.
Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen.
Invaluable engineering by Mike Stone.
Special thanks to Geoff Workman.
Recorded at Trident, Wessex, Rockfield and Air Studios.
Composed, arranged and performed exclusively by Queen.
Art direction, photography by Mick Rock.
Sleeve concept by Queen.
No synthesizers.
*****************
SIDE ONE
Brighton Rock (May) 5:08
Killer Queen (Mercury) 3:01
Tenement Funster (Taylor) 2:48
Flick of the Wrist (Mercury) 3:19
Lily of the Valley (Mercury) 1:43
Now I'm Here (May) 4:10
SIDE TWO
In the Lap of the Gods (Mercury) 3:20
Stone Cold Crazy (MercuryMayTaylorDeacon) 2:12
Dear Friends (May) 1:07
Misfire (Deacon) 1:50
Bring Back That Leroy Brown (Mercury) 2:13
She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettoes) (May) 4:08
In the Lap of the Gods...Revisited (Mercury) 3:42
************************
2011 Universal reissue bonus:
Now I'm Here (live at Hammersmith Odeon, December 1975) / Flick of the Wrist [BBC] /Tenement Funster [BBC] /
Bring Back That Leroy Brown (a cappella mix 2011) / In the Lap of the Gods...Revisited (live at Wembley Stadium, July 1986)
***********************
Comments: A whopping 15 minutes for only two BBC bonuses from that time period. An a cappella mix? And the one minute snippet of ‘Gods’…from Wembley twelve years later!?!? Made a lot of sense :tdwn
A more appropriate offering would have included the other two BBC Session 5 songs (to be mentioned next). Also available from this era were live versions of ‘Now I’m Here’, ‘Flick of the Wrist’, and especially ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ and ‘In The Lap Of The Gods….revisited’ . There are also demo versions of ‘Brighton F*ck’, ‘Killer Queen’, ‘Tenement Funster’, and ‘Gods….’ Even with all of the possible additions, there still have been room for an extended ‘Brighton Rock’ from ’75 or ’76 to be thrown in.
As well as the stand alone versions of
‘Tenement Funster’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoKdVxbGt0I
‘Flick Of The Wrist’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NerM2e3Ouo , and
‘Lily Of The Valley’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qAO0pXJGO8
‘God Save The Queen’ was often sung by fans before Queen concerts. At the end of October, the band would record it, and play the tape at the end of all their concerts (sans one). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqgDzKxPdi0
During this time, a title track was worked on. Written by Roger, it was incomplete, but would be released later
As was the germ that would become ‘We Are The Champions’
The uninterrupted medley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_taatvaBIuM
'Killer Queen' video from ‘Top Of The Pops’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZBtPf7FOoM
Carousel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNhGVBSdFxk twenty seconds of which opens the album
pictures from the four page insert with lyrics. Liner notes on this had 'Rodger Taylor' on drums... well, it's still there ;)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-1%2Fsheer-heart-attack-usalpinner1.jpg&hash=9c99de5f60575c20d57b2bb251eda8b4b349dad1)(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-1%2Fsheer-heart-attack-usalpinner2.jpg&hash=9d5cb2987e648a3935593851fc1edd090e9e4cb1)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-1%2Fsheer-heart-attack-usalpinner3.jpg&hash=723fce58671e9043ea78759838c30f1082e29b2e)(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-1%2Fsheer-heart-attack-usalpinner4.jpg&hash=995dd9ea1b7a737df8c781af92b9eb501731cd93)
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Right off the bat, you know this is going to be different than their prior studio effort. Per Brian, the opening track was worked on and nearly completed for Queen II, but it did not fit the concept. The chain from the prior album continues, the whistling of ‘I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside’ with the backdrop ‘Carousel’ during the intro of ‘Brighton Rock’. A little conversation of a summer romance as Freddie sings baritone and falsetto with Brian chiming in on LV. The guitar solo that started in ‘Blag’, found a home and was expanded during the live performances of ‘Son And Daughter’,…. finds its studio home. After this memorable two and three part solo (thanks to the harmonizing Echoplex) is the conclusion to the romance, and in later years would be the only vocal remnant of the song in concert.
Their first worldwide hit ‘Killer Queen’ follows. This would not chart in the USA until late spring of ’75. Unlike 'Black Queen', Freddie wrote this in a day. A medley follows (good enough for Dream Theater to cover in the studio) starting with Roger on LV and his gentle acoustic guitar before things get rocking during ‘Tenement Funster’. Freddie’s first verbal bashing of their financial manager in ‘Flick Of The Wrist’ follows, a hard rocker with all the band trademarks. The medley ends with Freddie’s lovely ‘Lily of the Valley’ (concluding his fantasyland of Rhye references), with many bits and pieces thrown into this sub two minute song.
Then the first chords of ‘Now I’m Here’, (perhaps better as the Side Two opener (?)) Brian’s homage to touring with Mott the Hoople. It would open their next tour, evolve and include a Freddie sing along with the crowd at times, and remain a concert staple.
Side Two begins with Roger doing what we would affectionately call his ‘dog whistle’ scream at the beginning of ‘In the Lap of the Gods’. Freddie’s vocals are slowed down during this jilted lover (?) song. Lyrically, it might a prelude in some ways to the album closer. Musically, I still don’t know how to describe it.
What it does is set the table as it segues into ‘Stone Cold Crazy’. From Freddie’s Wreckage days, it is the first song credited to all four band members (as no one could remember who to credit the lyrics to). Thrash metal before thrash metal! Good enough for Metallica to cover and have as the B-side of ‘Enter Sandman’ years later.
An extreme tempo change follows with Brian’s short ballad ‘Dear Friends’ (the title was mentioned in ‘White Queen’). John’s first solo credit, the simple ‘Misfire’ follows (though the lyrics are rather nasty….). John plays rhythm and acoustic leads. A reward perhaps for having to fill in at times for during Brian's illnesses.
If this album hasn’t already jumped all over the map, before ‘Misfire’ totally fades out, we get the vaudevillian ‘Bring Back Leroy Brown’ (complete with ukelelee and banjo). Half a second later after this very American inspired romp, Brian takes his turn on LVs with the flanged acoustic guitar and ending NYC street sounds during ‘She Makes Me’. Nothing is constant on this album: the Red Special shines with the harmonies,….. the sirens wail,….. Roger’s drums then fill in the background, Brian’s heavy breaths sound like a longing or exhausted lover….
A second later……the perfect album and concert closing singalong ‘In the Lap of the Gods….Reprised’. From Freddie’s beginning vocals and piano, to the very Slade inspired ending choruses, to the the explosions at the very end.
*******************
This was their album that totally hooked me, and still keeps reeling me in. Another ‘Mount Rushmore’ release, and still praised by critics today.
IMHO it is by far the best studio mix of Roger’s drumming. The drive and simple fills and cymbals on ‘Brighton Rock’ on its own are his best, add ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ on top of it, and the ending of ‘She Makes Me’ are standouts. His performance on the rest of the album also rates an A+
The album is killer (Queen) with very little filler.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/910TWdphbhL._AC_SX522_.jpg)
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The first two songs are probably the most famous ones off this record, but I also love the intimate moments of Lily of the Valley and Dear Friends. And of course Stone Cold Crazy :metal
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I've given Sheer Heart Attack a couple of runs, but I'm giving it a real dedicated listen for a fresh reaction.
Spotify stream totals...
Brighton Rock....28.1m
Killer Queen....495.3m
Tenement Funster....4.7m
Flick Of The Wrist....5.8m
Lily Of The Valley....7.8m
Now I'm Here....46.0m
In The Lap Of The Gods....4.1m
Stone Cold Crazy....39.1m
Dear Friends....4.3m
Misfire....3.4m
Bring Back That Leroy Brown....3.2m
She Makes Me....2.3m
In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited....6.0m
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Ok, so I made some notes on the tracks. I was very familiar with Killer Queen, and had heard Stone Cold Crazy and sampled the three tracks DT did, but other than that, I had never listened to this album.
Anyway, here goes..
Brighton Rock...This is a great and heavy tune. Those are some high ass vocals kicking this off. This feels a bit out of place here, musically. Seems more in line with the heaviness of QII.
Killer Queen...Having worn out Queen's Greatest Hits when I was in college, I am more than familiar with Killer Queen. This is a great song all the way around.
TF/FOTW/LITV...I had never heard these before Dream Theater covered them. Dream Theater, and James in particular do an amazing job on this. I think that covers disc is one of James' finest moments in the band. I just wish To Tame A Land was part of the same session, which could've benefitted from those vocals. Anyway, when that came out, I did seek out these tracks just to compare. But I never went back to them.
Listening again, my first impression is that DT's versions are so strong, sometimes it's tough to go back and hear the much older original version. But DT was pretty faithful. If I had to rank them, Tenement Funster would be third, mainly because of Roger's vocals. Flick Of The Wrist is really cool in its original version. I love it. And Lily Of The Valley, I mean...what a great performance by Freddie!
Now I'm Here...This sounds like a Slade/Kiss/Styx mashup. I could definitely see Ace Frehley singing these verses. I'd never heard this before, but it's really growing on me. I mean Kiss and Slade are two of my favorite early to mid 70's bands. This fits right in.
In The Lap Of The Gods...That is a crazy vocal to start this off. But overall, this is just kind of there, isn't it. Feels like an interlude.
Stone Cold Crazy...It amazing just how heavy this original version is. Yeah, it's been immortalized by Metallica, hell yes, Queen nails this on their own.
Dear Friends....um..ok
Misfire...I mean, this is harmless enough. Just goes to show how great Freddie is that he can carry and vindicate what feels like an afterthought of a song.
Leroy Brown...This confirms something that I've been thinking, but I'll make it part of another post.
She Makes Me...Skippable track. Not sure what they were going for here.
In The Lap Of The Gods..Revisited....This is really a great track and just about the perfect live song. Not to get ahead, but it stands out on the second Rainbow show.
I have a larger macro thought I'm working on too. And Joe, I find it very interesting that this is your favorite Queen album. OK, I guess you didn't actually come right out and say that...or did you?
Because I'm going to make a UFO comparison. ;D
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Personally, I'd could see removing the first 'Gods' and 'Dear Friends' and 'Misfire'.....but the damn variety, along with three different lead vocalists (like The Beatles and Styx) is what got me on board. I love the change of pace and flows throughout. Hearing 'She Makes Me' at night .....after having it play in the car during a date, well........I'll end it right here ;) Oh, the songs of our youth! And that's why I totally get your UFO affection.....and any other bands we both connected with during that time.
So I have two main ideas that I've been thinking about while listening to Sheer Heart Attack.
Firstly, regarding Queen....SHA bridges the gap between the hard rock of the first two albums and the art, or the variety of the next few albums. It is definitely more varied in feel, at least for me. But even moreso, the switch feels like it happens MID ALBUM! Side 1 has a feel that is more closely relatable to the first two albums, and Side 2 feels like it has way more in common with A Night At The Opera. I find this interesting.
Secondly, and to tie it into what I was thinking about with UFO...Joe, you mention how much you love this album. Not counting UFO's first two obscure albums, and only looking at them once Michael Schenker joined.. The first two albums, Phenomenon and Force It have more of a raw and (especially Force It) hard rock feel. Just naturally organic and heavy.
Their third album, No Heavy Petting, which is my favorite UFO album, begins to explore some variety. They add a keyboard player, and embellish their sound. I've talked to Podaar about this, and he feels like they were wimping out a bit..my words, not his, but along those lines a bit. But what it does, is bridge the gap between Force It, a heavy album, and their fourth album Lights Out, which was their highest acclaimed album of that era, full of variety in the same way that A Night Of The Opera does.
Each bands' fourth albums are true landmark albums.
Not that I'm getting ahead! :P ;D
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Sheer Heart Attack is my favorite Queen album. It is one of those albums where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Not that it doesn't have great songs, as it certainly does, but it is one where it just sounds tremendous when giving it a full spin. Even the least best songs like Dear Friends and Misfire sound really good within the context of the record.
Killer Queen and Flick of the Wrist are probably both in my Queen top 10. I also rate Brighton Rock, In the Lap of the Gods, Stone Cold Crazy and Lily of the Valley all pretty high as well.
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Personally, I'd could see removing the first 'Gods' and 'Dear Friends' and 'Misfire'.....but the damn variety, along with three different lead vocalists (like The Beatles and Styx) is what got me on board. I love the change of pace and flows throughout. Hearing 'She Makes Me' at night .....after having it play in the car during a date, well........I'll end it right here ;) Oh, the songs of our youth! And that's why I totally get your UFO affection.....and any other bands we both connected with during that time.
So I have two main ideas that I've been thinking about while listening to Sheer Heart Attack.
Firstly, regarding Queen....SHA bridges the gap between the hard rock of the first two albums and the art, or the variety of the next few albums. It is definitely more varied in feel, at least for me. But even moreso, the switch feels like it happens MID ALBUM! Side 1 has a feel that is more closely relatable to the first two albums, and Side 2 feels like it has way more in common with A Night At The Opera. I find this interesting.
I'm actually with you on this 100%. I view it slightly different, though, in that Queen II was the high point for me, and the next few records seem to be a (stylistic) mess, even if there are moments - songs - of absolute brilliance on most of them (The Prophets Song is perhaps my favorite Queen tune).
This is half an album for me. I like Side One (especially the opener and the closer) but other than She Makes Me and the melody of ITLOTG...R, Queen loses me when they start to get all over the map.
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So I have two main ideas that I've been thinking about while listening to Sheer Heart Attack.
Firstly, regarding Queen....SHA bridges the gap between the hard rock of the first two albums and the art, or the variety of the next few albums. It is definitely more varied in feel, at least for me. But even moreso, the switch feels like it happens MID ALBUM! Side 1 has a feel that is more closely relatable to the first two albums, and Side 2 feels like it has way more in common with A Night At The Opera. I find this interesting.
<snip>
Each bands' fourth albums are true landmark albums.
Not that I'm getting ahead! :P ;D
As Tim has surmised, this is my favorite Queen album.
And he makes a point that I had never thought of before, ...that being the transition in MID ALBUM to their next studio release! In all of the years of talking with friends, reading forums, etc....NO ONE has said this! And I never gave it a thought until last weekend. 'Lap' very easily could have (and should have) been at the end of Side One, with 'Now I'm' Here' being an obvious beginning of Side Two, with 'Stone Cold Crazy' following. If only there was an ending to ITLotGods....
Such a good insight :tup
Remarks as to 'She Makes Me'..... when you are 16 years old, when listening to all that you've been thrown at on this album, when it starts instantly after 'Leroy Brown'... it totally grabbed me. It was the perfect tempo change when laying back with one's new headphones at night. Sadly, when listening to the remix, the maracas after the first chorus are almost totally removed. Why? (?) That aspect very much diminishes my enjoyment of the song on disc.
(Slight segue: I listened to Queen II on disc last week yet again, and the Queen II and SHA vinyls over the past two nights. I totally enjoyed the mixes on both. Not sure of what the complaints are as to II having a bad mix.)
Sheer Heart Attack is my favorite Queen album. It is one of those albums where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Not that it doesn't have great songs, as it certainly does, but it is one where it just sounds tremendous when giving it a full spin. Even the least best songs like Dear Friends and Misfire sound really good within the context of the record.
Killer Queen and Flick of the Wrist are probably both in my Queen top 10. I also rate Brighton Rock, In the Lap of the Gods, Stone Cold Crazy and Lily of the Valley all pretty high as well.
I made my very first mix tape of any band after their next studio release. I had eight of the SHA tracks included. I still had the medley included after album 7, with 'She Makes Me' dropped after album 6 due to time limits. And, thanks to the ease of CDr recording this decade, it was fun to make a pre 78 'best of' disc that included the BBC 'Son And Daughter' Session 3 and the likes, and to include so much of SHA on it.
Kev, does it matter that you rate it so high? Oh, hell yeah! :tup
The medley: a shame that DT didn't speed the tempo up a bit as I had hoped. And, of all things, I was expecting that Mike and/or JP would have done the LVs on 'Tenement Funster'.... to be 'true' in a way to the original. Very disappointed that the band chose not to. Totally agree that DT shined on this cover....and would have rated it in the 60s if allowed to on Kev Shmev's list.
Between now and March 5th I'll make a comment on BBC Session 5, with the next live release comments that weekend before the DT in DC concert.
I could post more beforehand, but, after all, 'It's so easy.....but I can't do it.............'
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The medley: a shame that DT didn't speed the tempo up a bit as I had hoped. And, of all things, I was expecting that Mike and/or JP would have done the LVs on 'Tenement Funster'.... to be 'true' in a way to the original. Very disappointed that the band chose not to. Totally agree that DT shined on this cover....and would have rated it in the 60s if allowed to on Kev Shmev's list.
Personally, I'm glad that MP didn't do lead vocals on Tenement Funster. Part of me feels he definitely suggested it though. ;D
But while not increasing the tempo, they certainly give it a depth that old songs from 1974 just can't do.
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I get this is the DT forum and it is natural to discuss them covering those songs, but I'd rather focus on the awesomeness of the Queen originals. :)
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I get this is the DT forum and it is natural to discuss them covering those songs, but I'd rather focus on the awesomeness of the Queen originals. :)
Well, focus on them then.
We're listening..
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:corn
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@ Joe...at the risk of annoying Kev, are there any good covers from bands that you are aware of from these first three albums..besides DT and Metallica?
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"Covers" or "GOOD covers"?
Def Leppard has a live version of "Now I'm Here" on one of the Adrenalize singles, and I think they did "Dear Friends" on the Yeah! album (as a bonus track).
I have a tribute album called "Dragon Attack" that has "Sheer Heart Attack" done by James LaBrie and I think it's Marty Friedman; I forget the rhythm section. On the same album - and you might like this - is "Keep Yourself Alive" with Mark Boals and Yngwie. I don't remember the rhythm section here either. EDIT: I looked it up; the rhythm section on SHA is Blue Murder (Carmine Appice and Tony Franklin) and on KYA it's Ozzy's old rhythm section, Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge.
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Cool, thanks Bill. I'll check them out!
Puled up the Dragon Attack tribute album on wiki. It's a hard rock stacked lineup. Wow, I'm going to check those out as we go through the thread.
Not familiar with It's Late, but I see John Bush on vocals. WOW!!! The song is on News Of The World apparently...so I won't get ahead! ;D
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Found this on a quick google search https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-cover-songs/
Other than a select few, I'm not fond of Queen or Beatle covers. I see so many on Fbook and give them about ten seconds of my time. I know there are some really good ones out there. What Bill mentioned is fairly good. Then again, and don't ask me why, here is an offering that I get a kick out of more than the rest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbpFkiYeNKk&t=1s
As to Spotify, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the numbers for 'Killer Queen', though I am. 'Now I'm Here' sounds about right. Surprised at how 'low' they are for 'Stone Cold Crazy'.
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Other than a select few, I'm not fond of Queen or Beatle covers. I see so many on Fbook and give them about ten seconds of my time. I know there are some really good ones out there.
I guess it depends on if you're a fan of the band doing them.
Found this on a quick google search https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-cover-songs/
Holy shit does Klaus nail Love Of My Life!! :hefdaddy
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Wow you're not kidding. That was so good.
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Good lord, that cover of Son and Daughter by CoC was so filthy, and awesome!
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Good lord, that cover of Son and Daughter by CoC was so filthy, and awesome!
I'll agree tenfold. That was great! :tup
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BBC Session 5
Recorded At Maida Vale Studio, October 16.
Broadcast On Radio 1 November 4th, As Part Of Bob Harris's 'Sounds Of The Seventies' Programme
Now I'm Here (May) 4:19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V136I-g2VuQ
Flick Of The Wrist (Mercury) 3:27 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gvv27f6TNZE
Tenement Funster (Taylor) 3:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3xIZmTrzPs
Stone Cold Crazy (Queen) 2:17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zy3ZJE0KPg
Kind of a lazy effort. The backing tapes with new and similar lead vocals and an occasional ad lib thrown in. Roger’s LV on ‘Tenement Funster’ is a bit more in the forefront and grittier, and one BV near the end is eliminated. A guitar note is used at the end where it segued into ‘Flick of the Wrist’
‘Flick Of The Wrist’. Just the piano intro, a clear ending, and they do make a change as compared to the studio release. During the instrumental, Brian changes things up with one of the most gawdawful guitar arrangements possible. Can't believe he played it this way, or that Freddie would allow it. Nails on chalkboard material.
(this should allow some time for others to chime in, and provide me a few days to allow a hairline fracture in my left ankle to heal and be less painful. Actually .... listening to FOTW just now might have been worse ;))
added for fun.... as they seemed to have during the photo shoots with Mick Rock
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/14/4c/ff/144cffa16864685e8b68b1bc26e22b76.jpg)
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Good lord, that cover of Son and Daughter by CoC was so filthy, and awesome!
I'll agree tenfold. That was great! :tup
It's funny, I never would have thought of Son and Daughter as a precursor to sludge-metal, but when CoC plays it, it totally fits. :lol
‘Flick Of The Wrist’. Just the piano intro, a clear ending, and they do make a change as compared to the studio release. During the instrumental, Brian changes things up with one of the most gawdawful guitar arrangements possible. Can't believe he played it this way, or that Freddie would allow it. Nails on chalkboard material.
I don't know, I kinda see what Brian was going for, but like you, it misses the mark.
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I have a Tribute to Queen CD that came free with an issue of Classic Rock magazine back in 2005.
The songs featured are:
Bohemian Rhapsody - Grey Delisle
One Vision - James LaBrie/Bruce Bouillet
Good Old Fashioned Loverboy - Jason Mraz
Tie Your Mother Down - Talisman
Stone Cold Crazy - Enuff Z’Nuff
Don’t Stop Me Now - The Vandals
I Want It All - Robin McAuley & Chris Impellitteri
Fat Bottomed Girls - Hayseed Dixie
It's Late - Anthrax
Another One Bites the Dust - Batfish Boys
Save Me - Jeff Scott Soto & Bruce Kulick
We Will Rock You - Jeff Scott Soto
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Found this on a quick google search https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-cover-songs/
Holy shit does Klaus nail Love Of My Life!! :hefdaddy
[/quote]
This is from the Scorps’ unplugged live album, Acoustica. Highly recommended, if you can track down a copy.
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Good lord, that cover of Son and Daughter by CoC was so filthy, and awesome!
I'll agree tenfold. That was great! :tup
It's funny, I never would have thought of Son and Daughter as a precursor to sludge-metal, but when CoC plays it, it totally fits. :lol
The good news..yes that song could and was easily set for that style, fitting too that I hear a ton of Sabbath in the first two albums.
The bad news...I hated it. :lol
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@ Joe...at the risk of annoying Kev, are there any good covers from bands that you are aware of from these first three albums..besides DT and Metallica?
My favorite Queen cover is from their 4th album by Ronney.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71IDAMW6jRs
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@ Joe...at the risk of annoying Kev, are there any good covers from bands that you are aware of from these first three albums..besides DT and Metallica?
My favorite Queen cover is from their 4th album by Ronney.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71IDAMW6jRs
I never knew Mitt had a band.
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:lol
Rooney. BTW, lead singer is the son of Talia Shire. Cousin to Nick Cage.
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:lol
Rooney. BTW, lead singer is the son of Talia Shire. Cousin to Nick Cage.
"Adrian!"
(By the way, I just found out that Jason Schwartzman is Talia Shire's son.)
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That's his brother. Did you know he was in a band to that released a few albums as well?
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(sorry for the delay. Suffered a hairline fracture of my left ankle last week, so I'm not getting to and spending much time at the computer. The worst part: cancelling our trip to DC this weekend to cohost another DT preshow and see the concert. :tdwn >:( :censored))
We bought that Classic Rock magazine because of the cover versions eons ago.
A couple more covers here before moving on, the first being Dwight Yoakam doing 'CLTCL' I watched that show because it was mentioned all over the Queen message boards at the time. Not a country fan, but I enjoyed it, and he always came off as admiring the artist who wrote it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SM_BOayT7Y
I came across this years ago, and I found it quite fascinating and surprising. 'Sheer Heart Attack' had finally reached the Top 30 in the States, and here was a young band already performing 'Now I'm Here' at a high school dance. It would be almost three years before the release of their ground breaking debut album. Not the best recording, but the pictures are terrific. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDMWFZglQyw
Up next: The nasty Queenies are back!
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Wow, that Van Halen cover was interesting.
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LIVE AT THE RAINBOW....November '74
Released: September 8, 2014, UK (Virgin/EMI), USA (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #11, US Hard Rock Albums #5, US Billboard #66
Netherlands #7, Germany #9, Austria #12, Scotland #12, Belgium #13, Italy #15, Spain #17, Switzerland #19, Portugal #22, Hungary #34, Finland #40, Ireland #54, France #55
US Billboard Video Sales #2
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HXMjyOt862M/maxresdefault.jpg)
(fan made photo montage from the vinyl sleeves)
Liner Notes
QUEEN are
Roger Taylor: Drums and Backing Vocals (and lead on two songs for one line each)
Freddie Mercury: Lead Vocals and Piano
Brian May: Guitars and Backing Vocals, ukulele on "Bring Back That Leroy Brown"
John Deacon: Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals, triangle on "Killer Queen"
... and nobody played synthesizer
Executive Producers: Brian May and Roger Taylor
Mix Produced by Justin Shirley-Smith, Joshua J. Macrae and Kris Fredriksson
Recorded by Roy Thomas Baker and Mike Stone
November show mastered by Mazen Murad at Metropolis Mastering
Post Production Supervision: Kris Fredriksson and Justin Shirley-Smith
The complete video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGMOiMWGTzI&t=7s
1. Procession (May) 1:18
2. Now I'm Here (May) 5:00
3. Ogre Battle (Mercury) 5:31
4. Father To Son (May) 5:55
5. White Queen (As It Began) (May) 5:34
6. Flick Of The Wrist (Mercury) 4:07
Medley:
7. In The Lap Of The Gods (Mercury) 3:20
8. Killer Queen (Mercury) 1:26
9. The March Of The Black Queen (Mercury) 1:36
10. Bring Back That Leroy Brown (Mercury) 1:41
11. Son And Daughter (May) 10:40 *
14. Keep Yourself Alive (May) 4:27 *
17. Seven Seas Of Rhye (Mercury) 3:30
18. Stone Cold Crazy (Queen) 2:40
19. Liar (Mercury) 8:39
20. In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited (Mercury) 4:10
21. Big Spender (Coleman/Fields) 1:31
22. Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll (Taylor) 3:12
23. Jailhouse Rock (Lieber/Stoller) 4:10
24. God Save The Queen (trad. arr. May) 1:18
TOTAL TIME 79:55
* Once again divided into three segments (???)
‘Great King Rat’ and ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ were dropped. The rock n roll medley has been modified to include ‘Modern Times Rock n Roll’ into the encore.
****************
‘Killer Queen’ is now #2 on the UK singles charts, and ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ would enter their album charts at #6 a few days later. The increased confidence and bravado from the March show is quite apparent. ‘Mister Two Fingers Freddie Mercury’ is now the ever confident ringleader, Brian is healthy and, well, Brian…., and Roger is on fire again. The backing vocals, as well as the three and four part harmonies really shine this night.
The beginning of the video shows the band arriving. This would appear in the video for their upcoming single.
'Procession' is played to the darkened stage. Freddie would stand on one side, with a look alike on the other at the beginning of ‘Now I’m Here’ (not very apparent in the video). This song would remain a concert staple. Three Queen II songs follow. The early medley section is introduced during this tour, constantly evolving, which would lead to the momentary confusion as to what was being played throughout their career. ‘Killer Queen’ would later have a verse added, but would never be played in full. TMOTBQ would never be played in full as well. The mostly instrumental medley ending ‘Bring Back That Leroy Brown’ is simple nonsense and fun. Plus, Brian kills it on the ukuele! 😊 ‘Son And Daughter’ has now expanded to over ten minutes, incorporating much of the ‘Brighton Rock’ solo. 'Flick Of The Wrist' is a welcome addition, with a nice finishing touch.
'Keep Yourself Alive', 'Seven Seas of Rhye', and two others mentioned later are standout rockers. 'In The Lap Of The Gods....Revisited' was the perfect finale on the 'Sheer Heart Attack' album. It provides the perfect singalong arm waving ending for the concert proper. And 'God Save The Queen', recorded weeks earlier, closes out a terrific show.
As to John Deacon: one of our favorites, and especially the last couple minutes, is ‘Liar’. One of his brief moments in the spotlight, and he always shines. Throughout songs where you are listening to Brian’s lead or Freddie’s vocals, such as ‘Liar’, ‘Son And Daughter’, and the killer versions of ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ and ‘Modern Times Rock n Roll’, his bass is often providing something more atune to a rhythm guitar than a bass. And he even does some BVs.
A much more complete and better review can be found here:
https://peanutbutterpope.wordpress.com/2017/07/01/special-review-22-live-at-the-rainbow-74-queen/
from wiki: "The video footage was previously released as Live at the Rainbow, a half-hour film containing footage from both November shows. It was shown in cinemas in the 1970s and 1980s as an opener to films, including longer concert films by Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, as well as the release of Jaws 2 in British cinemas. More footage from the November shows was later released on VHS as part of the 'Box of Tricks' box set in 1992, though this footage was heavily overdubbed. Although not to the same extent, the November concerts on this release are also overdubbed, however they also employ pitch correction in some areas. This extends to the March concert as well, however there are no overdubs on that concert."
"Stone Cold Crazy" was made available on record, but years later as a b-side in 1989.
More information and pictures are available on the terrific queenlive.ca website (click '74' and scroll down to the November London shows.
Last note here: I began saving the links of pictures and various songs a few months back, in order for those reading to have quick access to them. My wife and I quit being 'completists' eons ago (both of us bought the 'Box of Tricks' mentioned earlier in the 90s). Because of this thread, I found the video link. It was a pleasure to watch this complete Rainbow concert together for the first time over the weekend. :tup
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The Live At The Rainbow set is awesome. But I was so disappointed to get only the first minute and a half of MOTBQ. I was so looking forward to the live version.
Both shows together are an amazing document. Love the power of the tracks played live.
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'Procession' is played to the darkened stage. Freddie would stand on one side, with a look alike on the other at the beginning of ‘Now I’m Here’ (not very apparent in the video).
Something I've heard about many times, but never really got to see in a way that does it justice. It's such a cool idea, and the song itself seems to play into that idea on multiple levels - the sound panning, the lyrics themselves - and I'm sorry I haven't experienced it properly.
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As to 'The March of the Black Queen', I can understand not playing all of it. Maybe it was just too much to do live. A couple minutes more would have been quite nice.
As to them 'missing' the beginning of 'Now I'm Here': I could have filmed concerts (and most sporting events) better with two cameras instead of the multitudes used. The editors miss so much or focus on the wrong things at the wrong times. The artsy fartsy triple camera montages just eff things up. Always wonder how much these people are smoking in the booth ;)
I want to watch the band, not close ups of Freddie or Roger's sticks and drumkit, or camera angle changes too often. At least they did a decent job of filming John at the 1:02:30 mark onward for 'Liar', and various other points on the drum stand and doing BVs. And catching Brian on the catwalk at times.
At a Queen concert, you had the songs, a visual treat of watching a great front man and the rest doing various things, and....the lights. Even at this point in their career, when one gets the chance to just enjoy the show during 'Modern Times' and 'Jailhouse Rock', it all adds to the experience.
Along with the dry ice clouds and flash pods during 'Lap....revisited'. Bigger and better visuals are soon to come.
I'll touch on their tour of the States and Japan in a couple of days.
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Many of those '70s films were too arty for their own good. The stupid camera effects, and, in the worst cases (Zep, Genesis) the fantasy sequences interspersed. There are so few well-shot concert videos from that era, it's a shame.
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The same can be said for concerts from this century (minus the fantasy stuff).
SHEER HEART ATTACK Tour
The band would continue to tour the UK after the Rainbow shows, then their first headlining tour in Europe. After the final performance in Barcelona, they take a two month break before touring North America, starting off in Columbus, Ohio in February.
The setlists are the same as the November ’74 Rainbow performance, minus ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’ (though played in Calgary).
JANUARY 24 EDIT: New Concert !!!
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/75-02-10_Detroit_01.jpg)
Ford Auditorium Detroit, February 10th, 1975 Attendance: 2,900 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8dfDGp2E4Q Grade: B/C
NEW! This is now the earliest recording from 1975.
This is the 5th date on the North American Tour, and Queen's first concert in Detroit (the show in '74 was cancelled due to Brian's illness.) This was one of only a handful from Queen's first headlining North America tour.
"The recording is mostly complete, but the master has been damaged beyond repair leaving volume fluctuations throughout. This has been somewhat mitigated, but has the trade-off of hiss oscillating throughout the recording, especially from 'White Queen' through to 'Son and Daughter'. The band sound great here, although a touch sloppy in spots, which was usually the case for Queen at the start of their tours. Freddie is in top shape though and sounds fantastic." queenlive.ca
The band even throw in a surprise in the setlist at last minute. After 'God Save the Queen' plays signaling the end of the show, the band returns to the stage and performs 'See What a Fool I've Been' as a final encore!!! It would be the only time Queen would return to the stage after GSTQ. This is the song's first performance since their last US tour, and it would be played occasionally for the rest of the year.
Kansas was the opening act. Guitarist Rich Williams recalls playing their opening set to constant boos and shouts for Queen.
*****
I could not get permission to go to this, as it was a Monday school night :sad: :'( and I wouldn't have made it back to the friend's home who was driving until 2 or 3AM. He had graduated HS, as did a couple of others, so they could sleep or party as long as they wanted afterwards. One poor soul was still in HS, and looked like dog meat. Two hours of sleep, ears still ringing......lucky fricker!
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/flyers/1975-02-16.jpg)
February 16, 1975 Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City (attendance 2750) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_JkrB-ul8c Grade: B+
After two shows at The Orpheum in Boston on the 15th, this is the second show the following day. Yes….four shows in two days!. It’s obvious that this is not the first Queen show for many attending. This is a very good yet raw audience recording that adds to my enjoyment. As does the band’s performance, the crowd, and slight but noticeable variations in ‘Son And Daughter’, ‘Liar’, ‘Modern Times’, and ‘Jailhouse Rock’. Sadly, as often happened with audience recordings, ‘God Save The Queen’ is mostly missing (solvable by using other audience recordings).
March 7th, Milwaukee, WI, Uptown Theater (attendance 1750) Grade: B+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1fy05DPqJo&t=695s
The first recording of Freddie after his diagnosis of vocal nodules. The crowd is louder and more reactive at the beginning than the NYC crowd, but not as enthusiastic throughout. Both NYC and Milwaukee are quality performances and recordings, with NYC easily my favorite.
************
"They finish the tour on April 6th in Seattle. This is the last gig of the tour. It was a double bill with Kansas playing first, with each band doing their own set with encores. A 16-year-old Nikki Sixx attended this show, having slept on the sidewalk the night before the show to get a good seat.
The band soon took off to Hawaii for a week-long vacation, a much-needed rest before their pending first tour of Japan. A show scheduled for April 7 in Portland was cancelled, likely to rest Freddie's voice for the bigger shows to come." (queenlive.ca)
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A thing called 'life' just keeps cropping up......next update Friday (I hope)
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I listened to some of the NY show. I can't say I'm a huge fan of the Big Spender/MTRnR/Jailhouse Rock encore. I suppose it's the band "letting their hair down" at the end of the show, but they just have so much better material, even at this point.
Thin Lizzy arranged their setlist in a similar way. They usually closed with Sha La La/Baby Drives Me Crazy/Me And The Boys. Basically non album tracks that paled to their own material.
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When I heard 'Big Spender', I didn't know of 'Sweet Chastity', but I did know of these advertisements:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKdQbQ4k_dI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNLYYwCUqBs
(not as good as this Murial ad with Susan Anton ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8QaUwAyCM8)
‘Big Spender’ is the perfect tongue in cheek camp song that fits Freddie to a tee. ‘Modern Times’ is a great rocker for an encore, but since most were unfamiliar with it,…… leave the audience with something they DO know and can participate in. So, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ fit the bill. I read years ago that it was one of the first songs that Brian learned on guitar. The joy of then and the loudness of ‘now’ had to be a bit thrilling. Queen was a rock n roll band, and it made sense to finish with an old rock n roll song from their roots that’s unexpected.
I think back to Springsteen doing the long Detroit medley in the 80s as an encore (it worked) opposed to Genesis in ’87 (which didn’t). And others of that era like Van Halen, ZZ Top, Heart, Sammy Hagar.....that would play more recent 'classics' in their encore.
I will admit….a full version of ‘Killer Queen’ in the encore (or to start the second) would have worked.
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That encore definitely has that "Ok the show's over, let's fuck around for a bit" feel. I can appreciate it, and maybe you see the band show some personality that may not be evident while focusing on the show proper.
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I had my next write up ready to send, but someone had to make a comment before I could do so. Darn you, Tim. :D
Yeah, that's the way I looked at it. A band always wants to give their true fans their best, but why save 'your best' when too many it seems leave after the concert proper? To those who stayed, let's play, let's really rock, and then we'll do an oldie that EVERYBODY knows but in OUR style. And since we can do that one in our sleep, and we've had one or three drinks too many, who will know?
btw....any urge to buy a cigar after my last post? ;)
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SHEER HEART ATTACK Tour Japan
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/75-04-20_Tokyo_10.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbzZex_m This short video includes their arrival in Japan, press conference, and welcome picnic during the first eight minutes. Worth it to see the ‘mania’ at the beginning, as well as the entire band hamming it up during their ‘thank yous’. Concert footage of Now I’m Here, various other snippets…
And then one of my all time highlights: starting at 19:15, this is how one should film any song in concert, namely 'In the Lap of the Gods….Revisited’. There are only occasional camera angle changes, you can see the whole band (Roger disappears at times during the Spinal Tap fog :D)), and just how the lights affect one's viewing pleasure. No squirrel in the director's truck changing the cameras every five seconds. No stupid shots of the fans (who pays to go and see them?) but you can see some of them raising their arms in the air at times. It let's the viewer choose who and what to look at.
Oh, to have more concert videos like this! :tup
*****************
Audio concerts:
Tokyo, Budokan, April 19th (attendance) 14,000 Grade: B https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsufrGyTbuE
“This is Queen's first show in Japan (of eight). They encountered sheer mayhem from the Japanese people (and not just at the concerts), similar to The Beatles in 1964. The band were told that the audiences would be very quiet and stay in their seats during the concerts, but the reality was much to the contrary. Years later, Brian May recalled an "avalanche of people" coming out of their seats and screaming." queenlive.ca
Procession / Now I'm Here / Ogre Battle / Father to Son / White Queen / Flick of the Wrist / Doing All Right / Medley: (In the Lap of the Gods / Killer Queen / The March of the Black Queen /Bring Back That Leroy Brown) / Son and Daughter / Keep Yourself Alive / Seven Seas of Rhye / Stone Cold Crazy / Liar / In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited. Encores: Big Spender / Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll / Jailhouse Rock / See What a Fool I've Been / God Save the Queen
First live performance of ‘Doing Alright’ (a curious choice). ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ is reinstated. If you only listen to 'Procession', the beginning and ending of 'Now I'm Here', the mania is clearly evident.
*********
This complete and upgraded version was just released a few weeks ago. I owned one of the Sheer Heart Attack concerts back in the 90s. Like most, it was severely incomplete with a 'C' grade recording, so I just gave up looking. There are much better ones available now than this one, but I would have paid double or triple the market value to have had it my hands back then.
A few more shows to follow over the weekend before writing a word of three about their next vinyl release.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/screenshots/75-05-01_Tokyo_official_04.jpg)
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Some times life (and certainly world events) happens while you're busy making plans. I'll try to speed things up, and post with a blind eye as to events in Eastern Europe. A much needed weekend getaway to see my other teenage influence Alice Cooper awaits next weekend. Moving on.....
********************
Connecting with every person in the concert hall was becoming one of Queen's core philosophies, and at a concert in Kobe on April 23rd, the performance of ‘Liar’ is noteworthy because it is the earliest known instance of Freddie Mercury doing any kind of a "call and response" vocal exchange with the audience, something which would eventually become one of his trademarks. In an interview a couple of years ago, Nonny Holder said this element of Mercury's stage persona was inspired by Slade. By the time Mercury couldn't perform live anymore he ran into Holder again in Montreux who recalls Mercury thanking him for giving him the inspiration for this significant piece of the puzzle once upon a time. (queenlive.ca)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqpJK1TfLns&t=1095s starting at 16:35, Nonny Holder first talks of where he bought his iconic hat, who it was from, then goes on to the audience participation bit. Tim, I think you'll like the whole interview
Moving on.....
Yamaha Resort Exhibition Hall Kakegawa, April 29th. Attendance: N/A. Grade: B+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqGCNAnEmI
‘Father To Son’ has been dropped. ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ was not played.
****************************
Yokohama, April 30th. Attendance: 5000. Grade: A- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLfU0g5x9eU
A ‘Mr. Peach’ Queen taped performance. Explanation on the youtube page.
Great King Rat added. Brian incorporates a Japanese lullaby into the ‘Son And Daughter/Brighton Rock’ solo, extending the song(s) to fourteen minutes.
********************************************
Budokan, Tokyo, May 1st. Attendance: 14,000. Grade: A- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXDzaWm7uIQ&t=5934s
Final night of the ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ tour, running two hours.
‘Hangman’, a May/Mercury song worked on during the Queen I sessions, is played for the first time since ’73. Final full live performance of ‘Great King Rat’ and final performance of ‘In The Lap Of The Gods’. ‘Stupid Cupid/Be Bop a Lula’ is back in the encore for fun, as is ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’.
‘Son And Daughter’ …with the ‘Brighton Rock’ guitar solo also includes Brian performing a Japanese nursery rhyme, so this works out to almost seventeen minutes of sometimes over self indulgence.
Band intros, an extended beginning and drum solo middle for ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ follows. Mister Frederick Mercury is introduced before ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’. ‘Liar’ has an extended jam and runs over 11 minutes. It also includes the first available extended ‘singalong’ that Freddie would incorporate later (see earlier comment and listen to the Nonny Holder interview). Another extended piano intro to ‘Gods…revisited’ is played.
The playfulness and improvising continue during the encores. ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ is added for a second round, with the band wearing kimonos.
(https://preview.redd.it/it5xavgdjwu51.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=1dd899c2825b9aed978ef6d9d9f52569bfddc6b7)
Next: Roger Taylor's big pay day ;)
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Next: Roger Taylor's big pay day ;)
Looks like he's staring at his payday! ;D
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/75-04-20_Tokyo_10.jpg)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbzZex_m This short video includes their arrival in Japan, press conference, and welcome picnic during the first eight minutes.
Joe, the link doesn't work...
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Wow, that Van Halen cover was interesting.
Who'd of ever thought that Dave could do justice to Freddie Mercury? I mean, he's still Dave, but that could have been a LOT worse than it was. Honestly, the weakest part for me was the bass; it sounded like noodling underneath the guitars and drums.
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Wow, that Van Halen cover was interesting.
Who'd of ever thought that Dave could do justice to Freddie Mercury? I mean, he's still Dave, but that could have been a LOT worse than it was. Honestly, the weakest part for me was the bass; it sounded like noodling underneath the guitars and drums.
What made Dave great was that he was a great vocalist, and by vocalist, I don't mean singer. He was quite talented in making his voice do a number of different things and styles.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbzZex_m This short video includes their arrival in Japan, press conference, and welcome picnic during the first eight minutes.
Joe, the link doesn't work...
Try this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3bzZex_6m8 The title is "Queen - Live in Tokyo (May 1st, 1975) - 16mm Film" . The same thing happened Friday. The same person is posting, so maybe its a 'cat and mouse' game. Thank you for letting me know.
VH covering Queen: Yeah, I thought Dave did OK. It's such a horrible mix, as Michael's BVs are barely audible. Then again, I think that's part of the charm. I can also envision some anxious parents that night, worrying about what their little Betty Lou might be doing during and after that dance if Dave was around!
As to Roger's big pay day: Tim, I'm curious if you have a sister named Pam? This instantly popped into my head (with a double bonus... :D)
"His sister Pam works in a shop
She never stops, she's a go-getter
Takes him out to look at the queen
Only place that he's ever been
Always shouts out something obscene
Such a dirty old man
Dirty old man"
[EDITED with the added lyrics at the end as originally intended :facepalm:]
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And then one of my all time highlights: starting at 19:15, this is how one should film any song in concert, namely 'In the Lap of the Gods….Revisited’. There are only occasional camera angle changes, you can see the whole band (Roger disappears at times during the Spinal Tap fog :D)), and just how the lights affect one's viewing pleasure. No squirrel in the director's truck changing the cameras every five seconds. No stupid shots of the fans (who pays to go and see them?) but you can see some of them raising their arms in the air at times. It let's the viewer choose who and what to look at.
Yes, the other link worked, and hell yes that is fantastic footage. Not sure how Roger could breathe.
That shot you mentioned has a bootleg quality to it. I have always been captivated by bootleg videos. They really represent how a concert actually looks. Never really been a fan of pro shot shows.
I'm sorry, I don't get the Pam reference. :)
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I highlighted the lyrics and used the 'insert image' tab instead of the 'italics' one. Fixed it. Glad you got the reference without them :tup
(twelve hours off and on scanning and copying and entering checks and futzing with spreadsheets on a Sunday does that to a guy....)
As to the concert footage: occasional changes in camera shots are OK, such as the Tokyo one. Then you get DT's 'Fourth Wall' and 'Luna Park'. I have to stop watching after one song. The constant switching makes me angry, distracts the hell out of me, exhaust me, and they give me headaches. As to generally hiring the upper echelon for sound and lighting as Queen would do, they should have hired the individual who did the Tokyo film for the rest of their career. As other bands should have.
Oh, and maybe Roger ducked out for a minute when the clouds were billowing so high, and got himself a little 'pay day' ;)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqpJK1TfLns&t=1095s starting at 16:35, Nonny Holder first talks of where he bought his iconic hat, who it was from, then goes on to the audience participation bit. Tim, I think you'll like the whole interview
Noddy Holder is a fucking legend. Great link talking about Freddie. And you know I found the timestamp for the Phil Lynott comments.
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I don’t get the reference either but the lyrics are The Beatles “
Polythene Pam Mean Mr. Mustard”.
(Brain hiccup and fast typing leads to mistakes!)
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I don’t get the reference either but the lyrics are The Beatles “Polythene Pam Mean Mr. Mustard”.
(Brain hiccup and fast typing leads to mistakes!)
That’s ok. I’m not familiar with either.
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Tim, wait a second....you're familiar with Slade and Noddy but not The Beatles and 'Abbey Road'? Shame! Shame! :D
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Bohemian Rhapsody (b/w I'm In Love With My Car)
Released: October 31, 1975, UK (EMI), USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #1 for 9 weeks (#1 again in ’91, #45 in 2018), USA #6 (#2 in ’91, #33 in 2018)...
#1 in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand.
#2 South Africa, #4 Norway, Spain, Switzerland, #7 West Germany
1991:
UK #1, Ireland #1, USA #2
1992:
Netherlands #1, US Cash Box #1...Billboard #2, Denmark #3, Europe #3, Australia #5, Belgium #6, Austria #8, Switzerland #8, France #15, Germany #16,
New Zealand #16, Finland #17, Canada #18
2018-19:
Czech Republic #1, US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard) #2, Belgium #3, France #3, Hungary #3, Lithuania #4, Slovakia #5, Canada #6, Greece #8,
Malaysia #8, Italy #10, Japan #11, Colombia #12, New Zealand #20, France #21, Portugal #21, Switzerland #21, Singapore #24, Netherlands #26, Spain #26,
France #27, Austria #30, Sweden #33, US Billboard #33, UK #45,
Chart (2020–2022)
Global 200 (Billboard) #97
Certifications: 3x Platinum in UK, Gold in USA (physical sales), 10x Platinum in digital sales
Gold in Germany and Japan
Platinum in Greece
2x Platinum in Denmark and New Zealand
3x Platinum in Portugal and Spain
4x Platinum in Italy
7x Platinum in Canada
8x Platinum in Australia
The classic video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ Approximately 1.5 BILLION views!!!
The first picture sleeve in the UK for any of their singles.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9f/Bohemian_Rhapsody.png)
Freddie Mercury – lead and backing vocals, piano, operatic vocals (middle register)
Brian May – electric guitar, operatic vocals (low register)
Roger Taylor – drums, timpani, gong, operatic vocals (high register)
John Deacon – bass guitar
The story behind the song: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_Rhapsody
In December 2018, it became the most streamed song from the 20th century, and it had been downloaded or streamed over 1.6 billion times.
Roger received half the royalties for having ‘Car’ on the B-side. Writing credits were always given to the person penning the lyrics. It would be many years before this would be changed.
The first person to play 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on the radio was Kenny Everett on Capital Radio. Given a tape, he played it fourteen times in two days and was in many ways responsible for its success. Due to the overwhelming public requests, this convinced EMI and Elektra to release the full version as a single.
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(My Mom bought me a small crystal needle turntable for Christmas of ’75 to go with my AM/FM 8 track player. The 45 was already in place. I have that vinyl framed and hanging in my study. The first time my wife heard 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was at Heathrow Airport arriving on a college field trip. And later on in various restaurants. And in taxis. She was hooked. The first thing she did upon coming home was buy the 45, followed by purchasing the four released albums.)
As to videos, I would be remiss by not including the following:
‘Wayne’s World’ MTV video version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfXJA8XrRGM
‘Wayne’s World’ movie segment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thyJOnasHVE
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I'll check this song out.
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Nah, it's almost six minutes. That is too long.
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Nah, it's almost six minutes. That is too long.
I pity your wife if you think 6 minutes is too long. I’ll also have to take it that 2112 and Hemispheres can’t be high on your Rush rankings then.
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Nah, it's almost six minutes. That is too long.
I pity your wife if you think 6 minutes is too long. I’ll also have to take it that 2112 and Hemispheres can’t be high on your Rush rankings then.
Kev ain't married, but you might be on to the reason why. :lol
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I think my sarcasm flew over someone's head.
But I get yours, Tim. :P
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I think my sarcasm flew over someone's head.
But I get yours, Tim. :P
Yeah, not where I usually go, but it was right there. :lol
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Nah, it's almost six minutes. That is too long.
And 'Hey Jude' was over seven. Some times the Queen myth makers get a bit full of themselves. Just as BoRhap was the first video :facepalm:
I think Kev rated 'A View From The Top Of The World' pretty high, so he's safe in that regards.
And, Tim, I do hope you give this song a listen. :lol
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And, Tim, I do hope you give this song a listen. :lol
Alright. Just gave it a spin, hey, that's pretty good. ;D
I do have a question on it though. Where did these lyrics come from. Did this person who "just killed a man" actually exist in the news, or did Freddie come up with a character?
Also, what about putting this arrangement together. What was the blueprint? I thought March Of The Black Queen was a definite precursor to Bohemian Rhapsody. Bohemian Rhapsody really stands out, obviously, and I have always wondered about its origins.
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"I'm in Love with My Car" is a great song. I think it's freakin' awesome. I've never quite figured out the ratio of tongue-in-cheek to "serious", but it cracks me up. In a good way. Dude's in love with his car. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.
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Roger singing lead vocals and drumming at the same time for live performances of the song is also something I'll never get tired of enjoying. :metal
Greetings...
Nef
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ZZZZzzzz.... huh, what? I'm in Love with My Car? Great! So where talking about Night at the Opera now?
I remember sitting in my parents front room. I think I was reading Rich Man, Poor Man, when the radio started to play greatest vocal har.... zzzzzZZZZ
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"I'm in Love with My Car" is a great song. I think it's freakin' awesome. I've never quite figured out the ratio of tongue-in-cheek to "serious", but it cracks me up. In a good way. Dude's in love with his car. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.
It was the perfect B side for the uninitiated, and no doubt inspired by the John Bonham penned 'Trampled Underfoot' released earlier that year.
And, Tim, I do hope you give this song a listen. :lol
Alright. Just gave it a spin, hey, that's pretty good. ;D
I do have a question on it though. Where did these lyrics come from. Did this person who "just killed a man" actually exist in the news, or did Freddie come up with a character?
Also, what about putting this arrangement together. What was the blueprint? I thought March Of The Black Queen was a definite precursor to Bohemian Rhapsody. Bohemian Rhapsody really stands out, obviously, and I have always wondered about its origins.
People have wondered for decades. Here's a link as to what Brian and others know about 'The Cowboy Song' https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/queen-bohemian-rhapsody-song-history/
Others have surmised that it was Freddie privately outing himself to friends, and secretly outing himself to the public. The gun being pointed at his own head, paying the price for all the repercussions that would follow. And then just going with the flow, and putting up with whatever happens. 'Cie la vie', 'que sera sera' as only Freddie could pen it. If you go back to the lyrics of 'In The Lap Of The Gods' as well as '....Revisited', 'It's so easy, but I can't do it. So risky, but I gotta chance it. So funny, but there's nothing to laugh about.....' one can certainly how they tie in together. It also coincided with his 'physical' break up with long time girlfriend Mary Austin, though they would remain the closest of friends for the remainder of his life.
BoRhap spoke to me at the time. First of all, Queen had become my favorite band. But, as a HS senior who would have almost straight A's, perfect attendance since 2nd grade, all conference in baseball, but that wasn't good enough for a verbally abusive drunk of an old man....and spent more time around the house because of a break up of my own after one year. Yeah, I actually did put a rifle up against my head earlier that fall while hunting. Nothing really did seem to matter at that time.....
I promise to list ANATO before going to see Alice Cooper over the weekend. Depending on which way the wind blows.
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as to the fun and fond memories of the song….seeing it performed live by the original band six times, the various live taped versions, as well as with Paul Rodgers at the Meadowlands in 06 (the first arena performance by Brian and Roger together in the States since ’82), in DC a few years later, and with Adam Lambert three times. I’ll never forget how much MSG shook after the taped operatic section.
Of seeing the video for the first time on 'The Midnight Special' and being totally blown away! And making sure I was home in time for those 1AM shows so that I wouldn't miss seeing it again.
My ex would organize ‘scavenger hunts’….I’d stay home and cook while others went out and took pictures of themselves at various places. A couple of times we did ‘video quests’. Those I went on. The best was a female friend having a jeweler use a ring size fitter to demonstrate how to use a condom.
For a movie part of the quest, our team (of course) did the headbanging part from ‘Wayne’s World’. Going to Tiger Stadium for a home opener in ’92, four of us were on US12 in Metro Detroit. BoRhap comes on WRIF-FM, we all start headbanging during the appropriate part….as well as all the occupants in the car in the next lane.
Finally, at my wife's retirement dinner, the karaoke version was played, while some of her fellow teachers mimed as the 'choir'. The one who sang the part of Mary Magdalene in a local performance of JC Superstar totally nailed the LVs. They also brought in a guitar for me to play lead 'air'. :D
some ‘alternate’ versions of Bohemian Rhapsody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epjWt5FpYco Brian's lead guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwjV2iBANc minus the lead guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLnBh3ajbso piano and vocals only
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNwAjjYNOcA semi demo piano and vocals only
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfKm_OZO1jI outtakes... a mix of various sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52-RAKDAQO0 A 'pretend' presentation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QiJ3mTDew no lead guitar or lead vocals
the one hour documentary of the making of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (some day I'm going to sit down and watch it)
up tomorrow: the first of the two Marx Brothers albums
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some ‘alternate’ versions of Bohemian Rhapsody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epjWt5FpYco Brian's lead guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwjV2iBANc minus the lead guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLnBh3ajbso piano and vocals only
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNwAjjYNOcA semi demo piano and vocals only
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfKm_OZO1jI outtakes... a mix of various sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52-RAKDAQO0 A 'pretend' presentation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1QiJ3mTDew no lead guitar or lead vocals
I think you forgot the one when Roger broke a drumstick in the second verse,
or the one when Brian's hair got in his face during the solo.
;D
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/l2YWnzfYY6Lj7iNNu/giphy.gif)
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There are a few where Brian is using a regular guitar pick and not a six pence (just kidding).
After the 2011 reissues, and in searching for demos, I do often come across fan made 'remakes' with various instruments or vocals removed. Some are quite good. Some I quite like as it gives highlights to the somewhat 'bare bones', as well as an appreciation for what is missing. I made sure I saved the links for those that I found appealing, as well as for listening variety after all these years.
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There are a few where Brian is using a regular guitar pick and not a six pence (just kidding).
After the 2011 reissues, and in searching for demos, I do often come across fan made 'remakes' with various instruments or vocals removed. Some are quite good. Some I quite like as it gives highlights to the somewhat 'bare bones', as well as an appreciation for what is missing. I made sure I saved the links for those that I found appealing, as well as for listening variety after all these years.
I'm sure you could spend a month going down youtube rabbit holes on variations of Bohemian Rhapsody.
What position did you play in baseball?
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I was the MVP (most versatile player), but mostly SS, CF, and LF along with 2B and a few very scary times at 3B.
Oh, and the rabbit hole extended to all Queen songs, not just BoRhap. Ok, before heading to see Alice, I gotta do my promised post soon.
[EDIT] A last comment on BoRhap: after 'Wayne's World', even *I* got sick of it for a while. Walk into someone's office, there's BoRhap playing. Hop in the car, it's on the radio. Click. Turn on the TV, there's the video. Click. So I understand why some rate a certain DT and Rush and Queensryche song low or not at all. [insert any band and their biggest hit]. Eventually, I would hope, those feelings would pass. I just listened to ANATO a half dozen times over the past week, and I enjoyed it just as much as all those years ago (one of the joys of having to drive for in person meetings). That being said......
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A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Released:UK, November 21, 1975 (EMI), USA, December 2, 1975 (Elektra)
Charts: UK #1 for four weeks (charted 44 weeks, again in ’77 and ’84); USA #4 (47 weeks, again in ’77 and 2018)
Australia #1, Netherlands #1, New Zealand #1, Canada #2, Norway #4, West Germany #5,Austria #9, Japan #9; Sweden #10, France #16.
2007 Portugal #23
2012 Spain #55
2018-19 Italy #33, USA #41, Belgium #59, Switzerland #69, Ireland #86
Certifications: Platinum in UK, 3x Platinum in USA
Gold in Austria, Denmark and Finland.
Platinum in Argentina, Canada, West Germany, Italy, and Japan
2x Platinum in Poland
Singles:
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ / ‘I’m In Love With My Car’ (already mentioned)
‘You’re My Best Friend’ / ‘’39 UK, March 3, 1976 (#7) Certified Gold; USA, May 22, 1976 (#16) Certified Platinum. Canada #2, Ireland #3, Netherlands #6, Belgium #27, Australia #35
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In the UK, after the release of 'A Night at the Opera', 'Queen I' charted for the third time, for twelve weeks, reaching #24. 'Queen II' charted for the fourth time, for 13 weeks, reaching #23. 'Sheer Heart Attack' recharted for 19 weeks, reaching #12
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages2.fanpop.com%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F12800000%2FA-Night-At-The-Opera-queen-12848546-480-480.jpg&hash=a6473094fe3478e76842878d290c4fea50bc16a6)
Cast
Freddie Mercury: vocals, vocals, Bechstein Debauchery and more vocals.
Brian May: guitars and orchestral backdrops.
Roger Taylor: percussion.
John Deacon: electric bass.
Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen
Engineered by Mike Stone
No Synthesisers!
Recorded: August - November 1975 at Sarm Studios, Olympic Studios, Scorpio Studios, Lansdowne Studios, Roundhouse Studios, London; Rockfield Studios, Monmouth. (God Save The Queen recorded July - October 1974 at Wessex Studios.)
SIDE ONE
Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...) (Mercury) 3:43
Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon (Mercury) 1:08
I'm in Love with My Car (Taylor) 3:05
You're My Best Friend (Deacon) 2:50
'39 (May) 3:30
Sweet Lady (4:01)
Seaside Rendezvous (Mercury) 2:13
SIDE TWO
The Prophet's Song (May) 8:21
Love of My Life (Mercury) 3:38
Good Company (May) 3:26
Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury) 5:55
God Save the Queen (traditional, arr. May) 1:11
2011 Universal bonus disc
Keep Yourself Alive (long-lost retake, July 1975) / Bohemian Rhapsody (operatic section a cappella mix) / You're My Best Friend (isolated backing track mix) / I'm In Love With My Car (guitar & vocal mix) / '39 (live version, Earl’s Court, June 1977) / Love Of My Life (live single edit, 1979)
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Fair bonus offerings, as there wasn’t much available as to demo tapes of the songs at full length. Backing tapes of ‘People of the Earth’ and the demo of ‘Sweet Lady’ could have been used. I certainly would have included any number of ’77 live versions of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in its complete form, along with ‘Sweet Lady’. The ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ version was to be for the 1975 summer release, but another version was used. That release also included ‘Lily of the Valley’ and the original 1974 studio version of ‘God Save The Queen’.
(https://www.connollyco.com/discography/queen/nightgf.jpg)
From the colorized band logo on the sleeve (created by Freddie), to the elegant font of the lyrics on the inner gate sleeve, to the music itself, this is a work of pop music art. From the piano fade in to ending notes of the royal anthem, this is as eclectic of an album that one could expect, even after their prior two albums. Rock, vaudeville, burlesque, jazz, pop...you name it, it's hear. Even a harp (the only tie in to The Marx Brothers movie that I could find). Brian and Roger get their chances at LVs again as changes of pace. Both shine equally in those roles as well as on various strings and percussion. John's subtle bass is consistent as always, and his second writing credit goes gold. Side One is for fun, Side Two is hard to top. And that's before 'Bohemian Rhapsody'! Before getting too wordy, I'll just refer you to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Night_at_the_Opera_(Queen_album)
‘A Night at the Opera’ once again used 'Sgt. Pepper' and 'The White Album' as a blueprint as to having little to no time between songs. As for me, all those years of seeing various musicians of all genres on Ed Sullivan, Carol Burnett, Johnny Carson et al certainly allowed me to enjoy this eclectic offering, as did my new turntable and decent set of head phones.
Oddities: On the official cassettes, ’Seaside Rendevous’ and ‘Good Company’ were switched ( ???) Also, since Queen had changed record companies from Elektra to Capitol Records in the 80s on this side of the pond, the only way to purchase the first seven albums on CDs was to order them via imports (which I did). The original EMI CD had the ending piccolo from ‘Good Company’ as the start of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, causing some to wonder if that was the original intent all along. Just sloppy editing (as would happen too often with their 'quality' control).
Oh, and this album also manages to find its way onto their 'Mount Rushmore' of album releases. ;)
(https://media.s-bol.com/OgBAZXK0ZrpN/550x530.jpg)
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Great album and easily Mrs. P and me's favorite road trip album (followed closely by Dark Side of the Moon). I love the entire presentation, but highlights for me are: Death on Two Legs, Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon, '39, Seaside Rendezvous, The Prophet Song, Good Company, and Bohemian Rhapsody. A seminal record in my musical life that never gets old.
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My first Queen album, and still my favorite. The mid-70's was my musical awakening, this album was a huge part of it. I was already getting into prog, and hearing the fusion of all the different styles with rock and roll was really mind-blowing. I can play this one end to end on repeat, and have done so a few times.
Also, I can't be the only person who heard "Bohemian Rhapsody" on the radio -- with the operatic middle section -- and thought maybe A Night at the Opera was all like that. Maybe there's not a lot of us, but it wasn't that big of a stretch.
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Now, bear in mind that it's a great album, maybe top four Queen albums, but... overrated. Bohemian Rhapsody is Queen's Stairway, or Freebird, Love Of My Life is just gorgeous, and The Prophet's Song is unbelievable on every level (that well may be Queen's best album side, right there), but there's a lot of fluff on this record. Death On Two Legs doesn't do much for me, and while "Car" and "'39" are excellent, they are sandwiched between songs that to me don't fit and disrupt the flow.
I love it, I have it on 5.1 (and it's excellent) but this isn't Sgt. Pepper or Abbey Road, IMO.
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Listening now...
Spotify numbers...
Death On Two Legs.... 42.1m
Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon... 28.8m
I'm In Love With My Car... 17.2m
You're My Best Friend... 222.3m
'39... 50.5m
Sweet Lady... 8.3m
Seaside Rendezvous... 13.2m
The Prophet's Song... 10.6m
Love Of My Life... 309.9m
Good Company... 8.7m
Bohemian Phapsody... 1.7B
God Save The Queen... 10.7m
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I got this CD right before I had my wisdom teeth pulled, which was also right before the Freddy tribute concert. Listened to this a ton while I was doped up and sore. EVentually only listened to Death on Two Legs and the Prophets Song. I could hear BR all the time on the radio, and nothing else held my interest after that first binge period.
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So I just sat and listened to A Night At The Opera for what was probably my first private session. That's not to say I've never heard it. I mentioned that Queen is The Lovely Mrs TAC's all time favorite band. She's more of a Freddie fan, but when she was a kid, her and her brother had all of the albums..talking 70's here.
There's been many a evening that ANATO has been playing in the kitchen. My wife could literally sing every word on this album. Shortly after we met, I actually bought her the CD.
Me? I was extremely familiar with Bohemian Rhapsody and You're My Best Friend from owning Queen's Greatest Hits as a kid. Anyway...
Death On Two Legs.... I like this song well enough. I think my problem with it is that it's a bit too herky-jerky for me. I love some of the different parts of it, but they switch too abruptly. I think there's an excellent song buried in there somewhere.
Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon... How can anyone not like this song? Somehow, at 1:09, it's actually the perfect length. It also somehow actually succeeds in its transition into the next song.
I'm In Love With My Car... Lots of great stuff happening in this song. I should like it way more than I do though. There really is something about Roger's vocals that I just don't connect with.
You're My Best Friend... Phenomenal track. On all levels.
'39... I really like Brian's vocals. Even though they're less dynamic than Roger's, they just feel way more sincere, if that makes any sense. I think this is a really cool track.
Sweet Lady... The beginning lickhas always reminded me of Kiss' Mr. Speed. This has a real The Sweet feel to it. It kind of plods along, but picks up nicely in the second half.
Seaside Rendezvous... This might be my wife's all time favorite Queen song. It's also the type of song that prevents ME from being a huge Queen fan. A more on this in a bit. A nice enough and quirky song that I certainly don't not like.
The Prophet's Song... This song has all of the ingredients, for sure. But I'm gonna cut right to it. The "Now I know" part must've been fantastic to everyone getting baked in the 70's, but for me, it's a total song killer.
Love Of My Life... OUTSTANDING! What can you say. It's a tour de force.
Good Company... Um..ok..
Bohemian Rhapsody...It's the song that Queen is rightly known for. Incredible track.
God Save The Queen... Decent enough outro I guess.
Joe mentions the bonus tracks on the remaster. The only one I was interested in hearing is '39 from Earl's Court. Holy shit that does not disappoint. Brian nails it. But I feel like my ears are tricking me into thinking Freddie is doing some of the lead vocals. The singing is too good. What a great version of the song.
So I was generally familiar with a lot of Queen's music as a kid, be it on the radio, friends that liked them, or their Greatest Hits album. I liked them. I surely didn't not like them. But I guess being a hard rock fan, they never really elevated for me.
I really must thank Joe for introducing me to those first three albums. Those are really 3 classic hard rock albums that I have come to really admire.
That said, Queen really goes Next Level with A Night At The Opera, and I totally respect that.
Looking forward to the next few albums. I'm pretty familiar with two more of their albums to come later. While I'm skeptical that any are going to grab me like those first three albums, I look forward to the ride.
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ABSOLUTELY TREMENDOUS album, and their closest to their "Beatles" faze. :metal EVERY song on this album is incredible in its own way. The "teen-age" me (15 when this came out) could NOT really appreciate the sheer brilliance of songs like Lazing...., Seaside Rendezvous & Good Company (as close to a George Harrison song as even George could get to), but as the years went on and my musical maturity grew, I accepted the utter madness & musical perfection of these songs, and could NOT appreciate the album without them. Just sheer utter brilliance, and IMO, not even their best album. I'd rank it #4 behind II, SHA & ADATR (an absurdly underrated album). Basically, EVERY genre is touched upon on this masterpiece! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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Great album and easily Mrs. P and me's favorite road trip album (followed closely by Dark Side of the Moon). I love the entire presentation, but highlights for me are: Death on Two Legs, Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon, '39, Seaside Rendezvous, The Prophet Song, Good Company, and Bohemian Rhapsody. A seminal record in my musical life that never gets old.
Gregg, we've talked about UFO's transition from Force It to No Heavy Petting. I kind of feel there's something linear when going from Queen's first three albums to ANATO. And maybe UFO didn't achieve what they were going for until Lights Out.
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It is notable that the lead guitar in Sweet Lady is virtually identical to the lead melody that Eddie Van Halen plays on Josephina (from the Cherone VH album).
Overall, I like A Night at the Opera a lot, but I can't call it a great album, even with Bohemian Rhapsody and '39 possibly being my two favorite Queen songs.
The middle of The Prophet's Song is annoying ("And now I know" being sung 392 times grates).
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Amazing album, of course!
The Prophet's Song is possibly my favorite Queen song ever. Wanna check out a cool cover? listen to Cellar Darling's hurdy-gurdy based version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLvSXMMu2sU&ab_channel=CellarDarling). Anyway, the song is absolutely wonderful and when you think it can't get any better, it just flows into Love of My Life, another breathtaking track.
I'm much more positive towards Death on Two Legs than most people I see. Yeah, maybe the lyrics are not everyone's cup of tea, but I like how ferocious they are, you need an hate song every now and then and it came of better than, say, Never Enough :lol
I'm also surprised at how good I'm in Love with My Car is. A song with such a silly premise shouldn't be that good :lol
As with all Queen albums, not all songs are gorgeous but overall ANATO is a defining album for an era and a genre and it deserves all the accolades it got over time.
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Perfect album, and I still consider The Prophet's Song Queen's greatest track ever (with March of the Black Queen a relatively close 2nd).
The repeated "Now I Know" I am a total sucker for, as it sounds so big, and grand and ear-wormy.
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Perfect album, and I still consider The Prophet's Song Queen's greatest track ever (with March of the Black Queen a relatively close 2nd).
This guy has taste. :hat
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The middle of The Prophet's Song is annoying ("And now I know" being sung 392 times grates).
I was wondering what you thought of this song and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know and now I know.
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Listen to the madman.
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^
:rollin from both your comments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILeBFzCXAqc from your Daily Doug.... he likes :tup :tup :tup
No idea what decade the video for 'The Prophet's Song' was made that he uses, but I had never seen it before today!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzUTd6uAot4 'The Making of...' video. I'm going to sit down and watch this for the first time tonight.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzUTd6uAot4 'The Making of...' video. I'm going to sit down and watch this for the first time tonight.
Isn't it neat that you can watch or see something new while doing your own thread? That happened to me in both Listening Party™ threads I've done.
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BoRap is clearly Queen's masterpiece, but this album isn't. It's no Dark Side of the Moon or Bat Out of Hell or Rumours. The fact is, after BoRap, much of the rest of it isn't all that. Sure, Love of my Life is nice, and all the songs have something about them, but it's just not that good. It's telling that when they came to compiling the Greatest Hits album they only selected BoRap and Best Friend to represent this album - a true all time classic album should have much more than that to represent it on any best of. Any Michael Jackson best of would be incomplete without at least 5 tracks from Thriller, for example.
Queen are indisputably one of the greatest bands in the history of rock, but they don't have a truly seminal, all time classic album to their name. That ANATO is the closest they get is based more on the fact that it's "the one with Bohemian Rhapsody on it" than anything else.
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Wow, I guess I thought A Night at the Opera was more highly regarded. To me, it's a masterpiece. Again, it was also my first Queen album and came out at time when anything was possible, but I guess a lot of people don't care for the musical hall stuff, or the operatic stuff, or the guitar orchestra stuff, or whatever. I think it's the insane variety of styles that makes it so great. Each Queen album up until this point also had a huge variety of styles, but always had a few songs that bugged me. There isn't a track on A Night at the Opera that I skip. This is the one where everything came together. To me, it's their Leftoverture or Led Zeppelin IV. I'm not sure how the fact that there weren't many "hits" has anything to do with the quality of the album.
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Wow, I guess I thought A Night at the Opera was more highly regarded. To me, it's a masterpiece.
I'm with you.
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My first chance to sit at the home computer and respond to responses, after our first weekend away with Mrs. DA in three months to see Alice Cooper.
And, I gotta start right off with this....
snip
It's telling that when they came to compiling the Greatest Hits album they only selected BoRap and Best Friend to represent this album - a true all time classic album should have much more than that to represent it on any best of. Any Michael Jackson best of would be incomplete without at least 5 tracks from Thriller, for example.
Apples and oranges.
Since only two songs from ANATO were released as singles, only two songs appeared on Greatest Hits. Queen II was highly acclaimed, but only one song appeared on the UK version. The same with ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. Three were from ‘The Game’ on the original under 45 minute vinyl, because three were released as singles. On the expanded UK CD version of 65 minutes, there were four from ‘The Game’.
Only one song on the expanded UK CD release did not reach at least #11 on their charts. Sadly, 'Keep Yourself Alive', 'Tie Your Mother Down', and 'Spread Your Wings' were not included, because they were not Top Twenty Hits. And nothing that didn’t at least reach #30 on the UK made it on to GH II (with one major exclusion….thank goodness). The releases were not 'best ofs', but hit singles.
Springsteen only had two songs from ‘Born To Run’ on his 70+ minute ‘Hits’ in ’95. Iron Maiden would have had only two songs on their standard CD ‘Best of the Beast’ from ‘Number of the Beast’ under the Queen GH criteria, because they only released two singles from that album. It must not have been a very good or popular album. :huh: And the 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack has to be far superior to all of these combined, since so many of the songs appeared on various artists' greatest hits albums.
With variations in the setlists, seven of the songs from ANATO would be in the setlist four years later, with four still remaining six years later. There had to be something appealing on that album.
Queen are indisputably one of the greatest bands in the history of rock, but they don't have a truly seminal, all time classic album to their name. That ANATO is the closest they get is based more on the fact that it's "the one with Bohemian Rhapsody on it" than anything else.
Would 'Sgt. Pepper' have been as ground breaking and legendary without 'A Day in the Life'? Would 'A Day in the Life' have been as ground breaking and legendary if it had not been on 'Sgt. Pepper'? We'll never know, as they are joined together for eternity. The same with BoRhap and ANATO.
Different strokes for different folks......
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Wow, I guess I thought A Night at the Opera was more highly regarded.
Huh? Other than Stadler, who argues everything, and Orange, the responses have been pretty favorable, no?
Great album ... A seminal record in my musical life that never gets old.
Queen really goes Next Level with A Night At The Opera
ABSOLUTELY TREMENDOUS album, and their closest to their "Beatles" faze. :metal EVERY song on this album is incredible in its own way.
Amazing album, of course!
Perfect album
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Hmm... I guess you're right. Maybe the few negative comments hit me so hard that I somehow thought there were more of them.
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Hmm... I guess you're right. Maybe the few negative comments hit me so hard that I somehow thought there were more of them.
Don't base anything off of what Kev says. :lol
I'm not a Queen guy, but even I would recognize ANATO as their seminal album.
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Hmm... I guess you're right. Maybe the few negative comments hit me so hard that I somehow thought there were more of them.
Don't base anything off of what Kev says. :lol
I'm not a Queen guy, but even I would recognize ANATO as their seminal album.
NEVER ARGUE WITH THE MADMAN !!!! :D
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Queen are indisputably one of the greatest bands in the history of rock, but they don't have a truly seminal, all time classic album to their name. That ANATO is the closest they get is based more on the fact that it's "the one with Bohemian Rhapsody on it" than anything else.
Agreed. Same with the Eagles and Hotel California, although A Night at the Opera is much better than Hotel California.
Hmm... I guess you're right. Maybe the few negative comments hit me so hard that I somehow thought there were more of them.
Don't base anything off of what Kev says. :lol
Eh, aside from saying The Prophet's Song middle section is annoying, I didn't see anything negative. Queen is one of my favorite bands, and A Night at the Opera, a very good record, is one of my top 3 records by them. How's that? :P
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Now, bear in mind that it's a great album, maybe top four Queen albums, but... overrated. Bohemian Rhapsody is Queen's Stairway, or Freebird, Love Of My Life is just gorgeous, and The Prophet's Song is unbelievable on every level (that well may be Queen's best album side, right there), but there's a lot of fluff on this record. Death On Two Legs doesn't do much for me, and while "Car" and "'39" are excellent, they are sandwiched between songs that to me don't fit and disrupt the flow.
I love it, I have it on 5.1 (and it's excellent) but this isn't Sgt. Pepper or Abbey Road, IMO.
I never said ANATO was better or greater than those two. Without Sgt. Pepper, something like ANATO wouldn't have been thought of, or released, or been so successful. But just as Sgt. Pepper wasn't perfect but is the standard bearer (we've mentioned before about what a shame that 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'Pennylane' got yanked away from those sessions for a 45, thus those songs weren't allowed to be included on the album :huh:), this ranks right up there. But I do enjoy ANATO more ;)
Oh, and I love the flow of their first six albums :tup
(https://miro.medium.com/max/450/1*r54SruA9geKOaJDd4T-l5g.jpeg)
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A Night At The Opera
Abbey Road
Sgt Pepper
Guess who has listened to only ONE of these albums.
(https://c.tenor.com/eXYr5aC6xCgAAAAC/flo-high.gif)
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Hmm... I guess you're right. Maybe the few negative comments hit me so hard that I somehow thought there were more of them.
And I’m not being negative, really. It’s a great album and a real step forward for what we think of when we say “Queen”. Just FOR ME, there are three better (II, AKOM and Works), and when I think of the greatest, seminal records of all time - Abbey Road, Who’s Next, Zep IV - it doesn’t QUITE make it. It certainly doesn’t suck and I love that people connect to it.
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Hmm... I guess you're right. Maybe the few negative comments hit me so hard that I somehow thought there were more of them.
And I’m not being negative, really. It’s a great album and a real step forward for what we think of when we say “Queen”. Just FOR ME, there are three better (II, AKOM and Works), and when I think of the greatest, seminal records of all time - Abbey Road, Who’s Next, Zep IV - it doesn’t QUITE make it. It certainly doesn’t suck and I love that people connect to it.
Are these your favorites, or what you accept as the greatest.
(https://i.imgflip.com/69iz9z.jpg)
But then again if you extrapolate that to the bands themselves, Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and ....Queen. Is Queen #4 in that group?
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No and no.
Top Five bands of all time (NOT my favourites):
1. Beatles
2. Stones
3. Zeppelin
4. Floyd
5. Grateful Dead/The Who
I can’t name my favourite five bands. Maybe: Kiss, Genesis, Dream Theater, Beatles…. then it’s a log jam.
I’ll post my favourite top 10 albums when I get home but only Abbey Road makes the list.
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A Night At The Opera
Abbey Road
Sgt Pepper
Guess who has listened to only ONE of these albums.
(https://c.tenor.com/eXYr5aC6xCgAAAAC/flo-high.gif)
I feel you would rate them in that order. You’d appreciate Abbey Road for what it is, I feel you’d hate Sgt. Pepper.
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I bet I've heard most of both albums on radio alone. I have no idea what Beatles' songs are on what album.
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Well, I've heard both Abbey Road, and own St. Pepper, and Who's Next, and A Night at the Opera stomps all their dicks into the dirt with extreme prejudice. Orange and Stadler are a minority posing as an authority. It's DTF. Some folks smile while they pull the wings of butterflies around these parts.
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Well, I've heard both Abbey Road, and own St. Pepper, and Who's Next, and A Night at the Opera stomps all their dicks into the dirt with extreme prejudice. Orange and Stadler are a minority posing as an authority. It's DTF. Some folks smile while they pull the wings of butterflies around these parts.
Well, I don't suppose I'm an authority here, but it's my perception over the past couple decades that "Abbey Road" and "Sgt. Pepper" are typically in the top 5 or 10 greatest albums of all time. I see ANATO less often in that context. Other bands often say, "that's our Sgt. Pepper!" for a reason; the assumption is that everyone knows its the paradigm of "legendary album". I don't often hear bands say "that's our ANATO!".
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Really Stadler? Usually I hear bands say “That’s our Love Gun”.
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Orange and Stadler are a minority posing as an authority.
It was only my opinion, I wasn't claiming any authority.
I'm a huge believer that music has both objective and subjective attributes. You can claim that "From Justin to Kelly" is your favourite album of all time, and fair play to you, that's your subjective opinion. But you couldn't possibly argue that it's objectively the best album ever made. I probably wouldn't listen to Sgt Pepper again as it's not my sort of thing, but I can see that it's objectively a good album. I fully get that a lot of people like ANATO, but I don't hear anything in it that puts it in the same league as some of the other seminal classic albums mentioned. Subjectively, I really like the album.
It's like the Grateful Dead - one of the best bands of all time? Absolutely. An all-time classic album to their name? No, all their studio albums suck balls (possibly except In The Dark, but that's not a classic either).
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^
I knew you were a big Deadhead when I made my response about ANATO and 'greatest hits', and was gonna relate their offerings and hits (but went with Iron Maiden instead). Both our tones would have been softer with the spoken rather than the written word. My best friend is a fan, I burnt more than a few studio and live performances for him over the past couple of years, so I've listened to more than I had prior to doing that. Of course, my listening would be done in the evening with the lights out. ;)
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I found an overlooked article on queenlive.ca when I was prepping for the ANATO tour and the upcoming live album review.
"Around this time a US tour was being booked, as seen on this early itinerary from Circus magazine. see below Many of the venues were arenas (they were still a theatre band at this point and wouldn't headline the arenas until 1977 after releasing A Day At The Races). In a 1977 Australian radio interview, Brian May blames their management for refusing to finance anything to do with them by that point, perhaps unaware of the scope of the proposed tour, as playing three quarters empty arenas would have been disastrous for both them and the promoter.
The dates were pulled and Queen recorded A Night At The Opera instead. "We never particularly asked for any material gains from what we were doing, but when it came to not being able to afford to even rent your room that you're in, it was just getting ridiculous now, and we couldn't write the album because we were so worried about what was gonna happen," revealed Brian in 1977. "I think the band nearly split up as well, because we all had different ideas of the direction we should be going. We were all very worried about managers and stuff, and it was hard to agree within ourselves what we should be doing. And there's so much politics going on, we had no time to think about the album. We knew that this was the crucial album, and we had to make it a good one."
Roger later added that the album was indeed "make it or break it" for the band. Brian has furthermore stated that had the album not been a success, Queen almost certainly would have disbanded. "
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/itineraries/75-08_itinerary_Circus.jpg)
I remember planning a trip to Kalamazoo's Wings Stadium that August for the show listed with my best friend and our girlfriends. A pity it didn't happen. But a lucky break, otherwise ANATO might never have existed.
And, Tim, no matter what, Uriah Heep somehow manages to make their way into a band review. :D Oh, and my eyes are wide shut ;)
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Really Stadler? Usually I hear bands say “That’s our Love Gun”.
No one has ever said that.
Not even KISS said that.
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Really Stadler? Usually I hear bands say “That’s our Love Gun”.
No one has ever said that.
Not even KISS said that.
Right. It's Destroyer. ;) :) :)
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"We never particularly asked for any material gains from what we were doing, but when it came to not being able to afford to even rent your room that you're in, it was just getting ridiculous now, and we couldn't write the album because we were so worried about what was gonna happen," revealed Brian in 1977. "I think the band nearly split up as well, because we all had different ideas of the direction we should be going. We were all very worried about managers and stuff, and it was hard to agree within ourselves what we should be doing. And there's so much politics going on, we had no time to think about the album. We knew that this was the crucial album, and we had to make it a good one."
Roger later added that the album was indeed "make it or break it" for the band. Brian has furthermore stated that had the album not been a success, Queen almost certainly would have disbanded. "
I found the bolded comment interesting, because ANATO has a sort of splintered feel amongst the songs. One person's splintered is another person's eclectic.
Oh, and I love the Circus concert guide. Classic!
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The other thing I wanted to add to that was that with ANATO, Freddie seems like he really distances himself from the band...on a performance level. In that, he stands out so much.
Usually singers with so much talent and personality grow apart from their bandmates as the spotlight shines on them and their talents.
Not to get ahead, but was there ever a time where the balance got too out of whack? In other words, did the band ever become a vehicle for Freddie, with the band basically relegated as support, similar to the last 20 years of Aerosmith.
From afar, what I respect most about Queen is how tight they appeared in the face of this. Freddie is the elephant in the room, but they seemed to have great chemistry and closeness.
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Not to get ahead, but was there ever a time where the balance got too out of whack? In other words, did the band ever become a vehicle for Freddie, with the band basically relegated as support, similar to the last 20 years of Aerosmith.
No, they never did, in fact the opposite, especially when they decided that all songs should be credited to the band, regardless of who actually wrote them. There were frictions around the Hot Space album, and around Freddie's solo album, but the band were always a band of equals.
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I think most would argue that Hot Space was a Freddie thing that the band mostly went along with at the time, but we can cross that bridge when we get to that album in August. ;)
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Well, if you watch the "Bohemian Rhapsody" movie, they were all but broken up until the epic performance at Live Aid brought them back together like the brothers they are!
(I was going to put that in green, but it's not sarcastic; that's what the movie tried to portray; couldn't be further from the truth as I understand it.)
I can't claim I know that they were all best bosom buddies, but they certainly knew they were better as a unit than as individuals, and I think Freddie as much as anyone showed that right up until he passed, singing anything the band put in front of him so that they could continue to make music after he passed.
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I think most would argue that Hot Space was a Freddie thing that the band mostly went along with at the time, but we can cross that bridge when we get to that album in August. ;)
I just noticed that.... ;) :) :)
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I think most would argue that Hot Space was a Freddie thing that the band mostly went along with at the time, but we can cross that bridge when we get to that album in August. ;)
I just noticed that.... ;) :) :)
:biggrin: :biggrin:
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Family issues. Health issues. Too many expected and unexpected meetings. Travel.
And damn Rush countdowns😉
EDIT: After eight years as either the VP or Treasurer of my community, my last annual meeting as VP was last night. Only one more 15 page newsletter as lead editor after six years before I hand over some of those reins.
Something I enjoyed doing except for when.....you have to spend 7 1/2 hours fixing something you created, that would have only taken 2 1/2 hours over three months if someone had kept at it. I know, because I used to do that 'something'. And, of course, they waited until Sunday to bring it up.
Exhale, Joe. Exhale!
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Tim, thanks for those amazing Spotify numbers! And thanks to those who commented correctly as to the band’s relationship in later years.
My brief comments on the individual songs. One could think of the first three tracks as a medley. Once again, a memorable album opening, and then nasty guitars to match Freddie’s second nasty slam against their management. ‘They feel good!’ immediately into the ‘la dee da, life is going to go on better without you’ short ‘Lazing’ romp (and Brian’s wonderful guitar), followed instantly by the fun hard driving Roger track (I always keep these two together on my early Queen ‘best of’). It’s one of the few Taylor penned songs that fully uses the band’s full ‘choir’ effect. Then their intriquite pop song and then back to back Brian numbers. The time travelling ‘’39’ and Roger’s dog whistle BVs, the nice stereo finish, the nice stereo beginning of ‘Sweet Lady’ (the best lyrics? No, but it rocks!) and then Side One finishes with a song that only they could get away with.
Side Two: I do remember making a tape without the choir part of ‘The Prophet’s Song’ Either way works, but I was often baked, and preferred them included 😉 There’s grit in his voice before during the line ‘let all your treasures make you.’ The lyrics are some of their best. And there’s a point during the instrumental where it seems like there’s ten Red Specials sweeping you away. Where it ends, and where the next begins, is up to the listener. ‘Love Of My Life’…either Freddie’s note to Mary Austin, or written as from her perspective.
‘Good Company’: odd to think that now I’m the old man speaking at the end. The Dixieland instrumental finishes with the music that started the song. From that point and with the piccolo finish, I can’t help but get some Pavlovian goosebumps for what comes next.
(I lost my ‘sister’ of a female friend a month after high school in an automobile crash. YMBF and LOML took on a whole different meaning after that tragedy, and I think of her every time I hear those songs)
Some fairly short videos for the 30th anniversary release, as Brian and Roger look back
part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MizPUYNrAyI
part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3xnkTTdE8w
part 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v15oIktGJOo&t=645s A half hour, as Brian sits at the mixing board and breaks down each segment. It's quite interesting, even if you aren't crazy about the song and aren't a techno geek. And Brian almost breaks down at one point.
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QUEEN A NIGHT AT THE OPERA TOUR '75
21 tour dates in the UK which started on November 14th. It began two weeks after the release of 'Bohemian Rhapsody', and one week before 'A Night At The Opera' was released. With the way that BoRhap was broken up into three parts, and the album still not on the shelves for the early shows, it would have been more than a bit confusing to be in these audiences.
Typical setlist: Bohemian Rhapsody (tape & rock part) / Ogre Battle / Sweet Lady / White Queen / Flick Of The Wrist / Bohemian Rhapsody (verses) / Killer Queen / The March Of The Black Queen / Bohemian Rhapsody (reprise) / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / The Prophet's Song / Stone Cold Crazy / Doing All Right / Son And Daughter / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited. Encores: Now I'm Here / Big Spender / Jailhouse Rock / God Save The Queen
"Before their first show in Liverpool, the famous video for Bohemian Rhapsody is shot in just four hours at Elstree Studios just outside of London, costing a mere £4500. It was filmed only because the band would not be able to perform on Top Of The Pops themselves since they would be on tour (Sunday was always the famed TV show's scheduled broadcast day, which would have been November 16; filming something a week in advance was not the norm in the 70s). So the video's success was actually quite a fortunate accident for the band." edited from queenlive.ca
For humor and such, Freddie would be wearing a kimono and often do a strip tease down to red and white colored shorts during ‘Big Spender’
******************
Empire Theater, Liverpool, November 14th, Attendance 2300 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mmFoHbz1_A Grade: B
Second night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJMzST02YO4 Grade: B-
Modern Times Rock n Roll is added, encores are missing
Coventry Theater, November 16th, Attendance 2000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXi0kBYLAqo Grade B-
‘Modern Times’ is replaced with ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’
Manchester, November 26th, Attendance 2500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1kKnfKlDLk&t=173s Grade A-
The first of two shows that day. The first available concert after ‘A Night at the Opera’ was released. The first time ‘Brighton Rock’ is played. Since the ending is used for the end of ‘Flick of the Wrist’, the ending of ‘Son And Daughter’ is used in its place.
And the little bonuses for me: when the queenlive.ca website was worked on, this concert bootleg is listed at sixty minutes. What is available here was uploaded just two years ago, and is complete.
By this time, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ has climbed from #47 to #17 to #9. Three days later, it would reach #1 and remain there for another eight weeks.
Four concerts soon followed at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. A fifth was added. Their upcoming Christmas Eve concert was announced here:
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/ads/75_London_clipping.jpg)
Dundee, Scotland, December 13th, Attendance 2300 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YREiBRpxgAw&t=1149s Grade: B
next up: their most bootlegged concert…. their nationally televised Hammersmith Odeon Christmas Eve show
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Out of curiosity, did they ever play Bohemian Rhapsody completely live, including the operatic part, maybe on a special occasion with additional singers? Or was it always a tape for the middle part?
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They never completely played the song.
The 'is this the real life' beginning part was always skipped. Indeed, a 'one off' performance with a choir would have been great, but the operatic middle part was always a tape.
They would not perform it as 'one piece' until January 1977 in Milwaukee. A few nights later, I would get to experience the 'common' version for the first time :tup
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/ads/75_London_clipping.jpg)
I DIDN'T KNOW DAVE LAWSON QUIT GREENSLADE? Why am I just finding out about this NOW?
:) :)
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I'll check those links tonight and over the weekend and report back.
Love the old clippings.
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Greenslade were pretty cool. I have some of their albums, mostly because the cover art was by Roger Dean, famous for doing many of Yes' album covers.
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I DIDN'T KNOW DAVE LAWSON QUIT GREENSLADE? Why am I just finding out about this NOW?
:) :)
That bit might have been edited out of the States' version ;) I just had to dig a little, and found that their then drummer Andrew McCulloch had earlier been with Manfred Mann, and then with King Crimson for their third album 'Lizard'. I'm just surprised there's no Uriah Heep references in the article. :D
Greenslade were pretty cool. I have some of their albums, mostly because the cover art was by Roger Dean, famous for doing many of Yes' album covers.
I just looked those up. One can absolutely see the Roger Dean footprint (hand print?) in the first two releases.
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(https://brianmay.com/queen/queennews/newspix/11/stormtroopers/50BD9962-c_690.jpg)
At the 'Stormtroopers in Stilettoes' exhibition, 2011. Videos of them together in 2001 and 2021 are in another thread.
RIP, Taylor Hawkins
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Is that you, second from left, Joe? ;D
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Don't I wish! I also wish I was that tall. ;)
contents moved to the 'Queen' thread
This post under construction ;)
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A NIGHT AT THE ODEON
Released 2015. UK, Virgin EMI: USA, Hollywood Records
Charts: UK #40; USA #46; Netherlands #28; Switzerland #31; Spain #41; Belgium #42; Italy #55, Austria #57
(yet another 'let's pick the worst entry' for the album cover)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91XANpnYwoL._SX425_.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Night_at_the_Odeon_%E2%80%93_Hammersmith_1975
Now I'm Here (May) 4:43
Ogre Battle (Mercury) 5:19
White Queen (As It Began) (May) 5:31
Medley: Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury) 2:28
Killer Queen (Mercury) 2:08
The March of the Black Queen (Mercury) 1:30
Bohemian Rhapsody (Reprise) (Mercury) 1:02
Bring Back That Leroy Brown (Mercury) 1:32
Brighton Rock (May) 2:24 / Guitar solo (May) 6:37 /
Son and Daughter (May) 1:44
Keep Yourself Alive (May) 4:33
Liar (Mercury) 8:45
In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited (Mercury) 5:24
First encore:
Big Spender (Coleman/Fields) 1:24
Jailhouse Rock / Stupid Cupid / Be-Bop-A-Lula / Jailhouse Rock (Reprise) 9:21
Second encore: (not on the DVD)
Seven Seas of Rhye (Mercury) 3:11
See What a Fool I've Been (May) 4:22
God Save the Queen (Trad. arr. May) 1:23
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This is the original broadcast, with introductions. The camera crew called it quits for the night after ‘Jailhouse Rock’. At the 59:40 mark is where the original video ends, followed by Brian announcing ‘this is where we start, I think?’ The audio for ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’ (its only time as an encore), ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’, and ‘God Save The Queen’ follow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3GW3eRR2rc&list=RDH3GW3eRR2rc&start_radio=1
*********
This is the original TV broadcast (minus the second encore of course) with overdubs. GSTQ follows ‘Jailhouse Rock’, showing the credits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuMJ_uDSIXc
Divided up track by track
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-sj4xR8SOmN1-XknEFRakX1JO0TBi_uO
(https://www.inthestudio.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/queen-hammersmith-odeon-1975_690-518-e1604703281971.jpg)
("Brian, is that what I think it is stuck to my shoe?" ;))
Elton John did it the year before. It was now Queen’s turn. A live performance broadcast nationwide on television and radio. They had to trim their show down from one hundred minutes to sixty, and make it somewhat familiar’. Thus, ‘Now I’m Here’ opens the show. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ would only be included at the beginning and ending of the medley. ‘Brighton Rock’ is superb, with Freddie singing the low end and Roger the high end to mimic the studio version. It also includes ‘Three Blind Mice’ in Brian's solo. A shame it wasn’t a few minutes shorter, as the absence of ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ is perhaps my only criticism of this show.
(Oh dear! Roger flubs a lead in, causing Freddie to mess up and repeat lines in ‘Liar’. Considering that both Brian and Roger were sick with the flu, I’ll give them a pass. How dare bands act human ;)).
It includes the best live version of ‘In The Lap of the Gods….revisited’, and the only time ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’ would be an encore. ‘Big Spender’ has Roger in a colored wig, John in a baseball hat, and Freddie initially in a kimono before his striptease. What more could one ask for!;-)
******************
This was the most bootlegged concert of Queen's career. It was also the first time that Freddie and Brian's parents met, though they'd lived somewhat nearby for sixteen years.
Within five weeks, all four of their studio albums would be in the UK charts, three years after being a bar band. A holiday break would follow, with yet another winter tour of the States to begin at the end of January
(will get to their Hyde Park concert and ADATR by next weekend. Life is calming down...)
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Well, if you watch the "Bohemian Rhapsody" movie, they were all but broken up until the epic performance at Live Aid brought them back together like the brothers they are!
(I was going to put that in green, but it's not sarcastic; that's what the movie tried to portray; couldn't be further from the truth as I understand it.)
I must've missed this post apparently. I actually was debating about asking Joe about it, or waiting until he gets there...
But, I actually watched the Live Aid performance a couple of weeks ago. I've never sat through it, but I did. Then a couple of days later, my wife had the Queen movie on in the bedroom, and I walked in just as the Live Aid part was starting, and I couldn't understand WTF was wrong with them. The guy playing Roger, who looks a hell of a lot more like Glen Buxton than he does Roger Taylor, had a puss on his face, as did the dweeb playing John Deacon. Even the guy playing Freddie seemed weird. I didn't remember any of those facial expressions from the actual event.
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I was moved by the movie when I saw it in the theater with the wife. Haven't seen more than a minute of it since.
'Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?'...Fantasy applies way too much to the movie.
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Well, if you watch the "Bohemian Rhapsody" movie, they were all but broken up until the epic performance at Live Aid brought them back together like the brothers they are!
(I was going to put that in green, but it's not sarcastic; that's what the movie tried to portray; couldn't be further from the truth as I understand it.)
I must've missed this post apparently. I actually was debating about asking Joe about it, or waiting until he gets there...
But, I actually watched the Live Aid performance a couple of weeks ago. I've never sat through it, but I did. Then a couple of days later, my wife had the Queen movie on in the bedroom, and I walked in just as the Live Aid part was starting, and I couldn't understand WTF was wrong with them. The guy playing Roger, who looks a hell of a lot more like Glen Buxton than he does Roger Taylor, had a puss on his face, as did the dweeb playing John Deacon. Even the guy playing Freddie seemed weird. I didn't remember any of those facial expressions from the actual event.
I didn't like Queen all that much at that point - all I really knew from them was "We Will Rock You" (Ok), "We Are The Champions" (Excellent), and "Another One Bites The Dust" (horrible) - when I saw Live Aid in real time, and I recognized they were the real deal. I still needed to better understand their music, but it shed new light on them.
In real life, they had not "broken up", in fact, they had just finished a short tour of... I think it was South America, and rather than be a last minute add to "save the band!" they were one of the first to be signed up. I don't remember all of them, but there were a couple other liberties for the Live Aid portion, though they did do the "mime" pretty well. I have the original footage from the MTV broadcast, and I have footage included on one of their DVDs (Montreal, I think). It's really good.
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I swear, I still don't understand how fans of the band or of music in general can watch those fantasy faux-biographies. With the Elton John one, they at least admitted that it was supposed to be a fantasy and not really what happened or how. The Queen one presents itself as something like factual, when they just plain made half of it up.
From everything I've read, anyway. I have no intention of watching either of those recent ones, or anything like them. Why? Why would you watch something that purports to tell a true story, but quite clearly is making it up?
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The Queen one presents itself as something like factual, when they just plain made half of it up.
Does it? how that's different from any other movie? was it advertised as such? (honest question here)
I mean... it's a movie, it's kinda implicit that not literally everything has gone down the way it is portrayed, the same with many historical movies... I take it for granted that every director takes some liberties for storytelling purpouses, it's a movie, not a documentary.
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"any other movie"? Most movies are presumed to be stories written with the goal to entertain. They are works of fiction, not presented as true stories.
(https://imgur.com/A1tpnSD.jpg)
Somehow, when the story being told isn't just "a story" but the story, I would presume that it is in fact, factual. Instead, it's just like any other movie, something fictitious written with the goal to entertain.
Apparently it's just me. Oddly (to me), I haven't run into anyone else who has a problem with all the liberties taken with the movie. I've had actual arguments with people regarding the events leading up to Queen's Live Aid performance and them saying "Look, I saw the movie. I know what happened." What the fuck?
I guess the problem I have is that people are now accepting as fact a bunch of shit that was literally made up because someone thought it would make a better story. Years from now, the historical view will not be the truth, but the fiction that was presented in the movie and which people have accepted as fact. Actually, that's the case right now.
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I don't know about others but I have never taken a biopic or any 'based on real life events' movie on face value. I know they are movies and they may or may not give an outline of some event or person but I don't take it to mean anything other than entertainment. Same with the Queen movie or the social network movie or whatever. I'm sure they take bits of the truth and just showcase it for entertainment. The Queen movie entertained me, even with me knowing a ton of it was wrong or just not plain true.
The Fargo movie has a tag line 'Based on a true story'. In a long winded Coen's jokey kinda way, that tag line is a lie, the movie is not based on any true story but just because it's there, people assumed it to be real.
The Texas Chainsaw remake with Jessica Biel also has some tag line about being based on a true story. It's not.
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My turn for a serious question: Why would you watch a movie about actual people and events, knowing that a bunch of it was just plain made up?
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My turn for a serious question: Why would you watch a movie about actual people and events, knowing that a bunch of it was just plain made up?
For me it's entertainment largely.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.picturequotes.com%2F2%2F23%2F22909%2Fare-you-not-entertained-quote-1.jpg&hash=400d63ccb35150c40c343bd3b44703064f72a808)
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Adding the tag "based on a true story" only makes me wonder how much of what's on the screen is fabrication. It doesn't make me want to watch it any more than pure fiction, probably even less because I'll spend part of my mental energy wondering what was made up and what wasn't.
Similarly (in a way), with stories based on actual people and events, I'll generally find myself thinking "Okay, that would be entertaining, if it actually went down like that."
I guess we all have things we're willing to overlook.
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Tom Hanks on playing real people..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuIhpHmFrmg
:lol
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^
I want Tom Hanks to play me, too! :D
For me it's entertainment largely.
Well, if you want someone 'to entertain you', how about the guy Dave Grohl was talking about for thirty seconds here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnkTh4I_Zis
(as he did on the first and last nights of 'Rock In Rio' in '85....but I'll get to that later)
Instead of fantasy, how about the 'real life'? Check out the Hammersmith Odeon show. Queen's '75 Christmas Eve UK televised concert would have been a joy to witness in person or on the tube. It took forty years for the film and sound to be restored and released. What a frickin' treasure after only having half the concert available to listen to back in the 90s (and on vinyl to boot).
The consummate frontman and his mates in front of millions. Enjoy. :tup
As in '85, Queen departs the UK, and after playing the 'Americas'....heads to Japan and Australia for sold out performances.
btw... I'm certainly more than willing to discuss and learn about any Queen topics not related to the current discography here (though I thought Taylor Hawkins' passing was appropriate here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=4119.msg2809070#msg2809070
Tomorrow: the rest of the ANATO tour (and my lucky break to see one show), two days later Hyde Park, and then second Marx Brothers album on Friday.
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^
I want Tom Hanks to play me, too! :D
He's way too tall. ;D
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"Yerrr right, Scotty!"
But I'm lord of the darkness, I'm queen of the night.............
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Check out the Hammersmith Odeon show. Queen's '75 Christmas Eve UK televised concert would have been a joy to witness in person or on the tube. It took forty years for the film and sound to be restored and released. What a frickin' treasure
I watched this show, the whole show, the other night. Holy shit what footage!! I'm extremely picky when it comes to my proshot videos, but this one is outstanding. Even though ANATO lightens up a bit, this concert still shows the band at their hard rock roots. And with video to prove it. There are some great camera angles, and the venue is small enough. Pro shot videos in arenas can be a bit tough to envision the band on stage properly. In this footage, you get a great idea of the spacing of the band and the dimensions of the stage.
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A NIGHT AT THE ODEON
Thanks for this write-up, I've been meaning to check this album out. This and the Rainbow show are the two live video albums I don't have. Was trying to decide if they're worth the blu-ray purchases.
I'll check out the links you posted.
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Why would you watch something that purports to tell a true story, but quite clearly is making it up?
This is an intriguing question - one possibly worth its own thread so as to not bog down this one.
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A Night at the Opera USA Tour
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/d/de/76usaprogramf.jpg/600px-76usaprogramf.jpg)
A month after their nationally televised Christmas Eve concert, the band begins their third tour of the States (yet again in the winter). The first show is in Waterbury, Connecticut (this was available two months ago, but has since disappeared).
The tour would include four nights in NYC at The Beacon Theater, along with multiple nights in Boston and Detroit.
USA typical setlist
Bohemian Rhapsody (tape & rock part) / Ogre Battle / Sweet Lady / White Queen / Flick Of The Wrist / Medley: Bohemian Rhapsody (verses) : Killer Queen : The March Of The Black Queen : Bohemian Rhapsody (reprise) / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Brighton Rock / Son And Daughter / The Prophet's Song / Stone Cold Crazy / Doing All Right / Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon / Keep Yourself Alive / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Liar / In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited Encores: Now I'm Here / Big Spender / Jailhouse Rock / God Save The Queen
*********************
Comments: ‘The Prophet’s Song’ and ‘Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon’ have been added now that they’ve time off and a chance to rehearse them. ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’ is now part of the States setlist, along with the odd choice of ‘Doing All Right’. ‘Now I’m Here’ has moved from starting the shows to the first encore. The single ‘You’re My Best Friend’ / ‘’39’ had not yet been released, but it is kind of surprising that neither was included. ‘Modern Times Rock n Roll’ is sometimes included. ‘Father To Son’ (sadly for me) has been permanently dropped in the States.
*************************************
Orpheum Theater, Boston, January 30th Attendance 4725 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAhL9GBmua0 GRADE: A+
Taped by Dan Lampinski from the fifth row right center, this is one of the top five quality audience recordings of Queen in the 70s (Providence ’78 is one of the others, also by the same taper). The stereo sound beautifully captures the channel separation of Brian and Freddie's solo spots.
Not made available until 2009.
*************************************
Beacon Theater, New York City, February 6th Attendance: 3,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgIQvHgeyF8 Grade: B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgIQvHgeyF8&t=474s (unless the link changed again :huh:)
******************************************
A few weeks later, the Saginaw Civic Center.
Queen had various bands as warmups during this tour. For one night, it was fellow Michigander Bob Seger (this was months before he recorded his Detroit performance(s) which became his breakout release 'Live Bullet'). Well, I had a friend who asked me to be the designated driver for a Seger concert (back in the day when the DD had one drink to the others four or five).
I said, "Sure, who’s the warm up band?"
“He’s the warmup. Queen are the headliners.”
"NUFF SAID! I’ll drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
My very first concert program! (it now costs anywhere from $45 to $100, but the three bucks I spent on it is priceless). I couldn't tell you if Freddie came up from underneath the stage on a hoist or not, since there was so much fog from the dry ice, but.....'what a freakin' show!' I will admit it was confusing as all hell with the BoRhap snippets and the medley, and the ending of 'Brighton Rock' at the end of 'Flick of the Wrist', then 'Brighton Rock' with the 'Son And Daughter' ending after the guitar solo. I did enjoy the striptease during 'Big Spender' :D
Oh, and Seger was damn good (I think ;)). One beer on the way up, one on the way back, and probably two once I settled in with the three other passengers once we arrived at my friend's home. At least that meant an extra hour to sleep in before going to HS the next morning. :sad:
***********************
Milwaukee Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin March 2nd, Attendance: 6,250 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfoy0S18uoQ&t=85s Grade: B
"Hangman" and "Modern Times' are included, ‘Lazing’ is not .
*******************
Civic Auditorium Santa Monica, California, March 11th, Attendance: 3,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FHDQKFryjg&t=203s Grade: A-
This wasn't made available until 2019. Their fourth show in three days. One more before a triumphant return to Japan.
Freddie, Brian, and Roger also managed to make a guest appearance and provide backing vocals for an old friend on one song while in NYC. Details on that, and the Australia and Japan tours tomorrow. I plan on finally giving the Boston show a listen tonight.
Ever been there, Tim? ;)
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Ever been there, Tim? ;)
YES!
Boston Music Hall 1976
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/76-01-30_Boston_01.jpg)
Boston Music Hall 2022 (aka Boch Center formerly the Wang Theater formerly the Boston Music Hall)
(https://i.imgur.com/wS6MKoB.jpg)
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Sweet! :) :) :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
One tour I saw, the other I hosted a preshow for .....
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It's a half mile (10 minute walk) from the Orpheum.
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Joe, at your first Queen concert, did you buy a t-shirt or a program? Do you still have your stubs? And if you have any of those, can you post pics?
I will ask the same question for the subsequent tours, so you might as well prepare.
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The Boston boot is amazing. I already have it on CD, but I'm giving the youtube link a solid listen. I love bootlegs. Always have.
There's something about the recorder's microphone and the performer being in the same room.. It is a great experience. I am very skeptical of official live versions. Bootlegs are way more intimate.
Funny how after Flick Of The Wrist, the guy refers to Dan Lampinski as "Danny".
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Joe, at your first Queen concert, did you buy a t-shirt or a program? Do you still have your stubs? And if you have any of those, can you post pics?
I will ask the same question for the subsequent tours, so you might as well prepare.
I have the ANATO tour book, along with the ones from '80 and '82. I still have (and can fit into) the '80 and '82 tee shirts. My wife did buy me a '78 tour jacket around '02, but that's it. No ticket stubs or pictures.
The Boston boot is amazing. I already have it on CD, but I'm giving the youtube link a solid listen. I love bootlegs. Always have.
There's something about the recorder's microphone and the performer being in the same room.. It is a great experience. I am very skeptical of official live versions. Bootlegs are way more intimate.
Funny how after Flick Of The Wrist, the guy refers to Dan Lampinski as "Danny".
I finally burnt a couple of discs and listened to it in my car this week. Still funny to hear people screaming for 'Liar' :D and then they perform 'Doing Alright' (which is an absolutely surprising gem!). 'Sweet Lady', which Roger admitted was his most difficult song to drum to in concert, really rocks. btw, did you like that sweet little love song 'Stone Cold Crazy'? :D :D
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You need to post the ANATO tour book.
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A few weeks off after the States for another successful short tour of Japan. But first, a couple of collaborations.
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273a66411a8829ae5920e6cfd47)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPd7Me5MTIk
You can certainly hear Freddie's and Brian's distinctive touches. btw, last week was the first time I had seen this video. They also could have put this on 'The Game' and said that John sang it, and I wouldn't have been any the wiser!
(https://i.discogs.com/BUJWC8CWZLiekRrj0RD4EOMoc6Tqgd_xEWdK3lM0ZKA/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:569/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIxNDY0/MDQtMTMzMTY1ODgy/Ni5qcGVn.jpeg)
Going back a few short years, Queen had been the warm up band for Mott The Hoople during the fall of '73 in the UK, and the winter of '74 in the States (before Brian became seriously ill and they had to stop halfway through). Queen has now achieved world wide stardom, while Mott has disbanded and Ian Hunter is pursuing a solo career.
Freddie, Brian, and Roger provide BVs on 'You Nearly Did Me I' from this album, released early '76 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRkJi-QWKmg
**** Japan '76 *****
The setlists are the same as the States with some exceptions.
Himeji Welfare Hall Himeji, March 24th, Attendance: 6,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pGZhD4voHA Quality: A
The third stop on the Japanese tour sees Freddie in very poor condition. Sick, exhausted......, but he very quickly declined over the course of two days, leaving his voice with little range to play with. (see, it even happened to the best of them, even before they turned thirty! ;))
***************
Nippon Budokan Tokyo, Japan April 1st, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm9wsevBLjo Quality: A/A-
The final live performance of 'Hangman'. 'Father To Son' was added for this night. This was just uploaded three weeks ago.
***********************************
Nichidai Kodo, Tokyo, April 4th, Attendance 11,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goL8zT0tuLk Grade: B+
The final night in Japan for this tour. Due to high ticket demand, this show was added. The Budokan presumably wasn't available. Again, not one of Freddie's best nights.
*****************************
A week later to Perth, the first of eight dates of the band's first tour of Australia.
Bohemian Rhapsody and A Night At The Opera have topped the charts here. Two years after being booed off the stage at the Sunbury Festival, Freddie was right when he said Queen would be one of the biggest bands in the world the next time they'd return down under.
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A few weeks off after the States for another successful short tour of Japan. But first, a couple of collaborations.
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273a66411a8829ae5920e6cfd47)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPd7Me5MTIk
You can certainly hear Freddie's and Brian's distinctive touches. btw, last week was the first time I had seen this video. They also could have put this on 'The Game' and said that John sang it, and I wouldn't have been any the wiser!
(https://i.discogs.com/BUJWC8CWZLiekRrj0RD4EOMoc6Tqgd_xEWdK3lM0ZKA/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:569/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIxNDY0/MDQtMTMzMTY1ODgy/Ni5qcGVn.jpeg)
Going back a few short years, Queen had been the warm up band for Mott The Hoople during the fall of '73 in the UK, and the winter of '74 in the States (before Brian became seriously ill and they had to stop halfway through). Queen has now achieved world wide stardom, while Mott has disbanded and Ian Hunter is pursuing a solo career.
Freddie, Brian, and Roger provide BVs on 'You Nearly Did Me I' from this album, released early '76 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRkJi-QWKmg
Good stuff, Joe!
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The different sleeves for the 'Man From Manhattan' 45 and LP from back in the day.
(https://manfrommanhattan.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/coverbanner.png)
A bit of boring, yet interesting background on this:
"Recorded in mid January 1976 at Sarm East Studios in London, the song was produced by Freddie Mercury, who also played piano and sang backing vocals on the track and featured Brian May on guitar.
Howell signed with Warner Bros. He released two singles, “Long Story” and “Can’t get over you”, and his debut LP “The Eddie Howell Gramophone Record”, which featured members of 'Brand X' and guitarist Gary Moore.
The album was launched at a promotional gig at Thursday’s club in Kensington. Eddie’s band included Phil Collins on congas, Jack Lancaster * on saxophone and [b]Robin Lumley[/b] on keyboards. Explains Eddie, ”In the audience that night was Freddie Mercury who had been brought along to the gig by my manager David Minns. It was there that he first heard “Man From Manhattan”, which was a newly written song included in the set. After the gig we met and he was very complimentary about the song and offered to produce it. I remember we all went down to ‘The Elephant on the River’ to celebrate”.
Enthused by the prospect of his first foray into production, Freddie wasted little time in getting started. ”I gave him a two track guitar/vocal demo of the song” recalls Eddie, ”and a couple of days later he called and said let’s get going. Studio time was booked at Sarm East Studios and true to form, Freddie quickly took control of the sessions; ”He did lots of pre-production work on the song’s structure and the harmony arrangements”, reveals Ed. ” He had a mini cassette recorder loaded with ideas for the track, backing vocals and answering phrases”.
”We took a week to record the song”, remembers Eddie, ”which was a long time in those days, but because of Freddie’s involvement, Warners gave us a blank cheque. The sessions were quite intense, there was never a lull. Brian came in to play hismikestone2 guitar parts and the musical rapport between him and Freddie was plain to see, they were on the same page. One day, a hand-held spinning bell-cymbal in the key of ‘D’ was required by Freddie for one ping at the end of the track and the studio didn’t have one, so a runner was dispatched to scour the streets of London in search of one. The session was adjourned for half a day while we waited down at the Shazam Indian restaurant in Brick Lane for the bell to arrive. It eventually arrived and took about a minute to record, it must have been the most expensive ping ever recorded”.
On the final day of recording, a trio of Warner Bros top brass flew in from California and made a beeline for Sarm East studios to meet Freddie. Recalls Eddie, ”They probably thought the red carpet would be rolled out as they were paying for the recording sessions, but instead they were kept waiting in reception for about four hours. At the end of the session, after the final playback, Freddie turned to me and said, ‘If this isn’t a hit, sue Warner Bros ‘ ”.
When it was issued as a single in 1976, Warner’s publicity department played up the Queen connection as much as they could, and “Manhattan” rapidly became a turntable hit in the UK. The record received heavy rotation on the airwaves – particularly in Europe where it became a big hit. Then, just when it looked set to climb the charts in the UK, the Musicians Union mysteriously discovered that Jerome Rimson, the American bassist hired by Freddie for the sessions, had been working in Britain without a permit. This obliged them to place a ban on any and all further UK media exposure due to his ‘Illegally’ recorded playing. A decision which effectively killed off the record." Jacky Gunn-Smith
*Lancaster co-founded the British rock group Blodwyn Pig with Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams. In the late 70s he was a member of the British progressive rock group Aviator with former Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker, former Manfred Mann's Earth Band guitarist Mick Rogers, and former Caravan and Quantum Jump bassist John G. Perry . In between these high-profile projects, Lancaster collaborated with keyboardist Robin Lumley in the studio band The Soul Searchers with a line-up that included guitarists Gary Moore and John Goodsall, bassist Percy Jones, and drummer Bill Bruford. This group released one 7" single "Scaramouche b/w Head Stand' in 1975 for EMI Records.
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Back to London and the studio before four shows in September
Playhouse Theatre Edinburgh, Scotland September 2nd, 1976 Attendance: 3,000 Special Event: The Festival of Popular Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZgsJ5gYG5M Quality: C+
The intro and songs up to ‘Flick Of The Wrist’ are missing. What is included are the first available live recordings of ‘You’re My Best Friend’ and‘’39’. The crowd really participates in the singalong (though Roger is using way too much cowbell). Two other songs are available here for the first time, ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ and ‘You Take My Breath Away’. ‘A Day at the Races’ was still three months from being released, and Freddie teases the crowd when he introduces YTMBA by asking them if they’ve purchased it.
**************************************************
Cardiff Castle, UK Attendance: approximately 10000. It poured rain throughout this outdoor show in Wales. The outdoor venue was planned in preparation for their second UK outdoor concert.
Roger Taylor wrote about the show in the autumn '76 fan club magazine, describing the weather as "virtually a monsoon." He adds, "The sight of the rain pouring down through the spotlights on everybody, and of Freddie splashing his way through pools of water at the front of the stage will remain indelibly printed on our memories forever. The fact that people stayed on and enjoyed themselves right to the end made it quite a moving occasion for us. In fact, I was so overcome I just had to wreck me drum kit at the end, which reduced 'Crystal' my roadie to floods of tears rivalling the rain (it was a brand new kit too!). Anyway if you were there thanks for being our bravest audience ever and I hope the pneumonia cleared up."
This is assumingly the final performance of Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon. queenlive.ca
Richie Blackmore & Rainbow refused to play Cardiff Castle because they couldn't get onstage their 35-foot high artificial rainbow which they regarded as an "essential part of their act". Probably they weren't allowed to put it up due to upstaging the headliners.
next up: Hyde Park and a cast of thousands
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That Eddie Howell song wasn't bad. It has some pretty obvious Queen influence, but since Eddie's regular band was basically Brand X (honestly the only reason I checked it out), I was expecting something a bit more adventurous musically. Instead, it was a generic pop song. A good one, elevated considerably by Brian and Freddie's contributions, but still a pretty generic pop song.
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The different sleeves for the 'Man From Manhattan' 45 and LP from back in the day. The title track was
(https://manfrommanhattan.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/coverbanner.png)
A bit of boring, yet interesting background on this:
"Recorded in mid January 1976 at Sarm East Studios in London, the song was produced by Freddie Mercury, who also played piano and sang backing vocals on the track and featured Brian May on guitar.
Howell signed with Warner Bros. He released two singles, “Long Story” and “Can’t get over you”, and his debut LP “The Eddie Howell Gramophone Record”, which featured members of “Brand X” and guitarist Gary Moore.
:omg:
Just checked it. He's credited for acoustic guitar on Miss Amerika.
Wow, good work, Joe!
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Nippon Budokan Tokyo, Japan April 1st, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm9wsevBLjo Quality: A/A-
The final live performance of 'Hangman'. 'Father To Son' was added for this night. This was just uploaded three weeks ago.
Listening to this and it's a pretty good boot for 1976.
I'm sorry, but what is Hangman and where did it come from? It's a non album track I believe, right?
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Some info with the odd lyrics http://www.queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Hangman An acetate was said to exist of a studio version. It was owned by a John S Stuart, who sadly passed away half a dozen years ago.
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Love the lyrics on that!
I know all about you
They call you Mr. T
....
I know all about you
They call you, they call you Mr. C
:lol
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^
I have absolutely no clue what Freddie was referencing, since 'The A Team' wasn't on TV yet ;)
That Eddie Howell song wasn't bad. It has some pretty obvious Queen influence, but since Eddie's regular band was basically Brand X (honestly the only reason I checked it out), I was expecting something a bit more adventurous musically. Instead, it was a generic pop song. A good one, elevated considerably by Brian and Freddie's contributions, but still a pretty generic pop song.
I figured the Brand X and some blokes by the names of Collins and Moore would get some attention :D Yeah, it's a simple pop song, but I didn't hear it until around 2000, so that made it rather special, kind of like hearing a long lost demo. It had probably been five years since my wife and I heard it today. We're both getting to relive the catalogue and hear and learn new things on this ride.
We listened to Boston '76 on a car ride for the first time yesterday. And the volume kept increasing. As much as some of the songs have appeared on prior tours, the sound is obviously top notch, which allows for a better listen, but there's many subtle improvements. Freddie's voice is great, he uses different phrasing at times, he's more playful with this enthusiastic crowd, the 'new' songs are a great change ('Sweet Lady' of all songs rocks), and it had the most blistering RnR medley encore I've heard.
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Boston rules, what can I say?
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Love that dirty water.
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Boston, NYC, Chicago, and Dee-troit....the home of rock n roll! Such great audiences (Tokyo's is pretty good as well, and London......)
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HYDE PARK, September 18, 1976
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Hyde_Park_1976
A free concert which drew a crowd in excess of 150,000. Organized by Richard Branson, with Queen spending 50,000 pounds for promotion
The complete show was supposed to be shown on TV in early 1977 but was never aired.
The rest of the day's music was provided by The Kiki Dee Band, Supercharge, The Rich Kids, Broken Wreck Chords and Steve Hillage. Elton John did not appear duetting with Kiki Dee for "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". She sang to a 2/3 life-sized cardboard cut-out of Elton instead😉
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pA2_YH4oSyc/maxresdefault.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-kF2Emk8eU&t=2618s video
25:13 begins the Queen segment. The taped intro of the upcoming ‘A Day at the Races’ album starts after the Bob Harris intro.
‘Never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!’
Hyde Park London, September 18th Attendance: 150,000 - 200,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usaS7x43uQw&t=216s Multi-Source Merge Quality: A+/A/B
A Day at the Races (Intro)
Bohemian Rhapsody (Opera and Rock Section)
Ogre Battle
Sweet Lady
White Queen (As It Began)
Flick Of The Wrist
Medley:
You're My Best Friend
Bohemian Rhapsody (Ballad)
Killer Queen
The March Of The Black Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody (Reprise)
Bring Back That Leroy Brown
Brighton Rock
Son And Daughter (Reprise)
'39
You Take My Breath Away
The Prophet's Song
Stone Cold Crazy
Keep Yourself Alive
Liar
In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited
The final live performances of ‘Flick Of The Wrist’, ‘March Of The Black Queen’, and ‘Son And Daughter’. It is also the last time that a segment of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' would open the show, with other parts played in the medley. The revised and familiar live version would be introduced in the States in January '77 (Kalamazoo being one of those concerts :tup)
‘A Day at the Races’ is still months away. ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ was played at an earlier show and was supposed to be in the encore. The concert had already run past curfew, and the band was threatened with jail should they have gone back on stage. Thus, it’s one of the few times (Live Aid included in that group) where the tape of ‘God Save The Queen’ would not be played after a live performance.
The band picture in the inner gatefold of ‘Races’ would be from this concert while performing ‘’39’. Speaking of which, it sounds dreadful on this tape. Much of it does, due to speed issues from nth generation tapes, and that it is mostly a soundboard recording with almost no crowd noise.
For me, it is quite pleasurable to pick and choose segments to watch, some times for the song, sometimes just for the video and camera angles. The concert beginning, ‘You Take My Breath Away’, the guitar solo, ’39, …
1:38:16 Liar…that rarity of seeing John singing, along with being in the spotlight (bad camera work not withstanding..... AND
‘In The Lap Of The Gods…..’ yup, that’s what it was like seven months earlier in Saginaw, Michigan! Bring out the goosebumps!!! :tup
After the concert and the long silence, the narrator states that Queen spent 50,000 pounds of their own money to promote the concert. 1:49:47 mark onwards are different angles at various times. Quite an interesting shot at the beginning, looking up from around the fourth row.
(https://www.ukrockfestivals.com/hyde-pk76-aerial.jpg)
An in depth write up decades later, which I first read a couple of weeks ago. https://www.queenonline.com/features/a-picnic-by-the-serpentine-the-legacy-of-queens-1976-concert-at-hyde-park-fan-feature-by-nathan-hodges
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Joe, the article mentions Tie Your Mother Down was played, yet it's not in the setlist that was included.
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Joe, the article mentions Tie Your Mother Down was played, yet it's not in the setlist that was included.
Read it again. “Tie Your Mother Down was played at an earlier show and was meant to be in the encore, but the band were over curfew and threatened with jail should they have gone back on stage”.
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Joe, the article mentions Tie Your Mother Down was played, yet it's not in the setlist that was included.
Read it again. “Tie Your Mother Down was played at an earlier show and was meant to be in the encore, but the band were over curfew and threatened with jail should they have gone back on stage”.
(https://previews.123rf.com/images/creatista/creatista1002/creatista100200035/6402745-nun-dr%C3%B4le-transportant-la-r%C3%A8gle-en-bois-comme-une-arme.jpg)
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I think that nun is also telling me to start picking up the pace :D
What with four studio albums (five counting 'Smile'), three live releases, five BBC sessions, a live BBC concert, a set of demos, two collaborations and Hyde Park (which I hadn't thought of until this week!) Taylor Hawkins passing, .....audits, taxes, a severely sprained ankle (no more walking boot...finally!), physical therapy 2x a week for both myself and my wife, campaigning, cohosting a Dream Theater concert preshow , a weekend getaway for an Alice Cooper concert, having meetings and dinners with people in person, a frickin Rush countdown ;), and a partridge in a pear tree, I have done 'fair with room for improvement'.
next studio LP tomorrow, related tour links a couple of days later, with a 'new' album every Friday. I should get to 'Hot Space' by Memorial Day weekend ;D
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I think that nun is also telling me to start picking up the pace :D
What with four studio albums (five counting 'Smile'), three live releases, five BBC sessions, a live BBC concert, a set of demos, two collaborations and Hyde Park (which I hadn't thought of until this week!) Taylor Hawkins passing, .....audits, taxes, a severely sprained ankle (no more walking boot...finally!), physical therapy 2x a week for both myself and my wife, campaigning, cohosting a Dream Theater concert preshow , a weekend getaway for an Alice Cooper concert, having meetings and dinners with people in person, a frickin Rush countdown ;), and a partridge in a pear tree, I have done 'fair with room for improvement'.
It's not like you have a job or anything. :lol
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(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/GrandPinkCopperhead-max-1mb.gif)
;)
The worst part was being limited to maybe thirty minutes a day at the computer WHEN I could get to it. All that free time, and no where to go. (the strife with my nephew's premie and our friend's relatives in the Ukraine has been a mental drain. :censored >:( How lucky WE are right now!)
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Somebody To Love b/w White Man
Released November 19, 1976 UK (EMI), USA (Elektra)
UK #2, USA #13 (#5 Cashbox)... Netherlands #1, Belgium #2, Canada #5, Ireland #6, South Africa #7, Australia #15, Denmark #19, West Germany #21.
Certified Platinum in the UK and Italy, 2x Platinum in the United States
(It would chart again in 2018 and 2019. The terrific Queen+George Michael version in ’93 from the Tribute Concert was Top 40 in numerous countries.)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fsingles-1%2Fsomebody-to-love-uk7front.jpg&hash=6e74ca52b22e70ab39f50e661d721bdb932f6be6)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijpcUv-b8M
411 Million views
Listed separately for a couple of reasons. First, I love the picture sleeve (the band's second). And as with 'Bohemian Rhapsody', I owned the 45 before getting the album. The difference this time is that I made the 45 purchase before the album was released. My first ever experience with hearing or owning a single and having to wait in anticipation for the main course. I wouldn't be disappointed.
Now at college, this was another video where I had to set the alarm or make sure I was home for its weekly showing on 'The Midnight Special'.
the next Marx Brothers album is a WIP to be posted shortly
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fsingles-1%2Fsomebody-to-love-uk7back.jpg&hash=6c5eacc6b9d748ea1205f12101189ed9f40aede5)
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A Day at the Races
Released: December, 10, 1976, UK (EMI): December 18, 1976, USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #1, USA #5
Japan #1, Netherlands #1, Norway #3, Canada #4, Austria #8, Australia #8, Sweden #8, West Germany #10, New Zealand #11, Italy #15
Platinum certification in the USA, Canada, Poland
Gold in the UK, West Germany, and Japan
Singles: Somebody To Love / White Man UK#2, USA #13 (others listed prior)
Tie Your Mother Down / You And I March '77 UK #31, USA #49 Netherlands #10, Belgium #18, Australia #47, Canada #68
Queen’s first E.P.: Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy / Death On Two Legs / Tenement Funster / White Queen May '77, UK #17
Teo Torriatte / Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy Japan only, March '77 (DNC)
Long Away / You And I USA only, June 77 (DNC)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/fi/b/bf/Queen_A_Day_At_The_Races.JPG)
Freddie Mercury – Vocal, Piano, Choir Meister, Tantrums
Brian May – Guitars, Vocals, Leader of the Orchestra
Roger Taylor – Drums, Vocals, Percussion, Pandemonium
John Deacon – Fender Bass
Recorded in England
July to November 1976
Management- John Ried
Co-ordinator - Pete Brown
Crew equipment supervision – john Harris
No synths!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ca7iKo0Ho
SIDE ONE
Tie Your Mother Down (May) 4:48
You Take My Breath Away (Mercury) 5:09
Long Away (May) 3:34
The Millionaire Waltz (Mercury) 4:54
You and I (Deacon) 3:25
SIDE TWO
Somebody to Love (Mercury) 4:56
White Man (May) 4:59
Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Mercury) 2:54 with Mike Stone
Drowse (Taylor) 3:45
Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) (May) 5:50
All titles composed, arranged and performed exclusively by Queen
(Though he does not get a mention on the original LP liner notes (other than vocals on GOFLB), Mike Stone is the Engineer for his fifth Queen album. Roy Thomas Baker, who has helped produce their first four, is not affiliated with this release. He would be working with The Cars and Journey (amongst others) during the upcoming years)
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2011 Universal Bonus EP Disc
Tie Your Mother Down (backing track mix ) / Somebody to Love (Milton Keynes, June 1982 ) / You Take My Breath Away (Hyde Park ) / Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Top of the Pops, July 76 (mono)) / Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) (HD mix)
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There are some real gems on the bonus disc. Any ‘Somebody To Love’ live recording is terrific. 'You Take My Breath Away' is from its first live performance at the Hyde Park free concert, with just Freddie and the piano, in front of 150,000 plus fans. The 'Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy' ‘Top of the Pops' performance was on bootlegs in the 90s. It was so nice to finally have it on a clean non static version, and it does differ from the studio version (in many good ways). 'Teo Torriate' is beautiful as always, and this does not have the album 'circle'
But…..
There are plenty of live recordings of 'Somebody To Love' from the ’77 and ’78 tours available (though the '82 version is a standout one). A live version of 'Tie Your Mother Down' should also have been included from those years as well. It would not have killed them to include the single version (which does not have the intro and album 'circle'). Demos of TYMD and STL exist, as well as rumored demos of 'The Millionaire's Waltz' and 'Drowse'.
(https://pm1.narvii.com/7744/e5a6e9d5249709c740f26d4fa90f407158986036r1-1039-511v2_hq.jpg)
Imagine in this day and age: you release a mega million selling album worldwide, with a mega million selling hit single....and another one in 'You're My Best Friend'. But, rather than touring for eighteen months to sold out arenas and stadiums......you are back in the studio recording another album nine months later! Such were the times. And, their second 'Marx Brothers' album was quite the follow up!
Yet another distinctive album opening (which was used at Hyde Park and would open the ‘Races’ tour) with its tie in to ‘White Man’, the ‘circle’ to/from the end of the album, and then the memorable opening guitar chords of ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ (“Sheer bloody poetry” – The Times, as written above the lyrics in the gatefold).
And then….let’s turn it down nine and a half notches to ‘You Take My Breath Away’. And it certainly does! (of all things, on a ‘two fer’ I have with ‘YYZ' and ‘Limelight’, these two songs are also included). Such an incredible ballad. And, of all the riffs that Brian performs throughout this album and his career, his solo from 3;30 to 4:00 is one of my five favorites.
The next three tracks are kind of ‘OK, this is Queen, you’ll enjoy them as a fan’ but are perhaps the weakest links. I truly enjoy ‘Long Away’ (of all things, Brian’s one and only LV single offering in the States), but it is ‘Son of Good Company’ just not quite as fulfilling. ‘The Millionaire’s Waltz’ is one of many where John’s bass acts as lead, Brian’s various guitars shine, Freddie puts on his best Julie Andrews imitation (his words, not mine) but it is a rather drawn out combination 'Son of ‘Lazing’ and ‘Seaside Rendevous’' (though I would kill for something like this down the road.
‘You And I’ closes out Side One. A nice, sweet, nondescript John Deacon song (once again, if only there was something like this years later).
I absolutely adore ‘A Night at the Opera’, but my first ‘love’ as it happened at the time was ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. If I absolutely had to choose a favorite Queen album side, Side Two of 'A Day at the Races' is the side I would choose. :omg: It opens with ‘Somebody To Love’. The one political song in their catalogue, Brian’s hard hitting ‘White Man’ follows. Immediately afterwards is the camp and incredibly complex ‘Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy’, with the glorious guitar and playful backing vocals. Roger then offers up a more adult follow up to his ‘Tenement Funster’ teenage angst song with ‘Drowse’ whilst playing acoustic, with Brian on slide. The vinyl version of this (just as with Queen II and ‘She Makes Me’ off of SHA) is so much cleaner and crisper than on all of the CDs I have heard.
And then, to close, well........be a curmudgeon, be a skeptic, be a nay sayer, be the ultimate heavy metal rock ‘n roller… ‘Teo Torriate (Let Us Cling Together)’ is as beautiful and tender and inspiring and well performed and beautiful (oh, did I say that already?) of a song as you will ever want to hear. Obviously inspired from their two successful tours in Japan, this again is as good of an album closer as they had to offer. The ‘toy’ piano, the melody, the guitars, and what would make a great processional during the final chorus ….before the ‘circle’ album closer. This is in my all time Top Ten. I had friends back in the day who would ‘secretly’ ask me to put this on a tape with other Queen songs for them. Whether they were moved by it, or wanted to entice their lady friends for something during a passionate moment, well….you be the judge.
(I had this played at my first wedding. It was also my Mom’s favorite next to ‘Father To Son’ and ‘Killer Queen’. Wish she would have been there that day)
Enjoy. A new phase would begin with their next studio offering.
(https://www.vinylpussycat.com/wp-content/uploads/R-2879415-1335341928.jpeg.jpg)
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IMO, THE MOST underrated album of theirs! Coming off of A Night At The Opera, it just didn't garner the same attention. Well for me, ADATR is BETTER than ANATO! Okay, no Bohemian Rhapsody mega shock value, but the album on the whole is MUCH STRONGER in my belief. This album also contains not one, not two but THREE of my all time top 10 Queen songs in TYMD (#1), STL (#6) and WM (#10). Add great tracks like, You Take My Breath Away (my all time favorite Queen ballad), You and I, Long Away (my favorite Brian sung track), Millionaire's Waltz ( :hefdaddy), GOFLB (pure gold) & Teo Torriatte and IMO you get the 3rd strongest Queen album of all time. Only Drowse falls short for me.
I give this album a solid 9/10! :hefdaddy
This was the end of what I consider THE CLASSIC ERA of Queen. Sure, greatness was to continue, but NOTHING that followed matched this era for Queen (live as well, except for the NOTW tour which was mind blowing)!
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Somebody To Love b/w White Man
(https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/277614789_972803319874626_6964916621346316888_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=GnT-OOiLviUAX-chNFR&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=03_AVJdIRhCLYKJoSJK7jZFAEiq9hfvrCrUMkaCd9qOlOjfjQ&oe=626E7D5F)
(my wife's copy)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijpcUv-b8M
411 Million views
Thanks to this thread, I see that is now up over 412 Million views! :lol
A Day at the Races
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/fi/b/bf/Queen_A_Day_At_The_Races.JPG)
I have literally never listened to this album before. I will hit it tonight, and report back.
I mean, I'm obviously familiar with Somebody To Love from my Greatest Hits cassette. And I know Tie Your Mother Down.
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I love both A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races. They're probably the most similar of any two Queen albums, which makes sense because they came out consecutively, and are to me something like two sides of the same coin, in a good way. After playing A Night at the Opera to death, and my friend Laurie having A Day at the Races, I never actually picked it up on LP. Never had to. But these two are a pair of albums that a lot of people (myself included) had on opposite sides of a C-90 cassette.
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I love both A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races. They're probably the most similar of any two Queen albums, which makes sense because they came out consecutively, and are to me something like two sides of the same coin, in a good way. After playing A Night at the Opera to death, and my friend Laurie having A Day at the Races, I never actually picked it up on LP. Never had to. But these two are a pair of albums that a lot of people (myself included) had on opposite sides of a C-90 cassette.
For someone who was a whiz at math, who ended up majoring in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting...... don't ask me why, but when it came to Queen, I could not count! :D Due to how I was able to get the albums on cassette or (gasp) 8-track, 'Queen II' and 'Sheer Heart Attack' were on one tape. I had ANATO on its own short tape, and for Queen I added my first ever personally created 'best of' (eventually 'Flash' was the other part of that tape.
When ADATR came out, ANATO was the first half. I could never put I and II together (never had that problem with Led Zeppelin).
It has remained that way for my entire life. In fact, due to cold and age and this thread, I just recorded a new 90 minute cassette for my old boombox out in the garage (which doesn't read CDrs). You got it....ANATO on side A, ADATR on side B. :tup Just like ‘Sgt. Pepper’ and ‘Abbey Road’. They are intertwined and joined at the hip.
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IMO, THE MOST underrated album of theirs! Coming off of A Night At The Opera, it just didn't garner the same attention. Well for me, ADATR is BETTER than ANATO! Okay, no Bohemian Rhapsody mega shock value, but the album on the whole is MUCH STRONGER in my belief. This album also contains not one, not two but THREE of my all time top 10 Queen songs in TYMD (#1), STL (#6) and WM (#10). Add great tracks like, You Take My Breath Away (my all time favorite Queen ballad), You and I, Long Away (my favorite Brian sung track), Millionaire's Waltz ( :hefdaddy), GOFLB (pure gold) & Teo Torriatte and IMO you get the 3rd strongest Queen album of all time. Only Drowse falls short for me.
I give this album a solid 9/10! :hefdaddy
This was the end of what I consider THE CLASSIC ERA of Queen. Sure, greatness was to continue, but NOTHING that followed matched this era for Queen (live as well, except for the NOTW tour which was mind blowing)!
Agreed with it being underrated. Any follow up to a megahit is underrated. Some is sales, some is perception....sometimes it's because it isn't that good. I think of various releases of that era, and, no matter what they created, the follow up was a 'failure' based often on perception or sales. I think Boston's 'Don't Look Back' Side One is one of the ten best album sides in rock history......but that debut album was an impossible beast to follow.
As to 'Drowse'....I think 'The Millionaire's Waltz' should have been on Side Two.....but.....Roger's track fits so perfectly with the 'flow'. And you all know what I think about 'flow' ;) :lol
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I don’t know why, but that sudden ballad after the rocker of Tie Your Mother Down hits me way worse here than Lazing after Death On Two Legs on ANATO. I’ve never been able to get into this album the way it deserves. I ought to try again, because I’ve never been able to sit through the whole thing at once.
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Some Spotify Stats...
Tie Your Mother Down...40.9m
You Take My Breath Away...7.8m
Long Away...5.5m
The Millionaire Waltz...7.5m
You And I...5.5m
Somebody To Love...634.4m
White Man...3.1m
Good Old fashioned Lover Boy...167.9m
Drowse...5.3m
Teo Torriatte...4.8m
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OK, I have just listened to A Day At The Races for the first time in my life.
Here are my first impressions..
Tie Your Mother Down... Is this intro influenced by their Japan tour? Some backward tape here?
Anyway, I'm familiar with this song. It's actually pretty heavy which I know translates to a great live song. I guess I always assumed this was a "token" heavy song, but after learning that the first three albums at least were fairly heavy, this kind of fits right in.
You Take My Breath Away...Really cool piano driven track. Great tone on the keys. Honestly, I wish they'd have just started the song with the piano instead of the vocals effects. I agree with Deadeye, this song is like screeching brakes after TYMD. Not sure what's coming up, but I'd have closed Side 1 with this. And that ending is unnecessary.
Long Away...I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised at the Brian sung songs. Not sure I'd call it a great voice, but there's a charm and sincerity to it. A bit understated, but always enjoyable.
The Millionaire Waltz...Great bassline. Happy to hear that. Nice enough song. Sounds like something from Broadway. Not really in my wheelhouse though.
You And I...Nice and pleasant song. I think John Deacon had a song on an earlier album, right? This one is better. This song hits kind of a sweet spot. Actually, thinking about it, you know the band is great when they can take a song like this and really make something out of it.
Somebody To Love...Great song. Deserving of every accolade. This has to be one their best songs.
White Man....I don't know what to make of this song. Sounds like an impromptu studio jam, honestly. That ending was really interesting. I think they could've had something cool built around that.
Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy...This is a Queen song.
Drowse....more like drowsy.
Teo Torriatte...Looking at who wrote what on wiki, it all makes sense. But I was surprised to see that this was Brian and not Freddie. The piano part at the beginning is phenomenal. I felt like the band bogs it down a little. But that second verse is kind of haunting. Really cool. I have a feeling that this song works better live than it does here. The chorus and full on band sections simply do not do those amazing verses justice.
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I've never really liked this album, other than Tie Your Mother Down, Long Away, and Somebody To Love. The rest just falls flat for me.
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I used to like this album a lot more than I do now. I rarely revisit it anymore, although Tie Your Mother Down, Long Away and Somebody to Love are all mainstays in my Queen shuffle. I am a sucker for the songs where Brian May sings lead vocal, so Long Away is right up my alley.
You Take My Breath Away is a good song, but I agree that putting it in the 2nd slot was odd. Gives the start of the album a weird flow.
The Millionaire Waltz is one I actually like quite a bit, but I have to be in the right mood for it.
I have never gotten the fascination some have for White Man. Seems like a boring rocker. I don't care for Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy, and while I like the intro to Drowse, the song overall is pretty average.
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OK, I have just listened to A Day At The Races for the first time in my life.
Here are my first impressions..
Tie Your Mother Down... Is this intro influenced by their Japan tour? Some backward tape here?
Anyway, I'm familiar with this song. It's actually pretty heavy which I know translates to a great live song. I guess I always assumed this was a "token" heavy song, but after learning that the first three albums at least were fairly heavy, this kind of fits right in.
You Take My Breath Away...Really cool piano driven track. Great tone on the keys. Honestly, I wish they'd have just started the song with the piano instead of the vocals effects. I agree with Deadeye, this song is like screeching brakes after TYMD. Not sure what's coming up, but I'd have closed Side 1 with this. And that ending is unnecessary.
Long Away...I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised at the Brian sung songs. Not sure I'd call it a great voice, but there's a charm and sincerity to it. A bit understated, but always enjoyable.
The Millionaire Waltz...Great bassline. Happy to hear that. Nice enough song. Sounds like something from Broadway. Not really in my wheelhouse though.
You And I...Nice and pleasant song. I think John Deacon had a song on an earlier album, right? This one is better. This song hits kind of a sweet spot. Actually, thinking about it, you know the band is great when they can take a song like this and really make something out of it.
Somebody To Love...Great song. Deserving of every accolade. This has to be one their best songs.
White Man....I don't know what to make of this song. Sounds like an impromptu studio jam, honestly. That ending was really interesting. I think they could've had something cool built around that.
Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy...This is a Queen song.
Drowse....more like drowsy.
Teo Torriatte...Looking at who wrote what on wiki, it all makes sense. But I was surprised to see that this was Brian and not Freddie. The piano part at the beginning is phenomenal. I felt like the band bogs it down a little. But that second verse is kind of haunting. Really cool. I have a feeling that this song works better live than it does here. The chorus and full on band sections simply do not do those amazing verses justice.
You're pretty spot on for one listen :tup Will I put you in a brain freeze if I say that the change from TYMD to YTMBA is jarring :D (or is it better to say from 'Tie' to ' Breath'?) It took me the loooooonnnngest time to get used to that change! Also, the ending of 'Breath' is often criticized, so you were spot on there. It works for me as part of the album, not the song on its own. You are spot on with the Brian songs. Deacon wrote 'Misfire' and 'Best Friend'. Side Two....I think it took me until after NOTWorld to appreciate 'Lover Boy' on its own, but it fit nicely on Side Two. Same with 'drowsy' :D This ends up being the last song with his vocals that I like until his solo efforts. And, 'I love Flo!'
I gave the album another spin.
If I ever make a Queen CD, I'm editing out the intro and outro to You Take My Breath Away. The song proper is excellent, even if misplaced.
I really like You And I. I hope that makes the setlist for the upcoming tour. I look forward to hearing a lively live version.
Is Teo Torriatte Italian, and if so, why is the chorus in Japanese? :lol
I have never gotten the fascination some have for White Man.
People have a fascination with it? It feels like a demo, honestly.
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Is Teo Torriatte Italian, and if so, why is the chorus in Japanese? :lol
Nope, that's also Japanese!
Drowse is one of my favorite Queen songs in general so I'm mildly offended at your writeup :lol
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This is the period of Queen that I like least; not because it's bad, but because it's so... unpredictable. They remind me of Kiss in a way; there's the Paul songs, the Gene songs, the Ace songs and the Peter songs... and it's hard to ignore that there probably was a decent Ace or Paul tune shuffled aside to keep the malcontent (Peter) happy. After all, he is a hooligan (won't go to school again).
I'm not suggesting that they should just make the same record over and over, nor am I suggesting they shouldn't explore other avenues. But there's no real atmosphere here; I can't immerse myself into a Queen record from this era like I can Queen II, or something like Clutching At Straws or something like that. I do like - not love - a fair amount of this record, but it depends on the moment. White Man is good, Drowse is good, Long Away is good. None of these rise to the level of, say, Bohemian Rhapsody or The Prophet's Song, or some of the other high points in the catalogue.
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But what in their discography does rise to Bohemian Rhapsody? I mean, that's a tall ask, is it not?
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But what in their discography does rise to Bohemian Rhapsody? I mean, that's a tall ask, is it not?
Well, yes and no. It's their Stairway To Heaven, to be sure, but in terms of what I listen to, I go for a Queen II, Works, A Kind Of Magic... there's a lot that comes before ADATR.
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But what in their discography does rise to Bohemian Rhapsody? I mean, that's a tall ask, is it not?
Well, yes and no. It's their Stairway To Heaven, to be sure, but in terms of what I listen to, I go for a Queen II, Works, A Kind Of Magic... there's a lot that comes before ADATR.
So that's a yes. Gotcha!
I mean, when I think Zeppelin, I never go for LZ4.
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I had meant to keep some rankings as we go. I've got them, and I'll update as we go..
So far...
Album Rankings
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen II
Queen
A Day At The Races
A Night At The Opera
These are the tracks that I will throw into the Queen Ranker at the end of the thread. I still may add some songs from these albums.
Queen
Keep Yourself Alive
Great King Rat
Liar
Son And Daughter
Queen II
Father To Son
White Queen
Ogre Battle
The March Of The Black Queen
Sheer Heart Attack
Brighton Rock
Killer Queen
Flick Of The Wrist
Lily Of The Valley
Now I'm Here
Stone Cold Crazy
A Night At The Opera
Death On Two Legs
You're My Best friend
'39
Love Of My Life
Sweet Lady
Bohemian Rhapsody
A Day At The Races
Tie Your Mother Down
You Take My Breath Away
Long Away
You And I
Somebody To Love
I find Queen I and Queen II extremely close. Still need to flesh those two out.
Even though I nominated 6 tracks from ANATO to only 4 tracks from ADATR, yet list ADATR above ANATO...it's because I highly suspect the ADATR tracks will score much better than the ANATO tracks in the Ranker.
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Drowse is one of my favorite Queen songs in general so I'm mildly offended at your writeup :lol
Me, too! And, this guy three :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nakYjO2xDoc
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Drowse is one of my favorite Queen songs in general so I'm mildly offended at your writeup :lol
Me, too! And, this guy three :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nakYjO2xDoc
Joe, I just watched that. I was wondering WTF you were talking about when you mentioned the Marx Brothers albums, and this video explained it to me.
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I'm always in for a list!
Album Rankings
Queen II
Queen
A Night At The Opera
Sheer Heart Attack
A Day At The Races
These are the tracks that I will throw into the Queen Ranker at the end of the thread. I still may add some songs from these albums.
Queen
Keep Yourself Alive
Doing Alright
Great King Rat
Liar
Son And Daughter
Queen II
Father To Son
White Queen
Ogre Battle
Fairy-Feller's Master Stroke
The March Of The Black Queen
Funny How Love Is
Sheer Heart Attack
<Side One>
A Night At The Opera
I'm In Love With My Car
You're My Best friend
'39
Love Of My Life
Sweet Lady
The Prophet's Song
Bohemian Rhapsody
A Day At The Races
Long Away
You And I
Somebody To Love
White Man
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Somebody To Love b/w White Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijpcUv-b8M
411 Million views
Thanks to this thread, I see that is now up over 412 Million views! :lol
Might be at 415 Million by the time I finish. ;) But there's no rush (if there hadn't been a Rush countdown, we'd be further along. And now VH....thanks, Kev!)
Some Spotify Stats...
Tie Your Mother Down...40.9m
You Take My Breath Away...7.8m
Long Away...5.5m
The Millionaire Waltz...7.5m
You And I...5.5m
Somebody To Love...634.4m
White Man...3.1m
Good Old fashioned Lover Boy...167.9m
Drowse...5.3m
Teo Torriatte...4.8m
Surprised that TYMD has a relatively low number of hits. With the lists you've posted, had thought that would be around 75-100M (which it might get to by the time I finish).
But I keep finding new things and fall into the 'rabbit hole' quite often. And part of the delays are for, shall we say, 'absorption'. I couldn't imagine hearing some of these albums and then hearing another one three days later. There's a lot of intricate work in these five albums that they released in just three and a half years.
It also gives one a chance for some to give an album another listen after they've been immersed in Megadeth, UFO, or Alice Cooper ;)
I am not listening to each and every concert that I've provided links for, but some I've spent a good half hour straight or pick just a couple for variations.....others I've revisited in their entirety, and others I'd never heard before this year. For instance, the Boston '76 concert blew me (and my wife) away at times. It's all so good, but I had no idea of Roger doing the high end and Freddie the semi baritone during 'Brighton Rock'. And 'Doing Alright'...the lovely piano beginning, the crowd clapping along during the acoustic part (I might have been doing that a couple weeks later! And how I loved the great little rendition of 'Lazing'...a shame they didn't put that back into their medley a couple years later.
Oh, and to see the video of Hyde Park for the intro, '39, 'Lap of the Gods..' etc. A real shame that wasn't properly stored, and then not digitally fixed up.
These are the tracks that I will throw into the Queen Ranker at the end of the thread. I still may add some songs from these albums.
These are the tracks that I will throw into the Queen Ranker at the end of the thread. I still may add some songs from these albums.
The fact that I got both of you wankers to use a Queen Ranker pleases me to no end! ;) :tup
(https://c.tenor.com/spiqX7UhmTkAAAAd/freddie-mercury.gif)
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This is the period of Queen that I like least; not because it's bad, but because it's so... unpredictable. They remind me of Kiss in a way; there's the Paul songs, the Gene songs, the Ace songs and the Peter songs... and it's hard to ignore that there probably was a decent Ace or Paul tune shuffled aside to keep the malcontent (Peter) happy.
I'm not suggesting that they should just make the same record over and over, nor am I suggesting they shouldn't explore other avenues. But there's no real atmosphere here; I can't immerse myself into a Queen record from this era like I can Queen II, or something like Clutching At Straws or something like that. I do like - not love - a fair amount of this record, but it depends on the moment. White Man is good, Drowse is good, Long Away is good. None of these rise to the level of, say, Bohemian Rhapsody or The Prophet's Song, or some of the other high points in the catalogue.
But, for most, it is there favorite (myself included). This Midwestern farm boy had his Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Tull, Yes, Sweet, Bowie, Deep Purple (damn, note the British influence!), as well as Aerosmith, Rush, Nugent, J.Giels, Chicago, Seger, Steppenwolf, etc....along with fun bands like Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Monkees (gasp), The Supremes, The Temptations...
And then there was Alice Cooper and the 'theater' on the dark side. And KISS (Alive! being one of the first five albums I could buy to put on that new record player my Mom bought me the year before! :tup) With the music also came the image. Queen certainly had it all.
Side One's of both 'Opera' and 'Races' are mostly fun atmospheres. Being 17 and 18 and listening to both of those Side Twos, well, when the atmosphere was also enhanced with a beverage or three or certain other substances, it made for quite the atmosphere! ;) :tup
Song writing: I have no clue, other than lyrics, I don't see John as having written most (certainly not all) of 'You're My Best Friend' and 'You And I'. It was his idea for the electric piano. Roger and Brian were together in the 60s, and Freddie was begging to join with them. And Roger sang lead in a band before Smile. So there's all that history. And other than the drums on 'Loser In The End', I absolutely loved all five of his songs up to this point. They somewhat borrowed from The Beatles, just as Styx did from 'Crystal Ball' onwards, and that was having three lead singers. I loved the variety, and it seemed to work pretty good for all three.
Oh, and the list of so many classic albums that came out from '75 through '77 is too long to list here. 'Opera' and 'Races' are certainly two that deserve their place in that group (the next one is fairly memorable as well).
I don’t know why, but that sudden ballad after the rocker of Tie Your Mother Down hits me way worse here than Lazing after Death On Two Legs on ANATO. I’ve never been able to get into this album the way it deserves. I ought to try again, because I’ve never been able to sit through the whole thing at once.
I think it helped to be around female company at times to sway my opinion initially. ;) It certainly wasn't overnight, and then after some days (year?) it clicked.
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Drowse is one of my favorite Queen songs in general so I'm mildly offended at your writeup :lol
Me, too! And, this guy three :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nakYjO2xDoc
Joe, I just watched that. I was wondering WTF you were talking about when you mentioned the Marx Brothers albums, and this video explained it to me.
I was going to post these after the North American 'Races' Tour, but since you commented nicely....
A couple of more videos I found last night in the 'rabbit hole' while I was looking up something else in regards to Roger in '77.
This is a Roger interview from the '00s with snippets placed and played over the interview later. (For those who watch(ed) 'Breaking Bad' you even get an audio snippet of 'Lydia The Tattooed Lady' ;D) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndh0cgkUyG4
The same interview, without the snippets, and the skipped over part around 1:35 with Groucho saying, "Well, you're singers! <effing> sing!" :lol
https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1475061/Freddie-Mercury-Queen-Groucho-Marx-Brian-May
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ndh0cgkUyG4/hqdefault.jpg)
Groucho also sent Queen a telegram. I am not sure as to whether it was sent after 'A Night at the Opera' or 'Races', or during the North American tour,
which said something like, "Congratulations on the success of your album. I will be calling my next movie, Greatest Hits of the Rolling Stones".
(https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/35/590x/freddie-mercury-queen-groucho-marx-1475061.webp?r=1628618583774)
I still remember seeing the picture with the jacket in a Creem magazine that year. Groucho was an institution. Enjoyed his interviews on the talk show circuit, had seen half a dozen of their films by that time. He would die less than six months after this meeting.... three days after Elvis. Sadly, all the focus was on The King
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It also gives one a chance for some to give an album another listen after they've been immersed in Megadeth, UFO, or Alice Cooper ;)
I resemble that remark!
I ran through quite a bit of these first few albums the last couple of nights.
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life is real...
Comments of the available ADATR North American and European tours coming shortly. To at least acknowledge some early favorites of the first five albums, here is as close as I can remember of what I made for my first ever 'best of' compilation for any band.
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Intro - Tie Your Mother Down / Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon / I’m In Love With My Car / You’re My Best Friend / Tenement Funster / Flick Of The Wrist / Lily Of The Valley / Seven Seas Of Rhye
Brighton Rock / Somebody To Love / White Man / Killer Queen / In The Lap Of The Gods…revisited
Procession – Father To Son / White Queen / Keep Yourself Alive / Modern Times Rock ‘n Roll / Son And Daughter / Nevermore
Stone Cold Crazy / She Makes Me / Bohemian Rhapsody / Drowse / Teo Torriate
(On a 'special one', a couple of rockers were removed, with 'Love of My Life' and 'You Take My Breath Away' finding their way for a reason ;)
***************
And....from Tim and Bill's prior posts, at least there's a few (actually many) that would never have made their lists before. There is certainly some gratification in that regards. Hope the same applies to those following this 'slow simmering' thread.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-03-13_Seattle_07.jpg)
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(On a 'special one', a couple of rockers were removed, with 'Love of My Life' and 'You Take My Breath Away' finding their way for a reason ;)
AKA "The Chick Tape"
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(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/25/af/ed/25afedd81bf92156d85f5195962c4617--john-deacon-come-round.jpg)
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Well played!
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(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Queen-1977ADATRT.jpg)
Cheap Trick opened a few shows. Meanwhile, Thin Lizzy were promoting their latest album, "Johnny The Fox". The North American leg of the their tour was supposed to begin in late November 1976, but guitarist Brian Robertson injured his hand during a fight, which led to it being postponed to January 1977. Guitarist Gary Moore stood in for Robertson. And, as fate would have it, arrangements were made to be the warmup act for a certain British band.
Queen set out on their fourth tour of the States, once again in the winter. This would often have an effect on Freddie’s voice (as well as transporting equipment and themselves), and four California concerts were cancelled or rescheduled due his vocal problems. He often had issues hitting the high ranges throughout, his voice ‘cracks’ at times, and yet….I’ll bet no one in the audience those nights noticed (and we harp on JLB in his fifties! :huh: )
"Part of the American leg of that tour involved the bands use of a very special plane. The plane that was originally booked was found not to be airworthy, and so a substitute was rented at very short notice from a very special place. The Lisa Marie was furnished by the Elvis Presley Organisation and we used this delightful personalised jet for several weeks. It was the closest Freddie ever got to meeting Elvis. It would have been his dream come true. At a later date, Lisa Marie actually gave Freddie a scarf which had once belonged to her father." queenlive.ca
(my wife and I were on it three years ago…..)
Queen are still playing occasional 8000 seat arenas (sold out!), but often in the largest available venues, such as Detroit’s Cobo Arena, the Boston Garden, Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum, the Omni in Atlanta, and two nights each at The Forum in Inglewood and Madison Square Garden.
Five very good songs have been dropped on this tour: ‘Flick Of The Wrist’, ‘The March of the Black Queen’, ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’, the surprisingly great rendition of ‘Doing Alright’, the fun and short ‘Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon’ and the first half of ‘The Prophet’s Song’.
The setlist is beginning to change into what we would become familiar with for the rest of their career. Two songs are added that would remain concert staples, while a third transformed into its current form.
The taped intro of ‘A Day at the Races’ plays to a darkened arena. Brian then plays the familiar opening riff before the lights and flash pods explode to
‘Tie Your Mother Down’. Once again, 'Never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!.... and this was one of their best. The familiar to some ‘Ogre Battle’ and ‘White Queen’ follow. Even if you have tired of these by now, those seeing the band for the first time certainly enjoyed them (just listen to the Boston and NYC crowd reactions). ‘Somebody To Love’, which they were very hesitant in performing, worked out damn well in concert. The medley really works well , and ‘The Millionaire Waltz’ fits in quite nicely.
The singalong ‘’39’ is great for its unique fun, and then just Freddie and piano for the ‘main’ part of ‘You Take Me Breath Away’. And his performance took away mine!
‘White Man’ is very faithful to the album version, and then the very odd vocal improv hystrionics. Captivating in person, with Freddie under the spotlight, but it is certainly not ear candy. This leads right into the ending of ‘The Prophet’s Song’.
The major change follows: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in its now familiar and forever form (other than ‘Live Aid’).
And then the reminders that they are a rock band, but still with the Queen touch, with ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’ finding its way into the rock ‘n roll medley encore for some shows.
Sadly, there is absolutely NO available professionally filmed footage of this tour, just a few snippets from not so good views, such as San Francisco, March ’77 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X490TGpnS4
**********
Typical set list:
Overture / Tie Your Mother Down / Ogre Battle / White Queen / Somebody to Love / Medley: Killer Queen : The Millionaire Waltz : You're My Best Friend / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Sweet Lady / Brighton Rock / ' 39 / You Take My Breath Away / White Man / Vocal Improv / The Prophet's Song / Bohemian Rhapsody / Stone Cold Crazy / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / In The Lap Of The Gods…revisited Encores: Now I’m Here / Big Spender / Jailhouse Rock / God Save The Queen
**********
Uploaded less than two months ago
Dane County Coliseum, Madison, Wisconsin, January 14th, 1977 Attendance: 10,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKV3Ezg0jdM Quality: B-(incomplete, cuts out during ‘Liar’) The volume goes up and down often, but it is the first available live recording of 'Somebody To Love'
(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
The Kalamazoo Gazette's harsh review on https://www.queenlive.ca/ Select a year '77 submitted by yours truly.
The picture below is from the Kalamazoo Airport
(https://i.imgur.com/DlcO2ZI.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LcbMcAcm24 30 seconds of big spender
Of note was a great Thin Lizzy performance in Toledo, followed by half of the Queen concert, before the taper's batteries ran out. Sadly, the link was pulled in the last year.
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Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio, January 23rd, 1977 Attendance: 20,270 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WYe2LfhNds Quality: C+ to me
‘It’s good to be here in Cleveland, the nasty Queenies are back’. One of the last times Freddie would utter that phrase. It is missing most of the ending from ‘Lap…’ onwards. Of note is that it is the first available North American soundboard concert, and was the first available NA concert up until two months ago.
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EDIT: Jan 23 2023 addition
Toledo Sports Arena, Toledo, Ohio, January 30th, 1977 Attendance: 6,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP3_nN7ByTg&t=2s Quality: B
The first recording of this concert surfaced a little over a year ago, but it was only the first half of the show as the taper’s batteries ran out. This is a second source that is much more complete, but is missing the second encore.
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EDIT: Jan. 23, 2023 addition
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-02-01_Toronto_15.jpg)
Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, February 1st Attendance: 16,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfI_hb5oAbc Quality: B+
Queen’s first performance ever in Toronto. The '74 tour stop was cancelled due to Brian's illness, and they did not visit during the ANATO tour. This show now becomes the first available ADATR Canadian show available.
Only ‘Now I’m Here’ is missing
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Cole Fieldhouse, College Park, Maryland February 4th Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK2-v5UI7y0 incomplete Grade: C+
Their last university arena performance, now just down the road from me.
I paid $20 for this subpar incomplete show over twenty years ago……
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If you care to recreate one of these evenings, here's the Thin Lizzy concert from February 6th.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=thin+lizzy+nassau+coliseum+live+1977
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtchHDR9npQW8qRqnyYc4-g-iK_B3lnhK Nassau Coliseum
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Madison Square Garden, New York City, February 5th, Attendance 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txp3u1aOslw&t=121s Grade: B
( the taped intro, TYMD and most of ‘Ogre Battle’ are missing). Freddie’s introduction speech and ‘listen to me my darlings’ before ‘White Queen’ are included (so one can use the beginning of another concert to this point)
This is an important show in Queen history for two reasons. For starters, this is their first performance at Madison Square Garden. Just three years earlier, after five shows in five nights at The Uris Theater opening for Mott, Brian became seriously ill.
The crowd is responsive during the intro, STL, BoRhap and claps along during the ending medley
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(https://64.media.tumblr.com/2df2c4fbc4605237a8ccefd9c808e486/35745ae4750a3045-ac/s540x810/892249ad89f31a20a7b8f0f96d372039058617cb.jpg)
Thin Lizzy - Live in Boston (February 9th, 1977) - Source 2 (NEW)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAGp2imu52c
. Around 20 minutes of the show (everything up to the drum solo during Sha-La-La) can now be heard for the first time as Source 1, taped by the one who recorded what we have of Queen's set, is heavily incomplete (but does include the last 2 songs in full). The recording is decent, but quite distant.
0:00 - Still In Love With You (CUT) 0:14 - Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed (CUT) 0:30 - The Boys Are Back In Town 5:53 - Cowboy Song 12:01 - Warriors 16:42 - Sha-La-La (20:49 - Drum Solo) 24:04 - Baby Drives Me Crazy (CUT)
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Boston Garden, Boston, MA February 9th Attendance: 15,900 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy-XT1gNcFE&t=3987s Grade A-
One can hear the stereo in vocals during 'Somebody To Love' and the guitar solo. It is incomplete from “Liar onwards’ (bad performance by Freddie? I didn’t think so).
I have made comments in my reviews of the Universal 2011 bonus disc reissues, as to what could have been included. For ADATR, I mentioned that there are numerous ’77 and ’78 live recordings available of ‘Somebody To Love’ that could have been included in place of the ’82 Milton Keynes version. Their performance this night would have been in the running. From the taped intro of ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ onwards, this is a fabulous show. And it's a damn good crowd! :tup
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LA Forum, Inglewood, California, March 3rd, Attendance: 18,000 second show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8t7_F_65A0&t=1788s Quality: A+
(minus the intro and fades in during TYMD) Made available less than two years ago. The cream of the crop from this tour.
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Seattle Center Arena Seattle, March 13th, 1977 Attendance: 8,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Z2Tk2y_14&t=77s Quality: A-
It is only missing GSTQ (which I borrowed from a European concert to make complete) The only concert of the N.A. Tour I had for about eight years. No complaints. I do not have MEGA, but Tim mentioned this link which includes the Thin Lizzy show as well
https://mega.nz/file/gt4HUBYL#UXfptXG_tzxsXm_Q4d_P0jvgS3cxR2WqCjMDlv0FD_0 Thank you, sir! :tup
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First available Canada recording
Pacific Coliseum Vancouver, March 11th Attendance: 17,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd0SUashln8&t=54s Quality: B-
The beginning is missing up to Killer Queen.
***************
I'll post a short European leg some time tonight, including their legendary Earl's Court concert. And then I'll have 'Raise The Knife' and 'Unfinished Sweet' running through my head for tomorrow :sad:
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Yay, back on tour!!!!
I spent the last week listening to the LA, Boston and Seattle shows.
Been enjoying them very much.
Some observervations about the shows..
I can do without The Millionaires Waltz, especially as it stops Killer Queen in its tracks.
Nice to Bohemian Rhapsody played as itself, instead of the cut/paste job on the previous tour.
Freddie plays some mean piano. But his piano has such a great sound mixed with the rest of the band.
White Man comes across much stronger than on the album for some reason. Still don't love it.
You Take My Breath Away is AMAZING! Freddie and his piano. No goofy intros or outros. Amazing.
'39 is really nice!
And in case anyone skimmed Joe's post, GARY MOORE sits in with Thin Lizzy on this leg!!!!
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(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
Tickets at Sears!!!!!
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DragonAttack, I just want to say Thanks for this amazing discography. I haven't commented a lot, usually because I'm left speechless by all the info being absorbed. I love a good chronological deep dive into a band's history. I want the dirt, all the dirt.
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DragonAttack, I just want to say Thanks for this amazing discography. I haven't commented a lot, usually because I'm left speechless by all the info being absorbed. I love a good chronological deep dive into a band's history. I want the dirt, all the dirt.
Amen, brother! As I also enjoyed your Jethro Tull thread.
I really wish more people would take advantage of these discography threads.
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(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
Tickets at Sears!!!!!
Ay yes, the good old days of lining up outside department stores to buy your concert tickets. :coolio
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(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
Tickets at Sears!!!!!
Ay yes, the good old days of lining up outside department stores to buy your concert tickets. :coolio
Hey, now you're dating yourself. :lol
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(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
Tickets at Sears!!!!!
Ay yes, the good old days of lining up outside department stores to buy your concert tickets. :coolio
Hey, now you're dating yourself. :lol
It's legal in several states now.
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No reason anyone should be alone, besides...being alone.
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(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
Tickets at Sears!!!!!
Ay yes, the good old days of lining up outside department stores to buy your concert tickets. :coolio
Hey, now you're dating yourself. :lol
:lol
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(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
Tickets at Sears!!!!!
Ay yes, the good old days of lining up outside department stores to buy your concert tickets. :coolio
Hey, now you're dating yourself. :lol
It's legal in several states now.
Too funny, but probably true. :lol
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DragonAttack, I just want to say Thanks for this amazing discography. I haven't commented a lot, usually because I'm left speechless by all the info being absorbed. I love a good chronological deep dive into a band's history. I want the dirt, all the dirt.
When you did the Jethro Tull discography (and I again send out one big 'thank you'), that made me dig through the dirt for concerts, as well as the education of their higher total of sales and Gold and Platinum certifications in North America compared to the UK. It also got me through the first year of the pandemic.
Sears? I'm 99% sure I went to one in Kalamazoo in '87. That was to pick up U2 tickets for the next day at the Pontiac Silverdome. I was renting an apartment at the time, so I didn't buy any appliances. ;)
QUEEN's First EP
Released: May ’77, UK (EMI)
Charts: UK #17
Side One
Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy / Death on Two Legs (Dedicated to...)
Side Two
Tenement Funster / White Queen (As It Began)
GOFLB VIDEO from 'Top Of The Pops' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI3LAgGBxqU 32 MILLION Views
(https://i.imgur.com/jaKCoF6.jpg)
my wife's copy
Inserted here for a couple of reasons. One, to show one of the reasons why I love my wife ;) Also... performing their last North American ADATR show in Edmonton, Queen take a six week break before a very short one month European and UK tour. Their one and only EP was released at the time. Only 'Tenement Funster' from the EP would not be performed on that tour.
Also, the Top of the Pops performance audio version was included as part of the 2011 reissue bonus disc. I had heard it years before, but it was great to have a nice clean version, though it is in mono. Roger does the Mike Stone 'hey boy where'd you get it from' line, a few BVs are not included, and Brian's instrumental is more 'raw' (and, thank goodness, his fingernails were clean ;)) Plus, it's always a pleasure to see them during this era.
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DragonAttack, I just want to say Thanks for this amazing discography. I haven't commented a lot, usually because I'm left speechless by all the info being absorbed. I love a good chronological deep dive into a band's history. I want the dirt, all the dirt.
Amen, brother! As I also enjoyed your Jethro Tull thread.
I really wish more people would take advantage of these discography threads.
I know I'm a man of few words and even fewer in these threads, but I for one LOVE them. I know enough about the bands in question that I don't necessarily need the track lists and what not, so I'm going deeper, but I love the trivia that my friends and colleagues here know. So I'm a fan and I'm pretty impressed!
A good example: I had no idea Queen used Elvis' plane for a tour; I knew Freddie was a big Elvis fan, and so am I, so it's a nice confluence. I've been on the Lisa Marie (it's on display at Graceland) and it's a nice adder to the lore.
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We walked on the plane and, of course toured Graceland two days after Dream Theater last played in Baltimore in '19. DT performed at The Soundstage a couple of days later!
If I'd only known ahead of time.....
(oh, and talk about 'excess' in regards to the Graceland house :o)
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(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Queen-1977ADATRT.jpg)
Cheap Trick opened a few shows. Meanwhile, Thin Lizzy were promoting their latest album, "Johnny The Fox". The North American leg of the their tour was supposed to begin in late November 1976, but guitarist Brian Robertson injured his hand during a fight, which led to it being postponed to January 1977. Guitarist Gary Moore stood in for Robertson. And, as fate would have it, arrangements were made to be the warmup act for a certain British band.
Queen set out on their fourth tour of the States, once again in the winter. This would often have an effect on Freddie’s voice (as well as transporting equipment and themselves), and four California concerts were cancelled or rescheduled due his vocal problems. He often had issues hitting the high ranges throughout, his voice ‘cracks’ at times, and yet….I’ll bet no one in the audience those nights noticed (and we harp on JLB in his fifties! :huh: )
"Part of the American leg of that tour involved the bands use of a very special plane. The plane that was originally booked was found not to be airworthy, and so a substitute was rented at very short notice from a very special place. The Lisa Marie was furnished by the Elvis Presley Organisation and we used this delightful personalised jet for several weeks. It was the closest Freddie ever got to meeting Elvis. It would have been his dream come true. At a later date, Lisa Marie actually gave Freddie a scarf which had once belonged to her father." queenlive.ca
(my wife and I were on it three years ago…..)
Queen are still playing occasional 8000 seat arenas (sold out!), but often in the largest available venues, such as Detroit’s Cobo Arena, the Boston Garden, Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum, the Omni in Atlanta, and two nights each at The Forum in Inglewood and Madison Square Garden.
Five very good songs have been dropped on this tour: ‘Flick Of The Wrist’, ‘The March of the Black Queen’, ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’, the surprisingly great rendition of ‘Doing Alright’, the fun and short ‘Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon’ and the first half of ‘The Prophet’s Song’.
The setlist is beginning to change into what we would become familiar with for the rest of their career. Two songs are added that would remain concert staples, while a third transformed into its current form.
The taped intro of ‘A Day at the Races’ plays to a darkened arena. Brian then plays the familiar opening riff before the lights and flash pods explode to
‘Tie Your Mother Down’. Once again, 'Never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!.... and this was one of their best. The familiar to some ‘Ogre Battle’ and ‘White Queen’ follow. Even if you have tired of these by now, those seeing the band for the first time certainly enjoyed them (just listen to the Boston and NYC crowd reactions). ‘Somebody To Love’, which they were very hesitant in performing, worked out damn well in concert. The medley really works well , and ‘The Millionaire Waltz’ fits in quite nicely.
The singalong ‘’39’ is great for its unique fun, and then just Freddie and piano for the ‘main’ part of ‘You Take Me Breath Away’. And his performance took away mine!
‘White Man’ is very faithful to the album version, and then the very odd vocal improv hystrionics. Captivating in person, with Freddie under the spotlight, but it is certainly not ear candy. This leads right into the ending of ‘The Prophet’s Song’.
The major change follows: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in its now familiar and forever form (other than ‘Live Aid’).
And then the reminders that they are a rock band, but still with the Queen touch, with ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’ finding its way into the rock ‘n roll medley encore for some shows.
Sadly, there is absolutely NO available professionally filmed footage of this tour, just a few snippets from not so good views, such as San Francisco, March ’77 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X490TGpnS4
typical set list: Overture / Tie Your Mother Down / Ogre Battle / White Queen / Somebody to Love / Medley: Killer Queen : The Millionaire Waltz : You're My Best Friend / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Sweet Lady / Brighton Rock / ' 39 / You Take My Breath Away / White Man / Vocal Improv / The Prophet's Song / Bohemian Rhapsody / Stone Cold Crazy / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / In The Lap Of The Gods…revisited Encores: Now I’m Here / Big Spender / Jailhouse Rock /
Uploaded less than two months ago
Dane County Coliseum, Madison, Wisconsin, January 14th, 1977 Attendance: 10,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKV3Ezg0jdM Quality: B-(incomplete, cuts out during ‘Liar’) The volume goes up and down often, but it is the first available live recording of 'Somebody To Love'
(https://www.thinlizzyguide.com/pictures/magazine_clips/770122_advert_thin_lizzy.jpg)
The Kalamazoo Gazette's harsh review on https://www.queenlive.ca/ Select a year '77 submitted by yours truly. The picture below is from
the Kalamazoo Airport
(https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/277188519_708513093615964_2892599585429483252_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=Nb6L9OtTeXkAX89fKXg&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&oh=03_AVK_qIa0LbCyYdvCiY4WRT8zR6aPfFUIcX6tVL6WNcKjVA&oe=627A62EC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LcbMcAcm24 30 seconds of big spender
Of note was a great Thin Lizzy performance in Toledo, followed by half of the Queen concert, before the taper's batteries ran out. Sadly, I the link was pulled in the last year.
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Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio, January 23rd, 1977 Attendance: 20,270 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WYe2LfhNds Quality: C+ to me
‘It’s good to be here in Cleveland, the nasty Queenies are back’. One of the last times Freddie would utter that phrase. It is missing most of the ending from ‘Lap…’ onwards. Of note is that it is the first available North American soundboard concert, and was the first available NA concert up until two months ago.
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Cole Fieldhouse, College Park, Maryland February 4th Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK2-v5UI7y0 incomplete Grade: C+
Their last university arena performance, now just down the road from me.
I paid $20 for this subpar incomplete show over twenty years ago……
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If you care to recreate one of these evenings, here's the Thin Lizzy concert from February 6th.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=thin+lizzy+nassau+coliseum+live+1977
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtchHDR9npQW8qRqnyYc4-g-iK_B3lnhK Nassau Coliseum
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Madison Square Garden, New York City, February 5th, Attendance 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txp3u1aOslw&t=121s Grade: B
( the taped intro, TYMD and most of ‘Ogre Battle’ are missing). Freddie’s introduction speech and ‘listen to me my darlings’ before ‘White Queen’ are included (so one can use the beginning of another concert to this point)
This is an important show in Queen history for two reasons. For starters, this is their first performance at Madison Square Garden. Just three years earlier, after five shows in five nights at The Uris Theater opening for Mott, Brian became seriously ill. This night, his parents are in the audience. It is their first time seeing the band outside of the UK.
The crowd is responsive during the intro, STL, BoRhap and claps along during ending medley
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(https://64.media.tumblr.com/2df2c4fbc4605237a8ccefd9c808e486/35745ae4750a3045-ac/s540x810/892249ad89f31a20a7b8f0f96d372039058617cb.jpg)
Thin Lizzy - Live in Boston (February 9th, 1977) - Source 2 (NEW)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAGp2imu52c
. Around 20 minutes of the show (everything up to the drum solo during Sha-La-La) can now be heard for the first time as Source 1, taped by the one who recorded what we have of Queen's set, is heavily incomplete (but does include the last 2 songs in full). The recording is decent, but quite distant.
0:00 - Still In Love With You (CUT) 0:14 - Johnny The Fox Meets Jimmy The Weed (CUT) 0:30 - The Boys Are Back In Town 5:53 - Cowboy Song 12:01 - Warriors 16:42 - Sha-La-La (20:49 - Drum Solo) 24:04 - Baby Drives Me Crazy (CUT)
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Boston Garden, Boston, MA February 9th Attendance: 15,900 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy-XT1gNcFE&t=3987s Grade A-
One can hear the stereo in vocals during 'Somebody To Love' and the guitar solo. It is incomplete from “Liar onwards’ (bad performance by Freddie? I didn’t think so).
I have mentioned in my reviews of the Universal 2011 bonus disc reissues, as to what could have been included. For ADATR, I mentioned that there are numerous ’77 and ’78 live recordings available of ‘Somebody To Love’ that could have been included in place of the ’82 Milton Keynes version. Their performance this night would have been in the running. From the taped intro of ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ onwards, this is a fabulous show. And it's a damn good crowd! :tup
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LA Forum Inglewood, California, March 3rd, Attendance: 18,000 second show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8t7_F_65A0&t=1788s Quality: A+
(minus the intro and fades in during TYMD) Made available less than two years ago. The cream of the crop of from this tour.
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Seattle Center Arena Seattle, March 13th, 1977 Attendance: 8,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Z2Tk2y_14&t=77s Quality: A-
It is only missing GSTQ (which I borrowed from a European concert to make complete) The only concert of the N.A. Tour I had for about eight years. No complaints. I do not have MEGA, but Tim mentioned this link which includes the Thin Lizzy show as well https://mega.nz/file/gt4HUBYL#UXfptXG_tzxsXm_Q4d_P0jvgS3cxR2WqCjMDlv0FD_0 Thank you, sir!
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First available Canada recording
Pacific Coliseum Vancouver, March 11th, 1977 Attendance: 17,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd0SUashln8&t=54s Quality: B-
The beginning is missing up to Killer Queen,
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I'll post a short European leg some time tonight, including their legendary Earl's Court concert. And then I'll have 'Raise The Knife' and 'Unfinished Sweet' running through my head for tomorrow :sad:
Saw back to back shows on Feb.5 & 6 at Madison Square Garden & Nassau Veterans Coliseum! Incredible shows (the MSG show is in my top 10 concerts of all time....I've seen well over 700..as are BOTH MSG shows later in year, but I'm getting ahead of myself). I missed back to back varsity high school basketball games to attend these shows, wound up getting found out and suspended for a game, but WELL WORTH IT! The Queen shows I saw between '75-'77 were simply INCREDIBLE! The QUEEN I love! Not that the following tours weren't great, but NONE CAME CLOSE to this period of performances for me.
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Saw back to back shows on Feb.5 & 6 at Madison Square Garden & Nassau Veterans Coliseum! Incredible shows (the MSG show is in my top 10 concerts of all time....I've seen well over 700..as are BOTH MSG shows later in year, but I'm getting ahead of myself). I missed back to back varsity high school basketball games to attend these shows, wound up getting found out and suspended for a game, but WELL WORTH IT! The Queen shows I saw between '75-'77 were simply INCREDIBLE! The QUEEN I love! Not that the following tours weren't great, but NONE CAME CLOSE to this period of performances for me.
I might have seen 70 shows in my life, certainly not over 700! :o Oops on the suspension, but 'oh, well'... I can only compare seeing Q+AL at MSG twice, and just how the building shook after the taped part of 'BoRhap'. Enviously asking for a bit more story, where you were sitting, how long you were grounded for,etc? :D
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A Day at the Races European Tour
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COJsnNwWoAQGIMt.png)
Freddie in his green and orange leotard (at the RnR HOF Museum my two visits eons ago)
‘Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy’ is now part of the medley. ‘Death On Two Legs’ is added at the end, in a complete version. ‘Sweet Lady’ is played AFTER BoRhap a couple of times, and ‘Liar’ is now part of the first encore. ‘Saturday Night’s (Alright For Fighting) as well as ‘I’m A Man’ (Bo Didley’s version) are often included.
The Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden May 10th Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNU5kLcP6Uc Quality: A-/B-
per Ryan Newton, Freddie sounds absolutely marvelous at this concert, and I'd say this is his best show of the whole Races Tour.
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Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol, England May 23rd Attendance: 1,950 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqDwlv1bAJc Quality: B+
A small theater with a very responsive crowd
Just thought it was time to throw out some deserving kudos to John Deacon, since I came across some of the pictures in this post. Often overlooked, especially when you consider what his 'lead' bass added to 'Bohemian Rhapsody', and especially on 'The Millionaire Waltz'. Nice that he would get his moment in the spotlight in 'Liar', but how often his bass sounded as a rhythm guitar for songs such as 'Stone Cold Crazy' and 'Keep Yourself Alive'. Plus, the man was versatile ;)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-05_Bristol_01.jpg)
Bingley Hall, Stafford, May 29th
This is a very important night in Queen's history. Gearing up for the encore, the audience sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" as it had and would for years. This would inspire Brian to write a song purely meant as a piece for audience participation – which would open the next album.
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The Apollo Glasgow, Scotland May 30th Attendance: 3,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCL8Ab_JZwc Grade: B+
Consistant sound throughout, with yet another responsive audience. This has much better ‘arena’ sound to it than some of the others on the leg of the tour. Simply listen to the intro / TYMD, ‘39, KYA, and BoRhap. The crowd takes over at the end for the ‘nothing really matters’ line (similar to Wembley 86). The responses equal those of the Boston and NYC '77 crowds. My favorite of the '77 European tour.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-05-08_Stockholm_01.jpg)
performing ''39'
Empire Theatre, Liverpool, June 2nd Attendance: 2,300 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1e0VVhHLMI Quality: B
First of two nights in Liverpool. The last recorded performance of ‘Sweet Lady’.
Oh, and if you haven't before, check out http://queenlive.ca Pick a year ‘77 and check out all the pictures from Liverpool 6/3/77
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-06-03_Liverpool_89.jpg)
next up: Earl's Court and the introduction of 'The Crown Jewel'.
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Two sneak previews...
First, the taped intro with 'Tie Your Mother Down' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS9rXU_Fpsk
Sadly.....the only filmed footage of the song during the both the North American and European tours, and Freddie's mike goes out at times. :sad:
And....the only filmed footage of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' during the ADATR tours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjUqJ6DUOlY
(corrected link thanks to DTwwbwMP's comment)
Decades later, and nothing else compares to this song and its visuals on stage (personal bias for sure).
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Joe, what does GOFLB stand for in the title?
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It 'did' stand for 'Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy'. Finally an update! ;)
After almost three decades, it is so hard not to revert to Queen shorthand. TMOTBQ, IILWMC, ITLOTGR, etc....though 'BR' generally had to be written out, as there were three song titles with that
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After almost three decades, it is so hard not to revert to Queen shorthand. TMOTBQ, IILWMC, ITLOTGR, etc....
Oh I know. I couldn't figure it out or why it was in the thread title.
I see that they added DOTL (see what I did there ;D) into the set for the Euro/UK tour.
The Gothenburg starts our really rough soundwise. Seems to get better as the show goes on. Definitely not an A-/B+.
The Glasgow show is awesome though. I'm going to try and take this one in tonight. This show has a great vibe. You're right, the ending to Bohemian Rhapsody is amazing.
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It 'did' stand for 'Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy'. Finally an update! ;)
After almost three decades, it is so hard not to revert to Queen shorthand. TMOTBQ, IILWMC, ITLOTGR, etc....though 'BR' generally had to be written out, as there were three song titles with that
At least with Queen, most titles are long enough to be unique.
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Two sneak previews...
First, the taped intro with 'Tie Your Mother Down' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS9rXU_Fpsk
Sadly.....the only filmed footage of the song during the both the North American and European tours, and Freddie's mike goes out at times. :sad:
And....the only filmed footage of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' during the ADATR tours. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPmmG6ujI_4
(they just couldn't resist zooming in and doing the double imagery at times :angry:, but......this is almost how I remember it from five months earlier!)
Decades later, and nothing else compares to this song and its visuals on stage (personal bias for sure).
fyi....that bo rap vid is from houston, tx on the notw tour.
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^
thank you, and fixed (the leather jacket should have been a dead give away :facepalm:)
Queen shorthand: well, some bands have just 'S' or 'SS' or a couple of 'TA's, but they also had TOWHTSTS :D
And, Tim, the Gothenburg had 'A- / B-'.....kind of an odd way of putting things, but it does have its poor moments.
I'm burning Glasgow to discs so I can listen to it on my travels this week. Enjoy your listen!
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Earl's Court Exhibition Center two nights sold out
London, June 6th, 1977 Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Ss1RqdzVE&t=4472s
Soundboard/Audience Merge Sound Quality: A- Attendance: 20,000
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gokbeySev90 (the one and only footage of TYMD and BoRhap on the ADATR tour. And….never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!)
(https://preview.redd.it/ja5zjju82bg61.jpg?width=617&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=95dad13ab5ed9985f771aed78e66fd823d259cc5)
The band dropped £50,000 on a new lighting rig for these shows, which was a giant crown - 25 feet tall by 54 feet wide, weighing two tons. Queen were pioneers of many rock concert spectacles, including this very first mobile lighting rig. (queenlive.ca)
Procession / Overture- A Day At The Races / Tie Your Mother Down / Ogre Battle / White Queen / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy / The Millionaire Waltz / You're My Best Friend / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Death On Two Legs / Doing Alright / Brighton Rock / ’39 / You Take My Breath Away / White Man / The Prophet's Song / Bohemian Rhapsody / Keep Yourself Alive / Stone Cold Crazy / In The Lap Of The Gods (Revisited)
Encores: Now I'm Here / Liar / Lucille / Jailhouse Rock / Saturday Night Alright For Fighting / Stupid Cupid / Be/Bop/A/Lula / Jailhouse Rock (Reprise) / God Save The Queen /
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The end of an era in many regards, and a great way to end it. Tonight would be the final performances of 'Bring Back That Leroy Brown', 'Sweet Lady', and 'You Take My Breath Away', as well as 'In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited' (in this form until '86). It is also the final performance of the full Death On Two Legs.
The first bootleg I had of the ADATR tour in the 90s. A shame that Freddie's mic kicks out on occasion during 'Tie Your Mother Down' as it's the only video of the song during '77. Since it is a soundboard recording, the crowd is very muted, and it does lead to some rather horrible parts, especially Roger during '39. There's also occasional buzzing noises.
This performance includes the very infamous Roger Taylor 'OOPS' moment during 'You Take My Breath Away', as he accidentally knocks over part of his drumkit. (easily fixed if you cut the song into two parts). Ever the professional, Freddie doesn't skip a beat or sound rattled. (no doubt there were some choice words soon after!)
Freddie 'throws' the occasional exploding pod during the 'Ogre Battle' instrumental, Brian provides yet another good guitar solo after 'slinging the ol' fireplace around his neck' :D, and he is the one mainly focused on during the film.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-06-06_London_02.jpg)
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Procession / Overture- A Day At The Races / Tie Your Mother Down / Ogre Battle / White Queen / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy / The Millionaire Waltz / You're My Best Friend / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Death On Two Legs / Doing Alright / Brighton Rock / ’39 / You Take My Breath Away / White Man / The Prophet's Song / Bohemian Rhapsody / Keep Yourself Alive / Stone Cold Crazy / In The Lap Of The Gods (Revisited)
Encores: Now I'm Here / Liar / Lucille / Jailhouse Rock / Saturday Night Alright For Fighting / Stupid Cupid / Be/Bop/A/Lula / Jailhouse Rock (Reprise) / God Save The Queen /
That's a hell of a setlist. It's one of my complaints about Queen (and, to be fair, several other bands) that there aren't live recordings available that bridge the gaps. We have the early shows, '74, and we have the later shows (Killers is what, '79, and we have shows from '81 and '82) but not that in-between stage, when they are established, but not fully to the point of doing medleys and homages to themselves.
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The Earl's Court video is awesome. I watched it last week in its entirety, and jumped around a little on it today.
A couple things jumped out at me that I love about it..
First, I love the camera work and their placement. Too many pro shot videos are focused on close ups and well, how realistic is that for a concert going experience? I love the shot diagonal across the stage, akin to seats we've all sat in at one time or another. It allows you to visualize the show in a more realistic way.
Second, I love that the bass is extremely audible. By that I don't mean it's overpowering in any way, it's just mixed in its own space. It reenforces the Power Trio feel that jumps out at me on these early albums when they balls to the wall rock out.
The bass solo in Liar is cool as hell.
Also, in a number of spots, I love how John Deacon comes to the front of the stage and is active. I think that adds so much to it.
Amazingly, '39 is not corny at all. They manage to pull off that performance. They're just so fucking good. It's talent. How many bands try something like that and it just looks foolish?
Freddie comes out like a house painter handyman. :lol Hilarious.
Awesome show!! Great setlist.
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Joe, I have a couple questions...
First..
Earl's Court Exhibition Center two nights sold out
London, June 6th, 1977
The end of an era in many regards, and a great way to end it.
Can you elaborate on this?
Also, I find it interesting that on the ANATO tour, Bohemian Rhapsody was not played in full, only to be cut up to open and close a medley. Since this was the lead single, why wouldn't they feature it and play it in full? Were they undecided on how to handle or present the middle skalaboosh section?
Yet, on the following ADATR tour, they did play it. I'm curious why they didn't play it on it's own album's support tour.
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If anyone knows, feel free to answer or post a direct link.
I have some ideas when I can sit down at my laptop
A very good question, you scoundrel! :censored :D
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Just a guess, but I always figured that in the mid-70's, the technology to do that middle section just didn't exist. When they created the set list for that tour, Bohemian Rhapsody must have been considered, obviously, but the question of how to do the middle section had them stumped, and ultimately it was decided that they just couldn't do it. Then by time the next tour came around, they'd come up with the solution to switch to multimedia. It might have taken them that long to work out how to do even that.
It was a hell of a task, to be sure, but I'll say that I never really liked the solution. As always, I'd prefer that the band come up with a way to present the song live, using only personnel actually on stage. They've got four guys who can sing and we've heard them do some great harmonies live. It's possible to rearrange the vocals to cover all the important parts. I think of how Styx does the "America, America" section of Suite Madame Blue. By inverting the harmonies and some careful overlapping, four voices cover 12. The middle section of Bohemian Rhapsody could have been covered, and I would think that they at least tried a few ways to do it live, but they didn't feel any of them were good enough.
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If anyone knows, feel free to answer or post a direct link.
I have some ideas when I can sit down at my laptop
A very good question, you scoundrel! :censored :D
Why don’t you just ask your wife? ;D
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Just a guess, but I always figured that in the mid-70's, the technology to do that middle section just didn't exist. When they created the set list for that tour, Bohemian Rhapsody must have been considered, obviously, but the question of how to do the middle section had them stumped, and ultimately it was decided that they just couldn't do it. Then by time the next tour came around, they'd come up with the solution to switch to multimedia. It might have taken them that long to work out how to do even that.
Yeah, O, that’s in line with my thoughts. Still seems like a weird thing to do on the ANATO tour.
I wonder if the record company splurged on extra equipment for the ADATR tour to pull it off.
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That's possible, too. I hadn't thought of that. Some people knew of Queen from the song "Killer Queen", but with "Bohemian Rhapsody" they were huge. This probably translated to an uptick in support from the label.
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Joe, I have a couple questions...
First..
Earl's Court Exhibition Center two nights sold out
London, June 6th, 1977
The end of an era in many regards, and a great way to end it.
Can you elaborate on this?
With the 'Bring Back That Leroy Brown' instrumental being dropped from their setlist after this show, it meant no more ukulele! ;)
But seriously, instead of spending four-five months in the studio between tours, they would be cutting that time back dramatically. They had decided to strip back some 'layers', and....punk was on the horizon.
Also, I find it interesting that on the ANATO tour, Bohemian Rhapsody was not played in full, only to be cut up to open and close a medley. Since this was the lead single, why wouldn't they feature it and play it in full? Were they undecided on how to handle or present the middle skalaboosh section?
Yet, on the following ADATR tour, they did play it. I'm curious why they didn't play it on it's own album's support tour.
What you and Orbert have since offered makes sense. The thing is, they were already playing tapes. 'Procession' played before the Queen II and SHA tour shows to a darkened stage, and 'God Save The Queen' was played at the end starting with the SHA tour to a completely lit stage as the band walked off after taking their bows. There was no confusion or finger pointing as to whether they were playing along with taped recordings. And as you've heard from their live shows, the volume of those tapes was certainly adequate (including the ANATO tour).
I so remember reading about the Electric Light Orchestra tape scandals back when it happened, but this did not occur until 1978.
https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/09/arts/pop-view-that-syncing-feeling.html
Queen would open with a song off a newly released album when they toured. 'Father To Son' for Queen II, 'Now I'm Here' for SHA. My guess is what better way to start of the ANATO tour shows than with the BoRhap tape and then the band appearing and playing to what follows? And then bring it back in two segments. It's well known that the song was three different ones made into one. And there can be little doubt that when they discussed how to go about it on stage, and suggestions were made, that the author had the final say. Or that Freddie presented to the band that way, and that's how it was going to be done.....with no discussion ;)
Looking back, after five months in the studio, there was little rehearsal time, and very little of ANATO ended up being performed on that tour. And no one knew at the time it would end up being as popular as it was.
By the time the ADATR tour began, everyone knew of the taped segment, so no lawsuits would follow. Then again, when you saw it the first time in its 'complete' form, it blew your mind! I'm obviously glad it was changed :D :tup
Obviously, this is all speculation on my part.
btw.....my wife was much more of a collector than me, though we made $1900 at our first convention in '01 when we combined our 'inventories' and sold off duplicate items. I'm the semi trivia expert, while she was very good at 'The Alphabet Game' (they'd call out a letter, a contestant gives a song title beginning with that letter. A different letter for the next contestant. Can't think of one in five seconds, or repeat one already given, and you're out. Much harder than it sounds, especially with 50-100 people watching you. I never tried it...)
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So having been reading this thread, and being stuck at home with covid (don't let anyone tell you it's not real) and basically bored out of my mind, I decided to listen to these albums again for the first time in years. I've got the 2011 Island Records remasters on CD, which is what I listened to.
Queen
I remember the first time I heard Keep Yourself Alive - I'd never heard this album or that song, and I was gobsmacked that a band this big could have a song that anthemic and not have it on their Greatest Hits album* or not still play it in their setlist. It's one of the greatest "lost" songs in rock n' roll. Any other band would kill for a song that good. Liar is pretty great, Doing All Right is surprisingly pretty and Freddie's one-two of Great King Rat and My Fairy King are original and intriguing enough to make you want to hear more. A great debut.
Queen II
This was much better than I remember. Father to Son and White Queen are both great, but the rest of the side falls off - Some Day One Day and Loser in the End are both terrible. Freddie's black side is amazing, a prog rock mini opera about who knows what - you can hear its influences and also what was influenced by it. It's a real shame we didn't get to hear more of this side of the band. This is a really good album and probably the strongest of their 70s stuff.
Sheer Heart Attack
A very transitional album, trying to be more of the same while also trying to find a more commercial direction - much of this sounds like The Who to me, particularly Tenement Funster and Brighton Rock, which I've never felt is a strong enough song to open the album. Killer Queen is the band's first bona fide classic, although a lot of the other material really isn't up to scratch.
A Night at the Opera
There's too much of Freddie's camp music hall stuff, and it's not good enough to carry the album. Roger's stuff is awful on these early albums, and '39 was pretty dodgy too. I've never got the love for The Prophet's Song ("and now I know, and now I know, and now I know"... ad infinitum). Love of My Life is amazing, and of course it has THAT SONG on it, which of course makes this album a "classic" even though it really isn't.
A Day at the Races
A much better album. Tie Your Mother Down is a great opener, and the change in mood from that to You Take My Breath Away is sublime. The Music Hall stuff seems to have been relegated to the odd burst, and it works well. Long Away and Drowse are pretty poor (why were they still letting May and Taylor get away with this shit?) but even taking that into account the overall quality of songs is far higher than it's predecessor. Somebody to Love is brilliant, but Teo Torriate really needs to "repeat to fade" rather than just the one chorus at the end and then all that "circle" bollocks.
Best album so far? Probably Queen II, although Races comes close.
*As I'm sure will be mentioned when we get to it, it's on the North American version but not on the UK version.
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Joe, I have a couple questions...
First..
Earl's Court Exhibition Center two nights sold out
London, June 6th, 1977
The end of an era in many regards, and a great way to end it.
Can you elaborate on this?
But seriously, instead of spending four-five months in the studio between tours, they would be cutting that time back dramatically. They had decided to strip back some 'layers', and....punk was on the horizon.
So I have not listened ahead so I have no idea what is coming, other than being relatively familiar with The Game.
I feel like the first three albums were an era, and then ANATO through Jazz (mid to late 70's albums) would be the next era. And then The Game begins the 80's era. But what do I know? :D
There was no confusion or finger pointing as to whether they were playing along with taped recordings. And as you've heard from their live shows, the volume of those tapes was certainly adequate (including the ANATO tour).
I so remember reading about the Electric Light Orchestra tape scandals back when it happened, but this did not occur until 1978.
By the time the ADATR tour began, everyone knew of the taped segment, so no lawsuits would follow. Then again, when you saw it the first time in its 'complete' form, it blew your mind! I'm obviously glad it was changed :D :tup
Woah...what lawsuits?
Was there controversy about the "skalaboosh" part? BTW, I call it the "skalaboosh" part. In Queen Convention circles, what is that part referred to as?
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First of all it's Scaramouche, a character in the Italian commedia dell'arte, and secondly I've only ever heard it called the middle section or the opera /operatic section.
And before you ask, Bismillah is Arabic for "in the name of God", Figaro is a French literary character created by Caron de Beaumarchais in 1775 and most famously used in an opera by Mozart in 1786 (The Marriage of Figaro), while Galileo was an Italian astronomer in the early 16th century who observed that the earth orbited the sun and got killed by some religious nutters who couldn't handle that fact.
Religion hasn't advanced much since.
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First of all it's Scaramouche, a character in the Italian commedia dell'arte, and secondly I've only ever heard it called the middle section or the opera /operatic section.
And before you ask, Bismillah is Arabic for "in the name of God", Figaro is a French literary character created by Caron de Beaumarchais in 1775 and most famously used in an opera by Mozart in 1786 (The Marriage of Figaro), while Galileo was an Italian astronomer in the early 16th century who observed that the earth orbited the sun and got killed by some religious nutters who couldn't handle that fact.
Religion hasn't advanced much since.
I know who Galileo is. ;D
Skalaboosh? Scaramouch? Gotcha!
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Procession / Overture- A Day At The Races / Tie Your Mother Down / Ogre Battle / White Queen / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy / The Millionaire Waltz / You're My Best Friend / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Death On Two Legs / Doing Alright / Brighton Rock / ’39 / You Take My Breath Away / White Man / The Prophet's Song / Bohemian Rhapsody / Keep Yourself Alive / Stone Cold Crazy / In The Lap Of The Gods (Revisited)
Encores: Now I'm Here / Liar / Lucille / Jailhouse Rock / Saturday Night Alright For Fighting / Stupid Cupid / Be/Bop/A/Lula / Jailhouse Rock (Reprise) / God Save The Queen /
That's a hell of a setlist. It's one of my complaints about Queen (and, to be fair, several other bands) that there aren't live recordings available that bridge the gaps. We have the early shows, '74, and we have the later shows (Killers is what, '79, and we have shows from '81 and '82) but not that in-between stage, when they are established, but not fully to the point of doing medleys and homages to themselves.
Trying to jog my memory, but sadly it was decades later before we finally had the BBC concert, and the two '74 Rainbow shows released. The '75 Hammersmith Odeon concert was released only after they'd found the original multi track recordings. Ever the perfectionists (?) is the reasons for Hyde Park and Earl's Court never getting the 'official' touch ups due to various issues. An upcoming USA concert should have been released, but.....again, I'm not in charge. A real pity for the Jazz tour onwards.
Then again, most didn't film their shows, and most rarely released concerts. It kick started KISS, Frampton, Seger, but then you had VH who waited til the 90s.
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Not that I'm getting ahead, but a Hammersmith '79 show popped up in my youtube feed today.
I did NOT watch it, I promise! ;D
Seriously, this only works for me if I go in order totally clean.
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So having been reading this thread, and being stuck at home with covid (don't let anyone tell you it's not real) and basically bored out of my mind, I decided to listen to these albums again for the first time in years. I've got the 2011 Island Records remasters on CD, which is what I listened to.
Queen
I remember the first time I heard Keep Yourself Alive - I'd never heard this album or that song, and I was gobsmacked that a band this big could have a song that anthemic and not have it on their Greatest Hits album*
<snip>
*As I'm sure will be mentioned when we get to it, it's on the North American version but not on the UK version.
I scratched my head at the choices (and omissions) for both.
Best album so far: whatever I'm listening to at the time. ;)
And as to the 'coal' that Brian and Roger put out: much of their product was diamonds to many. That variety was one of the many aspects that drew me in. Being the two co-founders certainly had a hand in those decisions.
[oh, and sorry about the Covid ordeal. I hope you don't have to deal with any 'brain fog' or hair loss like some I know. I wish you the best]
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There was no confusion or finger pointing as to whether they were playing along with taped recordings. And as you've heard from their live shows, the volume of those tapes was certainly adequate (including the ANATO tour).
I so remember reading about the Electric Light Orchestra tape scandals back when it happened, but this did not occur until 1978.
By the time the ADATR tour began, everyone knew of the taped segment, so no lawsuits would follow. Then again, when you saw it the first time in its 'complete' form, it blew your mind! I'm obviously glad it was changed :D :tup
Woah...what lawsuits?
Was there controversy about the "skalaboosh" part? BTW, I call it the "skalaboosh" part. In Queen Convention circles, what is that part referred to as?
First ...eras.....well, the 'Golden Era' was up through The Game. But an era is anything you want it to be.
Queen didn't want to be accused of any sort of backing tapes. What you saw was what you got (other than the annoying Roger screams on 'Now I'm Here' if they were too loud). You know, Brian can't be doing all that stuff on the ol' fireplace. Surely there's others providing BVs, etc.
Here's two links for what ELO went through. http://www.jefflynnesongs.com/ootbtour/ Scroll down to ‘Back Up Tapes’
and then click this google link
https://www.google.com/search?q=brass+ring+sues+elo&oq=brass+ring+sues+elo&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i22i29i30.5336j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
and scroll to this
The Michigan Daily-Thursday, January 18, 1979-Page 7 ...
Scott Ian of Anthrax on backing tracks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pu4OhkKrsM and https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthraxs-scott-ian-blasts-bands-who-rely-heavily-on-backing-tracks-during-live-performances/
Skalaboosh? Scaramouch? Just don't call me late for dinner
(gotta listen to the studio JC Superstar with the wife. Then on to a new topic in the morning)
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First ...eras.....well, the 'Golden Era' was up through The Game. But an era is anything you want it to be.
I was interested in YOUR interpretation, so thank you.
Scott Ian of Anthrax on backing tracks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pu4OhkKrsM and https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthraxs-scott-ian-blasts-bands-who-rely-heavily-on-backing-tracks-during-live-performances/
Love Scott Ian! But Scott would never have an issue with the skalaboosh part. He pretty much said that.
Here's two links for what ELO went through. http://www.jefflynnesongs.com/ootbtour/ Scroll down to ‘Back Up Tapes’
Ooh that's interesting. I quickly skimmed the article, but I'll go back to read it in depth. Right now, it's way too many words to compete with my too many beers. :lol
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Have to mention this one....the first solo offering....
ROGER TAYLOR I Wanna Testify / Turn On The TV
Released: August 26, 1977, UK (EMI) DNC
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bwZdZ6SPnGI/mqdefault.jpg)
I Wanna Testify https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI2D-VpGrHA (because it has had over 670,000 views)
I Wanna Testify https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGwHKsyWLsU hosted by Marc Bolan, who would die in a car crash a few weeks after Roger’s appearance
the B side
Turn On The TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeDPytP6C7U
If he could sing, drum, and play guitars on Queen albums, why not release a single showing that he could do these on his own? Well, this made him happy I guess, though 'Turn On The TV' isn't all bad.
Of note, when double checking dates this week, I came across information that he had two other songs being worked on for another single. They were instead used for the band's upcoming album.
Monday: the video shoot for the 'A' side of the next Queen single (and the great performance for the Fan Club that followed)
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I Wanna Testify is awful. He looks like a damn Bay City Roller!
Turn On The TV actually isn't bad though.
Of note, when double checking dates this week, I came across information that he had two other songs being worked on for another single. They were instead used for the band's upcoming album.
Love nuggets like this.
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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Video Filming 'Concert'
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-10-06_London_postcard.jpg)
OCTOBER 6th, 1977 New London Theater Attendance: 900 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIjaTr1FQ4Y Grade: B+++
Setlist: Tie Your Mother Down, Keep Yourself Alive, Somebody To Love, White Man, The Prophet's Song, Liar, Bohemian Rhapsody (up to ‘opera’ part), Now I'm Here, Jailhouse Rock, See What A Fool I've Been
First, the video shoot: this was uploaded a few months ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCtuwPQBpvU Nice historical document to take random peeks at , or to watch in its entirety.
I finally decided to check out the after video 'concert' for the first time as I was finalizing my next album notes a few weeks ago. Shame on me for waiting so long. Or, yet another bonus to me for continually digging. A damn enjoyable listen to a surprisingly kick axe performance. I mean, they could have just phoned it in for that hour. But ever the perfectionists....
Kind of a shame they didn't play all of BoRhap, and ''39' would no doubt have been perfect in this setting, but I would have been speechless during and after. They even bring out 'See What A Fool I've Been' for the first time in over a year, it would be its last 'live' performance, and they totally nail it!
(for more pictures and notes http://queenlive.ca ‘77 London 10/6/1977)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-10-06_London_06.jpg)
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the next day.....
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS b/w WE WILL ROCK YOU
Released October 7, 1977 UK (EMI), USA (Elektra)
UK #2, USA #4….Netherlands #2, Canada #3, Ireland #3, Norway #6, Australia #8, Belgium #8, New Zealand #8, Austria #12, West Germany #13, Sweden #14
1992: France #14, Netherlands #27, USA #52
1998: France #10
2006: USA #61
2010: Spain #28
2016: Poland #50, Portugal #92
2018: USA #11, Hungary #26, Japan #27, Canada #28, Italy #88
Certifications:
Gold in UK, Denmark, France
Double Platinum in the USA
1998: Gold in France
2003: Triple Platinum in USA
2011:Platinum in UK
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fsingles-2%2Fwe-are-the-champions-uk7front.jpg&hash=59a008f6ae34ae2abbd7a50d118374f9b4051589)
(Mrs. DA's copy again)
Yes, this is how it was sold. Without a clue from the front cover, it's 'Two-two-two concert anthems in one!' 😉 (and then sporting events....)
WATC video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY 247 million views
WWRY video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJYN-eG1zk (a dear Chicago friend always points out John’s jacket!) 520 million views
If you’re old enough to remember, initially radio stations would just play WATC (made sense). Shortly thereafter, sometimes just WWRY. At least the AOR FM stations would generally play them both, made easier when the album arrived a few weeks later. Seems odd now, but you never knew whether you were going to hear WATC after WWRY.
((and then, to get this out of the way, a funny (up to a point) ‘Family Guy’ cartoon on the upcoming album cover https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOZuIV2FZTc
(feel free to stop before 3:20 when Stewie shoots the teddy bear))
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fsingles-2%2Fwe-are-the-champions-uk7back.jpg&hash=421ad5dcf5266dd70b0f8e22d5d1f4c27ead1315)
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These days, the songs are almost always played together, but in a way, that kinda bugs me. On the album, there's a normal-length break between the two songs. They're not a medley; they're just two songs that happen to go together, and it helps that the first one has a dead stop. But when FM stations play them back-to-back, they remove the dead air between songs, running them together the way "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon" follows "Death on Two Legs".
Let the songs breathe! "We Will Rock You" has a cadence which permeates the tune all the way to the end. "We Are the Champions" suddenly jumping in like that breaks the cadence and ruins the effect. They could have at least respected the cadence.
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I'm going to have to give that bit a closer listen after I post NOTW in the morning.
For some reason your post made me think of a real pretentious jerk who was a new neighbor of friends in HS/college. Thought he was the greatest drummer
in the world, and was a 'good' singer. Well, he wasn't even the best drummer on his country mile. We joked that he could probably play a mean 'We Will Rock You'
on the skins, and a great lyricist/singer for a song like Jeff Beck's 'Going Down'.
And that was at least two decades before I found out that there were no drums in 'We Will Rock You'. :lol
tomorrow: the 'monstrous' album
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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Video Filming 'Concert'
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-10-06_London_postcard.jpg)
OCTOBER 6th, 1977 New London Theater Attendance: 900 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIjaTr1FQ4Y Grade: B+++
Setlist: Tie Your Mother Down, Keep Yourself Alive, Somebody To Love, White Man, The Prophet's Song, Liar, Bohemian Rhapsody (up to ‘opera’ part), Now I'm Here, Jailhouse Rock, See What A Fool I've Been
First, the video shoot: this was uploaded a few months ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCtuwPQBpvU Nice historical document to take random peeks at , or to watch in its entirety.
Joe, that postcard is GOLD!! Cool Making Of video too.
I downloaded the concert and it is fantastic. The quality is really decent and listenable. Those 900 people made a ton of noise. Quite a lively recording.
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^
And the people around the taper weren't talking, needlessly screaming, etc. The one nearby guy you hear yelling 'yea' occasionally when everyone else is cheering is just someone being 'natural' (and you wonder if some tapers tell people they are taping ahead of time, or they were friends). That guy would have been me if I'd been there. ;) There also is one female who is obviously a Roger fan in the distance.
A brief insert before the next post in an hour:
Kennedy Center, Washington D.C., February 24th, 1975, Attendance: 2,400 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkZf4OnU9Co Grade: B (with some up and down sound issues)
Out of nowhere, this previously uncirculated concert was posted to DIME on Sunday, and uploaded to youtube. This is the last concert on the first US leg of the Sheer Heart Attack Tour. After tonight, several shows in late February and early March were cancelled due to Freddie having issues with his voice. There are few USA SHA Tour concerts available, and even with his vocal problems, there are some standouts here (especially 'Father To Son').
Thought I'd simply note this, insert it back in the thread, and move on.
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I saw that posted and saw the location and thought of you right away, not that you were in that area in 1975.
There were no samples, and the comments weren't very favorable. Sure enough, Ryan Newton had it up on youtube within the hour and it does indeed sound kind of rough.
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We Are The Champions is one of my favorite Queen songs. I love that song and it brings me back to that time in my life (late '70s', I was ten years old and not yet a real music fan). And for some odd reason I always think of the red run of Star Wars trading cards (the blue ones were the more popular and more widely available ones). :)
But it was (and is) so epic, and so perfect. The way Freddie steps up the power of his vocal, almost in defiance, when he sings "and bad mistakes...", highlighted by the little guitar flourish by Brian... what a song.
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I saw that posted and saw the location and thought of you right away, not that you were in that area in 1975.
There were no samples, and the comments weren't very favorable. Sure enough, Ryan Newton had it up on youtube within the hour and it does indeed sound kind of rough.
But having seen a musical there about ten years ago, I can really envision what it must have been like in '75.
Just thought I'd look up the SHA Tour on wiki. That page needs a correction, as the author states..."The tour would have been longer, but an accident involving the truck that transported their equipment meant it was not able to reach the remaining scheduled venues, which would have been a second American leg for the tour." I've never read this before. I read from trusted sources that there were problems with the promoter, their management (with doubts about playing to half empty arenas), so they ditched the whole thing and went into the studio to record ANATO.
(page 7 of the thread in the Circus concert guide post and Brian's comments.)
It was an interesting list of warm up bands for North America: Kansas, Mahogany Rush, Argent, REO Speedwagon, Bloodrock, and Styx. My apologies for not including the list at that time. :-[
We Are The Champions is one of my favorite Queen songs. I love that song and it brings me back to that time in my life (late '70s', I was ten years old and not yet a real music fan). And for some odd reason I always think of the red run of Star Wars trading cards (the blue ones were the more popular and more widely available ones). :)
But it was (and is) so epic, and so perfect. The way Freddie steps up the power of his vocal, almost in defiance, when he sings "and bad mistakes...", highlighted by the little guitar flourish by Brian... what a song.
At ten, I had 'Hey Jude', so I totally get this :tup I don't remember trading cards, just that there was snow on the ground when I first heard the album, and it stayed that way until the following March. :angry:
And finally.......
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NEWS OF THE WORLD
Released: October 28, 1977, UK (EMI), November 1, 1977 USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #4, USA #3
France #1, Netherlands #1, Canada #2, Japan #3, Norway #4, West Germany #7, Australia #8, Austria #9, Sweden #9, Italy #16
(Portugal #22 in 2018)
Certifications: Platinum in Netherlands, West Germany, Poland, Switzerland
3x Platinum Canada
4x Platinum USA
Gold in UK, Italy, France
Singles: We Are The Champions / We Will Rock You October 7, 1977, UK #2, USA #3 (others in prior post)
Spread Your Wings/ Sheer Heart Attack February 10, 1978. UK #34, Netherlands #20, West Germany #29, USA (not released)
It’s Late (edited) / Sheer Heart Attack April 25, 1978 (USA, Canada, New Zealand and Japan only) DNC
the complete album (with the 2011 bonus tracks ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M90qZHbYok&t=1s
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/hkUAAOSwAvFcasHQ/s-l500.jpg)
John Deacon bass guitar
Brian May guitar, backing vocals
Freddie Mercury vocals, piano
Roger Taylor drums, backing vocals
Produced by Queen, assisted by Mike Stone
Engineered by Mike Stone
Recorded: July - September 1977 at Basing Street Studios and Wessex Studios, London.
other credits are listed, including ‘Original artwork by Frank Kelly Freas’ (a separate post will follow about this)
The ‘No synthesizers’ line is not used for the first time. Perhaps due to the stripped down sound (?) The various instruments played by the band are listed after the lyrics of each song. Brian did LVs on two songs, various guitars, piano on ‘All Dead, All Dead’, and maracas on ‘Who Needs You’. Roger did LVs on 'Fight From The Inside', shared lead on 'Sheer Heart Attack, and bass and rhythm guitar. John did acoustic on ‘Spread Your Wings’ and ‘Who Needs You’. Freddie even played a cowbell on ‘Who Needs You’. :D
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Yet another gatefold album sleeve, with lyrics on each side of the vinyl sleeve, a little center hole to view the song listings on the vinyl. Oh, and Frank the Robot.
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/38/57/32/3857320421792f42b4833fe76ac64f78--queen-album-covers-queen-albums.jpg)
SIDE ONE
We Will Rock You (May) 2:01
We Are the Champions (Mercury) 2:59
Sheer Heart Attack (Taylor) 3:26
All Dead, All Dead (May) 3:10
Spread Your Wings (Deacon) 4:34
Fight From The Inside (Taylor) 3:03
SIDE TWO
Get Down, Make Love (Mercury) 3:51
Sleeping On The Sidewalk (May) 3:06
Who Needs You (Deacon) 3:05
It's Late (May) 6:26
My Melancholy Blues (Mercury) 3:29
Universal 2011 reissue bonus EP
Feelings Feelings (Take 10, July 1977) / Spread Your Wings (BBC session) / My Melancholy Blues (BBC session) /
Sheer Heart Attack (Paris, February 1979) / We Will Rock You (Fast) (Japan, November 1982)
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comments on the bonus disc
‘Feelings Feelings’ was an unreleased demo, one of those all too rare gems on the bonus discs. It’s good enough IMO to have been used on the album (or to replace ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ for my older ears ;)
The BBC sessions are standouts. ‘My Melancholy Blues’ with a subtle added guitar by Brian, and ‘Spread Your Wings is more in line with the live versions, and is superior (if that is possible) to the album version.
But ‘It’s Late’ is missing, as was the long awaited fast version of ‘We Will Rock You’ (which somehow did not make it onto ‘Rocks’ in the 90s as well :angry:). Live versions of ‘My Melancholy Blues’, ‘Spread Your Wings’ and of course ‘We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions’ from the ’77 and ‘78 tours were available to include as well.
The 2017 Anniversary ‘Raw Sessions’ will be commented on after the artwork post
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Album Five on my Mt. Rushmore, with one more to follow.
Only two months in and out of the studio this time, as opposed to the four to five for prior ones. Needless to say, yet another unique album opener in 'We Will Rock You', with 'We Are The Champions' following. Quite a treat to spin the vinyl for the first time, while wondering what was in store next.
Well, up next is ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. Not ready for the album of the same name, it was dusted off here, with obviously a ‘OK, punk is starting to rule the airwaves, let’s show them how it’s done!’ Written by Roger, with him providing the only BVs. ‘Modern Times Rock n Roll’, ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ and ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ certainly showed they could do the fast rockers, but this one was an eye opener. The screeching whiny guitar during the instrumental will certainly do that! (and not in a good way IMO). Because of it, it’s their first song that I thought was in need of a desperate fix, or could even have been skipped over. Yet there’s still an appeal to it, and it did prove to be terrific in concert.
Brian’s ode to a stray cat follows in ‘All Dead, All Dead’. This would have seemed to have been a better song to follow WATC. Yet another typically soothing vocal by him, and then the guitar symphony! The song is simple and lovely, yet complex and memorable. And very haunting.
One of two John offerings, the concert favorite ‘Spread Your Wings’. It keeps with the stripped down sounds of the album, and features a first for a Queen single: no BVs
The side ends with yet another Roger punkish song ‘Fight From The Inside’. It’s gritty, has great stereo effects, and is at least better than ‘I Wanna Testify’ l-). Both of his offerings here were intended for another possible single release.
Side Two is yet another one of my favorite Queen album sides. It opens with ‘Get Down Make Love’, incorporating the vocal effects used during ‘The Prophet’s Song’ stage performances. Being 19 at the time, with its clever sexual innuendos and spacy instrumental, I enjoyed it then. It was also visual eye candy in concert.
Brian writes and provides LVs for ‘Sleeping On The Sidewalk’, a blues type number done in one vocal take. Great song? No, but it 'fits in' well.
‘Who Needs You’, with a Caribbean twist with this and that, some times camp and ‘oh so-so-so-sophisticated’ lyrics, and you have a nice little number by Freddie, the one song on the album that somewhat harkens back to the ‘Bring Back That Leroy Brown’, ‘Seaside Rendevous’, ‘Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy’ type of number.
Oh, wait, it was written by John!?! . I remember doing a double take at the credits during my first listen.
A soft bit of guitar is a nice start to follow 'Who Need's You', before Brian’s rocking ‘It’s Late’ kicks in. Only their fourth song to run over six minutes, it's of a break up not breaking up for maybe just one last fling. It has all the Queen elements, other than piano, and quite the kick axe finish! The first song in which he uses a tapping technique on guitar.
Envision a dimly lit smoky piano lounge around last call, Freddie singing at a piano, Roger using a subtle brush on percussion, John sitting off to the side on a barstool playing bass, and you have ‘My Melancholy Blues’ to close out the album.
They were going for something different. From the album artwork to the music, they certainly succeeded artistically and commercially! It’s not the bombastic Queen of the prior albums, yet it starts off with two of their most bombastic songs. It’s certainly stripped down, but often isn’t. It worked for a then teenager at the time of its release, and still does today.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+DrjgQSJL._SY450_.jpg)
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I actually really like the “not a title track” of Sheer Heart Attack. It’s Late is an amazing album closer (I’d actually love to do a ranking of Queen closers and openers, would be cool to see how people stand on them all). Obviously WWRY and WATC are the big ones here, but this album has so much great material.
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OK, looks like I have a new Queen album to listen to tonight!
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OK, looks like I have a new Queen album to listen to tonight!
:tup
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The Dec 1st '77 show at MSG is my #1 concert (of 754 currently) of all time! Next night was great too, but Spread Your Wings & It's Late were cut :censored
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I actually really like the “not a title track” of Sheer Heart Attack. It’s Late is an amazing album closer (I’d actually love to do a ranking of Queen closers and openers, would be cool to see how people stand on them all). Obviously WWRY and WATC are the big ones here, but this album has so much great material.
Uhm...'My Melancholy Blues' closes the album.
The Dec 1st '77 show at MSG is my #1 concert (of 754 currently) of all time! Next night was great too, but Spread Your Wings & It's Late were cut :censored
Those are certainly two of the highlights of the NOTW North American Tour, as more available concert audio has become available.
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BBC Session 6
October 28, 1977
Maida Vale Studio 4, London
Spread Your Wings / It's Late / My Melancholy Blues / We Will Rock You
Broadcast: November 14th
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=queen+bbc+session+6
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3e/12/5d/3e125d4eb80513fa61b751a09b9e9f57.jpg)
https://brianmay.com/queen/rcjun01/rcjun01.html scroll down to ‘Radio Heads’ and the complete Jeff Griffin interview about Session 6
"I didn't work with Queen again until 1977, and that was in quite bizarre circumstances. I met Brian and Roger in a club somewhere and Brian said, "We'd like to come in and do a session again at Radio 1." I nearly fell off my stool, because they were so big by this time, and it was very unusual then for any of the big groups to want to come in once they'd established themselves. When I spoke to producer John Walters about it the following day, I said "Look, I can't think that you'd want this" - this was in the middle of the punk thing, remember - "but Queen have said that they'd love to do a session for Peely". Surprisingly, Peely was quite up for it. I think he was so chuffed that Queen were prepared to do it at that stage at their career and it would be such a contrast to anything else they would be doing, that we said OK."
*********
After a break of some three years, the final (and best) BBC session takes place. As I've mentioned earlier, 'Spread Your Wings' is fantastic, a turn up to '11' while on the expressway driving with my wife. A short 'We Will Rock You', the odd passage from Siddhartha which was on the tape, and then the rocking fast version, used as a concert opener or second song through '82. "It's Late" contains a unique improvised section absent from the album version. There are many similarities with "Get Down Make Love". And finally "My Melancholy Blues", is just stunning as the album version, with added guitar from Brian.
(https://media.apoplife.nl/en/2017/10/Queen-1977.jpg)
One chance 'legendary' meeting took place during the studio sessions at Wessex Studios. The Sex Pistols were recording next door. One day, Sid Vicious entered Queen’s recording space and saw Freddie.
“Ah, Freddie Mercury. Have you succeeded in bringing ballet to the masses, then?”, asked Sid, referencing an interview in the NME.
“Oh, yes, Simon Ferocious”, Mercury said. “We’re trying our best, dear”. Mercury got up from his chair and started fiddling about with the safety pins on Vicious’ leather jacket.
“Tell me, did you arrange these pins just so?”, Mercury asked.
When Sid came towards Mercury, Mercury pushed him back and said “What are you going to do about it?”. Vicious left the room.
(or something along these lines.................)
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Just started listening to News Of The World on Spotify.
Speaking of Spotify, here are the stream totals..
We Will Rock You....853m
We Are The Champions....493.4m
Sheer Heart Attack....17.9m
All Dead, All Dead....20.6m
Spread Your Wings....40.8m
From The Inside....3.8m
Get Down, Make Love....15.9m
Sleeping On The Sidewalk....13.9m
Who Needs You....4.5m
It's Late....21.4m
My Melancholy Blues....8.5m
Wow, From The Inside and Who Needs You apparently fell off a cliff.
A bit surprised that WWRY has 360 million more plays than WATC. I realize this is not radio where both were played together, but it's surprising nonetheless.
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One chance 'legendary' meeting took place during the studio sessions at Wessex Studios. The Sex Pistols were recording next door. One day, Sid Vicious entered Queen’s recording space and saw Freddie.
“Ah, Freddie Mercury. Have you succeeded in bringing ballet to the masses, then?”, asked Sid, referencing an interview in the NME.
“Oh, yes, Simon Ferocious”, Mercury said. “We’re trying our best, dear”. Mercury got up from his chair and started fiddling about with the safety pins on Vicious’ leather jacket.
“Tell me, did you arrange these pins just so?”, Mercury asked.
When Sid came towards Mercury, Mercury pushed him back and said “What are you going to do about it?”. Vicious left the room.
(or something along these lines.................)
I love stories like that! I always figured punk rockers were mostly posers, but I don't know if I would've pegged Freddie as a badass. Additional respect has been unlocked.
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OK...here we go..
We Will Rock You...It is what it is. Great chant, iconic track. I've always been a bit indifferent to it. But what it does to is it gives a chance for everyone to be a rockstar in front of their own bathroom mirror.
That's a great thing.
We Are The Champions...Another great iconic track. All time classic, and deservedly so. I've always been moved by this song.
Sheer Heart Attack..This has a good driving beat to it. I bet this would be way better live though. Sounds a lot like The Sweet if you ask me. Roger even sounds like Brian Connely a little. Wait...that's Freddie on lead vocals?
All Dead, All Dead...Not sure about this one. Might be the worst Brian song yet.
Spread Your Wings...Surprised this was a Deacon song. I would've bet it was Freddie all the way. This is a GREAT song. Freddie sounds a bit like Noddy Holder in spots. Wow! Really nice.
From The Inside...Starts shaky, but the guitar line in the verse is killer. Sounds like this could've been saved for The Game. Yeah, this tune rocks, and would've been much better with a better lead vocal.
Get Down, Make Love...I am quite familiar with this song, and honestly, I have never liked it.
Sleeping On The Sidewalk...Joe Perry must've covered this at some point, no?
Who Needs You....exactly. Who does need this? :lol I guess it wouldn't be a Queen record without some campiness. I think there's a decent song in there somewhere. Not sure I love the arrangement though.
It's Late...Now we're talking! :metal I feel like I've heard this before. I may have, but maybe by a cover from another band? Not sure. Anyway, this song crushes it.
My Melancholy Blues...Not sure if this is my thing, but I feel like this album has had such a lack of a dynamic Freddie performance, this is a nice bit to get it in.
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One chance 'legendary' meeting took place during the studio sessions at Wessex Studios. The Sex Pistols were recording next door. One day, Sid Vicious entered Queen’s recording space and saw Freddie.
“Ah, Freddie Mercury. Have you succeeded in bringing ballet to the masses, then?”, asked Sid, referencing an interview in the NME.
“Oh, yes, Simon Ferocious”, Mercury said. “We’re trying our best, dear”. Mercury got up from his chair and started fiddling about with the safety pins on Vicious’ leather jacket.
“Tell me, did you arrange these pins just so?”, Mercury asked.
When Sid came towards Mercury, Mercury pushed him back and said “What are you going to do about it?”. Vicious left the room.
(or something along these lines.................)
I love stories like that! I always figured punk rockers were mostly posers, but I don't know if I would've pegged Freddie as a badass. Additional respect has been unlocked.
Freddie was later known for having quite the temper, smashing mirrors and such when things didn’t go ‘right’, berating assistants and the like…then sending roses and gifts to apologize. More often than not, those gestures were accepted.
One can google various ‘Freddie Mercury Sid Vicious’ searches and come up with additional slants and stories. There’s often a mention of ‘Simon’😉 being four sheets to the wind and slagging the band. Oddly, and I’ll edit this post tonight when I get home, Queen had to cancel a TV appearance due to ‘something’, the Sex Pistols filled in, and their career took off.
[Edit: due to a dentist appointment for Freddie on December 1st, 1976, Queen had to cancel an appearance on the BBC show 'Today'. The Sex Pistols filled in
https://www.biography.com/news/sex-pistols-today-bill-grundy-appearance]
But, yeah.....so much posing and putting on airs.....still true today for those types (sadly). I live next to that type, and just laugh.
Less than a year after the aforementioned exchange took place, Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen would both be dead :sad:
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All Dead, All Dead...Not sure about this one. Might be the worst Brian song yet.
Get Down, Make Love...I am quite familiar with this song, and honestly, I have never liked it.
Who Needs You....exactly. Who does need this? :lol I guess it wouldn't be a Queen record without some campiness. I think there's a decent song in there somewhere. Not sure I love the arrangement though.
My Melancholy Blues...Not sure if this is my thing, but I feel like this album has had such a lack of a dynamic Freddie performance, this is a nice bit to get it in.
am clutching pearls
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Oddly, that's the second time I've heard that phrase today. I've literally never heard that before, so I have no idea what it means.
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High school chess club, after school, sophomore year. (Yeah, I'm a nerd. You knew that.) At the time, to "romp" someone was to defeat them overwhelmingly in physical or mental combat. Your team just beat their team 30 to Zip? You romped them.
This one guy is talking about that song on the radio, "We Will Romp You". Sadly, the facepalm had not yet been invented.
It's possible that I joined these nerd clubs just so that I personally could feel less nerdy by comparison. It's possible that it worked.
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Oddly, that's the second time I've heard that phrase today. I've literally never heard that before, so I have no idea what it means.
(https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/bob-ryan-winning-time-jeff-pearlman.jpg)
"I'm shocked! SHOCKED, I tell you!" :D
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:lol
Love Bob Ryan!
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Oddly, that's the second time I've heard that phrase today. I've literally never heard that before, so I have no idea what it means.
"Tim lives under a rock" is such a worn out DTF cliche, but man, I've never lived in an English speaking country :lol
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Oddly, that's the second time I've heard that phrase today. I've literally never heard that before, so I have no idea what it means.
"Tim lives under a rock" is such a worn out DTF cliche, but man, I've never lived in an English speaking country :lol
:lol
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(https://thespun.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Screen-Shot-2017-03-27-at-1.40.12-PM-775x465.png)
He looks a lot older than 17.
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He looks older than 117.
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Oddly, that's the second time I've heard that phrase today. I've literally never heard that before, so I have no idea what it means.
"Tim lives under a rock" is such a worn out DTF cliche, but man, I've never lived in an English speaking country :lol
:lol
What can I say? I've never heard that phrase before.
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OK, I had a second listen to the songs I didn't know before.
This album has a really cool vibe. Seems a bit understated for them.
I was thinking about a couple of things.
The songwriting credits are interesting to me.
Only three credits for Freddie, one of which, WATC, was written a couple of years prior, if I believe what I read. That means he contributed JUST two NEW songs to the album, with one of them, My Melancholy Blues, seemingly outside of the band format.
There are also two Roger holdovers from his brief solo thingy.
Roger and Brian singing are nothing new, but it just feels to me that Freddie's contributions were minimal on the album.
I hear it in Freddie's performance honestly. Is his voice shot at this point after endless touring, as it does sound a bit strained. Or is his performance more due to his commitment to the music on this album?
I was reading that they took a more stripped down approach on this album, and I wonder if Freddie was totally on board with it's direction.
Joe, did you tell me that this was the last time Roger did a lead vocal? Hmmm..
EDIT: The other thing I wanted to mention is that once again, the second song on the album starts off soft. I actually think that WWRY/WATC would be better off closing an album side than opening one.
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All Dead, All Dead...Not sure about this one. Might be the worst Brian song yet.
Get Down, Make Love...I am quite familiar with this song, and honestly, I have never liked it.
Who Needs You....exactly. Who does need this? :lol I guess it wouldn't be a Queen record without some campiness. I think there's a decent song in there somewhere. Not sure I love the arrangement though.
My Melancholy Blues...Not sure if this is my thing, but I feel like this album has had such a lack of a dynamic Freddie performance, this is a nice bit to get it in.
am clutching pearls
I loved how you highlighted those songs and comments. :D What do you expect from the uninitiated! ;)
I have absolutely cherished TAC's comments and responses throughout. They kept me going :tup And, then, I realized, *I* was also getting something from this thread. And, thank goodness, he kept chiming in and following along and enjoying the concert listings. Hopefully, others have checked out half of the concerts that have been listed.
Would love any other feedback or comments from you regarding his recent questions and my comments.
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So this got panned pretty heavily in the Hard Rock Thread a couple of weeks ago, but Udo Dirkschneider did a cover of We Will Rock You.
I mentioned that one of the things that makes WWRY special is that EVERYONE can be a rock star singing this in their mind or in front of a bedroom or bathroom mirror. Udo does a great job in capturing this concept. Plus...he looks like a damn janitor. :lol
A different arrangement but a really cool one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqOvc6dClaQ
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the Official YouTube channel put up the Freddie tribute show today. Streaming for 48 hours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PxGF4rNuLA
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I actually really like the “not a title track” of Sheer Heart Attack. It’s Late is an amazing album closer (I’d actually love to do a ranking of Queen closers and openers, would be cool to see how people stand on them all). Obviously WWRY and WATC are the big ones here, but this album has so much great material.
Uhm...'My Melancholy Blues' closes the album.
Then it looks like something’s wrong with my phone, coz I have never even heard of a “My Melancholy Blues”. I’ve always had It’s Late as the closer.
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No one can say this thread hasn’t been educational ;)
Going back eons, a friend made a tape for me, with Foghat ‘Energized’ on one side. Years later, a different friend did one with Deep Purple’s ‘Perfect Strangers’ on one side. It wasn’t until years later when I bought the hard copies that I found out each person had recorded the Side Two first!
Took me more than a couple of listens of each one to somewhat get used to the ‘new’ track listings.
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(https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/bob-ryan-winning-time-jeff-pearlman.jpg)
He looks a lot older than 17.
:D
‘…and all he wants to do is disappear….
Sheeeeeeeeeeeer heart attack’
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One chance 'legendary' meeting took place during the studio sessions at Wessex Studios. The Sex Pistols were recording next door. One day, Sid Vicious entered Queen’s recording space and saw Freddie.
“Ah, Freddie Mercury. Have you succeeded in bringing ballet to the masses, then?”, asked Sid, referencing an interview in the NME.
“Oh, yes, Simon Ferocious”, Mercury said. “We’re trying our best, dear”. Mercury got up from his chair and started fiddling about with the safety pins on Vicious’ leather jacket.
“Tell me, did you arrange these pins just so?”, Mercury asked.
When Sid came towards Mercury, Mercury pushed him back and said “What are you going to do about it?”. Vicious left the room.
(or something along these lines.................)
I love stories like that! I always figured punk rockers were mostly posers, but I don't know if I would've pegged Freddie as a badass. Additional respect has been unlocked.
I'm liking that too, for some reason. I have no animosity to Sid Vicious in any way, but knowing that Freddie kicked his insouciant ass would be funny.
NOTW is not an album I go to often, but when I do, I really enjoy it. It would rank pretty high, especially among the albums of this period. I think it's got a flavor to it that is the essence of Queen; later, they tried to follow the path of popular music to an unfortunate degree ("Hot Space") but in this case, it resulted in a solid record. I particularly LOVE "Spread Your Wings"; what a vocal on that. Freddie at his most emotive.
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Aside from the two monster hits, News of the World is more miss than hit for me. Spread Your Wings is good, and It's Late is quite nice as well, but I have little to no use for everything else. And I think the song Sheer Heart Attack sucks major swamp water.
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I’ve been lurking…but I had to chime into say that NOTW is Queen perfection to me. And It’s Late is a top 3 Queen track in a constant battle with The Prophet’s Song and Fat Bottomed Girls.
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Aside from the two monster hits, News of the World is more miss than hit for me. Spread Your Wings is good, and It's Late is quite nice as well, but I have little to no use for everything else. And I think the song Sheer Heart Attack sucks major swamp water.
Always love diplomatic responses :D SHA...with an aversion to high pitched noises, I mentioned I would have gotten rid of the 'nails on the blackboard' guitar. I do always think back to when it was released, and friends who were big on Aerosmith, KISS, Nugent, AC/DC, Styx, Yes.... and even Rush ;) having this album.
I’ve been lurking…but I had to chime into say that NOTW is Queen perfection to me. And It’s Late is a top 3 Queen track in a constant battle with The Prophet’s Song and Fat Bottomed Girls.
Quite the interesting trio of songs grouped together. 'Perfection' is quite the comment. As future releases came about, I felt it was the last one that really 'bonded' well until their last album.
RAW SESSIONS to be posted later today.
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NEWS OF THE WORLD 40th Anniversary box set
In 2017 came the release of some long awaited gems in one package (albeit overpriced). It included the vinyl, the 2011 remastered CD, a DVD, and two bonus discs. I would gladly have paid for a separate two disc offering of the 'Raw Sessions', BBC Session 6 with live material, but that wasn't offered. I thank my local library for the 'Raw Sessions' disc. Disc Three is available via youtube hunting.
(https://www.mothermercury.be/wp-content/uploads/Albumhoes.jpg)
Disc Two: Raw Sessions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-bzqylNf08&list=PL-sj4xR8SOmOHMY5KfsqykZgrxRfXxrl5
1. We Will Rock You (Alterative Version) 2:26
2. We Are the Champions (Alternative Version) 4:33
3. Sheer Heart Attack (Original Rough Mix) 4:17
4. All Dead, All Dead (Original Rough Mix) 3:08
5. Spread Your Wings (Alternative Take) 4:56
6. Fight from the Inside (Demo Vocal Version) 3:08
7. Get Down, Make Love (Early Take) 4:02
8. Sleeping on the Sidewalk (Live in Boston, November 1977) 3:49
9. Who Needs You (Acoustic Take) 2:49
10. It's Late (Alternative Version) 6:44
11. My Melancholy Blues (Original Rough Mix) 3:36
There is certainly a lot to like on this. Lots of noticeable differences throughout. 'We Are The Champions' has extra choruses at the end.
'Sheer Heart Attack' has an added guitar intro, an extended jam at the end, no vocals, but somehow the 'nails on the chalkboard' guitar still exists. I was really hoping for vocals minus that guitar.
The Freddie fans will love 'All Dead, All Dead' as he provides the lead vocals. Also of note, the original lyric sheet includes some line of text in italics. Those lyrics were not on the official release, but are sung here. An added piano intro for 'Spread Your Wings' and other variations on a song that is always a joy to listen to. Still doesn't match up to the BBC version.
Since ‘Sleeping On The Sidewalk' was done in one vocal take, it's rather nice to have a live version of Freddie singing it (one of three times before it was dropped). A great version of It's Late' with piano added in during the middle instrumental, something they did live during the NOTW tour.
Here is a fan made hybrid mix of 'All Dead, All Dead'....first with Freddie's LVs, then Brian's to finish. Quite enjoyable as I enjoy both in a haunting way. The lyrics and guitar always make me think of the album cover for some odd reason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyv0nMju_1w
Disk Three finally has a 'News of the World' re-release with all the BBC Session 6 songs included. Took them how many prior attempts? >:( As well as the great 'Feelings Feelings' demo, and the oddly edited USA 45 version of 'It's Late' (good for one novelty listen).
And finally, some live versions of all the songs from the album that were performed in concert! Yea! Except for 'It's Late'! Boo! And, typically, only one from the NOTW tour.
1. Feelings Feelings (Take 10, July 1977) 1:55
2. We Will Rock You (BBC Session) 1:36
3. We Will Rock You (Fast) (BBC Session) 2:52
4. Spread Your Wings (BBC Session) 5:33
5. It's Late (BBC Session) 6:39
6. My Melancholy Blues (BBC Session) 3:13
7. We Will Rock You (Backing Track) 2:03
8. We Are the Champions (Backing Track) 2:59
9. Spread Your Wings (Instrumental) 4:23
10. Fight from the Inside (Instrumental) 3:02
11. Get Down, Make Love (Instrumental) 3:49
12. It's Late (USA Radio Edit 1978) 3:52
13. Sheer Heart Attack (Live in Paris, February 1979) 3:35
14. We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live in Tokorozawa, November 1982) 2:59
15. My Melancholy Blues (Live in Houston, December 1977) 4:11
16. Get Down, Make Love (Live in Montreal, November 1981) 4:35
17. Spread Your Wings (Live in Europe, February 1979) 5:20
18. We Will Rock You (Live at the Milton Keynes Bowl, June 1982) 2:08
19. We Are the Champions (Live at the Milton Keynes Bowl, June 1982)
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8. Sleeping on the Sidewalk (Live in Boston, November 1977) 3:49
I find it interesting that it's Boston, because if I recall, my first impressions said this:
Sleeping On The Sidewalk...Joe Perry must've covered this at some point, no?
Proof, that...I am a genius! :lol
Awesome version though. Freddie on vocals, and Brian has some killer licks. :metal
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Oddly, that's the second time I've heard that phrase today. I've literally never heard that before, so I have no idea what it means.
"Tim lives under a rock" is such a worn out DTF cliche, but man, I've never lived in an English speaking country :lol
:lol
What can I say? I've never heard that phrase before.
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/3o7qiNpc9fp8kYNU7S/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e4737rgnqf7unb0bxhe1dqe90hkf849fhktvdbhnqim&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
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Podaar, you can bust my balls in any thread. At least if you drop in here you could relish us with your old man Queen stories. :P
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I don't have any stories, and I was just trying to illustrate what pearl clutching is by posting a gif. I'll get my hat...
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Aside from the two monster hits, News of the World is more miss than hit for me. Spread Your Wings is good, and It's Late is quite nice as well, but I have little to no use for everything else. And I think the song Sheer Heart Attack sucks major swamp water.
Always love diplomatic responses :D SHA...with an aversion to high pitched noises, I mentioned I would have gotten rid of the 'nails on the blackboard' guitar. I do always think back to when it was released, and friends who were big on Aerosmith, KISS, Nugent, AC/DC, Styx, Yes.... and even Rush ;) having this album.
I am usually pretty positive when it comes to Queen, as there is much to be positive about, but I don't always hold back when it's something I do not like. I may need to refrain from posting altogether when you feature their bag of crap 1981 album. :P
But I am not surprised many hard rock fans owned this album back in '77. Queen had already built up some good equity, and the big hits from this album were monsters, so I can imagine many couldn't get wait to buy the vinyl or 8-track. :biggrin:
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8. Sleeping on the Sidewalk (Live in Boston, November 1977) 3:49
I find it interesting that it's Boston, because if I recall, my first impressions said this:
Sleeping On The Sidewalk...Joe Perry must've covered this at some point, no?
Proof, that...I am a genius! :lol
Awesome version though. Freddie on vocals, and Brian has some killer licks. :metal
No one has ever questioned that here! :D
Good catch! Also, a pity in regards to the song. There's been (and will be) some great Queen audience recordings from Boston. Sadly, not this show. But Queen Productions has this gem, and won't provide anything else from this show (or it just hasn't surfaced yet).
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Aside from the two monster hits, News of the World is more miss than hit for me. Spread Your Wings is good, and It's Late is quite nice as well, but I have little to no use for everything else. And I think the song Sheer Heart Attack sucks major swamp water.
Always love diplomatic responses :D SHA...with an aversion to high pitched noises, I mentioned I would have gotten rid of the 'nails on the blackboard' guitar. I do always think back to when it was released, and friends who were big on Aerosmith, KISS, Nugent, AC/DC, Styx, Yes.... and even Rush ;) having this album.
I am usually pretty positive when it comes to Queen, as there is much to be positive about, but I don't always hold back when it's something I do not like. I may need to refrain from posting altogether when you feature their bag of crap 1981 album. :P
Oh, to quote someone famous, I'll be 'travelling at the speed of light' once I get to that era ;)
Before I move on to the tour Monday or Tuesday, I will bring up again the really good bonus stuff that finally saw the light with this era. 'We Will Rock You' [fast] : this was actually offered on a CD in 'The Sun' newspaper or magazine back in the early '00s. That's how I got my first 'clean' version of it. I still don't know which version was recorded first. The various 'All Dead, All Dead' versions, the aforementioned 'Sleeping On The Sidewalk', 'Feelings Feelings, 'Spread Your Wings BBC, and any others.
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But I am not surprised many hard rock fans owned this album back in '77. Queen had already built up some good equity, and the big hits from this album were monsters, so I can imagine many couldn't get wait to buy the vinyl or 8-track. :biggrin:
Like this? :lol
(https://i.imgur.com/wSZ9dKa.jpg)
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Exactly. :lol
I know many fans love this record and the next one, but I think both are more miss than hit. Then again, I am someone who can name the number of Queen albums that I can listen to from start to finish without ever hitting the skip button on one hand, so I may not be the best judge.
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Exactly. :lol
I know many fans love this record and the next one, but I think both are more miss than hit. Then again, I am someone who can name the number of Queen albums that I can listen to from start to finish without ever hitting the skip button on one hand, so I may not be the best judge.
Well, the same applies to me, and we just passed those five. NOTW is an optional sixth (SHA being removed on the copy when listening to it with the wife).
Just started listening to News Of The World on Spotify.
Speaking of Spotify, here are the stream totals..
We Will Rock You....853m
We Are The Champions....493.4m
Sheer Heart Attack....17.9m
All Dead, All Dead....20.6m
Spread Your Wings....40.8m
Fight From The Inside....3.8m
Get Down, Make Love....15.9m
Sleeping On The Sidewalk....13.9m
Who Needs You....4.5m
It's Late....21.4m
My Melancholy Blues....8.5m
Wow, Fight From The Inside and Who Needs You apparently fell off a cliff.
A bit surprised that WWRY has 360 million more plays than WATC. I realize this is not radio where both were played together, but it's surprising nonetheless.
Maybe they hit WWRY for sporting events? The difference in video views was surprising as well. Then again, if I want to hear WATC because of the joy after a sporting event, I always go to the Wembley version.
The numbers were quite good for SYW and It's Late....more than 'Keep Yourself Alive' :huh: But, somehow, 'Fight From The Inside' and 'Who Needs You' had more listens than 'Father To Son'. What can I say.....
other than that, I’ll be moving on.......
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So Joe, this came up in the Rush thread, where if someone was not into Rush, they still may own Moving Pictures because it's "the one with Tom Sawyer on it".
You mentioned a lot of rockers had this album,. but it could also be due to being "the one with We Will Rock You on it".
Plus I think we're basically in Queen's prime, but it doesn't always necessarily mean that the early albums will benefit.
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So Joe, this came up in the Rush thread, where if someone was not into Rush, they still may own Moving Pictures because it's "the one with Tom Sawyer on it".
You mentioned a lot of rockers had this album,. but it could also be due to being "the one with We Will Rock You on it".
I remember quite a few also had the 'Sheer Heart Attack' album. With AOR stations, I'd often hear 'It's Late', 'Spread Your Wings', and 'Get Down Make Love'. Back in the day, I'd often buy an album when I heard a second song get airplay that I liked. I think that worked with some of them. 'News' was Top Twenty in the States for nineteen weeks, so there had to be more working for it than WWRY/WATC. (my guess)
A couple different sets of friends would play one album side of a band, then another, then another, etc to watch ballgames, play cards, or I might even do some schoolwork with them :o Oh, I'd get a Queen request or two in at times (I also wanted to hear album sides I didn't own at the time). Side Two of 'News', as well as the Side One's of Queen II and 'Sheer Heart Attack' would be made, because more often than not, those guys and gals also owned them.
I'd never suggest Side 1 of 'News', and it was very rare to hear it.
Short answer long: yes and no :lol
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NEWS OF THE WORLD - North American Tour
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-11-21_Toronto_34.jpg)
Their fifth tour of North America (not just a USA tour, as there is ONE show in Toronto ;)). Yet again, it’ll be in the winter, which will cause problems for a couple of shows. There have been some spectacular shows made available in the last couple of years, Detroit NYC, and Long Beach topping the bill. And then there’s Houston!
There would be two sold out nights each for Detroit, Philly, NYC, and Long Beach. There were no warm up bands for this tour. Concert times ranged from 2-2 1/2 hours. There were stage changes, the b/w and silver leotards, along with the leather jacket for Freddie. Freddie on stage in a spotlight during the WWRY tape intro, coming up from the floor at the end of the opera part of BoRhap…..
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Typical setlist: We Will Rock You (slow/fast)/ Brighton Rock/ Somebody To Love / Medley: Death On Two Legs - Killer Queen - Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy - I'm In Love With My Car - Get Down Make Love - The Millionaire Waltz - You're My Best Friend/ Spread Your Wings/ It's Late/ Sleeping On The Sidewalk/ Liar/ Now I'm Here/ Love Of My Life/ '39/ My Melancholy Blues/ White Man/ vocal/guitar solos/ The Prophet's Song/ Keep Yourself Alive/ Stone Cold Crazy/ Bohemian Rhapsody/ Tie Your Mother Down/
Encore 1:We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions Encore 2: Sheer Heart Attack, Jailhouse Rock, God Save The Queen
*************
Gone are ‘Ogre Battle’ (other than briefly in the medley in Philly) and ‘White Queen’…meaning that nothing is played from Queen II ! ‘Bring Back That Leroy Brown’, ‘You Take My Breath Away’, ‘Sweet Lady’, and ‘In The Lap Of The Gods…revisited’ (sadly, but I guess it is time :sad:), as well as ‘Big Spender’
‘Brighton Rock’ is much shorter, and played earlier in the show without the guitar solo. ‘I’m In Love With My Car’ and the acoustic duet version of ‘Love Of My Life’ are introduced. ‘Liar’ is back into the concert proper, as is ‘Now I’m Here’. ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ is moved from the opener to the concert proper closer, where it would remain for all but a few shows through 1982.
EIGHT News of the World songs have been added, plus the fast version of ‘We Will Rock You’. A ninth, ‘Sleepin’ On The Sidewalk, would be performed three times.
‘It’s Late’ and ‘Spread Your Wings’ were often alternated.
It is very odd when listening to these shows for the first time to hear ‘We Will Rock’ and ‘We Are The Champions’ as the first encore. Many songs are shorter versions, with varying amounts of verses removed. One begins to get used to that, but certain ones such as ‘We Will Rock You’ are quite jarring.
The North American tour would begin in Portland, Maine on November 11th (Happy Birthday, Mom). The next show would be in Boston, which is where the live version of ‘Sleepin’ On The Sidewalk’ was taken from for the ‘Raw Sessions’ release. Sadly, that’s the only song from this show currently available. Pity
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Cobo Hall, Detroit, November 18th, 1977 Attendance: 12,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZebe8iBuC0&t=61s Quality: B+/A-
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-11-18_Detroit_01.jpg)
This is the earliest circulating recording from the News of the World Tour, and it's a truly fantastic show, though ‘Now I’m Here’, ‘Stone Cold Crazy’, and the second encore are missing (which can fixed by borrowing from other shows). The first of two nights.
"A woman near the taper keeps shouting "rock and roll!" and "kick him off!" towards Brian May, as she is clearly not enjoying his long and meandering guitar solo after White Man. She even yelled "no!" after Freddie asks everyone if they liked My Melancholy Blues. After the explosion into the tail end of Bohemian Rhapsody, however, she lets out a far more emphatic "rock and roll!" in approval, along with about 12 thousand others - perhaps the best audience reaction to the climax of the song ever captured on tape." queenlive.ca (personal bias aside as to my old home state and the great Detroit crowds, I couldn't agree more with the last line of this review :tup :tup :tup)
This is easily in my all time Queen Top Five audience recordings concert list
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sidenote: two sold out nights in Detroit. I thought of driving down for this show. With morning work and a huge Central Michigan-Western Michigan football game that Saturday afternoon, I chose the football game. A couple guys left at halftime for the three hour drive for Saturday's concert. Damnit :censored (the Chippewas won, as they often did during that 36-5-1 four year run)
**********************************
Maple Leaf Gardens Toronto, November 21st, Attendance: 16,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIY-YqBw2ws&t=5488s Quality: B/B+
Just made available nine months ago. Absolutely stunning pix on www.queenlive.ca
There are slight cuts in Ogre Battle and Jailhouse Rock for tape flips. The show is otherwise complete.
After Brian's great solo at the end of Spread Your Wings, an audience member close to the taper says, "He's better than fu*king Page!," of course referring to Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Another is overwhelmed by the power of the music, and exclaims, "I can't handle it." Then, after the nine-and-a-half minute rendition of Liar, he has seemingly hit a state of musical ecstasy and says, "I'm f*cking dying." :D :tup
JAN. 24th EDIT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ2DjQZGS7c Quality of this concert: A- / B+
"In 2021, the first recording from this show came to light. A year on from then, a much better sounding source covering the first 86 minutes of the show has surfaced. Best of all, it covers all the missing portions from the first tape, making the show musically complete (with some speeches still cut between songs on the 2021 source). Given that the band didn't play 'Spread Your Wings' or 'It's Late' when Mike Millard saw them a month later, this tape features the highest-quality versions of those songs from this tour thus far. This upload is a merge of the two sources created by Ed.
The News of the World Tour was Queen at their peak. The large setlists were packed with many old songs and hits from the new album, and musically speaking the band was firing on all cylinders. Freddie's voice began to really improve on this tour as well; compared to the Toronto gig back in February 1977, he was good there, but he's better here." queenlive.ca
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-02-01_Toronto_backstage_03.jpg)
from the ADATR tour, but I forgot to include them then
this is a work in progress. Philly, NYC, Houston, and Long Beach tonight
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OK, good. I've been waiting for you post some show recommendations. I've been searching on youtube, but the quality of recordings from this tour are iffy.
I did listen to a bit of a Euro '78 show, well a few actually, but again, the quality wasn't great. I did enjoy one, but now I forget which show it was. Looking forward to your recs from that leg as well.
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-11-21_Toronto_34.jpg)
That is a GREAT picture.
I love this one from Providence on 11-15-77.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-11-15_Providence_soundcheck_01.jpg)
I saw so many concerts in that building as a teenager, and I can show you in that pic where I sat for every one of them.
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You need to host a TAC tour 'tour' ;)
I was so hoping in doing new searches that Dan Lampanski had attended and recorded the Providence show, and that it had recently been made available. No such luck (yet).
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Exactly. :lol
I know many fans love this record and the next one, but I think both are more miss than hit. Then again, I am someone who can name the number of Queen albums that I can listen to from start to finish without ever hitting the skip button on one hand, so I may not be the best judge.
Well, the same applies to me, and we just passed those five. NOTW is an optional sixth (SHA being removed on the copy when listening to it with the wife).
Their 1991 album is my 1b to Sheer Heart Attack's 1a, so one of my two favorites, and one of the few I pretty much love from start to finish, is still to come. Will be a rough ride getting there, though. :lol :lol
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Exactly. :lol
I know many fans love this record and the next one, but I think both are more miss than hit. Then again, I am someone who can name the number of Queen albums that I can listen to from start to finish without ever hitting the skip button on one hand, so I may not be the best judge.
Well, the same applies to me, and we just passed those five. NOTW is an optional sixth (SHA being removed on the copy when listening to it with the wife).
Their 1991 album is my 1b to Sheer Heart Attack's 1a, so one of my two favorites, and one of the few I pretty much love from start to finish, is still to come. Will be a rough ride getting there, though. :lol :lol
Fortunately (and sadly IMO), there were enough good/very good solo offerings and nonalbum B-sides to help fill the holes.
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the tour continues....
The Spectrum, Philadelphia, November 23rd Attendance: 18,200 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIZ6OvAd1Ts&t=6134s Quality: B
Up until 2017, this was the earliest circulating show from the NOTW Tour. The setlist also has a surprise, as the band perform Ogre Battle (albeit in an abbreviated form) . 'Now I'm Here' is played between BoRhap and TYMD.
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Madison Square Garden New York City, December 1st Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYHjmHprGZ0&t=5898s Quality: B+/B-
Part of 'Jailhouse Rock' and all of GSTQ are missing, as this show ran over two hours. This was a week after Freddie suffered severe laryngitis at their Landover, Maryland show, and took a thirty minute break because of his condition.
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Madison Square Garden, New York City, December 2nd Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7qyiMNarsU&t=4945s Quality: B
Brian’s mom and Dad are flown in for their first Stateside concert. Both shows have your typical NYC energy (and attitude), and Freddie is more than up to the task on both accounts. 'Spread Your Wings', 'It's Late', and 'My Melancholy Blues' are not played this night. 'Doing Alright' (for the last time) and 'Saturday Night's (Alright For Fighting) are played instead. Odd.
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For the longest time, the 'Holy Grail of concerts' for many (my wife and I each snuck in mini cassette recorders at the ’03 N.A. Convention just to get the audio while watching the following show....)
The Summit, Houston, December 11th Attendance: 16,000[/b] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aihbsOW6so&t=58 Quality: A+ Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT5PoUT39eU&t=2s
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/screenshots/77-12-11_Houston_alt2_05.jpg)
The concert was filmed because of an agreement the venue had with many artists who played at the Summit during this period. It is owned by Queen Productions, and there were talks of it finally being made commercially available a decade ago. Unlike Springsteen and others who have touched up and provided official releases of their performances, time keeps ticking by....
Because it is a soundboard recording, the lack of normal crowd noise is a negative, as well as ‘Spread Your Wings’ and ‘It’s Late’ not being played (along with ‘The Prophet’s Song’) to save room on the film.
In 1989, ‘My Melancholy Blues’ from this show was released on the UK CD and 12" "The Miracle" vinyl singles .
* To this day, Houston ‘77 remains the ONLY available completely filmed United States Queen concert.
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Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, California, December 20th Attendance: 15,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZMrFIGEx4 Grade: A+
‘Stone Cold Crazy’ is slightly cut, but yet another high quality audience recording of the late Mike Millard that was just released within the last eighteen months.
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LA Forum, Inglewood, California, USA December 22nd Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEWJ6xrSBgs&t=3748s Quality: B-
A festive Winter Solstice evening. The final American NOTW tour show, and with the upcoming holidays, it all adds up to a festive night. It ends at the Guitar Solo, but it does include ‘White Christmas’. ‘Big Spender’ was even rolled out during the encores.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-12-22_Inglewood_10.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/77-12-22_Inglewood_19.jpg)
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NEWS OF THE WORLD European Tour
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-04_Brussels_05.jpg)
Typical setlist: We Will Rock You (slow/fast)/ Brighton Rock/ Somebody To Love/ Death On Two Legs/ Killer Queen/ Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy/ I'm In Love With My Car/ Get Down Make Love/ The Millionaire Waltz/ You're My Best Friend/ Spread Your Wings/ It's Late/ Now I'm Here/ Love Of My Life/ '39/ My Melancholy Blues/ White Man/ The Prophet's Song/ guitar solo/ The Prophet's Song (reprise)/ Stone Cold Crazy/ Bohemian Rhapsody/ Keep Yourself Alive/ Tie Your Mother Down/ We Will Rock You/ We Are The Champions/ Sheer Heart Attack/ Jailhouse Rock/ God Save The Queen
First European show
Johanneshovs Isstadion Stockholm, Sweden April 12th, 1978 Attendance: 9,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cColBVoxUM8&t=4890s Quality: B+
Falkoner Theatre Copenhagen, Denmark April 13th Attendance: 2,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucuwz4xqFtE&t=5134s Quality: A-
great guitar solo it’s late syw first pix of Frank on the drum, as opposed to the crest
spent $20 on each of these some 20 years ago, now new and improved
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-04-30_Zurich_06.jpg)
Pavillon de Paris, April 23rd Attendance: 10,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqyat_gBqDM Quality: B+
Their first show EVER in Paris!
Deutschlandhalle Berlin, West Germany April 28th, Attendance: 11,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FshGToUqHg&t=5144s Quality: B+
'Big Spender' is added for the night
the Stadthalle Vienna, Austria May 2nd, Attendance: 14,100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eork7chHvLc Quality: B+
The final time that 'Stone Cold Crazy' would be performed in it's entirety. :'( Snippets of it would appear briefly in ‘84
On to the UK for a very short tour
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-05-11_London_02.jpg)
Three nights at the Empire Pool (now Wembley Arena) Only five shows in the UK
May 13th This is the last show of the News Of The World tour. The giant crown lighting rig (the Crown Jewel) would soon be disassembled, and parts of it would be used for ELO's space ship lighting rig, which can be seen on that band's Live At Wembley '78 DVD.
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/14/1a/e5/141ae518476407afbaae76f03ff8f8b0.jpg)
(good enough for City work ;))
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The Houston video is freaking awesome. I watched that last week. I love the in house camera angles, especially on Roger.
I downloaded the Long Beach show when it was released on Dime. That guy's shows are not to be missed. I listened again to it last week.
I clicked the link to the Philly show after seeing that Ogre Battle was played, even briefly, and you can hear a fan nearby go "OHH Shit!! in joy. I miss the days when you had no idea what the band was going to play until..they played it.
In preparation, I checked out quite a few of the European shows. Yes, it was the Copenhagen one that was the winner!
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Fortunately (and sadly IMO), there were enough good/very good solo offerings and nonalbum B-sides to help fill the holes.
I am not really familiar with any of their solo albums except the one Brian May released in 1998, which I like quite a bit, but even though their albums started really getting spotty, IMO, with News of the World, nearly every album still had at least a few major winners. I could probably do a Queen top 25 and there'd be something on there from nearly album they did from the debut through Innuendo.
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Fortunately (and sadly IMO), there were enough good/very good solo offerings and nonalbum B-sides to help fill the holes.
I am not really familiar with any of their solo albums except the one Brian May released in 1998, which I like quite a bit, but even though their albums started really getting spotty, IMO, with News of the World, nearly every album still had at least a few major winners. I could probably do a Queen top 25 and there'd be something on there from nearly album they did from the debut through Innuendo.
Right after Maiden? :) :)
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I wouldn't even think of doing a Queen one until Joe finishes this thread, as I do not want to step on any toes, so let's plan on that for 2023. :lol :biggrin:
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:lol
He's doing a great job though. Tons of content.
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Absolutely.
I am just poking a little fun, all good natured of course. :tup :tup
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Absolutely.
I am just poking a little fun, all good natured of course. :tup :tup
As am I. I'm loving all of this and am very, very appreciative of the time and effort being put in by both of you. With no exaggeration, it's almost an embarrassment of riches.
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Thanks, guys :tup
Just giving people time to with the prior albums and some BBC session songs another spin. ;)
Also impossible to do any of this on a cellphone when some times caretaking for a friend ☹️
Add on Track 11 from the next album, and my plans for having this done by the middle of June are taking a hit.
Kev, just don’t be doing a Beatles, Zeppelin, Yes, Jethro Tull, or Benny Goodman countdowns in the meantime 😀
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News of the World album cover
(https://images.radiox.co.uk/images/90761?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&signature=85DMqLQFYGQeoDNDp3XFVf_ALvw=)
Roger had seen a piece of artwork that first appeared in the October 1953 issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. In keeping with the new image they wanted to present for 'News Of The World', they approached the artist Frank Kelly Freas to recreate the piece with the robot mutilating the band members instead.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR9gaoNd96Fk_WcHD3MGK42YLIQYBAVvjHhpkd3QltpYFUIG55SvSna69DA6k06K9F76jo&usqp=CAU)
In Norfolk, Virginia, at the Norfolk Scope, capacity 11,000, Queen played to a sold out show on November 25th, 1977. On the day after the show, the band stopped at the Chrysler Museum of Art for a meet and greet with the artist.
Freas had an exhibit at the museum at the time, including the original robot painting. (https://i-will-be-a-legend.tumblr.com/post/37043968175/virginia-beach-artist-frank-kelly-freas-second)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_meezxv2Ckm1ralev0o1_r3_500.png)
(https://welleyenever.com/2021/07/04/queen-at-50-reviews-news-of-the-world-part-1/)
An interesting article in this magazine, about how the budget for the 50's movie 'War of the Worlds' came out to a whopping $2 million dollars.
And to bore you, I wrote a five page paper for a college Composition class relating the similarities between the NOTW album cover to the movie 'Forbidden Planet', and how the monster (success) from their dreams was becoming too big, and was going to destroy the band and others. Got an A- :tupI like to believe I was more 'semi compulsive' than 'obsessive' over the 40+ years since the album was released.
(https://i.imgur.com/1xFDMXP.jpg)
An interesting documentary that was included on the NOTW box set https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckdFuW-sTTo
(https://pm1.narvii.com/6623/dcffe9656f78147c06784d1ea619f3716218f530_hq.jpg)
coming up Friday or Saturday....Bi-cycle, bi-cycle, bi-cylce...............
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I always thought that that cover had a real 50's sci-fi vibe to it, but never realized that it was an actual recreation of a cover from that era. Makes total sense, though.
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An interesting documentary that was included on the NOTW box set https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckdFuW-sTTo
WOW! Just spent the last hour watching this. This is some amazing footage.
Love the bit where Freddie and engineer are fiddling with the mixing desk.
Interesting thoughts from Brian on the importance of the band doing soundchecks together.
There's a couple of spots where Freddie looks sad. One is at 48:25, and again at the end when he says "the show goes on" and stares at the camera. It's haunting, actually.
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Updating for News Of The World..
Album Rankings
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen II
Queen
A Day At The Races
A Night At The Opera
News Of The World
These are the tracks that I will throw into the Queen Ranker at the end of the thread. I still may add some songs from these albums.
Queen
Keep Yourself Alive
Great King Rat
Liar
Son And Daughter
Queen II
Father To Son
White Queen
Ogre Battle
The March Of The Black Queen
Sheer Heart Attack
Brighton Rock
Killer Queen
Flick Of The Wrist
Lily Of The Valley
Now I'm Here
Stone Cold Crazy
A Night At The Opera
Death On Two Legs
You're My Best friend
'39
Love Of My Life
Sweet Lady
Bohemian Rhapsody
A Day At The Races
Tie Your Mother Down
You Take My Breath Away
Long Away
You And I
Somebody To Love
News Of The World
We Are The Champions
Spread Your Wings
It's Late
Sleeping On The Sidewalk
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I just want to say that I definitely prefer the fast version of WWRY.
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I just want to say that I definitely prefer the fast version of WWRY.
Agree. Massively agree. So much more balls.
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^
Other BBC highlights, some with more balls, were 'Doing Alright', 'See What A Fool I've Been', 'Modern Times Rock n Roll' [Session 4], and most certainly 'Son And Daughter' [Session 2] and 'Spread Your Wings'. 'White Queen' and 'Nevermore' also go on the 'best of' BBC sessions.
(dealt with bank and police precinct visits because the organization I'm treasurer of had a $4650 check stolen in the mail and 'washed' and deposited. >:( Also working on various repairs regarding our future home sale. 'Time waits for no one....)
moving on.............
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BICYCLE RACE / FAT BOTTOMED GIRLS (double A side)
Released: October 13, 1978
Charts: UK # 11, USA #24
Netherlands #5, Norway #7, France #7, Portugal #9, Ireland #10, Belgium #15, New Zealand #20, Austria #21, West Germany #27, Australia #28
2018 USA #19
Certifications: Gold in UK
2x Platinum in USA
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/43/Queen_Bicycle_Race1.png)
VIDEOS FGB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMnjF1O4eH0 108 million views
Bicycle Race https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt0V0_1MS0Q 17 million views
I think I have watched these a couple of times. The slo mo 70s stuff irritated me then, irritates me now. Worth it to me for some of the various movements of the lighting rig known as ‘The Pizza Oven’. (oh, and there’s a scantily clad girl or three….)
Posting separately due to the many chart listings, and some deserve special posts. Queen singles were often released two weeks or more before the album. That would end up being a bit disappointing, especially when tours started in between those dates, and one still hadn’t heard songs they were playing. That would play into my next band concert.
‘Jazz’ tomorrow
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Bicycle Race is a maddening song. It's one of my favorite Freddie vocals; he sings the crap out of that song, but it's just so... I won't say silly, but it's not a song I put on to be transported somewhere else, you know?
The girl at 1:29 is just... (and no, it's just her face).
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I’m am eagerly awaiting the 45th anniversary photo and shoot😉😀😀😀
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Oh, and TAC, if you have any Spotify numbers as to those BBC sessions, they would as always be much appreciated. :tup
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Oh, and TAC, if you have any Spotify numbers as to those BBC sessions, they would as always be much appreciated. :tup
Working on it! ;D
Actually...I will work on it. I'll try and get those up by Monday.
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Oh, and TAC, if you have any Spotify numbers as to those BBC sessions, they would as always be much appreciated. :tup
Working on it! ;D
Actually...I will work on it. I'll try and get those up by Monday.
Now you are starting to sound like me😉
‘Life is what happens while you’re busy making plans.’ John Lennon
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JAZZ
Released: November 10, 1978, UK (EMI), November 14, 1978 USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #2, USA #6
Netherlands #3, West Germany #5, Japan #5, Norway #6, Portugal #6, Sweden #6, France #7, Austria #8, Canada #13, Australia #15, New Zealand #20,
Italy #36
Certifications:
Gold in UK, Austria, France, West Germany
Platinum in USA, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland
Singles: ‘Bicycle Race’ / ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ (double A side), October 13, 1978
Charts: UK # 11, USA #24 (already mentioned)
Netherlands #5, Norway #7, France #7, Portugal #9, Ireland #10, Belgium #15, New Zealand #20, Austria #21, West Germany #27, Australia #28
Don’t Stop Me Now b/w In Only Seven Days (More Of That Jazz USA) January 26, 1979
Charts: UK #11, USA #86
Ireland #10, Netherlands #14, Belgium #23, West Germany #35
(more chart info on this later)
‘Jealousy’ and ‘Mustapha’ were released in a few countries (including USA) DNC.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HUCjnScRVWk/hqdefault.jpg)
Written, arranged and performed exclusively by Queen
Freddie Mercury - Vocals, piano
Brian May - Guitars, vocals
Roger Taylor - Percussion, vocals
John Deacon - Bass guitar
A Queen / Roy Thomas Baker Production
Various credit thanks, including (David Palmer of Jethro Tull, as well as
'Thunderbolt courtesy of God'
Recorded: July - October 1978 at Superbear Studios, Nice, France, and Mountain Studios, Montreux.
************************
SIDE ONE
Mustapha (Mercury) 3:03
Fat Bottomed Girls (May) 4:14
Jealousy (Mercury) 3:14
Bicycle Race (Mercury) 3:04
If You Can't Beat Them (Deacon) 4:15
Let Me Entertain You (Mercury) 3:01
SIDE TWO
Dead on Time (May) 3:23
In Only Seven Days (Deacon) 2:30
Dreamer's Ball (May) 3:30
Fun It (Taylor) 3:29
Leaving Home Ain't Easy (May) 3:15
Don't Stop Me Now (Mercury) 3:29
More of That Jazz (Taylor) 4:12
2011 Universal reissue
Fat Bottomed Girls (45 version) / Bicycle Race (Instrumental) 3:09 / Don't Stop Me Now (long-lost guitars) / Let Me Entertain You (Montreal Forum, 1981) / Dreamer's Ball (Early acoustic take,)
*************
Comments about the bonus disc: having the FBG 45 version, the alternate 'Don't Stop Me Now' is OK, and any 'Let Me Entertain You' live is good.
Just as the ‘Feelings Feelings' demo on NOTW and 'You Take My Breath Away' Earl's Court versions were gems, the acoustic demo of 'Dreamer’s Ball' is yet another previously unreleased nugget. Very similar to the enjoyable singalong live acoustic version
What they could have included were any number of FBG, LMEY, DSMN, and DBall live recordings from the 78/79 tours. Add that with the three good bonus tracks and live takes, and you would have had something. There are various demo snippets of some songs floating around, have them in their complete version, and you'd have one great extra offering. But they didn’t.
(https://media.apoplife.nl/nl/2018/09/Queen-Jazz-Gatefold.jpg)
Another nice gatefold album sleeve, a nice picture of the band in the studio, a really good band photo on the plastic cardboard vinyl sleeve. But, sadly, no lyrics were included with the original release, and they didn't even bother to put the times of the songs on the vinyl circle or listed with the album?
Oh, geez, but the young guy in me at the time would be remiss without mentioning the controversial poster. It looked good on my bedroom wall, and in my music rooms later on (often unnoticed as the years went by) The poster was unavailable in the Bible Belt (where one could order it with the coupon provided :facepalm:)
(https://www.popsike.ch/pix/20130315/290880005082.jpg)
A review years later https://www.udiscovermusic.com/behind-the-albums/queen-jazz/
and from the ever hateful Rolling Stone https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/10-classic-albums-rolling-stone-originally-panned-101316/ac-dc-high-voltage-1976-101955/
"Sometimes a reviewer just seems to have a really, really low opinion of a band, which seems to be the case with Dave Marsh and Queen."
Here's just a couple of differences between Jazz and NOTW : it charted 18 weeks in the USA, five weeks in the Top Ten. Meanwhile, 'News Of The World' was in the charts for 37 weeks, thirteen weeks in the Top Ten.
Roy Thomas Baker was back again after a two album absence, and working with various bands such as The Cars and Journey. He had helped with Peter Straker on his album 'This One's On Me' with Freddie, so, Freddie called him back in to help produce. The band were also tax exiles in Switzerland at the time, Roger saw some artwork on a wall in Montreaux, presented it to the band, and, well....what you end up with is an album that is a favorite of many, and looked at as somewhat organized chaos by others.
There is no argument that a horrible drum mix exists to varying degrees throughout the album, and the bass on 'Fun It' etc is just not good at all.
Favorites were and always will be ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘Dreamer’s Ball’, ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Bicycle Race’, and ‘Jealousy’. I always liked ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ The ‘flow’ of the album doesn’t work for me. ‘Fun It’ was the precursor to AOBTD, love the transposing of LVs between Roger and Freddie, but the bass and drums are putrid, and it was absolutely the first band song that ruined the flow for me without any trepidation. ‘More of that Jazz’ made me think it was their last studio album, and the ending mish mosh is both corny and wasteful…yet intriging.
Do not ask me what ‘Mustapha’ is or means....just be prepared if you turn the volume up at the beginning, because the change might knock your socks off later. Just like all the other baker dozen songs on this album, there's something Queen-ish to enjoy.
this was their fifth studio album release in less than four years. So a bit of laziness had set in....and yet, there are so many instances where the effort and layers and extra work shine. I will admit, there is a lot to like. And yet, personally, for the first time, there was a lot I did not quite like.
(https://media.apoplife.nl/nl/2018/11/Queen-Jazz-Back-cover.jpg)
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Going to read through this tonight and listen to it. I’m looking forward to this one.
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This is the only Queen album I own beyond ANATO. I've always really liked it. I get that it was too weird for some folks, I had friends that really panned Bicycle Race, but I always thought it rocked. Anyway, good album that I still listen to.
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Funny that you say that, because this is where Queen kinda started to lose me, and I was just going "Okay, we're getting a bit too far out there now." Even for me.
But I can't deny that they do what they want, and they do it damned well. Great stuff. My buddy Chris had this album, and we checked it out a few times, but I don't think I ever picked it up.
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I think this is better than all the records before. :D Now hit me.
This is the first record that I can listen to, without the urge to skip a song or two. And Bicycle Race is all kinds of awesome. :metal :metal :metal
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So, I'm about to dive into Jazz shortly.
Here are the Spotify totals.
Similar to WWRY and WATC, I am quite surprised at the gap between Fat Bottom Girls and Bicycle Race. I just figured they went hand in hand.
Also Don't Stop Me Now has 1.28 BILLION streams?? :omg: I do not recognize that by title, and it wasn't on my Queen's Greatest Hits.
I mentioned it to The Lovely Mrs TAC, and she started singing it to me. :lol
Nope, I still didn't recognize it. She said they used to play it on the radio. I don't remember.
Maybe when I hear it, it'll ring a bell.
Mustapha....6.6m
Fat Bottomed Girls....204.9m
Jealousy....9.8m
Bicycle Race....113.1m
If You Can't Beat Them....4.3m
Let Me Entertain You....4.9m
Dead On Time....3.7m
In Only Seven Days....4.2m
Dreamers Ball....4.9m
Fun It....2.9m
Living Home Ain't Easy....3.0m
Don't Stop Me Now....1.28B
More Of That Jazz....3.6m
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Joe, before I listen, I had a couple of comments on your write up.
1. Dave Marsh is an all time douche.
2. WTF is AOBTD? You cannot use abbreviations util we get to the actual song or album! :lol
3. David Palmer? What does he play/do on the album?
4. Why the return of Roy Thomas Baker?
5. I found NOTW to be quite lazy. Are you saying this is even more lazy??
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OK. Jazz. Here we go..
Mustapha....Gee, I wonder how they came up with this title? WTF? NowIknownowIknownowIknow.. This will be the one and only time I listen to this song.
Fat Bottomed Girls....Obviously familiar with this. I've always liked this song. I love the arrangement. Such a great chorus.
Jealousy....This is nice enough. I bet it'd be better live. I hope they play it. I'd love to get a properly vetted version. Freddie sounds a bit phlegmmy here. I didn't really love some of his inflection choices.
Bicycle Race....This is a sneaky tour de force for Freddie. But how serious can we take a song about bicycles? It's actually been years since I've heard this. It's enjoyable for sure, but is partly to blame for me never really diving into Queen when I was younger.
If You Can't Beat Them....A John Deacon song. I like it. I am trying to place that opening riff. It sounds so familiar to me. The chorus is a bit..um.. Anyway, I dig it. Really cool sounding solo. Also sounds familiar. Can't place it though.
Let Me Entertain You....I am familiar with this song and have always enjoyed it. I mostly know it from Live Killers.
Dead On Time....Hey this song rocks. The wiki article mentions it was never played live. WTF? It begs for it.
In Only Seven Days....Deacon's songs are so simple and enjoyable. Always a nice pace to them.
I would've loved for him to have made an album with Rod Stewart.
Dreamers Ball....Not my thing.
Fun It....More like fuck it..
Living Home Ain't Easy....Oh boy..we're not doing good here.
Don't Stop Me Now....I absolutely do not recognize this. It's a good song though. It ain't 1.28 Billion Streams good, but good nonetheless. One of the better ones here...which isn't very difficult.
More Of That Jazz....How about..less of that jazz.
OK..this is a tough album to get into. And I was really looking forward to it to. This goes to the bottom of the list.
Mustapha might literally be the worst thing I've heard in this thread so far.
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If You Can't Beat Them....A John Deacon song. I like it. I am trying to place that opening riff. It sounds so familiar to me. The chorus is a bit..um.. Anyway, I dig it. Really cool sounding solo. Also sounds familiar. Can't place it though.
I got it!
Joe...c'mon...do you know??
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Under which rock have you been hiding, if you've never heard Don't Stop Me Now before? :omg: ;)
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40some years ago, we're on our way to a gig in Manistee, Michigan. As we round a curve on the way downtown, there's a girl walking away from us on the sidewalk a little ways ahead of us. We watch as her fully padded seat rocks up, down, left side, right side... you know what I'm saying. At exactly the same time, and in key, the drummer Marcus and I sing out:
♫ Fat bottomed girls, you make the rockin' world go 'round! ♫
It was perfect. We, and the rest of the car, bust out laughing. True story.
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If You Can't Beat Them....A John Deacon song. I like it. I am trying to place that opening riff. It sounds so familiar to me. The chorus is a bit..um.. Anyway, I dig it. Really cool sounding solo. Also sounds familiar. Can't place it though.
[/quote
I got it!
Joe...c'mon...do you know??
A faster ‘Little Willy’?
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If You Can't Beat Them....A John Deacon song. I like it. I am trying to place that opening riff. It sounds so familiar to me. The chorus is a bit..um.. Anyway, I dig it. Really cool sounding solo. Also sounds familiar. Can't place it though.
I got it!
Joe...c'mon...do you know??
A faster ‘Little Willy’?
Nope and when I tell you you won’t be able to unhear it.
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Under which rock have you been hiding, if you've never heard Don't Stop Me Now before? :omg: ;)
Harry, it doesn't ring a bell. I'm listening to it again. Like I said, my wife started singing the lyrics and said they used to play it on the radio. I listened to a ton of radio in the 80's, especially the early 80's and I really don't recall it.
It's actually a cool song.
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Joe, here are the Queen On Air Spotify stats:
Queen On Air
Disc 1
My Fairy King 2/5/73....25.3m
Keep Yourself Alive 2/5/73....43.7m
Doing All Right 2/5/73....6.4m
Liar 2/5/73....4.1m
See What A Fool I've Been 7/25/73....3.4m
Keep Yourself Alive 7/25/73....3.2m
Liar 7/25/73....2.7m
Son And Daughter 7/25/73.....2.8m
Oger Battle 12/3/73....2.5m
Modern Times Rock n Roll....2.1m
Great King Rat 12/3/73....2.1m
Son And Daughter 12/3/73....2m
Disc 2
Modern Times Rock n Roll 4/3/74....1.7m
Nevermore 4/3/74....2.0m
White Queen 4/3/74.....1.8m
Now I'm Here 10/16/74....1.9m
Stone Cold Crazy 10/16/74....1.8m
Flick Of The Wrist 10/16/74....2.4m
Tenement Funster 10/16/74....1.4m
We Will Rock You 10/28/77....2.9m
We Will Rock You (fast) 10/28/77....4.9m
Spread Your Wings 10/28/77....1.8m
It's Late 10/28/77....1.4m
My Melancholy Blues 10/28/77....1.8m
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An interesting documentary that was included on the NOTW box set https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckdFuW-sTTo
WOW! Just spent the last hour watching this. This is some amazing footage.
Love the bit where Freddie and engineer are fiddling with the mixing desk.
Interesting thoughts from Brian on the importance of the band doing soundchecks together.
There's a couple of spots where Freddie looks sad. One is at 48:25, and again at the end when he says "the show goes on" and stares at the camera. It's haunting, actually.
Since Saturday was Brian May Day ;), my wife and I sat down and watched this for the first time (I'd seen snippets). She let out an audible gasp at 'the show goes on' part. Haunting.
And then watched that part again. My wife's eyes were watering.....
Thanks for the recommendation :tup
And thanks for the Spotify numbers for the BBC. It's almost if most people listened to a couple, and then tuned out, other than WWRY Fast. A shame as to some of the good/great versions. Then again, I guess they aren't bad as compared to other band's regular outputs.
I did write directly on the RTB and such. Here's a brief tie in http://www.freddiemercury.com/en/news/freddie-produced-peter-straker-album-this-ones-on-me-reissued Sorry about the AOBTD acronym. Hadn't fixed my notes from my Word doc. And I still can't place the opening riffs for IYCBThem
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I think this is better than all the records before. :D Now hit me.
Never! :D I mentioned at the outset that it was/is the favorite of many, and I totally get it, because there is a lot to like. I have a version that ends with DSMN, and yet MOTJazz has that album ending feel to it (the only time a Roger tune was placed in that slot).
Oh, and the amount of times FBG has gone through my head when walking in any public place. btw, I loved Manistee!!! What a great lakeside town.
I'll post the separate 'Don't Stop Me Now' bit later tonight. I know I just heard it on its umpteenth TV ad over the weekend.
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Mustapha might literally be the worst thing I've heard in this thread so far.
I might agree. I think that song is a gigantic bag of dog excrement.
The bulk of Jazz is a hard pass for me. I do love the biggies (Fat Bottomed Girls, Bicycle Race, Don't Stop Me Now) a lot, and I also like Let Me Entertain You and Dead On Time, but the rest can be thrown into the nearest pond for all I care.
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My visits to the dentist over the last seven years have been pretty normal, the last two these past two weeks brutal.
Time for me to visit the pond and listen to this whole album again, because I do still enjoy it ;)
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Time for me to visit the pond and listen to this whole album again, because I do still enjoy it ;)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNmEwZGQ4NTYtOTU0Ni00NTMwLTgwMjMtOTQxZWFjNDM4ZWZkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjUwNzk3NDc@._V1_.jpg)
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Jazz is the first album in the Queen discography that I don’t own. I have listened to it a handful of times before and just gave it another listen. It’s actually pretty decent. I’m not normally a fan of the songs with Brian or Roger doing the lead vocal, but I kind of like Living Home Ain’t Easy.
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I’m not normally a fan of the songs with Brian or Roger doing the lead vocal, but I kind of like Living Home Ain’t Easy.
Other than All Dead All Dead, I've really enjoyed the Brian songs.
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When I first started REALLY digging in to Queen, and got the Hollywood remasters, Jazz was a personal favorite for a while. It hasn't aged well, in the sense that it's not a record I can just put on at any time and immerse myself in it (like "Clutching At Straws" by Marillion) but if I am in the mood it still delivers. Then again, a lot of it is due to Freddie; the man is just a joy to listen to. Rarely, in my book, does the hype live up to the reality, but in my humble view, I think maybe even sometimes he doesn't get ENOUGH credit (or at least, people fixate on some of the things that aren't important and lose sight of the fact that the man could sing ANYTHING).
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Time for me to visit the pond and listen to this whole album again, because I do still enjoy it ;)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNmEwZGQ4NTYtOTU0Ni00NTMwLTgwMjMtOTQxZWFjNDM4ZWZkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjUwNzk3NDc@._V1_.jpg)
More relevant Alice, Joe!
https://youtu.be/JI22Vynv61M?t=82
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I’m adaptable, too.😉 And I enjoyed my ‘escape’ to the pond!😀 Enjoyed yet another ‘Jazz’ listen, with a double of ‘Dreamer’s Ball’. Always been one of my favorites.
It was part of their upcoming acoustic set on tour (to be posted in days). ‘Jealousy’ was not played in concert. In fact, the era of just Freddie and piano ended with the last tour.
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I’m adaptable, too.😉
Side 2 of Zipper Catches Skin is one of my favorite album sides in his catalog.
And if anyone cares, the opening of If You Can't Beat Them reminded me of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuflWJY6y4Q
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Tim has enjoyed toying and testing me throughout this thread both here and via PMs (and I with him 😉). With the thousand things going on right now, I could only guess a Sweet song here, but I wrote him about ITCBThem personally, and flung ‘School’s Out’ as my second guess.
At least I had the correct artist👍 As soon as I heard the first four notes of ‘Escape’, the light went on!
Always joked that Alice influenced Queen more than any other artist. Just look at some of the similar titles. ‘Under My Wheels’-> ‘Under Pressure’, ‘Killer’-> ‘Killer Queen’, ‘Crazy Little Child’->’Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ etc
If only I still had that spreadsheet.
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Someone needs to do an Alice Cooper Discography & Listening Part™ Thread....
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When I’m done with the Queen discography in ‘24, after I get my sister-in-law moved, and possibly ourselves, I’ll be more than happy to assist 😉
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When I’m done with the Queen discography in ‘24, after I get my sister-in-law moved, and possibly ourselves, I’ll be more than happy to assist 😉
Cool. Spring of 2025. It on!
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When I’m done with the Queen discography in ‘24, after I get my sister-in-law moved, and possibly ourselves, I’ll be more than happy to assist 😉
Cool. Spring of 2025. It on!
"So take me to the dreamer's ball
I'll be right on time
and I'll dress so fine..."
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life willing, I'll get to the next album in a few days....
JAZZ North American Tour, Part 1 Oct 28 - Nov 14th
[img width=560height=370]https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-12-06_Madison_20.jpg[/img]
Once again, Queen tour the States during the cold of late fall/early winter.
Many changes take place: the ‘Crown Jewel’ lighting rig is gone (on to E.L.O.), replaced by ‘the Pizza Oven’, a hovering monolith that covers the stage. It would rise and lower and change angles throughout. It was the ‘fifth’ star of the show (or the ‘special guest’ listed in the ads).
For the singalong acoustic set (‘Dreamer’s Ball’, ‘Love Of My Life’, and ’39), a small stage would be lowered from the ceiling to in front of the main stage during the end of ‘Spread Your Wings’.
Five new songs from ‘Jazz’ are part of the setlist, with no old songs added. The complete versions of ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are The Champions’ are now the final encores. Dropped are two long standing fan favorites, ‘Liar’ and ‘Stone Cold Crazy’, along with ‘The Millionaire Waltz’, ‘Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy’, ‘White Man’, ‘The Prophet’s Song’, and ‘My Melancholy Blues. And though each would be played on rare occasions, the forever encores ‘Big Spender’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’ have finally been retired.
The showcases of just Freddie and piano are a thing of the past as well.
It is a harder edged set list. The one remaining piano ballad, ‘Love of My Life’, is changed to what is now the familiar duet of Freddie with Brian on acoustic guitar.
Freddie’s leotards are mostly a thing of the past, and are replaced with his all black leather outfit. And, John's hair is much shorter ;)
******
Dallas Convention Center Dallas, Texas, October 28th, 1978 Attendance: 10,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNlIWoZdEEU&t=147s Quality: B+
The first show, with quite a few flubs. The videos for 'Bicycle Race' and 'Fat Bottomed Girls' are filmed this day.
We Will Rock You (fast)/ Let Me Entertain You/ If You Can't Beat Them/ Somebody To Love Medley: Death On Two Legs- Killer Queen- Bicycle Race- I'm In Love With My Car- Get Down Make Love- You're My Best Friend /Now I'm Here/ Spread Your Wings/ Dreamer's Ball/ Love Of My Life/ '39/ It's Late/ Brighton Rock/ Fat Bottomed Girls/ Sheer Heart Attack/ Keep Yourself Alive/ Bohemian Rhapsody
Encore 1: Tie Your Mother Down Encore 2: We Will Rock You/ We Are The Champions/ God Save The Queen
Complete versions of WWRY and WATC are now played.
‘Sheer Heart Attack’ would soon be moved to the encore. A rarity this night, as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ closes the concert proper, and ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ does not.
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New Orleans October 31st....the day of the infamous 'Jazz' album launch party
Some video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIXUny6KOI0
The write ups regarding the after show party https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/freddie-mercury-the-story-of-queens-most-infamous-party-ever.html/
(or google Queen New Orleans 78 for various articles)
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Capital Center Landover, Maryland, November 6th, Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCxQK5UjnMU Quality: B (incomplete)
Though it is incomplete, it was exciting when released only a few years ago of a venue just down the road that no longer exists.
There are some complete videos from the Capital Center of bands such as Van Halen, Journey, and Styx available via youtube but, of course, nothing from this show. As is, this is the only footage currently available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiFtIQX0-cw 8mm of WWRY (fast) and most of WATC
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MARCH 26, 2023 EDIT
Thanks to TAC for the info of part of this concert being made available just a couple of days ago
Cobo Hall, Detroit November 9th or 10th Attendance: 11,000 + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXNtDBxAdwo Grade: A to A+ (other than a slightly harsh cut after TYMD to SHA)
Tie Your Mother Down Encores: Sheer Heart Attack / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/tickets/78-11-09_Detroit_ticket_01.jpg)
The second release this year of a Detroit show (SHA Tour '75 being the first). Freddie's voice is a bit off at times (read the review below), but 'so what!' (plus, he's incorrect in stating that only two songs were performed on the mini drop down stage). This has the first complete playing of 'Sheer Heart Attack, as a shortened version was always performed during the NOTW tour and prior 'Jazz' shows.
"Thank you. Goodnight. See you soon, Detroit." This gave me goosebumps, as I would see them in Detroit less than two years later! :tup
These shows took place on Thursday and Friday nights. On Saturday, they'd perform at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, ...my favorite concert of all time. So this tape is extra extra special.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-11-09_Detroit_43.jpg) (https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-11-09_Detroit_18.jpg)
https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/reviews/78-11-09_Detroit_review.jpg
(Original Detroit comments on page 44)
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The following night, and Queen make their second appearance in Kalamazoo.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/ads/78-11-11_Kalamazoo_ad_02.jpg)
article in queenlive.ca provided by yours truly
I'm going to bore you with some details first. We arrived that Saturday at 5pm or so for that 8pm show. Both entrances on the north and south sides already had thousands in line, since it was General Admission. We grabbed a six pack, went up near the front of one line, about fifteen feet from the doors, and stood on the curb and chatted with people on the sidewalk. At 7pm, everyone was ordered off the grass, so we were pushed right into the line. Lucky for us, we thought.
When the doors opened, there was a frightening surge forward. I remember having my arms pinned against my chest and shuffling my feet forward as little as I could as I was pushed ahead, with my friend next to me. About a minute later, all doors at that entrance were opened, and we finally had some space.
Cincinnati, Riverfront Coliseum, with eleven deaths at The Who concert taking place a year later due to a similar type of 'stampede'. That could have been us in Kalamazoo.
******
Moving on to more cheerful notes.....first, thank goodness for WLAV-FM in Grand Rapids. Almost every Friday night at 11pm the station would play albums just released, or sneak previews of those still not on the shelves. In August, one week before its release, they spun ‘Pieces of Eight’ by Styx on the night before I would see them perform.
The same held true for ‘Jazz’, as it would not be released until the 14th. Once again, I had a blank 8 track at the ready. Listened to it again that night, and on the way down to Kzoo with my best friend. Hearing it certainly helped eliminate a lot of confusion of what at times could be a confusing show right from the start. Having missed the NOTW the prior year, and with the playbilll having ‘With Special Guest’, when the ‘thunderbolts and lightning’ tape started, followed by the first chords of the fast version of ‘We Will Rock You’, it took a few seconds to realize it WAS Queen on stage!
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/8d5395c18f94b684116893bdefe2e834/5b358d200f9c02f1-ef/s540x810/8acd9118dcfed18c9f9e3f1001ec905485132a54.jpg)
From the songs, the band, their front man, the lighting, etc..... this remains the #1 concert of my life.
Some have come close, but nothing will ever top it.
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Providence Civic Center, Providence, Rhode Island, November 14th Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkNJeZrHriA&t=219s Quality: A+++
We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Somebody To Love / If You Can't Beat Them Medley: Death On Two Legs - Killer Queen - Bicycle Race - I'm In Love With My Car - Get Down Make Love - You're My Best Friend / Now I'm Here / Spread Your Wings / Dreamer's Ball / Love Of My Life / '39 / It's Late / Brighton Rock / Fat Bottomed Girls / Keep Yourself Alive / The March Of The Black Queen (intro) / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
(this was provided by the family of Dan Lampanski, in spite of the different name now listed by Ryan Newton)
Three days after Kalamazoo, and barely topping the Detroit ’77 News of the World show, this became my favorite bootleg of all time when made available in 2017.
Problems with the lighting rig are commented on by Freddie after YMBF as being ‘f*cked’.
Unlike the album version, Freddie plays piano during both instrumentals in ‘If You Can’t Beat Them’. This would be a surprisingly good rockin' concert song, along with the two opening ones, ‘Now I’m Here’, ‘It’s Late’, ‘Keep Yourself Alive’, ‘Tie Your Mother Down’, and ‘Sheer Heart Attack’.
‘Jazz’ was released this day in the States. This is the band’s fifth show in six days (two shows in the tropics of Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Boston preceding this night). The lead singer's voice is not as strong as it would be in the upcoming NYC shows, but Freddie on a somewhat off night is better than what most had to offer on their best.
the remaining '78 shows will be posted tomorrow...
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JAZZ North American Tour, Part 1 Oct 28 - Nov 14th
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-12-06_Madison_20.jpg)
So they changed the lights, but not the bass drum head??
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Providence Civic Center, Providence, Rhode Island, November 14th Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkNJeZrHriA&t=219s Quality: A+++
This show sounds phenomenal. I already had this on file. Listened to this last week.
Capital Center Landover, Maryland, November 6th, Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCxQK5UjnMU Quality: B (incomplete)
Released only a few years ago. Though it is incomplete, it was exciting when released only a few years ago of a venue just down the road that no longer exists.
There are some complete videos from the Capital Center of bands such as Van Halen, Journey, and Styx available via youtube but, of course, nothing from this show. As is, this is the only footage currently available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiFtIQX0-cw 8mm of WWRY (fast) and most of WATC
That 8mm film is terrific. I could watch a whole show of that.
The Cap Center was also the star (sort of) of Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBryTebK2Og
Love the concert experience story Joe!
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So they changed the lights, but not the bass drum head??
Love the concert experience story Joe!
Man, how astute! :tup Short story long....it was white with the black 'outline' of the crest on through the ANATO tour, black with white outline during the ADATR tour, and Frank was on the drum head up through the Jazz North American tour. The LP cover would replace him during the European segment.
Concert experience: as I typed it, I felt like I was reliving that panic. Of course, once we made it in, we kind of laughed, ran to the restroom, then rushed to grab (since this is a hockey arena) 'blue line' seats closest to the stage on Brian's side, about three rows back. Entering the arena was nothing like that two years earlier, or two weeks earlier for Jethro Tull.
Or years later for Alice Cooper, Yes, Van Halen for the F*CK tour, or Queensryche on 'Promised Land' at the still standing 'stadium'.
Enjoying the Judas Priest parking lot so far ...
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Enjoying the Judas Priest parking lot so far ...
I saw Judas Priest 5 days later in Providence.
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JAZZ No. American Tour '78 Part 2
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-11-17_New%20York_27.jpg)
the slumbering Pizza Oven before a show
Plenty of Jazz tour tapes were made available over the past decade. Depending on preferences regarding performance, the crowd, the quality of the recording, or your location, there's a lot to choose from. And pictures throughout on queenlive.ca
Madison Square Garden, New York City, November 16th Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGsg8e21j78&t=81s Quality: B
Madison Square Garden New York City, November 17th Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1Hm5rTddG0&t=3212s Quality: A/A-/B Raucous crowds both nights, with plenty of scantily clad women on stage riding bicycles during one song.
********************
Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, New York, November 19th, Attendance: 17,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KAhF1hlvkU&t=48s Quality: B-
***********************
The Spectrum, Philadelphia, November 20th Attendance: 18,200 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThApeTbGbEI Grade: B
************
The Forum, Montreal, December 1st Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThApeTbGbEI Quality: A
this was the best Jazz tour bootleg available to me in the 90s until a handful of years ago in such good quality.. . The taper somewhat ruins (or enhances) the experience by clapping against his body where the recorder is at times. 😀
****************
Maple Leaf Gardens Toronto, December 3rd Attendance: 16,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArI2VLdQuCY&t=2764s Quality: A-
******************
Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, December 7th Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9tcWyiHLfQ&t=3875s Quality: A
Yet another high quality tape with a high energy Windy City crowd.
**************
Pacific Coliseum Vancouver, December 14th Attendance: 17,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40ZRhFmdHTc Quality: A
If only Freddie could have hit some of the same high notes that some of the females near the taper reached this night. ;)
**************
Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, California, December 16th Attendance: 15,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BMIR2iFRNY Quality: B
The reviewer describes this as the best show on the tour. It is one of the most enthusiastic crowds.
**********************
Inglewood, California at the LA Forum for three nights, the final night adding 'Big Spender' and 'Jailhouse Rock' on as a third encore before heading home for the holidays (and a chance for Freddie to rest his voice).
Former Alice Cooper guitarist Keri Kelli's first concert as a 10-year-old was seeing Queen at one of these shows, and recalled it to be what inspired him to play guitar. queenlive.ca
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-11-20_Philadelphia_07.jpg)
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I dropped the needle on a bunch of these shows last week. I quite liked the Chicago and Vancouver shows.
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^
those were great shows! :tup
thought it would be the right moment to place this here before the Jazz European shows
DON’T STOP ME NOW b/w In Only Seven Days (More Of That Jazz in USA)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/97/Queen-dont-stop-me-now-1979-6-s.jpg)
video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM (http://759 million views)
(http://1.2 Billion) listens on Spotify (thanks, TAC)
Released: January 26, 1979
UK #11, USA #86
Ireland #10, Netherlands #14, Belgium #23, West Germany #35
2009 Sweden #37
2014 Portugal #7
2015 France #68
2018 UK #1, USA #7
Czech Republic #13, Hungary #15, Slovakia #27, Japan #37, Austria #38, Switzerland #52, Australia #53, Italy #54, Portugal #65, Spain #77, Netherlands #97
2019 Japan #32
USA #30 (movie version)
Certifications:
Gold in Germany and Japan
Platinum in Denmark
3x Platinum in UK, USA, Italy
5x Platinum in Australia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Stop_Me_Now
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-dont-stop-me-now-amazon-super-bowl-commercial/
https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/queen-dont-stop-me-now-biggest-hits-8501348/
Toyota, Visa, Cadbury, and Lego are just a few who have featured the song in their ads. We have friends whose companies have used it in various internal office bits, promos, etc.
https://www.ispot.tv/ad/bAlS/visit-california-am-i-dreaming-song-by-queen
Also appeared in the movie, ‘Shaun Of The Dead’
Bobby Olivier of Billboard attributes the initial rebirth of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" to its appearance in the film, which "introduced it to a new generation of listeners", saying: "Perhaps the most famous scene from Shaun of the Dead features "Don't Stop Me Now" which blares from a pub jukebox while stars Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Kate Ashfield bash a zombie with pool cues to the song's hurtling beat".[37] The moment had been Wright's idea, as he loves Queen and "had the idea of playing Don't Stop Me Now – one of the most positive, exciting, happy tunes ever – over a scene of extreme violence".[7] Pegg explained that the fight in the pub was choreographed to the song even before it had been cleared to be used in the film, so they wrote to Brian May and begged to use it.[7]
For a bit of a different listen, …minus drums https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4_kqs0M-wI
minus guitar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFGNiO2pI4
Certainly a late bloomer, and the amount of views and listens were more than surprising. Understatement.
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JAZZ EUROPEAN TOUR ‘79 (or sometimes called the 'Live Killers Tour')
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/posters/79_Germany_poster_01.jpg)
The setlist is almost the same as in the States. ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ would be added, while ‘If You Can’t Beat Them’ and ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ would often alternate. 'Big Spender' and 'Jailhouse Rock' would make occasional appearances.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-02-01_Cologne_27.jpg)
Westfalenhalle Dortmund, West Germany, January 21st Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWO3A176OLU Quality: B+/B-
The fourth overall, and first available tape of the European tour. Even with the three weeks off after the States, Freddie’s voice is mostly shot.
******************
Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, January 24th Attendance: 11,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwBeciInX3M Quality: A-
Freddie’s voice is still off, but better than the prior show. And it is a high quality recording.
*******************
Sporthalle Cologne, West Germany February 1st, Attendance: 8,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP4Qb4uNN48 Quality: A-/B+
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-02-07_Ljubljana_01.jpg)
Slovenia, February 7th
MUNICH February 11th German documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ-Qzby13XA
17:38 begins the concert footage. At 21:14 begins some bantering by Freddie with the crowd, some good live footage of ‘Now I’m Here’ (with the back and forth between Freddie and the crowd)
29:20, with the German translation during the operatic part of BoRhap 😊 but it has one of the best film footages of when the band reappears during the song.
The ending of this video includes complete versions of ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ ‘We Will Rock You’, and ‘We Are The Champions’ (check out from the 40 minute mark til the end, especially the last 20 seconds of Freddie in front of the drum kit as the final notes of WATC are played, and the Pizza Oven descends). And an almost a complete GSTQ…..combine this after the upcoming Paris video, and one gets to experience visually of most of what a Queen concert was like during this tour.
That’s why I hold Kalamazoo ’78 on a pedestal.
*********
Three nights in Paris conclude the tour.
Second night
Pavillon de Paris Paris, France February 28th Attendance: 10,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LKtdpnSJ7o Quality: A-/A+
*************
Pavillon de Paris Paris, France March 1st, Attendance: 10,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SzjmJ-64CQ&t=60s Quality: B+/B-
The longest Queen concert ever at 2 1/2 hours. There are three encores, with ‘Big Spender’ / ‘Jailhouse Rock’ played second. ‘Dead On Time’ is included in the ‘Brighton Rock’ solo. Freddie’s voice is still in rough shape, but it’s still a good show for many reasons.
The PARIS video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjL3hHVDONc
Though incomplete, it is the most video footage available of any ‘Jazz’ tour show.
INTRO / We Will Rock You (Fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Somebody To Love / Fat Bottomed Girl / You're My Best Friend / Now I'm Here / Don't Stop Me Now / If You Can Beat Him / Spread Your Wings / Dreamer Ball / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down / Sheer Heart Attack
The only video of the start of a ‘Jazz’ tour show (Remember….’Never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!’ :tup)
Pretty good visuals throughout, especially of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' during the operatic and rock parts. 'Tie Your Mother Down' is good because it shows how the lights were panning the audience at various times. It also shows Freddie going completely bonkers and tipping over a speaker at the end of ‘Sheer Heart Attack’.
I remember a friend sending this to me two decades ago. The Berlin ending I watched for the first time a few weeks ago.
Enjoy!
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-02-17_Lyon_24.jpg)
during the final chords of 'We Are The Champions', Lyon France. Six songs from this concert would appear on their next album.
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Joe, The Paris footage is nice. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the small stage that is mentioned earlier that is lowered from the ceiling. I didn't see it.
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All I can do is assume that it was not used in Europe, or only at select shows.
The December 3rd, 1978 show in Toronto has two pictures of it being lowered (a friend Tracy is even mentioned). I noticed some side views from Rotterdam from January 29 that shows them at the front of the stage, with the cat walk visible. The lowered 'B' stage would cover it had it been used.
I also noticed in the video, that Freddie is leaning against his piano at times during 'Dreamer's Ball'. Trust me, no piano was on the B stage ;)
(for those not familiar, go to 'queenlive.ca' , then 'Select A Year' , then scroll down to your show choice)
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The December 3rd, 1978 show in Toronto has two pictures of it being lowered
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live_thumbnails/78-12-03_Toronto_13.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-12-03_Toronto_14.jpg)
Wow, that's cool!
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^
Thanks, Tim. I had thought of putting up the pics....
That stage was just one of the many things that made it such a unique show. First, with the lighting rig covering the stage (not knowing it was the rig), one didn't know it was Queen playing for the first few seconds as the rig tilted up (remember that the playbills clearly stated ‘And Special Guest’). Hell, 'Get Down Make Love' was interesting visually, as the rig lowered over an almost dark stage during the instrumental while Brian and John bent over motionless during that time. Then the rig rose up and just before the whistle and final chorus was played, all of the white lights shined onto the stage. And it stayed that way for‘You’re My Best Friend’…which seemed to be played as a polite afterthought.
And, who in the hell else played timpanis during their drum solos?!?
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QUEEN JAZZ TOUR ‘79 Japan
The setlist remains basically the same as the European tour. Oddly, it would not be until April 20th that ‘Teo Torriate’ would be added (‘Spread Your Wings’ being dropped). It is obviously enjoyed by all the crowds who sing along to it each night.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/posters/79-04_Tokyo_poster.jpg)
Nippon Budokan Tokyo, April 4th, Attendance: 4,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSLFD-byTHU&t=5734s Quality: A
Another off night for Freddie, but a top quality recording by ‘Mr. Peach’.
******************
Festival Hall Osaka, April 20th, Attendance: 3,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3kkH_zJsy0 Quality: A
Since they did not play in Japan for the NOTW tour, they decide to start the show with the WWRY slow segment for thirty seconds, with Freddie and Brian at opposite sides of the stage. This would continue on for the rest of the tour. Nice touch.
*******************
Nippon Budokan Tokyo, April 23rd, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr9AMh4EfTM&t=6s Quality: A
****************************
Nippon Budokan Tokyo, Japan April 24th, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irHnn9_urBk Quality: A
Another high quality Mr. Peach recording, another night of subpar vocals from Freddie. The picture(s) for what would become the cover of ‘Live Killers’ are taken this night
*****************
Makomanai Ice Arena, Sapporo, May 6th, Attendance: 11,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLfgB3jzAX0&t=6405s Quality: B+
A singalong of ‘Liar’ is added as part of ‘Now I’m Here’, and a nice extended version of ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. ‘Jailhouse Rock’ is played just before ‘Sheer Heart Attack’.
Tonight marks the last time they'd play the slow "We Will Rock You' at the beginning of the show on tape. These are also the final performances of ‘Bicycle Race’, ‘Dreamer's Ball’, ‘It's Late’, and the full ‘Keep Yourself Alive’. ‘Brighton Rock’ would be dropped from the setlist as well (the solo would always exist), but it would be heard at least once on the Crazy tour.
Queen’s longest world tour concludes, finally giving Freddie a chance to rest his vocal chords. He would come back months later, sounding stronger and better than ever.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-05-02_Yamaguchi_05.jpg)
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Joe, I didn’t know you had a Superman outfit! ;D
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Joe, I didn’t know you had a Superman outfit! ;D
:rollin
the problem with this, other than the curly hair and muscles, is that I.....
.... don't believe in Peter Pan
Frankenstein or Superman
'cuz all I want to do is......
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Joe, I didn’t know you had a Superman outfit! ;D
:rollin
the problem with this, other than the curly hair and muscles, is that I.....
.... don't believe in Peter Pan
Frankenstein or Superman
That’s a joke on two legs.
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And, who in the hell else played timpanis during their drum solos?!?
This guy?
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1e/d0/f7/1ed0f7e81dfbd0e6e340cca8586e43f3.jpg)
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Carl Palmer, too. I never saw Queen or Led Zeppelin, but I saw ELP, and Palmer's solo was incredible.
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I saw ELP too...but it was in 1986 so it was Cozy Powell.
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And, who in the hell else played timpanis during their drum solos?!?
This guy?
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1e/d0/f7/1ed0f7e81dfbd0e6e340cca8586e43f3.jpg)
Overlooked in my 'boyhood' enthusiasm post ;)
sidenote: was supposed to see Lynyrd Skynyrd in Detroit. Plane crash. Next Detroit scheduled concert: Led Zeppelin. Bonhom's death. Next Detroit scheduled concert: Queen in '80. We were hoping bad things wouldn't come in threes.....
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Up to this point in this thread, there have been four official ‘posthumous’ live releases made available: BBC ‘73, the two Rainbow releases from ’74, and A Night At The Odeon ‘75. Other full concerts on film that have not been released are Hyde Park, Earl’s Court, and Houston ’78. Plus, all of the numerous bootlegs posted in this thread that are unofficially available.
In real time, here was the first available live release……
LIVE KILLERS
Released June 22, 1979, EMI (Europe), Elektra (USA)
Charts: UK #3, USA #16
Austria #3, West Germany #4, Japan #9, Netherlands #9, Norway #10, Sweden #15, New Zealand #21, Australia #25
1992
Switzerland #34
Certifications
Gold in UK, Austria, West Germany, Netherlands,Switzerland
Platinum in USA
Singles: Love of My Life /Now I'm Here UK #63,
(1981, #1 in Argentina and Brazil !!!)
Eventually Gold in the UK and USA,
Platinum in Italy
We Will Rock You (Fast Version) /Let Me Entertain You – USA (DNC)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ma4DSJ1kL._AC_SX425_.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oai4Fqzy95Q&t=21s
Freddie Mercury – lead vocals, piano
Brian May – guitars, backing vocals
Roger Taylor – drums, tambourine, timpani, backing vocals, lead vocals on "I'm in Love with My Car"
John Deacon – bass guitar, backing vocals, triangle
********
SIDE ONE
We Will Rock You (Fast) 3:29
Let Me Entertain You 3:04
Medley:
Death On Two Legs 3:32
Killer Queen 1:59
Bicycle Race 1:29
I'm in Love with My Car 2:01
Get Down, Make Love 4:31
You're My Best Friend 2:07
SIDE TWO
Now I'm Here 8:44
Dreamer's Ball 3:42
Love of My Life 4:59
'39 3:26
Keep Yourself Alive 4:03
SIDE THREE
Don't Stop Me Now 4:28
Spread Your Wings 5:14
Brighton Rock 12:13
SIDE FOUR
Bohemian Rhapsody 5:51
Tie Your Mother Down 3:43
Sheer Heart Attack 3:36
We Will Rock You 2:48
We Are the Champions 3:27
God Save the Queen 1:33
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-2%2Flive-killers-uklpgatefold1.jpg&hash=84bf7dbae74fc49115a02954324e426127d31f10) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-2%2Flive-killers-uklpgatefold2.jpg&hash=76f5b02bfd86be32935740006f42449192138e14)
From various locations of the European ‘Jazz’ tour. A real shame that ‘Somebody To Love’ was not included (never had a live version of it until the 90s from the Montreal ‘81 VHS tape). Same for ‘It’s Late. They should have released them as a double A-side 45 single at the same time. That would have sold well.
I had hoped that 'Live Killers' would have been polished during the time of all the reissues in 2011, or in a 40th anniversary release., with a complete and correct tracklist, which would have added ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’, ‘If You Can’t Beat Them’, ‘It’s Late’, and ‘Somebody To Love’. Instead, there was no reissue or anniversary release :angry:
As is, there are better sounding live releases of various bands out there. Hell, there’s better sounding bootlegs from this tour! But…cranked up, that’s how the band sounded to me eight months earlier, so I’m not going to complain too much.
Highlights were Side Two and Four, as well as ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, and certainly ‘Spread Your Wings’. And all of the audience participation throughout.
(https://www.justfortherecord.co.nz/assets/Images/Albums/PICT8429.JPG)
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I LOVED this record when I got it (not in real time; later, probably mid-to-late '80's, whenever it first came out on CD) and love it now. This is a great record, and SCREAMS for the UFO Strangers treatment (a live box of all the complete shows that went into the final release).
I'd be first in line for that.
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So I bought a Used vinyl copy while I was in college at this awesome used record store. I swear it was in some dude's enlarged shed behind his house, but I used to go there all the time. He actually moved into an actual store, but it was never quite the same.
And being totally serious, I don't think I ever listened to more than Side 1. Queen could just never hold my attention.
I bought the CD after I met my wife, but again, I just don't remember ever listening to it. :lol
This is a great record, and SCREAMS for the UFO Strangers treatment (a live box of all the complete shows that went into the final release).
The Strangers Deluxe Version might be the single greatest release ever...at least in TAC land.
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Spotify streams..
SIDE ONE
We Will Rock You (Fast)...1.18m
Let Me Entertain You...739k
Medley:
Death On Two Legs...831k
Killer Queen....1.39m
Bicycle Race ....975k
I'm in Love with My Car...795k
Get Down, Make Love ...644k
You're My Best Friend...905k
SIDE TWO
Now I'm Here...660k
Dreamer's Ball...583k
Love of My Life....1.47m
'39...1.04m
Keep Yourself Alive...692k
SIDE THREE
Don't Stop Me Now...2.47m
Spread Your Wings....1.01m
Brighton Rock ....610k
SIDE FOUR
Bohemian Rhapsody ....971k
Tie Your Mother Down...574k
Sheer Heart Attack....418k
We Will Rock You....570k
We Are the Champions....622k
God Save the Queen....362k
Once again, the song I can't remember ever hearing has the most streams.
And for as many streams as the studio version of Bohemian Rhapsody has, I thought this version was surprisingly low, even at 971k.
But it shows that this album is not popular with the kids. :lol
Oh, and I know why I never got past side 1. I probably shut it off with IILWMC and GDML back to back. I never liked those songs.
Honestly, IILWMC actually isn't that bad musically, except for the fact that it's called I'm In Love With My Car. :lol
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Seems like people people are going to be pretty divided on this one, which I guess is nothing new around here.
I think this is where Queen officially lost me, and it had been iffy for a while. Those early albums were so well produced, sounded so amazing with the layers of vocals and guitars, that I really didn't feel that they translated well to a live setting. As always, my opinion might have been more forgiving if I were watching video of the live performances, but as it was, all we had was the audio, and I just couldn't get into it. I thought that fast version of We Will Rock You was weird. Not bad, but I just thought "Why?" And I really do not like medleys. They just seem like dumb excuses to play parts of songs and tease the audience, when I would always prefer to hear songs in their entirety. Pretty sure I never got past Side One.
I should probably revisit this one, since I've found considerably more respect for live Queen since then, but at the time, nah. It just didn't work for me.
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@ Joe....brace yourself. It could be a bumpy ride from here. :lol
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(https://c.tenor.com/oUH-o1z4XHcAAAAM/freddie-mercury-freddiem.gif)
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@ Joe....brace yourself. It could be a bumpy ride from here. :lol
You mean like this?
(https://c.tenor.com/eG_U3fCPiAkAAAAd/bumpy-ride.gif)
Other than life's interferences, why do you think I've been quite deliberate in posting about all the good things of the 70s? ;) They lost me in the 80s, but thank goodness for their last album, their 'coda', and Wembley '86 that were released within one year of Freddie's passing.
Trust me, that decade will go by in a 'flash....a-ahhh' ;)
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So, I ran through Live Killers at work yesterday, and I really enjoyed it. Great deeper tracks like Brighton Rock would've never resonated with me before.
And I really do not like medleys. They just seem like dumb excuses to play parts of songs and tease the audience, when I would always prefer to hear songs in their entirety.
I completely agree. Dio used to do this in the 80's and it drove me nuts.
They lost me in the 80s,
I'm expecting more outstanding writeups and information for the 80's albums as we got for the 70's.
Hoping you'll keep sharing those real time impressions as these albums were released, and how you may or may not have come to terms with them.
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Spotify streams..
SIDE ONE
We Will Rock You (Fast)...1.18m
Let Me Entertain You...739k
Medley:
Death On Two Legs...831k
Killer Queen....1.39m
Bicycle Race ....975k
I'm in Love with My Car...795k
Get Down, Make Love ...644k
You're My Best Friend...905k
SIDE TWO
Now I'm Here...660k
Dreamer's Ball...583k
Love of My Life....1.47m
'39...1.04m
Keep Yourself Alive...692k
SIDE THREE
Don't Stop Me Now...2.47m
Spread Your Wings....1.01m
Brighton Rock ....610k
SIDE FOUR
Bohemian Rhapsody ....971k
Tie Your Mother Down...574k
Sheer Heart Attack....418k
We Will Rock You....570k
We Are the Champions....622k
God Save the Queen....362k
Once again, the song I can't remember ever hearing has the most streams.
And for as many streams as the studio version of Bohemian Rhapsody has, I thought this version was surprisingly low, even at 971k.
But it shows that this album is not popular with the kids. :lol
Oh, and I know why I never got past side 1. I probably shut it off with IILWMC and GDML back to back. I never liked those songs.
Honestly, IILWMC actually isn't that bad musically, except for the fact that it's called I'm In Love With My Car. :lol
But 'Trampled Underfoot' was OK? :D
btw, I know you enjoyed the Providence '78 show, as well as Oakland and Vancouver. Take yourself back as a young TAC and finally have a live
album to hear months after seeing that band. Kalamazoo wasn't my first time, but it was my first 'live' album to hear.
Also, ......when 'Jazz' finished with 'More Of That Jazz', and then we got the live album, I though the band was done. Over. Broke up. Kaput. That was generally how things went back then.
OK, I'll admit, the 'Live Killer' numbers did not jump out. That's not surprising, yet the third highest total was for 'Love Of My Life'.
A quick jump into the 'rabbit hole' for various results on youtube showed...
'Love Of My Life' live, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUJkCXE4sAA lists 71 MILLION views. Wembley and other performances have
millions of hits. THAT rather surprised me.
Various WWRY, WATC etc performances from Montreal, Milton Keynes, Budapest, Wembley etc have one to thirty million views. Very hard to put a number
on what was released 'live', though having a video certainly adds to the views.
Oh, and since I have worn this jacket below to all five of the Dream Theater preshows that I've hosted (and Jordan admired :tup), I thought I'd include a bit more 'obsession' with this album (and I'll probably go back to it as the avatar that I had for years on this forum). And, yes we each had the red and green vinyl release when we met. And I thank Mrs. DA for buying it for me on our first anniversary nineteen years ago.
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/280564658_667231387675484_6763441459805930684_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p206x206&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aee45a&_nc_ohc=MgWNvllQ0awAX-HrnPn&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_AVI7UKI2COEiMHQV_sMVWpzY_tdm26l88eBfW4G3X2aKnw&oe=62D2659D)
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btw, I know you enjoyed the Providence '78 show, as well as Oakland and Vancouver. Take yourself back as a young TAC and finally have a live
album to hear months after seeing that band. Kalamazoo wasn't my first time, but it was my first 'live' album to hear.
Oh hell yes, of course!
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I LOVED this record when I got it (not in real time; later, probably mid-to-late '80's, whenever it first came out on CD) and love it now. This is a great record, and SCREAMS for the UFO Strangers treatment (a live box of all the complete shows that went into the final release).
I'd be first in line for that.
Well, it did go Platinum in the States, so a lot of people had to love it. Most of us did, right? :tup Side One for the most part was for those liking the less filling, while Sides Two, Three, and Four were where the meat and potatoes existed. Prejudicial opinion, but was there a better live album side than Side Four (excluding anything from 'Score' or 'Live Scenes' ;))
If one wants to get totally anal over what was on it, this and that, so on and so on, here's a link for the Queen 'nerds' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2FE30SNjEA&t=139s To quote George Harrison, ...'it's all too much' for me.
A 40th anniversary two disc release, of the songs in the order of the original setlist, Providence '78, THE best European show, and the bits of all the best videos in order would have easily taken $75-100 out my wife's and my pockets. :tup
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If one wants to get totally anal over what was on it, this and that, so on and so on, here's a link for the Queen 'nerds' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2FE30SNjEA&t=139s To quote George Harrison, ...'it's all too much' for me.
No way, I love that kind of thing. It's the fourth episode and it's 40 minutes?? WOW!
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deleted web pic gone
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also deleted
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:metal :metal :metal
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Saarbrucken Festival, Ludwigsparkstadion, Germany, August 18th Attendance: 35,000 + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0RgQFBq9GE&t=2334s Grade: C+
(posted only for its novelty sake)
We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / If You Can't Beat Them / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / You're My Best Friend / Now I'm Here / Somebody To Love / Spread Your Wings / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / guitar/drum solos / Brighton Rock (ending) / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down / Sheer Heart Attack / Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
The shorter set is due to the festival. First performance of ‘Mustapha’.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-08-18_Saarbrucken_08.jpg)
Freddie is in fine voice after months off. Very poor recording, especially hearing all the fans singing around the taper. (Wow, did we all sound that bad? :lol :lol)
Queen headlined this 1979 festival in Germany, with Red Baron, Voyager, Lake, Molly Hatchet, The Commodores, Ten Years Later (Alvin Lee's late-70s trio), Rory Gallagher also on the day's bill. The Commodores weren't able to finish their set, as they were booed off the stage, along with having to dodge bottles being thrown at them for being a funk and r&b band playing at a rock festival. (a pity, and so racist :tdwn)
queenlive.ca
And, the night that Roger screwed up dyeing his hair, and it ended up green. :rollin His anger boiled over throughout the show, resulting in him smashing his kits off of the podium onto the stage at the end of the show (no Keith Moon imitation intended....)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-08-18_Saarbrucken_34.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-08-18_Saarbrucken_09.jpg)
The final show for the ‘Special Guest’ Pizza Oven lighting rig. Farewell, my trusty and glorious friend :heart :heart
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/screenshots/79-08-18_Saarbrucken_TV_03.jpg)
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CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE b/w We Will Rock You (live) (UK), Spread Your Wings (live) (USA)
Released:
October 12, 1979 UK, December 7, 1979 USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6D_BAuYCI 185 million views
Charts: USA #1 for four weeks, UK #2
#1 in Australia, Canada, Netherlands
Ireland #2, New Zealand #2, Belgium #3, South Africa #3, Switzerland #5, Norway #8, Austria #9, West Germany #13
2018
US #18
Certifications
Gold in Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand
Platinum in the UK and USA
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/36/Crazy_little_thing_called_love.jpg)
Listed separately for a couple of reasons. The first is that it was released in the UK eight months before the next album. The other reasons are that 'The
Crazy Tour' would soon follow, and that it was their first #1 in the States.
Tomorrow: the Crazy Tour
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Joe, released 8 months before the album? Was CLTCL recorded separately (before) from the rest of The Game?
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yes...as was this...
SAVE ME b/w Let Me Entertain You (live) UK, Sheer Heart Attack (live) Japan
Recorded June-July 1979
Released: January 1980
Charts: UK #11
Netherlands #5, Norway #7, Belgium #13, Italy #31, West Germany #42, (not released in the States)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Queen_Save_Me.png)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw3izcZd9zU 35 Million views
(nice little special effect with the dove and guitar)
Brian May wrote "Save Me" about Freddie. Recorded in the Summer of 1979 in Munich. The song was written when Mercury's relationship with American chef Joe Fanelli had just ended. During an interview for the radio show In the Studio with Redbeard, May stated: "I wrote ['Save Me']—to cut a long story short—I wrote it about a friend, someone who was going through a bad time, and I imagined myself in their shoes, kind of telling the story. Someone whose relationship is totally f*cked up and how sad that person was."
Of note....the last we'd see Freddie without his 'stache until '84.....
CRAZY TOUR this afternoon
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Listening to Save Me closely...
Freddie sounds kind of spent on it, whereas he didn't on CLTCL.
Were CLTCL and Save Me from the same sessions?
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Listening to Save Me closely...
Freddie sounds kind of spent on it, whereas he didn't on CLTCL.
Were CLTCL and Save Me from the same sessions?
Well, one song is upbeat, and the last one…..
‘I hang my head
and I advertise
a soul for sale or rent…’
tears my wife up every time.
Both songs were the summer ‘79 sessions
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Save Me was from the beginning one of my favorite Queen songs. Much like Brian himself, who has talked about his fandom for different artists, I am capable of spending hours mining for the smallest detail about an artist's views or personal life in interviews just to understand a few lines in their songs a little better, and it always stood out to me that Save Me wasn't about a personal experience, but about a friend. Always thought, damn, must be a very close friend that you can write about something they went through with that level of sympathy and eloquence, I wonder who it was. Then recently he says it's about Freddie. Loose thread solved. The thrills of being a Queen fan in 2022 :lol
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I knew it was of a Freddie relationship ending, but not of that one.
The little new tidbits I keep coming across during this......
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The Crazy Tour
Ten cities, twenty one shows in November-December ’79. The concert hall capacities intentionally ranged from only from 2000-5000. A couple of these venues were so small, that supports had to be drilled into the ceilings to hold the smaller modified Pizza Oven ‘Junior’. The rig was still too big for one venue, so only Roger’s drumkit and a few spotlights were used.
Roger’s face is on the drumkit, making any pictures from the year distinguishable from the ‘Jazz / Live Killers’ tour.
This was the first tour that Queen performed in Ireland. At the end of those shows, the traditional tape of ‘God Save The Queen’ was intentionally not played (the first time since Hyde Park due to curfew). Instead, the ending of 'Teo Torriate' from 'A Day at the Races' was used. Smart.
The ‘normal’ setlists are similar to the ‘Live Killers’ tour, though all sorts changes did take place throughout. ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and ‘Save Me’ have been added. ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ is the second song a couple of times, ‘Liar’ is often played on the second night in the same city. ‘Jailhouse Rock’ has been brought back, often as the opener. Sometimes, ‘Let Me Entertain You’ was played first, followed by the ‘We Will Rock You’ fast version
(https://www.concertphotos.uk.com/queen/queen79l.htm)
Apollo Glasgow, Scotland December 1st, Attendance: 3,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfT3DtUVhP8 Quality: B-
Five songs in the middle of the show are being absent.
Not the best quality recording, though it is consistent throughout. Yet I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the crowd singing ‘Spread Your Wings’….even drowning out Brian during the ending instrumental! As well during CLTCL, TYMD, Car, DSMN, STL WWRY WATC and even GSTQ
I don’t think I’ve heard so much hand clapping during a Queen concert.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shNVOSsMynM 'Bohemian Rhapsody' live footage supposedly filmed here (great view during the opera and rock parts)
***************
Newcastle City Hall Newcastle, England December 4th, Attendance: 2,135 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vjr75UE8FI8 Quality: B+
The night before, ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ was the second song, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ ended the concert proper, and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ was the second encore. This night was more the norm, though 'Jailhouse Rock' makes its first appearance as the opening track.
‘Liar’ is in the setlist (as it often was during their second night in the same city).
Freddie is in SUPERB voice, Brian’s fingers are not. Per reviewers, this might be Freddie’s best vocal night ever…..
I bought this about three decades ago. A pure treat, as it was such a find and pleasure to listen to then (and now).
Not the Cavern Club, but a few photos from Liverpool.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-12-07_Liverpool_08.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-12-07_Liverpool_15.jpg)
Lyceum, December 13th. This is the first in a series of seven shows in London, some of which were in clubs like this one. Holes had to be
cut into the ceiling of this small venue in order for the lighting rig to be attached.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/ads/79-12_Crazy_Tour_ad.jpg)
A return to the ‘Rainbow’ for the first time in five years after their (finally) released March and November ’74 shows.
Bristol Hippodrome
A review of the PA system the band used on this tour (a Clair Brothers) was published in the next issue of International Musician, saying it hit 110 dB during Brian May's acoustic solo segment in Love Of My Life on this night, and rising to 118 to 125 for the rest of the show - louder than their stadium shows in 1986.
London, December 17th The Tottenham Mayfair seated HUNDREDS. Only a few spotlights and those around Roger’s drum kit were used.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-12-17_London_01.jpg)
Alexandra Palace, London, December 22nd Freddie in his silver lurex for the last time during the encores
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/79-12-22_London_05.jpg)
next up: The Concert For The People of Kampuchea
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The Newcastle show is decent enough once my ears acclimated to it.
Was scrolling through the pics of the tour on QueenLive. Some great shots.
Queen seemed to like to tour their homeland at Christmas time.
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The Newcastle show is decent enough once my ears acclimated to it.
Was scrolling through the pics of the tour on QueenLive. Some great shots.
To think I had some black and whites from Kzoo '78 that sadly disappeared :sad:
Yeah, Newcastle isn't the best, but it was all I had for about ten years, until......
next up: the Concerts for the People of Kampuchea
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The Concerts For The People Of Kampuchea
In December '79, the concerts for the People of Kampuchea was a series of shows featuring Queen, The Clash, The Pretenders, The Who, Elvis Costello, Wings, and many more artists, which took place at the Hammersmith Odeon in London during December 1979. This was done to raise money for the victims of war-torn Cambodia.
The event was organized by Paul McCartney and then United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim. The final night was the last concert of Wings. An album and EP were released in 1981, and the best (?) of the concerts were released as a film, Concert for Kampuchea.
It was not released until early 1981 (why rush to release a fund raising concert to provide funds for the cause they were performed for? :facepalm:)
(You want the biggest bang for the buck? A late winter/early Spring '80 release, with CLTCL included might have done the trick)
Charts: USA #36
Singles:
Little Sister (Rockpile with Robert Plant) USA #8
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a1/CFTPOK_1981.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeoqRhhQ8rs Video begins with most of 'Now I'm Here' and some of 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerts_for_the_People_of_Kampuchea
The list of performers
December 26th
Queen
December 27th
Ian Dury and the Blockheads (with guest Mick Jones on "Sweet Gene Vincent")
Matumbi
The Clash
December 28th
The Pretenders
The Specials
The Who
December 29th
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Rockpile (with guest Robert Plant on "Little Sister")
Wings
Rockestra
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concerts_for_the_People_of_Kampuchea_(album)
Baba O'Riley (Pete Townshend) – 5:12
Sister Disco (Townshend) – 5:16
Behind Blue Eyes (Townshend) – 3:46
See Me, Feel Me (Townshend) – 5:49
Tracks 1–4 performed by the Who
The Wait (Chrissie Hynde, Pete Farndon) – 3:28
Precious (Hynde) – 3:23
Tattooed Love Boys (Hynde) – 3:18
Tracks 5–7 performed by Pretenders
The Imposter (Elvis Costello) – 2:10
Performed by Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Crawling from the Wreckage (Graham Parker) – 3:02
Performed by Rockpile
Little Sister (Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman) – 3:33
Performed by Rockpile with Robert Plant
Now I'm Here (Brian May) – 6:49
Performed by Queen
Armagideon Time (Bennett) – 4:15
Performed by the Clash
Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (Ian Dury, Chaz Jankel) – 4:30
Performed by Ian Dury & the Blockheads
Monkey Man (Toots Hibbert) – 2:26
Performed by the Specials
Got to Get You into My Life (John Lennon, Paul McCartney) – 2:57
Every Night (McCartney) – 4:17
Coming Up (McCartney) – 4:08
Tracks 15–17 performed by Wings
Lucille (Albert Collins, Richard Penniman) – 3:03
Let It Be (Lennon, McCartney) – 4:12
Rockestra Theme (McCartney) – 2:30
Tracks 18–20 performed by Rockestra
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/281128340_5693683823992751_1413541452616334539_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p206x206&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aee45a&_nc_ohc=GYYN1yFqbPwAX_2g18O&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=03_AVJh8pOZpD8M3xvJdURiQr4bJTqHDIPVjr7kafqn7pJ3FA&oe=62AB6C85)
next up: Queen's December 26th performance
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I heard the live version of "Now I'm Here" from this album and was blown away. I hadn't really thought about Queen in a while, but this put them back on my radar. I love the echoing on Freddie's vocals, creating a similar effect to some parts of "The Prophet's Song" but more limited (and IMO more effective). The call and response with the audience. And the jamming is amazing. Usually when a three-piece goes into a guitar solo, it feels empty because there's no rhythm guitar. Not here. I think it's a combination of Brian's style which includes a lot of chords anyway, John Deacon totally owning the low end, and Roger just smashing everything in sight. This is my favorite Queen performance, period. This song, this particular recording. I had a mix tape for years that I'd made back in the 80's and put this song on first, so I could just listen to it any time I wanted, which was often. And of course in the digital age I always had a copy on my iPod, now backed up to my PC. Yeah, you could say I love it.
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I remember seeing the Rockpile/ Robert Plant Little Sister on MTV quite regularly.
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I remember seeing the Rockpile/ Robert Plant Little Sister on MTV quite regularly.
Yeah, me too. I love that song ("Crawling From The Wreckage" as well).
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I'd never heard of this one - interesting that they included 3 songs from The Pretenders but only 1 from Queen. Queen always were a bit of an outlier in the UK record industry.
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I heard the live version of "Now I'm Here" from this album and was blown away. I hadn't really thought about Queen in a while, but this put them back on my radar. I love the echoing on Freddie's vocals, creating a similar effect to some parts of "The Prophet's Song" but more limited (and IMO more effective). The call and response with the audience. And the jamming is amazing. Usually when a three-piece goes into a guitar solo, it feels empty because there's no rhythm guitar. Not here. I think it's a combination of Brian's style which includes a lot of chords anyway, John Deacon totally owning the low end, and Roger just smashing everything in sight. This is my favorite Queen performance, period. This song, this particular recording. I had a mix tape for years that I'd made back in the 80's and put this song on first, so I could just listen to it any time I wanted, which was often. And of course in the digital age I always had a copy on my iPod, now backed up to my PC. Yeah, you could say I love it.
Couldn't put it any better than this :tup
I also had it on a live mix tape of various artists. It was such a great live tune.
I'd never heard of this one - interesting that they included 3 songs from The Pretenders but only 1 from Queen. Queen always were a bit of an outlier in the UK record industry.
One side of the LP could have had the first official live releases of 'Somebody To Love', 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', along with 'Now I'm Here'. It would have sold additional millions world wide. I saw it perhaps as envy on McCartney's part (?). Again, why it took over a year to be released is anyone's guess.
tonight: Queen's full Kampuchea performance......and what a performance it was! :tup
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I know this is a "Queen" thread, and so the love is here (I have no doubt that the music would have killed), but I can think of 100 reasons why the groups were selected as they were, why the songs were as they were, why the release was delayed... and I'm not sure that McCartney's emotional status plays into many of them.
The album was on Atlantic, for example; that explains why the single was "Little Sister" by Rockpile with Plant. Both were ON Atlantic (through the Swan Song label). They were promoting their own. Queen was on EMI at the time (I believe) and McCartney was on Capitol, though in '70 he was in the process of moving to Columbia (I think).
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So label politics basically fucking everything up. Business as usual, it seems.
Seriously though, yeah, I'm sure there were a lot of rights issues that had to be worked out, which would affect both the release schedule and the song list to some extent.
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I'm certainly not the most impartial person in regards to all of the above :D
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Concert For The People Of Kampuchea
Hammersmith Odeon, London December 26th Attendance 5000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYty3r2xj-c Quality: A++
(compare the bootleg cover compared to the two Rainbows and Odeon official ones)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i23oaEZqZWk/XFmf8hNhNcI/AAAAAAAAHG8/4xv8omX-ogEpB536rqSLguCTj4g_Iz-HQCLcBGAs/s320/queen79.jpg)
on the ‘Kampuchea’ official video release
Now I’m Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkkFKUmFJ70
’39 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou4u-lel2IY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH6FcRJ7Gj4 videos that are available are inserted
Thunderbolts and Lightning / Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You (Fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Somebody to Love / If You Can't Beat Them / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down, Make Love / You're My Best Friend / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Don't Stop Me Now / Spread Your Wings / Love of My Life / ’39 / Keep Yourself Alive / Instrumental / Great King Rat / Silent Night / Brighton Rock (Reprise) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Reprise) / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions / God Save the Queen
Snippets of ‘Great King Rat’ and ‘Silent Night’ are included in the instrumental.
The final performances of If You Can't Beat Them, Don't Stop Me Now, and Spread Your Wings. '39 would be dropped from the setlist for good as well (a real pity).
quoting the host of queenlive.ca : "This recording showcases Queen in their prime, at the absolute peak of their powers. Most of these renditions of songs are leaps and bounds above the ones heard on Live Killers and, if officially released, could perhaps rank up there with the greatest rock live albums of all time."
*******
I wouldn't go that far but, then again....THIS concert should have had an official release. It would also be nice to have all the video made available. One would think this show had been touched up with some overdubs…..that’s how good Queen's performance is this night!
Freddie's voice is superb+ this night. He adds different phrasing, and reaches notes that he couldn't during the 'Live Killers' tour. Brian, Roger, and John all have A+ nights. My wife and I had waited six months to listen to this show again until yesterday, and it was so worth the wait. Freddie's singing on 'Somebody To Love' alone is worth the 'price of admission'. The same with 'Don't Stop Me Now', 'Spread Your Wings', 'Now I'm Here' (already mentioned) and the closing six tracks.
The crowd is also a star, quite audible during the singalongs and acting as the chorus on so many others. The little impromptu they sing after 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' is a treat, though it was a bit odd to hear all the hand clapping during 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. This might also be the best all around performance of 'Sheer Heart Attack'. It totally smokes!
There are many great concerts that are now available from the 70s from all the different tours that were not officially released. Detroit ‘77 and Providence ‘78 are my favorites for personal reasons. This is my third.
It was Queen’s last performance of the decade. They certainly went out on a high note.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-tP_WfqnGdk/maxresdefault.jpg)
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Concert For The People Of Kampuchea
Hammersmith Odeon, London December 26th Attendance 5000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYty3r2xj-c Quality: A++
Wow, this is really nice. How can they drop all of these great tunes, but keep Mustapha? :facepalm:
The crowd at the beginning of DSMN :metal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH6FcRJ7Gj4 videos that are available are inserted
The link doesn't work... But I'm not on my home network..
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^
I found that link a week ago and thought it would be a nice little addition. Seems the user’s account was terminated. Maybe for what they had included (?).
Oh, btw, guess what tune is always played during ‘The Game’ tour? I rather enjoy it, but there’s fifty others I’d prefer in its place.
Yer getting good with your Queen shorthand 😉 :tup
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH6FcRJ7Gj4 videos that are available are inserted
The link doesn't work... But I'm not on my home network..
This one does work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar0HLoH6Kmg black screen where there is no video, to help you find what IS available
Filmed songs: end of 'Jaihouse Rock' on through Freddie’s speech after 'Somebody To Love': a close up of Freddie's fingers during the unique intro of 'Death on Two Legs' on through 'Now I'm Here' (nice visuals of the 'Get Down Make Love' instrumental after the stupid split screen), 'Love Of My Life' and ''39', 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', the gong ending of 'Bohemian Rhapody' til the end (some great video of the end of 'Tie Your Mother Down' and the end of 'We Are The Champions'....
with the Cecil B. DeMille production crew of cameras generally doing a pretty good job :D
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The GAME
Released: June 30, 1980, EMI (Europe), Elektra (USA)
Charts: UK #1, USA #1…43 weeks in the charts, 21 weeks in Top 10, 5 weeks at #1
Argentina #1, Canada #1, Netherlands #1, Norway #2, West Germany #2, Austria #5, Japan #5, Sweden #7, Austrailia #11, New Zealand #11
2019
Iceland #92
Certifications :
Gold in the UK, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, West Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain
2x Platinum in Argentina
4x Platinum in the United States
Singles:
Crazy Little Thing Called Love b/w Spread Your Wings (live)
Released: October 12, 1979 (UK), December 7th, 1979 (USA)
UK #2, USA #1 (and others already posted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6D_BAuYCI 185 Million views
Save Me b/w Let Me Entertain You (live)
Released: January 25, 1980
UK #11, USA NR (and others already posted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw3izcZd9zU 13 Million views
Play the Game b/w A Human Body
Released: May 30 UK
Charts: #14 UK, USA #42
Norway #6, Switzerland #8, Ireland #9, Netherlands #15, Canada #22, West Germany #40, France #42
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_5O-nUiZ_0 23 Million views
Another One Bites the Dust b/w Don’t Try Suicide (USA), Dragon Attack (UK)
Released: August 22
Charts: UK #7, USA #1
Canada #1, Israel #1, Spain #1, New Zealand #2, South Africa #3, Australia #5, Austria #6, West Germany #6, Ireland #6, Switzerland #8, Belgium #9, Netherlands #11, Sweden #12, France #24
and….USA Billboard Hot Disco Singles #2 and Hot Soul Singles #2 (do I insert a :D or :sad: here?)
2018-19
USA Hot Rock & Alt Songs #4, Canada #19, Italy #51, France #84
Certifications:
Gold in Greece
Platinum in Canada and Denmark
2x Platinum in UK
4x Platinum in Australia and USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY0WxgSXdEE 539 Million views
Need Your Loving Tonight b/w Rock It (Prime Jive)
Released: November 3 (USA and select countries)
Charts: USA #42
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61gLf6rgEXL._SX425_.jpg)
Liner Notes:
Produced by Queen
Engineered and Co-Produced by Mack
Various other credits, thanks, and then….
"This album includes the first appearance of a Synthesizer
(an Oberheim OBX) on a Queen album"
:o :eek :sad:
The album https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoYqfVzXAGw (also includes ‘A Human Body’ and ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’)
SIDE ONE
Play The Game (Mercury) 3:30
Dragon Attack (May) 4:18
Another One Bites The Dust (Deacon) 3:35
Need Your Loving Tonight (Deacon) 2:50
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Mercury) 2:42
SIDE TWO
Rock It (Prime Jive) (Taylor) 4:33
Don't Try Suicide (Mercury) 3:52
Sail Away Sweet Sister (May) 3:33
Coming Soon (Taylor) 2:51
Save Me (May) 3:48
June – July 79 Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Sail Away Sweet Sister, Coming Soon, and Save Me
all others February – May 1980
2011 Universal reissue bonus disc
Save Me (Live in Montreal, November 1981) / A Human Body (B-side to Play The Game) (Taylor) /
Sail Away Sweet Sister (Take 1 with guide vocal) / It's a Beautiful Day (spontaneous idea, April 1980) (Mercury) / Dragon Attack (Live at Milton Keynes, June 1982)
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The original demo of ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’, which would have two versions and a single made from this during the ‘Made In Heaven’ release, is a gem. It should have found its way onto this album in some form. ‘A Human Body’ was nice to finally have on disc, even if it was perhaps the worst song they’d ever released up to this point.
Live versions of ‘Play The Game’, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘Need Your Loving Tonight’, ‘Save Me’, and yeah, ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ were all available from their ’80 tours.
A version of ‘Play The Game’ was made available on their ‘Forever’ release back in 2014, minus the synth intro
SANDBOX demo, by Brian in ’79. No vocals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J074_IC4uqk
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No gatefold sleeve (after ‘Jazz’, ‘A Kind Of Magic’ would be the only studio LP to have one). Once again, no times were listed (?) but at least it had a lyric sheet, and then the somewhat startling set of band photos.
(https://www.musik-sammler.de/cover/507000/506922_5_1409679322_300.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Game_(Queen_album)
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/reinhold-mack-queen-freddie-mercury-interview/
“I remember our first meeting in 1980 very well,” Mack, 70, tells uDiscover Music in an exclusive interview. “I was working with Gary Moore in Los Angeles and was told Queen would be in Musicland Studios, in Munich, and might need me. I bought a plane ticket and went to Munich. When I met Freddie, he said, ‘What are you doing here?’ I told him I had heard there might be a good chance Queen wanted to work with me. He said not really, because the band were coming off a Japanese tour and only had two more weeks to spend outside the UK. ‘Anyway,’ he suddenly said, ‘I hear they have these wonderful beer gardens….’
actually the year was 1979…..and, of course Gary Moore would get mentioned ;)
Despite their new surroundings, the band weren't in any rush to begin recording again, and used the initial sessions as a means of testing out the working methods between band and producer. In June 1979, the band started work on their new album, and so laid-back were the sessions that only four usable tracks were created: Coming Soon (which had been started during the Jazz sessions), Sail Away Sweet Sister, Save Me, and Crazy Little Thing Called Love. An instant click was felt, and Mack was willing to explore more experimental methods of recording as opposed to Roy Thomas Baker's more tried-and-trusted approach. At the end of the month-long sessions, the band called a halt to the proceedings in order to prepare for what would be The Crazy Tour. queenpedia
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'The Game is a good pop album. It still has Freddie on most of the LVs (Roger LV after the intro of ‘Rock It’, Brian most LVs on ‘Sail Away Sweet Sister’). There are still some of the trademark backing vocals and guitar, just not as much, and the sound is certainly stripped down. It did fit the era well. My least favorite was/is AOBTD. I put ‘Spread Your Wings’ (studio) in its place when I recorded it onto a tape. And then Brian’s ‘Let Me Out’ when that became available. I eventually warmed to it many, many years later.
Considering two songs had been released 6-8 months prior, the album is incredibly short at 35 minutes, and, well, it just seems like a collection of songs put together. Can’t argue with its success, and still find it a pleasure to listen to.
And, most certainly, this was the end of their ‘golden era’.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-2%2Fthe-game-uk2015lpback.jpg&hash=ea7b0e800f884486ecb6555c57eacdd93aecab7e)
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Ooh, I see a Gary Moore reference there! Gonna have to read that writeup carefully.
Anyway..some Spotify numbers!
Play the Game....59.3m
Dragon Attack....9.7m
Another One Bites The Dust....1.26B
Need Your Loving So Tonight....6.2m
Crazy Little Thing Called Love....459.5m
Rock It (Prime Jive)....4.9m
Don't Try Suicide....6.4m
Sail Away Sweet Sister....6.3m
Coming Soon....3m
Save Me....79.5m
There are the two biggies, obviously, but I'm surprised to see Save Me have 20 MILLION more streams than Play The Game. Play The Game was on my Queen's Greatest Hits, and is one of my favorite tunes by them.
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The Game is one of those good records that doesn't really have any skippers, except for maybe Save Me, but there isn't anything on there that I consider totally awesome. I could probably get 30 songs deep when making a favorite Queen songs list before even thinking of listing anything from this record.
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The Game was my first Queen album and I was into it big time back in high school. I subsequently bought the Greatest Hits album and Roger Taylor's Fun In Space solo album, but it was another seven years or so before I started buying their back catalogue, as I was side-tracked by hard rock and heavy metal for a number of years. :laugh:
Anyway, I’m still fond of the Game but agree there is nothing really outstanding on it.
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So, The Game came out while I was in the 7th grade. For music class, we had to do a project, so a friend of mine had this album. We thought we'd use it to do one of those interview call back recordings. You know dialog which included spoken word and lines from the songs.
Something along the lines of:
Anyone seen Steve today?
Steve walks wearily down the street
Oh, what was he wearing?
His brim pulled way down low
We ended up going in another direction as we were struggling to keep a cohesive plotline.
Mundane...but true! :D
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My mundane but true story about the Game: we had to bring an album to gym class and pick a song to play while leading the rest of the class in aerobic exercises. I had intended to pick Another One Bites the dust, but someone else brought the Game and used AOBTD. I was talked into playing Don’t Try Suicide, which turned out to be kind of a difficult song to do aerobics too. :lol
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It'd be the perfect weapon if the gym teacher says...OK everyone, time to do suicides!
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It'd be the perfect weapon if the gym teacher says...OK everyone, time to do suicides!
:lol
Oh, the crap they made us do in gym class. Square dancing had to be the worst though.
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..or the scoliosis tests..
Bring your halter top!
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It'd be the perfect weapon if the gym teacher says...OK everyone, time to do suicides!
:lol
Oh, the crap they made us do in gym class. Square dancing had to be the worst though.
OMFG, I thought I went to the only school that taught that! Talk about useless life skills you'll never use again...
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Why does everyone rag on square dancing? I thought it was great. Music, physical activity, and my partner Linda who was cute as hell.
♫♫ About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Lousiana
♫♫ Lived a cat named Doc Milsap and his pretty wife Hannah...
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So, The Game came out while I was in the 7th grade. For music class, we had to do a project, so a friend of mine had this album. We thought we'd use it to do one of those interview call back recordings. You know dialog which included spoken word and lines from the songs.
Something along the lines of:
Anyone seen Steve today?
Steve walks wearily down the street
Oh, what was he wearing?
His brim pulled way down low
A friend and I did the same thing with Alice Cooper lyrics to Watergate and Nixon. I know I still have the handwritten notes saved somewhere :D
We ended up going in another direction as we were struggling to keep a cohesive plotline.
Mundane...but true! :D
A friend and I did one of those in the mid 70s, using Alice Cooper lines as it related to all the Watergate characters 😀 I know I still have the dialogue sheet somewhere
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Why does everyone rag on square dancing? I thought it was great. Music, physical activity, and my partner Linda who was cute as hell.
♫♫ About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Lousiana
♫♫ Lived a cat named Doc Milsap and his pretty wife Hannah...
Glad you enjoyed it :lol
“Heel, toe, heel, toe, slide, slide, slide”, was just not for me. :rollin
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OK Joe..I figured now is the time to explain why your username is DragonAttack. Is this your favorite song?
How close were you to being called Somebody To Love instead? :lol
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Next batch:
News of the World. Going into this re-listen, this was my favourite 70s Queen album, listening to it again, it's probably slipped to number two. Spread Your Wings and It's Late are both brilliant, and elevate this above the rest of the band's catalogue. The stripped down arrangements work surprisingly well. Get Down Make Love doesn't really sit alongside the rest of the material here. I actually quite like Who Needs You.
Jazz. A bit of a mixed bag, as while it's a good attempt to recapture the earlier sound of the band, the songs just don't sit well together. Bicycle Race is always fun to listen to, Don't Stop Me Now is a classic, but much of the rest is a little all over the place, and Fun It is just awful. This is the last of the "golden age" albums for me.
The Game. A great new start for the 80s, with Rheinhold Mack being a real breath of fresh air, introducing a sound and a formula that will see them through their stadium 80s heyday. Both Rock It and Don't Try Suicide are awful, but the whole album has a quality and cohesion to it that delivers. Save Me is excellent. Really enjoyed listening to this, despite the fact a lot of it has dated badly. A lot of big 70s rock bands struggled to adapt to the new musical landscape of the 80s, and this album sounds like Queen trying to figure out how to do that. The next album should have been great...
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I like, not love, this album. Only the quasi-title track and Save Me are really keepers for me. I'm not a huge fan of the singles. CLTCL is okay, good not great, but I'm not really a fan of AOBTD. Over-played and over-rated.
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Very good record imo, because it's very consistent. Other records may have higher highs but often that goes along with a lot of skippable tracks. I like all the tracks here, the highlights are Play The Game, Save Me, ABTD and CLTCL. Especially the solo in that one is great, simple yet effective and not really typical of May's style, but he nails it.
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OK Joe..I figured now is the time to explain why your username is DragonAttack. Is this your favorite song?
How close were you to being called Somebody To Love instead? :lol
Since my last name is Goodman, my email and message board handle would generally be ‘goodco’ from ‘Good Company’. (goodoldfashionedloverboy@aol.com didn’t quite suit me😉). My wife is Dragon Attack in a couple of FFball leagues, so I thought I’d use it here. Also, LaBrie did appear on the ‘Dragon Attack’ tribute CD, so it does have a DT tie in.
Oh, btw, hot space and bodylanguage were never considered….
Thanks for the Spotify numbers. I’ll chime in on other comments after this DC getaway when I get home. Will get through The Game tour in short order, as well as the following studio album in a flash..ah-ahh
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Very good record imo, because it's very consistent. Other records may have higher highs but often that goes along with a lot of skippable tracks. I like all the tracks here, the highlights are Play The Game, Save Me, ABTD and CLTCL. Especially the solo in that one is great, simple yet effective and not really typical of May's style, but he nails it.
Yeah, it was a very consistent album. Each song has very memorable peaks....and then they settle back into a more comfortable or pop mode, rather than building up those moments even more. But they'd no doubt learn and expand on that with their next real studio album, correct? :D
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The Game North American Tour Part One
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-07_Oakland_preshow_01.jpg)
Queen would tour the continent for the first time in the summer / early fall. It would be their longest tour here, and would be done in three segments, each
with a break of ten days or so. The warm weather and breaks were certainly beneficial for Freddie, as his voice is strong throughout.
The ‘pizza oven’ lighting rig is a thing of the past. For this tour, it’s been ‘broken up’ into separate segments and is referred to as the ‘fly swatters’. They would rise, lower, change angles, etc throughout the show. The hand held spotlights are on risers.
(https://knucklebonz.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/queen-light-rig.jpg)
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/rigs/1980_game/80-08-30_Toronto_03.jpg)
After not having a warm up for their last two tours, this one had a band called ‘The Blasters’ open for the first leg. Their tiny little drum kit was placed in
front of the Queen drum riser.
And, of course, the lighting rig was not the only change in appearance from the prior tour…….
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-06-30_Vancouver_05.jpg)
Tour begins in Vancouver on June 30th
San Diego Sports Arena, San Diego, July 5th, Attendance: 15,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0hNewc84Yo&t=4995s Quality: A-
Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Ming's Theme / You're My Best Friend / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Need Your Loving Tonight / Rock It / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Brighton Rock (reprise) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
The Game has been out less than a week. The first performance of ‘Ming’s Theme’ in the medley, as they’d spent some time in the late winter working on the soundtrack. The first recorded live performances of 'Need Your Loving Tonight' and 'Rock It'. And other than 'Now I'm Here', there's only three little snippets of songs played from the first three albums. They've certainly turned into more of a 'hits' band in concert.
I heard this for the first time about three weeks ago. This is a very high quality audience recording, just made available last year. There is one major flaw throughout the show. Note the date. Sadly, a few axels brought in their left over firecrackers and louder explosives. They are lit throughout the show, even during ‘Love Of My Life’.
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-07_Inglewood_01.jpg)
LA Forum, Inglewood, California, July 12th, Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mbfsO5ldbk&t=5910s Quality: B/B-
The last of their FOUR nights at The Forum
‘Somebody To Love’ is back in the set this night after the medley, and Freddie nails it. ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ is added for most of the remaining shows. ‘Rock It’ has been dropped. ‘Now I’m Here’ is ten minutes, with extra fan interaction and added instrumental.
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Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, July 14th, Attendance: 15,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_65fQc6g0jw&t=4516s Quality: A
The second night in Oakland. The last performance of ‘Somebody To Love’ for the year.
This is incomplete, as it’s missing ‘Now I’m Here’ and the encores, but a superb recording with yet another great Bay Area crowd. It is an amazing difference in quality of recording as opposed to the LA Forum show.
This is the last night of the first leg of the North American tour. They would take three weeks off before playing in Memphis on August 5th.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-07_Inglewood_04.jpg)
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-07_Oakland_preshow_01.jpg)
I love this picture!!
Will have to brush up on this tour tonight.
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(https://i.imgur.com/sa7MwNn.jpg)
Here's my 45 of Another One Bites The Dust. Does anyone else remember that you could spin it backwards and supposedly hear "decide to smoke marijauna"?
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here's an easier way to hear it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv6-ZAM5gds
I first heard about that in the mid 80s. All I had was the LP, and I wasn't about to try playing anything backwards and ruin my magnetic cartridge.
We did joke that perhaps if you played side one of 'Hot Space' backwards, it might erase all the music and then something decent would appear! :lol
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The Game North American Tour Part 2
The band return to the stage on August 5th in Memphis . No doubt ‘Jailhouse Rock’ goes over well here. And, no doubt, many attendees thought they were just jumping on the bandwagon of ‘The Blues Brothers’ movie, which was released on June 20, which closed with this song. The setlist remains the same from their last show.
The following night, Dakota would take over as the warm up band. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakota_(American_band)
August 9th, the band performs at Dallas’ Reunion Arena. The video for ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ is filmed this day (though it is still not in the setlist).
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/fb/5f/02/fb5f0207ec653183c9d9072c393b2707.jpg)
Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, Connecticut, August 20th, Attendance: 15,600 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90FGOc3N7A0&t=2339s Quality: B+
Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / You're My Best Friend / Save Me / Another One Bites The Dust / Now I'm Here / Fat Bottomed Girls / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Brighton Rock (reprise) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
The first available live recording of ‘Another One Bites The Dust’, which is inserted halfway into the setlist.
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Providence Civic Center Providence, Rhode Island, August 26th, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmD3rMdwb_I&t=3063s
Quality: A-
The first performance of 'Dragon Attack', a semi crash and burn. This was another song never played in its entirety. It is placed in the setlist during (interrupting) 'Now I’m Here'. Something I never cared for.
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The Forum, Montreal, August 29th, Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WkPAoHL9hI&t=34s Quality: B
'Another One Bites The Dust' ends the concert proper, which is where this recording ends. 'Tie Your Mother Down' is the first encore. Interesting…..and didn't work for me.
The last time they play ‘Need Your Loving Tonight’ in North America. Even though it would be released as a single later on. With all five songs from Side A of ‘The Game’ played this night, it would be the only time they played an entire side of an album in concert.
Oh, for a Side black of Queen II…….
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-08-29_Montreal_01.jpg)
Exhibition Stadium Toronto, August 30th, Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVJMD5PKoZw&t=462s Quality: B-
The one and only outdoor stadium concert ever performed by Queen in North America. Sadly, they were only allowed to use the grandstands, thus the 'low' attendance. The tape of this show is missing the encores, with 'Another One Bites The Dust' being the first. This is the part of the show where the song would be performed almost exclusively for the next two years.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-08-30_Toronto_27.jpg)
One more show in Rochester, NY before a nine day break. During the final leg on this side of the pond, Queen would be touring while their most recent album and single releases would be #1 in the States.
The best audience tape of the tour 'coming soon'. ;)
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Obviously interested in the local shows first so checking out the Providence show.
I wanted to hear the new stuff. Play The Game, ABTD, and the interesting version of Dragon Attack.
Do you think the audience thought they were getting Love Of My Life when Play The Game Started?
Roger's backing vocals are really clear.
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Listening to the Oakland show. I'm surprised that ABTD wasn't played from the jump.
Of course it wasn't released as a single until late August. Stil I'm surprised.
EDIT: This show sounds nice.
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The Game North American Tour Third Leg
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-09-14_St.%20Paul_01.jpg)
The fly swatters at rest in St. Paul
After ten days off, the band returns to the stage to perform in the Midwest and NE Atlantic states.
Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, September 10th, Attendance: 12,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qEDfHjiSAQ&t=4600s Quality: A-
This would be the basic setlist throughout the rest of the tour
Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / You're My Best Friend / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Fat Bottomed Girls / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Brighton Rock (ending) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
The Game hits #1 in the charts Brian, before Love Of My Life: "We have an album out called The Game." "Do you have it?" As if he needs to ask. "We just heard tonight it's gone to number one in Billboard with a bullet."
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-09-10_Milwaukee_03.jpg)
St. Paul Civic Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, September 14th, Attendance 15,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icix3zIDxkw
A 25 minute 8 mm video, in snippets, of their show in the Twin Cities. This is the ONLY available video footage of this tour !?!?!?
Many great photos of the show on queenlive.ca
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(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LcqWd2YsF2A/hqdefault.jpg)
Rosemont Horizon Rosemont, Illinois, September 19th Attendance: 18,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhhqMugf1k8 Quality: A
The same person taped the great high quality show at the Chicago Stadium in ’78. This one is just as good, and is the best North American Game Tour concert to listen to. The only blemish is a slight cut of ‘Now I’m Here’ for a tape flip, and the shortened crowd response after CLTCL. Interesting to hear Brian ripping the acoustics of this venue.
One needs to adjust the balance setting slightly, as well as turning down the bass for optimal listening. In spite of the bad acoustics, the piano sounds spectacular, and Freddie provides some nice noodling before ‘Play The Game’ and ‘Death On Two Legs.
And his send off: "Thank you, Chicago! You've been a tremendous audience. I hope everybody gets laid!'
My favorite concert from the tour, one of my Top Ten Queen audience recordings…..not just for it’s high quality and being complete, but also for the memories it brings back to me because of the following day.
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Detroit, Joe Louis Arena, Saturday, September 20th Attendance 20,000
My best friend, college roommate, and my cousin rode with me as we did the three hour drive from Mount Pleasant to Detroit and back that long day. Only the second time I had driven to Detroit (Mark Fidrych pitching a 4-0 shutout at Tiger Stadium on July 3rd, 1976 being the first). I remember the music before Queen taking the stage as being a mix of light jazz, classical etc in years past….relaxing, easy to talk over. This tour, it was louder and more top 40. Made for a much different atmosphere before the show. There was no mention of a ‘special guest’, and seeing Dakota’s tiny drum kit in front of Roger’s riser was somewhat comical. Their performance was totally forgettable.
Per queenlive.ca, Freddie stopped the show during ‘Love Of My Life’ because the crowd was too ‘restless’. The loudest cheers of the night were from Freddie coming out in a Detroit Lions hat during ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ (I think he was on the shoulders of Darth Vader at the beginning of it). The Lions had adopted the song during a season that started off so well and with high expectations, going 4-0 before fading as they normally did. For eons afterwards, the lyrics have been changed to ‘another one beats our butts’ 😊
Kalamazoo ’78 still is my all time concert highlight. ’77 is close. This one would be part of the ‘Mount Rushmore’ due to the performance, visuals, enjoyment of the whole day, etc. Since it wasn’t played during the concert proper, I half expected ‘Somebody To Love’ to be in the encores. I missed the crowd participation enjoyment of it, as well as ’39. Those were part of what made Queen concerts so unique. My only ‘complaint’ about the show.
After listening to the Chicago show from the night before, I was also reminded of when Freddie does the intro of ‘Mustapha’. Thinking back to ‘Live Killers’, I thought BoRhap was going to be played then.
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/284419826_1193103041441191_2452427882654716790_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p206x206&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aee45a&_nc_ohc=3rQLhQlImlsAX-xEROQ&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_AVKOob6Yts1HzdfMOuVjCVi9JoK4-prTADYOG8Hbfv69Eg&oe=62E69527)
somehow the shirt still fits
It makes me think back to being an inexperienced and inebriated 16 year old, riding along with older guys and seeing Queen and Aerosmith opening for Mott the Hoople. Six years later, I'm in Detroit with my best friends and twenty thousand other people watching my band .....the top band in the world at the time!
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September 23rd Glen Falls Civic Center Attendance: 4900 Odd to perform in such a small venue, though there are some terrific pictures of the show on queenlive.ca
And then on to Syracuse, Boston, and....
(https://chasingthelightart.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/20190505101913/Queen9-28-1980cBillOLeary029.jpg)
Three nights at Madison Square Garden to close out the tour. Both the band and audiences live up to their reputations.
September 28th, Attendance 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9tAiMRTjTE Quality: B
September 29th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRR76lXBRXc&t=5424s Quality: B
September 30th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnOK9059WEE&t=43s Quality: B / B- (merged sources)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-09_New%20York_backstage_01.jpg)
With the opening act ‘Dakota’ (standing between John and Brian is someone wearing a tour tee shirt pictured earlier….)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-09-29_New%20York_04.jpg)
‘Another One Bites The Dust’ hits #1 in the States the following week, their second single in a year to hit the top spot on this side of the pond. Along with a #1 album, sold out shows throughout the continent, numerous nights at The LA Forum and Madison Square Garden, Queen has certainly accomplished its dream in ‘conquering’ America. They head home to take a well deserved rest before going into the studio before touring Europe.
Having reached their heights in popularity, it would be hard to match their current success in the future. No doubt, they’d come up with something only Queen would do. Their first attempt would be 'interesting'.....
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-09-10_Milwaukee_04.jpg)
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and ever so briefly, a few words here regarding
FLASH GORDON the movie
Released: December 5th (USA), December 11th (UK)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Flash_gordon_movie_poster.jpg)
Produced by Dino De Laurentiis
Starring Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Ornella Muti, Max von Sydow, Topol, Timothy Dalton,
Mariangela Melato, Brian Blessed, Peter Wyngarde
Music by Queen and Howard Blake
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Yes, it was camp, and a shame for who was cast as Flash and Dale. The rest of the cast was damn good with some stand out careers. Max von Sydow is Max von Sydow, and he's terrific as Ming. Klytus was the perfectly evil first lieutenant, and I loved Aura because, well...what college age guy wouldn't love Aura?
Nowadays, when televised, the best ;) part of the movie most likely gets shrunk and silenced for previews of the upcoming show. Listed here is the soundtrack version of 'The Hero' (a shame this version didn't find its way onto any of the band's various compilations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wdYGgZa8Ng
soundtrack tomorrow
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Flash Gordon was good, silly fun, exactly what it was meant to be. Queen has always had a very theatrical side to their music, and I thought it worked well.
"This is boring! Give me the remote control!"
:lol :lol :lol
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Is this 1980 or 1981? I think I recognized the movie poster. Not a superhero guy so I wouldn't have given it any attention.
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As soon as 10 year old me found out that there were aliens that get impaled and bleed green blood I was there so fast it would’ve made your head spin.
As a kid I owned the album strictly on the basis of the single. Thought the rest of the album was boring except for the football scene and the final fight sequence. Now that I’m older and appreciate instrumental and soundtrack music much more, I think the entire album is just incredible.
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Is this 1980 or 1981? I think I recognized the movie poster. Not a superhero guy so I wouldn't have given it any attention.
I’m still stuck in 1980 :D The soundtrack, a solo album, and three short tours worth noting before getting to their Greatest Hits release(s) over the weekend.
early next week
I did enjoy quite a bit of the soundtrack. But, as always with a Queen album, there are ‘buts…..’
EDITED June 1st
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Sounds good. Never heard anything from Queen after The Game, besides Innuendo. Looking forward to all of it.
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careful what you ask for.......
FLASH GORDON
Released: December 8, 1980 UK (EMI), January 21, 1981 USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #10, USA #23
Austria #1, West Germany #2, Netherlands #7, Canada #10, Norway #25, Australia #29, Sweden #29
Certifications:
Platinum in Poland, Gold in the UK
Singles:
Flash Theme b/w Football Fight
Released: December 6 UK, January 17th USA
Charts: UK #15, USA #42
Belgium #2, Scotland #15, West Germany #17, Austria #42
Certifications: Silver in UK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_Gordon_(soundtrack)
(unlike the album version, this has movie dialogue added)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfmrHTdXgK4 amazingly, it has 28 Million views
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoYLivX8A4M&t=2203s disregard the crapola rap Flash theme after ‘The Hero’
or in segments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r346rRTFvR4&list=PLeLqSlokcbKNd0MGftDNdtscNhA-9vK6r
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/cc/Queen_Flash_Gordon.png)
John Deacon - bass guitar, synthesizer, guitar
Brian May - guitars, vocals, piano, organ, synthesizer
Freddie Mercury - vocals, synthesizer
Roger Taylor - drums, vocals, timpani
Howard Blake - orchestral arrangements
Recorded February–March; October–November 1980
Producer: Brian May and Mack
SIDE ONE
Flash's Theme (May) 3:31
In the Space Capsule (The Love Theme) (Taylor) 2:43
Ming's Theme (In the Court of Ming the Merciless) (Mercury) 2:41
The Ring (Hypnotic Seduction of Dale) (Mercury) 0:57
Football Fight (Mercury) 1:28
In the Death Cell (Love Theme Reprise) (Taylor) 2:25
Execution of Flash (Deacon) 1:06
The Kiss (Aura Resurrects Flash) (Mercury, Howard Blake) 1:45
SIDE TWO
Arboria (Planet of the Tree Men) (Deacon) 1:42
Escape from the Swamp (Taylor) 1:43
Flash to the Rescue (May) 2:44
Vultan's Theme (Attack of the Hawk Men) (Mercury) 1:13
Battle Theme (May) 2:18
The Wedding March (Wagner, arr. May) 0:56
Marriage of Dale and Ming (And Flash Approaching) (May, Taylor) 2:04
Crash Dive on Mingo City (May) 1:00
Flash's Theme Reprise (Victory Celebrations) (May) 1:24
The Hero (May, Blake) 3:31
Disc 2: Bonus EP (2011 Universal reissue)
Flash (Single Version) / The Hero (October 1980... Revisited) / The Kiss (Early Version, March 1980) / Football Fight (Early version, no synths! – February 1980) / Flash (Live at the Montreal Forum, November 1981) / The Hero (Live at the Montreal Forum, November 1981) May
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A disc MINUS the movie dialogue would have been a real bonus! The two demos are quite nice, as they are piano driven.
‘Football Fight’ demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripsKwMekDo
‘The Kiss’ demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JVJiNpaESI
One omission was the original version of ‘The Hero’ that plays during the movie credits (mentioned in the movie post)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wdYGgZa8Ng
A bit more of a raw version, and quite good
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSufA4Kn28suvJBss1VcbgMDQL-wH786J8dDEWpEfLpKkmmBTny0YJAzYG_myllHl65ogs&usqp=CAU) (https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0pjgqxxB7GFmieMsSOLcIPIumkuY_II-joAceiYsv9nu4uKssOu5uSnGoj6XfDiecV40&usqp=CAU)
What to say about this one? Recorded between sessions of ‘The Game’ and finished after their North American tour, the soundtrack does show that the band has fully embraced synthesizers. As is, it would have made a nice EP. Take the first two tracks, ‘Football Fight’, ‘The Kiss’, and then ‘Vultan’s Theme’ onwards. I DID play ‘The Wedding March’ at the beginning of my two wedding receptions. Hey, I'm a sucker for Brian's 'orchestral' guitar sound, and he nails this!
I did expect ‘more’ in the way of music, experimentation, maybe even some piano. More orchestra would have also been nice.
Perhaps the best thing would have been to have just released a single, using the LP version of ‘Flash’ and either the studio or movie version of ‘The Hero’ as the B-side, and been done with it. Or added different instrumentals in after the movie ..... without the damn dialogue!
(though we get reference number one regarding the question: 'who wants to live forever? in 'Attack of the Hawk Men')
Finally, the band were performing in London at Wembley Arena the night that the album was released. No doubt they were in good spirits ... until they read the news the next morning. A shorter concert took place on the 9th, though a version of 'Imagine' would be sadly added to the set list.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTSzXHx_Pt5RTcLoCTDzkj_Ghd1KoGouXURdg&usqp=CAU)
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Possible additions to the soundtrack: titled 'The Dark', this appeared over a decade later on his 'Back To The Light' LP. It was from the ‘Flash’ sessions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQpEnOUdrE (not the first 37 seconds)
and Freddie's 'It's A Beautiful Day' demo from 1980 (whether it was from 'The Game' sessions or not) it could have found its way later on to the movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUTFl0fNjIU
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Gonna spin this tonight!
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Realized I didn't properly go through The Game as I was on vacation.
Play The Game I know this from my Greatest Hits collection obviously, plus I actually have this CD, though I haven't heard it in ages. I LOVE THIS SONG! LOVE IT! Freddie is perfect on this.
Dragon Attack This is a cool song. Not my favorite Queen track by any stretch. It's pretty raw. John Deacon is awesome on this. Reminds me of Billy Squier's The Stroke. Is it me, or didn't Billy Squier open a Queen tour along the way?
Another One Bites The Dust Great tune. Not overplayed at all....no matter how many times they play it. Perfect execution. And I love the fact that one of their most popular songs is a Deacon track. He's way underrated as a songwriter.
Need Your Loving So Bad This sounds a lot like 70's KISS.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love What a fun song. You cannot listen to this and not air drum/guitar something.
Rock It This has a lot of 70's glam elements...Mott, The Sweet, T-Rex, that sort of thing. If I listen to it in that vain, I can definitely live with it.
Don't Try Suicide Kind of an odd track, honestly.
Sail Away Sweet Sister I really like most of the Brian May sung songs, and this is no different. I love the acoustic solo after the first chorus. It's the kind of thing that Michael Schenker would do. Love the orchestration of the guitar parts in the solo. Real nice and understated track.
Coming Soon I still don't really know what to make of this track. It has a great solo, but everything else is kind of a mess. :lol
Save Me This is another great song. Excellent way to close this album.
I know they went for a stripped down approach a bit on News Of The World, which I thought was really uneven, but it really works on The Game. A pop album? I don't find it any more poppy than anything from ANATO onward.
The Game has a latent and understated strength to it. This album is legit.
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Spotify Numbers for Flash!
SIDE ONE
Flash's Theme....8.4m
In the Space Capsule (The Love Theme)....1.2m
Ming's Theme (In the Court of Ming the Merciless) ....810k
The Ring (Hypnotic Seduction of Dale) ....663k
Football Fight ....1.2m
In the Death Cell (Love Theme Reprise).....7.1k
Execution of Flash .....721k
The Kiss (Aura Resurrects Flash) ....670k
SIDE TWO
Arboria (Planet of the Tree Men)....584k
Escape from the Swamp ....587k
Flash to the Rescue....848k
Vultan's Theme (Attack of the Hawk Men) .....829k
Battle Theme ....1.1m
The Wedding March ....876k
Marriage of Dale and Ming (And Flash Approaching)....591k
Crash Dive on Mingo City....636k
Flash's Theme Reprise....768k
The Hero...1.2m
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Flash is literally the only Queen album I own. And the only Queen album I like, too. But what a soundtrack!
And with that, I shall gracefully exit the thread :biggrin:
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Listening now to Flash!
For some reason, I'm thinking of Music From The Elder. :lol
Flash was on the greatest hits album, so I knew this song, and tbh, I always kind of liked it.
Football Fight? :lol What kind of scene was this from?
Battle Theme :metal
The Hero...finally, another actual song. A cool one at that.
I like the early version of Football Fight on the 2nd disc. So much better.
And the live version of Hero is excellent!
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Listening now to Flash!
For some reason, I'm thinking of Music From The Elder. :lol
Flash was on the greatest hits album, so I knew this song, and tbh, I always kind of liked it.
Football Fight? :lol What kind of scene was this from?
Battle Theme :metal
The Hero...finally, another actual song. A cool one at that.
I like the early version of Football Fight on the 2nd disc. So much better.
And the live version of Hero is excellent!
If you love camp…please watch this film! It’s so wonderfully ridiculous. Timothy Dalton (he was James Bond, Tim. ;D ) overacting his role is worth the price of admission on his own. Not to mention the gloriously over the top performance from Brian Blessed as the leader of the Hawkmen.
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I'm not moving on yet from comments for 'The Game' and 'Flash', but it's time to include....
The GAME European Tour Nov 23rd to Dec 18th
(or the ‘Flash Gordon’ tour, or simply the ‘European Tour 1980’
Two months off after their three nights at Madison Square Garden, and then finishing up the 'Flash Gordon' soundtrack, the band returns to the stage for a rather short tour
Hallenstadion Zurich, Switzerland November 23rd Attendance: 11,400 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLRzfy62q0I Quality: A-
The opening night.
The set list remains the same as from the States, other than ‘Need Your Loving Tonight’ replacing ‘You’re My Best Friend’, and ‘Battle Theme’ being added.
On to Paris and other European cities, then...
...three nights at Wembley Arena in London. As noted earlier, the ‘Flash Gordon’ soundtrack was released on December 8th in the UK.
December 8th, Attendance: 12,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqQSVfWxVks Quality: A
Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Need Your Loving Tonight / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Fat Bottomed Girls / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Battle Theme / Flash / The Hero / Brighton Rock (ending) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: Tie Your Mother Down / God Save The Queen
Note the changes in the setlist. ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are The Champions’ end the concert proper, and ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ ends the concert. My Pavlovian reactions do not agree with this. Three songs from the ‘Flash Gordon’ soundtrack have been inserted into the guitar solo.
No doubt the band celebrates the release of the album after a triumphant return show in London.
Hours later, millions of Americans are watching 'Monday Night Football' (my roommates and myself included) when Howard Cosell is handed a bulletin and reads the tragic news out of New York...
(https://hhsclarionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/image080.jpg)
December 9th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gec-T5ey5lI Quality: B-
The band arrive hours earlier than normal to rehearse a song to be added for many evenings. After ‘Love Of My Life’, their short rendition of ‘Imagine’ is performed.
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December 10th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i43TzofO1hk Quality: B+ / B-
‘Imagine’ is performed once again, and the setlist returns to the familiar WWRY / WATC final encore.
Brian’s and Freddie’s parents attend one of the three shows together.
Pete Townshend and his wife Karen also attended. Pete later remarked, "I thought they were the maddest band I'd ever seen." He added that Queen were the only band in his eyes that took on the mantle of The Who by doing it their way with a brashness and Britishness that nobody else really had. (queenlive.ca)
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Forest National Brussels, Belgium December 13th Attendance: 9,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efVqR7siwPU Quality: A-
‘Tie Your Mother Down’ is once again the closing song.
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Festhalle Frankfurt, West Germany December 14th, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVXgFkkhkLI Quality: B
Now I finally know about ‘the Frankfurt Guy’. Someone very close to the taper sings throughout. With his accent, it’s almost like Queen meets Rammstein 😉
Back to the ‘normal’ setlist, along with their best version of ‘Imagine’
On to Munich for their final show of the year.
Queen were already in town the night before their show, as this was one of their favourite cities (much of The Game had been recorded at Musicland Studios). Brian and Roger attended the AC/DC show at the Olympiahalle, after which there was a party at a place called the Sugar Shack. All members of Queen and AC/DC would attend, as well as The Scorpions, Barbara Valentin and other German celebrities. In a June 1981 interview with the German music magazine Popcorn, Roger called the Sugar Shack "the hottest disco in the world," and said the band liked the place so much that they gave the owners some of their gold discs.
A two month break before a very brief tour of Japan, and then a record setting visit to South America.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-12-18_Munich_09.jpg)
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December 8th, Attendance: 12,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqQSVfWxVks Quality: A
Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Need Your Loving Tonight / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Fat Bottomed Girls / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Battle Theme / Flash / The Hero / Brighton Rock (ending) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: Tie Your Mother Down / God Save The Queen
So because there's nothing interesting today on New Music Fridays, I listened to this show, which is amazing, despite Mustapha almost singlehandedly sinking the show. :lol
Nice setlist. Need Your Loving Tonight works well live.
I was really looking forward to the Flash material. The Hero is killer. This live version, it sounds like very early rocking Queen.
And I think AOBTD is cool as hell live. That bass/drum line seem to come out of nowhere and it's such a cool groove.
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the wife will be using my computer for the rest of the day, so, to get somewhat ahead of 'the game', best to post links for their next tour
(and make comments on prior posts tomorrow). But I did write TAC to say that Billy Squier did open the NA '82 shows.....
Japan ’81 Tour
Typical setlists
Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Fat Bottomed Girls / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Battle Theme / Flash / The Hero / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
This is basically a warm up for what is to follow in South America. Only five shows....all at the Budokan in Tokyo, with sold out crowds of 14,000. All five shows were recorded by ‘Mr. Peach’, so the quality of the recordings range from extremely good to excellent.
In an interview on Japanese TV, Brian says the reason they only played the Budokan was because of their lighting rig. Extra scaffolding needed to be installed into the hall to accomodate it, which he says wasn't possible at the other venues they had played in the past.
February 12th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ywUCVtkw3M Quality: A-
February 13th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF5AJYRpPhg Quality: A-
One of four nights that ‘Vultan’s Theme’ is part of the ‘Flash’ medley. ‘Need Your Loving Tonight’ replaces ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’.
February 16th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4-YVRJLA0s Quality A
‘Rock It (Prime Jive)’ is added for the first time since the States last year.
February 17th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxWX4tQMRRI Quality: A
Freddie’s vocal problems are more pronounced than the prior night, but he compensates quite adequately. ‘Teo Torriate’ is added to the beginning of the second encore, with plenty of vocal assistance. Quite special.
February 18th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4aP16t1PC0 Quality: A (merged sources)
One of the few times (and last) that a song is played after ‘We Are The Champions’ when it was an encore after ’78. ‘Teo Toriatte’ concludes the show. Again, it’s quite special, and the perfect way to bid sayonara to Japan for this tour.
**********
After the show, Freddie gets in some last-minute Japanese shopping to the point that he barely makes it to the airport on time - and then boarded the wrong plane! :facepalm:
They would head home for a short rest, before heading to South America to play in front of the largest crowds ever (at the time) for a performing artist.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02_Tokyo_20.jpg)
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December 8th, Attendance: 12,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqQSVfWxVks Quality: A
December 9th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gec-T5ey5lI Quality: B-
The band arrive hours earlier than normal to rehearse a song to be added for many evenings. After ‘Love Of My Life’, their short rendition of ‘Imagine’ is performed.
*************
December 10th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i43TzofO1hk Quality: B+ / B-
‘Imagine’ is performed once again, and the setlist returns to the familiar WWRY / WATC final encore.
I hadn't checked the 12/9 or 12/10 shows, but for some reason, the 12/9 show was in my Youtube feed.
Imagine on 12/9 was really cool. Also the crowd singing Love Of My Life is spectacular. I mean, they do on the 8th as well, but while the 8th sounds great to listen to, the 9th really picks up the raucus crowd. It's cool to have both experiences.
I didn't see Imagine on the 12/10 setlist. Seems Keep Yourself Alive returned. I even dropped the needle to make sure it wasn't a mistake.
@Joe, do you know where in the set is was played? I wanted to listen to it.
Also, on the 9th, I was surprised they didn't dedicate it. They just broke into the track unannounced.
And pointing out that for another year, we have a string of December London dates! ;D
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February 16th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4-YVRJLA0s Quality A
‘Rock It (Prime Jive)’ is added for the first time since the States last year.
Holy shit, this sounds spectacular. I'm going to go through this over the next day or so.
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I duplicated (goofed) as to ‘Imagine’ being played both Dec 9 and 10….oops
And Mr. Peach certainly was……😉👍
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yea, I have my computer back....
SOUTH AMERICA Tour ’81 (and their world record attended show)
After their brief ‘tune up’ in Japan, Queen travel to South America. They were the first rock band to play the big football stadiums there. At the time, 9 of the top 10 albums in the Argentinian album chart were Queen albums,and the 45 live version of ‘Love Of My Life’ b/w ‘Now I’m Here’ reached #1 in Argentina and Brazil.
Similar to their first visit to Japan, they were being treated like The Beatles in America in 1964. Radio and TV stations would interrupt regularly scheduled programs with special Queen news bulletins.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02_Buenos%20Aires_preshow_06.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02-28_Buenos%20Aires_02.jpg)
Same basic setlist
We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Need Your Loving Tonight / Rock It / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Flash / The Hero / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
Live at Estadio José Amalfitani (Vélez Sársfield) Buenos Aires, Argentina February 28th, Attendance: 63,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGwF4m1BL3w Quality: A
The first of three nights in Buenos Aires. A soundboard recording merged with another source for a complete show. Interesting to listen to so many in a Spanish speaking country audience sing along to ‘Love Of My Life’ and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’. This is the largest crowd Queen had played to up to this point, far surpassing the Saarbruken, Germany August '79 outdoor concert by almost 30,000.
Rolling Stone writes an unflattering review, much of it of their soundcheck at the 3500 seat stadium(?) https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/queen-holds-court-in-south-america-2-114440/ Roger replied in kind https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/misc/81_Roger.jpg
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02-28_Buenos%20Aires_06.jpg)
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March 1st second night in Buenos Aires, Attendance 63.000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7l0xyvFR4w&t=4353s Quality: A-
‘Somebody To Love’ makes its long overdue reappearance in the set list, while ‘Mustapha’, ‘Death On Two Legs’, and ‘Killer Queen’ are absent. ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ replaces ‘Rock It’.
Oh, and here is the video of the TV telecast redone by Chief Mouse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSHNA-j3Bpk&list=PLHCF7sLluO6Ege9Rhq1_i6Gm-1lvDf5vx&index=2
Of course, the directors of these things always have to mess up during BoRhap, don’t know the proper times to zoom out, and the one camera on Roger is artsy fartsy horrible, but….at least there’s video footage. !!!!!! Decent capturing of the intro, end of TYMD and WATC and GSTQ. And decent for all points in between.
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Estadio José María Minella Mar del Plata, Argentina March 4th, Attendance: 43,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tQxEELENHM
Broadcast Recording Sound Quality: B-/C+
Taken from a poor AM recording……basically unlistenable. Listed here as a comparison to the good to excellent performances available, as well as noting the security issues of the show. Thousands of extra people entered without paying, many trying to make their way onto the stage in spite of the strong police presence (Argentina being weeks away from a military dictatorship). The band threatened to cancel their following show if things did not improve.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-04_Mar%20Del%20Plata_soundcheck_06.jpg)
Estadio Mundialista Gigante de Arroyito (Rosario Central), Rosario, Argentina, March 6th Attendance: 42,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnB23mhYUno Quality: B
A better sounding recording in front of the ‘smallest’ crowd of the month.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live_thumbnails/81-03-06_Rosario_12.jpg)
Estadio José Amalfitani (Vélez Sársfield) Buenos Aires, March 8th, Attendance: 65,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj3cL7jDaew&t=868s Audience/Broadcast Matrix Sound Quality: A-
Due to high ticket demand, this THIRD show in Buenos Aires is scheduled a week after the first two. Of special note in this soccer mad country is that Maradona (of their current World Cup champions) meets the band before the show, and then appears on stage to introduce AOBTD.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-08_Buenos%20Aires_backstage_04.jpg)
SAO PAULO, March 20th and 21st
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-20_Sao%20Paulo_preshow_01.jpg)
The band had made plans to perform in Rio de Janiero, in front of perhaps 200,000, but were denied even after offering to donate the proceeds to charity. So they ended up adding a second show in Sao Paulo on March 20th.
This first show would end up having the largest paid attendance of any single band EVER up to that point, with the following night being the runner up.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-20_Sao%20Paulo_soundcheck_01.jpg)
Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo (Morumbi Stadium) Sao Paulo, Brazil March 20th Attendance: 131,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvsKV_OHzS4&t=37s Grade: A++
The video broadcast live on national TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74zssQjbMDI&list=PLHCF7sLluO6HcKlV8Xk-0zR1Wnwrxj4l-&index=2
of course, as director, I would cut away from showing the band and lights for people dancing in the audience (just as they do today :sad:), and focus on John at the wrong point of BoRhap, and zoom in too close too often…… :huh: :angry: but it is video footage of THE biggest single band concert event in history up to this point.
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The last show of the first leg
Sao Paulo, Brazil March 21st Attendance: 120,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhDi91AIInc&t=390s
Audience/Broadcast Merge Sound Quality: C-/B-
Nothing like having the broadcasters talk over it One of the worst available recordings. :D
Final performance of ‘Mustapha’ and ‘Death On Two Legs’.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-21_Sao%20Paulo_03.jpg)
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How do rock stars stay so thin? If I was at a job that was 2 hours of work and the rest of the time on a bus, or a plane, or sitting around, I'd be 400 pounds.
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How do rock stars stay so thin? If I was at a job that was 2 hours of work and the rest of the time on a bus, or a plane, or sitting around, I'd be 400 pounds.
It's amazing isn't it?
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yea, I have my computer back....
SOUTH AMERICA Tour ’81 (and their world record attended show)
After their brief ‘tune up’ in Japan, Queen travel to South America. They were the first rock band to play the big football stadiums there. At the time, 9 of the top 10 albums in the Argentinian album chart were Queen albums,and the 45 live version of ‘Love Of My Life’ b/w ‘Now I’m Here’ reached #1 in Argentina and Brazil.
Similar to their first visit to Japan, they were being treated like The Beatles in America in 1964. Radio and TV stations would interrupt regularly scheduled programs with special Queen news bulletins.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02_Buenos%20Aires_preshow_06.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02-28_Buenos%20Aires_02.jpg)
Same basic setlist
We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Mustapha / Death On Two Legs / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Need Your Loving Tonight / Rock It / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Flash / The Hero / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
Live at Estadio José Amalfitani (Vélez Sársfield) Buenos Aires, Argentina February 28th, Attendance: 63,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGwF4m1BL3w Quality: A
The first of three nights in Buenos Aires. A soundboard recording merged with another source for a complete show. Interesting to listen to so many in a Spanish speaking country audience sing along to ‘Love Of My Life’ and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’. This is the largest crowd Queen had played to up to this point, far surpassing the Saarbruken, Germany August '79 outdoor concert by almost 30,000.
Rolling Stone writes an unflattering review, much of it of their soundcheck at the 3500 seat stadium(?) https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/queen-holds-court-in-south-america-2-114440/ Roger replied in kind https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/misc/81_Roger.jpg
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02-28_Buenos%20Aires_06.jpg)
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March 1st second night in Buenos Aires, Attendance 63.000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7l0xyvFR4w&t=4353s Quality: A-
‘Somebody To Love’ makes its long overdue reappearance in the set list, while ‘Mustapha’, ‘Death On Two Legs’, and ‘Killer Queen’ are absent. ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ replaces ‘Rock It’.
Oh, and here is the video of the TV telecast redone by Chief Mouse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSHNA-j3Bpk&list=PLHCF7sLluO6Ege9Rhq1_i6Gm-1lvDf5vx&index=2
Of course, the directors of these things always have to mess up during BoRhap, don’t know the proper times to zoom out, and the one camera on Roger is artsy fartsy horrible, but….at least there’s video footage. !!!!!! Decent capturing of the intro, end of TYMD and WATC and GSTQ. And decent for all points in between.
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Estadio José María Minella Mar del Plata, Argentina March 4th, Attendance: 43,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tQxEELENHM
Broadcast Recording Sound Quality: B-/C+
Taken from a poor AM recording……basically unlistenable. Listed here as a comparison to the good to excellent performances available, as well as noting the security issues of the show. Thousands of extra people entered without paying, many trying to make their way onto the stage in spite of the strong police presence (Argentina being weeks away from a military dictatorship). The band threatened to cancel their following show if things did not improve.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-04_Mar%20Del%20Plata_soundcheck_06.jpg)
Estadio Mundialista Gigante de Arroyito (Rosario Central), Rosario, Argentina, March 6th Attendance: 42,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnB23mhYUno Quality: B
A better sounding recording in front of the ‘smallest’ crowd of the month.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live_thumbnails/81-03-06_Rosario_12.jpg)
Estadio José Amalfitani (Vélez Sársfield) Buenos Aires, March 8th, Attendance: 65,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj3cL7jDaew&t=868s Audience/Broadcast Matrix Sound Quality: A-
Due to high ticket demand, this THIRD show in Buenos Aires is scheduled a week after the first two. Of special note in this soccer mad country is that Maradona (of their current World Cup champions) meets the band before the show, and then appears on stage to introduce AOBTD.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-08_Buenos%20Aires_backstage_04.jpg)
SAO PAULO, March 20th and 21st
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-20_Sao%20Paulo_preshow_01.jpg)
The band had made plans to perform in Rio de Janiero, in front of perhaps 200,000, but were denied even after offering to donate the proceeds to charity. So they ended up adding a second show in Sao Paulo on March 20th.
This first show would end up having the largest paid attendance of any single band EVER up to that point, with the following night being the runner up.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-20_Sao%20Paulo_soundcheck_01.jpg)
Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo (Morumbi Stadium) Sao Paulo, Brazil March 20th Attendance: 131,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvsKV_OHzS4&t=37s Grade: A++
The video broadcast live on national TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74zssQjbMDI&list=PLHCF7sLluO6HcKlV8Xk-0zR1Wnwrxj4l-&index=2
of course, as director, I would cut away from showing the band and lights for people dancing in the audience (just as they do today :sad:), and focus on John at the wrong point of BoRhap, and zoom in too close too often…… :huh: :angry: but it is video footage of THE biggest single band concert event in history up to this point.
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The last show of the first leg
Sao Paulo, Brazil March 21st Attendance: 120,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhDi91AIInc&t=390s
Audience/Broadcast Merge Sound Quality: C-/B-
Nothing like having the broadcasters talk over it One of the worst available recordings. :D
Final performance of ‘Mustapha’ and ‘Death On Two Legs’.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-03-21_Sao%20Paulo_03.jpg)
So much good stuff here Joe.
First of all. Roger's response to Roling Stone :lol
Great pics, especially of the empty stadiums.
Checked out a few of these shows.
The 2/28/81 Buenos Aires show sounds incredible. I'm going to have to make a note to come back to it.
Watching the 3/1/81 Buenos Aires show and the 3/20 Sao Paulo shows, I think I enjoyed the 3/1 BA video more. Seems like a smaller stage, and the sightlines and camera angles are much better.
I'm not a huge fan of super size stadium show videos. I think you just lose a bit of intimacy. I have a mini beef with Iron Maiden over this kind of thing. Not talking about the horrific editing, it's why I much prefer the Death On The Road (filmed in an arena) video over Rock In Rio or even En Vivo. Big stage, not great camera angles, and showing a cloudy sea of humanity does nothing for me. And maybe it's me, but I always feel like there's a dissonance in the sound for the stadium recordings. I know that's stupid, as it's all run through the board, but I think the stage mikes at these huge shows help detract from the overall soundtrack.
Iron Maiden has a couple of pro shot videos from Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg from the mid 00's and those are great...but they're also filmed in the daylight.
Not to get ahead, but I truly believe what makes the Live Aid set so special is the fact that is was filmed in daylight. There would be so much of the magic lost with the crowd in darkness.
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How do rock stars stay so thin? If I was at a job that was 2 hours of work and the rest of the time on a bus, or a plane, or sitting around, I'd be 400 pounds.
I think a healthy diet of alcoholic beverages and white powder for breakfast doesn't have that much calories. ;)
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First of all. Roger's response to Roling Stone :lol
He's not wrong. And it's worse today.
Iron Maiden has a couple of pro shot videos from Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg from the mid 00's and those are great...but they're also filmed in the daylight.
Not to get ahead, but I truly believe what makes the Live Aid set so special is the fact that is was filmed in daylight. There would be so much of the magic lost with the crowd in darkness.
I agree with this.
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How do rock stars stay so thin? If I was at a job that was 2 hours of work and the rest of the time on a bus, or a plane, or sitting around, I'd be 400 pounds.
Coke and whores.
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How do rock stars stay so thin? If I was at a job that was 2 hours of work and the rest of the time on a bus, or a plane, or sitting around, I'd be 400 pounds.
Coke and whores.
But I'm not thin.
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How do rock stars stay so thin? If I was at a job that was 2 hours of work and the rest of the time on a bus, or a plane, or sitting around, I'd be 400 pounds.
Coke and whores.
But I'm not thin.
Not coca cola.
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How do rock stars stay so thin? If I was at a job that was 2 hours of work and the rest of the time on a bus, or a plane, or sitting around, I'd be 400 pounds.
Coke and whores.
But I'm not thin.
Not coca cola.
Oh. OHHHHHH!
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(http://I think of goin' back, to the things I [s]learned[/s] loved so well in my youth)
Next batch:
News of the World. Going into this re-listen, this was my favourite 70s Queen album, listening to it again, it's probably slipped to number two. Spread Your Wings and It's Late are both brilliant, and elevate this above the rest of the band's catalogue. The stripped down arrangements work surprisingly well. Get Down Make Love doesn't really sit alongside the rest of the material here. I actually quite like Who Needs You.
Jazz. A bit of a mixed bag, as while it's a good attempt to recapture the earlier sound of the band, the songs just don't sit well together. Bicycle Race is always fun to listen to, Don't Stop Me Now is a classic, but much of the rest is a little all over the place, and Fun It is just awful. This is the last of the "golden age" albums for me.
The Game. A great new start for the 80s, with Rheinhold Mack being a real breath of fresh air, introducing a sound and a formula that will see them through their stadium 80s heyday. Both Rock It and Don't Try Suicide are awful, but the whole album has a quality and cohesion to it that delivers. Save Me is excellent. Really enjoyed listening to this, despite the fact a lot of it has dated badly. A lot of big 70s rock bands struggled to adapt to the new musical landscape of the 80s, and this album sounds like Queen trying to figure out how to do that. The next album should have been great...
Just doing a bit of combining/catching up comments....
NOTW was a fun handful of relistens over the past month. Other than a few moments, it has aged well.
'Jazz'....I have a couple of alternate versions, one deleting 'Fun It'. Oddly, I have another that goes like this:
Side One: Let Me Entertain You / Fat Bottomed Girls / Fun It / Bicycle Race / If You Can't Beat Them / Jealousy
Side Two: running order as is, minus 'Fun It' of course
Guess it's because the mix (as bad as it is) fits better
The Game: going back to most of our younger days, AOBTD was obviously popular in Michigan and Detroit Lion fans. Played at our fraternity parties. As was 'Dragon Attack'...which received a ton of FM AOR and college radio air time. 'Rock It' and 'Coming Soon' was also a hit at those parties, as it was semi new wave, and great to dance (hop up and down to in one spot...I was quite good at that :D)
Flash: what 'might have been'. Surprised at the low number of Spotify hits for 'The Hero'. A shame it wasn't on any compilations in later years.
The South America tour: I read most of the entries on queenlive.ca eons ago, but never really studied it, because most of those concerts were not available years ago. Or, if they were, I wasn't going to spend $10-20 a piece for average quality. So many concerts going back to the Queen II era have been added in the last few years....and the video footage is priceless to me! Many performances I had not listened to or seen until a few weeks ago.
Some day, when this finally finishes :corn ... I'll be able to revisit more in depth and really be able to savor them as much as I wish to.
Until then, tomorrow's post will be the first solo album offering......
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and now, the first Queen solo album
Roger Taylor Fun In Space
Released: April 6, 1981
UK (EMI), USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #18, West Germany #42
Singles:
Future Management b/w Laugh Or Cry
Charts: UK #49
Released in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Ireland.
Let's Get Crazy b/w Laugh Or Cry
Released in Japan, USA, Canada and Australia. DNC
My Country b/w Fun In Space
Released in the UK. DNC.
(https://www.queenvault.com/FunInSpace/album1.jpg)
Liner notes:
PRODUCED WRITTEN AND ARRANGED BY ROGER TAYLOR
ENGINEERED BY DAVID RICHARDS
RECORDED AT MOUNTAIN STUDIOS, MONTREAUX
ALL INFLUENCES - COUNSCIOUS, SUBCONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS
P.S HELLO LISTENERS, I HOPE YOU ENJOY AND HAVE SOME FUN WITH THIS
MY VERY OWN ALBUM. I LIKE IT. IF YOU DON'T. SOD YOU
P.P.S 157 SYNTHESIZERS
Thank you: Crystal - for ribaldry, oafishness and carrying me home. Ratty - for his helpfull rodent ways. David Richards - for help, encouragement and ideas. Aline Jacottet - for organising and bailing us out. Andre Jauchet - for co-engineering 'Airheads' and maintenance.
Thanks very much to Warren Publishing Co. for the use of Creepy magazine and its illustration. "Alien" illustration by Jim Laurier. Alien monster made by Alistair Bowtell. Sleeve design: Hipgnosis. Photography: Peter Christopherson and Paul Maxon. Graphics: Ian Wright. Illustrations by: Colin Chambers, Jeff Cummins, Colin Elgie, Gill Furmanovsky, George Hardie, Paul Maxon, Ian Wright.
**********
SIDE ONE
No Violins 4:33
Laugh Or Cry 3:06
Future Management 3:03
Let's Get Crazy 3:41
My Country I & II 6:49
SIDE TWO
Good Times Are Now 3:28
Magic Is Loose 3:31
Interlude In Constantinople 2:04
Airheads 3:39
Fun In Space 6:22
Bonus tracks (2015 Hollywood Records reissue)
I Wanna Testify (1977 non-album single version) / Turn on the TV / My Country (1981 single version) /
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQkB0rwA1ZE&list=PLZ6v8cTaWNkgegMJGlQK1vz37iNOP9KPm
'My Country' 45 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mx17BatYY1k
****************************
The first to release a solo single with 'I Wanna Testify' / 'Turn On The TV' 45 in 1977, and with a plethora of offerings for 'The Game' and 'Flash', Roger is the first band member to put out a solo album. Having stated in an interview a year or so earlier that there were 40 songs being worked on for 'The Game', no doubt many of these were in the works then.
The non album B side of 'Play The Game', 'A Human Body' was no doubt part of these sessions. It would have been a 10x better fit on Roger's solo release than as a Queen offering.
If you are a fan of Roger, and his voice, you'll love this. I did then, and still do. Very much of the times. Highlights are 'Laugh Or Cry', 'Future Management', and certainly ‘Let’s Get Crazy’ ...the one really rockin' track where he let's loose on drums. It certainly would certainly have improved Side One of what was to follow on the band's next studio release. And then there's 'My Country', his anti war rant with some tin can drumming that makes for a good album side closer.
Side Two: ‘Good Times Are Now’ was probably his semi demo for ‘Coming Soon’ that appeared on ‘The Game’. Then his first ‘Magic’ song….the oddball 'Flash-ish' 'Interlude in Constantinople' where he 'hopes we'll love all the dopell we've been fed...' Finally, another semi rocker in 'Airheads', and a spacy finish with the title track.
I was hoping for more with this release, especially a ton more drum kickasserry. But I really liked it. A very decent initial offering.
The album came in a nice sleeve, lyrics at various angles on one side, drawings for each song on the other. Side One of the vinyl has the 'creepy' critter on the label, Side Two a picture of Roger.
It was not until 1996 that it was released on CD.
And, I will admit, that I was quite surprised when doing the research that not only did this album chart upon its release, but made it to the Top Twenty in the UK. I heard many a song on my university radio and Grand Rapids, MI AOR FM stations, and sometimes heard Side One played at various college 'gatherings'. :tup
(https://www.queenvault.com/FunInSpace/album2.jpg)
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Well, because I went to Spotify to see if it was there, and to try and recognize the single, I'll blast off some streaming stats.
No Violins....173k
Laugh Or Cry...95.5k
Future Management....1.2M
Let's Get Crazy...388k
My Country I & II.....68k
Good Times Are Now....68k
Magic Is Loose....59k
Interlude In Constantinople....42.5k
Airheads....67k
Fun In Space....69.7k
The streams are heavy loaded in the front. I did NOT recognize the single Let's Get Crazy. The first thing I thought of was ..."Are you ready Steve?"
I can't seem to find a promo video for this?
Also, Future Management over 1.2 million streams? I wonder why. I've never heard it. Was it used somewhere that people would flock to that track?
Joe, anyone we've heard of play on this record?
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^
Well, everyone's heard of Roger Taylor.
Here is the wiki for David Richards
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Richards_(record_producer)
They were the only two involved in this project.
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Oh..OK, did Roger play everything? Gotcha!
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and now, the first Queen solo album
Roger Taylor Fun In Space
Released: April 6, 1981
Also on April 6, 1981, my father turned 35. I was 12 and a half. ;D
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and I was close to being 12 1/2 years younger than your old man. :o
HOLY CRAP !!!
Looking at David Richards' discography, amongst his Queen and David Bowie participations, was this:
Yes – Going for the One (1977; assistant engineer)
Stadler....time for me to listen to 'Awaken' tonight!!! :tup
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The more popular songs probably ended up on a popular Spotify playlist.
Always liked what I heard from Roger's solo stuff, but never listened to a full album aside from the latest (which was quite good).
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I have Fun in Space on vinyl. I’m pretty sure I haven’t listened to it in close to 40 years. I look forward to giving it a listen some time this week to see if any of the songs are still etched in my brain. :laugh:
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and I was close to being 12 1/2 years younger than your old man. :o
HOLY CRAP !!!
Looking at David Richards' discography, amongst his Queen and David Bowie participations, was this:
Yes – Going for the One (1977; assistant engineer)
Stadler....time for me to listen to 'Awaken' tonight!!! :tup
It's mandatory listening! :)
I think that's one of the things I like about Queen; even when the songs themselves didn't cut the mustard, the SOUND was always solid, especially the 80's and 90's records. There is a warmth to most of their records that I really like. They were always so solid on the mixes too.
I'm reading a bio of Queen - As It Began, by Jacky Gunn and Jim Jenkins, and other than the writing is sometimes piece meal and it's just a chronological time-line more than anything else, it's still illuminating. Though they have a bad habit of ending some paragraphs with the ellipsis... (I think that is a form of "cheeky British humor", but I could be wrong).
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I’ve made it 53 years and I have never heard Going For The One.
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I’ve made it 53 years and I have never heard Going For The One.
It explains a lot. :) :) :)
In all seriousness, I thought you gave it a listen one time. Or was that the live Genesis song I like so much?
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I listened to a Genesis song you recommended but I did with the sound off. ;D
I have heard Close To The Edge. It’s the only Yes album I have listened to in my life and even then, I spun it once.
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^
This Friday around 10pm, in the dark, put on Side Two of ‘Going for the One’, and do so in the mindset of an early 20ish year old. Relax and enjoy. You won’t regret it.
Oh, and pretend you are under a bit of herbal influence. Adds to the experience. 😉
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^
This Friday around 10pm, in the dark, put on Side Two of ‘Going for the One’, and do so in the mindset of an early 20ish year old. Relax and enjoy. You won’t regret it.
Oh, and pretend you are under a bit of herbal influence. Adds to the experience. 😉
See, don't laugh (and this might turn off TAC entirely from listening), but to me, that album is so special, it IS the influence. That album transports me in a way that 99% of the records I've ever heard don't.
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Gluttons For Punishment Tour ‘81
As much as the their first tour in the Spring of ’81 was successful and record breaking, this tour in the fall was a memorable pain in the axe for all involved. Broken promises, mice and kittens disguised as chicken in their KFC food buckets, concerts cancelled…..you name it, they experienced it. One night all the batteries were confiscated from concert goers, then resold outside, then tossed at the band during their show….leading John Deacon to wear a Dallas Cowboy helmet the following night at a show. Shoes and bags of dirt were also tossed onstage.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/ads/81-09_Caracas_ad_2.jpg)
They were slated to play five nights (including September 29 and 30), but the shows were cancelled as the country went into mourning following the death of former president Rómulo Betancourt.
Caracas Polyhedron Arena Caracas, Venezuela September 27th Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZPBfGzFQow
Soundboard Recording Sound Quality: B+
We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Need Your Loving Tonight / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Love Of My Life / Keep Yourself Alive / drum/guitar solos / Flash / The Hero / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
Queen were lucky to get out of the country after the fact, as airports were nearly shut down. Further issues persisted in Mexico as well, with more gigs being cancelled resulting in only six concerts taking place over the whole leg, compared to the 12-14 that were originally planned. As for this show's performance, the band are quite good, although Brian seems to have some struggles throughout. Freddie is in fairly good voice, as was the norm in 1981, and this is a solid show overall. This concert was filmed in its entirety and is widely available online. The audio on this upload is sourced from the video footage. The band did a few interviews while in Venezuela, and so they have been tagged on to the beginning (courtesy of Chinwonder2).
FBG amigos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3RE5IFW0i0 video from 2 or 3 cameras from a couple rows back
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Estadio Universitario, Monterrey, October 9th, Attendance: 41,600 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21tSOj2p47w Audience/Broadcast Merge Sound Quality: B+/B-
This is Queen's first concert in Mexico. Nine concerts were planned, but only three took place. The show that was supposed to take place at the same venue the following day was cancelled on the spot, and the band flew out to the States in pairs (Brian and John to Los Angeles, Freddie and Roger to Dallas) to sort things out. This version of the Monterrey show is a merge kindly provided by Chinwonder2. It uses a couple of audience sources and a broadcast to provide the best audio quality possible
On this night…….
They were served KFC, only to find out later that it wasn't chicken, but kittens and mice deep fried! The band returned to Mexico a few days later to play two shows in Puebla, and there things would get even worse.
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The band returns, only to find out that the three nights in Guadalajara at the 70,000 seat soccer stadium were cancelled, but two shows in Puebla were hastily added. An early tour itinerary shows October 17 as "TBA".
Estadio Olimpico de beisbol Ignacio Zaragoza, Puebla, October 17th, Attendance:22,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfIzS1cg18I&t=47s Quality: B+
This is the first of two nights in Puebla. The government and organizers chose this location at the last minute ostensibly in an effort to avoid the larger crowds of Mexico City, but in reality it was because they never got the proper permits. A lack of experience and infrastructure soon had the entire operation backfiring in all directions. Things went from bad to worse when the band realized upon arrival how poorly everything was organized.
Everyone entering the venue was searched thoroughly and all batteries were confiscated, as it seems the authorities wanted to prevent people from recording the show. But then upon entering the venue the ulterior motives became evident, as there was a stall set up inside the venue by vendors re-selling the same batteries at exorbitant prices. However, fans pushed their way into the venue and ultimately overwhelmed security, eventually allowing the tapers to pass through without examination.
These Queen shows were among the first rock concerts in Mexico. Many ‘music’ fans drank and misbehaved, and ultimately made this particular show a difficult experience for many. Meanwhile most of the crew got sick from eating the local food.
The band and crew would recall this concert to be one of their worst experiences, not least because various objects were thrown at them throughout much of the show. Since it was so overcrowded, at some point during the show people ended up tearing down the gate into the venue. In some parts of the stadium the tiers collapsed and many people were seriously injured, breaking arms and legs.
In the middle of Now I'm Here, Freddie reacts to the rowdy audience throwing shoes at the band: "I've never seen so many shoes on stage. It's like bloody Chelsea Cobbler, I tell you [Chelsea Cobbler is a men's shoe store in London]!" During the vocal exchange with the audience, he urges them, "Come on motherfuckers, let's get the beat!" Just as the band are merging back into the song after Dragon Attack, Mercury does his usual "Think I'll stay around" bit, but adds, "I think I'll go home, right now." More shoes soon hit the stage, and he responds again while the band are finishing the song. "Ah, you're dead, you buggers!" His frustrations are clear. At one point a boot hit John Deacon in the head.
Brian has some fun between verses of Keep Yourself Alive. Later, he breaks a string during The Hero, but he manages to keep it in tune with the whammy bar (a huge challenge with floating tremolo). Later, a bag of dirt is thrown at him by an audience member towards the end of the Bohemian Rhapsody solo, and he understandly struggles to the end of it. He gets hit by another bag of dirt later in the song, at "just gotta get out."
The band drop several songs to finish the show quicker - Fat Bottomed Girls and Sheer Heart Attack, at least. After the second encore of We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions, Freddie says, "Thank you for the shoes! Adios amigos, you motherfuckers! You bunch of tacos, goodbye!"
As a result of the atmosphere caused by the uncooperative audience, this may well be Queen's shortest headlining gig ever, next to Hyde Park '76 - clocking in at under 90 minutes.
Only one small door was open for fans to exit the venue, and people were still leaving at 3am. Police presence made things even more tense. With large batons they beat people who walked out of line, and they were left on the ground bleeding. Amidst all the chaos the band were locked in an underground room, where John Deacon, who was claustrophobic, was not having a particularly good time. Here the band were forced to sign a legal document ensuring they would return the following night, to prevent riots. Fortunately the second show would prove not to be nearly as problematic.
Five minutes of super 8 footage exist from this show. The coordinator of the Mexican Queen fan club is allegedly the filmer, who has only leaked short and heavily watermarked compressed samples in such horrible quality that would make 1990s mpeg files look pristine by comparison.
It is rumoured that a pro video filmed for TV once existed, but was destroyed in the 1985 Mexico City earthquake.
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-10-18_Puebla_preshow_04.jpg)
Puebla, October 18th, Attendance: 22,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hkD5qP3b50 Quality: B
As the last stop on the Gluttons for Punishment leg, the band plays a second night in Puebla. After last night's fiasco, John tries on the Dallas Cowboys helmet in hopes of protecting himself, but the audience was much better and it wasn't required.
This show marks the final performance of Need Your Loving Tonight.
This is the first time Brian would play the riffs from the future B-side "I Go Crazy" during his solo spot.
Because of the turn of events for the Queen shows, concerts were banned in Puebla for the next ten years.
In the winter 1981 official fan club magazine, Roger was his usual blunt self: "Glad to be back from Mexico - it was hell! - well, difficult to say the least - nasty authorities, corrupt officials & food poisoning, plus risk of death, etc. Apart from that it was wonderful!"
Queen leave the stage for good. No ‘version’ of Queen or Queen+ would ever make another visit to Mexico (no solo tours as well).
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-10-18_Puebla_13.jpg)
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That sounds absolutely horrible. In situations like this, I always wonder whose idea it was to "tour" Mexico in the first place.
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Wow, brutal.
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Everyone entering the venue was searched thoroughly and all batteries were confiscated, as it seems the authorities wanted to prevent people from recording the show. But then upon entering the venue the ulterior motives became evident, as there was a stall set up inside the venue by vendors re-selling the same batteries at exorbitant prices. However, fans pushed their way into the venue and ultimately overwhelmed security, eventually allowing the tapers to pass through without examination.
These Queen shows were among the first rock concerts in Mexico. Many ‘music’ fans drank and misbehaved, and ultimately made this particular show a difficult experience for many. Meanwhile most of the crew got sick from eating the local food.
Supposedly, the authorities did the same thing with liquor on the second night; confiscating the bottles on the way in (the rationale was to temper the crowd a bit) but then once the people got inside, there was at least one stand selling the confiscated liquor. Seems to be a racket. There was also a story about getting into the country - limited crossing times, limits on the visas that could be issued at any one time - but once "palms were greased", things became a lot easier.
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That sounds like an absolute nightmare of a show. I'm not surprised they decided not to return.
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Everyone entering the venue was searched thoroughly and all batteries were confiscated, as it seems the authorities wanted to prevent people from recording the show. But then upon entering the venue the ulterior motives became evident, as there was a stall set up inside the venue by vendors re-selling the same batteries at exorbitant prices. However, fans pushed their way into the venue and ultimately overwhelmed security, eventually allowing the tapers to pass through without examination.
These Queen shows were among the first rock concerts in Mexico. Many ‘music’ fans drank and misbehaved, and ultimately made this particular show a difficult experience for many. Meanwhile most of the crew got sick from eating the local food.
Supposedly, the authorities did the same thing with liquor on the second night; confiscating the bottles on the way in (the rationale was to temper the crowd a bit) but then once the people got inside, there was at least one stand selling the confiscated liquor. Seems to be a racket. There was also a story about getting into the country - limited crossing times, limits on the visas that could be issued at any one time - but once "palms were greased", things became a lot easier.
And the local promoter had not paid the taxes, so there were armed guards around the equipment before 'inducements were made' before it made its way to NYC then Montreal.
Well, after ten years, I found my '78 tour book! :metal And this 'Gluttons For Punishment' book, just unearthed again as I was sorting through boxes from a very much discussed home sale (OURS!).
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/286956520_414167620573395_4808664198965674627_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p206x206&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aee45a&_nc_ohc=X0SK7cfhQbAAX8QLWjX&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_AVKPwfIL9IcOPE4m9U0S09Oz_rMbq06D5SA0qFAv49A_rQ&oe=62CF4A19)
Included is crazy stuff like flying turf from the States to lay on the soccer fields, then having people jump up and down for ours to check for damage. When they were in Caracas, they appeared on live TV after their third show with celebrity look alikes of Robert Redford, Raquel Welch, Woody Allen, Telly Savalas, and countless others. During the show, that's when the announcement of their former president dying was made. Then their stuck for eight days, then on to Mexico. One great hotel's piping was wonderful. If the shower was on and someone flushed the toilet, it would drain through......the shower.
On a better note, from the much more successful spring tour, some of what it all took:
130 tons of equipment
40 miles of cable
90 different flights with 25 different airlines
21 different hotels for the band and crew
A main crew of 47 was hired.
A stretched DC-8 cargo plane was used to bring their equipment from the Japan tour. The flight took 36 hours.
465 overhead lights with the power of 1000 watts apiece were used in the stage show.
72 PA speaker cabinets were used.
Equipment was insured for over one million pounds.
A new stage was constructed at each site to accommodate the specially designed roof.
After the spring tour, the cargo plane sat in Puerto Rico for four days due to technical issues, before heading on to be unloaded in NYC. Being a roadie ain't all it's cracked up to be.
Obviously, all endured immense stress and pressure during their brief (too long?) fall South American tour. The equipment would make its way for a couple of shows in Montreal a few months later. In the meantime, the band would exhale, and release some of their pent up 'pressure' ... <groan ;)>
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I've found a few other things in this 'Gluttons For Punishment' book, just unearthed as I was resorting boxes from a very much discussed home sale (OURS!).
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/286956520_414167620573395_4808664198965674627_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p206x206&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aee45a&_nc_ohc=X0SK7cfhQbAAX8QLWjX&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_AVKPwfIL9IcOPE4m9U0S09Oz_rMbq06D5SA0qFAv49A_rQ&oe=62CF4A19)
Wow, is that an actual thing? When and where did you get that?
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My wife dug up a lot of somewhat ‘unique’ items back in the day. It was put together by Peter Hince and the road crew. The drawings of Freddie and John leave a lot to be desired.
The text was rather timid as to all the sh*t they at times literally had to deal with.
(and I just noticed some of my posts have the prior topic as its header. Hmmmm….)
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OK, there where and when did SHE get it? :lol
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Could have been from someone in Sri Lanka, India, Russia, the UK, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, South America.....maybe someone Stateside. She was an avid trader and purchaser back in the day.
Hey, if you want the next copy available, try this company: https://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=214483&gclid=CjwKCAjwqauVBhBGEiwAXOepkTDzosNK4gk63nFtfz4n2PWHvWGcfE_uo0-V2Xn4FwpVa2cHfEu6hxoCyN8QAvD_BwE
Seeing this brought back memories. EIL's prices were often 20-50% higher than what a 'reasonable' person would spend on an item, but some times we weren't 'reasonable' people. :D
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UNDER PRESSURE b/w Soul Brother
Released: October 26, 1981 UK (EMI), USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #1, USA #29
Canada #1, Netherlands #1, Ireland #2, South Africa #4, Belgium #5, Norway #5, Portugal #5, Australia #6, New Zealand #6, Spain #9, Austria #6, Sweden #10, Switzerland #10, Italy #20, West Germany #21
2009
Ireland #45
2016
US Hot Rock and Alternative #5, France #20, Spain #28, Italy #29, Canada #30, Austria #37, Portugal #39, Australia #42, UK #43, United States #45, Ireland #51, Sweden #59, Netherlands #66
Certifications:
Platinum in Denmark
2x Platinum in the UK, USA, and Italy
3x Platinum in Australia
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41JEW5TnYML._SY300_SX300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
Recorded, July 1981 at Mountain Studios in Montreux
Producer: Queen and David Bowie
David Richards piano
the original video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a01QQZyl-_I 207 MILLION views
and then there's the 'Classic Queen' version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoDh_gHDvkk 318 MILLION views
(which I watched for the first time today)
The second UK #1 hit for Queen (‘Bohemian Rhapsody’), and the third for David Bowie (‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Ashes To Ashes’). From a one day session during the band’s long breaks between the South American tours, it was later mixed by Freddie, Roger, and David in NYC. It was either Bowie or Deacon who came up with the famous bass line…John crediting David with it, while all others credit John (with some tweaking by Roger and perhaps David). It was recorded three months before its release as a single in the UK (and some ten months before their next studio album). It did appear on some ‘Greatest Hits’ versions released the same day.
Bowie also provided backing vocals on the demo for ‘Cool Cat’. That version would not be officially released, as he was dissatisfied with his effort.
The demo that ‘Under Pressure’ came from was called ‘Feel Like’, written by Roger. Well worth the five minutes to hear its beginnings, and its quite good in its early stages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TrVnt1mngU
‘Soul Brother’ is a non album song, with tongue in cheeks lyrics and Freddie mostly singing falsetto, in a style similar to the studio version of ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’. The band is credited for writing both songs on this single (only ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ had that distinction prior). It was a demo from ‘The Game’ sessions, with updated lyrics added. Somewhat silly but oddly enjoyable (and in most ways better than anything that appeared on their next Side One release).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTEw6knPFY
Plenty of sources for the background and reviews of UP are available, including
https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/liner-notes/under-pressure/
https://americansongwriter.com/lyric-week-queen-david-bowie-pressure/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Pressure
Finally…..though it was ‘different’, I certainly enjoyed it when released, and even more so on all the various live versions. One of the most recognizable bass riffs ever. The original video received massive airplay on MTV for many months, and its easily one of my ten favorites non concert videos of the band (though neither they or Bowie appear in it).
that 'classic Queen' version....I guess its nice. Certainly well crafted.
(https://images.eil.com/large_image/QUEEN_UNDER%2BPRESSURE-25181b.jpg)
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I've read lots of stories about the song, and I'm sure many are just plain crap. But one of the more interesting ones said that Bowie and Freddie didn't actually work together on the vocals, literally each recording their parts separately without knowing what the other was singing. I've always thought that they didn't really sound like they were collaborating so much as each doing their own thing, so this story seemed to support that. No idea how much truth there is to it, though.
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The demo that ‘Under Pressure’ came from was called ‘Feel Like’, written by Roger. Well worth the five minutes to hear its beginnings, and its quite good in its early stages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TrVnt1mngU
Wow, that was an interesting listen.
‘Soul Brother’ is a non album song, with tongue in cheeks lyrics and Freddie mostly singing falsetto, in a style similar to the studio version of ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’. The band is credited for writing both songs on this single (only ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ had that distinction prior). It was a demo from ‘The Game’ sessions, with updated lyrics added. Somewhat silly but oddly enjoyable (and in most ways better than anything that appeared on their next Side One release).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTEw6knPFY
Hmmm... not sure what to think about this. But Freddie is great on it.
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^
'Feel Like': demos can be hit or miss, this was certainly 'hit' to hear the foundations of the song, especially without the memorable bass. It's also semi stripped down, real instruments and no overdone and lazy synths, something that plagued the next album. And somehow wasn't a bonus track made available. 'Soul Brother' is, well, it has its moments.
There might be photos of Queen and Bowie from Montreux, but none that I could find online. Here's a couple from Live Aid (minus John), with Diana and Charles and Bob Geldof.
(https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/83588/f3fa417f051b805add359c57685d988612987f5f/original/bowie-mercury.jpg?1452540954)
(https://www.thatericalper.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/David-Bowie-Chris-Taylor-Brian-May-Roger-Taylor-Princess-Diana-Prince-Charles-and-Bob-Geldof-watching-Live-Aid-at-Wembley-Stadium-1985.jpg)
up next: the top selling UK album in history (and its 'relatives')
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GREATEST HITS
Released: October 26, 1981 UK (EMI), USA (Elektra)
Charts: UK #1, USA #14
Austria #1, Netherlands #1, West Germany #1, New Zealand #1, Australia #2, Norway #21
1991 UK #6 1992 Canada #4, France #5, Switzerland #5, Australia #8, United States #11 1993 UK #41 1994 UK #21 1996 UK #48
2004 USA #42 (WWRY edition)
In 2006, it became the biggest selling album in UK history. The current total is over 6 MILLION
2008 Spain #63 2009 (WWRY edition) #23 2011 Mexico #53, France #56, Belgium #78 2016 Portugal #49
2018-19 Peak positions
US #8 (#1 Top Rock albums), Mexico #2, Czechoslavakia #2, Australia #3, Canada #7, Portugal #11, Japan #13, Belgium #36, Italy #37,
2020-22 Peak positions
Scotland #1, UK #2, Ireland #5, United States #8, Belgium #14, Hungary #23
********
Certifications: 23x Platinum in the UK, 9x Platinum in the US
Gold in Japan, Spain, Sweden, Poland
7x Gold in Germany
Diamond in Argentina
Platinum in Brazil, Italy, Finland, Netherlands
2x Platinum in France
3x Platinum in Canada
4x Platinum in Austria
5x Platinum in Switzerland
10x Platinum in New Zealand
15 x Platinum in Australia
Over 25 MILLION in sales worldwide.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-vLzssYbL._SX425_.jpg)
no liner notes
Of note: the cover photo was taken by Antony Armstrong-Jones, otherwise known as Lord Snowdon, ex husband of Princess Margaret
UK vinyl version
SIDE ONE
Bohemian Rhapsody
Another One Bites The Dust
Killer Queen
Fat Bottomed Girls
Bicycle Race
You're My Best Friend
Don't Stop Me Now
Save Me
SIDE TWO
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Somebody To Love
Now I'm Here
Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy
Play The Game
Flash
Seven Seas Of Rhye
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions
58 minutes
No ‘Keep Yourself Alive’, ‘Tie Your Mother Down’, or ‘Spread Your Wings’. All ‘qualify’, but they limited the release to Top Twenty UK hits only. Years later, it was released on a double album, and those songs could easily have been added (the same with later CD version). Heck, I would have also included ‘God Save The Queen’ as well.
‘Under Pressure’ did not appear on the UK version, as it took much longer to press albums there, and EMI couldn’t wait.
*****
Japan replaced ‘Bicycle Race’ with the 45 version of ‘Teo Torriate’
Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela had "Love of My Life" (live version) instead of "Seven Seas of Rhye".
Belgium and Spain had "Spread Your Wings" as an extra track.
Bulgaria had "Death On Two Legs" and "Sweet Lady" as extra tracks.
France, Germany, Israel and Netherlands had "Under Pressure" as an extra track.
Germany also added "Spread Your Wings" on some first pressing copies.
USA and Canada
SIDE ONE
Another One Bites the Dust / Bohemian Rhapsody / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Killer Queen / Fat Bottomed Girls / Bicycle Race / Under Pressure
SIDE TWO
We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions / Flash / Somebody to Love / You're My Best Friend / Keep Yourself Alive (single version in mono / Play the Game
Australia was identical to the US version, but had "Tie Your Mother Down" as an extra track
See more versions here https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Greatest_Hits_international_tracklistings
******years later....
2004 US edition (Greatest Hits: We Will Rock You)
Released when the stage musical appeared on these shores. Same track listing as UK 1981 edition, with three additional tracks.
I'm in Love with My Car" (original single mix , and live versions of ‘Under Pressure’ and ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ from Milton Keynes.
2011 Japan reissue, with 'Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)' added.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51siHBgPQeL._SY580_.jpg)
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I was kind of surprised to see that the album did not chart in many countries. But listed below are where Queen's 'Greatest Hits' charted for yearly sales.
Much like Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side Of The Moon' and some others, its had a long, successful run, with the total sales of over 25 million copies.
*****************
as to this and how it relates to the later USA version, that's in the next post.
And recently in the news and the Queen thread
https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/queen-mark-milestone-as-first-british-act-with-1-000-weeks-inside-the-official-albums-chart-with-greatest-hits-__36522/
By George Griffiths
"Queen’s Greatest Hits has reached the landmark milestone of 1,000 weeks on the Official Album Chart.
Rising one spot to Number 18 this week, Queen now become the first British act and third act overall to achieve 1,000 weeks inside the Official Albums Chart Top 100 with an album after Bob Marley & The Wailers’ greatest hits collection Legend (1032 weeks) and the original record-setter, ABBA’s Gold – Greatest Hits (1048 weeks)."
this album has had some staying power ;)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51t27kcldaL._SX425_.jpg)
the 2004 WWRY and 2011 reissue cover
When I was looking at how well the album charted upon its initial release, I was rather surprised that it did not chart in most countries that they'd had big success. The sales certification levels ended up being incredibly high, so I thought I'd list the year end rankings of where this album charted throughout the decades. And I was quite stunned to see that its sales in the States put it as the #2 Top Rock album in 2019, and #1 in '20 in '21 !!!!
1981
Netherlands #9
New Zealand #11
UK #2
1982
Australia #23
Austrian #18
Netherlands #24
West Germany #43
New Zealand #25
UK #27
1984
UK #47
1985
UK #43
1986
UK #35
1991
UK #25
1992
Australia #16
Austria #7
Germany #2
New Zealand #15
UK #34
1993
UK #90
USA #60
2001
UK #155
2002
Canada #190
2015
UK #77
US (WWR edition) #171
2016
Mexico #92
UK #69
2017
Australia #55
Mexico #71
UK #68
US #49
2018
Australia #8
Mexico #14
New Zealand #39
UK #40
US #96
US Top Rock #12
2019
Australia #9
Belgium #100
Italy #85
Mexico #9
Switzerland #57
UK #81
US Billboard #27
US Top Rock #2
2020
Australia #52
Ireland #20
UK #8
US Billboard #25
US Top Rock #1
2021
Australia #91
Belgium #74
German #61
Hungary #92
Irish #6
Switzerland #70
UK #5
US #23
US Top Rock #1
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for the 'youngsters'......
QUEEN GREATEST HITS
Released: September, 1992 USA (Hollywood Records)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/c/ce/Ghusa.jpg/175px-Ghusa.jpg)
We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / Another One Bites The Dust / Killer Queen / Somebody To Love / Fat Bottomed Girls / Bicycle Race / You're My Best Friend / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Now I'm Here / Play The Game / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Body Language / Save Me / Don't Stop Me Now / Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy / I Want To Break Free
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Under Pressure’, ‘Stone Cold Crazy’, ‘Tie Your Mother Down’, and ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ appeared on the Hollywood Records 'Classic Queen' disc, released in March 1992. It's sales totals are added to those for 'Greatest Hits II' due to the large majority of songs from that era. It will be commented on at that time.
But, hey, 'Body Language' and 'I Want To Break Free' are on this one! ;) :huh: :huh:
In the US, the original Greatest Hits sold moderately well on initial release in 1981, going Platinum. It reached a new peak of #11 with this reissue in 1992, and finally made the Top Ten in November 2020 when it peaked at #8, as a result of a Walmart sale on various vinyl albums. The 39 years and one month that the album took to reach the Top Ten is the second-longest ascent to the Top Ten in US Billboard history. One of the longest charting albums in the US, as of August 2020 it had spent 400 weeks on the Billboard 200. This and the reissue version of Greatest Hits has now been certified nine times platinum in the US for sales of nine million copies, making it the band's best-selling album in the States.
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I'm not sure there's a band whose "Greatest Hits" releases are more confusing than Queen's. They've repackaged and reformated and reissued those sets too many times to count.
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When I was in college my freshman year (86-87) at some point I borrowed a copy of a friend's cassette of Queen's Greatest Hits. I absolutely loved it. But by "loved it", I meant that while I did indeed love it, I never had an interest in diving deeper. I was a metal fan, and while I always enjoyed Queen's songs on the radio, I just wasn't interested. This tape was more of a novelty to me. But I knew every note of it.
My tape deck ate up my friend's tape, so I bought him a new one. I performed "surgery" on the eaten one. Made a small splice, and I was good to go. However, I never did replace it on CD.
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This was my introduction to Queen. I knew a song here and there but I never owned any records. This was my first and I played it to death. And other than Tim I slowly acquired their back catalogue.
If asked what my favorite Queen record is, there's a good chance that it's this greatest hits compilation.
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I'm not sure there's a band whose "Greatest Hits" releases are more confusing than Queen's. They've repackaged and reformated and reissued those sets too many times to count.
The Who, perhaps? I swear, I remember reading that they have more greatest hits/compilation releases than actual studio albums. When I first got into them in the early 90s, the one I got was pretty confusing as I was like, "Where are all of the songs I hear on classic rock radio all the time?" The one I had was really heavy on the 60s pre-Tommy material. Mostly good songs for sure, but it just threw me off.
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The Who have 32 compilation releases. Basically, the double CD 'Ultimate Collection' has all one needs (with a tweak needed hear and there), and yet that 2002 release, which went Platinum in both the UK and States, has different versions for both.
The Stones have 26, with 'GRRR' from 2012 being the most complete if you get the four disc release (as opposed to the two or three....)
Queen has 16, with the three 'Deep Cuts' simply a money grab (as are a couple others that were beyond the band's control, which also includes 'Forever').
Basically, for those not owning their entire studio output, 'Rocks' is worth it for the handful of harder rocking tunes that were not included on any of their greatest hits, GH I, GH II, and the abomination that was 'Queen + Greatest sH*ts III' ..... a good idea but carried out with an incredibly incomplete and embarrassing (to me) track list. >:( :tdwn
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This was my introduction to Queen. I knew a song here and there but I never owned any records. This was my first and I played it to death. And other than Tim I slowly acquired their back catalogue.
If asked what my favorite Queen record is, there's a good chance that it's this greatest hits compilation.
There are bands for whom their greatest hits is a perfect piece; the band doesn't love it, but We Sold Our Soul For Rock 'n' Roll by Sabbath is a good slab for the Ozzy years. But for me, Queen is too eclectic for that. I don't love everything, but when there's not one song from my favorite Queen album - Queen II - it's a struggle.
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The Who have 32 compilation releases. Basically, the double CD 'Ultimate Collection' has all one needs (with a tweak needed hear and there), and yet that 2002 release, which went Platinum in both the UK and States, has different versions for both.
The Stones have 26, with 'GRRR' from 2012 being the most complete if you get the four disc release (as opposed to the two or three....)
Queen has 16, with the three 'Deep Cuts' simply a money grab (as are a couple others that were beyond the band's control, which also includes 'Forever').
Basically, for those not owning their entire studio output, 'Rocks' is worth it for the handful of harder rocking tunes that were not included on any of their greatest hits, GH I, GH II, and the abomination that was 'Queen + Greatest sH*ts III' ..... a good idea but carried out with an incredibly incomplete and embarrassing (to me) track list. >:( :tdwn
I forgot about The Who.
I didn't count the Stones or Kiss because largely, their hits packages make a sort of sense. The Stones ALWAYS include a handful of new songs on their hits' packages, and their packages are usually pretty comprehensive. Kiss, believe it or not, is pretty generous with their hits packages; most of the songs are not just rehashes of the same hits. I mean, it's the same songs but there are remixes, or reworkings that make them somewhat unique to those that care about those kinds of things.
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This is off topic but I love when artists give you something extra in a GH package. The Incubus greatest hits had a ton of b-sides on it and some of those songs are the best in their catalog.
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GH was my introduction to Queen, as I suspect it was for many people. A damn near perfect track selection, however...
It's 58 minutes long. To get this on to a single vinyl called for some serious reduction in sound quality, with songs mastered way too quietly. Only they didn't want to do that, and some songs, particularly the new songs from The Game, are mastered properly, sound great, but to compensate older songs (Seven Seas of Rhye) are mastered so quietly they're virtually a whisper. This carried across to cassette and CD versions for some reason - I bought this on CD as part of the "Platinum" edition, packaged with GH2 and the incredibly pointless GH3, and the supposedly remastered CD sounds the same as the old vinyl did, new songs mastered too loud, old songs mastered too quiet. Don't know if more recent masters have fixed the comparative volume issue, don't care.
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I knew Queen from classic rock radio in high school, and bought the Classic Queen (blue cover) CD and listened to it a ton. I don't know if I ever owned the... whatever the hell color that other one is... though I know some of my friends did. I never bought it as I favored Classic Queen, release and everything I liked from the Greatest Hits was on the radio all the time.
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Greatest Hits has ruined Queen for me. It's easily the biggest selling album in the UK and it's all anyone ever plays (Similar to ABBA Gold - the second highest album in sales in the UK). Queen have so many great tracks and albums, but all I ever hear is these same songs over and over - It's weird how many people will play the Greatest Hits to death and never think, maybe I should listen to one of the their proper albums (none of Queens actual albums break into the top 1000 selling in the UK).
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Greatest Hits was my introduction to Queen. I remember I bought it as a cassette when I was a kid (early 90s). MTV played quite a lot of their videos too at the time.
Whenever I hear those songs I am taken back to listening to Greatest Hits in my dad's car on a summer day.
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Greatest Hits has ruined Queen for me. It's easily the biggest selling album in the UK and it's all anyone ever plays (Similar to ABBA Gold - the second highest album in sales in the UK).
Funny. I know and love ABBA Gold inside and out and couldn't name one of their songs that isn't on that album.
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ABBA Gold has some pretty big hits missing - Summer Night City, I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do, The Day Before You Came, So Long, Honey Honey - all songs you'd probably want to include on any compilation.
Queen's GH doesn't really have any glaring omissions - I'd have put Keep Yourself Alive on there, but then I can see that something has to give, and while I personally would have dropped Now I'm Here to make room, the decision to limit it to top 20 hits was the right way to go. I do think they should have put this out after the Jazz album, as the 4 songs from The Game album don't really "fit" with the earlier material and they could have squeezed in 4 "best of the rest" tracks in too. But it is a monster album as it is.
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Greatest Hits has ruined Queen for me. It's easily the biggest selling album in the UK and it's all anyone ever plays (Similar to ABBA Gold - the second highest album in sales in the UK). Queen have so many great tracks and albums, but all I ever hear is these same songs over and over - It's weird how many people will play the Greatest Hits to death and never think, maybe I should listen to one of the their proper albums (none of Queens actual albums break into the top 1000 selling in the UK).
“All tapes left in a car for more than about a fortnight metamorphose into Best of Queen albums.”
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Greatest Hits has ruined Queen for me. It's easily the biggest selling album in the UK and it's all anyone ever plays (Similar to ABBA Gold - the second highest album in sales in the UK). Queen have so many great tracks and albums, but all I ever hear is these same songs over and over - It's weird how many people will play the Greatest Hits to death and never think, maybe I should listen to one of the their proper albums (none of Queens actual albums break into the top 1000 selling in the UK).
“All tapes left in a car for more than about a fortnight metamorphose into Best of Queen albums.”
Something like this? ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/EP2aX9o.jpg)
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ABBA Gold has some pretty big hits missing - Summer Night City, I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do, The Day Before You Came, So Long, Honey Honey - all songs you'd probably want to include on any compilation.
It's a crime that Eagle isn't on Gold - yet it's rather naff B-side 'Thank You For the Music' is.
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^
No clue as to any of those songs. As to Queen references, 'Mama Mia' was the song that replaced 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on top of the UK charts after its nine week run.
Ironic, eh, that their 'Mama Mia' overtook another 'mama mia'......
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GH was my introduction to Queen, as I suspect it was for many people. A damn near perfect track selection, however...
It's 58 minutes long. To get this on to a single vinyl called for some serious reduction in sound quality, with songs mastered way too quietly. Only they didn't want to do that, and some songs, particularly the new songs from The Game, are mastered properly, sound great, but to compensate older songs (Seven Seas of Rhye) are mastered so quietly they're virtually a whisper. This carried across to cassette and CD versions for some reason - I bought this on CD as part of the "Platinum" edition, packaged with GH2 and the incredibly pointless GH3, and the supposedly remastered CD sounds the same as the old vinyl did, new songs mastered too loud, old songs mastered too quiet. Don't know if more recent masters have fixed the comparative volume issue, don't care.
No idea about whether the 2011 reissue fixed that or not. I sampled a few parts of the earlier released UK CD and vinyl, and, yeah, they are 'quiet', most likely due to the crazy amount of time on the vinyl.
I didn't count the Stones or Kiss because largely, their hits packages make a sort of sense. The Stones ALWAYS include a handful of new songs on their hits' packages, and their packages are usually pretty comprehensive. Kiss, believe it or not, is pretty generous with their hits packages; most of the songs are not just rehashes of the same hits. I mean, it's the same songs but there are remixes, or reworkings that make them somewhat unique to those that care about those kinds of things.
A lot of those are for the 'money grab', and Queen certainly is in that group. The KISS remixes....similar and going waaaay back to Alice Cooper's original 'Greatest Hits'.....I wanted the original studio versions, not variations. That's where CDs with room for additional different versions....Queen's 'Son And Daughter', 'Spread Your Wings', 'Doing Alright', 'We Will Rock You' (fast) etc from the BBC sessions, along with various live cuts.....were for....if done properly.
No reminiscing of listening to GH with my Mom, but certainly some of the songs from when the original LPs came out....side one of Queen II, Side Two of ANATO and 'Races' always take me back to those days.
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....to finish out the 'Greatest Hits' era, we have....
QUEEN GREATEST FLIX
Released: November 2, 1981
(https://i.discogs.com/ltiVXy6F09Sy8g9PXvnvvxOOzJmRwVJMLKGmdrj9YqY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:378/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTQzNTY2/NS0xNDQ1NzAyODA3/LTkxOTYuanBlZw.jpeg)
This video was also included in the 'Box Of Flix' boxed set, adding four bonus tracks, and released as part of 'Greatest Flix I & II' on Video-CD in 1994, and DVD and Laserdisc in 1997. It was also essentially re-released in 2002 on DVD, adding bonus videos and features, as 'Greatest Video Hits I'.
Of course, everyone still has their laser disc copy 😉
At this point in their career, Queen were arguably the biggest band in the UK, becoming the first artists to simultaneously top the album charts (with Greatest Hits), singles charts (with Under Pressure), and video charts (with Greatest Flix).
****************
The 2002 video reissue:
GREATEST VIDEO HITS 1
Released on 14 October 2002, and reached no 1.
Certifications:
Gold in France and Mexico
3x Gold in Germany
Platinum in Argentina, Poland, USA
3x Platinum in UK and Canada
6x Platinum in Australia
Best selling in UK for the year. #1 in UK, USA, Germany, Spain, and other countries.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0d/Queen_gvh1.jpg)
We'll return to 1981 for their concerts in Montreal tomorrow. Just as the Earl's Court concert in '77 before the release of 'News Of The World' can mark the end of their first 'era', the Montreal shows can mark the end of the next.
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Live In Montreal ‘81
The Forum, Montreal, November 24th, 1981 Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xpb0UgpGy4&t=2357s Sound Quality: B+
Special Event: Rock Montreal Film
After the horrible experiences and shortened tour in Venezuala and Mexico in September, the equipment is flown to New York City for storage for the possibility of filming two nights at Madison Square Garden. The band take a break to touch up 'Under Pressure' and begin work on their next studio album. The decision is eventually made to film the shows in Montreal.
The setlists for the two nights were the same:
We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down Make Love / Save Me / Now I’m Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Under Pressure / Keep Yourself Alive -drum-guitar solos / Flash / The Hero / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encores:
Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack / Jailhouse Rock / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
This is the first performance of ‘Under Pressure’. Dragon Attack and Love Of My Life are missing on this bootleg.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-11-24_Montreal_01.jpg)
"A Rolling Stone magazine article circa 1980/81 (not written by Dave Marsh ;)) said Montreal was chosen as the location for filming because the audience were louder than the monitors at the 1980 show. Madison Square Garden in New York was considered at one point, but the Montreal Forum was also deemed favourable because it was a cheaper option.
Shot on 35 mm film, it was originally intended to be a tour in itself, by a company called Mobilevision that was essentially a traveling Imax. For this reason, the audio was originally given a very dry and sterile mix, to give a sense that the band was in the room with the viewer rather than performing a concert - much to the dismay of the band (also worth noting is that the audience mics were brought down in the mix to a near whisper, which unfortunately contributed to a false idea in some viewers' minds that the audience was bored and unreceptive). Furthermore, the director of the film, Saul Swimmer, managed to assume the rights to all the footage and audio, leading to many official releases that came to fruition - completely without any input from the band.
Brian May has very openly stated many times his dissatisfaction with the sound quality on these releases. The first such release was a VHS in 1982, a 90 minute compilation of most of the songs performed on both nights. Numerous copies followed, a few of which were edited down to one hour (see Discogs for a complete listing). These dozens of releases yielded plenty of LP and CD bootlegs, particularly after Mercury's death in 1991, as expected." Queenlive.ca
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Video: Released in 1982,
I purchased it in '92, and instantly recorded it onto a cassette to blast away to in the car. The first live versions of ‘Somebody To Love’ and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ that I owned (finally!!!!)
We Will Rock You (fast)/ Let Me Entertain You/ Play The Game/ Somebody To Love/ Killer Queen/ I'm In Love With My Car/ Get Down Make Love/ Save Me/ Now I'm Here/ Dragon Attack/ Now I'm Here (reprise)/ Love Of My Life/ Under Pressure/ Keep Yourself Alive/ drum/guitar solos/ Crazy Little Thing Called Love/ Bohemian Rhapsody/ Tie Your Mother Down/ Another One Bites The Dust/ Sheer Heart Attack/ We Will Rock You/ We Are The Champions/ God Save The Queen
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ak4AAOSwbJtfFPOf/s-l500.jpg)
And then this crappy cover
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/d/d5/Wwry97.jpg/150px-Wwry97.jpg)
The drum and guitar solos are included, but still no 'Flash', 'The Hero', or 'Jailhouse Rock'. This was again released in 2001, with 'Jailhouse Rock'. The '01 release was a satisfying purchase.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414XSAA09HL._AC_SY445_.jpg)
The band bought back the rights to this material in early 2007, and the resulting CD/DVD release was called "Queen Rock Montreal" (a second version was entitled "Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid," which included a second disc containing their famed 1985 charity show set and some other extras). A couple weeks before the release, the Montreal film was shown for one night only in theatres worldwide.
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QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL
Released: October 2007 UK (EMI / Parlophone)as a double CD, Blu-ray, DVD, and triple vinyl in the UK and the following day in the US
Charts for the CD sales:
UK #20, Portugal #22, Germany #17, Austria #25, Italy #27, Switzerland #27, Spain #35, Netherlands #54, Belgium #62, Ireland #88
2008:
Mexico #73
Certifications: Gold in Australia
******
DVD Charts:
2007
Italy #1, Portugal #1, Sweden #1, Belgium #3, Denmark #3, Austria #4, New Zealand #8, Australia #9
2008
Norway #2
Certifications:
Gold in Australia and Switzerland
Platinum in Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, UK
2x Platinum in USA, Canada
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Queen_Rock_Montreal_550x325.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFie0kyu9cs&t=25s
Intro/ We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down, Make Love / Save Me / Now I'm Here - Dragon Attack - Now I'm Here (reprise) / Love Of My Life / Under Pressure / Keep Yourself Alive / Drum Solo / Guitar Solo / Flash / The Hero / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Jailhouse Rock / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
******
The DVD does not contain ‘Flash’ and ‘The Hero’. Footage was tossed aside. Fortunately, when Queen bought out the rights, they did include them on the CD release.
Freddie (and the band) had gotten annoyed at the cameras and such. They were to wear the same outfits each night at the same points. Well, he wore something entirely different for the one night they played 'Jailhouse Rock', so it was placed after CLTCL, when it was actually played before WWRY.
These would be the final performances of 'Let Me Entertain You', 'I'm In Love With My Car', and 'Flash' (which would be used as the pre-recorded opening music in '82). 'Killer Queen' and 'Keep Yourself Alive' would be dropped as well, but revived in 1984.
These are the final live performances of Queen as a four-piece band. All subsequent tours would have an additional on keyboards and occasional guitar.
At this point in their career, Queen were arguably the biggest band in the UK, becoming the first artists to simultaneously top the album charts (with Greatest Hits), singles charts (with Under Pressure), and video charts (with Greatest Flix).
But.....what goes up, must inevitably come down. For Queen, that would not take long. But for this night, it's generally well edited (other than the always close ups during BoRhap), the intro with the 'fly swatter' lighting rig is well captured, along with so many other various moments. A great show, with only a few overdubs, and a great video documentary of the band at the end of their most successful era.
(a much better cover for Montreal would have been....)
(https://i.imgur.com/KziLi1i.jpg)
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I have Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid on Blu-ray. I love it. Queen is one of those bands where I don't really like their live albums, because the difference between their studio sound and live sound is so extreme, but I can watch just about any band live. Watching them playing it live makes all the difference, and this is no exception.
I didn't realize that this was the last tour they did as a four-piece and only four-piece. Somehow that makes it cooler. :hat
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(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ak4AAOSwbJtfFPOf/s-l500.jpg)
I definitely recognize this packaging.
I have never watched nor listened to this show.
I am watching now and this is fantastic footage, further cementing my belief that I'll take arena footage over stadium footage any day. Great camera angles. Love how they catch John Deacon in....action. :lol
I think I've mentioned this before, but Freddie's piano playing is hugely underrated part of Queen's music.
I wouldn't bother with the DVD, but I want this CD. I really want the live versions of The Game songs plus Flash and Under Pressure.
Wow, Somebody To Love! :metal
Amazon has a used for $26 including shipping or $14.49 for the mp3.
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For the video, though I would ALWAYS prefer fewer changes in camera angles, at least it's not every two to five seconds, and then focusing on just the hands of guitarists and pianists (not calling out DT specifically ;)) or zoom ins on the crowd (who cares?), the Montreal show was fairly well done. Even if you don't like 'Get Down Make Love', they give you a fairly good idea of why it was one of the highlights of the visual highlights of their shows, with the lighting rigs moving down and up and dimming etc....
The same goes for Roger's and Brian's solos.
And, yeah, 'Somebody To Love' was pure gold! A shame I had to wait fifteen years to finally hear it live. I've made up for it in recent weeks.....
My setlist review: 'Save Me' is nice, it's good to see Brian at the piano at the beginning, but it didn't grab me the year before in person, the same now. The very short medley of 'Killer Queen' and 'I'm In Love With My Car' was nice, to the point, and a favorite. I never cared for the 'Now I'm Here' / 'Dragon Attack' / 'Now I'm Here' (reprise). So, I joined the two 'Now I'm Here' parts into one, placed 'Dragon Attack' after 'Under Pressure', followed by 'Another One Bites The Dust'. I was just never a fan of it as an encore.
BoRhap, TYMD, SHA, WWRY, WATC....and LOML....what can I say but :tup
anyhoo.....I can't put it off any longer, and will be posting the next album tomorrow. Tim already has the Spotify totals. I asked him, (but he's keeping it a secret) as to whether any of the Side One songs had negative numbers. ;) :sad:
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Some background leading up to my first listen of the upcoming album:
I recall the days when I unwrapped 'A Day At The Races' and 'News Of The World'. Gave them each a spin, and then headed over to a friend's home with a handful of people to play the records. 'Jazz', I recorded off an FM station the night before seeing them in Kalamazoo. The following Friday, I bought the album, and went to the same friend's home and spun it. 'Live Killers' was a after work Friday purchase, and we all heard it for the first time. 'The Game'.... my apartment about a month after its release. And then a bunch of us met up to see the 'Flash Gordon' movie together.
The new album is released. Well, ‘Under Pressure’ made this something to look forward to. And even ‘Body Language’ was somewhat Ok, having been out for a few weeks. ‘Hey, it’s just one song, like AOBTD was on ‘The Game’. I had just graduated from college the week before, my best friend and roommate had a dozen friends over to a somewhat new apartment to celebrate, a keg of beer and other spirits, and a new Queen album to play…still in its wrapper. I spin it for the very first time with the gang in attendance
WOW!!!! I wanted to crawl under a rock within five minutes!!!! I mean, WTF is this.
Certainly turned the volume down soon, and suffered some more until it was over. As did we all. With great trepidation, went ahead and flipped the vinyl over. OK, breath easier, this is a bit more like it. It has some of the band’s trademarks included, but certainly not as many as in the past.
A couple of mix tapes with the likes of Rush and Zeppelin immediately followed to wash it out of our ears.
With that, I bring you......
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Hot Space
Released: May 21, 1982 UK (EMI), USA (Elektra)
Recorded June 1981 – March 1982
Charts: UK #4, US #22
Austria #1, Norway #3, Sweden #4, New Zealand #5, West Germany #5, Canada #6, France #7, Australia #15
Certifications:
Gold in Austria, UK, US
Platinum in Poland
Singles: Under Pressure b/w Soul Brother October ’81 UK #1, US #29 (already mentioned)
Body Language b/w Life Is Real (Song For Lennon) April 19, 1982 UK #25 US #11
Canada #3, Poland #3, Netherlands #6, Sweden #10, Italy #13, New Zealand #19, Australia #28,
Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love) b/w Cool Cat June 1st UK #17, US (not released)
Poland #1, Ireland #10, Switzerland #13, Netherlands #26, West Germany #68
Back Chat (Single Remix) b/w Staying Power UK #40 US (not released)
South Africa #18, Ireland #19, West Germany #69
Back Chat (Extended Remix) b/w Staying Power
Their first 12” single release
US Singles
Calling All Girls b/w Put Out The Fire, July #60
(https://www.queenvault.com/HotSpace/album1.jpg)
PRODUCED BY QUEEN – MACK
*Under Pressure* was writtten, produced and performed by Queen & David Bowie
Album package concept by Freddie Mercury
Recorded at Mountain Studious, Monteux and Musicland Studios, Munich
Cut by Mack & George Marino
Special Thanks to Arif Mardin who arranged and produced some hot and spacey horns on ‘Staying Power’
(Mack would soon have a much more successful end product with Billy Squier …..)
Album audio (if you have the stomach for Side One...) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRfgNSCokmE&list=PL2tMgWgIvcWnzSRjn0D-2_2Xwi3ImsKv0
a look back https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-hot-space/
further reading https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Space
*********
SIDE ONE
Staying Power (Mercury) 4:10
Dancer (May) 3:47
Back Chat (Deacon) 4:33
Body Language (Mercury) 4:32
Action This Day (Taylor) 3:32
SIDE TWO
Put Out The Fire (May) 3:18
Life Is Real (Song For Lennon) (Mercury) 3:31
Calling All The Girls (Taylor) 3:52
Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love) (May) 4:29
Cool Cat (Deacon/Mercury) 3:28
Under Pressure (Queen/Bowie) 4:03
2011 Universal reissue bonus disc
Staying Power (Milton Keynes) / Soul Brother / Back Chat (45 remix) / ‘Action This Day’ and ‘Calling All Girls’ (Live at Seibu Lions Stadium in Tokorozawa, November 1982)
***********
The live versions are certainly a bonus for those who have not heard them, especially ‘Staying Power’, since it is immensely better and preferred by most over the studio version. ‘Soul Brother’ finally is made available to those not owning the ‘Under Pressure’ 45.
Omissions are a live ‘Under Pressure’ from either Montreal or Milton Keynes, any decent rare live offerings of 'Put Out The Fire' and 'Life Is Real', and certainly the demos that are unofficially available.
Back Chat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5bW2hZeKE0 if you can suffer through it, there is more lead guitar at times
Action This Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teWkqh9CNFQ again, a touch of rawness to this that is somewhat of an improvement, but Freddie sounds a tad hoarse at times
Las Pallabras de Amor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rf-ZMzoru4 a bit more of Freddie and BVs at the end, with a quicker fade out.
Life Is Real https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DH98B7IucQ close to the original, with a touch of rawness to it. Slightly different lead guitar
Cool Cat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhkYvW9H_TE David Bowie also did mumbled background words and some nothing BVs. No wonder this version was tossed, though Freddie’s vocals sound better at times than the official version, the bass is lower, and Brian’s guitar sounds better when its there.
‘Feel Like’ (previously mentioned)….which became ‘Under Pressure’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TrVnt1mngU Definitely should have been included.
Related Songs
Freddie’s ‘Man Made Paradise’ (a demo exists, appears later on his solo album), as does ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’.
Brian’s ‘My Boy’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o28wzg2ezVA
I Go Crazy (May), which would end up as the nonalbum B-side of ‘Radio GaGa’
(https://mikeladano.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/scan_20180717-3.jpg)
Where do I start with this one? Well, it’s got an OK cover, very nice inner sleeve with lyrics. And side two is very good in my opinion.
Let’s toss all of our signature sounds off to side, other than a few moments here and there, give Freddie 95 percent of the lead vocals, get lazy and try almost an entire side as a crossover funk/dance band. Yup….like Johnny Cash doing classical music, or Yes performing bluegrass …even if there was something good in it, your target audience is going to feel alienated.
I’ve made various versions of this album, deleting most (or all) of Side One, and inserting various solo songs.
The last time I heard Side One straight through was because I lost a bet in 2002. :tdwn Even after fixing that side, the 'sting' is still felt to this day.
(https://www.queenvault.com/HotSpace/album2.jpg)
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I have, over the years, tried to give this a fair shake, but it's hard to see this as anything but a massive misstep in an otherwise pretty solid career. The songs are marginally better live, but not enough to fully redeem them.
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There's a reason I call this Hot Mess.
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Looking forward to carefully reading Joe's post giving this a spin tonight...I think. :lol
Anyway, here are the Spotify numbers.
Staying Power....3.4m
Dancer...2.8m
Back Chat...3.9m
Body Language...9.1m
Action This Day...2.4m
Put Out The Fire...2.4m
Life Is Real...3.0m
Calling All Girls....2.5m
Las Palabras De Amor...10.1m
Cool Cat....54.6m
Under Pressure...1.1B
Obviously Under Pressure has huge numbers at over a Billion, but what's the deal with Cool Cat's 54.5 Million streams??
Actually, it's 55.5 Million. It gained another MILLION streams since June 9th, when I ran the numbers.
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Looking forward to carefully reading Joe's post giving this a spin tonight...I think. :lol
Anyway, here are the Spotify numbers.
Staying Power....3.4m
Dancer...2.8m
Back Chat...3.9m
Body Language...9.1m
Action This Day...2.4m
Put Out The Fire...2.4m
Life Is Real...3.0m
Calling All Girls....2.5m
Las Palabras De Amor...10.1m
Cool Cat....54.6m
Under Pressure...1.1B
Obviously Under Pressure has huge numbers at over a Billion, but what's the deal with Cool Cat's 54.5 Million streams??
Actually, it's 55.5 Million. It gained another MILLION streams since June 9th, when I ran the numbers.
I love that song.
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Looking forward to carefully reading Joe's post giving this a spin tonight...I think. :lol
Anyway, here are the Spotify numbers.
Staying Power....3.4m
Dancer...2.8m
Back Chat...3.9m
Body Language...9.1m
Action This Day...2.4m
Put Out The Fire...2.4m
Life Is Real...3.0m
Calling All Girls....2.5m
Las Palabras De Amor...10.1m
Cool Cat....54.6m
Under Pressure...1.1B
Obviously Under Pressure has huge numbers at over a Billion, but what's the deal with Cool Cat's 54.5 Million streams??
Actually, it's 55.5 Million. It gained another MILLION streams since June 9th, when I ran the numbers.
I love that song.
OK, but do you really need to listen to it 76,923 times per day?
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He listens to it after every P/R post. ;D
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He listens to it after every P/R post. ;D
Once for each comma.
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He listens to it after every P/R post. ;D
Once for each comma. (and parentheses)
Fixed.
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Going in..wish me luck!
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Just in case....
(https://countrymedicalpharmacy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Pepto_Bismol_240ml.jpg)
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This tour was supposed to be my first concert but my parent would not let me go. My friend had an extra ticket. They never toured America again.
My 1st show was next year and it was the Asia, Alpha tour.
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This tour was supposed to be my first concert but my parent would not let me go.
You asked the wrong parent. ;D
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OK...I made it through!
Staying Power... Er..what is going on here? :lol I hear Freddie Mercury. Did anyone tell Brain and Roger that it was time to start the new album? I think the only one that might've known was John.
Dancer...Dancer is definitely better. Feels like a plausible extension of The Game. I wonder if this is one of the live songs. I'd love to hear it if it is. The solo section is pretty good. The second part of the solo feels like Level Headed era Sweet.
Back Chat...Very representative of the time period. I think that there were a lot of songs like this on MTV during this time. This actually reminds me of The Rolling Stones. I think if you remove the electronics, this is a fantastic track. I'm digging it.
Oh, and no surprise. It's another excellent song by John Deacon.
Body Language...Sounds like something from Wreck It Ralph. With Staying Power and Body Language, Freddie seems to be more comfortable with his, for lack of a better word, gayness being part of the Queen experience. This song kind of blows.
Action This Day... Not really sure what to make of this. It's pretty bad, though.
Put Out The Fire...Ooh, this is more like it. Not quite up to par with real Queen, but it's decent enough. I like the solo!
Life Is Real... Freddie seemed to have written this in John Lennon's style. I like the general idea of what they were going for. I think Late 70's Queen would've made this song so much better.
Calling All Girls....First of all, the title is a total turn off. This song blows too. Big time. And for 4 damn minutes at that.
Las Palabras De Amor...Wow, this starts off really interesting. I don't know what instrument is making that fluttering sound. This is another song that Late 70's Queen would've crushed.
Cool Cat....I feel like there's a fairly decent Deacon song underneath Freddie puking all over it.
I mean, it's a great vocal, but c'mon. Another song that has that 80's Stones feel.
Under Pressure...Obviously familiar with this. Great and classy tune.
OK. That's one listen. Seemed a lot of 70's bands made albums in this vain in the early 80's. Wanted to check out the new technology I guess. Kiss' Dynasty is one of my favorite Kiss albums. And Alice Cooper made Flush The Fashion which is half killer half filler.
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This tour was supposed to be my first concert but my parent would not let me go.
You asked the wrong parent. ;D
Both shot me down.
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This tour was supposed to be my first concert but my parent would not let me go. My friend had an extra ticket. They never toured America again.
My 1st show was next year and it was the Asia, Alpha tour.
Where was the concert?
The same thing happened to me during Alice Cooper’s ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ tour (at least I got to see him over a dozen years later).
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Seemed a lot of 70's bands made albums in this vain in the early 80's. Wanted to check out the new technology I guess.
Being told by their record companies that rock was dead, all the kids were listening to bands with keyboards now, so they better get some keyboards in their sound if they wanted to keep their record deal, more like.
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This tour was supposed to be my first concert but my parent would not let me go. My friend had an extra ticket. They never toured America again.
My 1st show was next year and it was the Asia, Alpha tour.
Where was the concert?
The same thing happened to me during Alice Cooper’s ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ tour (at least I got to see him over a dozen years later).
It was at the old Boston Garden in July I believe. I know the next night was in Montreal where they filmed that tour.
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^
Actually, Montreal was the night before. And the film was from '81. They were handed the keys to the city on 'Queen Day in Boston' (will get to that shortly).
Back to the album: First, yeah, I am totally stunned at the ‘Cool Cat’ Spotify numbers…..about 50 million more than I would have guessed. (As always, ‘thank you’ Tim).
Ahhh, the changes that took place at that time. Look at Yes and Rush (at least they did it right). Some changes were (overly) driven by the lead singer. Genesis from 'Duke' to 'Abacab'. REO and Journey went from their biggest selling albums to even more sacharin. And yet, 1982 Iron Maiden releases 'Number Of The Beast', and Judas Priest releases their biggest seller. Yup, there's no room for any sort of hard driving rock. :facepalm:
Certainly Freddie’s lifestyle while clubbing in New York and Munich had an effect, as was his choice of close personal associates. The carry over from Brian’s controlling nature during ‘Flash’, and John’s success with AOBTD were other underlying factors.
I’ve read where there was quite a tiff as to Brian insisting on the guitar solo in ‘Back Chat’. He obviously got his way (if you’ve bothered to listen to it). The future results, intentional or not: Brian does not play the leads of the instrumental breaks on the next two Deacon songs.
The ‘what ifs’….certainly doing ‘Staying Power’ with a piano as the man beat, and other ‘real’ instruments, would have helped. The drum machines gave side one a lazy feel. One gets their only trademark Brian guitar in ‘Dancer’. For decades, the German spoken ‘Good morning’ at the end sounded to me like ‘a song with meaning….is too big for them’😉
Anyhoo, my bearable version for side one ended up being: Flash (LP version), Dancer, Let’s Get Crazy (Roger solo from ‘Fun in Space’), Cool Cat, and Action This Day. Side Two as is (minus Cool Cat) and ending with The Hero.
It was made more bearable in '85 when I had a side one of solo tunes, and kept Side Two as is. I tried my best to make the album into some type of chicken salad :D
A couple of reviews written later, that are somewhat kind.
https://2loud2oldmusic.com/2021/06/22/queen-hot-space-1982-album-review-the-studio-album-series/#:~:text=It%20is%20has%20a%20cool,has%20a%20great%20May%20solo.
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-hot-space/
Will move on with an introduction to Morgan Fisher tonight, and then the European tour tomorrow.
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Awe damn. I always had it in my head it was the other way around.
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^
stuff like that never happens to me :lol
MORGAN FISHER
The Montreal '81 shows marked the end of an era that started with Queen's very first concert. A major change would have a fifth musician onstage for the Hot Space tour. For the European leg, that would be Morgan Fisher. Here are a couple of quite recent articles.
This article is more focused on his time ‘alongside’ Queen in ‘73/’74 during his days with Mott The Hoople, and then in ’82.
https://www.queenonline.com/news/on-the-spotmorgan-fisher-interview
(https://queenphotos.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/the-band-with-keyboardist-morgan-fisher-on-the-european-hot-space-tour-in-april-1982-photo-by-denis-oregan.jpg)
This one looks back at his entire career, from his original band and then moving on with Tim Staffell of Smile (remember him?), his days with Mott, then Queen, then the Hot Space European tour. It also includes various other projects, including one with, of all people, Yoko Ono!
https://pleasekillme.com/morgan-fisher/
I found both to be quite interesting reads, with the cake below getting mentioned in both articles....
(https://1yd4xt11c7is39w2ckdxdls5-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Morgan-Fisher_main_1200.jpeg)
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So, Hot Space is fucking awful.
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^
From the initial disappointment I wrote about as a prelude to this album, I've tried to be diplomatic, and I'm certainly not going to argue that opinion. :D
A college friend called it a 'steaming void'....
(at least it got 400 views since my first post.... :tup)
moving on....
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HOT SPACE EUROPEAN TOUR ‘82
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/rigs/1982_hotspace/82-05-16_Hamburg_03.jpg)
Many changes from the prior tour. First, of course, there’s the addition of Morgan Fisher.
The fly swatter lighting rig has gone from six pieces to three, and are now rectangular. Spotlights are on hoists, and manned. More pix and info here at https://www.queenconcerts.com/lighting-rigs/1982-hot-space.html
Video of some of the setting up, the last minute is rather interesting from a ‘bird’s eye’ view. https://www.queenconcerts.com/queenzone/423178.html
*******
Throughout their career, Queen’s setlists remained relatively stable during each tour (almost too much so). That changed during The Game North American tour, mostly due to timing,two lengthy breaks, and the success of AOBTD released during the tour (not played during the first leg, then midway during the second, and then as the first encore of the final leg, with a song or two dropped over those four months).
This time it took nearly a month, with songs going from the encore to second or not played at all, to some showing up only to be dropped or changed for others. The ‘Now I’m Here’ medley sometimes ended the concert proper, and, ‘Liar’, of all songs (and a welcome addition), was brought back for the first time since the NOTW tour on a few occasions, and as the concert proper closer a couple of times. Throughout the year it was rare for two consecutive shows to have the same setlist, with major changes again for North America and Japan.
The ‘Thunderbolts & Lightning’ intro tape is gone, as are ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘I'm In Love With My Car’, and ‘Flash’. ‘Killer Queen’ and ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ would be dropped as well, but revived in 1984. ‘Under Pressure’ is, of course, now part of the standard setlist. 'Action This Day' would be the only other 'Hot Space' song to be part of the main set list. It sounds much better on stage, as will 'Staying Power' when the time comes.
Eight of the ‘Hot Space’ songs would be played at one time or another, with only ‘Dancer’, ‘Words Of Love’, and ‘Cool Cat’ missing the cut.
There were various warm up bands on each night, Angel Child for a couple, then Bow Wow Wow until they quit (for good reason). They were not a good match for the European fans. I certainly remember ‘I Want Candy’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoXVYSV4Xcs and I was surprised way back when to learn that they’d been the warmup band. They were replaced with The Teardrop Explodes (video for their song ‘Reward’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyStfUvTwDo )
With that background,….on with the shows…….
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a 'work in progress' due to home contractor interruptus
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-04-24_Leiden_01.jpg)
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The tour begins in Gothenburg, Sweden April 9th, almost six weeks before the album release.
Johanneshovs Isstadion, Stockholm, April 10th, Attendance: 9,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-2tbkMXW0w Grade: B+
Flash (tape) / The Hero / Tie Your Mother Down / Action This Day / Play The Game / Somebody To Love / Staying Power / Get Down Make Love / We Will Rock You (improvisation) / Fat Bottomed Girls / Love Of My Life / Save Me / keyboard/guitar solo / Liar / Not Fade Away / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Under Pressure / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) (ending cut)
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2:We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
The new intro is terrific, though the synth at times throughout the tour is a bit too high pitched and noticeable (for this and many other songs). This is the first available live versions of ‘Staying Power’ and ‘Action This Day’. But what an absolutely bizarre setlist, with ‘Now I’m Here/Dragon Attack/Now I’m Here' reprise closing the concert proper.
On some nights, ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ is played after ‘The Hero’, nights like this it’s ‘Tie Your Mother Down’
***********************
Drammenshallen, Drammen, Norway April 12th, Attendance: 6,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-EIDgbhP1o Quality: A-
(the only concert they ever perform in Norway).
The reviewer mentions that Freddie is suffering from ‘cocaine voice’. (I had to look that up, and I guess it means ‘nasally’). Of all songs, ‘Liar’ is played again, this time at end of the concert proper. A good ending indeed.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-04-12_Drammen_01.jpg)
Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland April 16th, Attendance: 11,400 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkbWuAFdYf4 Quality: A-
Missing the ‘Flash/Hero’ intro. ‘Liar’ is played in the first half, and ‘Now I’m Here’ closes the concert proper again. Freddie’s voice is still subpar.
***********
Second night, Zurich, April 17th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77dROv6H-xM Quality: B+
Freddie’s voice is worse than the prior night. ‘Liar’ and ‘Somebody To Love’ are dropped for ‘Back Chat’. (Ouch!!! :tdwn)
The last time that Brian’s guitar solo would not be played at any concert.
**********
Forest National, Brussels, April 22nd, Attendance: 9,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvsLiksJ1Vo Quality: B+
Freddie's voice is better this night, and would improve throughout the rest of this tour. 'Staying Power' and 'Somebody To Love' return, 'Back Chat' dropped. :tup
*******
Second night, Brussels, April 23rd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUVoN9wrlgc Quality: B+
This is more of a ‘normal’ 82 setlist, with 'We Will Rock You [fast]' returning, and 'Tie Your Mother Down' ending the concert proper. 'Somebody To Love' is dropped for ‘Liar’
*******
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-04-24_Leiden_46.jpg)
Groenoordhallen, Leiden, The Netherlands, April 24th Attendance: 12,800 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5enwQUFLGY Quality: B
'Tie Your Mother Down' is in the second slot again, 'Staying Power' and 'Liar' are included, with 'Now I’m Here' ending the concert proper.
This is one of the greatest recordings of Queen live per many reviewers, described as having the greatest audience at a Queen show….(that was taped).
So I gave it a long listen. It’s certainly in the running! (a shame that Detroit '80 is not available :sad:) The band and audience are on fire. There’s little doubt of that during ‘The Hero’, especially when Freddie enters the stage.
A great piano and vocal intro of ‘Somebody To Love’….leading into Bohemian Rhapsody. Feel free to sing along with the 12,000 plus in attendance that night. 😊
Even with a ‘B’ quality, it is a stereo, very consistent sound, and the crowd responses throughout made it a damn fun listening experience last week.
Sadly.....This was the first time I felt a let down when they played 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. The intro of 'Somebody To Love' is terrific....but the song itself is not played. I'm sure that most in the audience had to have felt the same way that night.
************************
Second night, Leiden, April 25th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r62LQYTK6Kk Quality: B+ (varies throughout from great to good)
‘Back Chat’ replaces ‘Staying Power’, ‘Somebody To Love’ is back
Bow Wow Wow's last show as the warm up band, after having bottles and such thrown at them on stage. Brian felt for the band, but Roger (ever the diplomat :D), felt they brought some of those actions were the result of the band's behavior.
from queenlive.ca
"Bow Wow Wow had been supporting Queen since the Zurich shows, but this would be their last show. The final straw was when audience members were throwing beer cans and food at them, which turned into a back and forth fight. They couldn't finish their set, and Queen's roadies had to escort them off. After hearing about this, Brian May openly expressed his disappointment over how narrow-minded a small percentage of Queen fans were. He was quoted saying, "I really am ashamed of the people who did that to them. There were a dozen or so drunks in the audience who did it - it was disgusting."
Brian also stated how Queen enjoyed Bow Wow Wow's music and stage act.
Roger added these thoughts: "It's a common malaise these days. They didn't really give enough to the audience - you have to. The audience aren't there to see you jerk off on stage. They're the one who paid the money. They're there to be entertained in some way, and you've got to give a little bit, and you bend a little bit and you've got to project yourself - especially in these large arenas. And these new groups, a lot of the new bands just sort of come on and do their thing and "hey man, if you don't like us then Fuck You!" and so, fuck them. They end up nowhere, which is a shame really. It's a stupid attitude."
(as always, 'Bless you, Roger!' :tup
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-04-25_Leiden_34.jpg)
The Festhalle Frankfurt, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IInoBMzm_PA Quality: A-
The Teardrop Explodes start their run as the warm up band.
A damn fine quality recording of this concert, which includes the last complete performance of ‘Liar’
**************
The Sprothalle, Cologne, May 6th and 7th, Attendance: 8000 no audio
A second night added due to ticket demand. ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ was not played at the first show, returns the second night as the second song. ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ goes back to closing the concert proper.
*******
The Stadthalle, Vienna, May 12th Attendance: 14,100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRWqhQl8_7M Audience/Soundboard Merge Quality: A
First time in Vienna since the NOTW tour in ’78. Freddie’s voice is in great shape, Brian plays some of ‘I Go Crazy’ in the guitar solo. Mostly a top notch audience recording.
‘Back Chat’ is included, ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ dropped.
*****
Second night, Vienna, May 13th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX_7zxNcTGc&t=14s Grade: A-
The debut of ……’Body Language’. It would be played one more time on the European tour before being dropped. The set is also the only one on the tour in which ‘The Hero’ goes right into ‘Action This Day’. Generally, ‘Tie Your Mother Down’, ‘We Will Rock You (Fast)’, or ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ would be played after ‘The Hero’
Video of 'Another One Bites The Dust' and the final encore of WWRY WATC GSTQ Our first visuals from the tour. Taken from one of the these two nights. Pretty good stuff. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de0IorWIxJE
**********
The Waldbühne, Berlin, West Germany, May 15th Attendance: 22,300 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB4U0ze0jd0 Quality: B+
An outdoor concert with many mosquitoes (at least it was better than Mexico the prior year!). The last time ‘Body Language’ was played in Europe or the UK. Freddie ‘s banter with the crowd is semi hostile at times, as they are not receptive to the new stuff (gee, I wonder why? :huh:) All encores are missing.
MAY 18th
(https://images.991.com/large_image/Queen+Hot+Space-438945.jpg)
the rest of the European tour to be posted during the late hours tomorrow.
Say what you will about the 'new' album.... Queen still gives its all during their concerts, .....and even better stuff awaits....
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(https://images.eil.com/large_image/QUEEN_HOT%2BSPACE%2BTOUR%2B82%2B%2B%2BTICKET%2BSTUBS-392044.jpg)
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Lots to chew on here, Joe!
MORGAN FISHER
The Montreal '81 shows marked the end of an era that started with Queen's very first concert. A major change would have a fifth musician onstage for the Hot Space tour. For the European leg, that would be Morgan Fisher. Here are a couple of quite recent articles.
This article is more focused on his time ‘alongside’ Queen in ‘73/’74 during his days with Mott The Hoople, and then in ’82.
https://www.queenonline.com/news/on-the-spotmorgan-fisher-interview
(https://queenphotos.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/the-band-with-keyboardist-morgan-fisher-on-the-european-hot-space-tour-in-april-1982-photo-by-denis-oregan.jpg)
This one looks back at his entire career, from his original band and then moving on with Tim Staffell of Smile (remember him?), his days with Mott, then Queen, then the Hot Space European tour.
I DID remember Tim Staffell. As soon as I saw the name. You'd be proud of me. Plus he has a cool first name!
He was with Mott The Hoople. That's cool. I like that nugget. Didn't seem to work out though..
The Stadthalle, Vienna, May 12th Attendance: 14,100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRWqhQl8_7M Audience/Soundboard Merge Quality: A
First time in Vienna since the NOTW tour in ’78. Freddie’s voice is in great shape, Brian plays some of ‘I Go Crazy’ in the guitar solo. Mostly a top notch audience recording.
‘Back Chat’ is included, ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ dropped.
Seeing Back Chat mentioned, I was hoping to hear a live version. This show sounds great, and I enjoyed the live version of Back Chat.
And that Bow Wow Wow story was hilarious. I definitely remember them. I don't quite remember The Teardrop Explodes though.
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Bow Wow Wow...hey, at least the girl was very 'photogenic'. ;) Vienna was indeed a good show.
I'm going to get these listed while I have time...
The Olympiahalle, Munich, West Germany, Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8BwYAoJGv0 Quality: B
The first concert after the album release, and their last concert in Europe before taking a week off. The now 'standard' set list. Another top notch plus version of 'Somebody To Love'
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/flyers/1982-05-293m.jpg)
Elland Road Football Stadium Leeds, England May 29 Attendance: 40,200 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pTL8tKRZQc&t=1131s Quality: A-
The two interviews with Brian and Roger at the beginning of the tape took place the day of the show. Concert starts at approximately the 16 minute mark.
Freddie’s voice is in great shape after a week off, and the shows is top notch.
Brian stated that this show in Leeds was his favorite Queen show, and that he wishes they recorded it instead of Milton Keynes.
******************
Ingliston Showground Edinburgh, Scotland June 2nd Attendance: 11,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4xRRQaun6s Quality: A-
***
Edinburgh, an added second night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9y335ebSZ4 Quality: A-
Queen had performed in Scotland during every European tour. At the end of the show, Freddie says, "Thank you for two amazing days. We love ya. You're real rock and roll. See you soon, Scotland!" In fact, the band would never play there again.
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/posters/1982-06-05.jpg)
Milton Keynes Bowl, Buckinghamshire, June 5th Attendance:43,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgJr7s98WEo Quality: A-
This would be Morgan Fisher's last show with the band as the touring keyboardist. This show was filmed, aired on TV, bootleg copies made (and I got my hands on one in '96), and then was finally officially released in 2004. A shame it wasn't made available decades sooner, but it would end up being worth the wait. Readers of this discography will only have to wait a couple more days to hear or see it. ;)
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(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/posters/1982-06-05.jpg)
Milton Keynes Bowl, Buckinghamshire, June 5th Attendance:43,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgJr7s98WEo Quality: A-
This would be Morgan Fisher's last show with the band as the touring keyboardist. This show was filmed, aired on TV, bootleg copies made (and I got my hands on one in '96), and then was finally officially released in 2004. A shame it wasn't made available decades sooner, but it would end up being worth the wait. Readers of this discography will only have to wait a couple more days to hear or see it. ;)
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/LimitedElderlyFalcon-max-1mb.gif)
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Sorry, Grover :rollin
After I get back from the polling station tomorrow.
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...or before)
ON FIRE LIVE AT THE BOWL
Performed: Milton Keynes, June 5th, 1982
Released: DVD October 2004, CD and LP 2005
CD Charts 2004-05: UK #20
Portugal #9, Germany #10, Italy #15, Scotland #22, Austria #23, Switzerland #52, Belgium #60, Ireland #67, Spain #73, Netherlands #74, France #75
Certifications:
Gold in the UK, Austria
Platinum in Germany
DVD Charts: UK #1
Austria #1, Sweden #1, Belgium #1, Norway #4, Hungary #5, Australia #10
Certifications:
Gold in Austria, Mexico, Switzerland
Platinum in USA, Argentina
2x Platinum in Portugal
3x Platinum in Australia, France, UK
5x Platinum in Germany
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/28/Queen_On_Fire_Live_At_The_Bowl.png)
Queen are: Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Roger Taylor and Brian May
Additional Keyboards and Piano: Morgan Fisher
Thanks were given to many, including: 'Air Horn Man (thanks a lot)'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jucS5VoOfg0
DISC ONE
Flash (tape) / The Hero / We Will Rock You (fast) / Action This Day / Play The Game / Staying Power / Somebody To Love / Now I'm Here - Dragon Attack - Now I'm Here (reprise) / Las Palabras de Amor (intro) / Love Of My Life / Save Me / Back Chat
DISK TWO
Get Down Make Love / guitar solo / drum solo / Under Pressure / Fat Bottomed Girls / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down / Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
**Due to censorship laws the Hong Kong and China release of the CD removed "Get Down, Make Love" and "Fat Bottomed Girls".
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-06-05_Milton%20Keynes_03.jpg)
The original TV version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody', minus the stupid insertion of the music video during the opera part
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_bg6XwaVFE
The full broadcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKIsv_tl7NA&list=PL7Evm0IpYX8YWrTHZlqqR_nYqBsKOeqEl
*****
There are certain aspects of the television broadcast that are better than the official DVD release. For the intro, there aren't as many pictures thrown at you in a short time. Plus, you get to see the band standing at the base of the stairs, listening to the piped in music, before the tiny explosion at the beginning of the 'Flash' intro as a woman screams (orgasms? ;))
Freddie has a memorable line when introducing 'Staying Power': "For what it's worth we're gonna do a few songs in the funk/black category, whatever you call it. That doesn't mean we've lost our rock and roll feel, okay? I mean it's only a bloody record. People get so excited about these things! We just wanna try out a few songs. This is Staying Power."
Most of that is removed from the official release. :huh:
(note: he certainly didn't feel that way a little over six years earlier, when 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was #1 on the UK charts for nine weeks).
Finally, I've already mentioned the opera section of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' music video being added onto the operatic section of the DVD release. That never should have happened (but it wouldn't be the last time >:( :censored :censored :tup)
Oh,....and it really is a great show and visual treat. 'Never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!'....this is one of my top three. And it certainly helps to have a great video of it! There are very few touch ups throughout the show, and they actually kept part of where Brian's guitar goes out during his solo on the DVD.
A good 10th anniversary for the band, a great celebration they shared with us ...finally.
A six week break follows.
(https://cover.box3.net/newsimg/dvdmov/max1550638481-back-cover.jpg)
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Freddie has a memorable line when introducing 'Staying Power': "For what it's worth we're gonna do a few songs in the funk/black category, whatever you call it. That doesn't mean we've lost our rock and roll feel, okay? I mean it's only a bloody record. People get so excited about these things! We just wanna try out a few songs. This is Staying Power."
I'm always curious about how bands "defend" a perceived change in sound by the fans. But it's usually something something like this. Hey, they wanted to try something different. Calm down, everyone.
(note: he certainly didn't feel that way a little over six years earlier, when 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was #1 on the UK charts for nine weeks).
What makes you say that?
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As much as I'd have liked to have Queen live in the pomp, not even they would get me to go to the soulless cesspit that is Milton Keynes....
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I just bought "Live At The Bowl" and it came this weekend; I haven't watched it yet.
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So I watched The Hero, and what a great opening track that is.
Also watched Back Chat, and it was awesome.
And Under Pressure was fantastic, especially with the organ underneath.
And Freddie is INTO IT!
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As much as I'd have liked to have Queen live in the pomp, not even they would get me to go to the soulless cesspit that is Milton Keynes....
Well, back then it really was the only venue of it's size, it was brand spanking new and the "jewel in the crown" of UK venues. Unfortunately they forgot to include any car parking...
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Freddie has a memorable line when introducing 'Staying Power': "For what it's worth we're gonna do a few songs in the funk/black category, whatever you call it. That doesn't mean we've lost our rock and roll feel, okay? I mean it's only a bloody record. People get so excited about these things! We just wanna try out a few songs. This is Staying Power."
I'm always curious about how bands "defend" a perceived change in sound by the fans. But it's usually something something like this. Hey, they wanted to try something different. Calm down, everyone.
It was just odd that they cut that line from the release. After all, the Montreal '81 live release left a couple of F-bombs during 'Jailhouse Rock' and at the end of GSTQ. Freddie does the same at this concert, talking about the daylight, where "he could finally see all you :censored out there". And they left part of the silence when Brian's string broke during the solo as well. As I said, it's just odd.
Defending the album: here's a good article from ten years ago that I just found last night... https://thequietus.com/articles/08894-queen-hot-space inserting Brian and Roger comments from an '84 interview.
Hey, it's still a bit difficult all these decades later to 'calm down' about it. ;)
(note: he certainly didn't feel that way a little over six years earlier, when 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was #1 on the UK charts for nine weeks).
What makes you say that?
I know he was happy to hand over the gold record to his Mom in '76. At this concert, fan reactions on the road has already rubbed him the wrong way at many shows.
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What was it about the fan reactions to Bohemain Rhasody that bugged him?
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So I watched The Hero, and what a great opening track that is.
Also watched Back Chat, and it was awesome.
I was humming this to myself a short time ago, and realized that its very similar to the short lead in instrumental for 'Keep Yourself Alive' at Montreal the prior fall. Hmmmm....
One of their 'dirty dozen' of my 'least favorite' studio tracks, but just like 'Staying Power' live, it shows how much better it could have been in the studio with the 'old' Queen sound.
And Under Pressure was fantastic, especially with the organ underneath.
And Freddie is INTO IT!
He's in great voice and attitude....last night of the European tour, time off awaits before he gets to head back to NYC and then that tour the following month....yup, a good recipe for a great performance. Plus, I like his outfit a hell of a lot better than the old red leather pants. :tup
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What was it about the fan reactions to Bohemain Rhapsody that bugged him?
I was commenting of how BoRhap 'wasn't just a bloody record' in his eyes back then...
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As much as I'd have liked to have Queen live in the pomp, not even they would get me to go to the soulless cesspit that is Milton Keynes....
Well, back then it really was the only venue of it's size, it was brand spanking new and the "jewel in the crown" of UK venues. Unfortunately they forgot to include any car parking...
Have things changed in forty years? I know the crowds there were great. I have REM's complete show from there in '95 when they were on 'top of the world', and it's fabulous.
I just bought "Live At The Bowl" and it came this weekend; I haven't watched it yet.
There's bonus material from backstage, various interviews with the band, plus video from Vienna (posted in this thread earlier) and some from Japan '82 (to be posted later). The concert itself is worth the money, and though Tokyo isn't complete, it's a great extra disc (for once).
You will, however, have to give up listening to 'Cool Cat' 79 thousand plus times a day in order to enjoy it :D
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Introducing Fred Mandel
Mandel made his first appearance on record courtesy of Domenic Troiano (whose band he was in at the time). Troiano was invited to record on Alice Cooper's
‘Welcome To My Nightmare’ and got Mandel to play keyboards on the record. This led to Alice inviting him to join his live band, which he did for four years (1977-1980) progressing from keyboards to lead guitar, and finally ending up working as the musical director.
During that time, having worked with Bob Ezrin, Mandel was invited to play keyboards on the Pink Floyd album 'The Wall' (produced by Ezrin), followed by some recordings with Cheap Trick.
Here we are now in '82, and he is asked to play with Queen on the North American Tour (as well as Japan). In ’83 he performs on Brian’s solo EP, and later made contributions to three songs on the band’s next album (thus becoming the first significant guest performer on a Queen record). He would also perform on Freddie's '85 solo album.
(https://www.jewishtelegraph.com/images/profile/MandelFred2.jpg)
Following this, Mandel went on tour with Supertramp who were performing their last gigs with their classic line up on the 'Famous Last Words' tour.
Later on, Mandel was offered the chance play with his teen idol Elton John, whom Mandel states as being "...to this day, one of the most bad-ass rock and roll piano players around!"
In 2013, Mandel worked with Anthrax on the track "Smokin'", originally by Boston, ultimately released on Anthrax's album Anthems, an EP principally featuring covers from some of the band's favorite acts of the 1970s.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ_AEuohk-DVwe0AoF_yI-QBgG2N2FvASFOdO3oOFv94Ro3SLcw6duNGMdWXiJWFApYRi8&usqp=CAU)
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And I would like to say that Alice's Nightmare touring band in 1975 is one of the greatest bands I've ever seen perform. That band was GREAT!
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And I would like to say that Alice's Nightmare touring band in 1975 is one of the greatest bands I've ever seen perform. That band was GREAT!
I saw Dick Wagner in Kalamazoo in the 90s. Great show! I just don’t remember what Alice songs he played ☹️
Btw, I wonder what nickname Queen had for Fred Mandel. I won’t refer to him by his first name throughout this thread. Too confusing 😉
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And I would like to say that Alice's Nightmare touring band in 1975 is one of the greatest bands I've ever seen perform. That band was GREAT!
I'm a huge fan of the Dick Wagner/Steve Hunter duo.
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And I would like to say that Alice's Nightmare touring band in 1975 is one of the greatest bands I've ever seen perform. That band was GREAT!
I'm a huge fan of the Dick Wagner/Steve Hunter duo.
Prakash John and Whitey Glan were a tremendous rhythm section.
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A very skinny Alice with Fred Mandel
(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/american-rock-singer-alice-cooper-and-fred-mandel-on-guitar-perform-picture-id1324762491?k=20&m=1324762491&s=612x612&w=0&h=2K3zqo2p0JA5nW_tWUiMb2bELcwkKa9We314xl76fC8=)
I'll assume that Prakash John and Whitey Glan are in this pic, since I see Alice and Fred Mandel
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnebula.wsimg.com%2Ffcea4c4d456cb1886fc29e8d9cfb4120%3FAccessKeyId%3D7D18107C28221CCA31F0%26amp%3Bdisposition%3D0%26amp%3Balloworigin%3D1&hash=e5667b4e1db00ae340a265fd2822a1a169197e01)
No need to guess who these two individuals are
(https://sonicmoremusic.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/tumblr_lmwidngjsw1qearaqo1_1280.png)
Today was the first time I saw this pic....'77, during Queen's 'A Day At The Races' tour, with Alice's wife Sheryl Goddard
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBlH8aZ4OyWeOzwRLNOUo6dXLBhyMAIjeytH3qFRxKMe6ECp_uCcUHonie8R4Te3EieAY&usqp=CAU)
The 'loving' couple, Vincent and Sheryl Furnier, still going strong 45 years later! :D
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQZj7DGbyQNxk134q9OdMA8YApNWE85-FQpaQ&usqp=CAU)
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I'll assume that Prakash John and Whitey Glan are in this pic, since I see Alice and Fred Mandel
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnebula.wsimg.com%2Ffcea4c4d456cb1886fc29e8d9cfb4120%3FAccessKeyId%3D7D18107C28221CCA31F0%26amp%3Bdisposition%3D0%26amp%3Balloworigin%3D1&hash=e5667b4e1db00ae340a265fd2822a1a169197e01)
Prakash John is the guy on the far right in the athletic jacket.
Whitey is the tall blond guy with the shades right behind Alice.
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^
with a young TAC in front ;)
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:lol
Yeah, I loved that hat! :lol
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:lol
That was me for many a Halloween.
moving on......
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BILLY SQUIER
Squier was signed on to be the warm up band for the North American tour.
Two days after the first show in Montreal, ‘Emotions In Motion’ was released. It was certified Gold in September 1982 and Platinum a month later. Though multi-platinum awards were not certified prior to late 1984, the album received a double platinum award in 1991. It was his second best selling album, after the previous year's 3x Platinum 'Don't Say No'.
The cover art was created for Squier by Andy Warhol. Freddie and Roger added BVs to the title track in January. Like its predecessor, the album was produced by Squier with Reinhold Mack.
Brian would play lead guitar on '(Another) 1984' from 'Signs of Life' in '84, and Freddie would sing on 'Love Is The Hero' and BVs and co-wrote 'Lady With A Tenor Sax' on the 'Enough Is Enough' LP in '86.
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273607d4707a2043c0782ce690d)
Charts: #13 Canada, #60 USA
Singles: 'Everybody Wants You'
#1 Hot Rock tracks, #32 Billboard, #13 South Africa, #26 Canada
Other singles: Emotions In Motion, Learn How To Live, Keep Me Satisfied, She’s A Runner
Billy with drummer Bobby Chouinard and Queen
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/2fbe43c68a13af5f6a21c01007e0f553/3d2bcacff87d2702-b9/s1280x1920/a09759b97a38caf734e89663611ca42ad0e22761.jpg)
Squier in Detroit, Cobo Hall, December '82 VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS2lBYiNT5k
Everybody Wants You / Wadda Want From Me / I Need You/ Catch 22 / Learn How To Live / My Kinda Lover / Too Daze Gone / She's A Runner / Emotions In Motion / Listen To The Heartbeat / Lonely Is The Night / In The Dark /The Stoke / Keep Me Satisfied / Rip This Joint
Very similar setlist and length of time during his warm up performance four months earlier at Joe Louis Arena.
Tomorrow: Queen's 'Rock n' America Tour '82 (nope, it wasn't called the 'Hot Space Tour'......)
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I actually remember the Queen/Billy Squier tour.
And Bobby Chouinard RIP. 43 fucking years old.. He was fantastic. Played with Gary Moore for a couple of years. He played heavy AF.
He was born in Brockton MA and apparently is buried there. I live in the next town over.
That's a great Billy Squier show. He was on fire for those couple of years. But damn, that Rock Me Tonight video killed him.
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"Emotions in Motion" is a horrible name for an album, reminds me of Kirk van Houten's "Can I Borrow a Feeling?" The cover doesn't help either, gives you no idea of what to expect - Hammond organ versions of easy listening classics? New wave Euro-synths? Hi-NRG dance? Reggae? No clue.
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I actually remember the Queen/Billy Squier tour.
And Bobby Chouinard RIP. 43 fucking years old.. He was fantastic. Played with Gary Moore for a couple of years. He played heavy AF.
He was born in Brockton MA and apparently is buried there. I live in the next town over.
That's a great Billy Squier show. He was on fire for those couple of years. But damn, that Rock Me Tonight video killed him.
But you didn't get to the show....?
Bobby Chouinard....no wiki page for him :huh: I did gather that he also played for Alice Cooper, as well as Peter Wolf. And yet another Gary Moore reference :D There's still a couple more coming in this thread down the road....
Yup, Squier put on one hell of a show. And....that video :lol :facepalm: The book 'I Want My MTV' devotes one whole chapter to it (per reports).
"Emotions in Motion" is a horrible name for an album, reminds me of " The cover doesn't help either, gives you no idea of what to expect - Hammond organ versions of easy listening classics? New wave Euro-synths? Hi-NRG dance? Reggae? No clue.
I'm 180 degrees opposite of this. Hey, he got Andy frickin' Warhol to do the cover. His prior two, 'Tales of the Tape' and 'Don't Say No', with his picture, were OK. The ones that followed 'Emotions in Motion' ....now those were bad.
At least I got to watch a minute of 'The Simpsons' because of this :D :tup
Moving on for now......
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HOT SPACE NORTH AMERICAN Tour '82
(or, as it was promoted, the QUEEN Hot Space ROCK 'N AMERICA TOUR)
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/queen-hot-space-conference-in-new-york-1982_690x468.jpg)
A total of 29 shows performed (many more were originally planned) from July through September. Whether it was entirely the new album, Paul Prenter’s not so friendly dealings with promoters, the press, etc., this tour was fraught with diminished sales, causing many planned multi night shows to be lowered in number (NYC and LA from four to two, Detroit and New Jersey from two to one). And rather than sellouts, arena capacities often ranged from 60-90%. The European shows ran anywhere from 95 to 105 minutes. By the end of this tour, the shows were down to 85 minutes, with the band seemingly rushing through them, and the encore was singular, down to a segment of three songs.
The set list would change throughout, with various songs from the new album added and removed as the tour went on. The big change was the beginning. After the ‘Flash’ tape, rather than the superb entrance and beginning of ‘The Hero’ (as seen from the Milton Keynes concert), Freddie would stand front and center under the white spotlights singing the intro of ‘Rock It’. The band would appear when the song began to ‘rock it’. It was visually stunning, but it just didn’t make sense to me then (or now).
Along with ‘The Hero’, ‘Love Of My Life’ and ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ are also dropped (so much for Brian's speech). The first live performances of ‘Calling All Girls’. ‘Body Language’ is played along with ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ during the first encore a couple of times.
**********
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-08-03_Toronto_01.jpg)
Montreal Forum, Montreal, July 21st, Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ySsq8hBBRM&t=4108s Quality/ A-/B+
Flash (tape) / Rock It / We Will Rock You (fast) / Action This Day / Play The Game / Staying Power / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Save Me / Calling All Girls / Back Chat / Get Down Make Love / guitar solo / Under Pressure / Fat Bottomed Girls / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down Encore 1: Body Language / Another One Bites The Dust Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
EDIT: Jan 23 2023 upgrade Quality: A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJkWvEeRCWM&t=1152s
This is a new transfer of the Montreal 82 recording, kindly put out by The Real Wizard. ( www.queenlive.ca ) Here are his original notes: "This is a merge of both audience sources to best complete the show. Dare I say this is now the definitive document from the North American leg of the Hot Space tour !? Thanks to onedunpark, Brian's Wig, manymilesaway, and riku for their part in getting these tapes out there."
***************
Boston, July 23rd
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/ads/82-07-23_Boston_ad.jpg)
On this day, Kevin White, Mayor of Boston, had chosen to formally make July 23rd "Queen Day" for the city of Boston. This announcement can be heard at the beginning of this recording, read to by DJ Mark Parenteau from WBCN Radio. With this intro in mind, the band don't play Flash on tape to start the show, but instead, immediately begin with Brian's opening chords to ‘Rock It’. The band put in an enthusiastic albeit sloppy performance tonight. 'Back Chat' is dropped until October.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-07-23_Boston_03.jpg)
(I'm sure you've seen this view a few times, Tim)
Boston Garden, Boston, July 23rd, Attendance/ 15,900 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgHEqgnRzjA Quality/ A- (I’d give it an A)
Queen Day" declaration / Rock It / We Will Rock You (fast) / Action This Day / Play The Game / Staying Power / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Save Me / Calling All Girls / Get Down Make Love / guitar solo [cut] / Under Pressure / Fat Bottomed Girls / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Body Language / Another One Bites The Dust Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-07-23_Boston_01.jpg)
**************
The Spectrum Philadelphia, July 24th, Attendance: 18,200 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLd_SgerimM&t=3277s Quality: A-
only available about three years ago
Back Chat is dropped, and no 'Somebody To Love'. The shows are now down to just one encore segment of 'Another One Bites The Dust', 'We Will Rock You', 'We Are The Champions', and 'God Save The Queen', as ‘Body Language’ is dropped. Per a reviewer, Freddie's 'cokey voice' is returning.
************
On to Landover, Maryland, (just down the road from me now), and the long ago levelled Capital Centre
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-07-25_Landover_03.jpg)
Madison Square Garden New York City, July 27th, Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1a_p35tGUw Quality: B
The first of two sold out shows at THE Garden (four were originally scheduled) 'Body Language' and 'Staying Power' are in, as is the 'disappointing' intro of 'Somebody To Love' before 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
A somewhat off night for both Freddie (voice again) and Brian.
*****
Madison Square Garden, second night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrRI_LIoKQQ Quality: A-
'Somebody To Love' replaces 'Staying Power'' Good but ‘rushed’ performance.
***************
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-08-02_Toronto_01.jpg)
Maple Leaf Gardens Toronto, August 2nd, Attendance: 12,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW1hqhY_2dY Quality: C+
75% capacity, and Freddie’s voice is showing even more wear and tear.
A second show was added in Toronto, though Maple Leaf Gardens was only at 75% capacity
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-08-02_Toronto_03.jpg)
And then, finally.....
(https://theconcertdatabase.com/sites/theconcertdatabase.com/files/1982-08-06jla.jpg)
A second night was planned, but not enough sales. When first announced, a couple of us were definitely going to both shows.
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, August 6th, Attendance: 18,000 https://youtube.com/watch?v=GKgYise0iZ0&t=31s Quality: C+
Flash (tape) / Rock It / We Will Rock You (fast) / Action This Day / Play The Game / Somebody To Love / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (reprise) / Save Me / Calling All Girls / Get Down Make Love / guitar solo / Body Language / Under Pressure / Fat Bottomed Girls / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down cut <sigh>.
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, God Save The Queen
Includes 'Somebody To Love', 'Body Language', and 'Calling All Girls'
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/bf/1d/ae/bf1dae406cd46fa2dbf7f054aac3df33--joe-louis-detroit.jpg)
We rented a van, I drove, and eight of us left about five hours before the show for the two hour trip. Upper deck seats, about ten rows up, John’s side, center ice. Billy Squier was absolutely fantastic!. During intermission, I saw more than a few on the lower floor leave to be replaced by empty seats. That was a first!
I've already mentioned my disappointment regarding the intro. The built up excitement to the tape, the lights, the band appearing..to a 'timid' intro. Also listen to the end of the guitar solo, and then the reaction at the beginning of ‘Body Language’. It felt like some of the air had been sucked out of the building, and once again I watched many make their way to the exits, a few returned after a beer or bathroom break.
In spite of the somewhat poor quality of the recording, I knew that ahead of time when I was finally able to purchase it about fifteen years later. Of course, 'Tie Your Mother Down' would have the ending cut. >:(
On the rare occasion that I listen to parts of this, it always hits me hard at the end when Freddie says, "Good night, Detroit, see you soon!"
It was, sadly, the last time I saw him perform.
(https://i.imgur.com/06NkXKt.jpg)
I do still have these memories at hand. Yeah, mine’s faded after forty years, but it fit twenty years ago for my favorite picture ever, and still fits today….
************
One third of the way through this leg of the tour. I’m stopping here, as we’re heading out for a couple of days to Annapolis. This evening’s entertainment: Jordan Rudess....
EDIT: Took a bit, but the WIP is complete :tup
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That's actually a really cool shirt; I like that artwork, even if the album blows. Contrast that with an album coming up, which may be my favorite Queen album and for which the artwork is silly, not magical.
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Man, the songs on Hot Space are great live, but the record blows. I actually get into Action This Day and Staying Power on Live at the Bowl, but on the record they suck. This is why I don’t let the live versions skew me in Kev’s countdowns, same as I won’t when we do the Queen countdown when this is all over.
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Man, the songs on Hot Space are great live, but the record blows. I actually get into Action This Day and Staying Power on Live at the Bowl, but on the record they suck. This is why I don’t let the live versions skew me in Kev’s countdowns, same as I won’t when we do the Queen countdown when this is all over.
:lol :lol :lol
Which might be in 2024 :D
There's actually twenty-seven more band related albums to go. Or is it twenty-eight? Thirty?
But, trust me, I'm not going to do a week or two on each of the three Cross LPs (those will be one post) and some of the compilations will only have a couple of days before the next item. Those 'Deep Cuts' compilations will all be noted in one post as well.
Live material: yes, the 'Hot Space' live performances are better than the LP. But I've let the concert renditions sway me in the countdowns. 'The Spirit Carries On' 'Score' version gave that song a small bump, making it my favorite DT song. And Score's 'Razor's Edge' bumps 'Octavarium' up about ten notches.
Stadler: go back and look at the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' sleeve. Then you'll see where the idea of the cover for the next studio LP came from.
time to 'exit, stage left' for a couple of days.......
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I'll leave a note in my will as to who can run the Queen countdown if I am no longer alive in 2065 when this thread is done. :P
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:lol
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Well, sometimes life and strife intrudes on the hundreds of hours something like this takes. I have even more admiration for TAC and Orbert and others who have taken on these types of endeavors. :hefdaddy
Or, the wife, and a couple days away, part of which was to see Jordan. What a delight! My wife rated it as one of her ten best concert or theater experiences :tup
One hell of a treat to hear him play the piano AND sing 'Beneath the Surface'. And show off his skills of eight months on guitar. He is amazingly gifted (understatement)
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/294117831_10224549800386838_9039631470463720666_n.jpg?stp=cp1_dst-jpg_p526x296&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=IssUk28nPbIAX_T0GRV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AT-BK6nvgMPcLzXYAekgHIajlGvSoI7ASKOf6VQ3vf4_Qg&oe=62DFC086)
the remainder of the last Queen North American tour later tonight.
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Or, the wife, and a couple days away, part of which was to see Jordan. What a delight! My wife rated it as one of her ten best concert or theater experiences :tup
One hell of a treat to hear him play the piano AND sing 'Beneath the Surface'. And show of his skills of eight months on guitar. He is amazingly gifted (understatement)
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/294117831_10224549800386838_9039631470463720666_n.jpg?stp=cp1_dst-jpg_p843x403&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=MyKVVzZ4ajUAX-WPCOO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AT964P4_MaY7YWKwcaGmAuo6NCZfMUUVF-dvyHmb6udg1g&oe=62D7D786)
That's really cool!
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Hope I enjoy Petrucci's show as half as much. If so, it’ll be fantastic :tup.
anyhoo, back to the 'Rock n' America Tour'.....
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-08-10_New%20Haven_03.jpg)
Brendan Byrne Arena, East Rutherford, New Jersey, August 9th Attendance: 14,000 https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcK_ejDYMMY&t=3797 Quality: B
‘Life Is Real’ is played for one of a handful of times.
Quoting Ryan Newton: “This show was a clusterf*ck! It ranks as one of their worst.” Both Freddie’s and Roger’s voices are bad, a steady drone can be heard throughout, and Brian tosses his backup Red Special over the amps in a fit of rage during the guitar solo.
The arena was only 70% capacity. A second show was cancelled due to poor sales.
******
New Haven, Connecticut, August 10th
Concert footage from this show appeared later on an 'Entertainment Tonight' show during an interview with Freddie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywyzFJYGOig
*******
Poplar Creek Music Theatre, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 13th, Attendance: 20,000 https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYnNcA82GAk Quality: A-
An outdoor venue in a Chicago suburb. Acoustics aren’t the best, but it’s one of the best shows of this leg of the tour. The only other taped performance of ‘Life Is Real’
*********
Other concerts followed, including Dallas: (12,000 attendance, 65% capacity), Denver (10,000, 60%), and Vancouver (10,000, 65%).
Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oakland, California, September 7th Attendance: 15,000 https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8pdYC2GsvM Quality/ A- (actual attendance 10,900)
‘Put Out The Fire’ included in the ‘Now I’m Here’ medley. This tape is missing the second encore. ‘Somebody To Love’ and ‘Staying Power’ not included. Freddie’s voice is off again.
A good performance, and yet another high quality recording with a typically enthusiastic Oakland crowd. It's also the last available tape of a Queen concert in the States.
*********
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-09-15_Inglewood_03.jpg)
LA Forum, Inglewood, California, September 14 and 15
The original tour itinerary also had them listed for the 17th and 18th. Once again, poor sales resulted in cancelled shows. Only 20,000 total were in attendance for both nights (27,000 capacity)
The final nights of the North American tour. On one of those nights, Lisa Marie Presley once stated that the first rock concert she attended was by Queen in Los Angeles in the late seventies. After the concert she met Freddie Mercury backstage and gave him a scarf that belonged to her late father. queenlive.ca
For a bit of fun, they play ‘Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting’ before ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, and Billy Squier joins them onstage to help with backing vocals during ‘Jailhouse Rock’, inserted into the encore.
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/01272adb87e1cd5b186c5093c5291a65/dfa52a9c15b8f7a7-25/s500x750/58e37a64cb841621f99359018a2260f547edbc24.jpg)
Sadly, there are no Grade A quality Mike Millard tapes of these shows as in prior years, or any tapes available for that matter. Sadder still,
September 15th, 1982 would be the last time Queen would perform a concert in North America.
**********
Sidenote: Brian and Roger would not perform on stage together in the States for another twenty years, at Club 1650 after they got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. My wife and I (and my Hot Space tee shirt ;)) would get to meet them before the show on Day One of our honeymoon
(https://i.imgur.com/ZMktSuR.gif)
A ten day break after the LA shows would follow.
Tomorrow: 'Saturday Night Live'
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Well, sometimes life and strife intrudes on the hundreds of hours something like this takes. I have even more admiration for TAC and Orbert and others who have taken on these types of endeavors. :hefdaddy
All in good fun, sir. Take your time. :tup :tup
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Phew! Good, because I forgot about a couple of other releases, so this might take until 2066! ;) :lol
Nah, I better speed it up, because by then, they'll probably release another dozen compilations with a few unofficially released demos finally polished up to their satisfaction. And that will only add on even more weeks (years).
Besides, *I* am looking forward to having the last century’s recaps done by the end of September. The releases this century of ‘QUEEN’ will mostly be a one paragraph recap, while referencing the page in this thread that has those specific original comments…..
because *I* want to (re)visit so many shows I never had the time to watch or listen to this year….many of which were new to my eyes and ears as I fell a bit too far into the concert’ ‘rabbit hole’.
The ‘plus’ stuff will be commented on as time goes along afterwards, but much of that I’d probably do in a different thread….if and when I get the urge….next year. ;)
Also…., I don't want to be a centenarian with this still hanging over my head..........as you do your newest Taylor Swift countdown ;)
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SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
30 Rockefeller Center, Studio 8H, New York City, September 25th Attendance: 285 or so
Photo used during the opening credits
https://snl.fandom.com/wiki/September_25,_1982?file=Queen.jpg
and Chevy Chase during the show https://snl.fandom.com/wiki/September_25,_1982?file=Chevy_s8.jpeg (sorry that the images won't show here)
The season opener, with the original cast having departed for a year or so, now with the 'new' headliners Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo. The host for the night is Chevy Chase (his third time since leaving). The show opens with Chase announcing from a TV screen that because of a missed flight, he would have to host the show via satellite from California. (the first preCovid 'Zoom' host?) He prepares to begin the first skit, but a stagehand accidentally knocks over his TV (a spoof of his Gerald Ford pratfalls). [roll credits]
For his opening monologue, he speaks from a broken TV at the foot of the stage.
At the regular point of the show for the musical guests, Chase rambled on until Danny DeVito appears, pushes the TV aside, and simply says, "Ladies and gentlemen. Queen"
'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mmLxAZ5NqA (thanks to NBC, the official version isn’t allowed……)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-09-25_New%20York_03.jpg)
The song they perform later on is 'Under Pressure' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deg7p4BNQOU Freddie’s voice cracks throughout both songs, after having gotten into a now well documented shouting match the night before with boyfriend Bill Reid. Roger steps up to try and help cover up this shortcoming.
All these years later, I still remember the buzz and excitement for this season opening show, mixed in with a bit of trepidation (man, they better not play 'Body Language!!!! :tdwn) Watched it with my best friend and roommate who'd gone to the Kalamazoo '78 and Detroit '80 and '82 shows with me, along with a few others.
The first time I heard the two songs live other than in concert. And, little did I or anyone else know at the time, that this would be Queen's last performance on American soil.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT8Zp7KN7XqSbvr_URC3lwiWPI3suqRMz-zZzFZlLalciOnt1CsLKof_jasvjMa-jpU1n0&usqp=CAU)
tonight: on to Japan
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Those links didn't work Joe..
I found these:
CLTCL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mmLxAZ5NqA
UP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deg7p4BNQOU
I like the almost spoken word during the 2nd verse.
The thing is, it was clearly not Freddie's best night, but I loved the performance!
Sept 25, 1982 was 3 days after I turned 14. I had just started high school a couple of weeks earlier.
I watched SNL every week during this time as this is my favorite cast. Don Kirshner's Rock Concert used to come on right after SNL. Great days.
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^
Thanks, Tim! :tup
The links from my Word doc worked, but they still wouldn't when I retried this morning. So I went to the websites themselves just now and copied/pasted back into my post, and they now work. Still can't get those first two images to show up. :huh: I am going to hate it if I have to do that for all of the links I have already stored, but at least I'll make sure to look ahead of my posts. Once again, 'thank you'. :metal
Yeah, I thought the performances were good. I thought bits were simply 'nerves'. Also, it's not like any of the bands that appeared could start a bit slow and get into a flow. Do a song, sit for a half hour, then do another. It wasn't until I read about the background that I really took note (and that was decades later).
SNL started during my senior year of HS, and it wasn't long before I'd stop at a friend's house and there might be 5-10 of us watching. College was somewhat similar.
*******
any way the wind blows.....we had gusts of 85 MPH come through here a few nights ago ahead of a rainstorm. Fortunately, only lost one big limb off one of our trees, with intermittent flickers of lost power that night, unlike the 50,000 that lost power in our county, some who just got it back this morning.
Then we had an 'active shooter' a block away last night. A dozen or so police and SWAT members were called in. No injuries, just some frazzled nerves. Even the 'sleepiest' of neighborhoods......
Japan '82 to be posted some time during The Open.
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JAPAN Hot Space Tour
(https://images.eil.com/large_image/QUEEN_JAPAN%2BTOUR%2B82-195392.jpg)
A two week + break, and then on to Japan for six shows to conclude this seven month tour.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-10_Japan_01.jpg)
No idea about the drum head, but Roger’s face has ‘disappeared’ for good.
Memorial Gymnasium, Fukuoka, Japan October 19th Attendance: 2,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqKMSDpT2Yo Grade: A-
The set lists for this leg of the tour would basically be the same as the end of the North American tour. The final performance of ‘Back Chat’. Elton’s ‘Saturday Night’s (Alright For Fighting)’ is played for the first time since ’77. An off night, but a great recording.
**************
The second night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKAXzWG723Y
‘The Hero’ and ‘We Will Rock You [fast] return as the openers, as ‘Rock It’ is dropped. This is only 26 minutes, but it does have the return of this great opener intact.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-10-24_Nishinomiya_backstage_03.jpg)
L-R Paul Prenter, ‘Crystal’ Taylor (Mister 'Bobbing Head' at the beginning of Milton Keynes) and ? standing
**************
Hankyu Nishinomiya Stadium, Nishinomiya, October 24th Attendance: 35,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTOWl9sGSQA Grade: A / A-
This would be the last time that the full version of ‘Somebody To Love’ would ever be played. <sigh> (replacing ‘Play The Game’) A minute of ‘Spread Your Wings’ and ‘Saturday Night’ are improvised before ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. ‘Jailhouse Rock’ makes its one time Japan appearance as an encore. Although the band is in pretty good form here, there are still moments where they sound a bit tired. It’s still the best Japan ’82 show.
**************
International Exhibition Hall, Nagoya, October 26th, Attendance: 20,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuJEJUwg3A0 Quality: A
‘Rock It’ replaces ‘The Hero’. ‘Play The Game’ replaces ‘Somebody To Love’. Quite a bit of good improvising done throughout the show.
***************
Tsukisamu Green Dome, Sapporo, October 29th, Attendance: 5,800 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZA7XWepa9Q&t=944s Quality: A/B+
‘Teo Torriate’ is finally played (replacing ‘Save Me’), one of two times the song is played in full. A dress rehearsal for the final show. The final performance of ‘Rock It’. Freddie is hit or miss during the night, and the show does sound rushed, as if they need a break. The intro of ‘Death On Two Legs’ is played again before ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. A nice vocal improv during ‘We Will Rock You’.
***************
Tokorozawa, Japan, Seibu Lions Stadium, November 3rd, Attendance: 35,000 + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5qIycQIobs&list=PLHCF7sLluO6HGYdqlCNNAQ3yGaMU8a_pj Quality: A (Chinwonder2 divided it up, but this guy is good)
or undivided https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYpwPWC9fy4 with video footage inserted (see next post)
Setlist:
Flash (tape)/ The Hero/ We Will Rock You (fast)/ Action This Day/ Play The Game/ Calling All Girls/ Now I'm Here/ Put Out The Fire/ Dragon Attack/ Now I'm Here (reprise)/ Love Of My Life/ Save Me/ Get Down Make Love/ guitar solo/ Body Language/ Under Pressure/ Fat Bottomed Girls/ Crazy Little Thing Called Love/ Bohemian Rhapsody/ Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Teo Torriatte/ Another One Bites The Dust Encore 2 We Will Rock You/ We Are The Champions/ God Save The Queen
The full version of ‘Teo Torriate’ is played in the encore, the last time it would be performed. Not even an edited version would occur in '85. ODD.
The final night of a tour that started in Gothenburg, Sweden in April. There is no doubt that the band were looking forward to some time off, as the tempos of many songs are quite fast (or are there other ‘influences’😉). Still, the band are clearly having fun on stage at many points during this last show (as seen on the video), particularly during ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’. Freddie even stops playing his guitar for a couple bars to have a quick swig of beer. It is perhaps the definitive version of the song, with a long jam at the end, prominently highlighting Fred Mandel on the piano. This would be Mandel's last show with the band. He would go on to play with artists like Supertramp and Sir Elton John, one of his idols.
The tour would see Queen's final performances of The Hero, We Will Rock You [fast], Rock It, Action This Day, Play The Game, Calling All Girls, Put Out The Fire, Save Me, Get Down Make Love, Body Language, Fat Bottomed Girls, and Teo Torriate (not played in Japan in ’85 (?)), the full versions of Staying Power and Somebody To Love.
The band's next concert would not take place until August of ’84. They would take a well deserved break for most of the following year (as well as perhaps a needed break as 'Queen').
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-11-03_Tokorozawa_03.jpg)
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QUEEN LIVE IN JAPAN
If you've been following along, you've seen all the official concert videos that are now available: Rainbow '74, Hammersmith Odeon '75, Montreal '81, and Milton Keynes '82. There have been the unofficial releases, complete and incomplete, of: Hyde Park '76, Earl's Court '77, Houston '78, Paris and Hammersmith '79, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo '81.
This would actually be the first live video that was released on VHS, and that took place in 1983.
(https://i.discogs.com/oy1sAF7a10Zmzv0scYsb4--rWl7EYSt-ARcD1NEzs1U/rs:fit/g:sm/q:40/h:300/w:300/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTczOTk1/NDktMTQ0MDc2NzA1/OC02MjAyLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Tokorozawa, Japan November 3rd
Produced for Raincloud Productions
58 minutes
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLUXhCqtodw
Flash (Intro) / The Hero / Now I'm Here / Put Out The Fire / Dragon Attack / Love Of My Life / Save Me / Guitar Solo / Under Pressure / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down / Teo Torriate/ We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
This has a superb video for 'Bohemian Rhapsody'...and ending...and so much more. Not all of this was included on the ‘Live At The Bowl’ DVD. Pity. It's also a pity that all of the concert was not made available. From reading the reviews, and checking in on the entire show, Freddie's voice was not in the best of shape at times, so various songs were cut.
A real treat back in the day, to have sat down with the wife in '02 for my first viewing. And of course, being the collector that she was, she had a Japanese copy. :tup
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Tokorozawa, Japan November 3rd
Produced for Raincloud Productions
58 minutes
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYpwPWC9fy4
I dropped the needle in the middle of this during Now I'm Here. Brian has a great rocking solo.
Cool seeing Brian play the piano at the start of Save Me. Joe, was it always this way, or did Freddie ever do it?
Obviously Fred Mandel takes over from there.
Joe, does the actual VHS have the screen stills?
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Tokorozawa, Japan November 3rd
Produced for Raincloud Productions
58 minutes
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYpwPWC9fy4
I dropped the needle in the middle of this during Now I'm Here. Brian has a great rocking solo.
Cool seeing Brian play the piano at the start of Save Me. Joe, was it always this way, or did Freddie ever do it?
Obviously Fred Mandel takes over from there.
Joe, does the actual VHS have the screen stills?
:lol :rollin D'oh! :facepalm:
Try this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLUXhCqtodw I fixed the original post. :tup
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Happy 75th, Doctor May! :tup
(https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/35/750x445/1451988.jpg)
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Our generous host has requested some Spotify streaming numbers from the Milton Keyes and Montreal live albums..
On Fire: Live At The Bowl
Flash Intro...663k
The Hero...608k
We Will Rock You (fast)....768k
Action This Day....563k
Play The Game...687k
Staying Power....1.06m
Somebody To Love....3.2m
Now I'm Here....487k
Dragon Attack....492k
Now I'm Here (reprise)....348k
Love Of My Life....1.17m
Save Me....660k
Back Chat...522k.
Get Down Make Love....361k
Guitar Solo....333k
Under Pressure....822k
Fat Bottomed Girls....949k
Crazy Little Thing Called Love....1.0m
Bohemian Rhapsody....972k
Tie Your Mother Down....465k
Another One Bites The Dust....803k
Sheer Heart Attack....360k
We Will Rock You....578k
We Are The Champions....564k
God Save The Queen....321
Queen Rock Montreal
Intro....1.9m
We Will Rock You (Fast)....3.8m
Let Me Entertain You....3.1m
Play the Game....3.6m
Somebody to Love....10.4m
Killer Queen....4.8m
I'm In Love With My Car....2.8m
Get Down, Make Love....2.2m
Save Me....4.3m
Now I'm Here....2.0m
Dragon Attack...2.2m
Now I'm Here (Reprise)....1.4m
Under Pressure....5.3m
Keep Yourself Alive....2.4m
Drum solo....1.5m
Guitar solo...1.2m
Flash....2.0m
The Hero....1.6m
Crazy Little Thing Called Love....3.8m
Jailhouse Rock....2.3m
Bohemian Rhapsody....10.5m
Tie Your Mother Down....2.2m
Another One Bites the Dust....3.8m
Sheer Heart Attack....
Jailhouse Rock....1.6m
We Will Rock You....11.3m
We Are the Champions....6.8m
God Save the Queen....1.7m
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Our generous host has requested some Spotify streaming numbers from the Milton Keyes and Montreal live albums..
On Fire: Live At The Bowl
Staying Power....1.06m
Somebody To Love....3.2m
Love Of My Life....1.17m
Under Pressure....822k
Fat Bottomed Girls....949k
Crazy Little Thing Called Love....1.0m
Bohemian Rhapsody....972k
Another One Bites The Dust....803k
Queen Rock Montreal
Somebody to Love....10.4m
Killer Queen....4.8m
Under Pressure....5.3m
Crazy Little Thing Called Love....3.8m
Bohemian Rhapsody....10.5m
Tie Your Mother Down....2.2m
Another One Bites the Dust....3.8m
We Will Rock You....11.3m
We Are the Champions....6.8m
As always, 'thank you, Tim!' :tup
Nothing real shocking about the comparative totals above for each album. Always surprised that WWRY gets more views than WATC.
I was quite surprised at how the Montreal totals were so much higher than Milton Keynes. I thought it would be the other way around.
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1983
A year that resulted in one spontaneous solo album, with the start of a band project near the end of the year. That would also include the unreleased tracks 'Let Me In Your Heart Again' and Freddie's recordings with Rod Stewart on 'Let Me Live'.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUCCkYvQezE/X1KjbpDUQ7I/AAAAAAAD34s/VVNbsRpcq2gjUGXgFqr4NKhWnkT8nKP_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/freddie-mercury-with-famous-friends-2.jpg)
Brian moved to LA to sort things out after losing interest at the end of the last tour. Roger somewhat started a new LP (in '82 he did play drums on Kansas' 'Play The Game Tonight' (of all titles). John wrote, produced, and played bass on a rap track by Man Friday & Jive Junior called 'Picking Up Sounds'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H-vjCQFcw4 (never been able to make it through more than thirty seconds). A tough period for him, because as he admitted, since he could not sing, there really was no opportunity of him doing any real type of solo work.
Freddie also moved to LA, and totally immersed himself in the gay underground scene. He also worked on three songs with Michael Jackson. It was MJ who suggested that 'Another One Bites The Dust' should be released as a single after Queen's LA Forum show in '80.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/80-07_Inglewood_backstage_01.jpg)
And it's likely the topic of working on something together came about after their last performance in the States in '82
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/82-09-15_Inglewood_backstage_01.jpg)
A few sessions took place in '83, resulting in
There Must Be More To Life demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xCWGimFcEM
State of Shock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax3FOTiWwz0
They also worked on ‘Victory’.
Whether there was cocaine use by Freddie in the studio, or he got tired of having MJ's llama in the recording studio, nothing would see the light of day until three decades later of their work together. Freddie's version of 'There Must Be More To Life Than This' would appear on his solo album in '85.
Also during '83, Freddie (at Paul Prenter's insistence?) was so upset with Elektra records, ending the band's contract, with Queen signing on with Capitol Records.
this afternoon: Brian's two day 'Star Fleet Project' (with notable friends)
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BRIAN MAY + FRIENDS STARFLEET PROJECT
Released: October 31, 1983 UK (EMI), USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #35, USA #125
Singles: Star Fleet b/w Son Of Star Fleet
Charts: UK #65: USA, Canada, Germany, Spain, Argentina (DNC)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d7/Starflet3pq.jpg/220px-Starflet3pq.jpg)
PRODUCED BY BRIAN MAY
Recorded at the Record Plant, Los Angeles, California, April 21-22, 1983
Mixed at SARM East and SARM West, London, England
Mixed by: Mack
Engineered by: Mike Beiriger
Additional Engineering by: Nick Froome
Vocals & Guitars: BRIAN MAY
GUITAR: EDWARD VAN HALEN (Edward Van Halen appears courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.)
Drums: ALAN GRATZER (Alan Gratzer appears courtesy of Epic Records)
Bass: PHIL CHEN
Keyboards: FRED MANDEL
(Roger did provide some BVs added on later)
********
SIDE ONE
Star Fleet (Paul Bliss / arr. May) 8:04
Let Me Out (May) 7:13
SIDE TWO
Blues Breaker (May /Edward Van Halen / Alan Gratzer / Phil Chen / Fred Mandel) 12:48
Album audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zux1-a2rRHc
********
Star Fleet 45 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16UypAOUMXk
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16UypAOUMXk&t=1s
Son of Starfleet inst https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQTLyWz-R2s.
Inner sleeve and liner notes http://www.queenvault.com/linernotes/starfleetprojectlinernotes.html
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Flinernotes%2Fstarfleetprojectinner.jpg&hash=5f0180742c3c4d33aab9abd37a31b0c04f5168eb)
Inspired by Brian’s son’s love of the TV show.
Nice to have neighbors like Alan Gratzer (drummer for REO Speedwagon), Phil Chen, and Fred Mandel (who played keyboards with Queen in North America and Japan in ’82). Oh, and some guy by the name of Eddie Van Halen. Quite the two day session.
I totally fell for ‘Let Me Out’ all those decades ago. The mixing on this is very much of ‘The Game’ era, and I would have loved to have seen it appear on that album, especially since Brian said it was an ‘old’ song. It also provided me with another song (along with Roger's 'Let's Get Crazy') to help me fix up Side One of 'Hot Space'. :tup
The various versions of the title track are quirky, and the video is silly fun. ‘Bluesbreaker’ is a bit tedious at twelve minutes, but there are many shining moments of Brian, Eddie, and Fred to make it worth a listen or two.
(https://mikeladano.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/img_00000741.jpg?w=2000&h=)
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(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/AX8AAOSwLiJhmmoo/s-l225.jpg)
'Star Fleet Project' is available on two CD formats. It was first re-issued as part of May's 'Back to the Light' single, in two CDs: the first featured 'Star Fleet' and 'Let Me Out', the second 'Blues Breaker'.
In 1993, the songs were re-issued as tracks 6-8 of the Japanese mini-album 'Resurrection'.
Brian talked about revisiting this after Eddie's death.....but he tends to make those types of statements of various other projects at times (Earl's Court, Hammersmith '79 etc......)
https://www.vhnd.com/2021/08/06/brian-may-on-planned-star-fleet-reissue-unheard-eddie-van-halen-solos/
(https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/79/590x/secondary/Brian-May-Eddie-Van-Halen-dead-death-tribute-Instagram-pictures-2701585.webp?r=1602059586678)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vhnd.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F10%2FStar_Fleet_EVH.jpg&hash=1abff92f0bd021146b2ff60748ba2076d62658ab)
PHIL CHEN: He first joined Jimmy James and the Vagabonds in 1965, then became a session musician. He went on to record with Donovan on his album Cosmic Wheels (1973), Jeff Beck on ‘Blow by Blow’ and parts of ‘Wired’, and Joan Armatrading on Back to the Night (1975).He also joined the Butts Band, led by Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore, and recorded their 1974 self-titled debut with them.
Chen joined Rod Stewart band performing on three of his most famous albums, "Blondes Have More Fun", "Foot Loose & Fancy Free" and "Foolish Behaviour" and performed on some of his biggest hits such as "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", "Young Turks" and "Hot Legs".
Other musicians with whom Chen performed and recorded include Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Desmond Dekker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Jackson Browne, Dave Edmunds, and Linda Lewis, among others.[5][4]
In 2004, he joined Krieger and Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek in their Doors reformation, Manzarek–Krieger. He was also a member of their Doors tribute band Riders on the Storm.
Phil Chen passed away last December at the age of 75.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5vgh0En3Bm4/hqdefault.jpg)
Alan Gratzer was a founding member of REO Speedwagon with Neil Doughty back in ’66. He stayed on until September ’88, leaving to open a restaurant, a short time before Gary Richrath left (was fired) in ’89.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ByfCQ6AIQAAy-3d.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EjrIiHeVgAAROPQ.jpg)
Alan Gratzer, Brian May, Phil Chen, Fred Mandel, Eddie Van Halen
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This is a fun little thing.
Yes, the Bluesbreakers session is a bit long, but it's interesting to hear that Eddie sounds like Eddie, even when he plays the blues.
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Ooh, I gotta check these out! Eddie Van Halen? Cozy Powell?
When I saw Brian in '93, he had Cozy with him, and Neil Murray.
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This is a fun little thing.
Yes, the Bluesbreakers session is a bit long, but it's interesting to hear that Eddie sounds like Eddie, even when he plays the blues.
I have an easier time distinguishing who is playing lead on this than I do on 'Let Me Out'. It was a needed break for me at the time to hear sessions where it's mainly just music and fun, no desire for any sort of mega hit. It was all for fun, and by so, nothing sounds dated.
Ooh, I gotta check these out! Eddie Van Halen? Cozy Powell?
When I saw Brian in '93, he had Cozy with him, and Neil Murray.
Oh, you mean the Scottish bass player who played with Whitesnake, Brian, Black Sabbath and Gary Moore? ;) It's been a 'six degrees of Kevin Bacon....er, Gary Moore throughout this tread. And he'll get another couple of mentions later on.
later today: Felix Taylor inspires his dad to write his first Top Ten and #1 hit.
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Ooh, I gotta check these out! Eddie Van Halen? Cozy Powell?
When I saw Brian in '93, he had Cozy with him, and Neil Murray.
I saw that tour as well. Cozy was so good.
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Cozy died 6 weeks before i saw them. Brian brought Eric Singer as the drummer
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Ooh, I gotta check these out! Eddie Van Halen? Cozy Powell?
When I saw Brian in '93, he had Cozy with him, and Neil Murray.
I saw that tour as well. Cozy was so good.
Of course, you :censored ers saw that tour! >:( ;) I did not, due to my work relief not showing up on time.
I'll comment and complain further, while I look forward to your accounts when we get to Brixton.
Cozy died 6 weeks before i saw them. Brian brought Eric Singer as the drummer
Such a loss, and a tragic incident :( As to Brian, finding happiness on the road (finally) after being around Freddie during those final years, to lose Cozy was such a gut punch. Music is supposed to bring some joy and happiness, right? <sigh>
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RADIO GA GA b/w I Go Crazy
Released: January 16, 1984
Charts: UK #2, USA #16
#1 in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden
#2 in Australia, Austria, Norway
Switzerland #3, New Zealand #4, South Africa #4, Canada #11, France #28
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) #1
2018: Canada #25, Japan #37, US Hot Rock (Billboard) #17, Italy #80
2019: US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard) #23
Certifications: Platinum in UK, USA, and Italy
Gold in Denmark
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azdwsXLmrHE 277 MILLION VIEWS
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/01/Radiogaga.jpg/220px-Radiogaga.jpg)
Recorded August September 1983 at The Record Plant, Los Angeles
Written by Roger Taylor
Produced by Queen and Mack
5:48 (7" album version)
4:23 (USA radio edit) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpqjthbjLZg
6:53 (12" extended version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGCbbm_aijY
6:01 (12" instrumental version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKltU4Uslxs
I Go Crazy (Brian May) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5c5V1koCaE
***********
My first 12” single record, purchased only because it had the non album song ‘I Go Crazy’ (a real shame that it wasn’t included on the album). The extended and instrumental versions are basically the same, and quite boring.
But it currently goes for $64 on Amazon!
I much prefer the USA radio edit. It’s shorter, and besides, I’m not that much of a fan of the song. Plodding, programmed drums, Roger’s infatuation with ‘robotic machine’ vocals.
Oh, but those live versions! :tup :DShorter intro, faster pace, real drums, and the guilty fun of doing the raised hand claps! :tup Roger can somewhat thank his then young son Felix for the ‘Radio Ca Ca’ line, and this did give Queen the distinction of being one of the few bands with all four band members writing chart topping singles.
Of note: Freddie in a tank top, John with an Afro. The image of the band certainly changed in less than five years.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/4/4b/Rggukback.jpg/597px-Rggukback.jpg)
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I love this song, and I agree, some of the live versions - I'm thinking of one in particular ;) - are amazing.
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Kept off the UK Number One spot by Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax. Looking back now, the two songs seem years apart. Odd that a song about radio was kept off the top spot by a song that was banned from radio...
After discovering the Greatest Hits album, this was my first new Queen...
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I love this song, and I agree, some of the live versions - I'm thinking of one in particular ;) - are amazing.
A couple dozen more version coming up in the next few weeks .....
Kept off the UK Number One spot by Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax. Looking back now, the two songs seem years apart. Odd that a song about radio was kept off the top spot by a song that was banned from radio...
After discovering the Greatest Hits album, this was my first new Queen...
Interesting observation :tup And, the new Queen had to be a bit jarring....
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THE WORKS
Released: UK (EMI) February 27, 1984 USA (Capitol) February 28, 1984
Charts: UK #2, USA #23
The Netherlands #1, Austria #2, Norway #2, Sweden #3, Switzerland #3, West Germany #3, Japan #7, New Zealand #9, Australia #12, France #14, Canada #22
Certifications: Platinum in UK, Gold in USA
Gold in Italy, The Netherlands, Spain
Platinum in Austria, Canada, West Germany, Poland, Switzerland
2x Platinum in Australia
Singles:
Radio Ga Ga b/w I Go Crazy
Released: January 16
Charts and certifications already listed.
*****************
I Want To Break Free b/w Machines
Released: April 2, UK (EMI), USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #3, USA #45
#1 in Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa
Ireland #2, Switzerland #2, EUROPE #3, West Germany #4, Spain #5, New Zealand #6, Australia #8, France #9,
2018: Sweden #11, US Hot Rock #16, Hungary #18, Canada #33, Poland #59
Certifications: Platinum in UK, USA, Italy
Gold in Denmark
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Mc-NYPHaQ 528 MILLION VIEWS
(there are other links with 175 million views, and another with 101 million)
***************************
It’s A Hard Life b/w Is This The World We Created
Released: USA (Capitol) July 6, UK (EMI) July 16
Charts: UK #6, USA #72
Ireland #2, Netherlands #4, Germany #26, New Zealand #30, Belgium #30
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHP-qgzUVLM 34 MILLION VIEWS
************************
Hammer To Fall (45 version) b/w Tear It Up UK #13 USA (DNC)
Released: UK (EMI) September 10, USA (Capitol) October 12
Charts: UK #13, USA (DNC)
South Africa #3, Poland #24, Australia #55
1992: US #35
2018: USA Billboard Hot Rock #23, Japan #88
Certifications:
Silver in UK
VIDEO (45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU5LMG3WFBw 22 MILLION VIEWS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Works_(Queen_album)
(https://www.queenvault.com/TheWorks/album1.jpg)
Produced by: QUEEN / MACK
Engineered by MACK
Recorded at: The Record Plant and Musicland Studios, August 83-January 84
Thanks to Fred Mandel for rip-roaring piano finale on 'Prow', synthesizer arrangement and programming on 'Radio GaGa'. Also synth on 'Break Free' and candy-floss on 'Hammer To Fall'.
Demolition Fairlight programming on 'Machines' by Mack
This is the first album to come to you through the EMI-CAPITOL Organisation world wide.
SIDE ONE
Radio Ga Ga (Taylor) 5:50
Tear It Up (May) 3:25
It's A Hard Life (Mercury) 4:05
Man On The Prowl (Mercury) 3:25
SIDE TWO
Machines (or 'Back To Humans') (May/Taylor) 5:08
I Want To Break Free (Deacon) 3:19
Keep Passing The Open Windows (Mercury) 5:21
Hammer To Fall (May) 4:25
Is This The World We Created...? (Mercury/May) 2:13
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2011 Universal reissue bonus disc
I Go Crazy" (B-side to "Radio Ga Ga")/ I Want to Break Free (Single remix) / Hammer to Fall (Headbanger's mix) /
Is This the World We Created...? (Live in Rio, '85) / It's a Hard Life (Live in Rio, '85) / Thank God It's Christmas (Non-album single, Nov. 84)
ALBUM AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LU53U0L_No
(if you click ‘SHOW MORE’, you can go song to song with its time stamps)
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A great set of bonus selections. The extended version of ‘It’s A Hard Life’, is my favorite version of the song, but it is not included. Live versions of ‘I Want To Break Free’, ‘Hammer To Fall’, and of course ‘Radio Ga Ga’ should have been added.
Demos exist of ‘Let Me In Your Heart Again’, ‘Let Me Live’, and ‘Love Kills’, which would be released in one form or another later on. Roger’s ‘Man On Fire’ (coming soon) was also worked on at this time, as well as what would be Freddie’s ‘There Must Be More To Life’ than this. It was bumped for ‘Is This The World We Created?’ for the album. Two high quality songs that should have both found their way on this release.
Man Made Paradise (Mercury), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp_ALAEE8F4 interview
Love Kills (Mercury/Moroder), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcgBgJCaC-M
Sorry/You Are The Only One, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBu3OhsplsQ
Coming On Far Too Strong, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvgYXw2hC30
Whipping Boy, Take Another Piece Of My Heart.... were other demos
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(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery-hidef%2Falbums-3%2Fthe-works-uk2015lpinner1.jpg&hash=767e2e5cced4830743524da494c0cc4406f08ab5) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-3%2Fthe-works-uk2015lpinner2.jpg&hash=aa5dc3e78fd0a8f1485bfe0dad17ba42a7fb550c)
This was an OK album for me. It was an improvement over its predecessor (what wouldn’t have been?), but that excitement I had with prior purchases was now met with more than a bit of trepidation.
The title is referenced by the band as 'throwing in the kitchen sink', more back to more of their roots. It was also the name of a gay nightclub that Freddie frequented during his time in The Big Apple.
And the cover is an homage to the sleeve for 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
For the DT fans who thought that ADToE was a copy of 'Images & Words', well.....'Tear It Up' from 'We Will Rock You', 'It's A Hard Life' from 'Play The Game', 'Man On The Prowl' from 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' ... would like to have some words with you. :D
As is, IMHO, if they'd have included 'I Go Crazy' before 'Man On The Prowl' on side one, and used Roger's 'Man On Fire' or 'It's An Illusion' from his upcoming solo album (and worked on during these sessions) in place of 'Machines', you'd have a damn fine album. As well as using the extended version of 'It's A Hard Life'.
And then there's the demos that we wouldn't hear for over three decades shined up and polished, and it would have been an absolute killer album. :tup :heart But it sold well outside of North America as is.
‘Keep Passing The Open Windows’ is one of my top 20 Queen songs, in spite of (or because) of Freddie stealing Joe Jackson’s ‘Stepping Out’ piano. I always envisioned a video of this song, having a sped up camera racing through a ‘metropolis’ of skyscrapers during various segments of the song, and then sped up even more during the instrumental middle :tup
Brian continues his real hard edge rock lead guitar in 'Hammer To Fall', just as he did in 'Put Out The Fire'. Fred Mandel provided some great piano work in 'Man On The Prowl', and also provided the famous non-guitar synth in 'I Want To Break Free' (John just ain't gonna let Brian have a lead guitar segment in his songs....).
Some smart and actual political lyrics throughout, and then the closing 'Is This The World We Created....? Damn, a little two minute mellow song with more meaning than most of their last three albums.
With the introduction of 12" vinyl singles, and their extended (and too often boring) versions finding a foothold at this time, I'll do a separate post of them and all the single covers tomorrow.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-3%2Fthe-works-uk2015lpback.jpg&hash=515f5e35087d8e8e18c19ed4f519297c6a9c8bb8)
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TAC was kind enough to send the Spotify numbers before his vacation..
Queen-The Works
Radio Gaga...400.1m
Tear It Up...5.9m
It's A Hard Life...66m
Man On The Prowl....3.5m
Machines (Or Back To Humans)....2.7m
I Want To Break Free....175m
Keep Passing The Open Windows....3.3m
Hammer To Fall....19m
Is This The World We Created?....8.9m
Thank you, Tim :tup
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Hammer to Fall is a top 5 Queen song for me, always.
Is This the World We Created? is a tasty little tune as well.
I like I Want to Break Free quite a bit, as I was used to the greatest hits version before I heard the album version, I didn't care for the album version with the intro and middle instrumental section both missing.
Radio Ga Ga is really good, but the studio version leaves me a bit hollow. The live version at Wembley is money.
I don't much of Tear It Up on the album, but the little the excerpt they did of in the In the Lap/Seven Seas/Tear It Up medley on the Wembley concert was really nice.
Of the rest, Man on the Prowl is the only other one I like.
Just a weird album overall, one I never listen to anymore. Like many Queen albums, it has songs I listen to often, but it's just not an album I feel I need to give full listens anymore.
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I know three songs on this album, and I'll run through the rest when I get home and post my thoughts.
That said, I scanned the writing credits looking for the Deacon tunes. Seems he has only one credit..I Want To Break Free. This is one of the songs I'm familiar with, having seen the video on MTV a bunch.
I just watched it for probably the first time in over 35 years. In 1984 I spent most of the year as a 15y/o turning 16 in September. I NEVER disliked Queen. They were really just another band on the radio that just didn't do what I was into. I always thought the video to I Want To Break Free was kind of goofy. At least they had a sense of humor right?
Two things about the song that I thought of while watching it just now..
1. John Deacon's songs feel built around a bassline. They are quite linear and groovy.
2. This is a sneaky good vocal by Freddie.
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I always thought The Works is a perfect introduction album. It has a top top top song for each of the four songwriters, and the deeper cuts that weren't on MTV are varied and interesting.
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THE EXTENDED VERSIONS
It was the beginning of that era, so I thought I'd add these in with their sleeves
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/01/Radiogaga.jpg/220px-Radiogaga.jpg)
Radio Ga Ga (extended version) b/w Radio Ga Ga (instrumental) / I Go Crazy
Nothing special about the extended or instrumental versions. 'I Go Crazy' was the bright light of this purchase. :tup :tup
(https://queenpedia.com/images/3/35/Iwtbfuk12.jpg)
I Want To Break Free (ext version) b/w Machines
Skip this extended version as well. It drones on after the fade out point, and then snippets of other songs from the album (similar to 'More Of That Jazz') are inserted. :tdwn :tdwn :tdwn
As to the 45, perhaps having four different sleeves helped sales in the UK and the States (yes, the wife has all four...)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/0/0c/Iwtbfukbrian.jpg)(https://queenpedia.com/images/b/b3/Iwtbukroger.jpg)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/3/3f/Iwtbukjohn.jpg)(https://queenpedia.com/images/4/4f/Iwtbukfreddie.jpg)
I know their spoof of 'Coronation Street' in the video certainly didn't help their sales or image over here. And yet, I remember it getting quite a bit of airplay
after 'Live Aid'.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/a/a5/Hluk2.jpg/596px-Hluk2.jpg)
It's A Hard Life (Extended Mix) b/w It's A Hard Life / Is This The World We Created...?
Saw this for the first time in '03, and last night for the second time. I know Roger hated his outfit and the video, and no one looks happy (other than Freddie).
The extended mix is the version I use on my Queen 'ReWORKed' album version. :tup :tup
(https://queenpedia.com/images/c/c7/Htfuk.jpg)
Hammer To Fall (The Headbanger's Mix) b/w Tear It Up
Additional guitars here and there make this a worthwhile listen. :tup The video listed above is the 45 version, and the first look at the massive lighting rig they used on the tour.
And, for some reason, they withdrew the sleeve below. The wife gave this to me on our first Christmas :tup
(https://queenpedia.com/images/2/21/Htf12.jpg)
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Forgot to mention this about 'Keep Passing The Open Windows'. Queen was asked by producers to compose an entire soundtrack for the film "The Hotel New Hampshire", but the producers later changed their minds in favor of classical music. Or after someone heard 'Flash'. ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hotel_New_Hampshire_(film)
The Hotel New Hampshire is a 1984 British-American comedy-drama film written and directed by Tony Richardson based on John Irving's 1981 novel of the same name. A co-production from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, it stars Jodie Foster, Beau Bridges, Rob Lowe, Nastassja Kinski, also featuring Wilford Brimley, Amanda Plummer, Matthew Modine, and Seth Green. The film follows the Berry family that weathers all sorts of disasters and keeps going in spite of it all. (wiki) Some day I have to sit down and watch it.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e2/Hotel_new_hampshire_ver1.jpg)
Freddie's anti-suicide song kept my spirits up during many low moments, and certainly added to many of the highs. Always thought that this would have made a better lead or second single in the States to gain back some of their lost popularity.
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For me The Works is just an okay album.
The shortest track is also the best (Is This The World We Created) and I also like Radio GaGa.
I was never keen on I Want To Break Free, it's okay I guess, but nothing I would reach for on it's own.
Man On The Prowl tries too hard to be the successor to Crazy Little Thing Called Love but is vastly inferior.
The heavier tracks are okay, but again, nothing that is outstanding for me.
So I had some hopes after Hot Space and The Works is certainly better, but all in all I was disappointed when it came out.
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Oh, and thoughts on the videos:
I Want To Break Free is perfect, lovely, nothing to add. I've always wanted to go as Freddie's character for Halloween!
Some cool photos by Simon Fowler:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/d2aaa81c2f23b78bc151cf6b50f67fde/d15e61422333050d-bb/s500x750/b3eb27bb821546cd60ed2a033af316c8b25cd2f3.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/63a4936b989aeb4784245c5fcc37d9aa/d15e61422333050d-65/s500x750/8617743f2b3ee5016263ca2fd50319ed9bdf5a87.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/748841ecf4bd1aa5ed7617fc5facf90c/d15e61422333050d-f1/s500x750/704c3e78d66454257f29719cacfbd2e91830f4c8.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/5a34e7b507b5d3b1f7f24eb12f755e18/d15e61422333050d-ad/s500x750/1fc186f0bcf16c6d3c3acd2733598508f15036be.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/a02060e18e61c1584df686ea9a69c644/d15e61422333050d-94/s500x750/31c4047e815215412d47d65017cae66053038492.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/d3f87087c0ca522d32e81e5f4c704245/d15e61422333050d-71/s500x750/6d065715e0aec69392945dffd4794e6bc0371623.jpg)
I'll defend It's A Hard Life a bit from Roger Taylor a bit, if I may: sure, the costumes are ridiculous for the most part, but it's a gay camp classic. I love how Freddie seems to be looking where the band is standing during the first few lines of the song, as if he's addressing it to them, and I love all the shots of Brian with that guitar thingie, especially the one in the end when he's walking away in the darkness. It's also very Freddie to come up with a video idea like that to distract a little bit from the very real feelings expressed in the lyrics of the song.
Brian's captions in the Queen in 3D book always make me chuckle:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/9aeea2fe6c1344c29aefcb75e0ca890a/4dea3a771413df2e-be/s500x750/0776d1e75b4e557c263dadad339fd9533767dde7.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/15af9b5a1919169a8557b2ea498ae672/4dea3a771413df2e-b1/s500x750/9c688f03289740b1ae283c136eadc7aea05a6d12.jpg)
but the guitar at least is cool okay????
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/90363a24a9962efb84e1988ac40c0d51/f188858481bb1040-e3/s500x750/86b7fa1952b0796bdd72ff3d3df0cd58fdf54108.jpg)
Radio Gaga is a quintessential 80's video, and I love this behind the scenes video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmzS5CsHXX4) of them making it.
some pictures taken with a potato:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/b311ee5dacc60fef3df5a2809f2ca662/686e7a75db207fec-0e/s500x750/1bd94844de814591432153c49b3f6b98b0eb4c08.jpg)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/413475e8018e8435d898d91b42f0ef06/686e7a75db207fec-f5/s500x750/05b3f86a94641e426470417a425e6e02da04c59a.jpg)
not so potato (by Simon Fowler again, I think???):
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/04a59dd9f2c965171d2210169ee00ee6/tumblr_ms3m51ISAG1qdslbvo1_1280.pnj)
As far as performance videos go, Hammer To Fall was great. The lightning rig is absolutely impressive and they're all at peak masculine beauty in that video :blush :angel:
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The video to I Want To Break Free is a classic, I just wish I liked the song better. ;)
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I've never understood the British -- well, it's not "obsession", more like "fascination" -- with guys dressing in drag. I mean, I do understand that Freddie was not straight, and possibly some of the others, but what is supposed to be the appeal of guys dressing up like women? If they're supposed to look female, well they don't, or if they do, then based on female standards they're ugly as fuck. If they're supposed to look like dudes, okay, they do, but why dress as women?
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I've never understood the British -- well, it's not "obsession", more like "fascination" -- with guys dressing in drag. I mean, I do understand that Freddie was not straight, and possibly some of the others, but what is supposed to be the appeal of guys dressing up like women? If they're supposed to look female, well they don't, or if they do, then based on female standards they're ugly as fuck. If they're supposed to look like dudes, okay, they do, but why dress as women?
It's a vehicle for comedy, most of the time. You notice the facial hair isn't shaved - the contrast between them not trying much at all to look like women and the over-the-top femininity of the outfits is supposed to make you laugh. Though Roger looks pretty convincing in the video itself :lol
In America you're seeing a bit of resurgence of drag culture via RuPaul's Drag Race, and right now it's about many, many aspects of art, performance and music, varying levels of emphasis on the comedy aspects, and it's mostly led by gay men. In the UK at the time, it was mostly a performance/acting/hosting thing, more often comedic than not and done by actors and performers of all sexual orientations - everyone in Queen except Freddie identifies as straight.
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I've never understood the British -- well, it's not "obsession", more like "fascination" -- with guys dressing in drag. I mean, I do understand that Freddie was not straight, and possibly some of the others, but what is supposed to be the appeal of guys dressing up like women? If they're supposed to look female, well they don't, or if they do, then based on female standards they're ugly as fuck. If they're supposed to look like dudes, okay, they do, but why dress as women?
Milton Berle would like a word.
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If he can explain why a guy dressing like a girl is supposed to be entertaining, then I'll listen. I never thought Milton Berle was very funny, either.
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I've never understood the British -- well, it's not "obsession", more like "fascination" -- with guys dressing in drag. I mean, I do understand that Freddie was not straight, and possibly some of the others, but what is supposed to be the appeal of guys dressing up like women? If they're supposed to look female, well they don't, or if they do, then based on female standards they're ugly as fuck. If they're supposed to look like dudes, okay, they do, but why dress as women?
Back in the Middle Ages women simply weren't allowed onstage. In order to produce Shakespeare plays or anything like that, well, the female characters had to be played by men. And not girly-men either, they might actually BE girls, and that would never do, no no no. It had to be obvious that these were men, ill fitting dresses, hobnail boots, hairy chests and stubble and all. Interestingly, they were plenty of women actors on the stage - they played the men, particularly younger boys. That way no one would ever suspect them of being women.
Which leads to the Great British Tradition of the Pantomime. This cannot be explained to non-Brits. Basically, every December, regional theatres across the country are taken over by this phenomenon. Adaptations of fairy tales staring Z-List celebrities and local radio DJs, with naff jokes, slapstick routines involving buckets of gunge, bad song and dance routines and female characters played by men and male characters played by girls. And two men in a horse costume. No one ever remarks that Widow Twanky has five o'clock shadow or that Aladdin is wearing five inch heels and fishnet tights.
Seriously, if you do not know what a pantomime is, google it, you will not believe what you are seeing. And this is incredibly popular here in the UK, it keeps most theatres in business for the rest of the year. But please don't make the mistake that we Brits LIKE this stuff, we don't. It's a tradition, that's all. It's a sign of how little there is to do at Christmas in this god-forsaken dishcloth coloured country of ours. We tell ourselves it's for the kiddies, but they hate it even more than the adults do. It's tradition.
What gets us Brits is why Americans don't find this amusing (it's not funny, it's just slightly amusing) and why you get so offended at the idea. Why doesn't this particular aspect of humour not cross over to America? I mean, you find Russell Brand and Ricky Gervais funny and they're not. Neither is James Corden and you seem to love him. t's not drag in the RuPaul sense, the idea isn't to look like a woman, it's to look like a man in a dress. It's not the drag, but the fact that it's someone famous making fun of themselves. And Queen were always one for dressing up in silly costumes....
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Brian May acted in high school and there are pictures of him playing a female character on stage. It's in the Queen book written by the former fan club president.
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I've never understood the British -- well, it's not "obsession", more like "fascination" -- with guys dressing in drag. I mean, I do understand that Freddie was not straight, and possibly some of the others, but what is supposed to be the appeal of guys dressing up like women? If they're supposed to look female, well they don't, or if they do, then based on female standards they're ugly as fuck. If they're supposed to look like dudes, okay, they do, but why dress as women?
Back in the Middle Ages women simply weren't allowed onstage. In order to produce Shakespeare plays or anything like that, well, the female characters had to be played by men. And not girly-men either, they might actually BE girls, and that would never do, no no no. It had to be obvious that these were men, ill fitting dresses, hobnail boots, hairy chests and stubble and all. Interestingly, they were plenty of women actors on the stage - they played the men, particularly younger boys. That way no one would ever suspect them of being women.
Which leads to the Great British Tradition of the Pantomime. This cannot be explained to non-Brits. Basically, every December, regional theatres across the country are taken over by this phenomenon. Adaptations of fairy tales staring Z-List celebrities and local radio DJs, with naff jokes, slapstick routines involving buckets of gunge, bad song and dance routines and female characters played by men and male characters played by girls. And two men in a horse costume. No one ever remarks that Widow Twanky has five o'clock shadow or that Aladdin is wearing five inch heels and fishnet tights.
Seriously, if you do not know what a pantomime is, google it, you will not believe what you are seeing. And this is incredibly popular here in the UK, it keeps most theatres in business for the rest of the year. But please don't make the mistake that we Brits LIKE this stuff, we don't. It's a tradition, that's all. It's a sign of how little there is to do at Christmas in this god-forsaken dishcloth coloured country of ours. We tell ourselves it's for the kiddies, but they hate it even more than the adults do. It's tradition.
What gets us Brits is why Americans don't find this amusing (it's not funny, it's just slightly amusing) and why you get so offended at the idea. Why doesn't this particular aspect of humour not cross over to America? I mean, you find Russell Brand and Ricky Gervais funny and they're not. Neither is James Corden and you seem to love him. t's not drag in the RuPaul sense, the idea isn't to look like a woman, it's to look like a man in a dress. It's not the drag, but the fact that it's someone famous making fun of themselves. And Queen were always one for dressing up in silly costumes....
Well, you got two out of three right; I don't see the thrill in either Brand - he's more famous for his partners than his comedy in my estimation - or Corden - he's more famous for kissing the ass of his guests in a car by my estimation - but I still find Ricky Gervais funny. Though even him, I think he's more notorious here than actually regarded as "funny", even if I think he's hilarious.
I don't know; I don't know what the psychology is behind any of this. I get drag in the sense of art form, but I think here it is never really taken for what it is, and it always seems to be made into something it's not. It's very hard to have anything here that is even vaguely sexual without it devolving into some "message" or "statement". I actually like RuPaul, I think he's a smart, entertaining guy. But a lot of what I've seen isn't about the art per se, it's about the statement. More power to you for that, I guess, but there's a point at which there is what I call "issue fatigue" and it starts to distract from the entertainment. I don't know if that's a factor for anyone else.
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I get drag in the sense of art form, but I think here it is never really taken for what it is, and it always seems to be made into something it's not. It's very hard to have anything here that is even vaguely sexual without it devolving into some "message" or "statement". I actually like RuPaul, I think he's a smart, entertaining guy. But a lot of what I've seen isn't about the art per se, it's about the statement. More power to you for that, I guess, but there's a point at which there is what I call "issue fatigue" and it starts to distract from the entertainment. I don't know if that's a factor for anyone else.
But in the 80's there wasn't issue fatigue, it was either plain lack of exposure to this form of comedy, or homophobia and puritanism. Brian and Roger have said many times they think it was a mixture of those two things that made people in the US dislike the video.
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I don't know; I don't know what the psychology is behind any of this. I get drag in the sense of art form, but I think here it is never really taken for what it is, and it always seems to be made into something it's not. It's very hard to have anything here that is even vaguely sexual without it devolving into some "message" or "statement". I actually like RuPaul, I think he's a smart, entertaining guy. But a lot of what I've seen isn't about the art per se, it's about the statement. More power to you for that, I guess, but there's a point at which there is what I call "issue fatigue" and it starts to distract from the entertainment. I don't know if that's a factor for anyone else.
Oh right, I think I get it now. No, there's no issue, no politics on gender or sexuality or anything like that. It's just stupid. Like I said, it's not drag in the RuPaul sense, which is making some sort of gender identity statement, it's drag in the British pantomime sense, which is utterly shallow (Oh No It Isn't!) It's like getting angry when Adam Sandler movies are full of fart jokes because irritable bowel syndrome is a really serious medical condition. it's just a fart joke. It's stupid.
I guess the reason why Americans don't get the British Panto drag tradition is because there's nothing there to get.
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I've never understood the British -- well, it's not "obsession", more like "fascination" -- with guys dressing in drag. I mean,
I do understand that Freddie was not straight, and possibly some of the others,
but what is supposed to be the appeal of guys dressing up like women? If they're supposed to look female, well they don't, or if they do, then based on female standards they're ugly as fuck. If they're supposed to look like dudes, okay, they do, but why dress as women?
Just because it was in every Monty Python show, doesn't make it a fascination. It was an all male cast. And they obviously had a ball doing so.
CuriousOrange listed an English history of drag in plays. It also goes back to Greek times, so there's nothing new here.
Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel did skits in drag on film. So did, of all people, The Three Stooges. A few of the big American movies such as 'Some Like It Hot', 'Tootsie', 'Mrs. Doubtfire', or most of Tyler Perry's ...instantly came to mind as well. There's dozens of others. The TV series that instantly popped into my head was 'Busom Buddies' with Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari, followed by 'Drew Carey'. Hell, The Beverly Hillbillies, Hogan's Heroes, and Gilligan's Island had multiple episodes with someone in drag. Johnny Carson, Jonathan Winters, Harvey Korman ...how many hundreds am I missing?
A more complete list is here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-dressing_in_film_and_television
The bolded text is just plain.....well, I don't know,...... but it's in the Orwellian phrase that includes the word 'bliss'. I've waited a day to make my own response, and that's as polite and diplomatic as I can be.
I guess that same stereotyping holds true for R.E.M., Judas Priest, anyone who performed with Elton John, Joan Jett, Melissa Ethridge, etc., etc., etc., etc....... Guess it must still hold true for Brian and Roger because of Queen+Adam Lambert. :facepalm: And anyone who jammed with Bowie must be bi.
My half brother is gay, so I must be.
I'm straight, so my half brother must be.
Let's move on.......
As to the IWTBF video...in a span of three years, it followed 'Another One Bites The Dust', 'Flash', 'Body Language' (ouch), and 'Radio Ga Ga'. Not exactly what their music and style and image had been up to that point. Brian always mentions a Capitol Records payola scandal from around this time, which hindered promotion of 'Radio Ga Ga' as it was climbing the charts, and further hampered the rest of 'The Works' releases. I simply think it was that what was being offered wasn't as appealing to their strong fanbase in the Midwest and Rust Belt (myself included).
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But please don't make the mistake that we Brits LIKE this stuff, we don't. It's a tradition, that's all. It's a sign of how little there is to do at Christmas in this god-forsaken dishcloth coloured country of ours. We tell ourselves it's for the kiddies, but they hate it even more than the adults do. It's tradition.
This explains a lot.
What gets us Brits is why Americans don't find this amusing (it's not funny, it's just slightly amusing) and why you get so offended at the idea. Why doesn't this particular aspect of humour not cross over to America?
Humor is subjective. I'm not offended by it (although I'll admit that in my younger, more homophobic days, it bordered on offense), I just don't get it, and really was looking for an explanation as to why it's so prevalent. In a situation where things are supposed to be all "proper" and men are men and women are women, it can be funny for a guy to come out in a dress, all made it, and sporting a huge mustache. The unexpected, the shock. It get that that can be funny. What I don't get is doing an entire sketch (or music video, as the case may be) that way. It stops being amusing for me after maybe 10 seconds. I get the joke. I laughed. But I don't need a full five minutes of it.
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Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel did skits in drag on film. So did, of all people, The Three Stooges. A few of the big American movies such as 'Some Like It Hot', 'Tootsie', 'Mrs. Doubtfire', or most of Tyler Perry's ...instantly came to mind as well. There's dozens of others. The TV series that instantly popped into my head was 'Busom Buddies' with Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari, followed by 'Drew Carey'. Hell, The Beverly Hillbillies, Hogan's Heroes, and Gilligan's Island had multiple episodes with someone in drag. Johnny Carson, Jonathan Winters, Harvey Korman ...how many hundreds am I missing?
It's a style of humor; I don't usually find that broad style of humor funny, but that's me. It's too often played overtly for laughs which ti me isn't the funniest approach to comedy. It's got nothing to do with the back story or the implications. I didn't like Mrs. Doubtfire, but then again, I didn't really like Good Morning Vietnam, either, other than Bruno Kirby.
As to the IWTBF video...in a span of three years, it followed 'Another One Bites The Dust', 'Flash', 'Body Language' (ouch), and 'Radio Ga Ga'. Not exactly what their music and style and image had been up to that point. Brian always mentions a Capitol Radio payola scandal from around this time, which hindered promotion of 'Radio Ga Ga' as it was climbing the charts, and further hampered the rest of 'The Works' releases. I simply think it was that what was being offered wasn't as appealing to their strong fanbase in the Midwest and Rust Belt (myself included).
I watched a LOT of MTV, and frankly, I don't remember ever seeing the Queen video. I don't know if that was a result of anything or not, but as someone who came into the Queen universe AFTER their experimentation but BEFORE their resurgence, Queen wasn't what I was looking for when I was a 14 year old head banger. Everything I was looking for in music can be summed up in the video for The Number Of The Beast, and that decidedly was not Queen circa 1981. I've come to love that period from The Works through the end, but that's because my musical tastes have evolved. I only started to really get into it when I saw Live Aid, then about eighteen months later it was sealed when I went to Cutler's Records in New Haven and saw an import of Live Magic, and the kid said, "Buy it; if you don't LOVE the version of Under Pressure on there, I'll take it back". Needless, I never returned it, and up to the point I heard Montreal, it's long been my favorite live record from the band. I know I'm jumping ahead, but I'm trying to give some context.
I read the Queen book, and it seems they focused a LOT more than many bands on the commercial performance. Maybe they were just more honest than other bands, but they actively WANTED hits and WANTED to be in the charts. I think that's as much a part of this period as any of the more common (today) reasons. I know for me, I didn't give a rat's ass whether Freddie Mercury was gay or whether they dressed in drag. I couldn't rock out to a song called "Back Chat". NO ONE rocks harder than Freddie Mercury on songs like One Vision and Gimme The Prize.
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I’ll be honest Bill, I have been waiting for you and Tim to chime in on ‘The Works’…before moving on. Well, that and celebrating with a now former fellow community Board member’s win in our county’s primary election for County Council. (Before anyone pooh-poohs this, our county’s population is larger than five states).
BTW…….you never offered your opinions as to ‘The Works’ songs. <hint hint>
And…I’ll be posting two studio LPs, one tour across four continents, a couple of terrific fan made videos (since Queen Productions weren’t smart enough to do so). Included will be the largest paid audience ever in South America…..and of all things, a Queen/ Iron Maiden concert double billing to be included before going on vacation next week.
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I couldn't rock out to a song called "Back Chat". NO ONE rocks harder than Freddie Mercury on songs like One Vision and Gimme The Prize.
Looking at it as just music history, not having been there, people had been periodically complaining Queen doesn't rock as hard as they used to since Killer Queen. It's an interesting problem I run into when I try to get people into Queen today, beyond just playing them a show or the greatest hits or an accessible album like The Works - possibly the most accessible album, in fact. People who are dedicated enough to music to listen to 10+ albums when they're recommended a band already know what they want, and the musical palette within each of those albums is wide enough to turn them off when they run into something that "doesn't rock" or "is too weird". Then people who aren't active consumers and aren't set in their musical ways like that get intimidated when I tell them to just listen to these 100 songs once and then keep listening to the ones they like :lol
I've had fun connecting to gen Z Queen fans over this because they're at the same place I used to be - they have the capacity and willingness to be these huge consumers of music, but their taste is just starting to develop, and Queen is the first band whose whole discography they're getting into, so they don't mind listening to Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy, Back Chat and Tear It Up in the same day. Maybe later they'll grow to prefer just pop Queen or just early Queen or just stadium rock Queen, but that didn't happen to me, so god knows if it will happen to them. It's kind of a way of hacking into evolving your musical tastes but backwards :lol and I think Queen is an excellent gateway to that, as are The Beatles, but you really have to catch the person while they're young and impressionable.
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Jayzuz…you write and compose better than I could dream about.
Other than listings and chart numbers, you should take over 👍
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Jayzuz…you write and compose better than I could dream about.
Other than listings and chart numbers, you should take over 👍
But I love you for doing this DA :heart one day soon I'm going back and listening to all the bootlegs you listed. I've been saving them for a rainy day when there's no more possibility of any new Queen to look forward to, but the Rhapsody tour with Adam Lambert is over and they're certainly taking a little break at least, so I think it's time.
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I couldn't rock out to a song called "Back Chat". NO ONE rocks harder than Freddie Mercury on songs like One Vision and Gimme The Prize.
Looking at it as just music history, not having been there, people had been periodically complaining Queen doesn't rock as hard as they used to since Killer Queen. It's an interesting problem I run into when I try to get people into Queen today, beyond just playing them a show or the greatest hits or an accessible album like The Works - possibly the most accessible album, in fact. People who are dedicated enough to music to listen to 10+ albums when they're recommended a band already know what they want, and the musical palette within each of those albums is wide enough to turn them off when they run into something that "doesn't rock" or "is too weird". Then people who aren't active consumers and aren't set in their musical ways like that get intimidated when I tell them to just listen to these 100 songs once and then keep listening to the ones they like :lol
I've had fun connecting to gen Z Queen fans over this because they're at the same place I used to be - they have the capacity and willingness to be these huge consumers of music, but their taste is just starting to develop, and Queen is the first band whose whole discography they're getting into, so they don't mind listening to Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy, Back Chat and Tear It Up in the same day. Maybe later they'll grow to prefer just pop Queen or just early Queen or just stadium rock Queen, but that didn't happen to me, so god knows if it will happen to them. It's kind of a way of hacking into evolving your musical tastes but backwards :lol and I think Queen is an excellent gateway to that, as are The Beatles, but you really have to catch the person while they're young and impressionable.
I don't disagree; if I wasn't clear, the "not rocking hard enough" was to the perspective of a 14-year-old just getting into Iron Maiden. I'm going to give my thoughts on The Works here shortly but it's one of my favorite Queen albums.
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Radio Ga Ga - One of my favorite Queen songs. I didn't care for the drums on the studio version, but it's a minor quibble. I like the epicness of the song. Live it simply takes off, and it shouldn't surprise anyone that it's the Live Aid version that really grabbed me. One of Freddie's more grand vocals. He makes it sound so effortless as he moves from the verses to the chorus.
Tear It Up - Despite my comments about rocking, this is a little rote. Good tune not great, in my opinion.
It's A Hard Life - this is quintessential Queen. If any song on this song signals any kind of comeback, it's this one. it's got the guitars from ANATO, and the vocals from ADATR, but fully modernized to sound fresh.
Man On The Prowl - it's hard not to call this song derivative. It's okay, but why listen to this if you can listen to ACLTCL?
Machines - I can see this song being polarizing, but I dig this song. It's of it's time, but it's still good and interesting. I love the little Brian May bits.
I Want To Break Free - this is the kind of album track that Queen does so well. It's also, in hindsight, one of those songs that could have been on ANATO, or Innuendo. It actually sounds a lot like some of the album tracks on Innuendo, now that I think about it...
Keep Passing... - An okay song; I get where they were going with this, but it sounds too much like a message looking for a song, rather than a song that happens to have a message. Probably my least or second least favorite song on the record.
Hammer To Fall - the Queen I love; not because it's a hard rocker, but because it's the kind of song that just projects live. It's the kind of song you want to be among 20,000 listening to all at once. Also played at Live Aid, which might influence my thinking a bit.
Is This The World We Created - Beautiful, just beautiful. Another of those Queen songs that sounds like a throwaway but is really well-crafted and well-played. If everyone COULD do this, they would, but they can't so they don't!
Again, The Works is one of my favorite Queen albums; it's probably 4th or 5th on the overall album list, which isn't bad, considering it's company.
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Thank you.👍
Now we just have to wait for TAC to comment, and we’ll move on 😉
But seriously, I might not move onto Roger’s solo LP until Friday.
Btw…give ‘It’s A Hard Life’ (extended version) and ‘Keep Passing The Open Windows’ another listen…..as a struggling 20 or 30ish’ individual who is low on their luck…or who has finally found hope. That was me when my Mom passed a year later.
Having recently lost a parent this year, you will understand why those songs mean so much to me still.
And I’m sorry for your loss. ☹️ I wish my old man would have been a hundredth of what your father was like.
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ahhh, The Works...1984. Having been a fanatic since seeing the band open up for Mott in '74 completely by happenstance, I didn't take too well to the early '80's for "my band". Thought 'The Game' was a "good" album but i wasn't really crazy about the pop direction they seemed to be taking. The ensuing tour was great, but for the first time, I was left feeling "this tour wasn't quite as good as the previous one". In 1982 came "Hot Space" and the tour and ESPECIALLY the album, to say the least, left me pretty disheartened! When RGG was released as the initial single in '84, while I really liked the song, the style (pure '80's) wasn't for me. I was convinced, there was no coming back for what I considered THE GREATEST of all the great '70's bands! So, when the album was released, I honestly expected the worst. BUT, once Ga Ga ended and "Tear It Up" began, my eyes shot wide open! I thought, "hey, Brian May IS still in the band"! ;)
The album on the whole for me was a mixed bag of some good pop songs, a couple of not so good songs and HAMMER TO FALL! :metal :hefdaddy I couldn't wait for a tour! I found it very strange that for months after the album came out, no US tour was announced. I remember hearing an interview on the radio with Roger asking about WHEN we could expect a US tour and I remember his answer being somewhat vague. He talked about Europe and "some newer places" but wouldn't commit to North America, aside from "hopefully". I was still in the fan club at that point and my latest fanzine arrived in late spring and the Euro tour dates were in there. I started to panic. I had seen the band already 19 times live on every tour since that fateful show in '74 and I started to really get concerned. But, in my mind, there was NO WAY they won't tour US....right? When IWTBF was released as a single and the video caused such an uproar in America (personally, I thought it was hysterical) I had a bad feeling. Now, fast forward a couple of months, and myself and two other big Queen friend fanatics were having a few brews in the local pub, when my buddy, somewhat intoxicated, blurted out, "We should take a trip to London and see them there"! Haha I thought to myself. Well, 2 months later FOUR of us were on a flight to England! I had NEVER even been on a plane before that, never mind going to another country! I could talk for hours on that trip, but to keep things short (or shorter) we arrived on Sun. Sept. 2nd. We wound up attending the first two shows on 9/4-5 by buying tickets from scalpers (or as my brit friends call them..'touts') and while the shows were really good (much better than the Hot Space tour) Freddie wasn't on top of his game in my opinion vocally and they just seemed different. I was thoroughly glad we went, and as I said, the two shows were really good, but to me, from '74-78 they were THE BEST live band ever! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy Now, they were just really good. ;) Anyway, the week in London was fabulous (as were a couple of wonderful girls i "met" over there) :hefdaddy I actually went back for the two Wembley Stadium shows in '86 with one of my buddies, but that's getting ahead...
Anyway, this is my feelings on the album:
Radio Ga Ga - Great live song. Good record song. Still not one of my favorite "hits" of theirs.
Tear It Up - The fact that it ROCKED made me appreciate it more at the time, but just a good song, not GREAT.
It's A Hard Life - Like STADS mentioned, this is a quintessential Queen song, but imo, just not nearly as good as most. For some reason, I've always HATED the beginning where it just seems like Fred is screaming!.
Man On The Prowl - Never liked it. One of my top 10 Queen "fails".
Machines - I liked it, especially Brian's parts!
I Want To Break Free - Love the song...like the video....hate the commotion it caused.
Keep Passing... For me, Brian saves this song from being another top 10 fail.
Hammer To Fall - For me, THIS was THE comeback song! One of my top 10 Queen songs of all time!
Is This The World We Created - For me, absolutely one of their GREATEST ballads of all time! I remember my roommate at the time while initially listening to the album remarking, "how did they write this AND a song like Fat Bottomed Girls? ;D
***Also, LOVED a b-side "Go Crazy" :metal :metal :metal
The Works lands at #10 on my Queen album list with a solid B- (ahead of Magic, Miracle, Heaven, Flash & Space)
[/quote]
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Now we just have to wait for TAC to comment, and we’ll move on 😉
Just got home a little while ago. Our 1:50 flight was delayed until 5:30. WTF??
The Works....tomorrow!
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Thank you.👍
Now we just have to wait for TAC to comment, and we’ll move on 😉
But seriously, I might not move onto Roger’s solo LP until Friday.
Btw…give ‘It’s A Hard Life’ (extended version) and ‘Keep Passing The Open Windows’ another listen…..as a struggling 20 or 30ish’ individual who is low on their luck…or who has finally found hope. That was me when my Mom passed a year later.
Having recently lost a parent this year, you will understand why those songs mean so much to me still.
And I’m sorry for your loss. ☹️ I wish my old man would have been a hundredth of what your father was like.
Thank you so much. That means a lot to me, you have no idea. :)
I'll give those a listen. I have to look if I have the extended version from one of the re-releases.
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The Works
Radio Gaga-This is one of the songs I'm familiar with. Older Queen fans must've cringed when this started. I'm not a huge fan of this song. Yes, live it is much better, as are most Queen songs, especially through this era. If I hear Queen on the radio, I will let it play out, but Radio Gaga will result in a channel change.
Tear It Up-This is better, but the verses are putrid. I like the more old school feel. Hopefully this song gets played live because I think it would be awesome. The drums sound awful and kind of castrate the song a bit. But hell yes, fingers crossed for a live version where they can't hide behind the awful studio production. Ends kind of out of nowhere though.
It's A Hard Life-Feels like half Bohemian Rhapsody/half Play The Game. I think on its own its quite a fine song. Another song I think would be cool live, but it does feel a tad too familiar. I like the orchestration of the solo.
Man On The Prowl-Yeah I've seen this compared to CLTCL, but I think this stands on its own for sure. I kind of like it, actually.
Machines (Or Back To Humans)-I have no idea what I just listened to. :lol I don't know how I feel about this. Please tell me they play this live. Power chords! Freddie fucking killing it! I'm fine with the robot voice, but I hate electronic percussion.
I Want To Break Free-I commented on this song earlier..
Keep Passing The Open Windows-I definitely remember the move The Hotel New Hampshire. I never saw it though. This is a great song. Again, the electronic drums hold this back a bunch, but songwise this is the best thing I've heard so far. Has a cool bassline underneath. Geez, I would love to hear a live version of this song too! Cool Schenker styled little solo.
Hammer To Fall-The third song that I was familiar with. This is more like it. Still the electronic drums.. I remember hearing this, and seeing the video, as a kid, and thinking if everything they did was like this, I'd give them an honest try, but this video and song, simply couldn't overpower Radio Gaga and I Want To Break Free for me to make the jump.
Is This The World We Created?- A nice tender song. Feels like more of a coda than an actual song.
Overall, I think the electronic drums kill this album. This album would've been much better had it been recorded by 1978 Queen. What the early 80's also brought to 70's bands was some of the songwriting just didn't feel up to snuff or was nearly as interesting as the songs that preceeded them. Queen to me is no different.
Still...enjoying the experience, and looking forward to the live shows!
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Yeah, the 80's were full of synthesizers and electronic drums because it was all new and cool at the time, but today it just sounds dated. A lot of it still works for me because I remember it being current and I can still get the nostalgia rush. But I can see how a lot of 80's music just doesn't work for some people, especially when the band has been around a while; the 70's stuff somehow sounds less dated than the 80's stuff.
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I was just coming of age musically in the very early 80's, but I knew then that I didn't like electronic drums. I was always wired to be a hard rock fan.
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I get that. I was sick of electronic drums after hearing one song with them, and I haven't heard anything in the last 40 years to change my opinion. Sometimes something catches on because it's new and different, but in retrospect we wonder what in the hell people were thinking. I would be fine if electronic drums were never invented.
The ubiquitous synths I have a bit more tolerance to, being a keyboard player myself, but I understand people being turned off by the sound of primitive (by today's standards) synths. So much of it sounds cheesy and dated.
The one thing I was surprised by is the huge, echoing, reverb sound that also seemed to flourish in the 80's. I never noticed it at the time (I probably thought it sounded cool), but the other day we were listening to some song on the radio, and my wife actually commented on all the reverb. She said it sounded like they recorded it in a huge cave or something. Having had that aspect of 80's production pointed out to me earlier (here on DTF of course), I just said that Hey, that's what the 80's sounded like. She said she'd never noticed it before, and all I could do was agree.
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as to 'It's A Hard Life'....something I had on my Word doc and totally forgot to include. :facepalm:
per Wiki: "The opening lyric and melody of "It's a Hard Life" is based on the line "Ridi, Pagliaccio, sul tuo amore infranto!" (Laugh, clown, at your broken love!) from "Vesti la giubba", an aria from Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci. The same melody is also quoted in the soundtrack of the movie 'A Night at the Opera' after which Queen had named their 1975 album." Otis B. Driftwood (Groucho) butchers it often during the movie.
DTwwbwMP.....Wow! Thanks for sharing all that! Damn jealous of all the shows you saw here on this side of the pond (looking forward to more Wembley comments next month). I felt the same during 'The Game' tour. The mania and crowd in Detroit was something I'd never experienced, but the 'feel of the show' was 'different' (less focus of Freddie on piano, no ''39', the odd 'Now I'm Here' / 'Dragon Attack' combo), and then there was '82 (somewhat of an 'ouch').
Enjoyed reading yours and other reviews of 'The Works'. I would rank it higher with a touch up or two, but #10 is about right.
Agree with all as to the electronic drum comments, but that was the era, eh? As to 'Man On The Prowl', I've seen not so kind comments about it throughout the years, but I thought it was a great side one closer, and had a prominent piano (surprisingly done by Fred Mandel and not Freddie). Rockers such as 'Hammer To Fall', 'Tear It Up', and 'I Go Crazy'. Indeed :tup 'Is This The World...' yet another song with political undertones.
Tim....the upcoming tour would include everything but 'Man On The Prowl' and 'Keep Passing The Open Windows'. 'Machines' would be the new taped intro.
but first, another solo album (and another, and a solo single, and the world tour, and a couple of huge '85 concerts before my vacation next Wednesday)
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ROGER TAYLOR STRANGE FRONTIER
Released: June 25, 1984 UK (Parlophone, EMI), July 3rd USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #30
Singles:
Man On Fire b/w Killing Time
Released: June 4
Charts: UK #66
Did not chart in Japan, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Australia and South Africa.
Strange Frontier b/w I Cry For You
Released: July 30
Charts: UK #98
Did not chart in USA, Canada and The Netherlands.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/94/Strange_frontier.jpg)
Recorded: 1983-84 Musicland (Munich)Mountain Studios (Montreux)
Produced by Roger Taylor / David Richards / Mack
Engineered by Richards / Mack
Original Photographs by George Hurrell
Totem Pole Illustration - Ian Wright
Thanks for help & encouragement to my dear friends Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Brian May, Rick Parfitt. Also to all at Mountain Studios Montreux and Musicland, Munich, Stefan, Krzysztof et al, Jim Beach, Gerry Stickells Paul Prenter, Chris Taylor, Sara Juszkiewicz, Julie Nash, Jack Gunn, Andy Evans.
SIDE ONE
Strange Frontier 4:16
Beautiful Dreams 4:23
Man on Fire 4:05
Racing in the Street (Bruce Springsteen) 4:28
Masters of War (Bob Dylan) 3:51
SIDE TWO
Killing Time 4:58
Abandonfire (Taylor, David Richards) 4:12
Young Love 3:22
It's an Illusion (Taylor, Rick Parfitt) 4:03
I Cry for You (Love, Hope and Confusion) (Taylor, Richards) 4:16
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1itk-cfehA/XOfdX8S_k6I/AAAAAAAA2yY/2M2rPbAUo8cFO9ZcszRu-KwpaDCg1X6LwCLcBGAs/s400/1984%2BStrange%2BFrontier%2B-%2BRoger%2BTaylor%2B%2528L.P%2BAlemania%2BEMI%2B1C%2B064%2B2401371%2529%2B%25284%2529.jpg)
ALBUM AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=roger+taylor+strange+frontier+full+album
Roger’s second solo album was the result of a second series of recording sessions, after the first had been rejected for lacking direction; songs recorded but ultimately left unreleased included 'Keep On Running', 'She Belongs To Me', 'I Wanna Take You Higher', 'Turn On The Power', 'Sun And Steel' (which possibly became 'Killing Time'), 'Been To Spain', and 'All Your Dreams Will Come True'.
Keep On Running https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9Ni7ATEFKo
I heard this for the first time two weeks ago
Two Sharp Pencils https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlxcVDGWc4s a very silly non album B side
I Wanna Take You Higher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbl1_SzMasM
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This is a far more polished and more 'adult' album than ‘Fun In Space’. Plus, it has a great cover! ;) It’s laced with political anti nuclear lyrics throughout (‘Beautiful Dreams’, ‘Killing Time’, ‘Abandonfire’, and the title track) including his very good cover of Dylan’s ‘Masters Of War’. A superbly sung and faster cover of Springsteen’s ‘Racing In The Streets’ precedes this. Roger does fall into his some times obsessive ‘robotic computerized’ BVs a bit too much, a detriment to a song or two, is OK on others.
It also includes two of my all time Roger favorites, ‘Man On Fire’, and ‘It’s An Illusion’, which I would have used in place of his two tracks on ‘The Works’. In fact, ‘Man On Fire’ was worked on by the band during those sessions (uncredited at the time, Brian played rhythm guitar) Long rumored, Freddie did BVs on ‘Killing Time’, which is noticeable on the 2013 remaster, as is mentioned in his box set ‘The Lot’. And John did the remix on the 45 version of ‘I Cry For You’. He also played bass on 'It's An Illusion'.
Other guest appearances include Rick Parfitt of Status Quo (more on them next week), who cowrote and performed on of 'It's An Illusion'. David Richards played keyboards and co-produced this LP. He would come on board as a producer on the next three Queen albums, as well as co-production, engineering, and mixing supervision on parts of 'Made In Heaven'. He would also produce The Cross' first LP.
I already mentioned ‘Man On Fire’ being an all time personal favorite Roger song. As the opening track, jumps right out and tells you this is going to be a pretty good rocking album. Some clever lines such as “I’m smokin’, I’m burnin’, I’m twistin’, and turnin’” and the desire to ‘get out’ fit my life on more than a few occasions back then.
.......Oops…I’m making that comment a North American. This was the order on our vinyl version
SIDE ONE
Man On Fire
I Cry For You (love, hope and confusion)
It's An Illusion
Racing In The Street
Masters Of War
SIDE TWO
Strange Frontier
Beautiful Dreams
Abandonfire
Killing Time
Young Love
It wasn’t until the CD was released in '96 that I heard the ‘correct’ track listing for the first time. Afterwards, I somewhat combined the two:
Man On Fire / Beautiful Dreams / It's An Illusion / Racing In The Street / Masters Of War
Strange Frontier / Young Love / Abandonfire / Killing Time / I Cry For You
If you’re a Roger fan, you’ll really enjoy most to all of this. If not, a couple might make you cringe, but overall, in spite of some of the 80s sounds and his personal nuances, you'll find some good stuff here.....worthy of being on a Queen album or three.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/e/e4/Roger_frontierrev.jpg/600px-Roger_frontierrev.jpg)
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And FYI, I wil probably be more active here as we move forward, since this is where my real time engagement with the band started. For some reason, that mid-period (ADATR to The Works) is sort of my Queen black hole. There is at least one album coming up that I won't be able to shut up about. :) :) :) :)
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oh, and since TAC sent these to me before his trip, I thought I'd give credit where credit is due, and post the Spotify numbers. And again, ‘thank you!’
Roger Taylor-Strange Frontier
Strange Frontier....587k
Beautiful Dreams....118k
Man On Fire....2.6m
Racing In The Street....146k
Masters Of War....66k
Killing Time....88k
Abandonfire....57k
Young Love....71k
It's An Illusion....81k
I Cry For You....57k
About what I expected, though a bit surprised at the semi-decent numbers for 'Racing In The Street' and 'Beautiful Dreams', and at how low 'It's An Illusion' was.
btw.....still can't figure out why 'Man On Fire' has never been played with either 'Queen+' configuration. Would have been a needed change as to something ‘new’, and would have loved hearing Brian’s guitar in a live setting.
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Have they done any of Roger's other solo stuff with the band (meaning, is the "Queen" entity "solo-material free"? I know they did a couple songs that went on Freddie's solo album...)
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Have they done any of Roger's other solo stuff with the band (meaning, is the "Queen" entity "solo-material free"? I know they did a couple songs that went on Freddie's solo album...)
That would be a trivia question with quite the caveat.
Two songs, 'Small' and 'Say It's Not True'...which appeared on his solo album 'Fun On Earth' in 2013.......but they both appeared on 'The Cosmos Rocks' five years earlier. 'Say It's Not True' goes way back to 2003 for Nelson Mandela's AIDS foundation "46664" as 'just' Queen.
Surprisingly, Brian's 'Driven By You' has never been touched on. His only song to be played was the ending/immediately after his guitar solo.
And that was 'Last Horizon' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO0p6_0kd2I
(Hadn't listened to the live version in eons....and it still gives me goosebumps :tup)
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Yeah, Last Horizon is bomb.
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I get that. I was sick of electronic drums after hearing one song with them, and I haven't heard anything in the last 40 years to change my opinion. Sometimes something catches on because it's new and different, but in retrospect we wonder what in the hell people were thinking. I would be fine if electronic drums were never invented.
The ubiquitous synths I have a bit more tolerance to, being a keyboard player myself, but I understand people being turned off by the sound of primitive (by today's standards) synths. So much of it sounds cheesy and dated.
The one thing I was surprised by is the huge, echoing, reverb sound that also seemed to flourish in the 80's. I never noticed it at the time (I probably thought it sounded cool), but the other day we were listening to some song on the radio, and my wife actually commented on all the reverb. She said it sounded like they recorded it in a huge cave or something. Having had that aspect of 80's production pointed out to me earlier (here on DTF of course), I just said that Hey, that's what the 80's sounded like. She said she'd never noticed it before, and all I could do was agree.
See, up until that point in music history bands and fads had come along, hung around for a few years and then died. I'm convinced it wasn't just rock bands wanting to explore the new technology as record labels forcing them to do to it adapt and compete with "the kids" - just look at how many established artists were suddenly making records in the late 70s awash with disco strings. Record companies forced rock bands to do this, just as a few years later they forced them all to make hideous power ballads. Rock was dead in the 80s, not because there wasn't a fanbase for it, but because the record companies didn't think there was a fanbase for it. No other trend in music had survived the advent of the next trend, why would rock be any different? It took the take off of CD as a medium for the record companies to realise that there was still a market for rock out there. The Likes of Dark Side of the Moon and Rumours outselling Duran Duran and Debbie Gibson remains one of the biggest unexpected events in the history of music.
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I'm not sure it's all the record company's fault, though. We are spoiled in liking certain bands, like DT, like Rush, that are in many ways like us. But Rush is the exception that proves the rule. Bruce Dickinson isn't running around on a stage the size of a small runway waving tattered flags and flamethrowers because he's shy and has no need for adoration or affirmation. Paul Stanley has been up front about his need to be welcomed and accepted by his audience. Steven Tyler hasn't been so upfront, but it's not a stretch to say that he's driven by the acceptance of his fan base.
I struggle to accept that ALL these bands put out "of the moment" records in the 80's, and again in the 90's with grunge, because the "record company told them to". Def Leppard and Kiss both re-recorded significant portions of their catalogue in order to stay clear of record company interference, but both have a "grunge-ish" record (Slang and Carnival of Souls) and while it was a bit before Lep's time, the two records with Vini Poncia in the '80s are both, in their own way, a response to the disco craze.
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'Lead singer ego itis'
Moving a band too far from the roots that made them initially popular in the first place.
Kevin Cronin, Steve Perry, Dennis DeYoung, ....Freddie Mercury..... to name a few.
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After all these years, with more songs available from that era, a good / excellent Queen 'Reworked' (in my opinion, anyways)
SIDE ONE
Tear It Up / Man On Fire / It's A Hard Life (ext version) / I Go Crazy / Man On The Prowl
SIDE TWO
Let Me In Your Heart Again* / Love Kills* / I Want To Break Free (ext single version) / Keep Passing The Open Windows / Hammer To Fall / Is This The World We Created...?
(* from 'Queen Forever' Let Me In Your Heart Again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWzeNnq1-rA
Love Kills https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPdU_07YZY)
and my 'Strange Frontier'
SIDE ONE
Man On Fire / Beautiful Dreams / It's An Illusion / Racing In The Street / Masters Of War
SIDE TWO
Strange Frontier / Radio Ga Ga (USA 45 edit)* / Young Love / Abandonfire / Killing Time / Machines (Or Back To Humans)*
(https://i.imgur.com/3d8UWDw.jpg)
with the new bride and Roger, and my autographed SF CD sleeve
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INTRODUCING SPIKE EDNEY
As an outside musician, Fred Mandel had his hand in more Queen tunes on their last studio album than anyone prior. Though he’d been on the post European ‘Hot Space’ tours, Brian’s ‘Star Fleet Project’, and would also appear on Freddie’s upcoming solo album, Queen was in need of a replacement for ‘The Works’ tour.
(https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Queen29PA241011-696x464.jpg)
per Spike: "It’s really about being in the right place at the right time. I was playing in London at a bar and a member of Queen’s crew came in, someone I had known 10 years before. It was, “What are you doing here?” and yada, yada, yada. I said, “What are you doing?” He said, “I’m working for Roger Taylor. Queen needs a keyboard player. Do you want the job?” I went, “Yeah, of course.”
I turned up to where I was told to go, I walked in and got interviewed by the legendary Gerry Stickells. He is one of the great men of rock & roll. Sadly, he passed away this year.
He said to me, “Do you have a passport?” I said I did. He said, “Are you available to go to on a world tour?” I said, “Yeah.” He said, “OK, on Monday, you fly out to Munich and start rehearsals.” I said, “What? That’s ludicrous! What happens if they don’t like me?” He said, “Then on Tuesday, you’ll fly back.” And here we are 35 years later.SPIKE EDNEY
(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/photo-of-queen-lr-john-deacon-spike-edney-freddie-mercury-roger-and-picture-id85034607)
He went to Munich for their first rehearsal in early August, wound up partying for most of the first night, and missed the first day's rehearsal. Everyone else had as well. He recalls, "The next day, we all managed to get to it eventually, to the first rehearsal, and all the gear was set up. The stage was huge, and I thought "Oh well, here we go then" and we got to the first song , and what I'd forgotten was that they hadn't actually played together for two years."
"So they said, 'OK, let's try one of the new songs', I think it was Radio Ga Ga, and we started playing it, and course, I knew it, I'd been studying it for weeks. You know, 1,2,3,4 and we start and we get about a minute into the song and the whole thing collapses. And they all look at each other, you know, very sheepishly, and they say, "Anyone know how it goes?" and I say "well, actually, I know. I know how it goes" and they said "Ah". And so I started showing them the chords and everything and Fred looked at me and said "You don't know the words, do you?" and "Well, yeah I do actually" so then they all came round the piano and we spent the whole day just going through songs, and I thought, "I'm gonna be all right here, this'll be OK."
Spike has played with Queen, Queen +, Roger, Roger and The Cross, and Brian ever since. Not a bad gig.
(https://www.queenonline.com/global/uploads/migrated_images/news_1688.jpg)
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The WORKS EUROPEAN TOUR
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-08-24_Brussels_preshow_01.jpg)
Brian, Tour manager Gerry Stickells and his wife checking out the set up.
This was the first of the stadium rigs controlled by a computer system. It had a bird-like wing design to the rig as shown. At the bottom of the side rigs, it had three hanging pairs of unique intelligent lights that change colors, smaller than the previous smart lights. The top portion moved up and down, resembling ‘The Pizza Oven’ from the ‘Jazz’ tour. There is a catwalk behind and above the drum kit. The drum pedestal contains no lights at all (the blinding ones that caused havoc for pictures and film). The back wall was a mural of Metropolis from the 'Radio Ga Ga' music video, with two enormous cog wheels turning through out the show.
(Metropolis will be mentioned later. The soundtrack would not be released until later in the year, the movie two years later)
The Flash taped intro and ‘The Hero’ are gone, as are ‘We Will Rock You [fast], ‘Play The Game’, ‘Save Me’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’, and all ‘Hot Space’ songs exccept for ‘Under Pressure’ and an edited ‘Staying Power’. The new taped intro is ‘Machines’. Six songs from ‘The Works’ would be played throughout this tour, and only ‘It’s A Hard Life’ would be dropped afterwards. ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ has found its new permanent home as the second song. ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ is no longer part of the encores,
‘Sheer Heart Attack’ is brought back, as is ‘Love Of My Life’. As are shortened versions of many of their now ‘old’ hits:
The gong is ‘gone’, and the drumhead simply has ‘QUEEN’
Warm up bands:
General Public in Birmingham and London
Lancelot in Dortmund
None or unknown in Italy
Airrace in Paris, netherlands, germany, viena
The tour did not begin until August, almost six months after ‘The Works’ was released. Roger completed his solo album, Freddie was working on his album and enjoying Munich. John and family would be off doing family trips. Brian would be working with other artists, including Billy Squier, while his marriage was dissolving. No doubt there had been discussions for a North American tour. Bad relations between the Queen camp and promoters, along with the slide in ’82, the lukewarm response to this album, and the change in record companies (and Capitol’s problems) all put an end to those plans. <sigh>
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Actually my 2nd favorite staging of theirs after THE CROWN :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-08-24_Brussels_preshow_01.jpg)
This was the first of the stadium rigs controlled by a computer system. It had a bird-like wing design to the rig as shown. At the bottom of the side rigs, it had three hanging pairs of unique intelligent lights that change colors, smaller than the previous smart lights. The top portion moved up and down, resembling ‘The Pizza Oven’ from the ‘Jazz’ tour. There is a catwalk behind and above the drum kit. The drum pedestal contains no lights at all (the blinding ones that caused havoc for pictures and film). The back wall was a mural of Metropolis from the 'Radio Ga Ga' music video, with two enormous cog wheels turning through out the show.
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Was just sorting through my notes for my post tonight, and was going to include this closer look of the backdrop (from Wembley, Sept. 7th)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-07_London_35.jpg)
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Was just sorting through my notes for my post tonight, and was going to include this closer look of the backdrop (from Wembley, Sept. 7th)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-07_London_35.jpg)
:tup
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-08-25_Brussels_01.jpg)
Forest National Brussels, Belgium August 24th Attendance: 9,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ryVrIBbkA4 Quality: B+
Machines (tape) / Tear It Up / Tie Your Mother Down / Under Pressure / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / It's A Hard Life / Staying Power / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here / Is This The World We Created? / Love Of My Life / Stone Cold Crazy / Great King Rat / keyboard/guitar solos / Brighton Rock (ending) / Radio Ga Ga / Another One Bites The Dust / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Hammer To Fall
Encore 1: I Want To Break Free / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
The first show of The Works Tour, their first concert since Japan in November of '82. It’s high energy, Freddie’s in excellent voice, and the band is enthusiastic. All that would be hit or miss throughout the year.
Per Ryan Newton: “This show is a heartbreaking example of how good this tour could have been, but the band couldn't keep up with the level they played at here in Brussels, and things went south very quickly. Elite performances like this are a rarity this late in Queen's live career, so this one is to savor."
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-08-24_Brussels_03.jpg)
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The Royal Dublin Society Simmonscourt, Dublin, Ireland August 28th, Attendance: 7,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fTqhwumX2Y Quality: B-
First of two nights. Roger switches to electronic drums on 'Another One Bites The Dust' for the rest of the tour. :‘Radio Ga Ga’ ends the concert proper for the rest of the tour.
As per prior performances in Ireland, the outro tape from ‘A Day At The Races’ is played instead of ‘God Save The Queen’.
Arthritic metal horns in the audience ;)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-08-28_Dublin_05.jpg)
Great seats….but those large front speakers certainly cause them to fall into the ‘obstructed view’ category ....
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-05_London_06.jpg)
Queen returns to the UK for the first time since Milton Keynes in June of '82.
National Exhibition Center, Birmingham, August 31st, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk8Nq_OCte0 Quality: A-
Fourth show of the tour, but Freddie is already sliding. Or barking as some call it. But it might be the best night of the tour as to the rest of the band’s performance.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-08-31_Birmingham_17.jpg)
Second of three nights Birmingham, September 1st https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5zPuWnecbU&t=1s Grade: A-
The last performance of ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. Ye ol’ ‘Jailhouse Rock' would return through ’85.
One of the times where the band sounds on top of their game during this tour. Brian even plays a bit of 'Dead On Time' in the solo. ‘Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting’ makes a return.
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Third night, Birmingham, September 2nd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKpxbECkFX0 Quality: B+ (Soundcheck), A (Concert)
Added due to high ticket demand.
The band are enjoying themselves, but Freddie’s voice is getting bad and would get worse.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09_London_billboard.jpg)
Wembley Arena, London, September 4th, Attendance: 12,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5kXyo84oMo Quality: A-
The first of four shows in London. And Freddie is sounding bad, but utters a very heartfelt ‘I still f*cking love you’ during the crowd sing along of ‘Love Of My Life’
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-05_London_03.jpg)
a very rare side view
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-04_London_01.jpg)
The third of four nights London, September 7th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp7ZjALU0zY Quality: A- / B+ almost a two hour show
Machines (Intro) / Tear It Up / Tie Your Mother Down / Under Pressure / Somebody to Love / Killer Queen / Seven Seas of Rhye / Keep Yourself Alive / Dead On Time (Keep Yourself Alive) / Liar / Impromptu / It's a Hard Life / Staying Power / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here / Is This the World We Created / Love of My Life / Brahms' Lullaby (Love of My Life) / Stone Cold Crazy / Great King Rat / Guitar/Keyboard Solo / The Skye Boat Song (Guitar Solo) / Brighton Rock (Reprise) / Another One Bites the Dust / Hammer to Fall / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting / Bohemian Rhapsody / Radio Ga Ga
Encore 1: I Want to Break Free / Jailhouse Rock Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions / God Save the Queen /
per Ryan Newton: "The third of four nights at Wembley is an exciting one for both the right and wrong reasons. Two nights ago was Freddie's 38th birthday, and the excessive partying has resulted in his voice being absolutely trashed for this show. It's probably the worst he ever sounded on this tour (although there is a lot of competition for that title already). He can barely get through songs without cracking and straining over half the notes, and it's almost sad to hear how horrible he sounds. The other three members are in pretty good form though, and a special guest star, Rick Parfitt of Status Quo, joins the band on stage during ‘Jailhouse Rock’."
The setlist is also huge with some rare songs being performed tonight, so if you can get past the horrid vocals, it's not too bad.
Brian's family is in the audience tonight, and as such, he dedicates Love of My Life to his daughter, as this is her first Queen concert.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-07_London_07.jpg)
Freddie: "Where the f*ck are we? Oh yes, this is a song from our Hot Space album, which really sold f*cking dreadfully. I can be honest, but that doesn't
mean we don't do the songs. This is one of my songs, and it's called Staying Power."
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-04_London_03.jpg)
London, September 8th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gHeNEmQOfs Quality: B+
Freddie’s voice is better than the prior night. Brian does a very long and unique intro to 'Is This the World We Created?' The last night in Wembley Arena. They would return a couple years later for two memorable shows in a slightly larger venue.
A great picture of the beginning or ending of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-05_London_11.jpg)
and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-08_London_02.jpg)
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Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, West Germany September 10th, Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AICvRj6Yrc Quality: C
If you followed along and have read some of the comments in these bootlegs, THE CRAZY GAME breaks down each song with ratings and highs or lows of each band member. Worth noting is his/her review of:
IT’S A HARD LIFE (7/10) – WTF FREDDIE MAN. For some unknown reason he actually thinks he can get the intro in full voice and of course his voice lets him down! What the f*ck was going through that man sometimes?! The first verse has a nice phrasing on “it’s just a simple fact of life”. The first chorus is actually decent as is the 2nd verse with some more nice phrasings and power singing by Freddie. The 2nd chorus has Freddie sounding emotionally exhausted which fits this song really well. The instrumental section is mostly great with Brian having minor issues it seems but no mistakes are being made. Freddie nails “YES it’s a hard life” pretty clean and sings the final chorus very effectively. Apart from this terrible intro this was a really decent rendition.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-14_Milan_12.jpg)
Palazzo Dello Sport Milan, Italy September 14th, Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw3B2dK_Khc Quality: A
This is the first of Queen's only two concerts in Italy. As the band have had a couple days off, Freddie sounds pretty decent tonight. After having tried it out as a medley song, Queen would retire 'Staying Power' after tonight
From The Crazy Game:
RADIO GA GA (7.5/10) – "....... The 2nd chorus famously features no other than John on lead vocals! Freddie continues the trend of nailing the complete last pre chorus and boy he sounds strong on this one! A strong version with some surprises."
A jaded and basic performance, which was becoming the norm. This show has a few unique moments that do give this show a bit of a boost, such as the small jam before 'Liar' due to Brian breaking a string .
Second night... Milan Sept 15th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TzLPTVi_rc Quality: A
Unfortunately, this night also sees the band performing rather sluggishly. Brian plays Brahms' Lullaby during 'Love of My Life' like he did last week in London, and he also does a killer solo in 'Dragon Attack'.
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The Olympiahalle, Munich, September 16th, Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0LFvs1kZ90 Quality: B+
Their 'second home', so a more relaxed and decent performance. Freddie's voice is very hit-or-miss tonight, as sometimes he sounds pretty rough, but other times he sounds good. Brian sounds very strong tonight besides a glaring mistake during 'Tear It Up', and he gives some good solos throughout the show.
The CRAZY GAME about 'It's A Hard Life':
" Oh boy, where do I start. Freddie feels confident enough to go for the Bb4s and boy was this a bad mistake. His voice COMPLETELY disintegrates on the attempt, making for one of the worst cracks of the decade."
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-18_Paris_01.jpg)
Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy Paris, September 18th, Attendance: 17,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEdhiKQP9c8 Quality: B+
By the time 'Radio Ga Ga' and the encores roll around, Freddie's voice cracks and he often skips a few words either from forgetting the lyrics or the need for a break.
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The Groenoordhallen, Leiden, The Netherlands September 20th, Attendance: 12,800 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlGimdfpnt4 Quality: A-
A diamond in the rough, Freddie actually sounds quite good tonight and managed to sing very well warm up). The band sound very enthusiastic tonight as well, perhaps due to the ecstatic audience that is almost customary in Leiden and the Netherlands,
The support act from now through the end of the European tour is a band called Air Race, whose drummer is Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham.
'Is This The World We Created?': the audience even sing this one word for word, and Freddie stops the festivities half way through. "You're the first audience to sing the song, really. You f*ckers can do anything, I just know." While it seems to the average person in the audience that he's stopping purely to let them sing the higher part of the chorus, he's doing it because he can't hit the notes. Regardless of the reason, it is a wonderful sound heard on this night. queenlive.ca
The band do a one-off performance of '39 at this show, although Freddie has forgotten most of the lyrics, so the audience takes over for most of what's played (one verse and one chorus).
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The Europahalle, Hanover, West Germany, September 22nd, Attendance: 9,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYa0kkBnrIQ Quality: C
There is one key moment that makes this show notable, but for the wrong reasons. Directly after 'Hammer to Fall', Freddie has a pretty bad fall and severely injures his leg.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-22_Hanover_01.jpg)
From that moment until he is assisted to the piano to play 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is noticeable and somewhat unforgettable. After 'BoRhap', they go right into WWRY/WATC and GSTQ before rushing him to a hospital. Freddie would wear a brace on his leg for the rest of the European tour.
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Deutschlandhalle Berlin, September 24th, Attendance: 11,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMBQLRKqj0w Quality: B+
Good performance and atmospheric tape
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-27_Stuttgart_03.jpg) (https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-27_Stuttgart_02.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-27_Stuttgart_19.jpg)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, West Germany September 27th, Attendance: 15,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HnKUVxnbMk Quality: A-
Freddie’s voice is back!!! A shame that concerts this good weren't more of a frequent occurrence.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jnnr-NcBbo Video Quality: B Sound Quality: A
A NIGHT WITH _UEEN ;) The first available filmed footage of the tour!!!
Yeah, it's far from great quality, but ...I came across this less than two months ago, have watched certain snippets (some segments more than a few times ;)) and its GOLD to me. Can't wait for the day that the expert experts fix this up some more. The taper does a very good/great/excellent job of not zooming in and focusing on the right parts at the right time. 'BoRhap' is great (that's how you video the song, people!) and it's the first live footage of people doing the 'Ga Ga' at the end of the concert. A shame that even with this good view point, he or she could not see Freddie on the riser above the drum kit until the final choruses for that song (and other points of the show).
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Stadthalle Vienna, Austria September 29th, Attendance: 14,100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVlmt3xCgz4 Quality: A
Vienna is the final stop on the European tour. Per Ryan Newton: “I'll get the obvious out of the way quick by saying that Freddie's voice has fallen off a cliff from the past show” Tonight he sounds super exhausted. Almost as bad as a couple of Japanese shows in the '76
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Second night, Vienna, September 30th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly0qRdDz9Ms Quality: A-
This is the final show of the European Works Tour. Although Freddie sounds better than last night, that's not saying much. They seem to just be going through the motions tonight compared to the first Vienna show,
Tonight features the last ever performances of 'Stone Cold Crazy' and 'Great King Rat' (that is, unless they played them the following month....)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-09-30_Vienna_01.jpg)
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This thread is one of my favorite on the forum. I love reading all the posts. One thing I'm surprised about is all the issues Freddie had with his voice, I always assumed he was pretty flawless live.
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This thread is one of my favorite on the forum. I love reading all the posts. One thing I'm surprised about is all the issues Freddie had with his voice, I always assumed he was pretty flawless live.
Thank you. :tup
As to Freddie's voice, I mentioned it long ago here, and have done so a couple of times over the years as to James LaBrie. I could guarantee that 99% of the concert goers didn't notice anything during the shows unless there was a glaring mishap by Freddie or Brian. But we have access to a lot of it now on tape. With James, now we have cell phones with better playback audio than in the days of 'stone knives and bear skins'. ;) and much more available.
But he's 59, trying to deal with the older material that people twenty years younger would struggle with.
As to Freddie, in the earlier days, there were a couple of times even during the ANATO tour of doing two shows in one days. As well as constantly touring the snow covered Midwest year after year. And the problem with his nodules. At this time of his life, he was partying to excess, and smoking two plus packs of cigarettes a day. The results bear that out.
next up: Sun City, but first.....
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BILLY SQUIER SIGNS OF LIFE
Released: July '84
Charts: USA #11, West Germany #59, Australia #96
Certifications: third straight Platinum in the States
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e7/Signs_of_Life_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg/220px-Signs_of_Life_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg)
Freddie and Roger did BVs on the title track of 'Emotions in Motion'. For this album,
Brian plays lead guitar on '(Another) 1984. 'All Night Long', 'Eyes On You', 'Reach For The Sky', and 'Sweet Release' are still highlights to me from this release. As well as 'Rock Me Tonight', his second straight #1 Mainstream Billboard rock song (#15 overall).
Oh, but that video.........
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SUN CITY
October 5-19
"Queen played nine shows in a South African banustan at the height of apartheid. The band stated at the time that they were not a political band, maintaining their desire to tread as much worldwide ground as possible, and that these concerts were played to mixed audiences. Tickets were priced at 26 Rands (about $15 US at the time), which may not have been reasonable for most, considering the poverty of the black masses at the time. But plenty of tickets were given away for free, ensuring at least some of the audiences would be mixed." queenlive.ca
Bantustan: (also known as Bantu homeland, black homeland, black state or simply homeland; Afrikaans: Bantoestan) was a territory that the National Party administration of South Africa set aside for black inhabitants of South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia), as part of its policy of apartheid.
And this, again from queenlive.ca's perspective: "An article written about the paradigm shifting concerts in South America in 1981 stated, "After eight years of winning, they needed a new challenge if their touring career was not to stagnate." The shows in South Africa were equally new territory for the band, but after all the political backlash they encountered upon returning home to England, not even the massive headlining Rock In Rio shows early next year would revitalize the band. Touring became a drag throughout 1985, and if it weren't for Live Aid, Queen certainly may have split up."
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-10_Sun%20City_02.jpg)
The first night. At least the speakers have been moved for better viewing of the lights and stage
On the third night in South Africa, Freddie left the stage after the fourth song, 'Somebody To Love'. Freddie stood up from the piano and left the stage. The auditorium went dark, but not after long the crowd did the 'stomp stomp clap' of We Will Rock You. The concert organizer soon emerged to reveal to the disappointed audience that the show was over.
From queenlive.ca: "A local crew member recalls that many of the shows were Saturday nights [three of them], which is party night in South Africa. He says Mercury had partied so hard on the evening of the 6th that he missed a 2pm soundcheck the next day, and was so hungover that he was puking side stage and had to blow off the show three songs in. This would be the one and only time that due to 'excess' that Queen was unable to finish a show as planned."
(though he had a close call later in Australia).
As a result of this, the next two shows (October 9 and 10) would be cancelled.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-10-14_Sun%20City_09.jpg)
Sun City Super Bowl, Sun City, Bophuthatswana, October 19th, Attendance: 6,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYqxb-ILUI8&t=3455s
Soundboard Recording Quality: A+/A
The eighth of nine nights, and the only available tape. The band is an hour late arriving, so a somewhat shorter set. But Freddie's voice shines, the band is enthusiastic, and having some fun. Between Somebody To Love and Killer Queen, Freddie plays a descending progression which the band jam on - the end result being something reminiscent of "The March Of The Black Queen", then Brian and Roger join him for a bit of 'My Fairy King'. And his intentional fluctuations during 'Killer Queen' sound like something of his from the 70s.
There is a lengthy improvisation after the medley during which Freddie jumps up and down the octaves effortlessly, and then a 'Rock 'n Rio' type jam impromptu. 'It's A Hard Life' follows, and is more of a struggle for both Freddie and Roger at various points.
The first half of the soundboard was released in 2009, and it's impeccably clear with perfect mixes on all the instruments. The second half was released in 2015, and while the sound is still great, the transfer of the tape seems to have been a bit more ragged. 'Love Of My Life' cuts out part way through, so it's hard to know if the 'Stone Cold Crazy' medley and/or Brian May's solo spot was performed. The ending of 'We Are The Champions' onwards is missing as well.
An interview with Roger and Brian from '86 is tagged on at the end. The interviews look back at the good of the shows, and the flack they received back home.
'the road is paved with the best of intentions......'
from the 14th
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-10-14_Sun%20City_20.jpg)
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FREDDIE MERCURY LOVE KILLS
Love Kills b/w Rotwaing's Party
Released: September 10 UK, September 11th USA (CBS/Columbia)
Charts: UK #10, USA #69
Ireland #4, Poland #4, Spain #4, Austria #9, South Africa #9, Belgium #17, Netherlands #24, West Germany #25, Switzerland #27, Australia #56
2006: When the ‘Lover Of Life, Singer Of Songs’ compilation was released
Italy #8, Netherlands #49, Germany #83, Switzerland #98
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c5/Freddie_Mercury_Love_Kills_Single_1984.png/220px-Freddie_Mercury_Love_Kills_Single_1984.png)
Produced by: Freddie Mercury, Giorgio Moroder & Mack
The B-side is a Moroder instrumental.
AUDIO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwzM0rLWnHM
Officially, the single has only ever been credited to Freddie Mercury, despite it being a collaboration with Moroder for the soundtrack for 'Metropolis'. In 2000, the liner notes of Freddie's 'The Solo Collection' boxset confirmed that Brian and Roger contributed guitar and drums to the track. On a later compilation in 2019, John was listed as contributing additional guitar parts.
'Love Kills' was part of 'The Works' studio sessions. Take a look at 'Metropolis', the video for 'Radio Ga Ga', and the backdrop of their stage for 'The Works Tour', and there's little doubt it was going to be on the album. There has been no confirmation as to why the track was released credited solely to Mercury and not as a Queen single, but the band's contract was with EMI Records worldwide (and Capitol Records in the USA). The 'Metropolis' soundtrack was released on CBS Records, who would go on to sign Freddie as a solo artist for the 1985 album.
I heard this for the first time in '92...most of us heard ALOT of material for the first time in '92 and the ensuing years!!! That dance track drumming annoyed me, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Always wanted to hear the Queen version, or something close.
Well, (jumping the gun here), decades later, in 2014 on an unnecessary compilation titled 'Queen Forever', the original Queen version was dusted off and polished, a few little things added and removed here and there, and this was the result. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPdU_07YZY
The two discs were worth it for this version alone! :D :tup
Oh, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the sad irony of the title of this song........
(the soundtrack would not be released until the end of January '85, the movie in '86)
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Thank God It's Christmas b/w Man On The Prowl / Keep Passing The Open Windows
Released: November 26 UK (EMI), November 27 USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #21,
Ireland #8, Belgium #11, Austria #21, West Germany #57
2013: Slovenia #29
2014: Slovenia #28
2015: Denmark #36, Slovenia #38, Poland #39
2016: Slovenia #22
2017: Germany #18, Slovenia #15, Switzerland #47
2018-19: Slovenia #11, Austria #16, Germany #16, Netherlands #26, Denmark #34,
Switzerland #36, Poland #43, Italy #79, Australia #80,
2019-20: Austria #15, Slovenia #17, UK #86, Poland #50,
2020-21: Germany #8, Slovenia #14, Netherlands #22, Denmark #32, Poland #45, Portugal #171,
2021-22: Switzerland #29, Poland #32, Lithuania #92
(I guess most people in Slovenia must own it by now ;)
Certifications: Silver in UK, Platinum in Denmark
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/88/Queen_Thank_God_It%27s_Christmas_single_cover.jpg/220px-Queen_Thank_God_It%27s_Christmas_single_cover.jpg)
Written by Brian May and Roger Taylor
Produced by Mack
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SunTrA_0bEg
The second official collaboration credited to Brian and Roger ('Machines' being the first)
The song was not originally released on any Queen studio album, appearing only on Queen+ Greatest Hits III, released in 1999, and as the B-side of the single "A Winter's Tale" from the 1995 album Made in Heaven. It was finally included on the bonus EP packaged with the deluxe edition of 'The Works' remastered and re-released in 2011.
It appears on the Christmas compilation LP The Edge of Christmas in its full 12" version with the drum intro. It also appears on the US-only compilation boxed-set The Queen Collection, which consisted of a re-release of the LPs Classic Queen and Queen's Greatest Hits along with a bonus CD called Queen Talks that included this song, along with a 1989 interview with the band. I received both of them for Christmas '92 from two considerate individuals.
*********
Another song was also worked on for a holiday release. 'I Dream Of Christmas', written by Brian, was in the running, but ended up being handed over to his now wife Anita Dobson in '87.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SunTrA_0bEg/hqdefault.jpg)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1RXmLEbsMI (an 'entertaining' interview precedes the song). There's no mistaking whose playing lead guitar and providing BVs near the end. And since Brian and Roger often provided some sort of guide vocals to their demos, rumors persist to this day that some
partial or mostly completed demo version with Freddie on LVs exists.
back to TGIC, there was also a 12" single, with the extended versions of MOTP and KPTOW on the B-side (and yes, my wife owns both vinyl versions)
(https://cache.willhaben.at/mmo/1/582/319/941_-961951707_hoved.jpg)
tomorrow: Iron Maiden rock Rio.
Wait! Huh? Say what?!?
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Lots to chew on here, but I'm going to start with Love Kills tonight.
The Queen version is phenomenal. :hefdaddy
That is top shelf right there. I gotta remember that one when I do my Queen rankings, which BTW need some serious updating.
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Thanks for providing all this info, you have really helped educate me on Queen!
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Lots to chew on here, but I'm going to start with Love Kills tonight.
The Queen version is phenomenal. :hefdaddy
That is top shelf right there. I gotta remember that one when I do my Queen rankings, which BTW need some serious updating.
There's dozens of other hidden or unofficially released demos in the vaults. But, ever the perfectionists..... :huh: Queen+AL did perform it years ago, and it was damn good. With 'Love Kills' and 'Let Me In Your Heart Again', it was just a pity they couldn't just put these songs from the vault on a one disc release.
Thanks for providing all this info, you have really helped educate me on Queen!
You're welcome! :tup
I've been learning throughout, some times going too deep into the rabbit hole in the process ;) An unexpected benefit is in the next post.
Actually my 2nd favorite staging of theirs after THE CROWN :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/84-08-24_Brussels_preshow_01.jpg)
I didn't see that tour :( The 'pizza oven' will always be mine, due to so many factors.....my age, the tour, and I'd never seen anything remotely close to it. Broken up into more pieces for The Game was impressive as the 'fly swatters', and fewer pieces but the hoists that were manned during Hot Space was impressive. Wish I could have personally witnessed 'The Works'. Just massive!
Here's the link for that and the other rigs: https://www.queenconcerts.com/lighting-rigs/1984-works.html
Speaking of the 'bird wing' lighting rig, it was used for their next two shows in '85. From appearances, it was set up for all of the other bands to use, with 'some' limits on what they were allowed.
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ROCK IN RIO '85
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTFlMDkwN2YtYmViOS00ZWZjLTk1OTgtZWI4NGMyNmIyMWM2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTkzODUwNzk@._V1_.jpg) (https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/flyers/1985-01-xx2.jpg)
Queen headlined two nights of the 10-day Rock In Rio festival in January, the biggest music festival in history to date. Also headlining two nights each were AC/DC, Yes, and Rod Stewart. Queen played on January 11 and 18, but they hit the stage around 2am each night, technically dating the performances the 12th and 19th respectively. They set a record for paying attendance, playing to 250,000 people each night - the biggest audiences they would ever play for. Some sources say the band played to as many as 350,000 (or even 470,000) on the first night.
This was the first night ever of the festival. It's been held in Rio de Janeiro, in 1985, 1991, 2001, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. It's been held nine times in Lisbon, and three times in Madrid. The totals for the entire first festival place the total of attendees at 1.5 million people attending in '85, 700,000 attending the second and fourth, and about 1.2 million attending the third.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5345/10059754326_cffdb62df4_b.jpg)
The stage and 'bird wings' lighting rig before Ney Matogrosso (followed by Erasmo Carlos, Pepu/Baby, and Whitesnake) took the stage.
Followed by IRON MAIDEN
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05_nD7tajfM
~Setlist: / Aces High / Two Minutes To Midnight / The Trooper / Revelations / Flight of Icarus / Rime of The Ancient Mariner / Powerslave / Dave Murray Guitar Solo / The Number of The Beast / Hallowed Be Thy Name / The Iron Maiden / Run To The Hills / Running Free / Sanctuary
Of course, they have their entire performance on video (unlike some band who shall remain nameless....). Damn, what energy, and Bruce does a pretty good Freddie imitation with a crowd sing along ;). I've been a slight follower of the band, but just like when I would see Judas Priest, I always enjoyed the effort and the shows. And this is one great show!!! :tup
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TeIYxXs9_Y4/hqdefault.jpg)
(https://igormiranda.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Iron-Maiden-Rock-in-Rio-1985.jpg)
QUEEN
Cidade do Rock (Rock City), Rio de Janeiro, January 12th, 1985 Attendance 350,000 - 470,000
https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5fMWtWfIO8&t=35s Quality A+/B+/B- (multi source merge)
Machines (tape) / Tear It Up / Tie Your Mother Down / Under Pressure / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / It's A Hard Life / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here / Is This The World We Created? / Love Of My Life / guitar solo / Brighton Rock (ending) / Another One Bites The Dust / Mustapha (intro) / Hammer To Fall / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Radio Ga Ga
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-01-12_Rio_01.jpg)
The band is in fine form, and Freddie's voice has benefited from the time off. His strongest performance of the two shows.
Freddie makes his entrance for 'We Will Rock You' holding a giant British flag behind him. Before singing the first verse he turns around and reveals a Brazilian flag embroidered to it, prompting a huge roar from the audience. At the end of the concert, both him and Roger totally unfurl it, before Freddie tosses it into audience.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-01-12_Rio_12.jpg)
After the show, EMI threw a party in Queen's honor at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. On the beach outside the hotel, some fans had gathered for a candle-lighting vigil, where 1,500 candles spelled out the word "Queen". Security tried to keep the enthusiastic crowd away from Brian, who was coming out of the hotel. He walked to the beach, lit the last few candles, and stayed around to sign autographs. Not long afterward he jumped into the pool fully clothed.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-01_Rio_01.jpg)
ROCK IN RIO, SECOND NIGHT ATTENDANCE 250,000 +
(https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wc9XhfVHNCFTsZRH3gzSyc.jpg)
Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJfxxuJteTk&t=2189s Quality A+/A-/B
Freddie’s voice is not as strong as the week before, but that doesn’t mean his interactions with the crown during the ‘Day Oh’ segments aren’t mesmerizing. Brian doesn’t catch his slide in time, so ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ has a unique performance during the instrumental. The impromptu instrumental after ‘Liar’ was released years later as a non album b side of ‘A Winter’s Tale’ titled ‘Rock In Rio Blues’.
Same setlist, but with the tiny little jam after ‘Somebody To Love’ of ‘The March of the Black Queen’ played again
‘It’s A Hard Life’ is very shaky, but an overall great night by the band.
There's various merges of the audio, as well as the video listed below. The official release was used to fill in the gap in It's A Hard Life, even though it was from the first night. The gap near the end of Radio Ga Ga is filled in with another show (an Nth gen copy of one of the Milan '84 audience tapes), and the bulk of God Save The Queen is filled in with some other show.
(https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/1*1ip7XOkhTUznD0I1y1wuSQ@2x.jpeg)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRdAPTiu7CR_bWkxa9-V7eZ4cqMTgCDYE0OCbjBMgqJ35mQfSUKx4GtOHU4mgXPuPCzAfI&usqp=CAU)
VIDEO combined from the two nights, incomplete, and of course, they had to eff up the borhap opera section one more frickin time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWUrdWIQcD0
Machines (tape), Tie Your Mother Down, Seven Seas of Rhye, Keep Yourself Alive, Liar [cut], It's A Hard Life, Now I'm Here, Is This The World We Created?, Love Of My Life, guitar solo [cut], Brighton Rock (ending), Hammer To Fall, Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, I Want To Break Free, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, God Save The Queen
Taken from the TV broadcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYZNbWuYiSo
Filling in some of the gaps that were not part of the VHS release. There is a part two that I had weeks ago, but that site has been removed.
Machines (tape), Tear It Up, Under Pressure, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, Dragon Attack, Now I'm Here, Is This The World We Created?, Love Of My Life, Another One Bites The Dust, Mustapha (intro), Crazy Little Thing Called Love, I Want To Break Free, Jailhouse Rock
Queen (and Spike) bid farewell for the final time in South America.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-01-12_Rio_15.jpg)
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Now even more I have to catch up on. :facepalm:
Joe, if you'll humor me for a minute...
Iron Maiden played in Buffalo on Jan 7th. They then flew down to do Rock In Rio on the 11th, before returning to play Hartford on the 14th.
The following night, they played in Worcester. I had friends that asked me if I could go, but Worcester, being an hour and a half away was just too far for my parents to let me go. Had the show been in Providence, that would've been fine, as it was when Iron Maiden returned to the area and played in Providence on June 2, 1985.
However, the Worcester Centrum was also quite busy on the night of June 2nd, as Madonna was playing there the same night Iron Maiden was in Providence...just down the street.
Iron Maiden would then move on to Radio City Music Hall for FIVE NIGHTS!
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This thread is one of my favorite on the forum. I love reading all the posts. One thing I'm surprised about is all the issues Freddie had with his voice, I always assumed he was pretty flawless live.
Thank you. :tup
As to Freddie's voice, I mentioned it long ago here, and have done so a couple of times over the years as to James LaBrie. I could guarantee that 99% of the concert goers didn't notice anything during the shows unless there was a glaring mishap by Freddie or Brian. But we have access to a lot of it now on tape. With James, now we have cell phones with better playback audio than in the days of 'stone knives and bear skins'. ;) and much more available.
But he's 59, trying to deal with the older material that people twenty years younger would struggle with.
As to Freddie, in the earlier days, there were a couple of times even during the ANATO tour of doing two shows in one days. As well as constantly touring the snow covered Midwest year after year. And the problem with his nodules. At this time of his life, he was partying to excess, and smoking two plus packs of cigarettes a day. The results bear that out.
I wanted to go back to this for a minute. I think Freddie has been outstanding to this casual Queen bootleg listener. I know a lot of the reviews mention Freddie's voice struggling a bit, but I think it's relative to his better performances. I have not heard one cringey vocal, and I have listened to A LOT of what has been posted here as far as the live stuff goes.
There are many DT boots where James is literally unlistenable. And it's not just a new phenomenon either.
I can't say the same about Freddie. In fact, I's say just the opposite. He might be the most consistent live vocalist I've ever heard. Easy.
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I wanted to go back to this for a minute. I think Freddie has been outstanding to this casual Queen bootleg listener. I know a lot of the reviews mention Freddie's voice struggling a bit, but I think it's relative to his better performances. I have not heard one cringey vocal, and I have listened to A LOT of what has been posted here as far as the live stuff goes.
There are many DT boots where James is literally unlistenable. And it's not just a new phenomenon either.
I can't say the same about Freddie. In fact, I's say just the opposite. He might be the most consistent live vocalist I've ever heard. Easy.
If you are looking for an argument...... :lol That's very high praise indeed. :tup I think when one sets the bar at '11', and give a 9.5 performance, it does get commented on rather harshly. I have tried to be 'neutral' and simply quoted those who have sat and listened to each show with notepad in hand, with a comment or two of mine thrown in when I've sat down and listened to segments of the 'not 11' shows.
Even in those, he makes some smart decisions and adjustments, depending on what range he feels he has for that night.
snip
Iron Maiden would then move on to Radio City Music Hall for FIVE NIGHTS!
Did they let you go to any of those? ;)
tomorrow: the Metropolis soundtrack, Freddie's second solo single, and the final Australian tour (with one hand held concert video). Remember, you'll have the 4th through the 10th to catch up on some (all?) of this.
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Wow! As a sports fan, if there was anyone who deserved a song titled 'We Are The Champions' after themselves, on and off an NCAA, Olympic, or NBA court, ...
it was Bill Russell.
I thought he was immortal (just like Nichelle Nichols)
RIP
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I was mentioning her to my wife, and it really goes to show how progressive the original Star Trek really was.
And hell yes! Bill Russell :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
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BILLY SQUIER SIGNS OF LIFE
Released: July '84
Charts: USA #11, West Germany #59, Australia #96
Certifications: third straight Platinum in the States
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e7/Signs_of_Life_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg/220px-Signs_of_Life_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg)
Freddie and Roger did BVs on the title track of 'Emotions in Motion'. For this album,
Brian plays lead guitar on '(Another) 1984. 'All Night Long', 'Eyes On You', 'Reach For The Sky', and 'Sweet Release' are still highlights to me from this release. As well as 'Rock Me Tonight', his second straight #1 Mainstream Billboard rock song (#15 overall).
Oh, but that video.........
It's a shame, too, because that is not just a good album, it's a GREAT album.
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^
His last steller one from start to finish in my opinion.
Also, my opinion, '(Another) 1984' was the weakest song on that album.
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METROPOLIS Soundtrack
Film Score: Giorgio Moroder
Artist: Various
Album: Metropolis Motion Picture Soundtrack
Songwriters: Freddy Mercury, Giorgio Moroder*
Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte**
Producer: Giorgio Moroder
Label: Columbia
Release Date: January 22, 1985
Charts: Italy #13, Switzerland #30, West Germany #50, US #110 (Rock albums #21)
(https://www.giorgiomoroder.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/giorgio-moroder-metropolis.jpg)
Album AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llgn9F4nJpM
SIDE ONE
Love Kills - Freddie Mercury
Here's My Heart - Pat Benatar
Cage Of Freedom - Jon Anderson
Blood From A Stone - Cycle V
The Legend Of Babel - Giorgio Moroder
SIDE TWO
Here She Comes - Bonnie Tyler
Destruction - Loverboy
On Your Own - Billy Squier
What's Going On - Adam Ant
Machines - Giorgio Moroder
*******
This is a rather confusing one. On Moroder's website, it lists the movie coming out in '86 (?), and I could not really nail down the date of the release, so I'm using the date from his website.
The music....very mid 80s electro dance pop. Fans of each artist will enjoy their offerings. There's nothing bad, just monotonous. Freddie's was the standout, I swear I heard Chris Squire on bass for Jon Anderson's song, Bonnie Tyler belts her vocals out, and Billy Squier's is OK. Loverboy is the only one who somewhat is allowed to eventually put a bit of a hard edge to their version. Oh, and every song fades out. For the curiousity seeker.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/97/Metropolis_%28German_three-sheet_poster%29.jpg)
Two minute preview….Now you know where the ideas for the Radio Ga Ga video, and the upcoming Works tour set came from.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQFcJawLm-s
In 1985, the film was nominated at the 5th Golden Raspberry Awards for Worst Musical Score, and 'Love Kills' itself was nominated for Worst Original Song. Nevertheless, the single reached number ten on the UK Singles Chart.
Video of the movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1qIj4Vce8g
https://zrockr.com/2017/08/16/metropolis-giorgio-moroder/ review of t
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FREDDIE MERCURY I Was Born to Love You b/w Stop All the Fighting
Released: April 8, 1985 UK and USA (CBS)
Charts: UK #11, USA #76
South Africa #4, Ireland #7, West Germany #10, Australia #19, Austria #20, Switzerland #24, Netherlands #34, Japan #55
2016: Poland #69
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNhhAEupU4g 27 MILLION Views
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6a/I_Was_Born_to_Love_You_cover.jpg)
Recorded 1984
Musicland Studios, Munich
Produced by Freddie Mercury and Mack
Freddie Mercury - lead vocals, piano, synthesizer, Synclavier
Fred Mandel - synthesizer, rhythm guitar
Paul Vincent - lead guitar
Curt Cress - drums
Stephan Wissnet - bass guitar, Fairlight CMI
Reinhold Mack - Fairlight CMI, Synclavier II
Length 3:37 (7" and album version)
7:03 (12" extended version)
**********
After Rio, the band takes time off touring before hitting the stage in Australia in April. In the meantime, Freddie heads back to Munich to finish his solo album. The first offering is 'I Was Born To Love You'. I remember thinking 'uh oh, a bit too 'Hot Space' for me. Perhaps I've mellowed a bit over the years, as it is everything 'Queen' and 'Freddie' except for guitars (or the lack of).
Watched this for the first time in decades a week ago. The flickering images in the mirror are a bit difficult for my eyes, but Debbie Ash is not. ;)
The 12" version is basically an extended dance track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqOTUYUBRjI
This demo version appeared years later on the 'Solo Collection'. Just Freddie and his BVs with piano.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk_dJYN43EU This is what was used and added to on the Queen ‘Made In Heaven’ LP in ‘95. This demo is a superb version.
And I was damn surprised to see 27 million views. Or maybe I should not have been.
'Stop All The Fighting' is the non album B-side. Received this as a gift in the late 90s. Nice to have, to listen to once, and have it as part of the collection. And that's about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNjddmVSUhc
Australian tour tonight.
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FREDDIE MERCURY I Was Born to Love You b/w Stop All the Fighting
Released: April 8, 1985 UK and USA (CBS)
Charts: UK #11, USA #76
South Africa #4, Ireland #7, West Germany #10, Australia #19, Austria #20, Switzerland #24, Netherlands #34, Japan #55
2016: Poland #69
(later reworked and remixed for the Queen ‘Made In Heaven’ LP in 1995)
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNhhAEupU4g 27 MILLION Views
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6a/I_Was_Born_to_Love_You_cover.jpg)
That's actually not a bad song. Great vocal. I have zero recollection of the song though. Quite an interesting video.
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^
Unless you bought a video compilation of his after he died, you wouldn't have. I doubt it ever was played here in the States. If it had been on the 'Metropolis' soundtrack, it would have made that release twice as good. :D
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THE WORKS Tour AUSTRALIA '85
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-04-16_Melbourne_27.jpg)
The setlists are the same as they’ve been for the entire Works Tour, other than Brian playing ‘Waltzing Matilda’ during most of his guitar solos.
The tour actually starts in Auckland, New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium on April 13th. Two other shows were originally scheduled at other venues, but this night did not sell out (capacity 47,000), and the plans for Tamoana and Christchurch were cancelled.
Queen were a half hour late going on. After the soundcheck, Freddie got very drunk with Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, sharing entire bottles of vodka and vintage port. Hadley was around only because his band's New Zealand tour dates had been suddenly cancelled while playing in Australia, and later in the evening he would clearly ignore his manager's warning to keep a low profile, as he joined the band for ‘Jailhouse Rock’. queenlive.ca
Other than the recent one night in South Africa, this was the closest Queen came to cancelling a concert due to intoxication.
********************
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-04-16_Melbourne_16.jpg)
Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Center, Melbourne, April 19th, Attendance: 7,200 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMnVlGglAwI Quality: A-
This is the fourth show of this tour leg, and per Ryan Newton: "I'm going to be straightforward with my analysis on this one: the band are dragging ass. Within the few opening numbers, Freddie sounds like he's barely putting in any effort, Brian is playing wrong chords, Roger's timing is off in spots, and the whole presentation seems to be a bit sluggish in general. snip... overall this show is cripplingly mediocre. Sorry boys, but you had better nights than this!"
Before Dragon Attack, the band now play a long fanfare very similar to the intro to House Burning Down by Jimi Hendrix. Freddie sings an absolutely gorgeous version of 'Love Of My Life
****************
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-04-16_Melbourne_33.jpg)
Melbourne, fourth and final night, April 20th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC5wMC_HSz4 Grade: B
A better performance than the prior night. Queen would then move on to play four shows in Sydney from the 25th through the 29th
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-04-26_Sydney_06.jpg)
Sydney Entertainment Center Sydney, Australia April 26th, Attendance: 13,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etr-F9o2M7c&t=39s Quality: A-
per Ryan Newton: "While this is certainly the best of the Australian shows currently in circulation, it still has a hint of mediocrity. On The Works Tour as a whole, and particularly on these Australian shows, they had begun to sound quite stale in their playing, sometimes sounding as if they don't even want to be on stage."
VIDEO
Regardless of whether they were going through the motions or not, this is a great fan shot video of the show. A real treat when given to me as a gift about a decade ago. The filmer does have occasional issues when the lens gets partially covered, perhaps from whatever item he had in concealing the camera. There are only TWO complete videos of shows from this tour, and this one is clear! Oh, yeah, the audio is top notch as well. :tup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51gLvCBr00k
********
April 29th, their fourth and final night in Sydney, and their final night ever in Australia. At the end of the show, out of anger or show, Roger trashed his drum kit.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-04-29_Sydney_04.jpg)
tomorrow: Freddie's solo album
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SIDE ONE
Love Kills - Freddie Mercury
Here's My Heart - Pat Benatar
Cage Of Freedom - Jon Anderson
Blood From A Stone - Cycle V
The Legend Of Babel - Giorgio Moroder
SIDE TWO
Here She Comes - Bonnie Tyler
Destruction - Loverboy
On Your Own - Billy Squier
What's Going On - Adam Ant
Machines - Giorgio Moroder
*******
This is a rather confusing one. On Moroder's website, it lists the movie coming out in '86 (?), and I could not really nail down the date of the release, so I'm using the date from his website.
The music....very mid 80s electro dance pop. Fans of each artist will enjoy their offerings. There's nothing bad, just monotonous. Freddie's was the standout, I swear I heard Chris Squire on bass for Jon Anderson's song, Bonnie Tyler belts her vocals out, and Billy Squier's is OK. Loverboy is the only one who somewhat is allowed to eventually put a bit of a hard edge to their version. Oh, and every song fades out. For the curiousity seeker.
Giorgio Moroder ought to have been the clue. :) :). I have this; it's not easy to find, and even less easy to find at a reasonable price. Not bad, not indispensable.
Interesting that the "official" book written by the former fan club president doesn't make any significant mention of the two shows where Freddie was under the weather. ;)
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^
Jacky Smith?
There's books that gloss over things, books that throw dirt that isn't there, and those that tend to create an almost God-like aura of the band (and who'd buy an album of 'Queen Farts' if it existed :D)
Freddie 'might' have had an even rougher night in South Africa in '84, but the person who wrote of it said it was 'alleged by a bystander', so I myself didn't make note of it here.
Author's discretion, I guess ;)
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INTRODUCING SPIKE EDNEY
As an outside musician, Fred Mandel had his hand in more Queen tunes on their last studio album than anyone prior. Though he’d been on the post European ‘Hot Space’ tours, Brian’s ‘Star Fleet Project’, and would also appear on Freddie’s upcoming solo album, Queen was in need of a replacement for ‘The Works’ tour.
Did I miss what happened to Fred Mandel?
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Page 21, I had included in Fred Mandel's write up that he would leave after 'The Works' to tour with Supertramp, followed by Elton John.
Following this, Mandel went on tour with Supertramp who were performing their last gigs with their classic line up on a tour named Famous Last Words.
Later on, Mandel was offered the chance play with his teen idol Elton John, whom Mandel states as being "...to this day, one of the most bad-ass rock and roll piano players around!"
I should have repeated that.....
-
Thanks Joe! There's been a lot of info and I figured I simply missed it...which I did! :lol
-
you'll have a week to catch up on things soon, :tup
.... but first.....
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FREDDIE MERCURY MR. BAD GUY LP
Released: April 29, UK (CBS), May 7 USA (CBS)
Charts: UK #6 (first two weeks), USA #159
West Germany #11, Norway #13, Switzerland #14, Netherlands #17, Sweden #20, Austria #23, Spain #23, Czechoslavakia #26, Austrailia #38
Certifications: Gold in UK
Singles:
I Was Born to Love You b/w Stop All the Fighting
Released: April 8
Charts: UK #11, USA #76
Already mentioned
Made In Heaven b/w She Blows Hot and Cold
Released: July 1
Charts: UK #57
Ireland #30, Belgium #36, West Germany #60, Australia #98
(reworked and remixed for the Queen ‘Made In Heaven’ LP in 1995)
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBCTasRgFqo 7 MILLION VIEWS
Living On My Own b/w My Love Is Dangerous
Released: September 2
Charts: UK #50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX2xZ5XzbVM
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DedaEVIbTkY 33 MILLION VIEWS
1993–1994 remix
#1 in the UK, and…. Denmark, Europe Hot 100, France, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden
#2 in Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
Certifications: Gold in UK
Gold in Netherlands and Sweden
Platinum in Austria and Germany
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTdd8QxifbY 86 MILLION VIEWS
Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow b/w Let's Turn It On
Released: November 18
Chart: UK #76
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Wbu_AF2e4 23 MILLION VIEWS
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d8/Freddie_Mercury_Mr._Bad_Guy.jpg)
Recorded 1983 – January 1985
Musicland Studios, Munich, West Germany
PRODUCED BY: MACK AND FREDDIE MERCURY
ENGINEERED BY: MACK
ASSISTED BY: STEPHAN WISSNET
All songs, words, and music by Freddie Mercury
FREDDIE MERCURY ALL VOCALS PIANO AND SYNTHESIZER
FRED MANDEL ADDITIONAL PIANO & SYNTHESIZER & GUITAR
PAUL VINCENT LEAD GUITARS
CURT CRESS DRUMS
JO BURT FRETLESS BASS ON "MAN MADE PARADISE"
RAINER PIETSCH ARRANGEMENT FOR "MR. BAD GUY"
MY THANKS TO JIM BEACH, PAUL PRETNER, GERRY STICKELLS, INA LEA MEIBACH, PHIL SYMES, BRYN BRIDENTHAL, FEEBIE, JACKIE, SALLY AND JULIE.
WALTER YETNIKOFF, AND ALL AT CBS FOR HAVING THE SHEER NERVE TO TAKE ME ON.
SPECIAL THANKS TO BRIAN, ROGER AND JOHN FOR NOT INTERFERING.
SPECIAL THANKS TO MARY AUSTIN
BARBARA VALENTIN FOR BIG TITS AND MISCONDUCT
WINNIE FOR BOARD AND LODGING.
THIS ALBUM IS DEDICATED TO MY CAT JERRY - ALSO TOM, OSCAR ADN TIFFANY AND ALL THE CAT LOVERS ACROSS THE UNIVERSE - SCREW EVERYBODY ELSE.
AUDIO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZKDLa1qAhA
SIDE ONE
Let's Turn It On 3:42
Made in Heaven 4:05
I Was Born to Love You 3:38
Foolin' Around 3:29
Your Kind of Lover 3:32
SIDE TWO
Mr. Bad Guy 4:09
Man Made Paradise 4:08
There Must Be More to Life Than This 3:00
Living on My Own 3:23
My Love Is Dangerous 3:42
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow 3:46
Original UK CD bonus
12. “Let’s Turn It On” (12” Version) 5:06
13. “I Was Born to Love You” (12” Version) 7:03
14. “Living on My Own” (12” Version) 6:40
'Stop All The Fighting' and 'She Blows Hot & Cold' were nonalbum B-sides. A real shame that ‘She Blows Hot & Cold’ was not part of this or any Queen album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4QGSsi81y8
He thanked the lack of interference….so to speak, but Brian did a demo of ‘She Blows Hot And Cold’ that’s really good, copied almost note for note on the album. Just a shame it breaks down at the end (intentionally or unintentionally)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbLXPusiDkg
inner sleeve with lyrics on the other side
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Flinernotes%2Fmrbadguyinner.jpg&hash=4233180f96dbbcd91a75456460b90d6ce9ba83dd)
As to reviewing this, I just remember being disappointed right off the bat from the cover and the title, and then there’s the techno / dance / disco type of stuff that weren’t my cup of tea. Some of it still isn’t, and I wish I could slightly mix spots here and there more for my liking (but others did and still do), but it is certainly Freddie of the time. The ‘Queen’ side of him still managed to shine through, just not often enough to me.
Such as with the opening ‘Let’s Turn It On’…it’s fun, catchy, nice guitar, but I’m not a fan of the drum machine or a couple of harsh moments.
The rest of the album… ‘Man Made Paradise’ was a Queen demo during ‘Hot Space’, and ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’ was worked on with MJ in ’83, and planned for ‘The Works’ until ‘Is This The World We Created…?’ took its place. That said, it is no wonder that those two were my favorites then and now.
'Made In Heaven' and ‘Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow’ are piano driven ‘from the heart’ songs, and the extended versions that I finally heard fifteen years later are superb. ‘My Love Is Dangerous’ has a reggae feel, and finishes off with some strong lead guitar (sadly, that title became way too ominous later on).
Speaking of lead guitar, Brian provided a great one on the demo of ‘She Blows Hot And Cold’. As mentioned earlier, a real pity that this wasn’t on the album…piano, guitar, and tongue in cheek lyrics. Would have been great on ‘Hot Space’.
The title track....orchestral driven, witty lyrics, maybe I'd like it more if it wasn't the title track (if that makes any sense). I’ve come around to ‘I Was Born To Love You’ and ‘Living On My Own’ (always did like his scatting on this).
Still prefer the Queen side of Freddie, so these demos are always top notch to me.
I WAS BORN TO LOVE YOU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk_dJYN43EU
MY KIND OF LOVER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_S8DP-_Vn0
(https://rock-catalog.ru/images/joomgallery/details/___f_912/freddie_mercury_52/_freddie_mercury_1012/mr_bad_guy_1985_748/rc-7tsdy3_20151109_1531219993.jpg)
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12" SINGLES
I Was Born to Love You b/w Stop All the Fighting
mentioned earlier
(https://queenpedia.com/images/9/96/Madeinheaven12.jpg)
Made In Heaven https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3CynNAUtWw
b/w She Blows Hot and Cold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgTxs-ECyqo
(https://queenpedia.com/images/0/09/Lomo12.jpg)
Living On my Own b/w My Love Is Dangerous
(https://queenpedia.com/images/2/2b/Lmltnt12.jpg)
Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DEHq1orsPg
b/w Let's Turn It On
**************
All of these were extended versions. The ones I did not provide links to have little more than repetitive dance type music added. They're easily found on youtube
However, ‘Made In Heaven’ and ‘Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow’ are superior to the very good album versions, due to what is added. ‘She Blows Hot And Cold’ extended is the same, though a bit of the same at times.
So, now I have my own nice 'Hot Space' Side One of:
Made In Heaven (ext) / Let Me Out (Brian) / Man Made Paradise / There Must Be More To Life Than This / My Love Is Dangerous (or She Blows Hot And Cold)
as well as a very good 'LP' of solo material from this era with the two 'Works' demos that were finally released in 2014:
Call it 'Written In The Stars'
SIDE ONE
Made In Heaven (ext) / Let Me Out / Man Made Paradise / There Must Be More To Life Than This / My Love Is Dangerous
SIDE TWO
It's An Illusion (Roger) / Let Me In Your Heart Again / Love Kills / She Blows Hot And Cold / Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow
speaking of tomorrow....Japan '85 is next
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So Joe..if I have this right...
The Works tour was basically..
Europe '84
Sun City '84
Australia '85
Japan '85
I want to get to this tour while you're away, and I just want to make sure I have it all straight.
-
FREDDIE MERCURY MR. BAD GUY LP
Released: April 29, UK (CBS), May 7 USA (CBS)
Charts: UK #6 (first two weeks), USA #159
West Germany #11, Norway #13, Switzerland #14, Netherlands #17, Sweden #20, Austria #23, Spain #23, Czechoslavakia #26, Austrailia #38
Certifications: Gold in UK
Singles:
I Was Born to Love You b/w Stop All the Fighting
Released: April 8
Charts: UK #11, USA #76
Already mentioned
Made In Heaven b/w She Blows Hot and Cold
Released: July 1
Charts: UK #57
Ireland #30, Belgium #36, West Germany #60, Australia #98
(reworked and remixed for the Queen ‘Made In Heaven’ LP in 1995)
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBCTasRgFqo 7 MILLION VIEWS
Living On My Own b/w My Love Is Dangerous
Released: September 2
Charts: UK #50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX2xZ5XzbVM
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DedaEVIbTkY 33 MILLION VIEWS
1993–1994 remix
#1 in the UK, and…. Denmark, Europe Hot 100, France, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden
#2 in Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
Certifications: Gold in UK
Gold in Netherlands and Sweden
Platinum in Austria and Germany
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTdd8QxifbY 86 MILLION VIEWS
Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow b/w Let's Turn It On
Released: November 18
Chart: UK #76
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Wbu_AF2e4 23 MILLION VIEWS
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d8/Freddie_Mercury_Mr._Bad_Guy.jpg)
Recorded 1983 – January 1985
Musicland Studios, Munich, West Germany
PRODUCED BY: MACK AND FREDDIE MERCURY
ENGINEERED BY: MACK
ASSISTED BY: STEPHAN WISSNET
All songs, words, and music by Freddie Mercury
FREDDIE MERCURY ALL VOCALS PIANO AND SYNTHESIZER
FRED MANDEL ADDITIONAL PIANO & SYNTHESIZER & GUITAR
PAUL VINCENT LEAD GUITARS
CURT CRESS DRUMS
JO BURT FRETLESS BASS ON "MAN MADE PARADISE"
RAINER PIETSCH ARRANGEMENT FOR "MR. BAD GUY"
MY THANKS TO JIM BEACH, PAUL PRETNER, GERRY STICKELLS, INA LEA MEIBACH, PHIL SYMES, BRYN BRIDENTHAL, FEEBIE, JACKIE, SALLY AND JULIE.
WALTER YETNIKOFF, AND ALL AT CBS FOR HAVING THE SHEER NERVE TO TAKE ME ON.
SPECIAL THANKS TO BRIAN, ROGER AND JOHN FOR NOT INTERFERING.
SPECIAL THANKS TO MARY AUSTIN
BARBARA VALENTIN FOR BIG TITS AND MISCONDUCT
WINNIE FOR BOARD AND LODGING.
THIS ALBUM IS DEDICATED TO MY CAT JERRY - ALSO TOM, OSCAR ADN TIFFANY AND ALL THE CAT LOVERS ACROSS THE UNIVERSE - SCREW EVERYBODY ELSE.
AUDIO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZKDLa1qAhA
SIDE ONE
Let's Turn It On 3:42
Made in Heaven 4:05
I Was Born to Love You 3:38
Foolin' Around 3:29
Your Kind of Lover 3:32
SIDE TWO
Mr. Bad Guy 4:09
Man Made Paradise 4:08
There Must Be More to Life Than This 3:00
Living on My Own 3:23
My Love Is Dangerous 3:42
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow 3:46
Original UK CD bonus
12. “Let’s Turn It On” (12” Version) 5:06
13. “I Was Born to Love You” (12” Version) 7:03
14. “Living on My Own” (12” Version) 6:40
'Stop All The Fighting' and 'She Blows Hot & Cold' were nonalbum B-sides. A real shame that ‘She Blows Hot & Cold’ was not part of this or any Queen album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4QGSsi81y8
He thanked the lack of interference….so to speak, but Brian did a demo of ‘She Blows Hot And Cold’ that’s really good, copied almost note for note on the album. Just a shame it breaks down at the end (intentionally or unintentionally)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbLXPusiDkg
inner sleeve with lyrics on the other side
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Flinernotes%2Fmrbadguyinner.jpg&hash=4233180f96dbbcd91a75456460b90d6ce9ba83dd)
As to reviewing this, I just remember being disappointed right off the bat from the cover and the title, and then there’s the techno / dance / disco type of stuff that weren’t my cup of tea. Some of it still isn’t, and I wish I could slightly mix spots here and there more for my liking (but others did and still do), but it is certainly Freddie of the time. The ‘Queen’ side of him still managed to shine through, just not often enough to me.
Such as with the opening ‘Let’s Turn It On’…it’s fun, catchy, nice guitar, but I’m not a fan of the drum machine or a couple of harsh moments.
The rest of the album… ‘Man Made Paradise’ was a Queen demo during ‘Hot Space’, and ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’ was worked on with MJ in ’83, and planned for ‘The Works’ until ‘Is This The World We Created…?’ took its place. That said, it is no wonder that those two were my favorites then and now.
'Made In Heaven' and ‘Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow’ are piano driven ‘from the heart’ songs, and the extended versions that I finally heard fifteen years later are superb. ‘My Love Is Dangerous’ has a reggae feel, and finishes off with some strong lead guitar (sadly, that title became way too ominous later on).
Speaking of lead guitar, Brian provided a great one on the demo of ‘She Blows Hot And Cold’. As mentioned earlier, a real pity that this wasn’t on the album…piano, guitar, and tongue in cheek lyrics. Would have been great on ‘Hot Space’.
The title track....orchestral driven, witty lyrics, maybe I'd like it more if it wasn't the title track (if that makes any sense). I’ve come around to ‘I Was Born To Love You’ and ‘Living On My Own’ (always did like his scatting on this).
Still prefer the Queen side of Freddie, so these demos are always top notch to me.
I WAS BORN TO LOVE YOU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk_dJYN43EU
MY KIND OF LOVER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_S8DP-_Vn0
(https://rock-catalog.ru/images/joomgallery/details/___f_912/freddie_mercury_52/_freddie_mercury_1012/mr_bad_guy_1985_748/rc-7tsdy3_20151109_1531219993.jpg)
Concerned that people aren't actually reading your posts?? :lol
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:lol :rollin :lol
Figures you'd pick that one line out of the past week's worth. ;)
Oh, and I've been pleased as punch with all the views in the last ten days.
Speaking of views, here's a couple of Barbara. They spent a lot of time together in Munich from 83-85 in the clubs and behind closed doors. She was one of 30 people invited to Freddie's last birthday party. Her wiki lists that during her career in soft porn, Valentin was nicknamed "the German Jayne Mansfield".
(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/films/2018/10/23/varbara-comp_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqeo_i_u9APj8RuoebjoAHt0k9u7HhRJvuo-ZLenGRumA.jpg)
(there's plenty of pix of her that I could add here and get even more views.........)
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(there's plenty of pix of her that I could add here and get even more views.........)
Better in your computer history than mine! :lol
-
So Joe..if I have this right...
The Works tour was basically..
Europe '84
Sun City '84
Australia '85
Japan '85
I want to get to this tour while you're away, and I just want to make sure I have it all straight.
Yes....with 'Rock In Rio' inserted after Sun City.
(thanks for sending me that Whitesnake performance link :tup).
btw, I didn't see this post initially. I guess the 'BARBARA VALENTIN FOR BIG TITS AND MISCONDUCT' line in your response stood out and over caught my eye as well :lol
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Mr. Bad Guy Spotify numbers!!
Let's Turn It On....1.5m
Made In Heaven....2.7m
I Was Born To Love You....4.5m
Foolin' Around.....1.6m
Your Kind Of Lover....1.7m
Mr. Bad Guy....6.7m
Man Made Paradise....1.7m
There Must Be More To life Than This....2.3m
Living On My Own....4.9m
My Love Is Dangerous....1.6m
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow....25.7m
-
Thank you once again, Tim :tup
(going to use my shorthand for once)
Not surprised at the numbers for IWBTLY, LOMO, or MrBG (since that is the title track). Most of the others are what I expected as well.
However, I am quite stunned at such low numbers for MMP and TMBMTLTT.
And, quite frankly, "Shocked! Shocked, I tell you!" at the 25.7 M for LMLTNT. :D I would have guessed that would have been in the 3-5M range.
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The WORKS TOUR - Japan ’85, May 8th -15th
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-05_Japan_backstage_01.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-05-08_Tokyo_03.jpg)
Queen's final five shows in Japan, the first two at The Budokan.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-05-08_Tokyo_05.jpg)
Second night, Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, May 9th, Attendance: 14,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhpwLfdUb8E Quality: A
Seventeenth and final time at this famous venue. Freddie’s voice is in great shape, the band is more enthusiastic than many of their prior stops, and the recording is high quality as well. The intro of ‘Somebody To Love’ gives me goosebumps, his ‘Day-Oh’ segment is top notch, and it’s a great sounding little jam leading into ‘Dragon Attack’. The crowd interaction during ‘Love Of My Life’ is outstanding and fun. Freddie even stops and plays with the crowd midway. Great interaction during these moments, ….hell, thoughout the night!
Even the beginning of ‘It’s A Hard Life’ is well done. An enjoyable and truly fun listen.
The setlist remains unchanged, which means no additions. Very odd, as that means that the special Japanese fan favorite ‘Teo Torriate’ is not played at all ???
Note: the preshow music has certainly changed since the 70s 😉
****************
Yoyogi Gymnasium, Tokyo, May 11th, Attendance: 13,300 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylXfnYq7khc&t=318s
Audience/Broadcast Matrix , Quality: A+
This is one of Queen's more famous shows, as it was filmed, broadcast, and has been on every format imaginable. In 2018, the first ever audience source from this show emerged and contained the rest that was missing from the broadcast sources, so here is Ryan Newton’s attempt at making a matrix out of them.
A great night from Brian, an A- night from Freddie, and another A+ night from the crowd. The little jam of ‘The March Of The Black Queen’ was not played in the medley.
**************
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4LYxF3mFo&t=1437s
The only professionally filmed show of The Works Tour. The audio is complete, and is merged into the spots where there is no film available (‘Dragon Attack’ and the guitar solo..pity). A couple of annoyingly long close ups during the singalong and ‘BoRhap’, but they don’t mess up the operatic section, and gives the viewer a great feel from the mood setting lighting at the end. The flash pods after the opera section of BoRhap and at the end of ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ we’re not used.
Also well done are the angles used for ‘Radio GaGa’, though there’s only one segment where you get to see the crowd interaction. But seeing John on BVs makes up for that! :D
One only gets to see about five seconds of the band during ‘God Save The Queen’ with the British and Japanese flags sown together.
A real treat to see this lighting rig in action, and for the most part captured well on film……..FINALLY !!!
One problem: Spike’s synthesizer is waaay too loud in the mix, and often drowns out Brian’s guitar. If you can sync the audience recording to the video….
*****************************
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-05-15_Osaka_01.jpg)
Osaka-jo Hall Osaka, Japan May 15th Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzLYiEaZS_Y Quality: A+
One of the best Queen audience recordings ever! Available less than four years ago. Freddie’s voice is slipping, and it’s probably a good thing this was the last night. Still, he gives a great performance….as do Brian, Roger, John, and Spike.
The last time for the ‘Machines’ taped intro. The last performances of ‘Somebody To Love’, ‘Killer Queen’, ‘Liar’, ‘Dragon Attack’, the ‘Brighton Rock’ finale, and ‘Jailhouse Rock’
‘Keep Yourself Alive’ would be dropped as well, but a couple short improvised versions would be heard in 1986, like in Munich.
The instrumentals of ‘The March Of The Black Queen’ and ‘Great King Rat’ return for one final time.
During a last long version of Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting", Freddie introduces it as "a song written by a well-known poofter; I'm sure you know what he's called."
Freddie throws a bit of Jerry Lee Lewis' ‘Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On’ into ‘Jailhouse Rock’ for the last night's speed racer paced ending.
Instead of ‘you’ve been a great audience, see you next time’ along with some Japanese words, he basically ends the concert with “So long, Osaka. Thank you very much, Japan.”
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/art/CD/85-05-15_Osaka_Wardour_b.jpg)
The VHS tape was sold only in Japan. Yes, many copies made their way throughout the world.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XDsAAOSwk69fdU18/s-l1600.jpg)
Finally......the band were quite tired of each other, differing on music styles, dealing with too influential of outsider 'distractions', and family issues to name but a few. John's kids were getting older, and he missed the family life. Brian was at the onset of a divorce, going through the motions and the related depression of the divorce. Roger was quoted as saying they might take 'a five to ten year break……or forever'. With the distractions in Freddie’s life, had his solo LP sold well (which it did not), this might have been Queen's final performance.
That is, until a brief twenty minutes at Wembley Stadium a few months later ……….
-
Lots of A+ ratings. Looking forward to these.
Watching the video now. Spike's keyboards are quite evident in the mix. .
..and John Deacon is quite active.
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Lots of A+ ratings. Looking forward to these.
Watching the video now. Spike's keyboards are quite evident in the mix. .
..and John Deacon is quite active.
Almost as much of a ‘Dancing Queen’ as Freddie 😀
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Freddie does sound good on that pro-shot show.
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I listened to the Works today for my first time, though I know the three big singles very well. It has the typical mid- 80s sound, but is a decent effort. Man on the Prowl made me think of Don't Try Suicide, but also has a real Cheap Trick vibe. Interesting.
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Lots of A+ ratings. Looking forward to these.
Watching the video now. Spike's keyboards are quite evident in the mix. .
..and John Deacon is quite active.
I don't know what it is, it's nothing rational or tangible, but I just don't like John Deacon all that much. I like some of his songs - Spread Your Wings is probably the best - but when I think of "Queen!" I'm not really considering him much.
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In a way, John Deacon always seemed like the odd man out. Freddie, Brian, and Roger had these larger-than-life personae, were all outspoken and I suppose it didn't hurt that they all sang lead vocals at various times. Then there's John, always very reserved, and clearly content to just play his part, let the others have all the glory. Offstage, my understanding is that he's much the same, avoiding the press and the spotlight. It's not that I don't like him; for me it's more like we never really got to see enough of him to like or dislike.
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Osaka-jo Hall Osaka, Japan May 15th Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzLYiEaZS_Y Quality: A+
Was dropping the needle on the Japanese shows, and in Ryan Newton's writeup for the Osaka show, he wrote this:
"This could have been Queen's final concert. Had the band not attended Live Aid two months later, this would have been Queen's final show, as their inner turmoil and differences would have caused the band to split. Of course, the timeline worked in our favour and we got one more tour, but just thinking about it puts a certain sentiment on this show. It's the final show of The Works Tour, and the band do well at masking what's going on behind the scenes (although Brian's speech before Love of My Life is rather telling)."
What was going on in the band? And of course I had to hear Brian introduce Love Of My Life.....yeah, that can be taken a couple of ways for sure.
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(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d8/Freddie_Mercury_Mr._Bad_Guy.jpg)
Wow, this is a very 80's sounding album. There's a couple of really good tunes.
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow is epic! Same with There Must Be More To Life Than This.
I also kind of liked Man Made Paradise. Really interesting vocal.
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Osaka-jo Hall Osaka, Japan May 15th Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzLYiEaZS_Y Quality: A+
Was dropping the needle on the Japanese shows, and in Ryan Newton's writeup for the Osaka show, he wrote this:
"This could have been Queen's final concert. Had the band not attended Live Aid two months later, this would have been Queen's final show, as their inner turmoil and differences would have caused the band to split. Of course, the timeline worked in our favour and we got one more tour, but just thinking about it puts a certain sentiment on this show. It's the final show of The Works Tour, and the band do well at masking what's going on behind the scenes (although Brian's speech before Love of My Life is rather telling)."
What was going on in the band? And of course I had to hear Brian introduce Love Of My Life.....yeah, that can be taken a couple of ways for sure.
I think that's hyperbolic. I don't at all think that they :would have... split". The movie seems to imply that as well. But as good as Live Aid was (and it was every bit as good as people said). But the book I just read - by people who would know and with input from the band - has a band that is tired, that has perhaps over-extended, and perhaps needed a break, but was always ultimately committed to playing together. Yeah, they only toured one more time, but we got four more albums of very high quality (well, three of very high quality).
I think Brian's comment is less about the band as a whole and more about the lighting rigs and setlists, which they pretty faithfully mixed up and changed up after every tour.
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Well....back from a two year overdue vacation in Michigan.....
Back to the band: the possible break up or a long 'recess' is conjecture, and depends on who was talking or writing about it and sometimes their mood at the time. Unlike all the falsehoods in the movie, before Live Aid they weren't coming off a two year touring absence, having just performed to record crowds at Rock In Rio. There was certainly malaise with Brian and John, and Freddie's excesses were beginning to spill over onto the stage, and his isolation from the band had also grown during studio sessions. He was still the commanding presence, attentive to details....and then after an hour he'd head back out. It did take them four months after to put out a single, and the related album another seven months.
'Life'.... certainly changed what might have happened in the upcoming year or so.
Freddie's solo album: TAC, as you wrote, there were a couple of keepers on it.
Live Aid comments tonight.....and then a compilation, a soundtrack, a studio LP, three live albums and their final concert before another short vacation next Thursday.
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/05/23/article-2329571-19F42618000005DC-343_634x412.jpg)
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Unlike all the falsehoods in the movie, before Live Aid they weren't coming off a two year touring absence, having just performed to record crowds at Rock In Rio.
THANK YOU! One of the many things I was irritated by in that horrible movie. (Another annoyance is that they apparently were playing Fat Bottomed Girls on the 1975 tour :facepalm: )
Sorry, I just needed to vent about that :P Back to your regular programming.
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Brian sure did make a point of having a lot of his songs make it into the movie ('Now I'm Here', as well as 'Hammer To Fall' during Live Aid, while cutting out 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'), Freddie with a mustache during the writing of WWRY and WATC.....firing Paul Prenter before Live Aid, the walking by of the sick man that day, etc etc etc.... don't get me started on all of the errors. >:( A shame, because Rami Malek and the concert were superb.
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Browsing YouTube the other day, the Queen performance at Live Aid came up, and even though I have the Blu-ray, all I had to do was click, so I did. It was, of course, amazing. Mrs. Orbert was with me at the time. She said that that scene in the movie was done pretty well.
I told her that that's great and all, but why would I ever want to watch a recreation, basically a fictional account of an event, when I can watch the real thing? (I stopped myself from going into my usual rant about the movie being crap simply because it's a fictional history of a band when the real thing is actually more interesting anyway.) I've never seen the movie, and don't ever plan to.
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We have only watched it once, even when HBO was replaying it often a few years ago. Some day....
...though I have to admit, watching the recreation in a theater with surround sound was pretty frickin' awesome! :tup If they had spent a quarter of that effort into the rest of the movie as to accuracy alone.....
It was the same for the recent Elton John and Elvis movies. Woulda/coulda/shoulda done a ton of things to make them better. Oh, and if you didn't know, Elvis suddenly likes rap music (which was played during the ending credits. :o :angry: :huh: :tdwn >:( :censored I mean, WTf ???)
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LIVE AID
(https://www.bravowaukegan.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Queen-at-Live-Aid.jpg)
Saturday, July 17, 1985 Wembley Stadium, Attendance: 72,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZny9j99kdk&t=1s Quality: A-
Setlist: Bohemian Rhapsody / Radio Ga Ga / Aye-Oh / Hammer To Fall / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / Is This The World We Created…?
This was made available a couple of years ago, and I heard it for the first time two weeks ago. This gives a different vibe to the show, as the crowd is much more audible, and the listener feels they are in the audience. From the singing in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’; the hand clapping, singing, and that final chorus of ‘Radio Ga Ga’ (goosebump and teary eyes during that part); the sing along; right to the absolutely spine tingling participation in ‘We Are The Champions’, this is a must listen.
Freddie and Brian performed their duet of ‘Is This The World We Created…?’ three hours later. One might want to pause a few minutes before hearing the song.
This recording will only add to your enjoyment (and perception) of that evening, and just might become your 'go to' version. It totally blew me away! :tup
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/85-07-13_London_17.jpg)
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkFHYODzRTs&t=3s 64 MILLION VIEWS
Intro by comedians Griff Rhys Jones and Mel Smith / Bohemian Rhapsody / Radio Ga Ga / Aye-Oh
Hammer To Fall / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions
(https://preview.redd.it/t09inv8cavf31.jpg?auto=webp&s=7f540889cdb4cf0db9b292ccee0ba0eeabb3cb57)
(https://imgs.smoothradio.com/images/234229?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&signature=JckVPFHh0JpDg0E41FwWpH-wB4g=)
IS THIS THE WORLD WE CREATED…? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riwDo7_GxjM 2.2 MILLION VIEWS
I didn’t hear or see this until fifteen years later.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OM0g-7sZeSo/mqdefault.jpg)
LIVE AID DOCUMENTARY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr8OF-L1F3I
The entire documentary is here. The Queen segment begins at 52:18. Immediately after their segment is Bob Geldof, and his commentary of his immediate angst and his trip to the studio booth.
“F*ck the address, give me the numbers.” No, Bob Geldof didn’t say ‘give me your f*cking money!’ as legend has it (though it's entertaining how others remember it in the documentary :lol).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2jgOFqe4Uk (just the Queen segment)
Note that there are still repurcusions from their South Africa tour the prior year (just listen to Daryl Hall at the beginning).
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(https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/liveaid-696x442.jpg)
LIVE AID ENTIRE CONCERT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a1ZF6gJ3fk&list=PLcJXHsgTY_JHQNGE9h6IQQckHuUD9Bubi
(interesting to see Prince Charles and Princess Diana walk in….. with Bowie, Brian, Roger, and Roger’s assistant ‘Crystal’ Taylor already behind them (John was too nervous, so Crystal took his place)
THE PERFORMERS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Aid (London times are five hours ahead of the States EST (Queen’s 18:41 start would be 13:41) to help in cross referencing all of the acts in order.
Another documentary (short)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNwixrmdVbg
Had a couple of friends over for a couple of nights, went to the office to make up four hours of work, and arrived home in time for REO Speedwagon and catching up with the others for our ‘liquid brunch’. It did take me a bit to get used to Freddie with the slicked back hair and tank top. Oh, and WTW was John thinking of with that Afro! Anyhoo....was a tad disappointed that 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was shortened (the taped opera section would have fallen flat without the lights anyway ;)) Thought it was an odd selection to segue into 'Radio Ga Ga', not knowing how popular it was on the other side of the pond. And then I was spellbound at the crowd reaction! :tup And then the sing along.
Holy frick!!!! Later on, it might have been Diane Carroll on the screen with the pledge request for money, while Queen was shrunken on the screen. Then the screen showed the MTVeeJays sitting in their studio in Philadelphia, Alan Jackson is rocking while watching the band on the large stadium screen during WWRY, and then our televised feed finally shows the rest of it and WATC. I also remember being annoyed at the cameramen, who made it look like it was just Freddie on stage (btw, Spike Edney was, but they managed to show him for maybe a millisecond). They were so in the way, that Freddie mugged for one, and danced with another.
(https://imgix.ranker.com/list_img_v2/19620/2739620/original/queen-live-aid-performance-u1?w=817&h=427&fm=jpg&q=50&fit=crop)
(https://www.rollingstone.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/98601728-1_BINARY_604529.jpg)
I recorded the audio from WRIF-FM (Baby!) in Detroit, as well as U2, Led Zeppelin, and The Who. These four bands were the highlights for me.
In the documentary, Phil Collins (the Atlantic Ocean crossing drum machine!) comments on what Zeppelin later claimed. Also surprised that they haven’t allowed any official footage to be released. Well, here is the MTV version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TudbbVdz8os
I enjoyed the hell out of it then, and for the first time in decades last night. And then, on this video at the end, I’m like ‘is that Roger Taylor sitting between Mark Goodman and Martha Quinn !!! ??? Damn! I also remember John during some interview that afternoon being excited and animated.....the first time I had ever heard him speak!
Upon further reading, maybe if they’d rehearsed for weeks ahead of time like Queen did. Or, as Brian has mentioned, Queen’s sound crew ‘tweaked’ the sound system, making them slightly louder than the rest of the acts. Hiring the best often ends up having the best results.
(https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/static/uploads/2020/07/The-10-most-memorable-moments-from-Live-Aid.jpeg)
The photo below deserves its own thread. One of the most memorable and iconic pictures of the legendary front man.... from his most
legendary 'world wide' performance.
(https://miro.medium.com/max/833/1*F3YiicPCfmgovWvZGdYuWA.png)
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Brian sure did make a point of having a lot of his songs make it into the movie ('Now I'm Here', as well as 'Hammer To Fall' during Live Aid, while cutting out 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'), Freddie with a mustache during the writing of WWRY and WATC.....firing Paul Prenter before Live Aid, the walking by of the sick man that day, etc etc etc.... don't get me started on all of the errors. >:( A shame, because Rami Malek and the concert were superb.
I found those continuity errors to be distracting too. But I thought the Live Aid one was the most egregious, and here's why: they tried to build it up like it was an epic performance because of the distance, and the relationships and the rustiness... and I think they sold themselves short. In real life it WAS an epic performance, and not because of any extraneous thing, but because they are THAT FUCKING GOOD. I was SO blown away by that performance back in real time. They were a step above every other band there - including Zeppelin, Sting, Sabbath, and a host of other big names - except MAYBE U2. I had heard Queen, I didn't like a lot of it (I still can't stand "AOBTD") and I was like where has THIS been all my life? In real time it was mind-blowing. Why dumb it down with melodrama?
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It was the same for the recent Elton John and Elvis movies. Woulda/coulda/shoulda done a ton of things to make them better. Oh, and if you didn't know, Elvis suddenly likes rap music (which was played during the ending credits. :o :angry: :huh: :tdwn >:( :censored I mean, WTf ???)
DA, this is worth a watch. It's funny, but serious, and you won't watch any musical biopic the same way again:
https://youtu.be/K3q3LEaK7_U
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It was the same for the recent Elton John and Elvis movies. Woulda/coulda/shoulda done a ton of things to make them better. Oh, and if you didn't know, Elvis suddenly likes rap music (which was played during the ending credits. :o :angry: :huh: :tdwn >:( :censored I mean, WTf ???)
DA, this is worth a watch. It's funny, but serious, and you won't watch any musical biopic the same way again:
https://youtu.be/K3q3LEaK7_U
Just watched it. Interesting. I find that most music autobios/bios all have a similar structure to each other. Take a band that has 25 years, and write a 350 page bio. But devote the first 200 pages on the band's first 2-5 years. Then fly past all of the interesting parts.
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It was the same for the recent Elton John and Elvis movies. Woulda/coulda/shoulda done a ton of things to make them better. Oh, and if you didn't know, Elvis suddenly likes rap music (which was played during the ending credits. :o :angry: :huh: :tdwn >:( :censored I mean, WTf ???)
DA, this is worth a watch. It's funny, but serious, and you won't watch any musical biopic the same way again:
https://youtu.be/K3q3LEaK7_U
I saw a Dick Clark produced 'Beatles' biopic in the 70's....and then there was 'The Doors'. You're preaching to the choir ;) I'll take 'This Is Spinal Tap' and 'A Mighty Wind' anyday :tup :lol
Last year was a mini series about Aretha Franklin. Courtney B. Vance, as her womanizing, Bible thumping father, was fantastic. The rest, and the same with 'RESPECT' in the theaters, was so cleansed that they were ridiculous. Aretha was a two pack a day smoker, but never lit up once in the movie.
I watched the video you posted. It's spot on. All of his shots at the Queen movie were dead on. Just think how I felt watching it. And then to converse with various friends afterwards who loved it. Yeah, it's a great movie, if you don't want the truth!
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Moving far, far away from the movie..... any comments about Queen's performance (or others) from experiences that day, or viewing the videos?
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Moving far, far away from the movie..... any comments about Queen's performance (or others) from experiences that day, or viewing the videos?
OK.... I find the lore of Queen's performance...I don't know. a tad overblown. I mean, they were great as always, but the true stars of their set was ....THE CROWD.
The visual of it being outdoors, in daylight, with Freddie in his white tank top.
Radio Gaga was a sneaky great choice. This wasn't a heavy crowd by any stretch. But they PARTICIPATED.
It just seemed like this crowd wanted to see Queen. I mean, following Dire Straits, it's no wonder the crowd exploded for Queen.
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As far as Live Aid itself, I was 16 in the summer of '85. I definitely remember Live Aid happening. In fact I worked with a girl that went to Philly for the show. It was packed with acts that I didn't really care for honestly. I mean, MTV covered the shit out of it. I remember the Black Sabbath reunion, and I couldn't figure out why they didn't play in England.
I thought the Led Zeppelin Reunion was the biggest thing of Live Aid. Again, why weren't they in the London portion?
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Moving far, far away from the movie..... any comments about Queen's performance (or others) from experiences that day, or viewing the videos?
OK.... I find the lore of Queen's performance...I don't know. a tad overblown. I mean, they were great as always, but the true stars of their set was ....THE CROWD.
The visual of it being outdoors, in daylight, with Freddie in his white tank top.
Radio Gaga was a sneaky great choice. This wasn't a heavy crowd by any stretch. But they PARTICIPATED.
It just seemed like this crowd wanted to see Queen. I mean, following Dire Straits, it's no wonder the crowd exploded for Queen.
I think that's dead on.
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I think it ultimately shows that if you put all of these legendary artists in front of a huge crowd of music fans, and broadcast them to the entire world, Queen is the one that comes out on top, by far. That's the gist of why their Live Aid performance has this status, it is really the only "showdown" of music artists without their regular show tricks like lights and staging on that level that has ever happened, and the band that got on the lineup late is the one that got the most love from everyone.
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It was a lot of things, everything everyone has mentioned, all together, a "perfect storm" of sorts. The crowd was huge, and if anyone knows how to engage a crowd, it's Freddie. And they were engaged. It was a beautiful day, a great event, and everything had a great, positive vibe. Maybe Dire Straits and their low-key style of rock had something to do with it, so the crowd was ready to break loose with something. But none of that actually takes away from Queen's performance, which at the time I thought was pretty good, but now think is absolutely phenomenal. That point where Freddie brings up the microphone stand like a big penis and makes this face like "Yeah, that's exactly what this is, and you know it" then turns around a shoves his ass in everyone's face. At the time, I was thinking "Holy shit, what a <homophobic slur>!" but now I realize that in that moment, that crowd would literally take anything he gave them, and like it. Greatest rock frontman of all time right there.
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(https://cdn.cnn.com/cnn/interactive/2018/11/opinions/queen-live-aid-cnnphotos/media/01.jpg)
It certainly didn’t hurt Queen to have a home court advantage. But they took an even playing field, and slanted everything to their side. Elton and McCartney certainly didn’t. Or The Who. And a few other reunion acts I’ve had a chance to watch recently. U2 was one of the few artists who did .
I understand why Zep was in Philly. They were huge in the UK, mega colossal in North America. It was in prime time over here, and I thought it worked well…at the time. And there can be little doubt that it was demanded by them, certainly pushed by Geldof and the organizers. They were the featured act leading up to the event. That was about all MTV talked about for days before and afterwards during the few moments in the evenings I’d watch. I didn’t realize all of the barbs directed at Phil and back at them until eons later. A one hour practice, Page’s mind is who knows where, complaining that his guitar was out of tune (whose fault was that?), Plant’s voice is almost shot, and THEY have the nerve to complain about Collins (who annoyingly had more time on camera than John Paul Jones).
Queen did rehearsals for a week prior. The differences showed. And they had a front man who knew how to energize hundreds of thousands at a concert from experience. They grabbed the torch and ran circles around those who did (or were allowed to) participate.
And, sadly, Freddie’s passing a few years later has only added to the legendary performance that it was.
A shame that MTV didn’t show one song performances of any of the bands amongst all their videos in the weeks that followed. And then in one of the links below, I read that Geldof wanted it to be a ‘one off’ set of performances. He told ABC and the BBC to destroy their footage afterwards. ABC complied, the BBC fortunately did not. That’s why Wembley is crystal clear. They also had the smarts to tape and retain the Philly show from the ABC feed.
Glad Sir Bob relented in 2004 to allowing the performances to be made commercially available, and the Live Aid Trust benefited from the eventual sales. As did we all.
And I’m glad to have just come across the audience recording. Made a short trip north on Saturday, and I cranked it up. First time my wife had heard this version. She had to promise not to do the ‘Ga Ga’ while I was driving. She had me stop it after the sing along, because she needed a few moments to regroup after the joy and other emotions experienced. I’ve gotten a lump in my throat during those moments and at the end of WATC the half dozen times I’ve listened to it recently.
And after listening to the officially released version for the first time in years, Spike’s keyboards during CLTCL and his rhythm guitar on ‘Hammer To Fall’ are spot on, and Brian and Roger brought their ’A’ games.
And... never talked about John is good throughout, and on fire during the ending moments of CLTCL, HTF, and WATC. I remember him being interviewed backstage that day. He was talkative, almost giddy, and then got up and left when The Who were announced on stage.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9lp1gnIQAERV1M.jpg)
Oh, and Freddie was pretty good as well. ;)
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Anyhoo…..more ‘rabbit hole’ links.
Nice numbers for Queen’s Live Aid performance at 64 Million Separately,
Radio Ga Ga https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=queen+live+aid+radio+gaga One site with 106 million views, another with 75 million.
WATC…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP808MiJUcM 29 Million views
Hammer to Fall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5bzrb-v9Y0 14 Million veiws
Aye oh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkbP5OPQhdQ 19 Million
Bohemian Rhapsody https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbvyNnw8Qjg 161 Million (an older one with 8 Million)
Bohemian Rhapsody and Radio Ga Ga https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YimR77fq7Yw 7 Million
WWRY WATC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBUJztI884M 31 MILLION
Oddly CLTCL at only 6.5 Million https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ORIoUohBUc
What others have to say about Queen, Zeppelin, U2, etc
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/11/opinions/queen-live-aid-cnnphotos/
https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/queen-live-aid-concert-performance/
Slightly slanted, because it’s quoting biographer Lesley Ann Jones
https://attitude.co.uk/article/queen-at-live-aid-remembering-freddie-mercurys-finest-moment/7346/
and featuring Queen and ‘Freddy’ Mercury :facepalm:
https://www.firstpost.com/art-and-culture/explained-the-historical-significance-of-the-1985-live-aid-concert-and-questions-around-western-relief-efforts-9804371.html
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-live-aid-brian-may/
Live Aid trivia
https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0261024/trivia/?ref_=tt_trv_trv
30 acts who did not perform, and the reasons
https://www.goldradiouk.com/news/music/live-aid-missing-absent-not-play-why/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-2329571/Freddie-Mercury-trying-Bono-The-Live-Aid-story-youve-heard-before.html
The things you learn when stepping even further into the abyss......
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/led-zeppelin-reunion-disaster-live-aid/
https://www.goldradiouk.com/news/music/led-zeppelin-phil-collins-live-aid-jimmy-page/
(https://cdn.cnn.com/cnn/interactive/2018/11/opinions/queen-live-aid-cnnphotos/media/09.jpg)
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ONE VISION b/w Blurred Vision
Released: November 85
Charts: UK #7, USA #61
Ireland #5, Australia #10, US Mainstream Rock #19, Netherlands #21, Switzerland #24, West Germany #26, Belgium #28, Canada #76
2005: France #76
Certifications: Silver in the UK
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/ff/One_vision.jpg)
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OGd4gplxQM 34 MILLION Views
Album version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDlTXTLV5mQ
Extended version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OGd4gplxQM
(an extra replayed guitar line or two) My second 12" single purchase.
Twenty minute documentary of the making of 'One Vision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XssPitrqOXM
Per Roger, ‘thanks to that rotter, Freddie’ it turned into a good / great song. A good mixing of synthesizers with their trademark sound. Rather enjoyable to look back at how some of the nuts and bolts were put together in the documentary. As well as the tedious, boring, but often fun time they did have making it. Watching it made me wish they'd have used that drum sound in the final mix.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/04/Iron_eagle.jpg/220px-Iron_eagle.jpg)
The movie was released in January of 1986. This is the single version, with the 'Iron Eagle' footage interspersed throughout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvpsEKSNkkA
This received a ton of airplay on MTV back in the day, and I never saw the original video until the late 90s.
Blurred Vision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmxsPXxP9S0
Instrumental gobbledygook of 'One Vision'. And yet, watching and listening to it last week for the first time in about three decades, it’s still a very odd and strange idea, but oddly appealing now. The video of the band is a treat.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/f/fe/Onevision122rev.jpg/599px-Onevision122rev.jpg)
The alternate sleeve (my wife's copy)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/8/81/Onevision12.jpg) (https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/2/23/Onevision12rev.jpg/603px-Onevision12rev.jpg)
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THE COMPLETE WORKS
Released: December 5, 1985 UK (EMI)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/The_Complete_Works_%28album%29.png/220px-The_Complete_Works_%28album%29.png)
All thirteen studio and live vinyl LPs previously released (no need for ‘Greatest Hits’), along with a fourteenth titled ‘Complete Vision’. This disc included their prior non album B-sides, along with ‘One Vision’ and 'Blurred Vision'.
SIDE ONE
See What A Fool I've Been (May) 4:33
A Human Body (Taylor) 3:42
Soul Brother (Queen) 3:35
I Go Crazy (May) 3:44
SIDE TWO
Thank God It's Christmas (May/Taylor) 4:17
One Vision (single version) (Queen) 4:02
Blurred Vision (Queen) 4:42
The band signed 600 copies (on the Complete Vision sleeve). Along with the vinyls, the box set included two books, the first with all the albums' artwork, lyrics and pictures. The second book had a color world map showing where Queen played and charted, a world tour itinerary up to that time, showing a list of equipment they carried with them. Each album was digitally remastered and re-sleeved in white, with an embossed crest and gold Roman numerals.
And, yes, my wife has this in her/our collection (not autographed).
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On any given day, "One Vision" is my favorite Queen song. Usually it's "Funny How Love Is" from Queen II, but not always.
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One Vision is a hell of a song. :metal :metal :metal
Although the guitar riff is very reminiscent of Highway To Hell.
And then there is Fried Chicken ;D
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Fried Chicken
Always cracked me up, especially since Fried Chicken is one of my favorite foods. If there's a story behind that line, I'm guessing it's just because they thought it was random and funny, but if there's more to it, I'd love to hear it.
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Fried Chicken
Always cracked me up, especially since Fried Chicken is one of my favorite foods. If there's a story behind that line, I'm guessing it's just because they thought it was random and funny, but if there's more to it, I'd love to hear it.
Funny enough, because I hate that reference (Train did that too). But the song is so awesome it transcends.
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Train mentions fried chicken in Drops of Jupiter, but it's part of the narrative and even fits the rhyme. Unless you're talking about a different song. I'm not really a Train expert.
Fried chicken in One Vision is a one-off, as far as I can tell. They just say "fried chicken" instead of "one vision" the final time, for reasons unknown. Not really the same thing.
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Train mentions fried chicken in Drops of Jupiter, but it's part of the narrative and even fits the rhyme. Unless you're talking about a different song. I'm not really a Train expert.
Nobody is a Train expert.
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:rollin
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrOidGgbVio a snippet of the One Vision documentary, with the 'John Deacon lyrics', and 'chicken feed' is also part of it
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A KIND OF MAGIC b/w A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling (USA 'Gimme The Prize)
Released: March 17 UK (EMI), June 21 USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #1, USA #42
#1 in Argentina and Spain
Ireland #3, Switzerland #3, Netherlands #4, France #5, Australia #6, West Germany #6, Austria #12, New Zealand #23, Canada #64
2013: Slovenia #32
2018: Poland #95
Certifications:
Gold in UK and Italy
Platinum in Brazil
(https://queenpedia.com/images/5/52/Akomuk.jpg)
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p_1QSUsbsM 69 MILLION views
'A Kind Of Magic' bonus disc 'Highlander' version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzbWXD45GC8
‘Highlander’ movie ending credits audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASw32qKppMw
12" extended version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hwgtZhYbJQ
Some nice added guitars at the ending. Another of the few extended versions that is worth a listen.
The ‘A Kind Of Vision’ demo that was included on the 2011 reissue (with fan created video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7atrIIyaIsQ
‘Two songs in one’. As per the documentary, ‘That rotter Freddie’ certainly changed things around, and along with the band took some of the lyrics and fleshed them out into ‘One Vision’, and worked wonders on the music arrangement for ‘A Kind Of Magic’, while Roger was still credited with writing the song.
‘A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrVBM1u4-Bc
The nonalbum B-side in the UK. A very unappealing and annoying instrumental of ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’. What a disappointment this was when finally getting my hands on it about a decade later. :tdwn
**********
This was released almost four months after 'One Vision', as well as three months before the album of the same name would be released. Good video, good tune, nice to hear Brian's guitar shifting back and forth in stereo near the end (hell, just nice to hear Brian's guitar throughout), and an unexpectedly killer song live.
Trivia: the first time one of their songs would be the title track for an album that it appeared on.
UK 12" cover sleeve
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/e/e1/Akom12pd.jpg/593px-Akom12pd.jpg)
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So I was shocked at the Spotify streams for this song. I absolutely do not recognize it by name. I hear it when Joe releases the album.
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How can you grow up in the 80s and not know this song?
So you probably don't know the movie Highlander too?
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How can you grow up in the 80s and not know this song?
So you probably don't know the movie Highlander too?
I don't know it by title. I may hear it and say holy shit I know this!
I kind of remember Highlander. I definitely didn't see it though, and I saw a shit ton of movies in the 80's.
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Re-checking a few things, the single was released in the States in June '86, in the Top 100 eleven weeks, Top 50 for only three, and I never heard it on the radio. Heck, I didn't see the video until the mid to late 90s.
Same with 'Princes Of The Universe'....released here in March '86, did not chart (or in Australia, Canada, or Japan) :huh:, and I never heard it on the air as well.
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Trivia: the first time one of their songs would be the title track for an album that it appeared on.
Uhhh, no? What about The Game? Don’t give me the whole “song’s called ‘Play The Game’” thing, the full album title is in there and the song appears on the album. I will let you off for Flash though, since the full song is called Flash’s Theme and doesn’t say the “Gordon” within the lyrics.
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Trivia: the first time one of their songs would be the title track for an album that it appeared on.
Uhhh, no? What about The Game? Don’t give me the whole “song’s called ‘Play The Game’” thing, the full album title is in there and the song appears on the album. I will let you off for Flash though, since the full song is called Flash’s Theme and doesn’t say the “Gordon” within the lyrics.
yeah but..
On Queen II is a song called Father TO Son. :P
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On Queen II is a song called Father TO Son. :P
What does that have to do with queens though? THINK!
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Er... I'm thinking...
I got it!
March Of The Black QUEEN!
Yeah, I'm gonna go with DragonAttack on this one. :)
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Er... I'm thinking...
I got it!
March Of The Black QUEEN!
Yeah, I'm gonna go with DragonAttack on this one. :)
Except those are two different songs…
No, I straight disagree with DragonAttack. Look at other bands, let’s use Megadeth as the example here. Rust in Peace is the album, and Rust In Peace… Polaris is the title track.Metallica’s latest, title track is Hardwired, but the album is Hardwired… To Self-Destruct. The songs are still the title tracks as they are the ones that contain the album’s title as it’s own.
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Judges at a Queen trivia contest would disagree. Queen never released 'More Of That Jazz' or a 'Play The Game' studio album. Also, 'Killer Queen' is not the title track to their first live album.
Sorry. Objection overruled.
(https://previews.123rf.com/images/creatista/creatista1002/creatista100200035/6402745-nun-dr%C3%B4le-transportant-la-r%C3%A8gle-en-bois-comme-une-arme.jpg)
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Judges at a Queen trivia contest would disagree. Queen never released 'More Of That Jazz' or a 'Play The Game' studio album. Also, 'Killer Queen' is not the title track to their first live album.
Sorry. Objection overruled.
(https://previews.123rf.com/images/creatista/creatista1002/creatista100200035/6402745-nun-dr%C3%B4le-transportant-la-r%C3%A8gle-en-bois-comme-une-arme.jpg)
Killer Queen would be wrong. More of That Jazz is debatable given how poor it is. Play The Game? I’d be flogging the judges for that one. That is straight up a title track.
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Re-checking a few things, the single was released in the States in June '86, in the Top 100 eleven weeks, Top 50 for only three, and I never heard it on the radio. Heck, I didn't see the video until the mid to late 90s.
Same with 'Princes Of The Universe'....released here in March '86, did not chart (or in Australia, Canada, or Japan) :huh:, and I never heard it on the air as well.
I seem to remember hearing it all the time on the radio. But either my memory is wrong or it was a regional thing. Maybe the song was more popular here in Germany?
One thing I know for sure, A Kind Of Magic is still played on a regular basis on certain radio stations.
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Killer Queen would be wrong. More of That Jazz is debatable given how poor it is. Play The Game? I’d be flogging the judges for that one. That is straight up a title track.
Of course, 'Killer Queen' would be wrong. As would 'White Queen' and TMoTBQ' for Queen II. I did a real quick google on all the songs listed, as well as the Megadeth ones you mentioned. Only AKOM had 'title track' listed in its description. Sorry, appeal denied ;)
Re-checking a few things, the single was released in the States in June '86, in the Top 100 eleven weeks, Top 50 for only three, and I never heard it on the radio. Heck, I didn't see the video until the mid to late 90s.
Same with 'Princes Of The Universe'....released here in March '86, did not chart (or in Australia, Canada, or Japan) :huh:, and I never heard it on the air as well.
I seem to remember hearing it all the time on the radio. But either my memory is wrong or it was a regional thing. Maybe the song was more popular here in Germany?
One thing I know for sure, A Kind Of Magic is still played on a regular basis on certain radio stations.
Or, the band had given up, or couldn't overcome some of the self inflicted wounds in the States.
I do know it was/is still played in Italy. We'll never forget taking a long cab ride from the Civitavecchia airport to Rome seven years ago. Two Americans, with a Russian driver, listening to an Italian station, and the first song we heard was 'A Kind Of Magic'. :D It was a good omen for a magical and memorable time.
Speaking of which.......
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FREDDIE MERCURY TIME b/w Time (instrumental)
Released: May 6, 1986 UK (EMI)
Charts: UK #32
(https://queenpedia.com/images/a/ac/Time.jpg)
Produced by Dave Clark and Freddie Mercury
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGjt291COa0 24 MILLION VIEWS
Instrumental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-a1tj3-wmc
12” vinyl
Time (ext version) b/w Time / Time (instr.)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEBpZQBKRsM
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TIME Soundtrack
Released: April 1986 UK (EMI), USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #21, Australia #56
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_(Dave_Clark_album)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fa/Dave_Clark%27s_%22Time%22-_The_Album_1986.jpg/220px-Dave_Clark%27s_%22Time%22-_The_Album_1986.jpg)
SIDE ONE
Born to Rock 'n' Roll Cliff Richard
Time Talkin' Ashford & Simpson
Time Freddie Mercury
Music of the Spheres/Law of the Universe Chris Thompson/Miriam Stockley/Michael Mullins
The Time Lord Theme John Christie
The Charge John Christie
One Human Family Leo Sayer
SIDE TWO
What on Earth Dionne Warwick
I Know I Know Leo Sayer
Your Brother in Soul Jimmy Helms
Case for the Prosecution John Christie
Starmaker Ashford & Simpson
Time Will Teach Us All Julian Lennon
I Object (Lord Melchisedic – The Time Lord) John Christie
In My Defence Freddie Mercury
SIDE THREE
Within My World Dionne Warwick
Because Julian Lennon
Move the Judge Jimmy Helms
She's So Beautiful Cliff Richard
Beauty, Truth, Love, Freedom, Peace Laurence Olivier
If You Only Knew Julian Lennon
SIDE FOUR
We're the U.F.O. Murray Head
The theme from Time Laurence Olivier
Harmony John Christie
The Return (Instrumental) Dave Clark, John Christie
Time (Reprise) The Rock Star Freddie Mercury
It's in Everyone of Us Cliff Richard
JULIAN LENNON ‘Because’ (reached #40 on the UK Singles Chart) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Velo-T73DY
Cliff Richard ‘She’s So Beautiful’ (reached #17 on the UK Singles Chart) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUhIoDZF3SA
Cliff Richard ‘Born To Rock ‘n Roll’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN6LinLoNJw Freddie sang a demo of this that is unavailable.
Cliff Richard ‘It’s In Everyone Of Us’ (reached #45 on the UK Singles Chart) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUeLpNQUBP4 A memorable and heart tugging duet of this was performed two years later. I'll post it when the proper 'time' comes. :P
and then there's Freddie's other offering
IN MY DEFENCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDEFbgCFqC8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ul1bIz_7A album version
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The musical ran in London on the West End for two plus years. The soundtrack itself sold two million copies.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_(musical). I have never researched who the individual(s) were that had to try and emulate his songs on stage.
Both of Freddie's songs are the 'Queen' side of Freddie I cherished. I got my hands on a used vinyl in '92 that was slightly warped for my first ever listen. It's a musical,....it's OK. Later on in that two year period when a gazillion Queen related items hit the States, I had the Freddie songs on disc, and all the various original and wonderfully 'revised' versions on The Solo Collection.
Hearing these two songs for the first time after he died were almost tear inducing emotional gut punches. It’s as if the songwriters knew of Freddie’s situation. They still have that same effect today. If you are making a ‘best of’ for their 80s output, the enhanced versions of these two songs should be included.
Two drawbacks: the somewhat strained’waaeeeaaats’ for no one at the end of ‘Time’, and the inexcusable dividing up of this song on the soundtrack album :tdwn
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IN MY DEFENCE revised version
Charts: UK #8
Iceland #2, Ireland #3, Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) #33, France #50
The original from the soundtrack was not released as a 45. In '92, a wonderfully enhanced remixed version was. It's as if Brian came on board and played. It's much more lush and full, with a somewhat 'Queen' sound added to it. One of three they did a masterful job of enhancing without ruining the songs.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/96/Inmydefence.jpg)
Songwriters: Dave Clark, David Soames, Jeff Daniels
Produced by Freddie Mercury, Dave Clark, and Mack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44eEOAEC5z8 17 MILLION Views
Another of the 'enhanced' songs re-released in '92 was
'Time' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqsZpI3P8d8 32 MILLION VIEWS
Again, enhanced with a 'Queen' sound. They did the same with his next solo single, once again perhaps providing a better version than the original.
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Joe, I knew that Mack had partnered with Brian, but he's been popping up on these projects with Freddie as well.
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Is that Time soundtrack on CD? (I'm going to look at Discogs as well). That's intriguing to me.
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A 25th anniversary release was made available on iTunes in 2012 with bonuses. Some day when I finish this excursion ;), I plan on purchasing it, mainly for the wife.
[Edit: found the discs I spent twenty bucks back in the day to have transferred from vinyl. It’s ‘OK’ with some interesting tunes, but it’s rather timid throughout. Now, if you’re an Olivier fan, you’ll love it. ;).]
Oh, and since ‘One Vision’ is one of your two favorite Queen songs, I’ll assume you like the live versions with its ‘Star Fleet’ ending(?).
Mack: He produced ‘One Vision’ and the four John and Freddie songs on AKOM. It was finished in April. ‘Time’ may or may not have been the last time that Mack and the godfather of one of his sons worked together.
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A 25th anniversary release was made available on iTunes in 2012 with bonuses. Some day when I finish this excursion ;), I plan on purchasing it.
Oh, and since ‘One Vision’ is one of your two favorite Queen songs, I’ll assume you like the live versions with its ‘Star Fleet’ ending(?).
Mack: He produced ‘One Vision’ and the four John and Freddie songs on AKOM. It was finished in April. ‘Time’ may or may not have been the last time that Mack and the godfather of one of his sons worked together.
I do; I love that song live. I'm not sure I ever noticed that it was a "Star Fleet ending", but I may go back and listen for that.
On fried chicken, from Wikipedia (though I've heard this before from Roger Taylor): "The final line of the song (in the studio, live, and "Blurred Vision" versions, in the album and extended versions the line before the final "God works in mysterious ways... Mysterious ways...") is "fried chicken", although the lyrics say "one vision". This was the result of trying to come up with the proper wording of the song, and since it was not working, Freddie Mercury at some point introduced words that had nothing to do with the song for fun, as suggested by his partner, Jim Hutton. Some other made-up words during rehearsals were "one shrimp, one prawn, one clam, one chicken" and some profanity."
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That is straight up a title track.
No it's not. A song is only an album's title track if they have the same title. The same, not similar. That's what the phrase means.
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Looking at the credits, I finally noticed Mike Moran’s name. He would figure prominently on Freddie’s second solo album, as well as a song on ‘Innuendo’.
And, another remixed version of ‘In My Defence’ appeared on the ‘Lover Of Life Singer Of Songs’ compilation. As did ‘Time’ on the ‘Never Boring’ one a couple of years ago (though I saw the track list, thought it was, and passed.)
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I was 'goin back' and checking on a few prior posts as references for tomorrow's post. Sad to see many personally taken pix disappear, thanks to their reference numbers changing on Messenger. >:( :censored I'll fix them some time next week.
Since I'm easily sidetracked, never did thank MoraWintersoul for The Works pix. Tonight was the first time I looked at them on the home computer, and was finally able to see Brian's 'I'm bored' and 'Me, too' quotes for the IAHL photos. And, seriously, a couple of those were taken with the old 'potato ploy'?
KevShmev...you're comments as to IWTBF were spot on. Everyone prefers the longer single version to the album version. I had the question ready before the album posts, and should have put it out to everyone...even as a separate thread: 'How many single versions have been released that are noticeably longer than the album version?'
And, Stadler, the silly 'One Vision' lyrics are shown being played in the documentary...John Deacon and everything else :D
anyhoo....time waits for no one. AKOM LP post tomorrow, and then another short vacation (with a Zoom meeting or two thrown in >:()
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Time is PHENOMENAL. Wow! One of the best tracks I've heard in this thread so far.
Is it me, or are his cheeks showing some..bloating... in the video?
I should've listened to In My Defense first. It's definitely nice, but after Time, what can I say?
Is Brian playing the solo in In My Defense, or is it some dude trying to sound like him?
Joe, do we know who played piano on these tracks, particularly on Time?
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Time is PHENOMENAL. Wow! One of the best tracks I've heard in this thread so far.
The original or the '92 remix? I'd say 'yes' to both ;)
I should've listened to In My Defense first. It's definitely nice, but after Time, what can I say?
Is Brian playing the solo in In My Defense, or is it some dude trying to sound like him?
Joe, do we know who played piano on these tracks, particularly on Time?
As to the original versions from '86, the musicians were:
TIME (music and lyrics by Dave Clark and John Christie) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_(Freddie_Mercury_song)
Keyboards: ike Moran, Guitars: Ray Russell, Drums: Brett Morgan, BVs: Freddie, John Christie, Peter Straker Vocal backing arrangements: Freddie
Arranged by: Mike Moran and Freddie
IN MY DEFENCE (music and lyrics by Dave Clark, David Soames and Jeff Daniels) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_My_Defence
Piano: Mike Moran Guitars: Paul Vincent Bass: Andy Pask Drums: Graham Jarvis Synthesizers: Peter Banks BVs: Freddie
Arranged by: Mike Moran and Freddie
The vinyl sleeves for the soundtrack listed all the participants for each individual song. That was a nice touch. It was also the first time in decades that I had looked through that release.
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Paul Vincent Gunia https://second.wiki/wiki/paul_vincent He played the similar sounding Brian lead guitars on the 'Mr. Bad Guy' LP (and the nonalbum B-side 'She Blows Hot And Cold')
Mike Moran https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Moran_(music_producer)
Brian does not play on any of the originals or remixes. Niles Rodgers redid 'Time', Ron Nevison did 'In My Defence'. I believe all the improvements were from adjustments on the control board.
Is it me, or are his cheeks showing some..bloating... in the video?
Many theories and rumors abound that he had begun taking various meds because he was HIV+. He had 'settled down' with Jim Hutton, and his hard partying days were mostly a thing of the past. He also looked like he had bulked up some, or maybe that's from steroid use.
Or it's just the shorter haircuts that Jim Hutton was giving him.
This is my somewhat lack of knowledge talking. I don't know all that was taking place in his life at the time. I've read more than my share from various authors, especially in the 90s. But I didn't read 'everything', and it's been more of a 'casual' interest since, or when the topic was in front of me....., if that makes sense. I'm sure there are hundreds of thousands of fans who are more knowledgeable....always interested to borderline obsessive when it comes to learning about the what's and where's and when's of his physical history.
My best guess, Admiral ;)
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A KIND OF MAGIC
Released: June 2, UK (EMI), June 3 USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #1, USA #46
Argentina #1, Netherlands #2, Austria #3, Switzerland #4, West Germany #4, Norway #5, France #6, New Zealand #9, Sweden #9, Australia #12, Japan #25, Canada #50
2005: Italy #94
2011: Belgium #88, Spain #91
2022: Poland #42
Certifications: 2x Platinum in UK, Gold in USA
Gold in France, Italy, New Zealand
3x Gold in Germany
Platinum in Austria, Spain
2x Platinum in Switzerland
3x Platinum in Poland
Singles:
One Vision b/w Blurred Vision (already mentioned)
A Kind Of Magic b/w A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling (already mentioned)
Princes Of The Universe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEJ8lpCQbyw 38 MILLION views
Released: March ‘86,
Charts: DNC in Australia, Canada, Japan, USA !!!!
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Friends Will Be Friends b/w Seven Seas Of Rhye https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AIlz08fZos 38 MILLION views
Released: June 9
Charts: UK #14, USA (DNC)
Ireland #4, Netherlands #17, Switzerland #19, West Germany #20, New Zealand #50
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Who Wants To Live Forever (7" Version) b/w Killer Queen
Released: September 15
VIDEO (45 version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jtpf8N5IDE 145 MILLION views
(so what if the candles are reminiscent of The Police’s ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger’…)
Charts: UK #24, USA (not released)
Netherlands #6, Belgium #44, Germany #52
1992: Netherlands #59
Certifications: Gold in UK and Italy
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Pain Is So Close To Pleasure (45 Remix) b/w Don't Lose Your Head
Released: August 20, USA (DNC)
(https://www.queenvault.com/AKindOfMagic/album1.jpg)
Queen are:
Freddie Mercury - vocals, keyboards
John Deacon - bass guitar, keyboards, occasional guitar
Roger Taylor - drums, occasional vocals, keyboards
Brian May - guitar, occasional vocals, keyboards
Extra keyboards: Spike Edney
Computer keyboards: UMI & BBC B
'One Year Of Love' String arrangement by Lynton Naiff, Saxophone by Steve Gregory
'Who Wants To Live Forever'
Orchestra arranged by Michael Kamen/Brian May
Performed by hte National Philharmonic Orchestra
Recorded by Eric Tomlinson at Abbey Road Studios
'Don't Lose Your Head' incidental vocals by Joan Armatrading courtesy of A&M Records
Recorded mainly at The Townhouse Studios, London.
Musicland Studios, Munich and Mountain Studios, Montreux.
Some songs on this album appear in different form in the film 'Highlander'.
Assistant engineer: Croydon Photograph by Peter Hince.
Many people are thanked on the album, but Paul Prenter has finally been given the boot, and his name does not appear. David Richards, who played on and helped produce Roger’s ‘Strange Frontier’ album, co-produced ‘A Kind Of Magic’, ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’, ‘Gimme The Prize’, and ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’, with Mack co-producing the others
ALBUM AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqzbej78JHM&list=PL-Dlrh3xUEoR5hvzcGlIuUlYYebLWdnv4
WITH BONUS TRACKS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKySJmmBpw
Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X52meuakDk
****************
SIDE ONE
One Vision (Queen) 5:10
A Kind Of Magic (Taylor) 4:24
One Year Of Love (Deacon) 4:26
Pain Is So Close To Pleasure (Mercury/Deacon) 4:21
Friends Will Be Friends (Mercury/Deacon) 4:07
SIDE TWO
Who Wants To Live Forever (May) 5:15
Gimme The Prize (Kurgan's Theme) (May) 4:34
Don't Lose Your Head (Taylor) 4:38
Princes Of The Universe (Mercury) 3:32
2011 Universal bonus disc
A Kind of Magic (Highlander version) / One Vision (Single Version) / Pain Is So Close to Pleasure (Single Remix) / Forever / A Kind of Vision (Demo) / One Vision (Wembley, July 11) / Friends Will Be Friends Will Be Friends (extended version)
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To give credit where credit is due…..the extended version of ‘Friends Will Be Friends’ and ‘Forever’ were included here, and way back on the ’92 Hollywood Records CD reissue as well. FWBFWBF is one of those rare extended versions that are better than the album version, and hearing ‘Forever’ for the first time months after Freddie died certainly choked me up. And it was very interesting to hear the ‘A Kind Of Vision’ demo, from which both ‘One Vision’ and ‘A Kind Of Magic’ emerged.
But there was enough bonus material available for two discs from these sessions. A great and eerie demo of ‘Princes Of The Universe’. Demos of ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’, with Freddie singing the first two lines instead of Brian, and including the double chorus at the end…a similar ending to the 45 version, that also should have been included. Demos also exist of the title track, ‘One Year Of Love’, and ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’. ‘Gimme The Prize’, minus the soundtrack noises would have been nice, as well as the extended versions of ‘A Kind Of Magic’ and ‘One Year Of Love’.
The single version of ‘One Vision’, and the oddball instrumental non album B-sides ‘Blurred Vision’ and ‘A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling’ could have been added to make this complete.
Various alternate versions from ‘Highlander’ would have made nice additions, as well as the ‘New York, New York’ segment. The highlander version of AKOM is fleshed out, but it is not the version that was actually used over the ending credits. That would have been yet another worth while bonus.
And then there’s the live material. ‘One Vision’ is great, but providing the versions played at their final concert in Knebworth Park of this, the terrific ‘A Kind Of Magic’, and ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’ would have made much more sense. Heck, include his final ‘Day-Oh’ as well.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.rootsvinylguide.com%2Fpictures%2Fqueen-lp-a-kind-of-magic-inner-lyrics-gatefold-sleeve-uk-first-press-ex-cond_44427521&hash=934778ebc49825a5c5b50a9e431754486d498f69)
Six months after 'One Vision' and three months after the title track are released, the album finally hits the stores. It comes in a gatefold cover for the only studio album after ‘Jazz’. A really good band pic for the sleeve (I'll post that with the next post). The album itself is hit or miss, and certainly more of a collection than a cohesive release. Two different producers, two somewhat different camps (Freddie and John in one, Brian and Roger in another), music for two different movies, and a couple other songs to fill out the album. And a song short yet again. Rather odd and somewhat money grubbing to put out so many singles to stay in the public 'ear', that you use songs that are over ten years old for B-sides.
As to the songs.. the two great opening songs already listed, followed by John’s slow tempo ‘One Year Of Love’. It’s a beautiful ballad, one you want to dance oh so close to with your partner, and the saxophone is a nice touch. (Yes, I said saxophone!) Once again though, it’s the second straight album where a different instrument is used for the instrumental segment than Brian’s guitar. ‘Pain’ is my weak link, a nice Motown-ish song, but Freddie’s in falsetto again. This was cowritten by him and John, as is ‘Friends Will Be Friends’. Hey, that has Brian’s always noticeable guitar, big BVs, and finally a piano!
Side Two is so out of order (to me), opening with one of their Top Ten ever songs in ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’, with perfect orchestration added by Michael Kamen. ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’ could have dropped or toned down most of the annoying movie dialogue, except for the classic repeated lines ‘There Can Be Only One’. And….how often do you get to hear Brian play guitar as if it’s a bagpipe? Or multiple ones? ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’ has Joan Armatrading on it, the drums are a bit heavy, but I enjoy the outro.
And then you have the second ‘let’s strain Freddie’s vocal cords to the hilt’ in ‘Princes Of The Universe’ (oddly, listed as his only solo offering). And he hits it out of the stadium and over the parking lots!!!!
The drums in the mix sound a tad heavy, unlike anything the preceeded or followed this album. A great ‘album’? No. Their best since ‘The Game’? Certainly miles ahead of ‘Hot Space’ and ‘Flash’, a toss up compared to ‘The Works’. There was still ‘disappointment’ when it came out for me, but decades later, with the great couple of tunes that are included, and a tweak here and there, I’ve grown quite fond of it.
If it were up to me, I’d certainly switch the places of the beginning and ending songs of Side 2, to open with a heavy punch, and then end it with the mellow.
SIDE ONE
One Vision / A Kind Of Magic / One Year Of Love / Friends Will Be Friends Will Be Friends
SiDE TWO
Princes Of The Universe / JUST ONE LIFE * / Gimme The Prize / Don’t Lose Your Head / Who Wants To Live Forever
(the instrumental ‘Forever’ can also be added afterwards)
* from Brian’s '92 ‘Back To The Light’ LP. The drum mix fits this album, and helps steady the flow.
Oh, and always remember: "Don't lose your head" as well as "There can be only one!"
(https://www.queenvault.com/AKindOfMagic/album2.jpg)
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So yeah, we’ve come to this. THIS here is my favorite Queen record.
I could do without Don’t Lose Your Head and Pain Is So Close To Pleasure, the latter reminds me of I Want To Break Free, and seeing that I don’t really like that song, it’s maybe no surprise that I don’t like Pain either.
One Year Of Love is nice but nothing special, but the rest is where it’s at for me.
As I mentioned before, One Vision is a hell of a song and a good opener.
I still think that A Kind Of Magic was on the radio and tv all of the time back then and rightfully so, another really good song.
Friends Will Be Friends has that simple but effective guitar intro and a great anthemic singalong chorus.
Who Wants To Live Forever might just be the best Queen song ever at least for me. So beautiful. And the moment after the quiet part, when the whole band kicks in with the big chorus and the guitar always gives me goosebumps.
Gimme The Prize, the heaviest Queen song and the most aggressive singing from Freddie. A lot of heavy Queen songs fell flat for me, I don’t know why, but this one hits home. So much energy and so powerful. And the bagpipe guitar. :metal Maybe could have used a little less dialogue but then: “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”.
Princes Of The Universe has another anthemic chorus and is a good closer and for a three ad a half minute song it's fairly complex.
A lot of me liking this record has probably to do with liking the film Highlander. Back then it was one of the best films I ever saw, and you could even watch it with your girlfriend, cause it had Christopher Lambert. :D
That movie and the Queen soundtrack were a perfect pop culture combination, but it was also very 80s. I haven’t watched that movie in nearly 30 years for fear, that it doesn’t hold up, that it hasn’t aged that well.
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Definitely one of, if not my absolute favorite Queen albums.
Who Wants To Live Forever is one of my favorite songs by anyone ever.
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Oh, and since ‘One Vision’ is one of your two favorite Queen songs, I’ll assume you like the live versions with its ‘Star Fleet’ ending(?).
Wait wait. I don’t think Joe ever heard of Vision going into Star Fleet live?
As for the album, I still love this one. Princes of the Universe is a really fun song, as is Gimme the Prize and if you try to tell me that Who Wants to Live Forever isn’t one of their best ballads then you are very very mistaken. One Vision is easily one of the best openers they ever had live too.
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I remember that scene from Highlander with Kurgan driving his car to the sounds of "New York, New York" and thinking that that was a totally badass version of the song, and I was ready to pick up the album just for that track. But it's not on it. I read many years later that it's not really an excerpt; they didn't actually record the whole song, just enough of it for that scene. I was disappointed. I think Mrs. Orbert has this one; she's a bigger Queen fan than me.
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See, I don't mind the sort of "disjointedness" that some talk about here; the only Queen album that ISN'T disjointed for me is Queen II. IMO, this is far more... cohesive than even the legendary "ANATO".
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Came in to ost the Spotify stream numbers...
A Kind Of Magic
1. One Vision....47.6m
2. A Kind Of Magic....161.7m
3. One Year Of Love....11.6m
4. Pain Is So Close To Pleasure....3.9m
5. Friends Will Be Friends....73.7m
6. Who Wants To Live Forever....74.2m
7. Gimme The Prize....4.4m
8. Don't Lose Your Head....2.7m
9. Princes Of The Universe-54.4m
I do NOT recognize the bolded tracks by name. These stream numbers are astounding.
See, I don't mind the sort of "disjointedness" that some talk about here; the only Queen album that ISN'T disjointed for me is Queen II. IMO, this is far more... cohesive than even the legendary "ANATO".
A disjointed Queen album is an oxymoron.
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OK..first listen impressions
One Vision- I was a young metal head in 1986. I remember this song, though I thought it was on the Vision Quest soundtrack, not Highlander which I barely remember. I do remember thinking that it was cool that Queen had a rock song finally.
A Kind Of Magic- The chorus feels a tad familiar, but if I heard it, it would've been in a documentary. I have ZERO recollection of this song. I honestly don't think I've ever heard it. It's a Roger song? It feels like a John song, with that driving bass line and straight ahead groove.
One Year Of Love-I would've bet this was a Freddie track. This song needs some Gary Moore. Nice tune.
Pain Is So Close To Pleasure- What a horrendously cringey title, especially following such a beautiful song. Nice falsetto, but... hmmm. This sounds like it'd be a cool Rod Stewart track. It's kind of weak. Brian has some nice accents in the middle, but since I now have Gary Moore on the brain...
Friends Will Be Friends-For a song with 73m streams, I definitely don't recognize this either. There's some...not sure what it is, but there's a quality to Brian's playing here that reminds me and makes me long for Gary Moore. This is now the third time in 6 tracks that I've thought this.
Who Wants To Live Forever- What is this? Walt Disney? It kind of sounds like Brian singing at the beginning. And that guitar solo...I ain't saying it again. Freddie crushes this after the solo. I'm not yet at the end of the album yet, but I would think this would be a great album closer, and not a typical Side 2 opening track.
Gimme The Prize- End Of The World anyone? I'm sorry. I have no idea what to make of this. It's pretty rocking, I'll say that. Kind of a big tease like Tear It Up.
Don't Lose Your Head- Did Roger reject this from one of his own solo albums? Sounds like early 80's synth pop which definitely isn't my thing. OK..next..
Princes Of the Universe- Freddie only has ONE full writing credit? That's weird, isn't it? I must say, I'm a little disappointed in this finish. With a title like Princes Of the Universe, I was expecting some piano driven Freddie crushing ballad-y sing along thing. Not some 3 minute punchy rocker. If it were me, I'd have switched this and WWTLF. Princes would've been much better to kick off Side 2. I did like it though. Queen was always great when playing hard rock.
OK...
1. One song by Freddie? And it's the hard rock song of the album?
2. Brian's playing, his solos and accents, are interesting to me. They truly reminded me of Gary Moore. The intro solo to Gimme The Prize felt like it "borrowed" a small section of Gary's End Of The World intro solo.
3. One thing I've noticed about these last three 80's albums is that, I don't think it's the actual songs that are the issue. It feels that the choices the band made to present these songs is the issue. And it has more to do with some dumb harr rock fan hearing too many synthesizers. OK..maybe it is. :lol
I just feel like they didn't get the most out of these songs. I mean, 70m streams would tell me to go screw, but that is my opinion.
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The intro to Gimme The Prize is Brian showing what he learned from EVH after they did that Starfleet Project together. ;)
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KevShmev...you're comments as to IWTBF were spot on. Everyone prefers the longer single version to the album version. I had the question ready before the album posts, and should have put it out to everyone...even as a separate thread: 'How many single versions have been released that are noticeably longer than the album version?'
:tup :tup
As for A Kind of Magic, it has a handful of my favorite Queen songs, but the rest is a bit iffy.
One Vision, Who Wants to Live Forever and Princes of the Universe are all very high up on my list of favorite Queen songs.
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Solid Queen album, with one of my all time favorite tracks by anyone on it (Forever). The fact that "Princes" is not a Brian track and "Forever" is not a Freddie track is just :biggrin: I love every time a Queen writer takes on writing a song outside of their publicly designated box and tries on the box of one of the others for size.
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^
A shame that 'Forever' was not on the original vinyl as the closing track. Then I'd be OK with the song order they gave us. Or with POTU starting and WWTLF closing....as even Tim agreed with. ;)
It also should have been the closing song on Greatest sH*ts III. Then again, I'd have done a major overhaul on that one.
Back from vacation...should have the 12" versions up, along with a Highlander note tonight, and a few related comments (I did listen to the beginning of 'End Of The World'.....it does have a similar 'feel' to it, along with some EVH type of tapping going on at the great beginning of ‘Gimme The Prize’).
And then I can finally get to and complete the Magic tour before next weekend (and its three live albums).
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(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Flinernotes%2Fakom2.jpg&hash=23934288dd05b69ba41096de605b6900448ee6ff)
album inner sleeve
A KIND OF MAGIC 12" releases and Bonus Tracks
Again, ‘The A Kind Of Vision’ demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMAwXpkSlIg
12” releases
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/e/ef/Onevision122.jpg/595px-Onevision122.jpg)
One Vision (Extended Vision) b/w Blurred Vision (already posted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OGd4gplxQM 34 MILLION Views
It would not have hurt to have included 'Blurred Vision' on the 2011 bonus disc.
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(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/e/e1/Akom12pd.jpg/593px-Akom12pd.jpg)
A Kind Of Magic (12" version / A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling (already posted)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hwgtZhYbJQ
The extended version absolutely should have been on the bonus disc.
This is the version that was played the end of the ‘Highlander’ movie during the credits. In mono, and with a quick fade. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASw32qKppMw&list=PLXITYBwTulMN95WwC-Xf_kwobqlV5NXdm&index=5 1.7 MILLION VIEWS
Yet another bonus disc omission.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_Hk1P9K9ls this was the ‘Highlander’ bonus on the 2011 reissue. The instrumental ending remains, and is obviously more polished than the movie version.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/4/42/Fwbf12.jpg/605px-Fwbf12.jpg)
Friends Will Be Friends Will Be Friends b/w Friends Will Be Friends (album version) /Seven Seas Of Rhye https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK8dsRIdIko
FWBFWBF was a bonus track (I prefer it over the album version).
I would also have included the audio from the official video version as well on the bonus disc.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/1/1d/Wwtlf12.jpg)
Three months after the album was released.
Who Wants To Live Forever (single edit) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jtpf8N5IDE
/ Who Wants To Live Forever (album version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TsOPjZEF6E
Side B: Killer Queen / Forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d89qJSU_r44
Adding the instrumental at the end of the original album would have been a nice touch. As is, having this along with the 45 version of WWTLF three months after the album was released would have been the only reason to buy the single. A great reason at that, as it is a terrific version.
Slightly extended WWTLF version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeJs91wz_PM
Freddie singing the first two verses, as in the movie, and including the orchestra ending https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s5MApVQh70
Yet another omission on the bonus disc.
(Btw…you were correct Tim. Brian sang the first two verses, the line ‘but touch my tears with your lips’ later on, as well as the closing ‘who waits forever anyway?’ Other than the BV ‘this night and evermore’ line of ‘Las Palabras de Amor’ where his voice is the strongest, it’s his first solo lines since ‘Flash’s Theme’).
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/e/ec/Oyol12.jpg/600px-Oyol12.jpg)
ONE YEAR OF LOVE extended version b/w Gimme The Prize (France and Spain)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeK4eBW1SH8
I bought this as an anniversary present for over a hundred bucks back in the day
The demo version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itlzDoLB6JE Yet another omission.
EXTRAS
(https://preview.redd.it/2zz747i2ja961.png?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=fa2f3cc42c438a044c3d65a3e82ead49357c4e8d)
GIMME THE PRIZE This was never released as a single, but there is a good video and a couple of alternate versions available
A fan made alternate remix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHCIZxjF8ig
From ‘The eYe’… no radio intro, no sword noises, no ‘there can be only one’ or crashing windows at the end.
In ’98, a video game called ‘The eYe’ was released. The first track on each disc was the data track, the rest were short or complete karaoke versions of many songs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen:_The_eYe
Two slightly different versions of ‘Gimme The Prize’ were included. These did not have the movie dialogue. Sadly, they were not remixed as well as the other songs on ‘the game’.
Inst single version released a decade later https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TMjqqBSivw as the B-side of ‘NoOne But You’
Gimme The Prize movie version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZQUVZKrH3I&list=PLXITYBwTulMN95WwC-Xf_kwobqlV5NXdm&index=6
The alternate version would have made a nice addition on the bonus disc.
More omissions:
'Butterfly' demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvT2PB0vtkk 50 seconds of Brian at piano…there’s hints of ’Forever’ in there.
And then there’s ‘New York New York’. The first 47 seconds is from the movie, the remainder is the band version only https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtx5qYjSLNk with no annoying scream. And rather than hearing Kurgan laugh at the end, you get Freddie.
There is a demo called ‘Battle Scene’ that was available for years on youtube. No idea when it was removed, or what the original link was. An instrumental with lead guitar and ambient noises. Fantastic? No, but I’m glad I downloaded it, as it is also missing on the bonus disc.
And, finally, there is
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/46/Princesa.jpg)
PRINCES OF THE UNIVERSE, not released in UK (listed in a prior post)
B sides: "A Dozen Red Roses for My Darling" (US), "Who Wants to Live Forever" (Japan), "Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme)" (Australia)
)
Released: March 1986 (US), October 1986 (Japan)
Charts: Australia #32
2000 CD single: Netherlands #45
B-side ‘Was It All Worth It’
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEJ8lpCQbyw 38 MILLION VIEWS
POTU demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWdXO4MQOQU
This was also omitted from the bonus disc. Hell, I would have included this on the ‘Rocks’ release.
I bought the AKOM LP vinyl in ’86, Capitol and EMI CDs in ’89, the Hollywood re-issue in ’92. I would gladly have purchased the 2011 reissue at $20 had the bonus disc included the above listed omissions.
And, to finally stop beating a dead horse, there should have been the live versions of 'One Vision', 'A Kind Of Magic', and 'Who Wants To Live Forever' from Knebworth included.
Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the TV intros to ‘Highlander’. I remember tuning in very often at 3pm, just to hear the intro😀
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBYKLKS15yY
season 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgCFRwt050Y
season 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypyvcfnu4Gg
(the wife did meet Adrian Paul and Christopher Lambert at a Highlander convention)
(https://i0.wp.com/www.cancelledscifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/highlander-the-series.jpg?fit=928%2C594&ssl=1)
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HIGHLANDER The Movie
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Highlander_1986%2Cposter.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlander_(film)
Interesting wiki tidbits as to the soundtrack:
"The Highlander original orchestral score was composed by Michael Kamen. Marillion turned down the chance to record the soundtrack because they were on a world tour, a missed opportunity which guitarist Steve Rothery later said he regretted. The band's lead singer, Fish, had also accepted a part in the film but pulled out because of the scheduling conflict. David Bowie, Sting, and Duran Duran were considered to do the soundtrack for the film. Brian May was inspired to write "Who Wants to Live Forever" after watching the love scenes between Connor and his wife Heather, and the song ultimately accompanied the film.
Despite a mention in the end credits, to date a complete soundtrack album for Highlander has not been released. s): "Princes of the Universe", "Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme)", "One Year of Love", "Don't Lose Your Head", "Who Wants to Live Forever", and "A Kind of Magic". The album and single edits of "A Kind of Magic" feature a different mix from the one in the film; a 2011 re-release of the album includes the long-unreleased Highlander version of the song. The album does not include Queen's recording of "Theme from New York, New York", which features briefly in Highlander. "Hammer to Fall", a Queen song heard playing from a car radio in one scene."
Another 'lost opportunity' not to have included some of the orchestral arrangements on a bonus disc. For those who do like symphonic music (and those that don’t), there’s some very enjoyable moments throughout. And relaxing.
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Opening credits A shorter and earlier mixed version of ‘Princes Of The Universe’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMMeHdr9Cxg&list=PLXITYBwTulMN95WwC-Xf_kwobqlV5NXdm&index=11
Soundtrack Suite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHCFrhgTQoM
"Prelude" / "Connor's Flashback / Highlander Theme" /"Scotland, / The Clan MacLeod" / "Incident Under The Arena" / "Ramirez Arrives" / "Training Montage" / "Connor & Brenda's Love Scene"* / "Connor Defeats Kurgan / Silvercup Showdown" / "Highlander Theme Reprise"
* Who Wants To Live Forever
Highlander score divided up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuVtLOXvVNI&list=PLA_6nw_SiTT0F3r_OnHINsmWtylv745iA
‘Who Wants To Live Forever’ scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqFoiM0zxdY
‘A Kind Of Magic’ early version played during the ending credits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASw32qKppMw (posted earlier)
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Coming soon….their next album, even worse than 'Hot Space'.
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I was big into the Highlander TV series for a little bit growing up, and I always loved the Queen song on the opening credits. Always thought the movies were badly done in comparison to the TV show.
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Never saw the TV show, but as far as movies go they should have stuck with "there can only be one". The sequels were horrible and among the worst films ever made.
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The original movie was pretty cool. The sequels all sucked in various ways. The TV show wasn't bad. It expanded upon the lore of the immortals in a reasonably interesting way, which was pretty much necessary if you're going to keep cranking out new stories every week. They eventually kinda came full circle when they started making straight-to-video movies based on the TV series. Those weren't horrible, but by then the TV lore had expanded to the point where it was getting kinda dumb.
Totally off-topic: A friend of mine moved to France after we graduated, and ended up living there and picking up occassional acting gigs. He guest starred in an episode of Highlander: The Raven, which was a spinoff from the TV show and lasted one season. We were recording the series on our VCR. After a trip to France and hanging out with him for a while (during which time he'd told us about it), we returned to check out what had been recorded while we were gone, and the episode of The Raven just happened to be the one my friend was in, so that was pretty cool.
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LIVE MAGIC
Released: December 1, 1986 UK (EMI),
August 1996, USA (Hollywood)
Recorded: July-August 1986
Length: 47:10 (LP), 49:22 (CD)
Chart: UK #3, USA (not released)
Austria #13, West Germany #15, Netherlands #24, Switzerland #26, New Zealand #36, Sweden #50, Australia #51
2007: Spain #87
Certifications: Platinum in UK
Gold in Argentina, West Germany, Spain
Platinum in Poland and Switzerland
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/89/Queen_Live_Magic.png/220px-Queen_Live_Magic.png)
Freddie Mercury - lead vocals, piano, keyboards
Brian May - guitars, backing vocals
Roger Taylor - drums, backing vocals
John Deacon - bass guitar, backing vocals
Spike Edney - keyboards, guitar, backing vocals
Produced by Queen and Trip Khalaf
SIDE ONE
1. One Vision (5:09) *
2. Tie Your Mother Down (2:59) *
3. Seven Seas of Rhye (1:18) *
4. A Kind of Magic (5:32) #
5. Under Pressure (3:48) #
6. Another One Bites the Dust (5:52) *
SIDE TWO
7. I Want to Break Free (2:39) *
8. Is This the World We Created...? (1:29) W
9. Bohemian Rhapsody (4:39) *
10. Hammer to Fall (5:20) W
11. Radio Ga-Ga (4:23) *
12. We Will Rock You (1:32) *
13. Friends Will Be Friends (1:08) *
14. We Are the Champions (2:00) *
15. God Save the Queen (1:19) *
W Wembley, July 11th-12th: # Budapest, July 27th: * Knebworth Park, August 9th
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(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyB1z4HHlKKZDX9F2s3Y8LNVrpGQ1-_OWoOI_d0AXNnJY1OEt_46OZOl7lR4E1lLnwcCs&usqp=CAU)
Other than a couple of somewhat minor saving graces, from the crappy front cover to the crap on the vinyl, this is a total load of rubbish, and I have no idea WTF the band or EMI were thinking of at the time. :censored >:(
I happened to find it during the holidays of ’86, and was excited as hell to see that one Canadian copy of it in the record bin (it would not be released in the States until ’96 on CD).
And then I looked at the back sleeve. It was just one vinyl, even though it is a gatefold. WTW?!? A whole 47 minutes :tup Half the concert set list of the time is missing, and then a shortened version of ‘Under Pressure’, edited and bastardized versions of ‘Tie Your Mother Down’, ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘We Are The Champions’ where complete choruses and verses are removed. This gave me the assumption those segments were no longer played in concert.
Oh, and the opera section of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is missing. :angry: >:( :tup
I was under yet another wrong assumption, thinking they had removed it from their shows.
The only partial saving grace is that it has bits of their final concert at Knebworth: complete (yes, complete!) versions of 'One Vision' and 'Another One Bites The Dust', Freddie’s final concert farewell before him and Brian, Roger, and John exit the stage to ‘God Save The Queen’ for the last time together.
The CD version released in ’96 had the nerve to put an asterisk after ‘Under Pressure’, noting that it was the complete version. :facepalm: They could have added whatever they had available from ‘Knebworth’ including full versions of the other hatchet jobs on the original.
Yet another in a string of generally disappointing official releases by the band in that decade. It would be another six years before the buying public would get a true picture of what Queen had to offer on stage from that tour.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-3%2Flive-magic-uklpback.jpg&hash=c7249132f915c18e640b35a66236dbf3daf380b6)
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Thanks to Tim (as always) for sending along the Spotify numbers
1. One Vision....108k
2. Tie Your Mother Down....83k
3. Seven Seas Of Rhye....87k
4. A Kind Of Magic...,95k
5. Under Pressure....110k
6. Another One Bites The Dust....98.4k
7. I Want To Break Free....119k
8. Is This The World We Created....72k
9. Bohemian Rhapsody....124.6k
10. Hammer To Fall....84.2k
11. Radio Gaga....100.4k
12. We Will Rock You....79k
13. Friends Will Be Friends....63.2k
14. We Are The Champions....80k
15. God Save The Queen....61.2k
The numbers are deservedly low.
The reviews from progarchives are scathing, as they should be
http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=8232
I haven't graded or assigned point values to any of my prior album reviews. I will give a grade for this one, and it's simple: "Incomplete"
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EMI at the time were opposed to live double-CDs, they didn't think anyone would buy them. It's the reason why Iron Maiden had to split Real Live One / Real Dead One across two CDs, and why Genesis split The Way We Walk across two CDs. Queen could have gone the same route but chose to squeeze it all onto one CD.
Anyway, Live Magic is probably the worst live album ever. I can remember being so excited at this release, and so disappointed when I bought it. It's a horrible compromise between what Queen wanted to release and what EMI were prepared to release.
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Yeah, this is a complete bullshit release.
As I said before, A Kind Of Magic is my favorite Queen record, then seeing a live record called Live Magic, I thought it must have some tunes from my favorite record. Then it was only two and then one of those two was only a minute long. :facepalm:
I was never a big fan of Queen live but this one is the worst.
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As I said before, A Kind Of Magic is my favorite Queen record, then seeing a live record called Live Magic, I thought it must have some tunes from my favorite record. Then it was only two and then one of those two was only a minute long.
One Vision, A Kind Of Magic and Friends will Be Friends. That's three.
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See, this is so bad that I forgot almost everything about it. ;)
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Thank god they released not just one but technically 3 proper live albums from this tour afterwards. I say technically 3 because J have bath nights from Wembley in the DVD set.
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First of all, I hope some viewers came across a version or five of some tracks they had not heard before.
In response to the CuriousOrange's correct post as to the AKOM tracks on 'Live Tragic'
See, this is so bad that I forgot almost everything about it. ;)
All of my reviews are on separate Word docs to copy/paste/adjust as I go along. Some are mostly completed a month in advance. I totally forgot about that abomination of a release until last week. Go figure! ;)
Interesting as to the EMI attitude regarding double live album releases. As well as the fact that 'Live Magic' cost me exactly the same as 'Live Killers' ($5.99) :huh:
btw....I did purchase the 'Highlander' anniversary disc, which has the Michael Kamen tracks of all three movies. I have never watched a second of the sequels. The orchestral material is quite enjoyable of a listen.
and....Freddie did all of the BVs for 'New York, New York'. :tup
And...totally loved the totally off topic story, Orbert. :heart I hope your friend found some success in other endevours.
Let's move on from the worst Queen offering to some good/great stuff, shall we?
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The MAGIC Tour '86
The tour would run from June 7th to August 4th, with a couple of shows added during this time, and another tacked on at the end.. Coming on the heels of their legendary performance at Live Aid, with two major European hits AND an album that was released a week before the tour, Queen embarks on a mixture of arena shows and outdoor venues that would attract up to 200,000 attendees.
Once again, they've upped the ante as to their lighting rig.
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/rigs/1986_magic/00-best.jpg)
from queenconcerts.com:
"It took up to 20 tractor-trailers to transport one stage. And the band had three: one where they were performing, one being built, and one being taken down. Sixty trucks total for the entire Magic tour.
The amount of lights used is an unsure value, as it depended on the size of the venue and whether to use 4 folding light units or 6,…. or to use a TV screen or not. Or to use one back wall panel or three.
It took two days to construct a stage for Wembley Stadium. Therefore, the size of the rigs would vary.
Oh.......and John would eventually end up wearing waaaay too short of shorts on occasion :biggrin:
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-07_Stockholm_01.jpg)
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Songs added from the new album are ‘One Vision’, ‘A Kind Of Magic’, and ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’ (‘Friends Will Be Friends’ is sadly and anti-Pavlovian added to the encores the second night). A couple of acoustic oldies are added: ‘(You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care’, ‘Hello Mary Lou’ and the beginning of ‘Tutti Frutti’, before kicking it into overdrive.
‘It’s A Hard Life’ is the only ‘Works’ song dropped from the prior tour. ‘I Want To Break Free’ is replaced by ‘Radio Ga Ga’ as an encore, and is moved to earlier in the set. The complete version of ‘Now I’m Here’ is played for the first time since The Crazy Tour in ’79.
‘Big Spender’ would make a reappearance.
The one big omission is ‘Somebody To Love’. ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’, though nice, didn’t translate all that well on stage IMO. I would also have preferred ‘’39’ as an acoustic number (along with ‘Tutti Frutti’) replacing the two non Queen songs.
That said, the shows are generally one highlight after another. ‘One Vision’ and ‘A Kind Of Magic’ have a fire and energy double the studio versions, ‘Hammer To Fall’ is perfect after ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, as is ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ as the concert proper ending. And I was won over with ‘Radio Ga Ga’ moving from the concert closer to the encore opener.
In reading the descriptions, other than a couple of slightly off nights when temps were 40C/100F +, Freddie is in great voice, the band is improvising a bit more with lots of energy, and the crowds are into it (or more) every night.
***************
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/posters/1986-06-07.jpg)
Råsundastadion Stockholm, June 7th Attendance: 37,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia1ZB1jF7IQ Quality: A
One Vision / Tie Your Mother Down / In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Tear It Up / A Kind Of Magic / Under Pressure / Another One Bites The Dust / Who Wants To Live Forever / I Want To Break Free / Bohemian Rhapsody / impromptu / guitar solo / Now I'm Here / Love Of My Life / Is This The World We Created? / (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care / Hello Mary Lou / Tutti Frutti / Hammer To Fall / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Radio Ga Ga / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-07_Stockholm_15.jpg)
Freddie’s voice is strong after a year’s stage rest. The band is still riding the positive waves of Live Aid, and is more creative and playful on many songs. If you are (overly) familiar with the Wembley ’86 concert, you’ll notice many obvious differences that might take some getting used to. But it’s’all good, man 😉
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-07_Stockholm_09.jpg)
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The Groenoordhallen, Leiden, The Netherlands, June 11th, Attendance: 12,800 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uefQcbJmDQM Quality: A-
Uploaded a year ago, this is a matrix. The crowd is quite noticeable and over the top responsive and playful, as it always has been in Leiden. Freddie greets them with a ‘Hello, how are you bunch of cocks?’ :D before asking them to sing the football chant they were doing before the concert, and then the band follows with a short jam.
(The Crazy Game is back reviewing concerts, and his comments include his first score of ‘11’ for any song (that I’ve seen anyway) ‘A Kind Of Magic’ along with many effing superlatives 😊 ) And what a great singalong! What a great crowd! They take the lead in singing quite often.
Wow…the ‘Impromptu’ took me back to some of Freddie’s ‘The Prophet’s Song’ improvising, with some ‘Dragon Attack-ish’ ending before the solo.
I started my own little write up during this, just to check out a few moments here and there....and played it straight through! :tup Perfect? No. Not with the full version of ‘Friends Will Be Friends’ inserted between WWRY and WATC.
But is it fun? Oh, hell yes! One of my favorite shows of the tour by far.
This is also the first of ten Magic tour shows to be held indoors (with Brussels, Munich, Zürich, and Vienna being the other cities).
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-12_Leiden_24.jpg)
Leiden, June 12, second night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWDlNh7BHBA Quality: B
One of two nights on the tour that ‘Big Spender’ is played (so grateful for the other night), and the last time that the complete ‘Friends Will Be Friends’ is played. Same great crowd, just not as good of recording quality.
************
I'm going to stop here for the day, now that we’ve washed away the bad taste of ‘Live Magic’, before moving on to the ‘hottest ticket in the land’ performances.
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Considering my review of the album....let's just say the choice of Special Guest is ....ironic. :lol
Gary's set is also on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtchHDR9npQWwn9Jz7KF3w3afw2NDvHnM
Sounds like it could've been recorded by the same guy.
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Considering my review of the album....let's just say the choice of Special Guest is ....ironic. :lol
Oh, c'mon, no fair….you peeked! ;)
Man, it does sound like the same person. I'm certainly going to come back to this entire show some time before the end of the year. Good stuff! :tup
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i just wanted to reply that i LOVE this thread as i'm learning all kinds of new (to me) details about Queen. Plus the awesome bootlegs with footnotes, really just wanted to thank you guys ^^
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First of all, I hope some viewers came across a version or five of some tracks they had not heard before.
In response to the CuriousOrange's correct post as to the AKOM tracks on 'Live Tragic'
See, this is so bad that I forgot almost everything about it. ;)
All of my reviews are on separate Word docs to copy/paste/adjust as I go along. Some are mostly completed a month in advance. I totally forgot about that abomination of a release until last week. Go figure! ;)
Interesting as to the EMI attitude regarding double live album releases. As well as the fact that 'Live Magic' cost me exactly the same as 'Live Killers' ($5.99) :huh:
btw....I did purchase the 'Highlander' anniversary disc, which has the Michael Kamen tracks of all three movies. I have never watched a second of the sequels. The orchestral material is quite enjoyable of a listen.
and....Freddie did all of the BVs for 'New York, New York'. :tup
And...totally loved the totally off topic story, Orbert. :heart I hope your friend found some success in other endevours.
Let's move on from the worst Queen offering to some good/great stuff, shall we?
I get the criticisms of Live... Magic!, and it's been rectified with the release of the two Wembley shows, but that's not to say that QUEEN was bad on that live record. The version of One Vision is excellent, and that may be the best version of Under Pressure I've ever heard. It was, for me, the next step through the gateway into the juggernaut that is Queen as a live band. I actually listened to it the other day (to try to hear the ending of One Vision).
I just bought the Wembley DVD and the CD set (coincidence) so when they get added to the iPod, I may not listen to Live... Magic! again, but so be it. It's not because of the material, only the presentation.
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i just wanted to reply that i LOVE this thread as i'm learning all kinds of new (to me) details about Queen. Plus the awesome bootlegs with footnotes, really just wanted to thank you guys ^^
'You're welcome'. :tup I've learned so much along the way as well.
I get the criticisms of Live... Magic!, and it's been rectified with the release of the two Wembley shows, but that's not to say that QUEEN was bad on that live record. The version of One Vision is excellent, and that may be the best version of Under Pressure I've ever heard. It was, for me, the next step through the gateway into the juggernaut that is Queen as a live band. I actually listened to it the other day (to try to hear the ending of One Vision).
I just bought the Wembley DVD and the CD set (coincidence) so when they get added to the iPod, I may not listen to Live... Magic! again, but so be it. It's not because of the material, only the presentation.
No arguments here. It was a real shame, and almost a slap in the face of any fan, that it was the only thing from that tour at our disposal for six years. And the only thing on vinyl other than 'Live Killers' for thirteen. :tdwn
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....on with the shows.......
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-14_Paris_04.jpg)
Hippodrome de Vincennes Paris, France June 14th, Attendance: 60,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWs6NsE7vEc&t=67s Quality: A-
Great recording, Freddie is again in great voice, the band is in great form. The singalong occurs after ‘Tie Your Mother Down
DVD amateur video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb6fV-_cstY
This is shaky as all hell, but there’s a few decent moments when skimming around
Freddie enters the stage for the first time in his Queen of England outfit, and other than at Shane Castle, would do so for the remainder of the tour.
*****************************
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-17_Brussels_15.jpg)
The Forest National, Brussels, Belgium June 17th, Attendance: 9,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgmAH-Gf8zU Quality: A
quoting Ryan Newton: "This is the smallest show Queen played on the Magic Tour. Their massive soundscape that they achieved in 1986 can be heard nowhere better than on this recording, as the small indoor arena gives massive natural reverb and really sounds awesome, especially when the recording is as good as this. Not only is the sound fantastic, but the performance is phenomenal, with the band playing furiously. We Will Rock You has to be one of, if not the greatest version ever (not only does Freddie nearly replicate the studio vocals, but guitar-drums interplay makes it one of the funkiest versions of all time). Other fantastic renditions such as Radio Ga Ga, Friends Will Be Friends, and In the Lap of the Gods Revisited ranks this show as one of the best of the Magic Tour."
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(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenconcerts.com%2Finc%2Fposters%2F1986-06-11.jpg&hash=16bb031790e68a3d268896579cd43a0c46036661)
As evidenced by this early poster, due to ticket demand of the June 12th and 13th shows, this third night was added.
Groenoordhallen, Leiden, The Netherlands June 19th, Attendance: 12,800 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tjw3-bvdbg Quality: B
The support act, a German band called Craaft, didn't last long because they were booed off the stage. When it was announced that they were going to play their last song, the audience cheered.
Not the best recording, but Freddie and Brian are each in top form. Plus, it’s yet another festive Leiden crowd, and well worth skimming through for their responses between songs, as well as the chorus throughout.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-19_Leiden_12.jpg)
*****
Maimarktgelände, Mannheim, Germany, June 21, Attendance 87,500
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/de/3d/21/de3d2149ed4a4ba1ee1ebfa9910f9cdd.jpg)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maimarktgel%C3%A4nde#/media/File:Marillion_Fish_OpenAir_Mannheim_Maimarktgelaende_1986_06_21.jpg)
Marillion[/b] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYhnztTu-o0
01.Garden Party 02.Freaks 03.Assassing 04.Pseudo Silk Kimono 05.Kayleigh 06.Lavender 07.Bitter Suite 08.Heart of Lothian 09.Waterhole (Expresso Bongo) 10.Lords of the Backstage 11.Blind Curve 12.Childhood's End? 13.White Feather 14.Forgotten Sons
Short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYXrGhM971U
Level42 and Gary Moore also appeared
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lddEU_Bu0SU%2FW8T56etNSwI%2FAAAAAAAA21A%2FXm04FjTOIwcmXoNYR6chY47tUTzQzhKsACK4BGAYYCw%2Fs1600%2Frevisited1.jpg&hash=df266b69f94ba80f802cca22e5ac58711348ea2b)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l6OrvIizZo&list=PLtchHDR9npQVumznI8xUlC2d6dACVmT3R
*******
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-21_Mannheim_24.jpg)
QUEEN performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUahFZ1lIhE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ut2Vk5l2lM (starts with 'Tie Your Mother Down') Quality: A
Note: the first link is silent during 'most of Bohemian Rhapsody', the second link is missing most of the show, but does include BoRhap.
Both Marillion's and Queen's shows were broadcast on radio. The sound is superb.
Brian tosses in the riff of The Beatles' 'I Feel Fine' after the impromptu. Towards the end of his solo spot, he also plays bits of the melody from 'Golden Days', a song he wrote for Japanese pop sensation Minako Honda and would produce in 1987.
Special note: John is quite prominent in the mix, which doesn't happen often. This might be the best Queen concert I've heard where the bass is this upfront, and it sounds great, and his playing often left me shaking my head. Of course he's good! I just didn't realize how good, and how much he 'roamed' during his playing.
******
The Waldbühne, Berlin, West Germany, June 26th, Attendance: 22,300 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olGjHnd6scY Quality: A/A-
An outdoor venue where the mosquitoes are as prevalent as their last visit. After five days off, Freddie’s in great voice. ‘Immigrant’s Song’ is attempted for some strange reason, and not that well.
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06_Munich_backstage_01.jpg)
The Olympiahalle, Munich, West Germany June 29th, Attendance: 16,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zphseMJkRSk
Quality: A-/B+
The second of Queen's two shows at their 'home away from home'. They put a lot of "oomph" into their playing tonight, and Freddie is in great voice. Brian is in his element tonight, really putting in a bit of extra effort, evident in the unique bit of 'Keep Yourself Alive' after Bo Rhap and his killer solo in 'A Kind of Magic', among other great moments from him tonight.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-28_Munich_10.jpg)
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second night....The Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzerland July 2nd, Attendance: 11,400 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf4dCybVBt4 Quality: A-
Freddie's voice is not in great shape tonight, which is most likely why the band skip out on In The Lap Of The Gods...Revisited and Who Wants To Live Forever.
It was also 40 degrees C, 104 degrees F that day. Add the heat from the lights into the mixture, and…..
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-06-29_Munich_02.jpg)
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Slane Castle, Slane, Ireland, July 5th Attendance: 95,000 – 110,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vji8mIFvU-w Quality: A-/B/B-
Many things made this show unique. First, Queen takes the stage at 6pm, so the performance is almost all in the daylight. This concert is most remembered for the fight that broke out early in the show, during which Freddie halts the performance (it's time stamped on the youtube page). He then does his vocal improv with the audience before the show resumes with ‘Tear It Up’. Considering many showed up six hours before the first act might have had a slight impact as to the crowd behavior.
Along with other unique additions to the set, which includes ‘Gimme Some Lovin', ‘Keep Yourself Alive (Improv)’, and ‘Danny Boy’ in the guitar solo, this makes for a great concert. The impromptu at this show really jumps out as one of the best with some awesome jamming.
The band were supposed to have taped the concert, but someone accidentally pulled the plug. There’s various merges of audience recordings done here, some of not so good quality.
Freddie does not come out in his gown and crown during the end of WATC. Again, no GSTQ is played. The ADATR outro is not played, but rather the emcee simply tells everyone that the show is over. Worth the listen just for this unique ending.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-05_Slane_08.jpg)
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IleuNFHE--M sometimes, anyways. This how NOT how to do a handheld taping….too close to the stage, amongst people who have been partying for six plus hours, and, who knows, the taper might have been as well. :D
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-05_Slane_38.jpg)
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(https://vintagerock.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/queentix86.jpg)
St. James Park Newcastle, July 9th, Attendance: 38,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNuZ7FmVQFM Quality: A-
Special Event: Save The Children Charity Concert
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-09_Newcastle_05.jpg)
First of five UK shows, all multi track recorded, and not all released.
All 38,000 tickets sold out in an hour!
Status Quo and Zeno were the support acts (INXS were supposed to be on the bill, but the truck with their gear crashed on the way to the gig). Status Quo played a longer set to compensate.
There were quite a few kids from the Save The Children fund in the VIP seats (who got to meet the band after the show). After visiting some of the SCF activities in the area, Brian dedicated Is This The World We Created to them. "The proceeds of this concert are going to the Save The Children people." He acknowledges the kids in front of him, "For you, and to all the people who work for the Save The Children the whole year round."
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-09_Newcastle_02.jpg)
tomorrow: "the hottest ticket this country's ever seen"
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WEMBLEY STADIUM, July 11th and 12th
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/watermark.php?type=ticket&filename=1986-07-11m.jpg)
(https://preview.redd.it/0eih468o4u361.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=e27bb1c26e40584185a95b6fb233b555881cc201)
Before we get to the shows....
News broadcast from July 11th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyf9_cEJsPo
Of note, due to the demand where hundred of thousands could not get tickets for either night, it is announced that the following night’s show would be broadcast on radio and television in October. That broadcast provides the source for many incomplete bootlegs.
It’s not an exaggeration that these tickets would be the hottest selling ever at the time, (quoting Brian), as both shows sold out in under two hours. A third show had been pushed for, but Wembley was not available. Instead, one additional show would be added at the end of the tour schedule. Little did anyone know at the time……..
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MAGIC Tour Indoor Rehearsal (including the lighting rig) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C336a2XS84k
Before the tour, one needs to practice. This is listed as 'Wembley', but they would have taken the day off after Newcastle. Plus, they're working out some of the bugs as to when certain lights should be on during 'Now I'm Here', of how far the lighting rig should lower, etc. But....I came across it a week ago, and found it quite fascinating.
The sound is much like a bar or small theater. Plus, it's one of the few times where one actually gets to see the rig in action. :tup
Under 16 minutes of footage: ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ (ending, complete with flash pods), ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’, ‘Tear It Up’, ‘A Kind Of Magic’, ‘Now I’m Here’, ‘I Want To Break Free’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
4:50 ending of AKOM, lights and all
Beginning of Now I'm Here…Freddie stops it, and discusses what lights shouldn’t be used
9:48 noodling at the piano before a 99% complete BoRhap, with perhaps the best filming of the opera section lighting of this tour (no artsy BS involved). This is 'only' a rehearsal, and yet it is a fantastic performance! :tup :tup :tup
(oh, and Roger in full body striped outfit while John’s bouncing around almost as much as Freddie 😉)
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on to the meat and potatoes (or Shephard's Pie) of this post....
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/d458186bae6f7335ca8a39993f0d6199/4fa16825f6168033-70/s1280x1920/0d81988e5a8b9ddd1e8f028584df33746fe111e4.jpg)
Audience recording
Wembley Stadium, London, July 11th, Attendance: 72,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHSl2rZ_L5Y Grade: A-
The first of the two memorable concerts at this famed venue, almost a year to the day of their legendary performance at ‘Live Aid’. Support acts were INXS at 4pm, followed by The Alarm and Status Quo.
(am jealous of two friends who flew over and saw both shows....and those on this forum who did the same. :tup)
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e1/2b/c4/e12bc4e846ee8d701ff5c8b1f2b60b9d.jpg)
Second night, Saturday, July 12th, Attendance: 72,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfcXzZAwc2o&t=12s Grade: A
Taken from the radio broadcast. Sadly, nine songs are missing. Quite worth listening to in spots, as this is minus all overdubs (the same with the first nights audience recording) and has a warm but ‘less polished’ sound compared to the official release.
The complete shows for both nights are included next…
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DvqQIU-WwAAQYKK.jpg)
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LIVE AT WEMBLEY ‘86
Recorded: July 12, 1986
Released: May 26, 1992, UK (Parlophone), USA (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK#2, USA #53
Portugal #1, New Zealand #3, Austria #6, Switzerland #6, Netherlands #12, Hungary #13, Germany #13, Sweden #29
Chart (2005–06): Italy #13, Spain #14, Ireland #91
Chart (2020): Portugal #37
Certifications: Platinum in UK and USA
Gold in Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland
Platinum in France and Spain
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/Queen_Live_At_Wembley_%2786.png)
QUEEN are: Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Roger Taylor, Brian May
Additional keyboards, guitar and vocals: Spike Edney
Procuduced by Queen
Recorded by Mack
Mixed by Brian Malouf
Tour production manager: Gerry Stickells Band assistants: Chris Taylor and Joe Fanelli Guitar technician: Brian Zellis
Keyboard and bass technicians: Peter Hince and John Collins
Concert sound: Trip Khalaf
*********************
SIDE ONE
One Vision 5:50
Tie Your Mother Down 3:52
In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited 2:44
Seven Seas Of Rhye 1:19
Tear It Up 2:12
A Kind Of Magic 8:41
Under Pressure 3:41
Another One Bites The Dust 4:54
SIDE TWO
Who Wants To Live Forever 5:16
I Want To Break Free 3:34
Impromptu 2:55
Brighton Rock Solo 9:11
Now I'm Here 6:19
CD Disc Two
SIDE THREE
Love Of My Life 4:47
Is This The World We Created...? 2:59
(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care 1:34
Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart) 1:24
Tutti Frutti 3:23
Gimme Some Lovin' 1:55
Bohemian Rhapsody 5:50
Hammer To Fall 5:36
SIDE FOUR
Crazy Little Thing Called Love 6:27
Big Spender 1:07
Radio Ga Ga 5:57
We Will Rock You 2:46
Friends Will Be Friends 2:08
We Are The Champions 4:05
God Save The Queen 1:27
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fqueenjewels.free.fr%2Fimg%2Flp%2F2732.jpg&hash=eaa9cf8d1e83a4a7c0ed857d31b21afb33f90060)
This is more like it……and it wasn’t their best show of the tour from many accounts (the prior night might have been better). But its a complete Magic tour performance, with the band lively in front of the cameras and their hometown crowd.
Before 'Love Of My Life', Brian didn't have a lot to say during his point of the show when the guitarist speaks now and again. "Thanks for making this show the hottest ticket this country's ever seen. You're great! We luv ya!"
Both shows sold out in two hours. Another was attempted, but Wembley Stadium was already booked. Because of ticket demand and this situation, an additional night at Knebworth Park was scheduled and added to the end of the tour. Little did anyone know at the time.......
I mentioned waaay back that I wish 'Somebody To Love' had replaced 'Who Wants To Live Forever', and that ''39 would have made for a rousing replacement of two of the singalong oldies. But the rest of the set, with 'Big Spender' reappearing for only the second time in years, is terrific. As are the performances of everything else. The 'Ay Oh' singalong video is stll played at Queen+AL concerts, and was played during the closing ceremony of the London Summer Olympics.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Ftestpage1%2Fwembleyback.jpg&hash=09bacd1307cd3303207d15cbef69180e42584fff)
2003 reissue
Bonus Tracks: A Kind Of Magic, Another One Bites The Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Tavaszi Szel Vizet Araszt
This also had the full version of ‘Tutti Frutti’ (just for that, it was worth the additional purchase price to me)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71g40mlbinL._SL1072_.jpg)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/1/1c/Wembleyreissueukrev.jpg)
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LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM DVD
(originally released on VHS in 1990)
DVD release: 2003, UK (EMI), USA (Hollywood Records)
Re-issued: 2011 (Universal)
Charts: UK #1, Australia #1, Norway #3, Austria #5
2005: Hungary #7
2018-19: UK #1
Australia #1, Switzerland #1, Spain #2
Certifications: 4x Platinum in UK, 5x Platinum in USA
? in Italy
Gold in Austria
Platinum in Mexico
2x Platinum in Australia
4x Platinum in Germany
11x Platinum in Portugal
(https://www.fye.com/dw/image/v2/BBNF_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-fye-master/default/dw6be75aae/86c/86c792/86c7923b-074c-4f11-ab78-b70b3ff24590.jpg?sw=1000)
The recorded concert was first seen on British TV in October 1986, transmitted in mono. It was broadcast simultaneously on radio in stereo so that viewers had the option to play the audio on a nearby radio and enjoy “the world’s first ever stereo simulcast”.
The recording was first commercially released in December 1990 as an edited VHS (missing 9 songs), then as the Live at Wembley '86 audio CD in 1992. This was followed by a DVD release as Queen: Live at Wembley Stadium (in its entirety) to coincide with the CD rerelease in 2003.
The re-issued DVD in 2011 added the Friday night show as well. For once, they nailed it with the bonus disc! :tup
*****
VIDEO Friday, July 11th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQRHN_zKb8g&list=PLsP_qYAkJM0vEM_TPVswggOYA7oykcT-I (separate tracks)
This footage was a test run for Saturday’s filming. 'Gimme Some Lovin' and ‘Big Spender’ were not played this night.
VIDEO, Saturday, July 12th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCu9YvSM9QA
I had the original VHS, and even though nine songs were missing (such as 'Impromptu', the guitar solo and 'Now I'm Here, the medley and the oldies), it had the main songs to somewhat satisfy me. And then I bought the vinyl, the '92 and '03 CDs. And the '03 DVD. Some day I'll spend the money on yet another hard copy just to have the first night in my collection. Or, I'll suffer through the irritating youtube ads for free.
(seeing Freddie perform what was available on VHS certainly felt a lot different in '90 than it did after his passing....)
(https://www.musik-sammler.de/cover/3000/2952_1_1452364732_300.jpg)
As with the audio release, fans finally had a complete Magic tour show. For many, their first Queen purchase, or their first experience with any live material since 'Live Killers' over two decades earlier. Freddie as only Freddie could be. I do wish Brian's guitar sounded better on BoRhap, that there were more views of Roger from behind the kit showing the crowd, rather than close ups on him, and...... that John could have at least found some longer shorts! :lol And the usual, fewer close ups or shots of just Freddie, and no frickin video during the operatic section! :censored >:( But that's me. Everything else is fab-you-luss!!!
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/813XoX5TAnL._SL1500_.jpg)
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I needed to test an old DVD player just the other day, and I picked this video as the tester. I honestly forgot I had it. Always loved the (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care/Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)/Tutti Frutti/Gimme Some Lovin' section.
The CD got a ton of play with me and my friends back in high school.
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and...... that John could have at least found some longer shorts! :lol
Those shorts were the height of fashion in 86, at least here in the UK. Everyone was wearing them. There's nothing so dated as yesterday's fashion!
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Gonna peel through the Wembley stuff later today and pull up a live show or two from the tour.
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I once again flew over from NJ (USA) for these two shows. This time was REALLY more of a vacation as I went with my fiancee, her brother and his fiancee, so there was no "meeting" of any English women this time ;) When these shows were announced we made travel plans immediately as we KNEW Queen weren't coming stateside. I wasn't thrilled about having to see them outdoors, but it was what it was. While myself and my future BIL went to both shows, the future wives went sightseeing. It worked out for many reasons...1) Scalping the tickets outside was a nightmare and VERY EXPENSIVE, 2) It was very hot both days and the women would've just been uncomfortable, 3) The first show we were on the field and it was jam packed and NOT something either woman would've wanted, 4) The second show we waited until after the show began with the opening bands to secure tickets (didn't really help the cost) and spent more time just walking around the stadium checking everything out before QUEEN came on and basically moved around alot during the performance to try and get better views. The shows were both great, but the QUEEN I REALLY LOVED was gone by this point. More pop/rock stars now than real rockers like the seventies, but I still LOVED them. We spent the next week sightseeing and taking in the local establishments and left for home on Friday. Not realizing that this was the final tour, the whole experience hit me with a great amount of appreciation years later. I feel truly blessed that I got to see THE GREATEST BAND EVER on EVERY tour they did from '74-'86. Spent a lot of money, but IT WAS A WORTHWHILE EXPERIENCE! ;)
WEMBLEY STADIUM, July 11th and 12th
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/watermark.php?type=ticket&filename=1986-07-11m.jpg)
(https://preview.redd.it/0eih468o4u361.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=e27bb1c26e40584185a95b6fb233b555881cc201)
Before we get to the shows....
News broadcast from July 11th https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyf9_cEJsPo
Of note, due to the demand where hundred of thousands could not get tickets for either night, it is announced that the following night’s show would be broadcast on radio and television in October. That broadcast provides the source for many incomplete bootlegs.
It’s not an exaggeration that these tickets would be the hottest selling ever at the time, (quoting Brian), as both shows sold out in under two hours. A third show had been pushed for, but Wembley was not available. Instead, one additional show would be added at the end of the tour schedule. Little did anyone know at the time……..
*************
MAGIC Tour Indoor Rehearsal (including the lighting rig) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C336a2XS84k
Before the tour, one needs to practice. This is listed as 'Wembley', but they would have taken the day off after Newcastle. Plus, they're working out some of the bugs as to when certain lights should be on during 'Now I'm Here', of how far the lighting rig should lower, etc. But....I came across it a week ago, and found it quite fascinating.
The sound is much like a bar or small theater. Plus, it's one of the few times where one actually gets to see the rig in action. :tup
Under 16 minutes of footage: ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ (ending, complete with flash pods), ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’, ‘Tear It Up’, ‘A Kind Of Magic’, ‘Now I’m Here’, ‘I Want To Break Free’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
4:50 ending of AKOM, lights and all
Beginning of Now I'm Here…Freddie stops it, and discusses what lights shouldn’t be used
9:48 noodling at the piano before a 99% complete BoRhap, with perhaps the best filming of the opera section lighting of this tour (no artsy BS involved). This is 'only' a rehearsal, and yet it is a fantastic performance! :tup :tup :tup
(oh, and Roger in full body striped outfit while John’s bouncing around almost as much as Freddie 😉)
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on to the meat and potatoes (or Shephard's Pie) of this post....
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/d458186bae6f7335ca8a39993f0d6199/4fa16825f6168033-70/s1280x1920/0d81988e5a8b9ddd1e8f028584df33746fe111e4.jpg)
Audience recording
Wembley Stadium, London, July 11th, Attendance: 72,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHSl2rZ_L5Y Grade: A-
The first of the two memorable concerts at this famed venue, almost a year to the day of their legendary performance at ‘Live Aid’. Support acts were INXS at 4pm, followed by The Alarm and Status Quo.
(am jealous of two friends who flew over and saw both shows....and those on this forum who did the same. :tup)
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e1/2b/c4/e12bc4e846ee8d701ff5c8b1f2b60b9d.jpg)
Second night, Saturday, July 12th, Attendance: 72,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfcXzZAwc2o&t=12s Grade: A
Taken from the radio broadcast. Sadly, nine songs are missing. Quite worth listening to in spots, as this is minus all overdubs (the same with the first nights audience recording) and has a warm but ‘less polished’ sound compared to the official release.
The complete shows for both nights are included next…
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DvqQIU-WwAAQYKK.jpg)
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after Wembley.....
QUEEN after Wembley
DICKY HART and The Pacemakers
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-12_London_party_09.jpg)
After the Saturday show, billed as "Dicky Hart And The Pacemakers" for fun, Queen and some other stars had a jam session at the Kensington Roof Gardens Night Club. Tutti Frutti and Sweet Little Rock And Roller were among the songs played. Short video clips have turned up in documentaries, like The Magic Years. Samantha Fox, Cliff Richards, Gary Glitter and Spandau Ballet were present, along with other listed below
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-12_London_party_04.jpg)
Cliff Richards. One memorable stage appearance of the two awaits…..
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-12_London_party_07.jpg)
john Deacon with crew members John Collins and Peter ‘Ratty’ Hince.
Samantha Fox recalls: "I sang with Freddie Mercury at a party once and that was fantastic. I couldn’t believe it when he pulled me up. It was their private party in Kensington. As soon as you got into the lift there were naked women painted green, like a forest. They had midgets with little trays of drinks. You just knew it was going to be a brilliant party. Queen took the stage and they jammed for about an hour [the party itself went until about 9am]. It was amazing. And Gary Glitter got up, too! He pulled me up and asked me what songs I knew. And you know when you can’t think? I asked if he knew Touch Me and he laughed and said, 'What about Go Johnny Go?’ We ended up singing that together. It was amazing to do a duet with Freddie."
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-12_London_party_01.jpg)
with Samantha Fox
The party itself was a tame affair for a mere 500 guests, including designers Yves St Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, David and Elizabeth Emanuel, and Queen's old colleague Zandra Rhodes, who'd designed outfits for them in 1974. One publication recalls, "Queen held a famous party after their Wembley concert in July 1986 at the Roof Garden above Kensington High Street where 500 guests included Cliff Richard, Spandau Ballet and Gary Glitter. 'The uniform of every waiter, boy or girl, was body paint,' remembers Gary. 'At first you didn't notice they had nothing on, then you did a double take and thought, Wow! Only Queen would have thought to do this.' Among the other delights laid on for the guests were a scantily-clad woman on duty in the men's toilet and an equally under-dressed gent in the ladies ready to render whatever assistance was asked. That night Freddie made a point of being seen with Mary Austin on his arm. His boyfriend Jim Hutton was nowhere in sight."
courtesy queenlive.ca
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Spotify numbers thanks to Tim yet again! :tup :tup
1. One Vision....6.9m
2. Tie Your Mother Down....5.3m
3. In The Lap Of The Gods....5.9m
4. Seven Seas Of Rhye....4.5m
5. Tear It Up....3.7m
6. A Kind Of Magic....7.1m
7. Under Pressure....10.2m
8. Another On Bites The Dust....7.9m
9. Who Wants To Live Forever....6.2m
10. I Want To Break Free....8.7m
11. Impromptu....3m
12 Brighton Rock Solo....2.6m
13. Now I'm Here....2.9m
1. Love Of My Live....13.4m
2. Is This The World We Created....3.6m
3. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care....2.7m
4. Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)....3m
5. Tutti Frutti....3m
6. Gimme Some Lovin'....2.3m
7. Bohemian Rhapsody....15.8m
8. Hammer To Fall....4.7m
9. Crazy Little Thing Called Love....5.4m
10. Big Spender....2.2m
11. Radio Ga Ga....8m
12. We Will Rock You....6.3m
13. Friends Will Be Friends....3.6m
14. We Are The Champions....5.6m
15. God Save The Queen....2.4m
just throwing this video in of WWRY, WATC, and GSTQ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY8qFCcTSOA What I tend to listen to after a memorable sporting event win.
And just like the official cassette release, FWBF is not included (which is how I listen to the album)
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I needed to test an old DVD player just the other day, and I picked this video as the tester. I honestly forgot I had it. Always loved the (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care/Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)/Tutti Frutti/Gimme Some Lovin' section.
The CD got a ton of play with me and my friends back in high school.
I hurt the sales of the CD, as I probably had a dozen friends and coworkers that I recorded cassettes for. Though I would have preferred ''39, the acoustic section really worked for me after seeing it performed.
and...... that John could have at least found some longer shorts! :lol
Those shorts were the height of fashion in 86, at least here in the UK. Everyone was wearing them. There's nothing so dated as yesterday's fashion!
I was still wearing them in the '00s....but never on stage ;)
I once again flew over from NJ (USA) for these two shows. This time was REALLY more of a vacation as I went with my fiancee, her brother and his fiancee, so there was no "meeting" of any English women this time ;) When these shows were announced we made travel plans immediately as we KNEW Queen weren't coming stateside. I wasn't thrilled about having to see them outdoors, but it was what it was. While myself and my future BIL went to both shows, the future wives went sightseeing. It worked out for many reasons...1) Scalping the tickets outside was a nightmare and VERY EXPENSIVE, 2) It was very hot both days and the women would've just been uncomfortable, 3) The first show we were on the field and it was jam packed and NOT something either woman would've wanted, 4) The second show we waited until after the show began with the opening bands to secure tickets (didn't really help the cost) and spent more time just walking around the stadium checking everything out before QUEEN came on and basically moved around alot during the performance to try and get better views. The shows were both great, but the QUEEN I REALLY LOVED was gone by this point. More pop/rock stars now than real rockers like the seventies, but I still LOVED them. We spent the next week sightseeing and taking in the local establishments and left for home on Friday. Not realizing that this was the final tour, the whole experience hit me with a great amount of appreciation years later. I feel truly blessed that I got to see THE GREATEST BAND EVER on EVERY tour they did from '74-'86. Spent a lot of money, but IT WAS A WORTHWHILE EXPERIENCE! ;)
Ha ha ha ha haa....! I'll bet it was worth it!!! :tup
(the amount of correspondence sent to and received from Queen fans (and that I've sent to those unaware) that included your closing line probably amounts to well over a thousand all these years later :)).
My wife and I just got back from a gathering, and total driving time amounted to enough time to listen to my one disc edited version. From OV on through the 'Ay-oh' segment, and 'Tutti Frutti' to the end.....was volume up, head bobbing, very little talk time. To have actually been there....and both nights.....just 'wow!' :hefdaddy
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So, I'm about a half hour through the Wembley video.
Damn, the band came to play! One Vision :metal
John Deacon seems particularly up for this show...
...and worst rock star hair ever! :lol
...and what's with the green t shirt and yellow shorts?? :lol :lol
I Want To Break Free is awesome on this!
I think Now I'm Here is one of their best songs.
Bohemian Rhapsody :hefdaddy
Wow, phenomenal show. We Are The Champions crushed it!
Was that Spike Edney onstage at the end or Richard Simmons? ;D
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Great show? Yes. :tup
They crushed it? Yes. :tup
John's hair? Not as bad as in the Radio GaGa video. :laugh:
Richard Simmons... :huh: Spike is chiseled while being quite handsome.
How much chowder did you consume while you were watching this? :D
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I hadn't seen these shows in a loooong while for some reason. Cranked them up last weekend in preparation to this thread and they were so, so, so amazing. I prefer the acoustic jam and Crazy Little Thing from the first night, for everything else it's the second night all the way.
Y'all leave John Deacon's style choices out of this :lol the dumb round perm of the mid 80's (yes, including the long one in Radio Gaga) is miles better than his accountant look. And yeah, Spike was handsome, but he also looked like a regular 80's musician and they look like a bunch of mystical elves trying to fit in with mortals during this show, so I can see the visual dissonance TAC is talking about!
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I hadn't seen these shows in a loooong while for some reason. Cranked them up last weekend in preparation to this thread and they were so, so, so amazing. I prefer the acoustic jam and Crazy Little Thing from the first night, for everything else it's the second night all the way.
Y'all leave John Deacon's style choices out of this :lol the dumb round perm of the mid 80's (yes, including the long one in Radio Gaga) is miles better than his accountant look. And yeah, Spike was handsome, but he also looked like a regular 80's musician and they look like a bunch of mystical elves trying to fit in with ]immortals during this show, so I can see the visual dissonance TAC is talking about!
FTFY ;)
Yeah....over three decades after seeing it for the first time, years since my last viewing.....what a joy it was for me!!! :tup
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Back on the road again……
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-16_Manchester_26.jpg)
Status Quo
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-16_Manchester_13.jpg)
Maine Road, Manchester, England July 16th, 35,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I6EBfRoK-I Quality: B+
After Wembley and their 'Dicky Hart and The Pacemakers' gig, Queen take a few days off to recharge. Freddie's voice sounds even better than the weekend at Wembley, it takes the band a few songs to get their legs, and though it isn't without flaws, is a good show.
AUDIENCE VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHl6DX581FU Wow, this is shaky as all :censored! However, if you can make your way through the beginning of AKOM, parts of the guitar solo, BoRhap, CLTCL, and WATC….you get to see the band’s movement on stage, as well as the lighting rig (at times actually annoying due to the changes per beat). It is the best viewing of BoRhap this tour, as you see it the way the audience did.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live_thumbnails/86-07-16_Manchester_18.jpg)
***************
Müngersdorfer Stadion, Cologne, West Germany July 19th, Attendance: 50,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsyGYKMYqe4 Quality: A-/B
it's Brian's 39th Birthday, he plays a bit of '39. It's the last time the song would ever be played on stage (even though it's only the intro) before ‘Love Of My Life’. Freddie responds to it after Under Pressure. "That's right. He's 45 years old today!"
Brian plays a great guitar solo. At one point he tripped and fell down a staircase on stage and didn't miss a beat (it's impossible to detect on the audience recordings). This is followed by a stellar version of Now I'm Here.
Now that he has turned 39, Brian plays a bit of '39 before Love Of My Life, after jokingly admitting that people take up rock guitar because they can't grow up! "That's me. So I'm nine years old today, alright?" He adds that it's the biggest birthday party he's ever had.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-19_Cologne_01.jpg)
Brian with opening act Marillion
Fish returns the favor of Brian playing with Marillion, by adding BVs on 'Tutti Frutti'. ‘Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting’ makes a return for the only time on the tour..Roger’s drumming and BVs are great on this.
Great to be reading Play The Game's reviews again, where he/she goes gaga over Brian's godly playing on 'Hammer To Fall' and other great band moments throughout this show.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-19_Cologne_26.jpg)
******
the Stadthalle Vienna, Austria July 21st, Attendance: 14,100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6FvzQpE8u8&t=1s Quality: A+
Tonight is the first of two nights in Vienna, their first arena show after six outdoor concerts. The band are in fine form tonight (as can be heard on this excellent audience tape). Freddie sounds great, although his high end sounds a tad strained in parts, and perhaps not quite as good as Cologne two days prior. However, despite a couple range issues here and there, he does fantastic, turning in strong vocals all through the show. Brian's playing is off the charts during A Kind of Magic, and he generally plays excellently through the whole set, as do the rest of the band.
******
Second night, Vienna, July 22nd, Attendance: 14,100 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm2AlN3bymw&t=106s Quality: A
“In the Lap Of The Gods’ is skipped.
The band are definitely feeling it tonight, with an extra-funky version of 'Another One Bites The Dust' being performed, a very loose yet effective acoustic set, a string-breaking version of 'Hammer to Fall' (Brian seamlessly switches guitars), a great solo in ‘One Vision’, and an epic jam into 'We Will Rock You'.
Yet another excellent audience recording, though a few people are a bit too chatty.
This would be their last indoor concert.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07_Vienna_01.jpg)
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HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY
Released: September 20, 2012, UK (Island Records), USA (Hollywood Records)
Venue Népstadion, Budapest, Hungary
Charts: 2012–19
Hungary #7, Germany #23, Italy #29, Netherlands #44, Belgium #90
DVD
Charts: 2012
Austria and Belgium #1, Itally #5, Denmark #6, Spain #7, Australia and Sweden #8, Switzerland and The Netherlands #10
DVD certifications: Gold in Hungary, Platinum in Poland
OFFICIAL VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue1CDLdpdjc
(considering this was just uploaded three weeks ago, there’s no guarantee how long this will be up)
Or with the individual songs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDY0ILGRFio&list=PLuP7vk48yjcrjBKMu1b5FwJCXVxh1IKFq
(oh, and ‘Surprise! Surprise!’…they get artsy fartsy during BoRhap again :censored)
Complete concert audio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGNNpAuxBUE&list=PLSZ_IJBStXPFUertckXFVUnPtRUWqdRa3
and ....the complete concert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHnPy0W6K3A&t=29s with the '16 camera view....all at once'
(once again....one of the worst entries for a live release this century is chosen :tdwn)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/Hungarian_rapsody_blu_ray.jpg)
CD DISC ONE
One Vision
Tie Your Mother Down (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) *
In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited
Seven Seas of Rhye
Tear It Up
A Kind of Magic
Under Pressure
Another One Bites the Dust (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Who Wants to Live Forever
I Want to Break Free (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Looks Like It's Gonna Be a Good Night (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Guitar Solo (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Now I'm Here
DISC TWO
Love of My Life (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Tavaszi Szél Vizet Áraszt (Traditional)
Is This the World We Created...?
(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Hello Mary Lou (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Tutti Frutti (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Bohemian Rhapsody
Hammer to Fall
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) *
Radio Ga Ga
We Will Rock You
Friends Will Be Friends
We Are the Champions
God Save the Queen
* reasons for omissions and edits posted below
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07_Budapest_03.jpg)
This had been released in Japan and the UK on Laser Disc in 1987. The film footage was quickly edited, as the "Live In Budapest" video premiered on December 12 at the city's National Congress Hall.
A Kind Of Magic and Under Pressure from this show were released on Live Magic (also in December 1986).
A newly remastered video was released to theatres worldwide in September 2012. Two months later it was released on blu-ray and DVD. This was still the same edit as the 1987 release, as MaFilm allegedly discarded the footage that didn't make it past the cutting room floor. All Queen Productions could do was clean up the film and do a new audio mix. The video and audio quality are absolutely brilliant. The complete concert was simultaneously released on CD, making Another One Bites The Dust and the two remaining cover songs available for the first time, as well as full versions of many songs that were edited for the 1987 VHS.
Due to the cuts, of all things, Brian is shown riding in a hot air balloon is placed in the middle of the 'Guitar Solo'. :lol :censored There's lots of really good camera angles used, often better than Wembley, with less changes per minute. The band sings, plays, and sounds better, but...it's almost a bit too polished.
And there was perhaps 'buyers' fatigue'. This was made available in 2012, one year after all of the Universal reissues. And, 'we' already had a Magic Tour show, whilst still lacking anything official from '76 through '80.
The most famous part of the show is Tavaszi Szel Vizet Araszt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAclgON4cGc&list=PLuP7vk48yjcrjBKMu1b5FwJCXVxh1IKFq&index=9
A Hungarian folk song that Freddie sang while reading the words off of a piece of paper. Translated….
The spring wind blows the waters,
My flower, my flower,
The spring wind blows the waters,
My flower, my flower.
Every bird searches for a partner,
My flower, my flower.
Every bird searches for a partner,
My flower, my flower.
And I, whom should I choose,
My flower, my flower.
And I, whom should I choose,
My flower, my flower.
I choose you, and you choose me,
My flower, my flower.
I choose you, and you choose me,
My flower, my flower.
(https://www.queenvault.com/HungarianRhapsody/album2.jpg)
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The final week of the Magic Tour within the next nine hours (and some Budapest touchups...)
Meanwhile....a few different behind the scenes looks from Budapest. queenlive.ca 'pick a year' '86 Budapest has these and many other terrific pix
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07_Budapest_01.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-27_Budapest_soundcheck_04.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-27_Budapest_05.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-27_Budapest_08.jpg)
Preconcert video included on the DVD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs4H627KSoM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AD6vzneYIM six minute TV report, including footage of Roger's birthday, interview, and Freddie interview.
The interviewer asks if this is the beginning of the band's friendship with Hungary, and if it will last as long as Queen will last.
Freddie: "If I'm still alive, I'll come back." :'(
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Dropping the needle on the Vienna shows, as well as the Budapest video.
The Vienna shows sound incredible. These are great boots.
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Another thing I forgot to mention about Wembley, which I thought of by going back and forth with the Budapest show was that Freddie started to lose his voice a little, but that makes it all the more compelling. His raspy vocal on Bohemian Rhapsody was moving.
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Another thing I forgot to mention about Wembley, which I thought of by going back and forth with the Budapest show was that Freddie started to lose his voice a little, but that makes it all the more compelling. His raspy vocal on Bohemian Rhapsody was moving.
An interesting way of viewing and listening to the two shows. :tup As to official live releases, Wembley's 'BoRhap' is one of my top two renditions, along with Montreal.
Vienna was top notch due to the quality recording, and being indoors. An added 'warmth' to the sound.
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The MAGIC Tour Final Week
Frejus, France
(https://preview.redd.it/p53foewbcvvy.jpg?auto=webp&s=f8b161b2e7cbef160549014984aa932b98057b29)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ar%C3%A8nes_de_Fr%C3%A9jus
per wiki: Arènes de Fréjus or Amphithéâtre de Fréjus is a 12,000-capacity Roman amphitheatre located in Fréjus, France.[1] The structure was built in the 1st century. In recent times the arena has been used for major rock concerts, hosting artists such as Rod Stewart, Queen, Iron Maiden, David Bowie and Tina Turner.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-30_Frejus_01.jpg)
The Amphitheatre Frejus, France July 30th, Attendance: 15,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbConVP5bI0 Quality: A-
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/posters/86-07-30_Frejus_poster.jpg)
Outdoors, but only 15,000 in 'the bedroom' per Freddie, who sounds rather disappointed at the size of the venue. In fact, the concert was originally supposed to be in Nice (as seen on the poster above). Freddie actually didn't find out the venue had been changed until the day of the show, refusing to show up to soundcheck. Having realized the contract couldn't be broken, he finally arrived late to the gig. "Let's f*cking do this," he shouted as he got out of his car and headed to the stage.
Having said all that, there are great versions of BoRhap and AOBTD performed this night.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-07-30_Frejus_05.jpg)
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Mini Estadi, Barcelona, Spain August 1st, Attendance: 30,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Al229QrWU&t=42s Quality: A-
The originally scheduled final three shows in Spain, after having not performed there since ’79. The audio is a merge (just to fill out Brian’s guitar solo).. Freddie sounds excellent tonight, giving another great performance. Brian has now brought a harmonizer pedal on stage, and he uses it during his solo for a little piece that would eventually be known as ‘Chinese Torture’. He would do this on all the remaining shows of the tour.
Brian says a few words to the audience in Spanish before ‘Love Of My Life’, and in a response of gratitude, the audience start chanting his name in unison. Freddie responds, with mock jealousy, "I don't like it! Too much adulation!"
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Nuevo Estadio de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain August 3rd Attendance: 30,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp8ofXjve7Y&t=1s Quality: A-
Per Ryan Newton: “Before the show began, a fight broke out in the dressing room between the members of the band. As such, Freddie doesn't do his typical break-up speech before 'Who Wants to Live Forever'. A bit telling, eh?
There is a bit of tension through the night, but this is still a great performance overall The tempos of the songs are pretty speedy. Freddie's vocals are a bit on the rough side but he gives it a good effort. As for the other three, they are playing with a lot of energy. The most eye-catching being Roger's explosive drumming in ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’, and Brian's extra-spicy chord work in ‘Another One Bites the Dust’. The acoustic set is also performed wonderfully.
File this show into the underrated category!”
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Estadio Municipal de Marbella, Marbella, Spain August 5th, Attendance: 28,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5pchGBbZo0 Quality: B-
Distant recording, lots of talking and clapping drowning out the band, as if you’re in a bar and no one’s paying attention to the performer. And most seem to have enjoyed a few too many spirits. Painful just to listen to segments of this, plus Freddie’s voice cracks on occasion.
Marbella was intended to be the final show of the tour, but fortunately we have one more show on the tour left to listen to.
Near the end of Roger's fiery drum solo at the end of the impromptu, Mercury says "my oh my oh my." Brian then goes on for quite a while in his solo spot - over ten minutes, and likely his longest ever.
The show was a late one, finishing around 1:30am.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-05_Marbella_14.jpg)
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Knebworth Park, Stevenage, England, August 9th Attendance: 120,000 – 200,000
(https://images1.bonhams.com/image?src=Images/live/2021-03/22/60138217-39-1.jpg&width=640&height=480&autosizefit=1)
(https://imgs.smoothradio.com/images/126121?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&signature=YBTxJ9zPeQFoGxhn8BDSA7Yt_6c=)
VIDEO taken by a fan off the screen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGlfDmvWWaY
The concert begins at the six minute mark. This made the rounds pre youtube. Sometimes you just have to take what you can get. Considering the historical nature of the concert, it was worth the watch.
Audio,released in early 2007, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6UhYPsY-wA&t=2s Quality: A sounds very soundboard to me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hnuAliiizI&t=51s B combined dry and warmer the crowd sounds better
Status Quo
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-09_Knebworth_01.jpg)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-09_Knebworth_03.jpg)
(the inner gatefold from the ‘Live Magic’ LP
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-09_Knebworth_59.jpg)
A likeness of one of the band member's inflatable balloons, also done at Wembley (one of which ended up at a farm miles away)
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-09_Knebworth_48.jpg)
guess who else wears short shorts? ;)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTk0MWRjNmQtYmI1Ny00ZDk0LWEzMmQtN2UwZDBjNDE2MTBlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTc0NjY1ODk@._V1_.jpg) (https://queenphotos.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/brian-live-at-knebworth-1986.png)
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/31/af/37/31af37083287975aac57054802a80e60.jpg)
Before Another One Bites The Dust, he says, "This next song calls for a boogie, I mean... it means I throw my cunt around the stage even more than I've done." After the vocal improv in the middle section, John plays a couple funky bass riffs, and playing off him, Brian throws in some equally funky riffs, reminiscent of "Fun It" from the Jazz album. Some fans consider this to be the best version of the song ever performed by the band.
After Dust, Freddie says, somewhat seriously, "I think most of you know that this is the last stop on our tour." Then more informally, "You know that, don't you? And such a beautiful way to end it. I mean, look at the lot of you. I might also add that this has been the best European tour for us, thanks to all you fuckers out there. And earlier on there were rumours of us splitting up, but, I mean... fuck 'em. I mean really, look at this!" he says as he smiles, once again referring to the size of the audience. "How can you split up when you have an audience like this? I mean, really. We're not that stupid!"
John Deacon uncharacteristically tosses his bass immediately following Radio Ga Ga,
(https://preview.redd.it/44hc9g3bihh81.png?auto=webp&s=19f01f315c8134f48fb0023354beb44190e71fe8)
This can also be seen on the official Rare Live video. He hit the other basses on their stands in front of the amps, knocking them all over. The roadies then took them off stage, presumably to check for damage and retune them before the second encore. John ultimately doesn't cause any significant damage to his P-bass, as he uses it for the final three songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSrF95IpM0M
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The show was recorded, but someone supposedly pulled the plug. A good version from 'One Vision' made it onto 'Live Magic', as did edited versions of 'We Will Rock You', 'We Are The Champions', and the final time the tape would play with Freddie on stage.....and captures his farewell.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-09_Knebworth_60.jpg)
"Thank You, beautiful people. You've been a tremendous... you've been a really special audience. Thank you very much. Good night, sweet dreams, we love you,"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlYQIcpXNnQ
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-09_Knebworth_57.jpg)
They would return less than four years later to a stage for one final public appearance together.
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Hey DA, this was really incredible going along and re-living all of these great moments.
Thanks :tup
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Knebworth Park, Stevenage, England, August 9th Attendance: 120,000 – 200,000
John Deacon uncharacteristically tosses his bass immediately following Radio Ga Ga,
(https://preview.redd.it/44hc9g3bihh81.png?auto=webp&s=19f01f315c8134f48fb0023354beb44190e71fe8)
This can also be seen on the official Rare Live video. He hit the other basses on their stands in front of the amps, knocking them all over. The roadies then took them off stage, presumably to check for damage and retune them before the second encore. John ultimately doesn't cause any significant damage to his P-bass, as he uses it for the final three songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSrF95IpM0M
Has this ever been explained?
EDIT: I was reading the comments for the Madrid show. They shed light on the strife in the band. Interesting. It mentions John was struggling with depression.
It also mentions the constant touring, which is strange because they played 23 shows in the summer/fall of '84, then the 7 Sun City Shows, followed by only 17 shows in 1985. Then they don't really play for about a year and even then it's only 27 dates in 1986.
At what point does Freddie find out he's HIV positive? When does the band find out, or is there one member he confides in? John?
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Maine Road, Manchester, England July 16th, 35,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I6EBfRoK-I Quality: B+
AUDIENCE VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHl6DX581FU Wow, this is shaky as all :censored! However, if you can make your way through the beginning of AKOM, parts of the guitar solo, BoRhap, CLTCL, and WATC….you get to see the band’s movement on stage, as well as the lighting rig (at times actually annoying due to the changes per beat). It is the best viewing of BoRhap this tour, as you see it the way the audience did.
Joe, this video is phenomenal. For 1986, it's really not that bad. I'd take a good audience shot boot over a pro shot show any day of the week.
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At what point does Freddie find out he's HIV positive?
Apparently while working on the Barcelona project.
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^
Correct from what his boyfriend Jim Hutton wrote years later. But there had to be signs earlier. The fact that no tour was ever planned after Europe in August indicates that.
I have it planned to post Prenter's Sun articles on Wednesday night when some of the sh*t hit the fan (after a short post of collaborations and Freddie's next solo single).
John and his guitar tossing....some of these things I read about for the first time maybe two weeks before posting. I have followed queenlive.ca for over a decade, but not as in depth until this year. As others have mentioned, depression was a big part, or he'd drank more that night during other shows that tour (amounts were increasing) and got miffed too easily. He certainly looks very 'lonely' in Budapest. I don't know if the family toured along at times or not, unlike pictured here in Buenos Aires in '81
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/81-02-28_Buenos%20Aires_preshow_02.jpg)
Brian had tossed his guitar near the end of the '82 (?) tour.....some nights are like that, I guess. His marriage was in total shambles during the Magic Tour. Some of the roadies have written about behind the scenes events....I still haven't bought one of their books. Maybe next year...
All the ins and outs of what took place within the four members....they were perhaps the most loyal and tight lipped band that ever existed.
Maine Road, Manchester, England July 16th, 35,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I6EBfRoK-I Quality: B+
AUDIENCE VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHl6DX581FU Wow, this is shaky as all :censored! However, if you can make your way through the beginning of AKOM, parts of the guitar solo, BoRhap, CLTCL, and WATC….you get to see the band’s movement on stage, as well as the lighting rig (at times actually annoying due to the changes per beat). It is the best viewing of BoRhap this tour, as you see it the way the audience did.
Joe, this video is phenomenal. For 1986, it's really not that bad. I'd take a good audience shot boot over a pro shot show any day of the week.
I have tried to be honest and and straight forward with these posts. I am mildly to moderately affected by watching similar things, to where I have to stop after a minute or two. But, yeah, the person gave us some great views that the band never did. :tup
After this is over, I'm going to pick out the top show of each tour, and listen to them from start to finish. The first night in Vienna will be my Magic Tour concert :tup
Hey DA, this was really incredible going along and re-living all of these great moments.
Thanks :tup
You're welcome! :smiley:
I'm not happy their touring days were over. But as to posting on this thread, I fell into an enormous rabbit hole. I should have just posted a couple of shows with pics from each tour, but then I didn't want to leave too many out. And there were a ton of good/great shows made available these past couple of years.
Wish I could have seen as many shows as you did, of one of the best bands ever on stage....and a fair front man ;)
later today: another collaboration with Billy Squier
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re: some of the stuff that goes into super speculative mode!
I always thought (and if you dug deep enough, you'd probably find some super sleuths working this timeline out) Freddie would have started to get tested for HIV around this time. The tests were unreliable so certainly he would get some negatives and some positives and would have to keep getting tested but he probably had some doubts. Around this time he gave an interview to David Wigg where he said he'd shut down his sex life due to the disease that was going around. It's very sad that the timeline worked out the way it did, many people have said that scientists came out with such good meds a year or two after Freddie had passed, his life would have been certainly prolonged had he been around to take them.
About the fight near the end of the tour, I read one or two more accounts/mentions of it, and Brian and Roger had briefly mentioned it. I'm about almost convinced (just in my head!) it started out between Freddie and John. If you think about it, almost all Queen fights we've heard of had either Brian or Roger or most commonly both involved in it, and they'd told us all about it, but this one seems a bit bigger than the regular Queen fights we'd heard about, and yet they only briefly mention it. So I think it was down to John's mental health and Freddie's fatigue from the tour that something could have broken out like that. I think the break after that - not the fact that they hadn't scheduled something right away, clearly they were all fatigued after the tour, but up to '88 - would have also partially been due to John's mental health. Again, I think so because Brian and Roger don't go into too much detail about that except mentioning what was going on with them at the time (Brian) and what they decided to occupy their time with during the break (Roger), but also because even the Queen bio mentions John had had some marital problems during this time, and he's notoriously private. So to have something like that mentioned - you know. Makes you wonder!
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In my experience, I think Mora is on to something. Even in the sanctioned book by the fan club President, Freddie's frayed nerves - blamed on touring, not his illness, which goes virtually unmentioned until the reference to the Tribute concert - were clearly influencing the rest of the band.
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In one of the writeups for one of the shows, it mentions that Freddie says to the crowd, "They won't let me leave".
I'm not in their shoes, but blaming it on touring...it must mean any touring, because as I mentioned, they had an extremely light touring schedule from '84-'86.
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In one of the writeups for one of the shows, it mentions that Freddie says to the crowd, "They won't let me leave".
I'm not in their shoes, but blaming it on touring...it must mean any touring, because as I mentioned, they had an extremely light touring schedule from '84-'86.
I can't recall the exact years, but not all touring was the same. I know the South American tours were far shorter but almost infinitely more stressful than, say, a 20 date tour of the UK.
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Yeah, that's true. I think it was the Mexico dates were mentioned earlier that was crazy as hell.
Also, Queen for the most part was an extremely heavy touring band. They were on the constant write-record-tour cycle for over a decade.
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re: some of the stuff that goes into super speculative mode!
<SNIP>
Thanks for all that. Please chime in Wednesday when we come back to this topic.
For now, I have to move on to upcoming collaborations. We'll start with the most well known one(s)
BILLY SQUIER 'Love Is The Hero' and....
Released in December of '86, the album only reached #61 on the charts, a commercial disappointment selling about 300,000 copies in the United States, making it his first album since 1980's The Tale of the Tape to not reach Platinum status. Mostly because of the negative reception for the video of Squier's 1984 hit "Rock Me Tonite" and changing music trends, his career had taken a sudden dip, damaging both ticket and album sales.
There’s ‘Shot ‘O Love to open, the following two tracks, and a damn good Side One closer called ‘Come Home’, co written by Bobby Chounard. Side Two was below average IMO. I bought the album because it was Billy Squier. Didn't know I was in for an unexpected treat (which could have been even better)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f2/Enough_Is_Enough_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg/220px-Enough_Is_Enough_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg)
As to the collaborations, this would be the third straight Billy Squier LP that a member of Queen had performed on a song. This time it's two. Freddie sang on ‘Love Is The Hero’, and co wrote ‘Lady With A Tenor Sax’.
Love Is The Hero album version 4:49 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYsqtC_W47E
Freddie’s intro was removed. Wonder whose brilliant idea that was? :huh: :facepalm:
Extended 12” single version …the video starts with a flyin over the Hudson River focusing on The Twin Towers. This has the Freddie intro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8WeggAnAlg&list=RDq8WeggAnAlg&start_radio=1 I've watched this on 9/11 for eons.
The mostly extended version on the ‘Reach For The Sky’ Anthology (cuts out the short instrumental after Freddie’s intro)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw95a0XCN8A
Lady With A Tenor Sax Freddie’s demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih4HOsyhzaU
The album version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa9WIsQdNU8
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEM0PvrXoAQJKG1.jpg)
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BRIAN
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kYbnWMUIhZ0/maxresdefault.jpg)
1986: Minako Honda 'Cancel', producer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtY5QF9U6Gk
And guess who wrote and plays guitar on this. Of course, it’s GARY MOORE!!!! ;D
"Crazy Nights" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zX8r-odjfo songwriting, production, guitar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minako_Honda She sadly died at age 38 from acute myelogenous leukemia in ’05.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRUGttZUxw9r8JmnjHyFkkTKY2AQqb8PrT8UpE2ZqnSvRTYpHwpSZDUFdxY8-jFKjS-pbQ&usqp=CAU)
1987: Bad News, self titled: producer
1987 Heavy Pettin, 'Lettin Loose': produced by May and Mack
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ROGER
1985
Jimmy Nail "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" Take It or Leave It (album); Love Don't Live Here Anymore (single) drums, synthesizer; produced by Taylor and David Richards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iWOaW2I71E
Camy Todorow "Bursting at the Seams" Bursting at the Seams (single) drums; produced by Taylor and David Richards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWCNbs27Dx0
Elton John "Too Young" Ice On Fire (album) drums (bass by John Deacon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JORwlCK5Lk
Feargal Sharkey "Loving You" Loving You (7"/12" single) additional drums and synths; produced by Taylor and David Richards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCvlfe1sVCY
Debbie Byrne "Fools Rush In" Persuader (album) drums
1986
Virginia Wolf Virginia Wolf (album) produced by Taylor and David Richards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nom4o3ByfWY&list=RDEMzUAy9glEwnNcNv4mU_W8dA&start_radio=1
Roger Daltrey "Under a Raging Moon" Under a Raging Moon (album) drums https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4VuUBI5gtw
Elton John "Angeline" Leather Jackets (album) drums (bass by John Deacon)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S3-PQCSh3c
Magnum "When the World Comes Down", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1VerQbpvSA
"Sometime Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vUQVY0FHqA
Vigilante (album) producer; backing vocals on two tracks
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/0ca0ab582f5d04c89b3876155699b6f0/9f74d33ead211d96-61/s1280x1920/838ec59f55fc15b25303405193f53e5e4237a8ee.jpg)
OCT 26 Edit QUEEN THE MAGIC YEARS Vol 1,2,3
These three VHS offerings were made available in '87, with snipped performances of their early years on through Knebworth
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/queen/videos/the-magic-years-volume-1.htm
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Fthe-magic-years-ukvhsvol1front.jpg&hash=51412d6c5bba04c1197c97d962c934277cd5961f) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Fthe-magic-years-ukvhsvol2front.jpg&hash=b0a8a7cf4202850946a6aef9203745b694165592) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Fthe-magic-years-ukvhsvol3front.jpg&hash=43cadc4a8e56b067a34de41795d013d3dffb30d6)
I purchased these in the late 90s, and my memory made me think that's when they were released :D
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a Platters cover tomorrow, with The Sun Prenter articles as well
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That Billy Squier song with Freddie is amazing. I haven't played that in a decade.
On a side note, an employee who retired a few years ago was the niece of Bobby Chounard. Small world.
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THat whole album is decent; it's a crying shame, because Billy has some really good music in the latter half of his career and virtually no one not named "Squier" knows about it.
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BILLY SQUIER 'Love Is The Hero' and....
Released in December of '86, the album only reached #61 on the charts, a commercial disappointment selling about 300,000 copies in the United States, making it his first album since 1980's The Tale of the Tape to not reach Platinum status. Mostly because of the negative reception for the video of Squier's 1984 hit "Rock Me Tonite" and changing music trends, his career had taken a sudden dip, damaging both ticket and album sales.
There’s ‘Shot ‘O Love to open, the following two tracks, and a damn good Side One closer called ‘Come Home’, co written by Bobby Chounard. Side Two was below average IMO. I bought the album because it was Billy Squier. Didn't know I was in for an unexpected treat (which could have been even better)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f2/Enough_Is_Enough_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg/220px-Enough_Is_Enough_%28Billy_Squier_album_-_cover_art%29.jpg)
As to the collaborations, this would be the third straight Billy Squier LP that a member of Queen had performed on a song. This time it's two. Freddie sang on ‘Love Is The Hero’, and co wrote ‘Lady With A Tenor Sax’.
Love Is The Hero album version 4:49 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYsqtC_W47E
Freddie’s intro was removed. Wonder whose brilliant idea that was? :huh: :facepalm:
Extended 12” single version …the video starts with a flyin over the Hudson River focusing on The Twin Towers. This has the Freddie intro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8WeggAnAlg&list=RDq8WeggAnAlg&start_radio=1 I've watched this on 9/11 for eons.
The mostly extended version on the ‘Reach For The Sky’ Anthology (cuts out the short instrumental after Freddie’s intro)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw95a0XCN8A
Lady With A Tenor Sax Freddie’s demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih4HOsyhzaU
The album version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa9WIsQdNU8
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEM0PvrXoAQJKG1.jpg)
OK... lots to chew on in this latest post. I'll start with the Freddie portion.
Love Is A Hero....kind of blows. :lol
But damn, that Freddie intro is :hefdaddy
Too bad the song actually starts. :lol
Come Home isn't that bad.
Lady With A Tenor Sax..a rocking tune but only Freddie could save it. As a Billy tune it goes nowhere.
I liked Billy circa 1982, but he could never find his place after that.
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I disagree. He rocked out on Hear & Now in 1989. That was back to his roots.
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What are you disagreeing with?
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Oh I forgot to mention… is he really advertising Coca Cola on the back album cover??
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I disagree. He rocked out on Hear & Now in 1989. That was back to his roots.
Big fan of Tell The Truth too.
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I'm all up for any recommendations. I just said he struggled to find his place in the scene.
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BRIAN
1987: Bad News, self titled: producer
1987 Heavy Pettin, 'Lettin Loose': produced by May and Mack
So Bad News was actually kind of a spoof heavy metal band which included 3 of the 4 guys from The Young Ones, a popular comedy show in England. I think either VH1 or MTV used to air their episodes. They were hilarious.
Here's their cover for Bohemian Rhapsody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3D7SfgKm4
WARNING: JOE....DO NOT WATCH! You've been warned.
They even opened for Iron Maiden at Hammersmith on the last night of Maiden's 6 night run in November '86..
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a6/11/36/a611368e08dce25b2ca4986bb8d8171a.jpg)
Anyone recognize the two guys in the back??
Here's the audio of the three way duel between Jimmy, Brian, and Vim that night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na70Lux3-gA
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Heavy Pettin's Lettin' Loose actually came out in 1983. This is a great album that I bought when I was a kid.
Musically, I've always described it as sitting right between Def Leppard's High n Dry and Pyromania.
Here's the full album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXMH-59dwWk
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Re: Magnum
Big fan of Magnum but I totally forgot that Roger had a hand in recording Vigilante.
And I never had the chance to see Queen live, but I saw Roger live, when Cross opened for Magnum in 1991.
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Oh I forgot to mention… is he really advertising Coca Cola on the back album cover??
Keen eye! :tup I've owned 'Enough Is Enough' since its release, and had to look at it today to see what you were talking about. Product placement, eh?
'Hear and Now' was OK, 'Creatures of Habit' just seemed more of the same. Always expected a 6-7 minute 'mood' song would have helped on those two releases.
As to 'Love Is The Hero'....never heard the Freddie intro until his Solo Collection release in 2000. Of course, the wife had the 12" vinyl single some time in the late 80s.....
That Billy Squier song with Freddie is amazing. I haven't played that in a decade.
On a side note, an employee who retired a few years ago was the niece of Bobby Chounard. Small world.
I listened to the CD for the first time yesterday in eons. Chounard's name stuck out because Tim had mentioned him during the Hot Space tour thread. Anyway, knowing the niece of a rock drummer from the 80s.......retiring. Frick, we're getting old! ;)
BRIAN
1987: Bad News, self titled: producer
1987 Heavy Pettin, 'Lettin Loose': produced by May and Mack
So Bad News was actually kind of a spoof heavy metal band which included 3 of the 4 guys from The Young Ones, a popular comedy show in England. I think either VH1 or MTV used to air their episodes. They were hilarious.
Here's their cover for Bohemian Rhapsody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3D7SfgKm4
WARNING: JOE....DO NOT WATCH! You've been warned.
They even opened for Iron Maiden at Hammersmith on the last night of Maiden's 6 night run in November '86..
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a6/11/36/a611368e08dce25b2ca4986bb8d8171a.jpg)
Anyone recognize the two guys in the back??
Here's the audio of the three way duel between Jimmy, Brian, and Vim that night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na70Lux3-gA
*********************************************
Heavy Pettin's Lettin' Loose actually came out in 1983. This is a great album that I bought when I was a kid.
Musically, I've always described it as sitting right between Def Leppard's High n Dry and Pyromania.
Here's the full album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXMH-59dwWk
Thanks for correcting me as to the Heavy Pettin release. Damn wiki >:( And, darn me, for not double checking :tdwn
Bad News....oh, the flac Brian got from this! I had heard it once before and cringed. I did ignore the warning and watched the video for the first time.....and.....
laughed along! :lol Good satire, and then read about it. I could tell listening, and then reading confirmed that this took a lot of work to play it sooooo badly but cohesively.
And...first time I'd seen a picture of May and Page together. Thanks. :tup
Re: Magnum
Big fan of Magnum but I totally forgot that Roger had a hand in recording Vigilante.
And I never had the chance to see Queen live, but I saw Roger live, when Cross opened for Magnum in 1991.
That's a WOW! I have some Cross concert bootlegs, but never looked that deep into all that surrounded their touring. I never knew until now that they were ever a support act. Interesting. Thank you.
Their first album write up tomorrow. But I've got '87 to do today.
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On a side note, an employee who retired a few years ago was the niece of Bobby Chounard. Small world.
Yeah, he's from Brockton (right next door to me) and is buried there. He had a great style.
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ROGER
1985
Elton John "Too Young" Ice On Fire (album) drums (bass by John Deacon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JORwlCK5Lk
1986
Virginia Wolf Virginia Wolf (album) produced by Taylor and David Richards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nom4o3ByfWY&list=RDEMzUAy9glEwnNcNv4mU_W8dA&start_radio=1
Roger Daltrey "Under a Raging Moon" Under a Raging Moon (album) drums https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4VuUBI5gtw
Elton John "Angeline" Leather Jackets (album) drums (bass by John Deacon)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S3-PQCSh3c
Magnum "When the World Comes Down", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1VerQbpvSA
"Sometime Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vUQVY0FHqA
Vigilante (album) producer; backing vocals on two tracks
Ice On Fire has a Fred Mandel sighting, and I also see that Davey Johnstone is on both Elton tracks.
I have an extremely vague memory of the Virginia Wolf.
I have just never given Magnum any attention. No good reason why either.
The Daltry song has a bunch of drummers doing a few seconds each. Interesting. Cozy Powell follows Brian!!
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And...first time I'd seen a picture of May and Page together. Thanks. :tup
Sidebar, Page is a fascinating figure to me. He's built such a mystique around himself, he's put himself on such an alternate plane (in a sense), that when he shows up in photos like that it's always interesting to me. Paul Stanley posted a tweet a couple weeks ago that he had dinner with Page and it was wonderful. I know he's just a musician, and despite the 10 years of Zeppelin - the biggest band in the world - he is still a London studio musician at heart, and so well-plugged in to the community (he and Blackmore have similar origins in that way; same with Beck).
Even now, I look at a picture like that, and Page sticks out to me like a sore thumb.
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^
Brian's career is very similar....though he still gets to tour.....
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ROGER
snip
Ice On Fire has a Fred Mandel sighting, and I also see that Davey Johnstone is on both Elton tracks.
I have an extremely vague memory of the Virginia Wolf.
I have just never given Magnum any attention. No good reason why either.
The Daltry song has a bunch of drummers doing a few seconds each. Interesting. Cozy Powell follows Brian!!
Glad you're digging into these and providing some further details....while you give Minako Honda's 'Cancel' repeated spins due to Gary Moore's appearance ;)
.....as I watched Bad News again, this time with the wife. We needed the laughs :D
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Hold on is right, as time waits for no one.....
Jumped the gun, and never listed my favorite concert intros. There's always time down the road for others to chime in. (per many reviewers back in the day: "Never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!")
1A, 1B, 1C:
Father To Son (taped intro) Father To Son ....since I witnessed it. The dark arena, and then that crashing first note with the lights. :tup
A Day At The Races (taped intro) Tie Your Mother Down ...the same. Dark arena, the thunderous opening chords of TYMD, and then x amount more lights than the prior one...... and flash pods! :tup
Flash (tape intro) The Hero and We Will Rock You [fast] That video from Milton Keynes..... :tup wish they'd have kept it for the entire tour.
'second' by a whisker:
Thunderbolts and lightning (tape) We Will Rock You [fast]. To see that 'pizza oven' rig begin to turn and rise above the drumkit as the first chords of WWRY were played.....not knowing it was Queen on stage because I'd never heard that version......just 'Wow!' And then to see the Paris video :tup
taped intro and One Vision....perfect...with Tie Your Mother Down a second later :tup
ANATO and WWRY tours would place 3rd ;)
By far my worst:North American Hot Space tour: the eerie Flash taped intro into 'Rock It'. Seeing the spotlight shine just on Freddie at the beginning was terrific, but way too laid back before changing gears. And the song was not a good choice as well.
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FREDDIE MERCURY Jo Dare HOLD ON b/w A Change Is Gonna Come (Tina Turner)
Recorded: 1986
Released: 1987 West Germany (EMI)
Lyrics by Freddie Mercury, and music written by Mack.
Produced by Freddie Mercury and Mack
(https://i.discogs.com/oHEAJnqEpZYeP-CKvy9ZSMNzi_hEMXA0Wr5VFtdkSOI/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:598/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTMzODYx/NjQtMTQ1Mjk3OTEx/Ny03MzQ1LmpwZWc.jpeg)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1qW8K2BAoQ
Tina Turner's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6S-CrZgqhE
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGOcvyoRX5Y/VkUN4chKW9I/AAAAAAAAabA/JxBB0owBvjk/s320/Jo%2B%2526%2BFM%2B2.jpg)
per Jo Dare:
"I was in Munich at MusicLand Studio recording my music with Mack. Freddie came in and I couldn't believe it! He was so nice to me and we became fast friends."
Interviewer: Tell us about the recording of the song “Hold On”. How did it happen this opportunity? Did you and Freddie record your vocals together or separate? How can you qualify this experience of recording a track with Freddie? Did you like the final result of this song?
Jo Dare: "He was in Studio a lot, while I was recording. One day, he just grabbed my hand and said, "Why don't we do something together, darling"? I said, “Of course"! It was a very nice experience. I loved the final result of "Hold On"!"
full interview at https://royaltrilogy.blogspot.com/2015/11/jo-dare-strong-voice.html?fbclid=IwAR3JiStuoZ_VidfLg2sXy66Y7mcLQV_i3v-iRrBWulWxaH8dhB8P9bELdcU
from the 'Living On My Own' video
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W5uy_qNMY3M/ViaC_TGIB5I/AAAAAAAAaRw/MdTDXcqP2RY/s320/Jo%2B-%2BLOMO%2Bvideo.jpg)
ZABOU...
Is a German film, with German dialogue, based on a TV police series starring Götz George. Released in Germany in 1986, although the soundtrack album was also released in Brazil so it is possible that the film was released there as well.
The soundtrack of the film was much sought after for this track, until it's inclusion in 'The Solo Collection' in 2000, which was the first time I heard it. Broken record time....of course, my wife already owned it :D
oh, and btw....it's a good duet, fun and very enjoyable song.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/812zrChJV0L._SX425_.jpg)
EMI
Joe Cocker– Now That You're Gone 4:15
Talk Talk– Why Is It So Hard? 4:03
Anne Haigis– Pictures Of Paradise Lost
Klaus Lage Band & Albert Mangelsdorff– Zabou
Argandoña*– Sailors
Purple Schulz– The Vision
Robbie Nevil– Time Waits For No One
Freddie Mercury / Jo Dare– Hold On
Tina Turner– A Change Is Gonna Come
Danny Deutschmark & Klaus Lage– Desperado
Next Big Error– Big Shot
Wolf Maahn– Born Beautiful
Klaus Lage Band– Nie Wieder Kind
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Götz George is quite the man's man.
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I saw that movie when it came out, but hardly remember anything. :D
Götz George is one of the better german actors and his role as Schimanski (a kind of undercover cop) has a definite cult following here in Germany.
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I have never ever liked Billy Squier in any way, shape, or form.
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The GREAT PRETENDER
The Platters original version 1955 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEzfhclKO8Q 16 MILLION VIEWS
Charts: UK #5, USA #1
FREDDIE MERCURY The GREAT PRETENDER b/w Exercises In Free Love
Released: February 23, 1987, UK (Parlophone), USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #4, USA (DNC)
Ireland #2, New Zealand #5, Belgium #6, Finland #7, Netherlands #11, France #13, Sweden #14, Switzerland #15, Austria #26, West Germany #26, Australia #54
Rankings are for 87-93, with only the highest listed for each country.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLRjFWDGs1g 42 MILLION Views
Hey…..the mustache is gone!!!! And we get to see three lovelies as backing vocalists…..Freddie, Peter Straker…..and Roger! :lol :tup
The B-side…..vocal demo prelude leading up to ‘a night at the opera’……..
Exercises In Free Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8n52i_dWrg (1 Million total views on various sites)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/48/The_Great_Pretender_Single_1987.png/220px-The_Great_Pretender_Single_1987.png)
Freddie Mercury: lead vocals and backing vocals
Mike Moran: synthesizers
Alan Jones: bass
Harold Fisher: drums
Produced by Freddie Mercury, David Richards, Mike Moran
Recorded at Ripe Studios, London, November 1986
Mixed at Townhouse Studios by David Richards
Written by Buck Ram
***********
The Great Pretender demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aptk22usx7g
12” extended version minus video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbusNFSqDOY (some easy repetitive vocals at the beginning, but nothing much different from the 45)
With video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly-JZowFHDA 3.2 MILLION Views
***********
Freddie had developed a friendship with Mike Moran after working with him on Dave Clark's Time. Moran was recruited for Freddie's next couple of solo projects, including a cover song he always wanted to record. The track was recorded at Mike Moran's Ripe Studios.
If this wasn't Freddie coming out, I don't know what was. That video is him just totally letting loose, much like 'Living On My Own'. And it's as if Buck Ram wrote those lyrics almost four decades earlier just for him.
EXERCISES IN FREE LOVE
Freddie had Mike Moran play classical piano while he sang overtop. When Freddie first met Montserrat Caballé in March 1987, he brought in this composition.
No lyrics, but Freddie is in excellent voice (Superb! Magnificient!). This was recorded during "The Great Pretender" sessions in anticipation of the meeting with Caballe. When he played it for her, it more or less kicked off the entire Barcelona project, and ended his planned solo album. This piece would eventually be given proper lyrics and become "Ensueno."
***********
I can just imagine the initial reaction to both in ’87, especially that over the top video. Would have been interesting. That said, I never saw it in the stores, or heard it on the airwaves. My first listen was in ‘93. The same with the video. Fun yet sad to watch then, as it is now.
As to ‘Exercises…’, hearing it for the first time in '93 was powerful and moving to the point of tears. It has almost that same effect today.
(https://www.queenvault.com/TheGreatPretender/album2.jpg)
The GREAT PRETENDER '93 reissue
(https://queenpedia.com/images/8/85/Greatpretender2.jpg)
In ’93, a very revised and remixed version, sounding very ‘Queen-ish’ with Brian May imitation guitar, was released as a single and as the title track on the North American version of his Greatest Hits. The song reached #29 in the UK.
Since I had never heard either version until then, I had no time based affection for the original. I totally enjoy both, but find this superior because it has that Queen sound (though many of the BVs have been removed...but to good effect). Since there was such an insistance by Jim Beach for 'new' and 'fresh' remixes, I wish they'd been given the Brian Malouf treatment. This is equal to the '93 remixes of 'Time' and 'In My Defence'.
VIDEO (from the ’92 Robert DeNiro film ‘Night And The City) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGUzO7J0TQU
Total sales for the re-release of ‘The Great Pretender’ in the UK also included the CD, which also had the remix.
1. The Great Pretender
2. Stop All The Fighting
3. Exercises In Free Love
4. The Great Pretender (remix)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/1/18/Greatpretender2rev.jpg)
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Not his last interview, but filmed shortly after the release of 'The Great Pretender'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4XgdWDhvQw&t=4s
which was shortly followed by....
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....the Paul Prenter May 4th and 7th articles in The Sun
https://4imaroza.livejournal.com/1101.html
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So I actually bought The Great Pretender CD for my wife shortly after we met. It's been in my basement for at least 15 years.
I'll give it a quick Spotify run.
Speaking Of Spotify..
...er...nevermind, it's not on Spotify.
I must say, for a band that was fraying a bit by the end of the '86 tour, they each stayed quite busy once the tour ended.
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BRIAN
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kYbnWMUIhZ0/maxresdefault.jpg)
1986: Minako Honda 'Cancel', producer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtY5QF9U6Gk
And guess who wrote and plays guitar on this. Of course, it’s GARY MOORE!!!! ;D
Not sure how I missed this. I had to go back to it.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EoHS4qaW8AAh5DP.jpg:large)
Gary is great on this!
Also..
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5jGHe6XoAAB-cc.jpg)
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Gary and Brian with Hank Marvin in 2004 at the same function
(https://editorial01.shutterstock.com/preview-440/497294b/5a43cac4/Shutterstock_497294b.jpg)
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Montserrat Caballe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montserrat_Caball%C3%A9
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81YWxXDrr3L._SX425_.jpg)
************
FREDDIE MERCURY MONTSERRAT CABALLE
BARCELONA b/w Exercises In Free Love
Released: October 26, 1987 UK (Polydor)
Charts: UK #8
Ireland #8, Sweden #15, West Germany #32, Netherlands #37, Australia #85
1992: UK #2
Ireland #2, Netherlands #2, New Zealand #2, France #6, Switzerland #8, Portugal #9, Switzerland #12, Sweden #12, Belgium #21, Australia #42
2018:
Scotland #63, Germany #100
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1fiOJDXA-E 18 MILLION Views
The single version is shorter, and has a different beginning than what would appear on the album.
Exercises In Free Love the non album B-side https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h328CMDPPAM
Freddie’s version appears as the B-side of ‘The Great Pretender’ single, which was the starting point of the ‘Barcelona’ sessions. This is Montserrat’s version. Since Freddie was doing his best Montserrat homage in the original, this is her proving that Freddie's vocal was right on.
This was not included in the 2000 ‘Solo Collection’ box set. Pity. I heard her version for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It is worth a listen.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/e/ef/Barcelona7.jpg)
Written by Freddie Mercury and Mike Moran
Produced by Freddie Mercury, Mike Moran, and David Richards
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_(Freddie_Mercury_and_Montserrat_Caball%C3%A9_song)
*************
Stateside, I wouldn’t hear the album until after his passing, or the 45 version of the title track until Queen + Greatest sH*ts III. I’m sure listeners were as surprised and semi shocked in ’87 as I was in ’92.
Everyone’s cup of tea? Not even close.
Memorable, well done by two giants in their field? Totally
Enjoyable to many? Absolutely, and count me as one of them.
The album project certainly ended up being quite ‘a night at the opera’…….
(https://queenpedia.com/images/f/f5/Barcelona7rev.jpg)
***********
May 87 interview with Freddie and Montserrat Caballe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPGCmxA-Hmc 6 MILLION Views
The note under the video translated:
We rescue the complete tape with many unpublished fragments of the interview that 'Weekly Report' conducted with #FreddieMercury and #MontserratCaballé in May 1987 on the occasion of the presentation of the song 'Barcelona' in Ibiza.
You can activate the subtitles in the settings button located in the corner of the image.
******
A shame this wasn’t all in English. It is obvious that Freddie understands a great deal of what is being said in Spanish. And it’s obvious as to the mutual affection and respect the two had for each other.
(https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/35/590x/Freddie-Mercury-and-Montserrat-Caballe-1358218.webp?r=1605009953389)
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I've always had a soft spot for this song, love it.
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Everyone’s cup of tea? Not even close.
Memorable, well done by two giants in their field? Totally
Enjoyable to many? Absolutely, and count me as one of them.
This is spot on. I have to say, I'm not the hugest fan of this side of Freddie - both The Great Pretender (I have the reissue) and "Barcelona" - but it's undeniable how good a singer he is, and the chemistry between them on "Barcelona" is clearly evident. There was a lot of mutual respect and admiration there; if the bio I read is any indication, he planted the seed, but SHE actually pushed the full collaboration. She was way into it, and I think it was just as much a wing-stretch for her as for him.
Again, the music isn't something I go back to, but I'm a big one for the "power" of music, to communicate, to connect, and to see such an undeniable union, over music, is really a beautiful thing to watch. And credit to the band for letting him have his head, so to speak (it's a HORSE term).
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I think I remember watching them sing this live. Wasn't it during the Olympics? Maybe the opening ceremonies?
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Gary and Brian with Hank Marvin in 2004 at the same function
(https://editorial01.shutterstock.com/preview-440/497294b/5a43cac4/Shutterstock_497294b.jpg)
I think that's the same pic I posted but somehow the other guy was cut out. I have no idea who Hank Marvin is.
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I think I remember watching them sing this live. Wasn't it during the Olympics? Maybe the opening ceremonies?
They may have shown the video, but Freddie died the year before the '92 Olympics.
For those who have a soft spot for the song, as well as the power of the Mercury / Caballe collaboration.... I'll add one more item before moving on to the next solo release Friday evening.....
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FREDDIE MERCURY & MONTSERRAT CABALLE BARCELONA 12" Extended version
Released: 1987
Barcelona (edit) / Exercises in Free Love b/w Barcelona (extended version)
Barcelona (edit) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Py1MqvuR_0
EXTENDED VERSION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOvOnOCYATo
I am not sure of the exact date of this release in '87.
What is worth noting, and worth listening to, is the extended version. It has the epic beginning of the album version, and some lush instrumentation and vocals in the middle. This may have been a work in progress for the album version. Regardless, if you like or love the song, this is the best!
This was made available on 'The Solo Collection', and is one of my five favorite song versions from the nine music discs in that box set.
On a personal note: it has a very special meaning for me and my 'Bal-ti-mora' wife, especially of a time after I dropped her off at the airport after visiting me in Michigan way back when, knowing I wouldn't see her again for another three months. On my way to my then residence, I had this version playing in the car.
"The moment that you stepped in the room
You took my breath away....'
Oh, how I smiled!
And then....
'God willing we will meet again....someday......'
:'(
I still get goosebumps just thinking about that moment...
(https://queenpedia.com/images/e/ef/Barcelona7.jpg)
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That cover photo has always annoyed me, and it still does. They're too far over to the left, they need to crop the right hand edge of the image and centre it a bit. it just looks wonky.
Hank Marvin was the lead guitarist of The Shadows, a seminal UK rock group of the 50s who are known for backing Cliff Richard, who was billed as the UK Elvis before finding God and ruining the Christmas Number One spot every year since. Marvin was a huge influence on every British guitar player that came after him.
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That cover photo has always annoyed me, and it still does. They're too far over to the left, they need to crop the right hand edge of the image and centre it a bit. it just looks wonky.
Hank Marvin was the lead guitarist of The Shadows, a seminal UK rock group of the 50s who are known for backing Cliff Richard, who was billed as the UK Elvis before finding God and ruining the Christmas Number One spot every year since. Marvin was a huge influence on every British guitar player that came after him.
There's a great compilation called "Twang!" that is a tribute to Hank Marvin and the Shadows. Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Mark Knopfler, and Keith Urban are all on there. It's excellent.
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That cover photo has always annoyed me, and it still does. They're too far over to the left, they need to crop the right hand edge of the image and centre it a bit. it just looks wonky.
Perhaps to give Montserrat more of a 'front and center'? At least Hollywood Records fixed it with the '92 reissue.
Hank Marvin was the lead guitarist of The Shadows, a seminal UK rock group of the 50s who are known for backing Cliff Richard, who was billed as the UK Elvis before finding God and ruining the Christmas Number One spot every year since. Marvin was a huge influence on every British guitar player that came after him.
I do enjoy 'Mistletoe and Wine' that was on a UK holiday CD back in the early '90s, and provided me with my first listen of 'Thank God It's Christmas'. I certainly know he isn't your favorite :D, but all I have is two memories of him over here in the States. And both are good.
Marvin and the 'Twang' release: yeah, it's good stuff, and Brian's 'FBI' instrumental made its first appearance on it in '96. I'll eventually get to it ;).
Since we're time travelling, I'd forgotten to include Brian's '85 work with Chris Thompson.
(http://Chris Thompson featuring Brian May on ‘Radio Voices’)
Released: 1985 in West Germany (Ultraphone)
A Shift in the Wind (part 1 and 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjQpU6OIIQA&list=RDNjQpU6OIIQA&start_radio=1
only part one is included from his ‘Back Tracks’ compilation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ7YHZdXo0M&list=PLwabi2I8vclKNkHaSZgELMneh8KMaGmVL&index=1 (missing A Shift In The Wind part 2)
(https://secondhandsongs.com/picture/167730)
**********************
going back to '86
Chris Thompson, Mannfred Mann vocalist, sang vocals on Steve Hackett’s first solo album in 1986, which Brian also appeared on. The album featured performances by artists such as Brian May (Queen), Pete Trewavas (Marillion), Ian Mosley (also from Marillion), and Bonnie Tyler. However, the album, entitled Feedback 86, was not released until 2002.
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MEATLOAF A TIME FOR HEROES
Released: 1987
A Time For Heroes (The Song)"
Time For Heroes (Single Version)
A Time For Heroes (Extended Version)
A Time For Heroes was the theme of the 1987 International Summer Special Olympics World Games. The theme was composed by Jon Lyons; the instrumental versions were performed by Tangerine Dream and the vocal version was performed by Meat Loaf and Brian May
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ud0tLwcfG4
Tangerine Dream instrumental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR_dk7iyGFA
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d7/A_Time_For_Heroes.png/220px-A_Time_For_Heroes.png)
Written by: Jon Lyons; Meat Loaf and Brian May
Personnel
Jon Lyons – composer
Christopher Franke
Edgar Froese
Paul Haslinger
John Van Tongeren
Credits vocal version
Written by M. Scott Sotebeer, Jon Lyons and Rik Emmett
Produced and arranged by Jon Lyons
Executive producer: M. Scott Sotebeer
Associate producer: John Van Tongeren
Mixed by Jay Rifkin and Jon Lyons at the Hit Factory, New York City
Recorded at the Hit Factory, Record Plant, West Lake Audio, and Sine Wave Studios
Meat Loaf – lead vocals
Brian May – lead guitar solo
Bob Kulick – rhythm guitar ( Lou Reed, Kiss, W.A.S.P., Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Meat Loaf and Michael Bolton.... elder brother of former KISS lead guitarist Bruce Kulick)
Jon Lyons — bass, acoustic guitar, additional keyboards and synthesizers
John Van Tongeren — piano, synthesizers
Bill Boydstun – additional synthesizer programming
Chuck Bürgi – drums (Brand X, and Billy Joel's current drummer)
Gina Ricci, Amy Goff, Elaine Goff – backing vocals
I think they played this opening night of the North American 'We Will Rock You' musical after party. Meatloaf also sang lead for 'With A Little Help From My Friends' that night.
a couple of silly, more than affectionate videos of the two many years later :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPoQEwjlh1U and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvDY1NivQGU
(https://lastfm.freetls.fastly.net/i/u/avatar170s/8c8c85862ba5481987d453a31ea19ae2)
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for all those mellow music listeners on this forum :lol
ELAINE PAIGE
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Paige
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4czGGqUiTRht0PU3bjfW6I0mfYv21qFdK9w&usqp=CAU)
The QUEEN ALBUM
Released: March 1988, Siren Records, Virgin
Charts: UK #51
Certifications: Gold in UK
In 1985, Paige released "I Know Him So Well" with Barbara Dickson from the musical ‘Chess’, which remains the biggest-selling record by a female duo
'The Queen Album' is the first of a number of Paige's albums produced by Mike Moran. They would later work together on Piaf (1994) and Essential Musicals (2006), as well as a number of tracks for Centre Stage: The Very Best of Elaine Paige (2004).
On drums is Brett Morgan, who also appeared on Elton John’s ‘Step into Christmas’ 45 and the albums ‘Elton John’, ‘Madman Across the Water’, and ‘Tumbleweed Connection’.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bf/Elaine_Paige_-The_Queen_Album.jpg/220px-Elaine_Paige_-The_Queen_Album.jpg)
Elaine Paige - vocals
The New Philharmonic Orchestra
Richard Studt, Pat Halling - orchestra leaders
Mike Moran - keyboards
Trevor Barry - bass guitar
Ray Russell - guitar
Brett Morgan - drums
Skaila Kanga - harp
Miriam Stockley, Mae McKenna, Phil Nicholl, Leroy Osbourne, Mick Mullens - backing vocals
Producer - Mike Moran
Recorded CTS Wembley, London 1988
Recording Engineers - Richard 'Call Me Lucky' Dodd, Stuart Bruce
Assistant Engineers - Marsten Bailey, Martin Edwards, Alex Bardock
************
SIDE ONE
Bohemian Rhapsody
A Kind Of Magic
Love Of My Life
My Melancholy Blues
Who Wants To Live Forever
SIDE TWO
You Take My Breath Away
Las Palabras De Amor
One Year Of Love
Is This The World We Created?
Radio Ga Ga
CD bonus: Crazy Little Thing Called Love
************
I know I gave this one spin in the late 90s. There’s no denying the talent and effort behind this. I still recall decades ago on Queen forums those who just fell in love with her voice, bought her other albums because of this one, saw her live, etc. If you’re OK with Queen covers done by orchestras, then you’ve hit the motherlode. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy listening to it again this week. And, it is even better while riding an elevator or waiting in a doctor's office. ;)
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTE6qzGN1iPlWNW1dZRDYanfiYrwd4YLi_2fbGLhygIb4pTmDapay1cBRWisW4sbApq2GU&usqp=CAU)
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Joe, in your Elaine Page post, I think you posted a pic of Roseanne Barr by accident.
I actually know Chuck Burgi as the drummer in Rainbow.
And I saw Bob Kulick live. He played on Paul Stanley's solo tour in 1989.
Lots to chew on this weekend!
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Joe, in your Elaine Page post, I think you posted a pic of Roseanne Barr by accident.
You need to quit looking in the mirror! :lol Put on some glasses! This is not the ''DTF Old As Mold TAC Club" (unless you're referencing the ol' fart music....)
Here's a better Elaine pic from four years ago
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dc7U25OXcAAUf76?format=jpg&name=900x900)
A lot to chew on....indeed. I still have Anita Dobson's album to post tonight, and one other before a fitting one Monday.
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That definitely ain't Roseanne! :lol
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I saw Rik Emmett's name in the credits for the Meatloaf song. Anyone know any more info on that?
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I saw Rik Emmett's name in the credits for the Meatloaf song. Anyone know any more info on that?
Good eye! I missed that.
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I saw Rik Emmett's name in the credits for the Meatloaf song. Anyone know any more info on that?
No idea.
I do thank you, as I didn't know he was the lead singer for Triumph ('85...the only time I went to a concert after finding out about it on the same day/evening in Detroit)
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/29/ba/df29ba87f8633e7e8ce777703b68e0cc.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Dobson The current Mrs. May met Brian in 1986, and finally married in 2000.
Anita Dobson Talking Of Love
Released: 1988, UK (Odeon Records)
Did not chart
Single(s):
Talking Of Love
Released: 1987
Charts: #5 in UK
Certifications: Silver in UK
(information is almost nonexistent as to singles and the album itself)
VIDEOS
Talking Of Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucQtAnIZ908 (Brian appears at the 2 minute mark, the Red Special shortly after)
I Dream Of Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SunTrA_0bEg
Let Me In Your Heart Again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S3bQ7308v4
Anyone Can Fall In Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOhohf8VydU
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Fcollaborations-1%2Fanita-dobson-talking-of-love-uklpfront.jpg&hash=6d85be8135a8d1c8c38c8bc941b4c532b9a11f83)
Backing Vocals – Brian May (tracks: A1 to B4)
Bass – John Deacon (tracks: A4)
Engineer – Dave Hewson (3) (tracks: B5), Pete Schwier (tracks: A1 to B4), Simon May (tracks: B5)
Guitar – Brian May (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B2, B3, B4)
Producer – Brian May (tracks: A1 to B4), Simon May (tracks: B5)
******************
SIDE ONE
Talking Of Love (May)
The Last Time I Made Love (Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jeff Barry)
You Can't Stay The Night (Dominic Bugatti, Frank Musker)
I Dream Of Christmas (May)
SIDE TWO
Funny Old Life Ain't It (Dobson, May)
Let Me In (Your Heart Again) (May)
To Know Him Is To Love Him (Phil Spector)
Don't Fall In Love With Anybody Else ( Anne Dudley, Chris Thompson)
Anyone Can Fall In Love (Black*, Osborne*, Simon May)
****************
Chris Thompson Mannfred Mann vocalist, did vocals on Steve Hackett’s first solo album in 1986. Brian also appeared on the album, along with Pete Trewavas and Ian Mosley of Marillion, and Bonnie Tyler. The album 'Feedback 86", was not released until 2002.
He also appeared on two of Spike Edney’s SAS Band albums, and he provided some vocals at the small concert with Brian and Roger after their 2002 Hollywood Walk of Fame presentation (because my new bride and I were there)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Thompson_(English_musician)
Brian teamed up with Frank Muskers and Elizabeth Lamers in ’88 and cowrote ‘Too Much Love Will Kill You’. It was first recorded by Queen around 1988 or before, and was intended to be on the The Miracle LP, but did not make the cut due to legal disputes following the band's decision that all songs on the album would be credited to the group as opposed to individuals.
**************
I have only heard the four songs listed above that have videos (not even my wife has the vinyl, approx $110 with S&H on eBay). The title track is a fun pop song, especially from the point that Brian's guitar appears.
'I Dream Of Christmas', (mentioned after 'The Works' release, European tour, and before Rock In Rio) was in the running to be Queen's holiday song until 'Thank God It's Christmas' was chosen. There are rumors that a Freddie vocal demo does exist.
As mentioned earlier, a demo of 'Let Me In Your Heart Again' was recorded by Queen during 'The Works' sessions. It was touched up and released in 2014 on 'Queen Forever'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWzeNnq1-rA
Anita does a fine job here once again (I mean, no one can match Freddie, correct?), but what also shines is Brian's lead guitar. The instrumental section starts the same, but has some nice variations to the eventual Queen version. It also has a warmer sound, not quite as high pitched.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Fcollaborations-1%2Fanita-dobson-talking-of-love-uklpback.jpg&hash=5ffd9ed41284182a1ac09511ceccc5e5c648402c)
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Joe, in your Elaine Page post, I think you posted a pic of Roseanne Barr by accident.
I actually know Chuck Burgi as the drummer in Rainbow.
And I saw Bob Kulick live. He played on Paul Stanley's solo tour in 1989.
Lots to chew on this weekend!
Chuck is now the drummer for Billy Joel (and David Rosenthal, also from Rainbow, is his "musical director").
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I think I remember watching them sing this live. Wasn't it during the Olympics? Maybe the opening ceremonies?
They may have shown the video, but Freddie died the year before the '92 Olympics.
Hmm. I only vaguely remember seeing it, but it was Freddie and her singing the song about Barcelona. It was a live performance, though it may have been recorded and shown on some broadcast. Was I the only one who saw that? Seems oddly specific to have been a hallucination, but I suppose it's possible. I had a new job which was insanely demanding, we'd moved halfway across the country and were still living out of boxes, and I wasn't getting much sleep.
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I think I remember watching them sing this live. Wasn't it during the Olympics? Maybe the opening ceremonies?
They may have shown the video, but Freddie died the year before the '92 Olympics.
Hmm. I only vaguely remember seeing it, but it was Freddie and her singing the song about Barcelona. It was a live performance, though it may have been recorded and shown on some broadcast. Was I the only one who saw that? Seems oddly specific to have been a hallucination, but I suppose it's possible. I had a new job which was insanely demanding, we'd moved halfway across the country and were still living out of boxes, and I wasn't getting much sleep.
Well, sir, here's part of the closing ceremony from the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Right from the start of this, the world was not hallucinating. And, I'm sure, that years from now many will see this (if not now), and think that Freddie captivated the audience with the 'Ay-Ohs' that evening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVCtQmDfdyw
I know it gave my wife and I goosebumps! :tup
(still does)
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Joe, in your Elaine Page post, I think you posted a pic of Roseanne Barr by accident.
I actually know Chuck Burgi as the drummer in Rainbow.
And I saw Bob Kulick live. He played on Paul Stanley's solo tour in 1989.
Lots to chew on this weekend!
Chuck is now the drummer for Billy Joel (and David Rosenthal, also from Rainbow, is his "musical director").
I had Chuck highlighted, and listed as Billy Joel's current drummer in the related post
(I knew I had not forgotten :tup ;))
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related to the Brian and Anita album....
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/d98e64cf236baac9f1077372b7bce65e/84a25b906f7c42c2-31/s500x750/a10b4812280a4a5ca4633f54f0ef430dfca36637.jpg)
with then wife Chrissie and two of their kids at Knebworth, '86
(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/10/14/1413307620603/Brian-May-with-his-mother-010.jpg?width=300&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=2c44424bd4d4793011354b584ea30d82)
With his parents Harold and Ruth backstage at Madison Square Garden in ’77.
Harold May had worked on Concorde’s blind landing system as a radar engineer, but had never been able to afford to fly on it. He also was very cold to Brian until this concert, criticizing his son for giving up on his Astrophysics education. Brian paid their fares, along with Chrissie’s and then child for this show. After this concert, he made out maps and diagrammed all the routes that Brian and Queen did on all of their following tours.
And.....he also helped build The Red Special with Brian. Oh, what the world would have been like without the 'ol fireplace. :sad:
Harold May died in ’87. Brian had been with Chrissie for seven years prior to their marriage for ten years. They had three kids.
(https://brianmay.com/brian/briannews/briannewssep14.html)
Brian publicly stated that due to his father's death, the marriage separation, guilt, etc....that he contemplated suicide during this time. The only thing that held him back was the thought of how his kids would have reacted, and what they would have dealt with. I totally understand all of this, having somewhat gone through it myself.
***************
A new life is born..... post Magic Tour and this release.... Anita's promo party interview for the title track 45 release
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atjs12qyqn4
and a while later..........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NccqFWFxAO0&t=19s
*******************
THIS IS HOW ONE ARGUES WITH THEIR SPOUSE :lol :tup
To end with a SMILE or two......(get it? 'Smile' ;)) ..... we have this one minute argument between Brian and Anita from Alistair McGowan's 'Big Impressions' comedy show. :tup :rollin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IriMyXLIafA
if you don't ....well, you can all 'shove it' ;)
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Roger Taylor & The CROSS
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/the-cross/biography.htm
After Queen's Magic Tour ended in August at Knebworth, the band members went their separate ways to do various solo work. Roger decided to form a new band with which he could tour, no doubt after Freddie had disclosed that his touring days were over. Roger had written and recorded the first album himself before finding a band to play the songs with. He eventually placed an advertisement for band members in a national newspaper, hinting he was ‘a famous rock musician.”
(https://shadesofnoirsite.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/img_2603.jpg)
guitarist Clayton Moss, Roger, drummer Joshua Macrae, bassist Peter Noone, and keyboardist Spike Edney
The Cross spent the rest of 1987 recording their debut album, and making a few television appearances. Their debut single, 'Cowboys And Indians', was released in September and reached #74.
Their second single, 'Shove It', was released in January '88. The debut album, 'Shove It', was released that January (all songs written by Roger), while the US edition featured an exclusive bonus track 'Feel The Force'. Despite guest appearances from Freddie and Brian, the album stalled at #58. The band promoted the album with tours of England and Germany. The third single, 'Heaven For Everyone', was released in March, and featured Roger on lead vocals and Freddie on BVs (instead of the LP version with Freddie on LVs). This would later be revisited by Queen for the 'Made In Heaven' album.
As to ‘Heaven For Everyone’…..Roger offered this song to Joan Armatrading, who had provided the incidental female vocals on ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’ from the ‘A Kind Of Magic’ LP. She turned it down.
The band released their final single of the year, the non-album 'Manipulator', in June, which was the first Cross track not written exclusively by Roger (my wife's and mine favorite Cross song). They performed a Christmas Queen fan club party in 1988, and were joined by Brian May and John Deacon for four tracks.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d3/e2/96/d3e29669a0162fd51169986232b9f668.jpg)
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ROGER TAYLOR & The CROSS Shove It LP
Released: April 13, 1988, Virgin Records
Charts: UK #58, USA (DNC)
Singles: 1987
Cowboys And Indians b/w Love Lies Bleeding
Charts: UK #74
1988:
Shove It b/w Rough Justice
Charts: UK #83
Heaven for Everyone b/w Love On A Tightrope
Charts: UK #84
Denmark #68
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Shove_it_the_cross.jpg)
Roger Taylor - vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums (most instruments on album)
Spike Edney - keyboards, vocals
Clayton Moss - guitar (on some tracks)
Peter Noone - bass guitar (on some tracks)
Josh Macrae - drums (on some tracks)
Additional personnel
Brian May - lead guitar on "Love Lies Bleeding (She Was a Wicked, Wily Waitress)", harmonies on "Bohemian Rhapsody" sampling, and guitar on "Flash" sampling. (uncredited)
Freddie Mercury - lead vocals on "Heaven for Everyone" (U.K./European version, B-side of "Heaven for Everyone" single Europe), backing vocals on "Heaven for Everyone" (US version), and harmonies for "Bohemian Rhapsody"/"Fat Bottomed Girls" sampling. (uncredited)
Gary Barnacle - Tenor, Alto & Baritone Saxophone on "Cowboys and Indians", "Contact" & "Stand Up For Love".
Recorded August–December 1987 at Mountain Studios (Montreux), Townhouse, Air, Manor, Maison Rouge (England) and Mediterraneo (Ibiza) *
Produced by Roger Taylor, David Richards, and John "Teddy Bear" Brough
* during 'holiday' with Freddie at Ibiza for the final 'Barcelona' video filming
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlnAR_kMcSk&list=PLnkNNoDdUeSBZMuxlizET4r9d00O5BZ51
Love Lies Bleeding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gllUWJCbH_w
Heaven For Everyone (Roger LVs) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtJckYrjr9o
***************
UK Album
SIDE ONE
Shove It – 3:28
Cowboys and Indians – 5:53
Contact – 4:54
Heaven For Everyone (Freddie LVs) – 4:54
SIDE TWO
Stand Up For Love – 4:22
Love On A Tightrope (Like an Animal) - 4:49
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was a Wicked, Wily Waitress) – 4:25
Rough Justice – 3:22
CD bonus track
The 2nd Shelf Mix – 5:50
Hidden Track - 4:58 Track Ends Outro Of Rough Justice Starts at 0:45
Note: The 2nd Shelf Mix is an extended remix of the track Shove It. On UK CD pressings it also includes the hidden outro of Rough Justice.
*************
US track listing
SIDE ONE
Love Lies Bleeding (She Was a Wicked, Wily Waitress) – 4:25
Shove It – 3:28
Cowboys And Indians – 5:53
Contact – 4:54
SIDE TWO
Heaven For Everyone (Roger LVs, Freddie uncredited) – 4:54
Feel the Force* – 3:44
Stand Up for Love – 4:22
Love on a Tightrope (Like an Animal) xxx
Rough Justice – 3:22
* not on the UK version
(https://images.45worlds.com/f/ab/the-cross-shove-it-4-ab.jpg)
SHOVE IT video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feT1w-Ac5J0
Heaven For Everyone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7oCFCDR4NA
Cowboys And Indians https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvRGOur6zD0 the song isn’t the greatest, but it’s a pretty good video
Love Lies Bleeding 'live' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC5MJUm32EQ
Leicester 2/21/1988 earliest concert tape of a Cross concert
Love Lies Bleeding (The Cross - Live In London 12/4/1988) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1nUo_ixFCc
The Queen International Fan Club’s Christmas party. The Cross would be joined on stage by not only Mike Moran, who was filling in for Spike due to him being on tour with Duran Duran, but also John Deacon and Brian May for the later songs, and Chris Thompson for the night’s finale, a performance of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”.
from 1990, Love Lies Bleeding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dax9iQ9xSTs
**************
Personal comments: first heard this around '96 or so. It was fab for me to hear something 'new' of Roger's. That said, rather disappointing songwriting. Half of it is 'meh'. Yet...'Love Lies Bleeding' is fun, rocking, and Brian's guitar just screams! :tup 'Shove It' is semi rap, with a 'Tear It Up' percussion, and some 'Flash' and 'Fat Bottomed Girls' sampling going on throughout. 'Rough Justice' is what my now wife and I dealt out to each other. ;)
'Feel The Force' is an 'almost' best of song.
'Heaven For Everyone' is the shining star. No doubt this was viewed differently by Europeans when they heard the Queen 'Made In Heaven' album version. I heard this afterwards. The Roger album version is truly outstanding :tup :tup :tup......but then you have Freddie's lead vocals :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Ftestpage1%2Fshoveitback.jpg&hash=f6f0f4b86d764dfb77ef412cc84da65bf8b3abd1)
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Didn't make any headway on this today. :sadpanda:
I don't remember The Cross. Hopefully I'll recognize something.
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Other than the songs I had listed, *I* no longer recognized most of the rest when I listened to the album for the first time in decades on Friday. Not a memorable effort on his part IMO.
they also released a nonalbum single after their first album release that year
MANIPULATOR b/w Stand Up For Love
Released: July 1988, Virgin Records
Charts: DNC
12" single: Manipulator (ext version) b/w Manipulator / Stand Up For Love
12" AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78PZVTzLPrg
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/7/7b/Manipulatorcross.jpg/580px-Manipulatorcross.jpg)
Manipulator
Produced by: Roger Taylor
Written by Roger Taylor, Spike Edney, and Steve Strange (member of Visage)
Stand Up For Love
Produced by: Roger Taylor and David Richards
****************
I got my hands on this in '98 or so, a slightly scratched vinyl recording to disc. It didn't find its way onto another format until Roger's box set in 2013.
The extended version is less than twenty seconds longer than the single, but it the preferred version to those who like this. And we do, as it's less pop than the album tracks. For some reason, its been a fun song for my wife and I to dance to, from the 'here comes trouble' and 'green eyes' lyrics.
Trivial....Roger autographed the 45 sleeve for us on Day One of our honeymoon, slightly taken aback and commenting that he didn't even have it in his collection :D
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Trivial....Roger autographed the 45 sleeve for us on Day One of our honeymoon, slightly taken aback and commenting that he didn't even have it in his collection :D
Hah!
When I gave Alice Cooper my CD cover of Zipper Catches Skin, he looks at it and says..."Where did you get that? I don't even remember making it."
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:lol
I know that some time, some where, you had mentioned that. (it's funny and sad at the same time.....)
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FREDDIE MERCURY Final Stage Performance(s)
One mimed, one not.
We'll do the mimed performance first.
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kXe8nsbQ_5g/mqdefault.jpg)
La Nit Festival, Montjurich Castle, Barcelona, October 8th, 1988 with Montserrat Caballe.
‘The Golden Boy’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPizyP4x30I 5 MILLION Views
‘How Can I Go On’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksNoe8W2jTc 41 MILLION VIEWS!
‘Barcelona’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7icIbZYvEtk 13 MILLION Views
(this is the correct order for that night)
As is, it is his last stage performance, a few days before the ‘Barcelona’ LP is released. Made available in 2012 on DVD as part of the ‘Barcelona’ special edition box set.
(https://www.senzalinea.it/giornale/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Freddie-Mercury-Montserrat-Caballe-e1565500593340.jpg)
*************
The 'Time' musical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0ROWWz1EYY promo footage, Freddie’s in here a couple of times being interviewed, as is Gene Simmons (of all people) in makeup (in '87 ?) at the 1150 mark
DOMINION THEATER, London, April 4, 1988
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/2e6f5ebfce5b5ccade023ff7befd622e/076aa2bc7108cf9a-dd/s400x600/72c1c5d76e76857e15dc0245a72f4924243d13e7.jpg)
(https://images.eil.com/large_image/FREDDIE_MERCURY_TIME%2B-%2BSPECIAL%2BGALA%2BPERFORMANCE-577051b.jpg)
The sad irony of this charity event (unbeknownst to all but his inner circle at the time). Freddie appears on stage and sings ‘Born To Rock And Roll’, ‘In My Defence’, and ‘It’s In Eveyone Of Us’ (with Cliff Richard). During intermission, he also doubles as a vendor to hand out ice cream to the audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5Zzq0MY5LQ
Made available in the 00s, for years this was the only available recording. One time listening through with the Freddie fanatic screaming was one time too many.
Years later, this soundboard recording of ‘It’s In Everyone Of Us’ surfaced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTs5D-fuz20
A real shame this was not made available for ‘The Solo Collection’ boxset. Heart wrenching to hear years later. Provides the perfect closing song on any Freddie 'best of 'collection.
And sadly..... closes out Freddie's singing career on stage.
(https://preview.redd.it/qqnuhuea3gt31.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=82c18a17695504734487e623256e8d764e4f2ed9)
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/photos-guest/1988-04-14a.jpg)
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well, then, I guess I'll move and post this album on what would have been his 76th birthday today……
FREDDIE MERCURY & MONTSERRAT CABELLE BARCELONA LP
Released: October 10, 1988 UK (Polydor), US reissue 1992 (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #25
1992: UK #15
Netherlands #9, New Zealand #13, Switzerland #18, Austria #24, West Germany #41, Japan #93
Certification: Silver in UK
Platinum in Spain and Switzerland
Singles:
Barcelona b/w Exercises In Free Love (already posted)
Released: October 26, 1987
Charts: 1987 UK #8, 1992 UK #2
The Golden Boy (45 edit) b/w The Fallen Priest
Released: October 24,1988
Charts: UK #86
How Can I Go On b/w Overture Piccanti
Released: 1989
Charts: UK #95
Brazil #1
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e5/Barcelona_Album_Cover.jpg/220px-Barcelona_Album_Cover.jpg)
Recorded January 1987 – June 1988
Studio Townhouse and Mountain Studios
Producer: Freddie Mercury, Mike Moran, David Richards
Songs arranged by Freddie Mercury and Mike Moran
All songs composed by Freddie Mercury and Mike Moran unless otherwise noted
All keyboards by Mike Moran
Bass guitar on ‘How Can I Go On’ by John Deacon
Various other acknowledgements listed
ALBUM AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASJI6pNGqGo&list=PLG4oHUlIe48er2grAx1IaS5UJDNslg0Tv
SIDE ONE
Barcelona 5:37
La Japonaise 4:49
The Fallen Priest (Mercury,Moran, Tim Rice) 5:46
Ensueño (Mercury, Moran, Caballé) 4:27
SIDE TWO
The Golden Boy (Mercury, Moran, Rice) 6:04
Guide Me Home 2:49
How Can I Go On 3:51
Overture Piccante 6:40
(https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2019/3/22/c/b/e/cbeb90b9-11e3-448a-a272-13cb0694f788.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_(Freddie_Mercury_and_Montserrat_Caball%C3%A9_album)
Almost twenty months after 'Exercises In Free Love' (the B-side of 'The Great Pretender'), and a year after the single release of the title track, the 'Barcelona' album hits the store shelves.
Once again....this is not everyone's cup of tea. Certainly an eye opener to those who heard this for the first time in ’88….as it was for me in ’92. I certainly appreciated the effort. After all, it had piano (exceptional work by Mike Moran), Queenish BVs, and Freddie’s voice, but I had a wish that Montserrat’s voice would have been Brian’s guitar. Silly me.
After hearing the demos on The Solo Collection, my admiration grew as to all that was involved with this powerful duet. And then diving into the lyrics…. spoken from the view of a man who knew he was dying, as in ‘The Fallen Priest’ and ‘The Golden Boy’, co-written by Tim Rice.
And then, the pleading and dying wishes in ‘Guide Me Home’ and ‘How Can I Go On’.
(one can always go through the lyrics, and copy and paste the Spanish lines for English translations to see more for each song).
Included in The Solo Collection was the demo for ‘Guide Me Home / How Can I Go On’. Freddie singing his lines and BVs, while providing a guide vocal for Montserrat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF_AaQ9TQGA
There are dozens of gems scattered about on those discs…unheard collaborations, demos, alternative versions, etc. THIS was the standout performance for me.
**********
To close, the ‘Ensueno’ instrumental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9VRKAgy0Dk
The piano for Freddie’s ‘Exercises In Free Love’ which started this whole project…then used for Montserrat’s version on the B-side of the single, and for ‘Ensueno, for which she wrote the lyrics.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dc/e7/03/dce703817d195e9c22a4113a5dbe2aa7.jpg)
1992 Hollywood Records reissue cover
(https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Freddie-Mercury-Montserrat-Caballe-Barcelona-Album-Cover-820.jpg)
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Out of everyone's extracurricular activities during this time, Freddie's are my favorite. It's fun to watch the videos while having in mind Freddie felt about Montserrat the way most of us feel about Freddie Mercury. I can definitely see and hear what he saw and heard in her, she was spectacular :heart
Have to admit I never listened to the Elaine Page stuff. Not my generation!
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Have to admit I never listened to the Elaine Page stuff. Not my generation!
Mine either! :lol
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FREDDIE MERCURY & MONTSERRAT CABALLE BARCELONA 12" Extended version
EXTENDED VERSION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOvOnOCYATo
Is the guy with the baton supposed to look like Brian May?
On a personal note: it has a very special meaning for me and my 'Bal-ti-mora' wife, especially of a time after I dropped her off at the airport after visiting me in Michigan way back when, knowing I wouldn't see her again for another three months. On my way to my then residence, I had this version playing in the car.
Nice!
OK, well that was interesting. Nice though.
MEATLOAF A TIME FOR HEROES
Released: 1987
A Time For Heroes (The Song)"
Time For Heroes (Single Version)
A Time For Heroes (Extended Version)
A Time For Heroes was the theme of the 1987 International Summer Special Olympics World Games. The theme was composed by Jon Lyons; the instrumental versions were performed by Tangerine Dream and the vocal version was performed by Meat Loaf and Brian May
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ud0tLwcfG4
Tangerine Dream instrumental https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR_dk7iyGFA
Bob Kulick was a great pick for rhythm guitars because they sure as hell gave the guitars a haircut!
Nice quick Brian solo.
I actually have one Tangerine Dream CD...the soundtrack to Legend.
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/29/ba/df29ba87f8633e7e8ce777703b68e0cc.jpg)
I Dream Of Christmas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SunTrA_0bEg
Backing Vocals – Brian May (tracks: A1 to B4)
Bass – John Deacon (tracks: A4)
Engineer – Dave Hewson (3) (tracks: B5), Pete Schwier (tracks: A1 to B4), Simon May (tracks: B5)
Guitar – Brian May (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B2, B3, B4)
Producer – Brian May (tracks: A1 to B4), Simon May (tracks: B5)
That's an excellent melodic solo. I obviously picked this track because of John Deacon.
For completists only. :lol
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Well, sir, here's part of the closing ceremony from the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Right from the start of this, the world was not hallucinating. And, I'm sure, that years from now many will see this (if not now), and think that Freddie captivated the audience with the 'Ay-Ohs' that evening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVCtQmDfdyw
THAT........is fucking awesome! :hefdaddy :metal :hefdaddy
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ROGER TAYLOR & The CROSS Shove It LP
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Shove_it_the_cross.jpg)
Oh boy. This was pretty terrible all the way around. :lol
When and what did Spike play with Duran Duran? I saw them on 1/20/89 in Worcester. Was he with them then?
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FREDDIE MERCURY Final Stage Performance(s)
One mimed, one not.
We'll do the mimed performance first.
‘How Can I Go On’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksNoe8W2jTc 41 MILLION VIEWS!
What a great song and vocal. Goosebump city.
Poor Freddie. It really was over when the fat lady sang..
I'm gonna listen to the rest of that album. Maybe not tonight, but I want to hit it. That song was one of the best things I've heard in this thread.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dc/e7/03/dce703817d195e9c22a4113a5dbe2aa7.jpg)
This is such a great picture. I love his look in the shots for this project. What's weird is that I don't feel sad so much at watching the Queen stuff, but it's a project like this that shows he was just scratching the surface on what would be the second half of his career. He really had so much more to offer.
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*************
The 'Time' musical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0ROWWz1EYY promo footage, Freddie’s in here a couple of times being interviewed, as is Gene Simmons (of all people) in makeup (in '87 ?) at the 1150 mark
DOMINION THEATER, London, April 4, 1988
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/2e6f5ebfce5b5ccade023ff7befd622e/076aa2bc7108cf9a-dd/s400x600/72c1c5d76e76857e15dc0245a72f4924243d13e7.jpg)
(https://images.eil.com/large_image/FREDDIE_MERCURY_TIME%2B-%2BSPECIAL%2BGALA%2BPERFORMANCE-577051b.jpg)
The sad irony of this charity event (unbeknownst to all but his inner circle at the time). Freddie appears on stage and sings ‘Born To Rock And Roll’, ‘In My Defence’, and ‘It’s In Eveyone Of Us’ (with Cliff Richard). During intermission, he also doubles as a vendor to hand out ice cream to the audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5Zzq0MY5LQ
Years later, this soundboard recording of ‘It’s In Everyone Of Us’ surfaced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTs5D-fuz20
A real shame this was not made available for ‘The Solo Collection’ boxset. Heart wrenching to hear years later. Provides the perfect closing song on any Freddie 'best of 'collection.
And sadly..... closes out Freddie's singing career on stage.
(https://preview.redd.it/qqnuhuea3gt31.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=82c18a17695504734487e623256e8d764e4f2ed9)
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/photos-guest/1988-04-14a.jpg)
Very nice! That soundboard is excellent. So sad.
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Ok..I think I'm caught up!
(https://trainfora5k.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DONE.gif)
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This is such a great picture. I love his look in the shots for this project.
It feels like he was really settling into his own personal style around this time. The mustache/athletic wear was really more a subculture trend, or a dating requirement for him, if you will :lol then as he got older and more settled, suddenly we see this very classic styling, being clean shaven on occasion, pastel silk suits with sneakers, classic or funny/artsy vests. Very lovely to see and looks so cool on him. I wonder how he would have aged. :sadpanda:
What's weird is that I don't feel sad so much at watching the Queen stuff, but it's a project like this that shows he was just scratching the surface on what would be the second half of his career. He really had so much more to offer.
Yeah. :sadpanda: :sadpanda: :sadpanda: :sadpanda: :sadpanda: :sadpanda: :sadpanda:
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/29/ba/df29ba87f8633e7e8ce777703b68e0cc.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Dobson The current Mrs. May met Brian in 1986, and finally married in 2000.
Anita Dobson Talking Of Love
Released: 1988, UK (Odeon Records)
Did not chart
Single(s):
Talking Of Love
Released: 1987
Charts: #5 in UK
Certifications: Silver in UK
(information is almost nonexistent as to singles and the album itself)
Anyone Can Fall In Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOhohf8VydU
Anyone Can Fall in Love was the hit single from this, reaching number 4 in the UK charts. Anita was one of the stars of EastEnders, the BBC's new soap opera that had launched the previous year, and this was the theme tune (and still is 37 years later, although I'm more of a Coronation Street fan myself, not watched 'Stenders since him out of Spandau Ballet got that mental lad to take the blame for thwacking that girl with the ashtray).
It's the 12th highest selling tv or film song in UK chart history. This was utterly ubiquitous at the time. Households around the nation gather round the glowing light of the telly with their eel pie and mash to sing along to this 3 times a week. Or however often it's on these days.
Needless to say, the other singles sank without trace.
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So...
(https://y.yarn.co/aa1ccdfe-f7eb-4abb-9e9c-799a1adb0e4f_text.gif)
I checked to see if Barcelona is on Spotify.
It is!
It's labeled as the New Orchestrated Version
1. Barcelona....6m
2. La Japonaise....2m
3. The Fallen Priest....1.7m
4. Ensueno....1.7m
5. The Golden Boy....1.9m
6. Guide Me Home....3m
7. How Can I Go On....15.3m
8. Exercise In Free Love....1.5m
9. Overture Piccante...1.2m
Wait..they made a song about Japanese mayonaise? :D
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(https://y.yarn.co/aa1ccdfe-f7eb-4abb-9e9c-799a1adb0e4f_text.gif)
Bruce McGill makes everything better.
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Daniel Simpson Day... has no grade point average.
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I checked to see if Barcelona is on Spotify.
1. Barcelona....6m
2. La Japonaise....2m
3. The Fallen Priest....1.7m
4. Ensueno....1.7m
5. The Golden Boy....1.9m
6. Guide Me Home....3m
7. How Can I Go On....15.3m
8. Exercise In Free Love....1.5m
9. Overture Piccante...1.2m
Over twice as many as the title track? I've never heard of this song.
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Ok..I think I'm caught up!
(https://trainfora5k.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DONE.gif)
Well...I almost am with 'life'..... and will do some catching up here some time tonight.
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So...
I checked to see if Barcelona is on Spotify.
It is!
It's labeled as the New Orchestrated Version
1. Barcelona....6m
2. La Japonaise....2m
3. The Fallen Priest....1.7m
4. Ensueno....1.7m
5. The Golden Boy....1.9m
6. Guide Me Home....3m
7. How Can I Go On....15.3m
8. Exercise In Free Love....1.5m
9. Overture Piccante...1.2m
Probably a combination of the original totals and the 2012 'special edition'. youtube numbers are quite low for this.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b0/Barcelona_2012_Freddie_Mercury.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_(Freddie_Mercury_and_Montserrat_Caball%C3%A9_album)
scroll down to 2012 special edition
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSdTmaZWWBc&list=PL1250hvFNsBb3sAS4yijYoKql8SM9GrNd&index=1
I didn't list it with the original. I had much anticipation for this release, but it just fell flat. The synths and piano worked just fine on the original, and the occasional violin was so out of place. It did have Rufus Taylor on drums on 'The Golden Boy' and 'How Can I Go On'. It did reach #47 in the UK charts.
I would pass on this. I only listened to the title track and 'How Can I Go On' while writing up the original.
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to catch up on things here
FREDDIE MERCURY Final Stage Performance(s)
One mimed, one not.
We'll do the mimed performance first.
‘How Can I Go On’, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksNoe8W2jTc 41 MILLION VIEWS!
What a great song and vocal. Goosebump city.
Poor Freddie. It really was over when the fat lady sang..
I'm gonna listen to the rest of that album. Maybe not tonight, but I want to hit it. That song was one of the best things I've heard in this thread.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dc/e7/03/dce703817d195e9c22a4113a5dbe2aa7.jpg)
This is such a great picture. I love his look in the shots for this project. What's weird is that I don't feel sad so much at watching the Queen stuff, but it's a project like this that shows he was just scratching the surface on what would be the second half of his career. He really had so much more to offer.
Cute line as to the fat lady! :D
The 'Barcelona' project certainly showed another side...a side that was almost buried during his lifestyle changes in the 80s. It's a shame that his disease somewhat forced the issue. Being surrounded by such talents and personalities as Dave Clarke, Mike Moran, Tim Rice, and Montserrat didn't hurt. And spending the time on it...which he had done in the 70s, but could barely be bothered with more than an hour in the studio before gallivanting off to the clubs afterwards.
*************
The 'Time' musical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0ROWWz1EYY promo footage, Freddie’s in here a couple of times being interviewed, as is Gene Simmons (of all people) in makeup (in '87 ?) at the 1150 mark
DOMINION THEATER, London, April 4, 1988
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/2e6f5ebfce5b5ccade023ff7befd622e/076aa2bc7108cf9a-dd/s400x600/72c1c5d76e76857e15dc0245a72f4924243d13e7.jpg)
The sad irony of this charity event (unbeknownst to all but his inner circle at the time). Freddie appears on stage and sings ‘Born To Rock And Roll’, ‘In My Defence’, and ‘It’s In Eveyone Of Us’ (with Cliff Richard). During intermission, he also doubles as a vendor to hand out ice cream to the audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5Zzq0MY5LQ
Years later, this soundboard recording of ‘It’s In Everyone Of Us’ surfaced https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTs5D-fuz20
A real shame this was not made available for ‘The Solo Collection’ boxset. Heart wrenching to hear years later. Provides the perfect closing song on any Freddie 'best of 'collection.
And sadly..... closes out Freddie's singing career on stage.
Very nice! That soundboard is excellent. So sad.
Better than the Freddie fanatic screaming his name every ten seconds >:( I still don't understand why all of his last performance hasn't been made public.
ROGER TAYLOR & The CROSS Shove It LP
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/50/Shove_it_the_cross.jpg)
Oh boy. This was pretty terrible all the way around. :lol
When and what did Spike play with Duran Duran? I saw them on 1/20/89 in Worcester. Was he with them then?
I did write privately and told TAC that Spike was with Duran Duran in the States months before.
And, yeah, other than a couple songs I mentioned in my review, it was such a disappointing listen. 'Strange Frontier' was mostly a very good solo album. I expected more.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/29/ba/df29ba87f8633e7e8ce777703b68e0cc.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Dobson The current Mrs. May met Brian in 1986, and finally married in 2000.
Anita Dobson Talking Of Love
Released: 1988, UK (Odeon Records)
Did not chart
Single(s):
Talking Of Love
Released: 1987
Charts: #5 in UK
Certifications: Silver in UK
(information is almost nonexistent as to singles and the album itself)
Anyone Can Fall In Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOhohf8VydU
Anyone Can Fall in Love was the hit single from this, reaching number 4 in the UK charts. Anita was one of the stars of EastEnders, the BBC's new soap opera that had launched the previous year, and this was the theme tune (and still is 37 years later, although I'm more of a Coronation Street fan myself, not watched 'Stenders since him out of Spandau Ballet got that mental lad to take the blame for thwacking that girl with the ashtray).
It's the 12th highest selling tv or film song in UK chart history. This was utterly ubiquitous at the time. Households around the nation gather round the glowing light of the telly with their eel pie and mash to sing along to this 3 times a week. Or however often it's on these days.
Thanks for sharing (other than the eel pie bit ;)). Interesting, and something I had never come across before. :tup
Brian's and Anita's work is certainly something for the completists. I do try and 'visualize' Brian or Freddie doing the lead vocals. Anytime I hear his guitar or LVs or BVs is a bonus. The songwriting was certainly better than for 'Shove It'. I have been promised a copy of the album before the end of the year, so that's another bonus of doing this thread.
Out of everyone's extracurricular activities during this time, Freddie's are my favorite. It's fun to watch the videos while having in mind Freddie felt about Montserrat the way most of us feel about Freddie Mercury. I can definitely see and hear what he saw and heard in her, she was spectacular :heart
Have to admit I never listened to the Elaine Page stuff. Not my generation!
I think he pinched himself everytime he spoke with or was in Montserrat's presence.
The Elaine Paige album. It was my generation, and yet......
And, as to 'How Can I Go On'.....I was genuinely shocked that it had 41 Million views on youtube, as opposed to only 13 Million for 'Barcelona' of their La Nit performance. And, that for some reason it reached Number One in Brazil upon its initial release.
oh, and because of someone having a hunch, I think I'll watch 'My Cousin Vinnie' for the gazillionth time tonight :D
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and, finally....after three long years, a Queen studio release....
I Want It All b/w Hang On In There
Released: May 2, 1989, UK (Parlophone), USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #3, USA #50 (Mainstream Rock #3)
Netherlands #2, Finland #3, France #3, Norway #4, Italy #7, Switzerland #8, West Germany #9 ,
Australia #10, Belgium #10, Austria #11, Spain #12, Sweden #14, Canada #34, France #47
Certifications: Silver in UK, Gold in Italy
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fsingles-3%2Fi-want-it-all-uk7front.jpg&hash=b3ab3fd1619e3a7dcd94dbc2016e58d06fa55e3f)
Written by Queen
Produced by David Richards and Queen
The first thing I noticed was that for the first time since the cover of ‘The Game’ album, Freddie’s mustache was gone (having never seen or heard of 'The Great Pretender', 'Time' and 'Barcelona' at this point).
Second, all songs were written by Queen (though this is obviously Brian's with Anita's phrase of 'I want it all, and I want it now' finding a proper home)
Third, I now knew the title of the upcoming album, along with one song not making the 'grade' for inclusion.
And finally, it was produced by David Richards (five tracks from ‘A Kind Of Magic’)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fsingles-3%2Fi-want-it-all-ukcddisc.jpg&hash=187207d1a6c909936fabd533680db5b4f835e400)
Album version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN1-ieOQ8WA
Hang On In There https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaEEDGdjFnQ
I Want It All, single version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFDcoX7s6rE 95 MILLION Views
This was my first CD single purchase. Along with the 12” single release, this also included the album version and a good rocking non album track. Queen was back! Hard rocking, BVs, and ‘Hang On In There’ was a clincher. If that song wasn’t good enough to make the cut for the album, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to be included when released in another three weeks.....
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/f/fe/Iwiaback.jpg/597px-Iwiaback.jpg)
************
'Good Morning Britain' interview, May 2nd, the day of the release https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7FANf96u58
Due to traffic, Roger shows up a tad late. He also shows up a tad gray. :o
A typical ‘nothing’ interview, other than to see the two together. At the 9 minute mark, is the start of Queen's agreed to line about not touring, 15:30 and after is a quick question about Freddie, and then the third co-host does his little bit, with questions about the press (not knowing anything about 'Scandal' at the time). And finally, once again a question about letting the show be the first to know of upcoming tour dates.
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(details of the 2022 Collectors Edition on Page 43 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2951968#msg2951968)
The MIRACLE
Released: May 22, 1989 UK (Parlophone), June 6, USA (Capitol)
Charts: UK #1, USA #24
#1 in Austria, Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Switzerland
New Zealand #2, Norway #2, Australia #4, Sweden #6, Canada #18
1992: Hungary #36
2022: Poland #44
Certifications: Platinum in UK
Gold in Australia, Austria, France, New Zealand
Platinum in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland
***************
Singles:
I Want It All (Single Version) b/w Hang On In There
Charts: UK #3, USA #50
Already posted
**********
Breakthru b/w Stealin
Released: June 19
Charts: UK #13
Netherlands #4, Ireland #6, Belgium #10, Finland #10, Italy #15, Germany #24, Switzerland #28, Australia #45, New Zealand #45, Canada #80
**********
The Invisible Man b/w Hijack My Heart
Released: August 7
Charts: UK #12
Netherlands #4, Ireland #10, Belgium #13, Italy #14, New Zealand #15, Switzerland #30, Germany #31
**********
Scandal b/w My Life Has Been Saved
Released: October 9
Charts: UK #25
Netherlands #12, Ireland #14, Netherlands #16, Belgium #29
**********
The Miracle b/w Stone Cold Crazy (from Rainbow ‘74)
Released: November 27th
Charts: UK #21
Netherlands #16, Ireland #23, Belgium #28, Germany #78
(https://www.queenvault.com/TheMiracle/album1.jpg)
Produced by: Queen and David Richards
Recorded at: Olympic Sound Studios and The Townhouse Studios, London; and Mountain Studios, Montreux
All tracks performed exclusively by Queen
All songs written by: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor
Album sleeve design: Richard Gray – based on an idea by Queen
not listed on the album:
Freddie Mercury: lead and backing vocals, piano, keyboards, synthesizers, programming
Brian May: electric and acoustic guitars, backing vocals, lead vocals on "I Want It All", synthesizers, programming
Roger Taylor: drums, electronic drums, backing vocals, lead vocals on "The Invisible Man", synthesizer, programming
John Deacon: bass guitar, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesisers, programming
David Richards - additional keyboards
AUDIO (with bonus disc) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v0ZMylE-WY&list=PL-Dlrh3xUEoQtJvK3HBq5Ga4u7wzCoaRB
SIDE ONE
Party 2:24
Khashoggi's Ship 2:47
The Miracle 5:01
I Want It All 4:41
The Invisible Man 3:57
SIDE TWO
Breakthru 4:08
Rain Must Fall 4:22
Scandal 4:42
My Baby Does Me 3:23
Was It All Worth It 5:44
2011 Universal CD bonus disc
I Want It All (Single version) / The Invisible Man (demo version with Roger guide vocal) / Hang on in There (B-side of I Want It All) / Hijack My Heart (B-side of The Invisible Man / Stealin' (B-side of Breakthru) /Chinese Torture
*******
My Life Has Been Saved’ was the non album B-side of ‘Scandal’. A much different version was remixed for the ‘Made In Heaven’ album, so they decided to put this B-side on that album’s bonus disc. Could have easily done both, as it’s just as (more) appropriate for this album
There are numerous demos of songs that did appear on this album: The Miracle, I Want It All (as well as a guide vocal by Brian), Scandal, My Baby Loves Me, A New Life Is Born (the beginning which turned into Breakthru).
And the nonalbum B side demos of: Hang On In There, Hijack My Heart, Stealin’ (12 minute version)
Finally, there are demos from songs unreleased or appearing on other albums: Too Much Love Will Kill You I Guess We're Falling Out, Dog With A Bone, Face It Alone, All God's People
(https://vinyl-records.nl/rock/photo-gallery/queen/miracle/queen-the-miracle-parlophone-1989-vinyl-album-photo-760.jpg) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-3%2Fthe-miracle-uklpinner2.jpg&hash=fb19d855cd308463135e6dfb20df036776096999)
Hearing ‘I Want It All’ and ‘Hang On In There’, I was stoked for this album’s release (originally titled 'The Invisible Men'). Then I see the cover, and I’m like WTF? Kind of neat, kind of bizarre. Inside is a damn good group photo and lyrics. As to the music, right off the bat, I get the dance club beat of ‘Party’. And lots of bass beats and programmed drums throughout (done while Roger was off skiing) and the whatever lyrics of ‘Khashoggi’s Ship’. A shame, as Brian’s guitar work really kicks. The other two weak songs, ‘Rain Must Fall’ and ‘My Baby Does Me’ have some superb guitar work, are nice changes of pace, but the programmed drums kill any enjoyment for me. The 'committee' effect perhaps.
The title track, ‘I Want It All’, and ‘Breakthru’ are the highlights, even ‘Scandal’…Brian’s scathing critique of the tabloids attacks (on Freddie as well as himself).
And then there’s the album closer. ‘Was It All Worth It’ is epic, with great BVs, killer lead guitar, the different 'symphonic' change with timpani and car horns....and Freddie with incredible power and grit in his vocals. This very well could have been their swan song on their last album.
If you were to toss everything including the kitchen sink into a song in the late 80s that said ‘Queen’, this album was it. Lots of highs, but with just as many lows. This was when they agreed to have all songs listed as ‘written by Queen’. It took away the petty jealousies, the need to write a hit, and allowed them to focus just on the songs. This was both good and bad, as so much on this album suffers from ‘music by committee’ without the pushing and pulling of a song that was ‘someone’s work’. It also kept 'Too Much Love Will Kill You' and 'All God's People' off the album because of outside writing credits.
It' is a shame that some real quality nonalbum B-sides were not included on this album. Is listening to 'The Miracle''a worthwhile experience?' Sometimes. The inconsistencies cause it to be rated quite low in the list of Queen albums. Skip a song here and there, add a B-side here and there, and you've got something really good.
There was talk at the time of releasing another LP soon afterwards titled ‘Another Miracle’ , with those songs and a few of the demos polished and added (listed in the following post). Instead, they quickly went back into the studio to work on a new album….while they still could.
(https://www.queenvault.com/TheMiracle/album2.jpg)
NOVEMBER edit: the 2022 release(s)
The MIRACLE COLLECTOR's EDITIONS
(https://dvfnvgxhycwzf.cloudfront.net/media/BannerFrontendSegment-image/imageFull/.fCaFhTQY/BannerFrontendSegment-image-10394.jpg?t=d732d6ee752b9554e118)
https://www.queenonlinestore.com/Queen/The-Miracle/
(https://dvfnvgxhycwzf.cloudfront.net/media/SharedImage/image300/.fQMV6hMY/SharedImage-141136.jpg?t=e65f696686d60321e3b8)
The 'Super Deluxe Edition'
CD1 - 2011 Bob Ludwig Master
1 Party
2 Khashoggi's Ship
3 The Miracle
4 I Want It All
5 The Invisible Man
6 Breakthru
7 Rain Must Fall
8 Scandal
9 My Baby Does Me
10 Was It All Worth It
CD2 - The Miracle Sessions
1 Party (Original Take)
2 Khashoggi’s Ship (Original Take)
3 The Miracle (Original Take With John’s Ending)
4 I Want It All (Original Take)
5 The Invisible Man (Early Version With Guide Vocal)
6 When Love Breaks Up (Demo)
7 Breakthru (Real Drums And Bass)
8 Rain Must Fall (Demo)
9 Scandal (Original Rough Mix)
10 My Baby Loves Me
11 Was It All Worth It (Original Take)
12 You Know You Belong To Me
13 I Guess We’re Falling Out (Demo)
14 Dog With A Bone
15 Water (Demo)
16 Face It Alone
CD3 - Alternative Miracle
1 I Want It All (Single Version)
2 Hang On In There [B-Side]
3 Breakthru (12” Version)
4 Stealin’ [B-Side]
5 The Invisible Man (12” Version)
6 Hijack My Heart [B-Side]
7 Scandal (12” Version)
8 My Life Has Been Saved [B-Side]
9 Stone Cold Crazy (Live At The Rainbow, London '74) [B-Side]
10 My Melancholy Blues (Live At Houston, Texas ’77) [B-Side]
11 Chinese Torture [Instrumental]
CD4 - Miracu-mentals
1 Party (Instrumental)
2 Khashoggi's Ship (Backing Track)
3 The Miracle (Backing Track)
4 I Want It All (Backing Track)
5 The Invisible Man (Backing Track)
6 Breakthru (Backing Track)
7 Rain Must Fall (Backing Track)
8 Scandal (Backing Track)
9 My Baby Does Me (Backing Track)
10 Was It All Worth It (Backing Track)
CD5 - The Miracle Interviews
1 Queen For An Hour (Trailer)
2 Queen For An Hour (Roger, John, Freddie & Brian with Mike Read)
3 Queen For An Hour (Out-takes)
4 Rockline (Brian & Roger with Bob Coburn)
DVD / BLU-RAY - The Miracle Promo Videos
1 I Want It All (Promo Video)
2 Breakthru (Promo Video)
3 The Invisible Man (Promo Video)
4 Scandal (Promo Video)
5 The Miracle (Promo Video)
6 The Miracle Interviews (Interviews with Roger, Brian and John on the set of the Breakthru film shoot in June 1989,
by Gavin Taylor. John has given no further interviews since that day)
7 The Making of the Miracle Videos
8 The Making of The Miracle album cover
LP The Miracle - The Long Lost Original LP Cut
SIDE ONE
Party
Khashoggi's Ship
The Miracle
I Want It All
Too Much Love Will Kill You
The Invisible Man
SIDE TWO
Breakthru
Rain Must Fall
Scandal
My Baby Does Me
Was It All Worth It
the more affordable and perhaps 'worthwhile' Deluxe edition has the first two discs
(https://dvfnvgxhycwzf.cloudfront.net/media/SharedImage/image300/.fG1wCiMY/SharedImage-141145.jpg?t=51ead8e28163491c4552)
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The MIRACLE 12" versions and demos
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/6/60/Iwia.jpg/150px-Iwia.jpg)
I Want It All / Hang On In There / I Want It All (album version)
Already posted
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/c/c6/Breakthruuk2.jpg/150px-Breakthruuk2.jpg)
Breakthru https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEjU9KVABao 36 MILLION Views
Stealin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoDtfM-I9Ew
Breakthru ext version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS82mmDsXcc
The extended version is very different from the album version throughout.....and surprisingly, it's a rather fun version at that.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/c/cd/Imuk21.jpg/150px-Imuk21.jpg)
The Invisible Man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKdxd718WXg 20 MILLION Views slightly different beginning than the album version
Hijack My Heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOUJghzUywA
The Invisible Man ext version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqsuE8jt_nA (this is an 'ouch' to me)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/8/85/Scandaluk.jpg/150px-Scandaluk.jpg)
Scandal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMO3YNoNyTY 17 MILLION Views
My Life Has Been Saved https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYL-myiaZRA
Scandal ext version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_FPAltzci4 (not a fan of this one)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/1/10/Miracleuk2.jpg/150px-Miracleuk2.jpg)
The Miracle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DaY8-Mui0I 32 MILLION Views (a very fun and memorable video)
Stone cold crazy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Rfb1Jtmic
from the November 74 Rainbow concert. The first time this had been made available to the public. Kind of scraping the bottom a bit as well.....
***********
Making of 'The Miracle' videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdeVNraHpHE
I'm going to save the demos for tomorrow......
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Damn, I thought it was up..
I'm not listening until you post it.
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^
Consider it done in thirty seconds.
Something to listen to with the Sawx and O's on the telly.
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I love this album so much. The Miracle is such a killer tune.
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Consider it done in thirty seconds.
That's bedroom talk for Kingshmegland!
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Consider it done in thirty seconds.
That's bedroom talk for Kingshmegland!
It's a race and I always win. :lol
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I'm prepared..
Spotify stream numbers!
The Miracle
1. Party....2.1m
2. Khashoggi's Ship....2.5m
3. The Miracle....18m
4. I Want It All....37.8m
5. The Invisible Man....41.9m
6. Breakthru....52.6m
7. Rain Must Fall....2.6m
8. Scandal....6.2m
9. My Baby Does Me....2m
10. Was It All Worth It....2.8m
11. Hang On In There....782k
12. Chinese Torture....597k
Non Album Tracks
Hang On In There....783k
Hijack My Heart....580k
Stealin'....504k
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Consider it done in thirty seconds.
That's bedroom talk for Kingshmegland!
It's a race and I always win. :lol
The most romantic three words any wife can utter...
"Make it quick!" :lol
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And just like an egg timer, I finished the second post in three minutes..... ;)
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I didn't hear The Miracle until maybe 15 years ago. It is very much a mixed bag for me.
It has some awesome songs like I Want It All, Breakthru (this was one of my workout mainstay tunes for a long time), the title track and Was It All Worth It?, but it has some major crap on there as well.
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Breakthru (this was one of my workout mainstay tunes for a long time),
(https://c.tenor.com/NlLB2f_yg1AAAAAM/workout-exercise.gif)
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The Miracle
Party-Damn there's those 80's electric drums again. This would've been way better in 1974.
Khashoggi's Ship-Is this a Billy Squier cover? :lol This isn't half bad. Has a Zeppelin feel to it for sure.
The Miracle- I have literally never heard this before right now. Even with a great vocal, it starts a bit iffy, but this song wins in the end. Freddie is great on this. Really nice, considering what was going on with him. Nice playing by Brian on this.
I Want It All- I'm well familiar with this. I liked it when it was released.
The Invisible Man- 42m streams?? I've never heard this. I hope that's legit John Deacon on that bass line. If so...amazing! Not sure what to make of this. It's kind of quirky.
Breakthru- 52m streams?? What? never heard this before either! The "If I could only reach you..." part reminds me of Don Henley's Boys Of Summer.
Rain Must Fall- WTF? it's like if Herbie Hancock and Billy Ocean had a baby. This sounds familiar, but maybe it's because it sounds like so many 80's songs.
Scandal-Yay, Duran Duran makes an appearance. I like Freddie here.
My Baby Does Me-No surprise John has a big hand in this. This one started out a bit iffy too, but it's a smokey groovy thing. I needed Brian's solo to go longer though. This ended way too quick.
Was It All Worth It- Um, the answer is yes. This is a great song. This is the best song on the album.
Hang On In There- This is interesting and easily could've made the album.
Hijack My Heart- This actually isn't that bad. This was made for Rod Stewart. Left to his own devices, I can't say I'm a huge Roger fan. His music is a bit odd.
Stealin'-Jeesh, this is really interesting. It really is. Damn cool.
(https://vinyl-records.nl/rock/photo-gallery/queen/miracle/queen-the-miracle-parlophone-1989-vinyl-album-photo-760.jpg)
lyrics on other side of sleeve
This is a great pic of the band.
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^
Yes it is. :tup Some of the other photos from Montreux on Lake Geneva from this time should have been added as well.
Consider it done in thirty seconds.
That's bedroom talk for Kingshmegland!
It's a race and I always win. :lol
The most romantic three words any wife can utter...
"Make it quick!" :lol
A day at the races was mentioned a lonnnnnggg time ago...
and....
Breakthru (this was one of my workout mainstay tunes for a long time),
(https://c.tenor.com/NlLB2f_yg1AAAAAM/workout-exercise.gif)
Meanwhile, I did a lot of twelve ounce curls to this song and album throughout the years ;)
Moving on......I forgot to include the wiki post for the LP https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miracle_(album) which has a good breakdown of who wrote what for each song. And Tim, your Sheriff Farley hunches were spot on throughout in your good and fair review.
And, nice catch as to the 'if I could only reach you' line in 'Breakthru'. I instantly started humming the 'But I can see you, your brown skin shining in the sun' part of 'The Boys of Summer'. No one on any Queen forums I've read through the years had mentioned this. :tup :tup
Spotify numbers: generally comparable as to popularity ratios throughout the catalogue as to youtube views, but 'The Invisible Man' is the shocker so far (slightly edging out 'How Can I Go On' to 'Barcelona'). I was totally off as to my guesses, eh?
Instruments played on the album: a significant decrease throughout the 80s, as the piano only appears on the title track and a few seconds of 'Breakthru'. It probably would have been quite prominent on 'Rain Must Fall' had this been written a decade earlier.
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The album cover picture always freaked me out.
I wasn't listing to newer Queen at the time anyway for various reasons, but that cover sure as hell didn't give me any reason to check it out. So it was years before I listened to The Miracle. Later Queen was hit or miss to me, and this is pretty good, but still "later Queen" to me.
The single cover with the eyes is freaky, too.
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Oh man, I remember the music video for Breakthru from back in the day!! They used to play it a ton on Italian TV (it was like the Italian MTV, but not quite).
Loved that song...and the video was clever too, the whole train thing was a good fit for the rhythmic shuffle of the tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEjU9KVABao
And yes, I never thought about associating the melody in "If I could only reach you" to Boys of Summer, but I can totally hear it...
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I really like this record, The Miracle, I Want It All, Breakthru, Invisible Man are all killer tunes and Was It All Worth It was a hidden gem, not being released as a single, and maybe the best song here. It would have made a great swan song in the vein of The Show Must Go On.
The rest is certainly not so strong, but back then I was seriously practising my guitar skills and was looking for good melodic solos to learn and to play along to. And even if a couple of songs aren't that good, they have tremendous guitar work by Brian.
So I played the shit out of that record.
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comments on the comments tomorrow.....
The MIRACLE Demo Versions
The songs that did not make it onto the album
All God's People (Queen/Moran), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipLfSxl365c
A New Life Is Born (beginning of ‘Breakthru’)
https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=1785877234821351&_rdr
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/queen-a-new-life-is-born-unreleased-demo-which-later-became-breakthru-1989-the-miracle--511932682615902775/ blocked by QPL
Dog With A Bone, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0YKZ0YJNNs
I Guess We're Falling Out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UvrdEDODu4
Face It Alone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdjkJZpfIfs
River Of Words https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd5G4vrySrs 50 second guitar solo
Too Much Love Will Kill You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PokXANl5fxU Brian with Elizabeth Lamers
DEMOS OF ALBUM SONGS
Breakthru ('Now' version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTGApzlSevE not a demo, but a promo version minus the intro
Chinese Torture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpSxvJCwDho included on the bonus disc
Hang On In There demo https://www.pinterest.com/pin/342555115380202309/
Unavailable due to copyright claim by Universal. Then release the damn thing!!!!!!!! :censored >:(
Hijack My Heart https://play.radiosun.ro/track/34259/queen-hijack-my-heart-demo maracas are too loud in the mix. A pity
I Want It All vocal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgNz0K6N_R4 guitar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9dWFpuBBTY
The Invisible Man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlLBkXCX89c Roger guide vocal (included on the bonus disc)
Khashoggi’s Ship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grbf1PLjhrM instrumental from ‘The eYe’ 1999.
My Baby Loves Me demo ….. gone
My Baby Does Me (without drums) a fantastic fan mix….gone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOghqgTs-D4
The Miracle
The Invisible Man 1:40
A New Life Is Born 3:00
I Want It All 4:20
I Guess We’re Falling Out 5:40
Scandal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaI1v5cAWYs (a fan mixdown…some slight variations for those familiar with the song, similar to )
Scandal (teaser tape) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWcJ7sLJsuk less bass, different lead guitar in spots….
Stealin 3 of 12 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3NJJNUY5eo
Stealin' 12 minute version https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1k9dch (I really had to dig to refind this....an entertaining and fun jam session..my highlight of these demos)
And finally....... the ’89 Queen Fan Club message https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usYM_0WkxNk
(https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-aeh6wq8d1w/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/607/3106/as__94164.1611301916.jpg?c=2)
All the various completed and demo versions that used to be on youtube can be found and purchased here for under a hundred bucks ;)
https://concertdiscs.online/queen-the-miracle-expanded-collectors-edition-blue-red-4cd-2-dvd/
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Not a bad album, but probably deserves it spot as generally regarded as the 2nd weakest Queen album behind Hot Space (or 3rd if you count 'The Cosmos Rocks').
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That is still one horrible cover. You often see this one on "Worst album cover ever" lists, and I can see why.
Thing is, I remember seeing this back when the album came out on one of those big window displays they had in record store windows. It looked creepy then and it still does now. Thing is, back then photo-manipulation software was a new thing, and this was genuinely impressive, we'd never seen anything like it. It really was an image you'd look at and go "Wow, how did they do that? That's really impressive! F*cking creepy, tho..." Today of course, just like the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, it's dated, looks really amateurish and a young child could do better on their phone.
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That is still one horrible cover. You often see this one on "Worst album cover ever" lists, and I can see why.
Thing is, I remember seeing this back when the album came out on one of those big window displays they had in record store windows. It looked creepy then and it still does now. Thing is, back then photo-manipulation software was a new thing, and this was genuinely impressive, we'd never seen anything like it. It really was an image you'd look at and go "Wow, how did they do that? That's really impressive! F*cking creepy, tho..." Today of course, just like the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, it's dated, looks really amateurish and a young child could do better on their phone.
Yup, and ....can't argue much with that.
I was going to include the 'making of' before hand, so, here it is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_42uJoU41y0
I hate the cover as well (DT 12, TA, and D/T weren't exactly terrific....)
I use the 'I Want It All ' cover for my version, and there are other versions one can use. But, at the time, it was a show of 'we are one together'..... and now having the ability to look back, the unity of the band for three years was unquestionable. In spite of my initial dislike of the album, get rid of the first two songs, and this would be a classic. John simply kicks axe on bass, Brian makes some lame songs stand out, and Freddie's grit in his vocals throughout was outstanding.
Here's a fan altered cover version......
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2a/38/f4/2a38f466c40f7f8198af75da2be590fd.jpg)
A shame that they didn't do a better job with the top of the hair.....
and...all one needs to do is google 'Queen Miracle album cover'...and you'll find some weird stuff...as well as a 'Miracle' merge of the Queen II cover...but kinda cool at the same time.
I just came to appreciate this album for what it was way more in the past week than I did upon its initial release. And, other than the percussion (which was probably ordered by committee), David Richards production gave so much more warmth and feel than what Mack had done with 'The Game', 'Hot Space', 'The Works', and his efforts on 'A Kind Of Magic'. Perhaps too polished.
I'll add a link to a great fan remix of the entire 'Hot Space' LP in a day or two. If you listen to those tracks on that album, those reading this might even like it. Or, at least hate it less.
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I didn't hear The Miracle until maybe 15 years ago. It is very much a mixed bag for me.
It has some awesome songs like I Want It All, Breakthru (this was one of my workout mainstay tunes for a long time), the title track and Was It All Worth It?, but it has some major crap on there as well.
Just like 'Promised Land' by Queensryche. ;)
Both albums would have benefitted with a deletion or two here and there, with an addition or two along the way.
Not a slam, just my honest opinion.
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I didn't hear The Miracle until maybe 15 years ago. It is very much a mixed bag for me.
It has some awesome songs like I Want It All, Breakthru (this was one of my workout mainstay tunes for a long time), the title track and Was It All Worth It?, but it has some major crap on there as well.
Just like 'Promised Land' by Queensryche.
Both albums would have benefitted with a deletion or two here and there, with an addition or two along the way.
Not a slam, just my honest opinion.
I agree. Not an opinion., just an honest slam. ;D
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I didn't hear The Miracle until maybe 15 years ago. It is very much a mixed bag for me.
It has some awesome songs like I Want It All, Breakthru (this was one of my workout mainstay tunes for a long time), the title track and Was It All Worth It?, but it has some major crap on there as well.
Just like 'Promised Land' by Queensryche.
Both albums would have benefitted with a deletion or two here and there, with an addition or two along the way.
Not a slam, just my honest opinion.
I agree. Not an opinion., just an honest slam. ;D
I have BS'd on this forum, but I've never lied :D :tup
No slam here :biggrin:
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I love this album so much. The Miracle is such a killer tune.
As the years go by, and what the band was going through at the time, I'm loving it even more ... in spite of the horrible first tracks.
I really like this record, The Miracle, I Want It All, Breakthru, Invisible Man are all killer tunes and Was It All Worth It was a hidden gem, not being released as a single, and maybe the best song here. It would have made a great swan song in the vein of The Show Must Go On.
The rest is certainly not so strong, but back then I was seriously practising my guitar skills and was looking for good melodic solos to learn and to play along to. And even if a couple of songs aren't that good, they have tremendous guitar work by Brian.
So I played the shit out of that record.
Jealous as hell for your talents...and appreciative of your comments as to Brian's playing on this album. I think his leads were the best of his offerings in the 80s :tup
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Oh man, I remember the music video for Breakthru from back in the day!! They used to play it a ton on Italian TV (it was like the Italian MTV, but not quite).
Loved that song...and the video was clever too, the whole train thing was a good fit for the rhythmic shuffle of the tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEjU9KVABao
And yes, I never thought about associating the melody in "If I could only reach you" to Boys of Summer, but I can totally hear it...
TAC's reviews are often so wrong...except for the most part when it comes to Queen ;) After over three decades, it had never ever crossed my mind.
OMG....wife is gone for a few days, I put in a Wembley disc, and I realize that it's the Friday night show. Summabeech...time to watch and listen and get off of the laptop.
I see a little silhouette of a man......
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And yes, I never thought about associating the melody in "If I could only reach you" to Boys of Summer, but I can totally hear it...
TAC's reviews are often so wrong...except for the most part when it comes to Queen ;) After over three decades, it had never ever crossed my mind.
I'm so wrong that I'm actually right. :lol
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Stealin' 12 minute version https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1k9dch (I really had to dig to refind this....an entertaining and fun jam session..my highlight of these demos)
So, I think I may have betrayed my experience of this because of false expectations, though I'm not sure I would've loved it even with an open mind.
I read about this 12 minute demo on wiki while listening to the album. I guess in my mind, is was expecting more of an instrumental jam.
Others I checked out..
Dog With A Bone-Other than the cheesy lyrics and sloppy vocals (yes I know it's a demo), this song rocks bigtime. GREAT soloing by Brian throughout.
River Of Words solo-very nice
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First of all.....life suxx sometimes. Moving on....
Hadn't mentioned how much I liked the production of this album (other than the percussion on 'My Baby Does Me'). Warmer and fuller than Mack's offerings of the 80s, and the drum mix on AKOM. Always sounded rather 'hollow'.
And yes, I never thought about associating the melody in "If I could only reach you" to Boys of Summer, but I can totally hear it...
TAC's reviews are often so wrong...except for the most part when it comes to Queen ;) After over three decades, it had never ever crossed my mind.
I'm so wrong that I'm actually right. :lol
Indeed! :tup :D
Stealin' 12 minute version https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1k9dch (I really had to dig to refind this....an entertaining and fun jam session..my highlight of these demos)
So, I think I may have betrayed my experience of this because of false expectations, though I'm not sure I would've loved it even with an open mind.
I read about this 12 minute demo on wiki while listening to the album. I guess in my mind, is was expecting more of an instrumental jam.
Others I checked out..
Dog With A Bone-Other than the cheesy lyrics and sloppy vocals (yes I know it's a demo), this song rocks bigtime. GREAT soloing by Brian throughout.
River Of Words solo-very nice
'Stealin'.....my enthusiasm was boosted by finding it about three days before my post. Something we were never privy to..... the band just playing and farting around. Looking back....they were able to find some comfort and escape from the 'elephant in the room' at the time. Simply having fun adlibbing.
And the other demos SHOULD have been officially released. I know that coming soon is one they are polishing up for a release this month.
Not a bad album, but probably deserves it spot as generally regarded as the 2nd weakest Queen album behind Hot Space (or 3rd if you count 'The Cosmos Rocks').
I don't count 'The Cosmos Rocks'. Not a 'Queen' album.
To finish my part of 'The Miracle' posts. One of my least favorite Queen albums. Brian's guitar, and Freddie's voice are fantastic though. So is John's bass playing, and Roger's percussion ...mostly (other than 'My Baby Does Me' programmed overload).
Yet, my altered track list is my MOST listened to Queen 'album'. I adore this version
SIDE ONE
Chinese Torture
The Invisible Man
The Miracle
Let Your Heart Rule Your Head (from Brian's 'Back To The Light')
I Want It All
Hang On In There
(after hearing this about a hundred times on the CD single after 'I Want It All', the Pavlovian instincts have remained strong)
SIDE TWO
Breakthru
Stealin'
Scandal
My Life Has Been Saved (next to his subtle lead bass on 'The Millionaire's Waltz' on 'A Day At The Races', this is my favorite bass work by Deacon)
Was It All Worth It
('Rain Must Fall' and 'My Baby Does Me' would have been two of the non album B-sides, joining 'Hijack My Heart')
The above tracklist WOULD have made this a superb offering IMO.
And, it truly would have been 'a worthwhile experience ahh - ha - ha - ha!'
Tonight....the next Cross LP.
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a beautiful picture of the band during 'The Miracle' sessions with Elaine Paige
(https://preview.redd.it/y4zokkyhlx451.png?auto=webp&s=780babdf2a8efae40b6a63f38a41238eb98ab06a)
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deleted
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(https://preview.redd.it/y4zokkyhlx451.png?auto=webp&s=780babdf2a8efae40b6a63f38a41238eb98ab06a)
Looks like the picture of my teachers in my junior high yearbook..
L-R..
Science, Gym, History, English, Math
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(https://preview.redd.it/y4zokkyhlx451.png?auto=webp&s=780babdf2a8efae40b6a63f38a41238eb98ab06a)
Looks like the picture of my teachers in my junior high yearbook..
L-R..
Science, Gym, History, English, Math
Sorry, but the Astrophysicist is/was the science guy :D
Roger as gym, John as History, and Elaine as English fit. Freddie would have been Home Ec ;) (and nothing wrong with that.....). Wish I'd have had it offered to guys in HS.
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LIVE AT THE BEEB
Released: December 4, 1989 UK, Band of Joy ("by arrangement with BBC Records and Tapes and EMI Records Ltd")
1995 in the U.S. (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #67
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At_the_Beeb_(Queen_album)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dc/Queen_At_The_Beeb.png/220px-Queen_At_The_Beeb.png)
Musicians:
Freddie Mercury - vocals, piano
John Deacon - bass guitar
Roger Taylor - drums, percussion, vocals
Brian May - guitars, piano, vocals
Produced by: Bernie Andrews
Recorded: February 5, 1973 (tracks 1 - 4), December 3, 1973 (tracks 5 - 8) at Langham 1 Studios, London
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufuC1TkrJBo&list=PLwabi2I8vclLFDBVNDUdYiaMA_6xB8Om3
SIDE ONE
My Fairy King
Keep Yourself Alive
Doing All Right
Liar
SIDE TWO
Ogre Battle
Great King Rat
Modern Times Rock'n'Roll
Son And Daughter
************
Discussed all the way back on page 2 of this thread.
From The London Times review in '89:
"All eight of the tracks here, including "Keep Yourself Alive" and " Liar", subsequently turned up on Queen's first two albums, but were first recorded at the BBC and broadcast on the Radio One show Sounds of the 70s. The under-resourced production is barely able to cope with the group's wildly ambitious, progressive rock arrangements. The sleeve notes, which are almost as far over the top as Freddie Mercury's grand designs, declare this to be "a major milestone in the annals of rock." It is in fact an amusing curiosity, likely to be of some interest to dedicated fans of an archivist bent."
A shame it was not a double LP, offering more of the BBC sessions. It would take another twenty five years before the fan base would have the entire set of sessions officially released.
Of note: the first Queen release not to be certified Gold (or Platinum) in the UK.
Hearing 'Son And Daughter' decades ago, as well as the 'we have lift off' line in 'Liar' were big time thrills all those years ago.
Below is the cover of the Hollywood Records release, first making its appearance in the store shelves over here in the States in 1995.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/1/11/Queen_Atthebbc.jpg/175px-Queen_Atthebbc.jpg)
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BRIAN MAY
Holly Johnson "Love Train" Blast
Living in a Box "Blow the House Down" Gatecrashing
Black Sabbath "When Death Calls" Headless Cross https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78YRHNQSR2s
Fuzzbox "Self!" Big Bang!
Artists United for Nature "Yes We Can" Yes We Can Earthrise – The Rainforest Album)
ROGER TAYLOR
Sigue Sigue Sputnik "Dancerama" (remix production)
BRIAN and ROGER
Rock Aid Armenia "Smoke on the Water" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tsw3nKDlBE 18 MILLION Views
BRIAN
1990
Rock Against Repatriation "Sailing" Sailing
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The CROSS Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know
Released: March 26, 1990 (EMI Electrola)
Charts: UK #48
Singles:
Power To Love
Released: April
Charts: UK #83
Liar b/w In Charge Of My Heart Germany only, DNC
Final Destination b/w Penetration Guru, Germany only, DNC
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/19/Mad_Bad_and_Dangerous_to_Know.jpg/220px-Mad_Bad_and_Dangerous_to_Know.jpg)
Roger Taylor - lead & backing vocals, guitar
Spike Edney - keyboards, mandolin, backing vocals
Clayton Moss- lead guitar, backing vocals (lead vocals on "Better Things")
Peter Noone- bass guitar, backing vocals
Josh Macrae - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Recorded: September–November 1989 at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland
Producer by The Cross and Justin Shirley Smith
Sleeve design by Stephen Bliss and Richard Gray
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNNnWeITUjc&list=PL3J8dPVJvABFD36CL0-lDlV8htZPrRvCi
SIDE ONE
Top Of The World, Ma (Moss, Taylor, Edney, Noone, Macrae) 3:31
Liar (Noone) 4:32
Closer To You (Edney) 3:15
Breakdown (Noone) 3:53
Penetration Guru (Moss) 3:45
Power To Love (Macrae/Noone/Moss) 4:03
SIDE TWO
Sister Blue (Noone) 4:13
Better Things (Moss) 2:45
Passion For Trash (Macrae) 2:35
Old Men (Lay Down) (Taylor) 4:52
Final Destination (Taylor) 3:36
Foxy Lady (Jimi Hendrix) 3:26 (CD version only)
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The band met in the summer of ’89 (minus Roger) to work on their second album. By the time he joined them in September after working on 'The Miracle', they had almost the entire album written.
(https://www.rogertaylor.info/solo/madbad-de-lp_frontinner.jpg)
“Top Of The World Ma’ and the extended version of ‘Power To Love’ are the highlights for me.
'Breakdown' is OK. 'Penetration Guru' is uhm….somewhat embarrassing lyric wise.
‘Foxy Lady’….well, Freddie and Roger were big fans of Hendrix, no doubt the song was played a lot by them when roommates and partners at their Kensington Market store decades earlier. It’s not a bad cover, Moss gets to show off a few chops, but….
‘Better Things’ is a slower tempo acoustic song with Clayton Moss providing some LVs. ‘Passion For Trash’ is much more uptempo, and Moss actually rips a decent lead guitar for once. Roger gets in a politcal tune with ‘Old Men Lay Down’, with a mellow start then more driving middle and ending. The closing song ‘Final Destination’ would be a solo release years later with Japanese artist Yoki. It’s a fair finish to a fair album. Certainly way more powerful, stronger, and hard rockier than ‘Shove It’.
Following poor sales in the UK, the band were dropped by EMI.
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The 7” singles had edited versions, and 12” releases had extended versions. Of note are:
‘Power To Love’ ext version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7fr_6kTtAc
..and its uncensored video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4PmuDBYV_Q
This extended version should have been on the album…..the added minute contains some great guitar in this slightly expanded instrumental section, and more chorus at the end. And that extra guitar gives me goosebumps. Such a stellar track.
Another nonalbum track......
‘In Charge Of My Heart’ 7” version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs6-zrnAyCw
12” version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5_KDmTCWuc
Reportedly, this song was recorded during sessions for the Queen album 'The Miracle'. The ‘germ’ of it is sung by Freddie near the ending of ‘Stealin' and during the twelve minute long demo.
As such, either version should have found it’s way onto this album.
And the long extended 'On Top Of The World Ma' finally released on Roger's 'The Lot' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgPb2Gw4k1k . Maybe it's a bit redundant, but damn, it kicks axe! Could have cut a couple songs on side one for something like this that lasts seven plus minutes. :tup
(https://queenpedia.com/images/7/7b/Cross_madbadrev.jpg)
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I've gotten a bit behind in listening to the last few albums, sorry. Hot Space was so awful i didn't want to listen to anything by this band again...
Hot Space Cold Shit more like. Some Queen fans will tell you this isn’t all bad, there’s some hidden gems on here, but they’re clutching at straws. This is one for the WTF were they thinking file. They put Under Pressure on the end just to prevent it being an utter turkey. Horrible horrible horrible.
The Works Full disclosure, this is my favourite Queen album, I love it. I said earlier that Queen have never made a truly classic album, but I do think this is as close as they ever got. The 80s drum sound is dated, but honestly, there are many 80s albums that are a lot worse. And where’s the love for Keep Passing the Open Windows? That’s a great song, pure Freddie. What’s not to love about this album? Why isn’t it regarded more highly? The song writing is on top form throughout, they really are firing on all cylinders here.
A Kind of Magic I believe this was Queen’s best selling album (not counting GH, obvs), but it’s far from the best. One Vision and the title track are great singles, Who Wants to Live Forever has a certain camp grandeur to it, but much of the rest is pure filler, and frankly not that good. The Highlander stuff just doesn’t work that well. It’s all over the place stylistically, and there’s just not enough A-list material here.
The Miracle An overlooked classic, but very much an album of two halves. Lots of solid (if not classic) songs that stick closely to the established formula, but elsewhere new producer David Richards seems to indulge the band too much, resulting in the weakest two songs on the album being the first two. Not sure what they were thinking leading with that, but it didn’t work. That decision hurt the album, imo, as did the fact the band didn’t tour it. It’s a lot better than it’s reputation suggests though, and it sounds great on headphones. Rain Must Fall is awful, it was dated even then and sounds like Miami Sound Machine or something.
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BRIAN MAY
Black Sabbath "When Death Calls" Headless Cross https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78YRHNQSR2s
Hard to notice it's Brian til the end of the instrumental. I didn't realize that Cozy Powell was a Black Sabbath member on this LP
BRIAN and ROGER
Rock Aid Armenia "Smoke on the Water" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tsw3nKDlBE 18 MILLION Views
Thought this might get a comment or two.
In 1989, artists from Pink Floyd, Queen, Rush, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Yes, Iron Maiden, Free and others joined forces to raise funds for people affected by the Armenian earthquake. Kerrang called it "the greatest array of hard rock talent every assembled". (quoting the youtube post)
Organised by Jon Dee, the remake featured David Gilmour, Brian May, Tony Iommi, Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Lifeson and Chris Squire on guitars. On vocals it had Ian Gillan, Bruce Dickinson, Paul Rogers and Bryan Adams. Keith Emerson and Geoff Downes played the keyboards and Roger Taylor played the drums.
This is the official promo video for the 2010 Wermut & Dee remix of the track. The song was released worldwide - it successfully raised funds to rebuild a children's music school in Gyumri in the Armenian earthquake zone. Today the new school teaches music to 220 children a year!
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my catching up on catching up...
I've gotten a bit behind in listening to the last few albums, sorry. Hot Space was so awful i didn't want to listen to anything by this band again...
Hot Space Cold Shit more like. Some Queen fans will tell you this isn’t all bad, there’s some hidden gems on here, but they’re clutching at straws. This is one for the WTF were they thinking file. They put Under Pressure on the end just to prevent it being an utter turkey. Horrible horrible horrible.
I'm not going to disagree much with this.
The Works Full disclosure, this is my favourite Queen album, I love it. I said earlier that Queen have never made a truly classic album, but I do think this is as close as they ever got. The 80s drum sound is dated, but honestly, there are many 80s albums that are a lot worse. And where’s the love for Keep Passing the Open Windows? That’s a great song, pure Freddie. What’s not to love about this album? Why isn’t it regarded more highly? The song writing is on top form throughout, they really are firing on all cylinders here.
'Windows' is one of my all time favorites, and that's what would have been my choice as the first single from the album. Adding a couple tracks released in 2014 back at the time would have helped it even more.
A Kind of Magic I believe this was Queen’s best selling album (not counting GH, obvs), but it’s far from the best. One Vision and the title track are great singles, Who Wants to Live Forever has a certain camp grandeur to it, but much of the rest is pure filler, and frankly not that good. The Highlander stuff just doesn’t work that well. It’s all over the place stylistically, and there’s just not enough A-list material here.
Surprisingly, it was the their biggest selling studio LP in the UK *, topping ANATO by a couple hundred thousand. Four months in the Top Ten, sixty two weeks in the charts! There's little doubt the carryover of 'Live Aid' and the stadium tours played a big part in those sales, but those numbers are still damn impressive (and surprising). Agreeing with all your comments here as well, other than not including 'Princes Of The Universe' as a highlight.
* if one doesn't count 'Made In Heaven' as a 'Queen' album.
The Miracle An overlooked classic, but very much an album of two halves. Lots of solid (if not classic) songs that stick closely to the established formula, but elsewhere new producer David Richards seems to indulge the band too much, resulting in the weakest two songs on the album being the first two. Not sure what they were thinking leading with that, but it didn’t work. That decision hurt the album, imo, as did the fact the band didn’t tour it. It’s a lot better than it’s reputation suggests though, and it sounds great on headphones. Rain Must Fall is awful, it was dated even then and sounds like Miami Sound Machine or something.
Agree as to the openers, and showing my age, thought that parts of 'Rain Must Fall' (other than Brian's saving grace guitar) sounded like something from The Jackson Five. Yup, album could have been stronger, considering just how good the non album B-sides are.
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1989 BRIT AWARDS
for 'Top Band of the 80s' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De6oqlKkl_M only 50 seconds
1990 BRIT AWARDS
Career Award https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvKxiK1vxIQ
The highlights are Peter Ustinov, John Entwhiste, Roger Daltry, Phil Collins, Jeff Beck, and Bob Geldof comments. And the video montage.
Freddie’s final appearance and words on stage. This was gut wrenching to see the first time for me in the late 90s. After going through their discography and concertography over these past eight months, knowing that I’d have to watch it again at some point, this was a painful viewing today.
Afterwards, at Queen's 20th Anniversary 'celebration'
(https://external-preview.redd.it/qbd_pxNNL-ygyRFMCkNXrw6SLjOVlh6_hLBd-DpoHfg.jpg?auto=webp&s=7147f441f9fd5d3feb0b0a2d559c7ab42d3732c3)
David Gilmour
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.shopify.com%2Fs%2Ffiles%2F1%2F1229%2F3652%2Fproducts%2F168364_QUEENPARTY20THYEAR25_grande.jpg%3Fv%3D1516284971&hash=e1ac66f4766705abddbd7c7f256fb4a0c74ed9d7)
Lisa Minelli
(https://queenphotos.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/freddie-with-george-michael-1990.jpg)
George Michael
(https://www.rodstewartfanclub.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/rodfreddieroger.jpg)
Rod Stewart
(https://queenphotos.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/freddie-mercury-with-bob-geldof-and-roger-taylor.jpeg?w=365&h=255)
Bob Geldof
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/b7/6c/4c/b76c4cdf96c4e65db4720b1017906348.jpg)
The final night that all members of Queen would be seen together in public.
in an hour or so....their 'final' album
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Is that a Monopoly cake??
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TAC asking the important questions.
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.....uhm, instead of a stink eye, I'll just move onwards ;).......
INNUENDO b/w Bijou https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2N0TkfrQhY 61 MILLION Views
Released: January 14, 1991 UK (Parlophone), March USA (radio promo only)
Charts: UK #1, USA (#17 on Mainstream rock)
Portugal #1, Eurochart #3, Finland #3, Italy #3, Switzerland #3, Ireland #4, Netherlands #4, Germany #5, Spain #6, Belgium #8, New Zealand #10, Austria #12, Australia #28
Certifications: Silver in UK, Gold in Italy
(in the States, ‘Headlong’ was the first radio promo of the LP in January)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innuendo_(song)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/5/54/Innuendouk.jpg)
Written by Queen
Produced by Queen and David Richards
Freddie Mercury – lead and backing vocals, keyboards
Brian May – electric guitar, classical guitar
Roger Taylor – drums, percussion
John Deacon – bass guitar
Additional musicians
David Richards – keyboard programming, and...
Steve Howe – classical guitars and Spanish guitar solos
2015 interview regarding his involvement
https://bravewords.com/news/yes-steve-howe-recalls-playing-on-queens-innuendo-they-said-we-want-you-to-play-on-that-why-dont-you-race-around-like-paco-de-lucia
and later in 2021 https://www.metalcastle.net/steve-howe-recalls-how-he-played-guitar-on-classic-queen-album-instead-of-brian-may/
******
Queen's third #1 single in the UK, following 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Under Pressure. Once again, a great lead off single, their longest one yet at six and a half minutes. One of their best efforts over their two decades, with ominous and foreboding lyrics. The album of the same name would follow shortly.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Freleasesimages%2Finnuendosingle%2Finnuendoukcdback.jpg&hash=13729e1549196a0442ed34e177c4a5267a6a5223)
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1990 BRIT AWARDS
Career Award https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvKxiK1vxIQ
The highlights are Peter Ustinov, John Entwhiste, Roger Daltry, Phil Collins, Jeff Beck, and Bob Geldof comments. And the video montage.
Freddie’s final appearance and words on stage.
Wow!
That was really weird. Both Brian and Roger looked like they were going to bust out crying at any time.
Freddie was remarkably and uncomfortably quick at the microphone.
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1990 BRIT AWARDS
Career Award https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvKxiK1vxIQ
The highlights are Peter Ustinov, John Entwhiste, Roger Daltry, Phil Collins, Jeff Beck, and Bob Geldof comments. And the video montage.
Freddie’s final appearance and words on stage.
Wow!
That was really weird. Both Brian and Roger looked like they were going to bust out crying at any time.
Freddie was remarkably and uncomfortably quick at the microphone.
I had never seen that before. Brian May definitely was doing his best when speaking to keep it together. I never realized how tall he was (big hair notwithstanding).
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just settling in after reserving space for my 5th preshow hosting / cohosting of a Dream Theater related event....this time for JP and MP in DC on October 15th. One block from the Lincoln Center. It'll be an unofficial official gathering.
anyhoo......comments and the album some time before the end of the evening.
"Hold it now! Wait a minute
Come on!
Just let me catch my breath..."
one can always start listening to 'Innuendo' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTPKwcUNBpI&list=PL-Dlrh3xUEoRMSSJweUWULYrh22NTKRUu
EDIT....added after the 'Innuendo' listing
1990 BRIT AWARDS
Career Award https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvKxiK1vxIQ
The highlights are Peter Ustinov, John Entwhiste, Roger Daltry, Phil Collins, Jeff Beck, and Bob Geldof comments. And the video montage.
Freddie’s final appearance and words on stage.
Wow!
That was really weird. Both Brian and Roger looked like they were going to bust out crying at any time.
Freddie was remarkably and uncomfortably quick at the microphone.
I had never seen that before. Brian May definitely was doing his best when speaking to keep it together. I never realized how tall he was (big hair notwithstanding).
Looking back at the awards....that night and leading up to it had to have been hell. The stories they had to spin. And what was said to the guests before and after. You see Freddie in control at 'Live Aid', the following year on the same stage at Wembley, the various photos with Montserrat and Elaine Paige in '88, .....and then the ones from early '90.
The guests (and Steve Howe for 'Innuendo'): none of them went to the press afterwards, so they all chose these friends and attendees wisely.
The following year, aboard the Queen Elizabeth II for their launch party for signing with Hollywood Records https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GreL9Suzpbs&t=1141s (very amateur footage), a couple of friends who attended spoke of Brian saying that Freddie was not attending due to a sore throat after the strenuous and exhausting 'Innuendo' recording sessions (truth), that the 'band' was working on a European tour schedule (well, Roger with The Cross and Brian and John occasionally appearing with him), a tour of the States was being discussed (actually Brian going to radio stations to promote the album and playing along to various Queen songs)....so on and so on.
Oh, the dream of living the life of a rock star.....certainly not for them, not during those times...
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The song Innuendo remains probably one of my five favorite Queen songs. Everything about it is just top notch.
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The song Innuendo remains probably one of my five favorite Queen songs. Everything about it is just top notch.
No argument there :tup With that great recommendation to build on, here's the rest of the album......
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INNUENDO
Released: February 4, 1991 UK (Parlaphone), US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #1, USA #30
#1 in Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland
Austria #2, Hungary #3, Australia #6, New Zealand #6, Norway #8, France #9, Sweden #9, Canada #16
2006: Italy #66
2011: Belgium #73
2021: Poland #62
Certifications: Platinum in UK, Gold in USA
Gold in Argentina, Canada, Finland, Italy,
Platinum in Austria, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Spain
2x Platinum in Switzerland
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Singles:
Innuendo b/w Bijou 91 MILLION VIEWS
Released: January 14, UK, March USA (radio promo only)
Charts: UK #1, USA (#17 on Mainstream rock) already posted
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I’m Going Slightly Mad b/w The Hitman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6hY_50Dh0 40 MILLION Views
Released: March 4 UK
Charts: UK #22
Netherlands #13, Ireland #19, Belgium #39, Germany #42, Eurochart #51
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Headlong b/w All God’s People https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhyaAPsT1LU 13 MILLION Views
Released: January USA (radio promo only) MAY UK ,
Charts: UK #14, USA Billboard Mainstream Rock #3
Netherlands #4, Canada #25, Ireland #25
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The Show Must Go On b/w Keep Yourself Alive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t99KH0TR-J4 213 MILLION Views
Released: October 14
Charts: UK #16, USA (DNC)
France #2, Italy #5, Netherlands #6, West Germany #7, Switzerland #11, Finland #15, Ireland #17, Europe #19, New Zealand #20, Belgium #22, Sweden #30, USA Mainstream Rock #40, Australia #75
2022: Poland #74
Certifications: Gold in UK, Gold in USA
Silver in France
Platinum in Italy
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These Are The Days Of Our Lives (video and comments for a separate post in a week or so)
(https://www.queenvault.com/Innuendo/album1.jpg)
Freddie Mercury - vocals, keyboards
Brian May - guitars, keyboards, harmonies, vocals
Roger Taylor - drums, percussion, keyboards, harmonies, vocals
John Deacon - bass guitar, keyboards
Mike Moran - keyboards on All God's People
Steve Howe - additional wandering minstrel Spanish guitar - Somewhere In The Middle - on Innuendo
David Richards - computer programming
Produced by:
Queen and David Richards.
Recorded:
March 1989 - November 1990 at Metropolis Studios, London, and Mountain Studios, Montreux.
Original artwork by Grandville, adapted by Richard Gray
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTPKwcUNBpI&list=PL-Dlrh3xUEoRMSSJweUWULYrh22NTKRUu
Includes 2011 bonus disc
A very thorough and correct wiki page as to the background and writers of each song
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innuendo_(album)
CD
1. Innuendo 6:31
2. I'm Going Slightly Mad 4:22
3. Headlong 4:38
4. I Can't Live With You 4:33
5. Don't Try So Hard 3:39
6. Ride The Wild Wind 4:43
7. All God's People (Queen/Moran) 4:21
8. These Are The Days Of Our Lives 4:16
9. Delilah 3:35
10. The Hitman 4:57
11. Bijou 3:37
12. The Show Must Go On 4:31
2011 Universal bonus disc
I Can't Live with You (‘97 Rocks Version) / Lost Opportunity (B-side to I'm Going Slightly Mad / Ride The Wild Wind (Roger guide vocal) / I'm Going Slightly Mad (Mad mix) / Headlong (Brian guide vocal)
*********
Very nice to have what was included. What’s missing are the available demos for ‘Headlong’, ‘Delilah’, and ‘The Hitman’. The demo for ‘All God’s People’ was mentioned in ‘The Miracle Demos’ post. Other demos for songs that were not completed during this time were ‘Affairs’, ‘Grande Dame’, ‘Assassin’ (long rumored existence as the title track demo), ‘My Secret Fantasy’, ‘Robbery’, and ‘Self Made Man’.
All but ‘Assassin’ are included in the 12”/demo post upcoming.
Note: a vinyl LP was released. The tracklist was different, as they butchered many songs to make the album fit on one vinyl. It’s listed on wiki if you are interested for the curiousity seeker. The completist in me had to have it at one time. What a waste!
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(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.rootsvinylguide.com%2Fpictures%2Fqueen-innuendo-nm-arena-rock-glam-rock-vinyl-lp_44384987&hash=f6ae403b94e0acfabd519ef2ed8ac3134004be9f) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Flinernotes%2Finnuendo2.jpg&hash=88bceeb201a4990bc7a606af590a85f2ec14c120)
First, a great and appealing cover and artwork. Nice sleeve with band pic and drawings of them. Yet, quite apprehensive during my first listen to this with my best friend, considering the letdowns of the prior decade. And then we immediately listened to it again!
Well, to be honest, we might have skipped over Freddie’s ode to a cat (that Roger walked out on during its recording).
From the epic opening title song (with its homage to Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’ and the Spanish guitar by Steve Howe) to an absolutely fantastic finale (minus one song of disappointing silliness that Roger walked out on), this was an album that took me back to their glory days of the 70s.
A handful of actual hard driving tunes (a couple that were slated for Brian’s solo LP), an obvious Roger tune, some great change of pace mellow ones (with one not so obviously done by Roger), and the clever metaphors of one that had to be Freddie going crazy. And lots of Queenish BVs. And Brian’s hard driving and mellow lead guitar throughout, just as on the prior album. But this time, the songs were better.
Also….other than hearing ‘One Vision’ and ‘I Want It All’ on occasion over the previous five years on the radio, ‘Headlong’ was getting a lot of airplay (it was released in the States first). At the same time, the title track and ‘The Show Must Go On’ were being played. Even heard positive comments from friends and coworkers who knew of my semi-fanaticism, along with requests for taped copies.
No, it is not the magic and wizardry of their early albums. Hearing the synthesizer makes that quite obvious. But it is damn good, nee, a great album. They brought their craft and maturity and truly gave it their all on this. It is considered by many as their favorite, and understandably so. Generally agreed upon as their best since 'The Game' or earlier.
Does not sound dated. It has aged quite well.
With something this good, they just had to find their way to touring the States again. A night or two at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit were in my plans, and/or Chicago. Certainly multiple nights at Madison Square Garden and The LA Forum (or a stadium or two) would be worth the airfare.
Little did I know at the time………..
(https://www.queenvault.com/Innuendo/album2.jpg)
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Here are the Spotify numbers...
Innuendo
1. Innuendo....75m
2. I'm Going Slightly Mad....38.2m
3. Headlong....45.7m
4. I Can't Live Without You....15.6m
5. Don't Try So Hard....6.8m
6. Ride The Wild Wind....3.9m
7. All God's People....2.7m
8. These Are The Days Of Our Lives....72.2m
9. Delilah....4.8m
10. The Hitman....3.3m
11. Bijou....6m
12. The Show Must Go On....322.6m
I want to listen again before I comment. I actually have this, but it's probably been at least 10 years since I've listened to it. I remember liking all of the singles when they came out in real time.
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I didn't hear the '97 Rocks version of I Can't Live With You until a few years later, but I think it is vastly superior to the studio version. That was always one of my least favorites from the album, but that version elevates it.
Delilah is the only slight clunker here, but I can sometimes enjoy it when doing full album listens.
Everything else is a keeper. As I already mentioned, the title track is a top 5 Queen tune for me, and other major favorites for me are Headlong, I'm Going Slightly Mad, Ride the Wild Wind and Don't Try So Hard.
Top 3 Queen album in my book. :hat :hat
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Here are the Spotify numbers…
12. The Show Must Go On....322.6m
Kinda wonder how much of this is through the misconstrued meaning of this song. A lot of people think this is Freddie’s goodbye song, though that was actually an album before with Was It All Worth It?.
Innuendo is a great album. There’s a few I could live without, but it’s a great album.
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It's not Freddie's goodbye song, but it's Brian's (and the rest of the band's) song about Freddie dealing with the end of his life. So I'd say the meaning is pretty close to correct.
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I didn't hear the '97 Rocks version of I Can't Live With You until a few years later, but I think it is vastly superior to the studio version. That was always one of my least favorites from the album, but that version elevates it.
Delilah is the only slight clunker here, but I can sometimes enjoy it when doing full album listens.
Everything else is a keeper. As I already mentioned, the title track is a top 5 Queen tune for me, and other major favorites for me are Headlong, I'm Going Slightly Mad, Ride the Wild Wind and Don't Try So Hard.
Top 3 Queen album in my book. :hat :hat
I'm with you on all that. And even Delilah; I know it blows (and it sticks out a lot more here because it's so different) but to me, who has in the past complained about some of the eclecticism of Queen, this is no different than "Bring Back That Leroy Brown" or "Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon".
But this is a record that has endured. I LOVE Innuendo - and it has to be mentioned: I LOVE the Robert Plant version, and while I often chide others to not speculate, I let my imagination run wild and to me that is Plant - one of the greatest of all time, and he knows it - paying homage to one of the very, very few front men/singers who can compete with him. I love "Ride The Wild Wind". The vocal in "Don't Try So Hard" is one of Freddie's best (that is such a moving song to me). And of course, even if it is Brian's song, for Freddie to sing it had to still be an emotional, emotional experience, knowing that it came directly from the heart of his friend and handmate for over 20 years.
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This is my first full listen to this album in over 15 years easily. And even then, I'd only heard it a handful of times. Other than the singles, most of it is still a tad unfamiliar to me.
Innuendo...I am not a mid tempo guy, but Freddie is simply mesmerizing. I've said a few timesin recent reviews that i wish 1970's Queen had recorded this song or that song, and here, we get ANOTO Queen, especially in the mid section. Nice to hear organic drums.
I'm Going Slightly Mad...I remember this song from when it came out, and I always thought it was kind of cool. Has a Deacon song style to it.
Headlong...Obviouslty I remember this. Awesome tune. This young metal head loved this even then.
I Can't Live With You...This is a cool support track that I always kind of liked. Can't place the opening riff though. Something from Kiss I think.
Don't Try So Hard...What a great vocal. I'd actually love to hear 1980 Pat Benatar sing this.
Great solo by Brian.
Ride The Wild Wind...This sounds like 80's Queen. Nice driving bassline. Not a bad song.
All God's People...More 80's Queen, and not really a compliment.
These Are The Days Of Our Lives...Really touching song. Just wonderful. Hard not to feel sad listening to it. The video is heartbreaking.
Delilah...nah it can't be that bad can it... er..
The Hitman....Hell yes!!!! One of my favorite Queen songs before this countdown. Just love the metal in it. Brian crushes this whole track. Sounds like something off of Kiss' Animalize.
Bijou....Michael Schenker, is that you??
The Show Must Go On.... :hefdaddy
This is really a classic Queen album and is an extension of their late 70's output. I really wished they were as focused throughout the 80's as they were for this album.
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The Miracle
Party-Damn there's those 80's electric drums again. This would've been way better in 1974.
Khashoggi's Ship-Is this a Billy Squier cover? :lol This isn't half bad. Has a Zeppelin feel to it for sure.
The Miracle- I have literally never heard this before right now. Even with a great vocal, it starts a bit iffy, but this song wins in the end. Freddie is great on this. Really nice, considering what was going on with him. Nice playing by Brian on this.
I Want It All- I'm well familiar with this. I liked it when it was released.
The Invisible Man- 42m streams?? I've never heard this. I hope that's legit John Deacon on that bass line. If so...amazing! Not sure what to make of this. It's kind of quirky.
Breakthru- 52m streams?? What? never heard this before either! The "If I could only reach you..." part reminds me of Don Henley's Boys Of Summer.
Rain Must Fall- WTF? it's like if Herbie Hancock and Billy Ocean had a baby. This sounds familiar, but maybe it's because it sounds like so many 80's songs.
Scandal-Yay, Duran Duran makes an appearance. I like Freddie here.
My Baby Does Me-No surprise John has a big hand in this. This one started out a bit iffy too, but it's a smokey groovy thing. I needed Brian's solo to go longer though. This ended way too quick.
Was It All Worth It- Um, the answer is yes. This is a great song. This is the best song on the album.
Hang On In There- This is interesting and easily could've made the album.
Hijack My Heart- This actually isn't that bad. This was made for Rod Stewart. Left to his own devices, I can't say I'm a huge Roger fan. His music is a bit odd.
Stealin'-Jeesh, this is really interesting. It really is. Damn cool.
(https://vinyl-records.nl/rock/photo-gallery/queen/miracle/queen-the-miracle-parlophone-1989-vinyl-album-photo-760.jpg)
lyrics on other side of sleeve
This is a great pic of the band.
I'd commented earlier regarding 'The Boys of Summer' line, but not on the rest. I had assumed there were a few songs you would enjoy, and would rip most of the rest (somewhat deservedly so). I'm glad you enjoyed it, along with those should have made the cut B-sides.
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What a great album this is. And the title track might be my favourite Queen song ever.
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This is my first full listen to this album in over 15 years easily. And even then, I'd only heard it a handful of times. Other than the singles, most of it is still a tad unfamiliar to me.
Innuendo...I am not a mid tempo guy, but Freddie is simply mesmerizing. I've said a few timesin recent reviews that i wish 1970's Queen had recorded this song or that song, and here, we get ANOTO Queen, especially in the mid section. Nice to hear organic drums.
I'm Going Slightly Mad...I remember this song from when it came out, and I always thought it was kind of cool. Has a Deacon song style to it.
Headlong...Obviouslty I remember this. Awesome tune. This young metal head loved this even then.
I Can't Live With You...This is a cool support track that I always kind of liked. Can't place the opening riff though. Something from Kiss I think.
Don't Try So Hard...What a great vocal. I'd actually love to hear 1980 Pat Benatar sing this.
Great solo by Brian.
Ride The Wild Wind...This sounds like 80's Queen. Nice driving bassline. Not a bad song.
All God's People...More 80's Queen, and not really a compliment.
These Are The Days Of Our Lives...Really touching song. Just wonderful. Hard not to feel sad listening to it. The video is heartbreaking.
Delilah...nah it can't be that bad can it... er..
The Hitman....Hell yes!!!! One of my favorite Queen songs before this countdown. Just love the metal in it. Brian crushes this whole track. Sounds like something off of Kiss' Animalize.
Bijou....Michael Schenker, is that you??
The Show Must Go On.... :hefdaddy
This is really a classic Queen album and is an extension of their late 70's output. I really wished they were as focused throughout the 80's as they were for this album.
Your inner king came through in your review of the first song ;) 'Mad'...it's all Freddie and Peter Straker silliness.
I don't know why you'd want Pat Benatar to sing something when you've already got Freddie (unless as a duet). The rest I'll simply say 'yes sir' :tup. Spot on!
Glad you enjoyed the listen.
And the Spotify numbers were as just about as expected...though TSMGO was even higher than I had expected.
FWIW....when I wrote my short review, I hadn't listened to this album since last November. I wanted to write it with the joy I felt back when it was released.
Sunday's listen was the same as most since late '91....the sadness of that time crashes through no matter how hard I (and my wife) try not to let it happen...especially hearing 'Bijou' along with 'The Show Must Go On'. That guitar is so sweeping, as well as 'weeping'. The lyrics obviously took on a whole different meaning throughout the album. One or two songs at a time are fine, all at once is rather difficult.
What a great album this is. And the title track might be my favourite Queen song ever.
I have 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Procession / Father To Son', and then a dozen or so tied for 3rd. ;) This is certainly one of those :tup
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Great, great album.
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Made In Heaven notwithstanding, I'm going to start listening back to the catalog so I can do my rankings.
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I don't know why you'd want Pat Benatar to sing something when you've already got Freddie (unless as a duet).
Well, I wasn't suggesting we replace Freddie's vocals with Pat Benatar's, but in the beginning especially, it reminded me of her early albums and I thought of her right away.
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So it seems I'm the only one here, who doesn't think Innuendo is that great.
The title track and Show Must Go On are among the best songs the band has recorded, but eveything in between is just okay I guess, it never really clicked with me.
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So it seems I'm the only one here, who doesn't think Innuendo is that great.
The title track and Show Must Go On are among the best songs the band has recorded, but eveything in between is just okay I guess, it never really clicked with me.
'Just okay' is better than the overall consensus of their 80s output, so there's nothing wrong with that opinion.
I don't know why you'd want Pat Benatar to sing something when you've already got Freddie (unless as a duet).
Well, I wasn't suggesting we replace Freddie's vocals with Pat Benatar's, but in the beginning especially, it reminded me of her early albums and I thought of her right away.
Understood :tup
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So it seems I'm the only one here, who doesn't think Innuendo is that great.
The title track and Show Must Go On are among the best songs the band has recorded, but eveything in between is just okay I guess, it never really clicked with me.
So for starters it has two of the best songs the band has ever recorded...
To me, what makes this album great are a couple of things...
1. The band seems more focused and together on this. The songs are more purposeful and feel more complete. The other 80's albums just feel more scattered.
2. It's basically a full return to actual instruments. Most of the electronic stuff has been removed. That was a huge hinderance for me of the 80's albums.
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Focused is a good word for what they were. They knew Freddie was short on time, so they knew it would be their last album. I cannot remember his exact quote, but Freddie basically told them, "Give him whatever you can for me to sing while I still can."
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So it seems I'm the only one here, who doesn't think Innuendo is that great.
The title track and Show Must Go On are among the best songs the band has recorded, but eveything in between is just okay I guess, it never really clicked with me.
So for starters it has two of the best songs the band has ever recorded...
To me, what makes this album great are a couple of things...
1. The band seems more focused and together on this. The songs are more purposeful and feel more complete. The other 80's albums just feel more scattered.
2. It's basically a full return to actual instruments. Most of the electronic stuff has been removed. That was a huge hinderance for me of the 80's albums.
I went back and listened to it yesterday while working and this is an accurate assessment. It IS one of their better albums; for all Fred was going through, his vocals are so solid on this record. No fuckin' around, just straight up heavy (in the emotional sense) singing. "Don't Try So Hard" is just breathtaking what he does on that song.
Look, it's a shame whenever someone dies too soon, but I was listening to Wembley '86 over the weekend, and I was so amazed at how good he was singing for those last couple years of his life, ironically once he started taking care of himself a bit. I forget the song - might have been Tear It Up, or Now I'm Here - and I noticed he didn't do any grace notes; he just sang each of the notes. I'm not a professional singer, but I've sung in bands, and that is SO hard to do, because your pitch has to be SPOT ON. The only two other singers that I know that regularly do that are Paul McCartney/John Lennon ("Day Tripper" is an example) and Paul Stanley ("Silver Spoon" is an example).
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What on earth is a grace note?
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What on earth is a grace note?
When you start at one note and sort of slide into the proper note. It makes it easier to sing, because you don't really have to be as precise on the grace note as long as you STOP on the correct note. If you don't use the grace note, you have to start and stop at exactly the right note every time.
Listen to Ozzy on "Suicide Solution" for an example. "Wine is fine but whiskey's quicker..." The "Wine" starts a little low and by the time he says the "n" he's on the proper note. On "Silver Spoon" where Paul sings whoa-o-o-WHOA-oh!" that fourth "WHOA" he doesn't slide up to it, he just sings it. On "Day Tripper", John doesn't slide up to "Got a good reason..." he just sings it. It's a fine line because you don't want to sound mechanical, but it is harder (at least for me) to do. I'll find the Queen song so you can hear what I mean.
EDIT: It's "Now I'm Here" from Wembley. Listen to when Freddie sings "A baby I was when you took my HAND!" and "the people all stared didn't underSTAND!" and "don't worry BABY, I'm safe and SOUND!" Maybe it's just me and I'm a Freddie fan boy, but that was one of the biggest concerts by a single act in the history of Britain and Freddie not only delivered but took it to the next level. He sounds SO FREAKIN' GOOD on that Saturday show.
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What on earth is a grace note?
When you start at one note and sort of slide into the proper note. It makes it easier to sing, because you don't really have to be as precise on the grace note as long as you STOP on the correct note. If you don't use the grace note, you have to start and stop at exactly the right note every time.
Listen to Ozzy on "Suicide Solution" for an example. "Wine is fine but whiskey's quicker..." The "Wine" starts a little low and by the time he says the "n" he's on the proper note. On "Silver Spoon" where Paul sings whoa-o-o-WHOA-oh!" that fourth "WHOA" he doesn't slide up to it, he just sings it. On "Day Tripper", John doesn't slide up to "Got a good reason..." he just sings it. It's a fine line because you don't want to sound mechanical, but it is harder (at least for me) to do. I'll find the Queen song so you can hear what I mean.
That is just plain interesting. Thank you. Curious as to others such as Tate and Perry fared throughout their high points.
EDIT: It's "Now I'm Here" from Wembley. Listen to when Freddie sings "A baby I was when you took my HAND!" and "the people all stared didn't underSTAND!" and "don't worry BABY, I'm safe and SOUND!" Maybe it's just me and I'm a Freddie fan boy, but that was one of the biggest concerts by a single act in the history of Britain and Freddie not only delivered but took it to the next level. He sounds SO FREAKIN' GOOD on that Saturday show.
Well, you and many others would have sat and listened to him sing a phone book! :tup
My wife was away for a few days last week. I had picked one night to close the windows and crank up the home stereo in the evening, an opportunity that does not arise much anymore. The Wembley DVD ended up being my choice. That takes me back and makes me smile big time. Glad you enjoyed your recent purchase.
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INNUENDO Album 12” (and CD) Single Releases and DEMOS
The various 12” and CD singles (saving one for a later post
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/2/26/Innuendouk12pd.jpg/150px-Innuendouk12pd.jpg)
Innuendo (Explosive Version) b/w Under Pressure / Bijou
Final thirty seconds has nothing more than white noise added https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC_48p_zTYc
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/69/Queen_Im_Going_Slightly_Mad.png)
I'm Going Slightly Mad b/w The Hitman / Lost Opportunity
Lost Opportunity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwB76OiaIiM
I remember getting this from a gentleman in the UK in the late 90s (along with all ‘The Miracle’ CD singles) for around 30 pounds each, just for this non album B-side. The first song Brian had the majority of the LVs since ‘Sail Away Sweet Sister’. A nice blues tune that almost feels more like a funeral durge due to its incredibly slow molasses pace.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/7/75/Headlonguk12.jpg)
Headlong b/w All God's People / Mad The Swine
‘Mad The Swine’ was recorded during the Queen I sessions, and was originally to be placed on Side One between ‘Great King Rat’ and ‘My Fairy King’. This would be the first time it was released in the UK. It was released on the Hollywood Records reissue of Queen I in '91 (and later on the 2011 Universal remaster). More on the HR reissues Friday.
The Show Must Go On / Keep Yourself Alive / Queen Talks
(not posted here yet for a reason)
ALBUM SONG DEMOS
HEADLONG … different than the released demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2GIAbr_RIA&list=PLKs3n06AJtMI0hKuyQ-_czjPFLbL1lLVy&index=5
THE HITMAN (a minute or so) Brian LVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6GFWZqslEA Bite the bullet…..
DELILAH (a minute or so) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ighcqh3xBs8
GOING SLIGHTLY BONKERS MIX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KvHkuIoAmA
This one minute audio (and very good matching fan made video) was for the Queen International ’91 Fan Club convention. ‘Frederick Mercury, signing off’.
******
The press kit for the release of 'Innuendo'. It lasts twenty minutes, but one can skip through to the interviews with Brian and Roger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQDZDsEoAyE
Brian: “We sometimes ask: ‘What’s Mary Potts going to think of this?” Well, I think Mary Potts quite liked this album 😉
Roger: "I feel Queen believes, and I’d like to think it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done….and I’d just like to rest a little bit now."
NON ALBUM DEMOS
AFFAIRS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMUfqFwfveA&list=PLKs3n06AJtMI0hKuyQ-_czjPFLbL1lLVy&index=14
ALL GOD’s PEOPLE (Queen/Moran), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipLfSxl365c (also posted for 'The Miracle')
GRAN DAME https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jNcCFO0-Xo the real version, and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH2c7PUX-e8 Included for the cleaner sound. This gentleman does Queen and various other artist guitar covers. It's like watching a young and cleaner shaven John Petrucci show off how good he is. And I hate him for that ;)
MY SECRET FANTASY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXuimb-J4AI
ROBBERY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELXk2UieEOY
SELF MADE MAN https://aminoapps.com/c/officialqueen/page/blog/self-made-man-single/zjr6_0qcxugEz0YDV0KLmBB7PwYPgQoMX
(weird web site)
Nothing spectacular, as it sounds like these were never given more than one go through before being dropped. And at this point, there wasn't much available time left to try and flesh things out further if there were any doubts.
Had forgotten to show the original Grandville 'Juggler of the Universe' drawing, next to the 'Innuendo' rendition that was slightly mad.....
(https://dpt-info.di.unistra.fr/~cronse/CF/juggler.jpg) (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/0f/ce/090fce398494250f5b4145e4b71bbe30.jpg)
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What on earth is a grace note?
Just listen to any Jerry Garcia solo, my friend.
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If I understand the term grace note correctly then it's something that almost every instrumentalist and almost every singer does. Not necessarily because they aren't able to hit the note otherwise but to add some phrasing and variety to their playing/singing.
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If I understand the term grace note correctly then it's something that almost every instrumentalist and almost every singer does. Not necessarily because they aren't able to hit the note otherwise but to add some phrasing and variety to their playing/singing.
Generally, yes. But it’s how it’s used. It’s not just sliding into the note, some of it is about how you save a bung note
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If I understand the term grace note correctly then it's something that almost every instrumentalist and almost every singer does. Not necessarily because they aren't able to hit the note otherwise but to add some phrasing and variety to their playing/singing.
That was the reason for my "it's a fine line" and "you don't want to sound mechanical". It IS a fine line, because it DOES add character and variety. But I still maintain, at least for me and I think Deadeye is sort of agreeing, it's technically harder to jump from correct note to correct note like that.
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INNUENDO LP and Hollywood Records Launch Party/reissues
(https://rockandrollcollection.com/images/queen/invitation-queen-innuendo-01b.png)
The launch party…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKtV1AkRcT4 Nice to know at 440ish, as to song writing credits, that ‘bass player’ Roger Taylor received the same amount of royalties as Freddie did for the ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ single. The first seven minutes is ‘new’, the rest a rehash and the Innuendo video.
Again, the very amateurish video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GreL9Suzpbs&t=1180s
Roger and Brian keeping the brave face about Freddie and future touring. Brian confided to a friend that attended that there would be ‘big news’ about another release, and some concert news within a year, not on the scale as their last tour.
Throughout 91, Brian toured North America playing the Red Special to various Queen songs. Later on, these recordings were often passed off on bootlegs as demos :tdwn Knowing ahead of time what one was getting, they were fun listens. :tup
Such as this recording of ‘Under Pressure’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LolomCs408M
and ‘Headlong’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd4YbiWPzh0 at station KEWB in San Jose.
These appeared on a very popular bootleg called ‘Demories Please Majesties’
https://www.discogs.com/release/3491202-Queen-Demories-Please-Majesties
Too Much Love Will Kill You (Demo)
A Kind Of Magic (McLeoud Version)
Stone Cold Crazy (Trash Version)
Tie Your Mother Down (KEWB Version)
Killer Queen (KEWB Version)
Headlong (KEWB Version)
Under Pressure (KEWB Version)
Brighton Rock (Alternate Guitar / KEWB)
The Miracle (First Take)
The Invisible Man (First Take)
Rough Mix Part (Hit-Mix)
I Want It All (First Take)
The Hitman (First Take)
Scandal (First Take)
New York, New York (Highland-Take)
Staying Power ( 12” Version)
Friends Will Be Friends (Video Version)
Too Much Love Will Kill You (Piano Version)
Rough Mix Part 2 (HitMix) 11:56
Moving on…….
If one wanted to purchase a Queen compact disc in the late 80s in the States, it was not an easy task. Having switched record labels from Elektra to Capitol Records after ‘Hot Space’, one could only purchase the Capitol CD releases of ‘The Works’, ‘A Kind Of Magic’, and ‘The Miracle’. ‘The Game’ (and I believe the North American version of ‘Greatest Hits’) being the only Queen release(s) made available by Elektra on CD.
In order to get the back catalogue, myself and many others had to go to record stores and order the UK versions of Queen I up through ‘Hot Space’. Eleven of those releases cost me $22 each, ‘Live Killers’ $33 in 1989.
When Queen signed on to Hollywood Records in 1991, all of their albums were made available on CD, along with a bonus track or two. And a production error or two.
Sadly, most of the bonus tracks were simply album cuts remixed and reedited to various degrees. Some were given a dance mix, such as ‘Ogre Battle’ and ‘Seven Seas’. >:(
I still remember taking ‘News Of The World’ back to the store for a refund, thinking that Rick Rubin’s ruined version of 'We Will Rock You' was scratched throughout. Yes, he did ruin it. Below is a list of remixes done before and after ’91. Every Queen album entry in wikipedia lists those BONE US tracks.
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/queen/songs/hollywoodrecordsremixes.htm
Amongst all of our paraphenalia of Queen stuff, somewhere rolled up in the garage attic is a 36" x24" poster of
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenpedia.com%2Fimages%2Fthumb%2Fb%2Fb9%2FQueeninnposter1.jpg%2F150px-Queeninnposter1.jpg&hash=a4b8ac369a811e1427456296ed5635845ff2a31f)
and the wife’s autographed copy of the album artwork in our TV room
(https://i.imgur.com/3Cq11Rt.jpg)
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If I understand the term grace note correctly then it's something that almost every instrumentalist and almost every singer does. Not necessarily because they aren't able to hit the note otherwise but to add some phrasing and variety to their playing/singing.
That was the reason for my "it's a fine line" and "you don't want to sound mechanical". It IS a fine line, because it DOES add character and variety. But I still maintain, at least for me and I think Deadeye is sort of agreeing, it's technically harder to jump from correct note to correct note like that.
Don't know if it's harder, I'm not much of a singer. But regardless of what it is, Freddie's performance is amazing.
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You forgot one picture, boss.
"the wife’s autographed copy of the album artwork in our TV room after Stadler visited and asked to use the bathroom:"
(https://i.imgur.com/EokaJWR.jpg)
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:lol :lol :lol :tup :rollin
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Last call on the 'Innuendo' album and demos before the final Cross LP listing tomorrow.
As for me...gave the LP a 'second' recent listen today. I love the little stereo effects throughout that added to the listening experience. Due to how I had to record it onto a 45 minute cassette, I originally moved 'Days' onto 'The Miracle' after 'Breakthru' and removed 'Delilah' to make it fit.
Those congos were a bit loud, making 'The Hitman' seem a tad weak.
'Don't Try So Hard' should have been the end of a 'normal' side one album. I'd rank that amongst the top three Queen released. What a great tune to play before a round of golf, an interview for a job or promotion. Relaxing, but so frickin heavy with the lyrics. Well done, John Deacon.
Kev had mentioned the 97 'retake' of 'I Can't Live With You'. Yup, it's better than this album's version, but this is still damn good. Another version made for a North American promo single released in September, remixed by Brian Malouf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuVuCWJtuTk is slightly different, but a good listen
'Ride The Wild Wind' makes, or would have made, a great Side Two opener. Instead of the normal bombastic Queen BVs, we get somewhat gutteral. And then there's 'All God's People'. Such power! Wish a piano had been used at the beginning, and, just think of what a space would have made as to the apostrophe.
'The Show Must Go On'....damnit.......has any band gone out with such a powerful ending song, next to The Beatles 'The End'? Or had such a stirring title track to open an album? :tup
tomorrow....the last Cross offering. Tomorrow night: Greatest Hits II
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So, question about the demos; are those official releases? Or are those boots cobbled together from various sources?
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I'll answer when we get that autographed poster back :lol
It's an unofficial release with the stuff just cobbled together. Before we met, we each had a copy. We were desperate (over zealous?) to get our hands on anything back in the day.
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and now, the final offering of everyone's favorite side project here ;)
The CROSS BLUE ROCK
Released: September 9, 1991
EMI Electrola in Germany, Japan, Italy (vinyl only) and France (cassette only).
Charts and certifications: none
Singles:
(https://queenpedia.com/images/9/98/Ndacross.jpg)
New Dark Ages b/w Ain’t Put Nothin Down Germany only
(https://queenpedia.com/images/e/e2/Lifechangescd.jpg)
CD single
Life Changes (Single Edit) / Put It All Down To Love / Life Changes / Heartland
‘Heartland’ is a non album ‘B-side’ song. This was released November 24th in Holland and pulled instantly, making it a highly sought after collectible.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/0/0b/Cross_bluerock.jpg)
Roger Taylor – lead vocals
Spike Edney – keyboards, backing vocals
Clayton Moss- guitars, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Heartland"
Peter Noone – bass guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Heartland"
Josh Macrae – drums, backing vocals
Geoffrey Richardson - viola, violin
Helen Liebman - cello
Candy Yates - backing vocals
Clare Yates - backing vocals
Recorded February–August 1991
Studio Real World Studios
Producer Mark Wallis
ALBUM AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAy5eBz66L0&list=PLy4WrzwXrRyXC6UfiiR1nOUrcsK2Gp0nF
Heartland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgVQHUJYowY
LV Peter Noone and Roger
SIDE ONE
Bad Attitude (Noone, Moss, Edney, Macrae, Taylor) 4:45
New Dark Ages (Taylor) 4:58
Dirty Mind (Edney) 3:30
Baby It's Alright (Edney) 4:06
Ain't Put Nothin' Down (Moss) 4:30
SIDE TWO
The Also Rans (Roger Taylor) 5:27
Millionaire (Moss, Edney, Noone, Macrae) 3:43
Put It All Down To Love (Edney) 3:34
Hand Of Fools (Noone, Edney) 4:31
Life Changes (Moss, Noone, Spike Edney, Macrae) 5:56
NonAlbum Track
Heartland (Noone) 4:45
************
The third and final album released by The Cross. Spike Edney contributed a lot more to the record, writing or co-writing seven of the ten tracks of the album. Roger was decompressing somewhat from the ‘Innuendo’ sessions and promoting the album and the Hollywood Records signing in the States. Also during '91, he was in Montreux spending what little time was left for Freddie to lay down whatever vocals he could on whatever songs Queen had available.
Because of the failure of their previous albums, 'Blue Rock' was only released in four countries. It failed to sell many copies where it was available. This contributed to the disbanding of The Cross two years later.
The band had toured a few months in 89, May through June in ’90. In October ’91, they performed twenty concerts, the vast majority in Germany, and a couple in Switzerland and Sweden with Magnum. Late in ’92 they would perform a couple of shows at The Marquee in London while reuniting the original members of Smile (Brian, Roger, and Tim Staffell).
I didn’t get my hands on this until the late 90s. It’s a ‘nothing special again’ album with a few choice songs, a couple of which would have been fine additions on a Queen album with the added Queen 'touch'. ‘Bad Attitude’ is a good opener. ‘New Dark Ages’ is a good mid tempo rocker with some nice shared drum work (for once) at the end. ‘Dirty Mind’ is fun. The final track, ‘Life Changes’, is the best song on the album. Nice acoustic beginning, moody and some times powerful, good additional viola, violin and cello thrown into the mix, and a semi Sgt. Pepper-ish instrumental fade out. It does make for a very good finale for the band.
(https://www.queenvault.com/BlueRock/album2.jpg)
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That's not THE Peter Noone, is it? From Herman and the Hermits?
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^
This Peter Noone was born a year before Herman's Hermits formed.
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The Best of The CROSS
A version I made up decades ago, and still give it a spin more than a few times a year.
(https://www.aqueenofmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/The-Cross-To-Reunite-For-One-Off-Performance-678x360.jpg)
Manipulator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78PZVTzLPrg
Hijack My Heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOUJghzUywA (yeah, I know it’s a Queen b-side, but I needed something to fill out my ‘best of’ decades ago, and gives me the chance to listen to it a bit more than I would otherwise).
Love Lies Bleeding (Brian on lead guitar) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3901IrwrUnM
Shove It https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=146U3CGl0zM
Rough Justice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kx79Aw-LEg
Vinyl outro (begins at 3:19) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxyjj7zyNk
Heaven For Everyone [Freddie LVs] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nga9cSW5e_4
On Top Of The World Ma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Z2a4hCXOg
Power To Love (ext version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7fr_6kTtAc
New Dark Ages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwWDg3amSWI
Life Changes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5hE9C9kJXA
Heaven For Everyone [Roger LV] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtJckYrjr9o
And a few more
In Charge Of My Heart 7” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs6-zrnAyCw
Or the extended version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Nw2r9w2KKY
Feel The Force https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjaa5A2pR2M
Dirty Mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdGVBlVHAcM
Bad Attitude https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS3FLLUCtr0
Heartland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgVQHUJYowY&list=RDEgVQHUJYowY&start_radio=1
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You're not going to make me listen to more Cross are you? :lol
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You're not going to make me listen to more Cross are you? :lol
Nope :D I would suggest you give 'New Dark Ages' and 'Life Changes' a listen though, and then you can permanently 'cross' them off your list <groan>
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That's bad, even for me. :lol
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That's bad, even for me. :lol
Thank you :D
Was just throwing in an additional note as to The Cross. The last show on their last tour was on October 27th at the Forum in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Capacity 3000. Spike Edney and Roger's next appearance on stage together would be six months later at Wembley Stadium.
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The Show Must Go On b/w Keep Yourself Alive
Released: October 14, 1991
Charts: UK #16, USA (Mainstream Rock #40)
France #2, Italy #5, Netherlands #6, Germany #7, Switzerland #11, Finland #15, Ireland #17, Europe #19, New Zealand #20, Belgium #22, Sweden #30, Australia #75
2022: Poland #74
Certifications: Gold in UK, Gold in USA
Silver in France
Platinum in Italy
(https://queenpedia.com/images/9/91/Tsmgouk.jpg)
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t99KH0TR-J4 213 MILLION Views
Released as the promo single for the upcoming release of the ‘Greatest Hits II’ compilation in a couple of days. Wise decision.
The 12" vinyl had an etching on one side, with the other having 'The Show Must Go On', 'Keep Yourself Alive', and 'Queen Talks' (at 8:44). Uhm, ok...:huh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1Y5PZd7FOU
‘Keep Yourself Alive’ was not included on the UK ‘Greatest Hits I’ album. It was not a Top Twenty release….therefore, it did not match the criteria for inclusion in spite of its enormous popularity and importance. This release somewhat corrects that error regarding the Isles.
One cannot make an argument against using ‘The Show Must Go On’ to promote their second hits package. This very easily could have hit #1 on its own had it been released before the ‘Innuendo’ LP, or not having to fight against the buying public purchasing GH II.
Regardless, the Queen marketing machine was working overtime yet again. Quite smartly and successfully this time.
The video is mostly a good collection of videos pieced together, as Freddie’s days of appearing on camera had long passed by this time.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/6/6c/Tsmgoukback.jpg/599px-Tsmgoukback.jpg)
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GREATEST HITS II
Released: October 28, 1991, UK (EMI /Parlophone)
1995 USA (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK...entered at #1, four straight weeks at #1 in December, sixty nine straight weeks in the Top 75.
#1 in Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland
#4 in Australia
1992:
#1 in Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Spain
#2 in the UK, Germany, and Sweden
#4 in Norway
1993: UK #29
1994: UK #32 (and five of the next six years in the Top 80)
2006: Italy #28
2012: USA #25
2018: Ireland #49
2019: Belgium #25
Certifications: 13x Platinum in UK, Platinum in USA (GH Vol 1 & II ‘box set’)
9x Gold in Germany
Platinum in Italy, Mexico, and Sweden
2x Platinum in Brazil, Finland,
4x Platinum in Austria
5x Platinum in Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland
8x Platinum in Australia
Diamond in Argentina
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UK vinyl cover
John Deacon - bass guitar, keyboards
Brian May - guitars, vocals, keyboards
Freddie Mercury - vocals, piano, keyboards
Roger Taylor - drums, percussion, vocals, keyboards
Producers: Queen, Mack and David Richards
SIDE ONE
A Kind Of Magic (Taylor) 4:22
Under Pressure (Queen, David Bowie) 3:57
Radio Ga Ga (Taylor) 5:43
I Want It All 4:01 *
I Want To Break Free (Deacon) 4:18 *
SIDE TWO
Innuendo 6:27
It's A Hard Life (Mercury) 4:09
Breakthru (Queen) 4:09
Who Wants to Live Forever (May) 5:16
SIDE THREE
Headlong 4:37
The Miracle 5:01
I'm Going Slightly Mad 4:22
The Invisible Man 3:58
SIDE FOUR
Hammer To Fall (May) 3:40 *
Friends Will Be Friends (Mercury, Deacon) 4:08
The Show Must Go On 4:37
One Vision 4:02 *
* single versions
All tracks written by Queen unless otherwise noted
****************
The UK and ‘world’ version (minus North America). ‘Under Pressure’ was not available for the UK pressing of ‘Greatest Hits I’, thus its inclusion here.
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inner gatefold
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sleeves
A somewhat different track order than I would have come up with. ‘One Vision’ or ‘Innuendo’ would have opened, and ‘The Show Must Go On’ would certainly have closed out this collection, along with some changes throughout. The album versions of ‘One Vision’ and ‘I Want It All’ would have been preferable, though I do prefer the 'Hammer To Fall' 45 with its different lead guitar during the instrumental. It was a surprise that the full version of ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’ was used.
And then there's that oddity, the 45 version of 'I Want To Break Free', which is longer than the album version
At the end of the day, with GH I and II, listeners had 33 Top Thirty UK songs available on two discs (minus ‘Las Palabras de Amor (Words Of Love)’, ‘Thank God It’s Christmas’, ‘Scandal’, and uh, er, well ‘Body Language’). ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ (#31), ‘Spread Your Wings’ (#34), and ‘Keep Yourself Alive (NR) still were not part of these UK packages. They would certainly be included on their next hits compilation, right? :huh:
Everyone has other favorites to include for their own ‘best ofs’….but there is no filler per se. Personal preference: I replaced 'Radio Ga Ga' with 'Keep Passing The Open Windows', but that's it.
These were their greatest hits after ‘The Game’, and you can’t say they shortchanged the buying public....
....who would rush out to purchase GH II even more so a few weeks later.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-4%2Fgreatest-hits-ii-uklp2017back.jpg&hash=88ef2f889ce82905cc3cec980662e85747d2bb31)
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Slightly jumping the gun a bit, but including this due to its familiarity to North American fans...and since GH II was not initially released over here.
CLASSIC QUEEN
Released: March 3, 1992 CD only
Charts: Canada #1, USA #4
Certifications: 3x Platinum in USA, 5x Platinum in Canada
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9b/ClassicQueenalbumcover.png/220px-ClassicQueenalbumcover.png)
A Kind Of Magic / Bohemian Rhapsody / Under Pressure / Hammer To Fall / Stone Cold Crazy / One Year Of Love / Radio Ga Ga / I'm Going Slightly Mad / I Want It All /
Tie Your Mother Down / The Miracle / These Are The Days Of Our Lives / One Vision / Keep Yourself Alive / Headlong / Who Wants To Live Forever / The Show Must Go On
*************
Sales of ‘Classic Queen’ are included with those of ‘Greatest Hits II’. It's 'sister' North American release, Greatest Hits, was mentioned back on page 19
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GUITAR LEGENDS Seville Spain October 19, 1991
I was just putting in an added touch to the next Queen related release, clicked a link, went to youtube, and found this concert which was uploaded only a year ago (and probably posted in other artists' threads on DTF and missed it).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3G6M2sM8R8
Brian introduces Joe Satriani, and later performs 'Driven By You' for the first time.
Holy crap on a cracker! Where has this been all my life!!! :) :tup
1:25 Joe Satriani – Satch Boogie
5:10 Joe Satriani – Surfing With Alien
9:49 Joe Satriani – Always With Me Always With You
14:11 Joe Satriani (ft. Brian May) – Big Bad Moon
20:33 Steve Vai (ft. Brian May) – Liberty
23:03 Steve Vai – Greasy Kids Stuff
26:01 Steve Vai – For The Love Of God
34:34 Nuno Bettencourt / Gary Cherone – More Than Words
40:41 Brian May (ft. Steve Vai) – Driven By You
44:54 Brian May – Guitar Solo
48:08 Brian May – Tie Your Mother Down
54:51 Joe Walsh – Funk #49
59:42 Joe Walsh (ft. Brian May, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai) – Rocky Mountain Way
1:08:43 Paul Rogers (ft. Brian May, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai) – All Right Now
1:15:48 Brian May (ft. Gary Cherone, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai) – Now I'm Here
1:23:07 All Stars – Hey Joe
Brian May (Guitars,Vocals)
Joe Satriani (Guitars,Vocals)
Steve Vai (Guitars)
Nuno Bettencourt (Guitars)
Joe Walsh (Guitars,Vocals)
Plus
Paul Rogers (Vocals)
Gary Cherone (Vocals)
Nathen East (Bass)
Steve Ferrone (Drums)
Neil Murray (Bass)
Cozy Powell (Drums)
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I saw that back then when it was aired, I might even have an old video recording somewhere.
That was five or six nights, each with a different cast of guitar players. Fun event but if I remember correctly that night with May, Satch, Vai etc. was the most entertaining one. May also was some kind of musical director for that evening.
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When I saw Brian May in Boston, Gary Cherone came out and sang Tie Your Mother Down.
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Joe, I'll try and catch up tomorrow. I was basically out of commission today, and also updating my Concert Thread and compiling my Fates Warning Top 50...
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While Greatest Hits could excuse it's omission of certain key tracks by being Top-20 hits only (Tie Your Mother Down only reached #31, Spread Your Wings #34 and Love of my Life an appalling #63, proving what I've always said about the record buying public), the track selection on Greatest Hits II is a little more esoteric. I wish they'd have included Scandal, but it only hit #25, so fair enough, but Las Palabras de Amor hit #17 and Thank God it's Xmas #21, and they're not here either, while The Miracle also hit #21 and Who Wants to Live Forever only reached #24, and they're both included. I'd have swapped Scandal for Friends Will Be Friends and this would have been improved no end. GHII really does show just how well the big songs from their last albums do sit alongside each other really well, and it's a shame we never got to see them tour this stuff live.
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^
GH I had time restrictions, while the advent of CDs at the time of GH II eliminated that. The buying public....no argument there. ;)
In the early days, release the big hit (if you had one), release the album a few weeks later, and then release another single a couple months later to keep you (or your band) in the ears of the consumer, and that might convince them to buy the LP as well. I only bought a handful of their singles because of a bonus track, or I couldn't wait for the album release to hear the B side.
The Queen machine of the 80s....four singles per album, gimmicks such as different covers or pictured discs, etc..... and yet all those singles made the Top Thirty! And they couldn't fit all of them from '81 onwards onto a double album. They certainly had a field day with the completists. :D
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BRIAN MAY DRIVEN BY YOU b/w Just One Life
Released: November 25th, 1991
Charts: UK #6, US Mainstream Rock #9
Luxembourg Radio #2, Portugal #9, Netherlands #10, Ireland #14, Europe #20, Belgium #35, Canada #70
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_IkRDds4fI
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/Driven_by_you_single_cover.jpg/220px-Driven_by_you_single_cover.jpg)
Personnel
Brian May - lead and backing vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drum programming
Produced by Brian May, David Richards, Justin Shirley-Smith
CD single
Driven by You / Just One Life / Just One Life (inst)
12” single
Driven By You / Just One Life / Just One Life (inst) / Driven By You (Ford advert)
The Ford Ad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT6jkcnaQ7c
Just One Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tMGsJiYHlk
Just One Life inst https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4-ky-BgRWc
Shortly before releasing it as single, May played it on the Guitar Legends concert in October 1991, with Cozy Powell on drums, Neil Murray on bass, Steve Vai on rhythm guitar, Rick Wakeman and Mike Moran on keyboards, Maggie Ryder, Miriam Stockley and Chris Thompson on backing vocals (as I found out yesterday! :tup)
Driven By You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vamy9bB4DiI
Last Horizon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFpt1Mo2inc
Guitar solo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Qi3PJ0i78
Tie Your Mother Down https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS5hGIWFb4k
I didn't hear the October ‘91 performance until yesterday, the single until '93. I always enjoyed (loved) his LVs and the change of pace his songs brought to Queen albums. Those absences took away something from their 80s albums. Before I forget, it’s a damn good song, much more uptempo from anything before with his vocals as lead, great guitar work, and would have fit nicely on any of the last couple Queen albums.
'Just One Life' was not about Freddie, though it can be implied. With the little amount of drums and how they were mixed, I've included it on my version of 'A Kind Of Magic' after 'Princes Of The Universe' for a needed change of pace.
The instrumental included on the 12" vinyl and CD single has lead guitar replacing the vocals. Quite nice.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/8/8b/Drivenbyyou7rev.jpg)
********
Nine weeks in the UK charts, the first six in the Top 15.
Events of the prior day slightly overshadowed this release……
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for a bit of levity....
The STONKERS The STONK Charity Single
Released: March, 1991
Charts: UK #1
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwfFFM-d6wk
Hale and Pace were an English comedy double-act that performed in clubs and on radio and television in the UK in the 1980s and 1990s. The duo was made up of Gareth Hale and Norman Pace.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffreakytrigger.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpictures%2Fpopular%2F662.jpg&hash=3c6e557be826d4a20a373ba175159ab59b71a1ad)
Guitars: Brian May, Tony Iommi, David Gilmour, Nick Lowe
Keyboards: Brian May, Mike Moran, Joe Griffiths
Drums: Roger Taylor, Cozy Powell, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean)
Produced by Brian May
**********
Released as a charity single for 'Comic Relief', it was the UK's 22nd-best-selling single of the year. "The Stonk" was released as a joint-single with a track written and performed by the comedian Victoria Wood. Entitled "The Smile Song", the song was credited on the front of the single cover and listed as track 2 on the seven-inch and CD single (rather than B-side). However, the UK singles chart compilers (now the Official Charts Company) did not credit her with having number one hit.
This was the second #1 single of the year for Brian and Roger, the first being 'Innuendo'. A third (fourth) would be released shortly after Brian's 'Driven By You' solo debut.
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Holy shit, did that fucking stonk.
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Yeah, but it was for a good cause, you stonker! :D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_Relief
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MAGIC JOHNSON
I saw him play one of his high school games in person. His senior year, a first round district game against Jay Vincent and Lansing Eastern was televised by two local TV stations. His Lansing Everett team won that, and the Class A title game that season.
In ’77, a friend had a Michigan State basketball player as a roommate. We went to a few games at a half empty Jenison Fieldhouse during Jud Heathcoate’s first year. And then Magic became a Spartan. All of their Big Ten games were televised on the Lansing television station. A friend bought two season tickets in '79, and I split the package with a couple of friends (going to four) because the games were sold out for two years, ending in the epic title game in Salt Lake City against Larry Bird and Indiana State.
On to the Lakers, more titles and awards follow, ..I get to bump into him at a burger joint in Lansing, get an autograph…….and then November 7, 1991
**********
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/magic-johnson-announces-he-is-hiv-positive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzpyDnhyeWI
ESPN ten years later https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HzjDGIXdSg
The misconceptions then (and now): HIV and AIDS were the same, HIV was a death sentence. It was 'just' a gay disease, etc. etc.
Mitch Albom of The Detroit Free Press, my favorite sports writer, concludes the segment from 43:40 onwards with the perfect words regarding the ending of hero worship.
I mention this, because just a few weeks later.....
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FREDDIE MERCURY 1946-1991
First the announcement (which I didn't know about at the time).....
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DspNL5zVAAAg9uG.jpg)
The next day
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfrgzDh-FqY&t=4s
various reports https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h2il09og40&t=529s
Went to pick up a food order for my coworkers around 6pm, turned on the radio on my way, and was devastated. As much of a gut punch as John Lennon's death, but in a different way. I just remember getting back to work, dropping off the food, hopping back in my car, and the tears just starting rolling down my cheeks...
Dead? AIDS!?!?!?
'My' band for seventeen years (even though they royally p*ssed me off at times)....the albums, the concerts, all the friends I'd shared memories with while Queen played in the background. That record player my Mom bought for me in '75, with the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' 45 on the spindle, and all the songs we listened to together before she died in '85.
One week later, Brian and Roger appear on ‘Good Morning Britain’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-YirPyS47I
part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgZCNjAwCW8
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I don't know if youre going to cover this later on but did you read Mercury and Me?
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Certainly here in the UK, Freddie's death changed attitudes towards HIV and AIDS. We'd had people like Rock Hudson die of it, but Freddie was British, and much loved. He was one of ours, and not some poncy Hollywood type. He was the first major British celebrity, and the first major rock star to die of this horrible disease. But more than shock at his illness and death, I think a lot of Queen fans were genuinely shocked at the fact he was gay - he may have been out to his family and friends, but most of his fans had no idea. The fact that most of those fans were typical blue-collar rock guys really forced them to re-assess their attitudes towards homosexuality when their idol and favourite rock star turned out to be "one of them".
All of which is unbelievable today, because looking back he's very clearly flaming, darling. But at the time, a lot of British people would not have picked up on that - gay culture just wasn't represented in mainstream media like it is now.
Freddie's death certainly softened attitudes, and fans donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust in a way they would never have donated to an AIDS charity beforehand. Attitudes towards homosexuality have changed enormously in the passing years, and I really think Freddie's death was a catalyst for that change.
RIP Freddie, you are still missed and you always will be. There was no one quite like you and there will never be again.
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I don't know if youre going to cover this later on but did you read Mercury and Me?
I read it some time in the late 90s, along with a couple somewhat well written books, as well as some not so well written and inaccurate ones. There was one whackadoodle by the name of Sylv Livingstone who wrote one called 'Innuendoes' about her contacting Freddie in the spirit world. She ran a mostly crazy Freddie Mercury Mailing List back in the late 90s. We all figured she'd gotten clunked on the head by one of those balloons that escaped Wembley in '86 :lol
I'm not covering or listing any books, but do feel free to share anything regarding what you've read.
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THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES
On September 5th, 1991, on what was Freddie’s 45th birthday, a radio promo single of ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’ b/w ‘Bijou’ was released. It did not chart on Mainstream Radio.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/Queen_-_%22These_Are_the_Days_of_Our_Lives%22_%28US_single%29.jpg)
Fast forward three weeks to December 9th, one week or so after Brian and Roger had appeared on ‘Good Morning Britain’
THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES double A side with BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Released: December 9, 1991 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #1 (for five weeks)
Ireland #1 (for six weeks), Germany #16, Belgium #40
Second biggest selling single UK in ‘92
2021: UK #81
Original VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB4K0scMysc 94 Million views
This may say 'fan mix' video, but it's the original, minus all the crap ads from Queen Productions interfering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBx7osO7J8A
The making of TATDOOL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j5_dt1Ktvg
These are all a tough watch (understatement)
along with the colorized but ruined Hollywood Records version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBr3xn2rb4E
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/These_Are_the_Days_of_Our_Lives
(https://i.discogs.com/AouEVBBYcw3KSCR5ATyF6-y0wPvehcgzUYQ7x_QgndY/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:592/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTQyODI4/MS0xNDUyMDM2NjMx/LTIyMDYuanBlZw.jpeg)
Written by Roger (also wrote 'Ride The Wild Wind' and most of 'Innuendo'), who, as a member of Smile, had shared a clothing stall with Freddie at Kensington Market in the late 60s
“I was sitting at home in a rather reflective mood and I did know that Freddie was ill, and I think it came out of that slightly melancholic mood. I guess I was trying to put an optimistic slant on it in a way—those were the days then. And these are the days of our lives—Today is more important than yesterday.”
Absolute Radio in 2011.
Notes: Originally planned with The Show Must Go On instead of These Are The Days Of Our Lives, but withdrawn. Double A-side.
In the States, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was released in March ’92 with ‘The Show Must Go On’ as the B-side. It reached #2 in the charts, eight weeks in the Top Ten, seventeen weeks in all.
Proceeds from both of these releases went to the Terrence Higgins Trust
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrence_Higgins_Trust
Since its inception, most of its fund-raising events have been hip and low-key affairs, from its first disco at the London club Heaven to gala screenings of Dracula and the comedy shows Hysteria and Filth...
Hysteria 1 was a comedy benefit for Terrence Higgins Trust, produced by Stephen Fry.
Hysteria 2, on 18 September 1989 at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London, benefited Terrence Higgins Trust. It was produced by Stephen Fry and broadcast on Channel 4, with a telethon.
Hysteria 3, at the London Palladium on Sunday, June 30, 1991, benefited Terrence Higgins Trust. Stephen Fry hosted, with Steven Wright, Hugh Laurie, Elton John, Ruby Wax, Rowan Atkinson, Eddie Izzard, Craig Ferguson, Lenny Henry, Julian Clary, Josie Lawrence, Jools Holland, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Ian McKellen, Edwin Starr, Clement Freud, Beverly Craven, Ben Elton, and Tony Slattery.
The charity received almost a million pounds in donations over the Christmas of 1991, with the proceeds of Queen's re-released chart-topper "Bohemian Rhapsody" going entirely to the charity, following Freddie's death. After being diagnosed as HIV positive in 1987, Mercury had been concerned that financial support should be available to those less fortunate than himself.
The charity's celebrity patrons have included Sir Richard Branson, Freddie Mercury, Simon Callow, Lord Cashman, Julian Clary, Dame Judi Dench, Tracey Emin, Stephen Fry, Paul Gambaccini, Sir Elton John, Caroline Quentin, Gaby Roslin, Dr Miriam Stoppard and George Michael
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/f/f1/Daysukback.jpg/602px-Daysukback.jpg)
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I was never a die hard Queen fan, I have all of their records but wouldn't put them in my top 10 bands. Somewhere in the range of 11-25 would be more like it.
I didn't know of Freddie's illness and the news of his passing hit me hard, it seemed so out of the blue and sudden. I remember that it was on the national german news on tv and even my parents, whose musical knowledge normally ends with Mozart and Beethoven had heard of him and commented on how tragic it was.
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MAGIC JOHNSON
Yeah, this is what Mitch said.."The end of hero worship, and the beginning to permanent cynicism towards our athletes."
This Magic post is interesting. It was one of those things that you remember exactly where you were when this news broke.
Interesting, Joe, to include this.
FREDDIE MERCURY 1946-1991
One week later, Brian and Roger appear on ‘Good Morning Britain’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-YirPyS47I
part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgZCNjAwCW8
I watched most of both of these clips. They seem pissed off, and I get it. I remember learning about AIDS in high school, and we're talking '84-'86ish. This was more than 5 years later.
And not to come off as disrespectful, but Freddie dying didn't really make my radar. I mean, I remember the news of him dying, but it could've just as easily been Bowie, Elton John..I didn't really have any tangible connection to Freddie Mercury.
In fact, I was actually consumed by the news that Eric Carr, drummer from Kiss, died on the same day at the age of 41 from lung cancer, that spread to his heart.
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MAGIC JOHNSON
Yeah, this is what Mitch said.."The end of hero worship, and the beginning to permanent cynicism towards our athletes."
This Magic post is interesting. It was one of those things that you remember exactly where you were when this news broke.
Interesting, Joe, to include this.
I was sitting in my makeshift office in Burbank, CA, having not long previously started an extended project with my new company. First time, other than college, I was away from my home for more than a week or so (I was out there for almost a year).
FREDDIE MERCURY 1946-1991
One week later, Brian and Roger appear on ‘Good Morning Britain’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-YirPyS47I
part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgZCNjAwCW8
I watched most of both of these clips. They seem pissed off, and I get it. I remember learning about AIDS in high school, and we're talking '84-'86ish. This was more than 5 years later.
And not to come off as disrespectful, but Freddie dying didn't really make my radar. I mean, I remember the news of him dying, but it could've just as easily been Bowie, Elton John..I didn't really have any tangible connection to Freddie Mercury.
In fact, I was actually consumed by the news that Eric Carr, drummer from Kiss, died on the same day at the age of 41 from lung cancer, that spread to his heart.
That's kind of me, too. Being originally from the East Coast didn't help that much either.
I was going to ask, though, as a general question, whether these announcements really DID change anything? I mean, maybe it's me, but I find that stuff interesting but not indicative. It's the same with Rob Halford; it's not like I can claim I saw it coming, I didn't, but I don't love Priest any more or less knowing Rob Halford is a gay man. I don't love Queen any more or any less because of Freddie's sexual orientation. The Prophets Song STILL gives me shivers regardless.
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I was going to ask, though, as a general question, whether these announcements really DID change anything? I mean, maybe it's me, but I find that stuff interesting but not indicative. It's the same with Rob Halford; it's not like I can claim I saw it coming, I didn't, but I don't love Priest any more or less knowing Rob Halford is a gay man. I don't love Queen any more or any less because of Freddie's sexual orientation. The Prophets Song STILL gives me shivers regardless.
Freddie wasn't your typical media stereotype of what being gay was, some weedy, camp, Mr Humphries type. The image of gay men being large, muscular and macho hadn't really broken in the mainstream. A lot of people still though the Village People were straight, because they just hadn't had any exposure to homosexuality in reality. The fact that a butch, macho, masculine rock god could actually be a, you know, sissy, was a huge deal in 1991.
Halford came out as gay in 1998. The fact that no one really raised an eyebrow at that time is a great indicator of just how far we'd come in 7 short years.
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I was going to ask, though, as a general question, whether these announcements really DID change anything? I mean, maybe it's me, but I find that stuff interesting but not indicative. It's the same with Rob Halford; it's not like I can claim I saw it coming, I didn't, but I don't love Priest any more or less knowing Rob Halford is a gay man. I don't love Queen any more or any less because of Freddie's sexual orientation. The Prophets Song STILL gives me shivers regardless.
Freddie wasn't your typical media stereotype of what being gay was, some weedy, camp, Mr Humphries type. The image of gay men being large, muscular and macho hadn't really broken in the mainstream. A lot of people still though the Village People were straight, because they just hadn't had any exposure to homosexuality in reality. The fact that a butch, macho, masculine rock god could actually be a, you know, sissy, was a huge deal in 1991.
:huh:
Is that how you remember it? That's not how I do.
I'm pretty sure people knew the Village People were gay from the jump.
And Freddie wasn't large or muscular. In fact I think the leather jacket/white tank top, mustached stereotype was enhanced by both Freddie and the Village People.
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I never once had any doubt that the Village People or Freddie Mercury was gay, and neither did anyone I knew.
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I was going to ask, though, as a general question, whether these announcements really DID change anything? I mean, maybe it's me, but I find that stuff interesting but not indicative. It's the same with Rob Halford; it's not like I can claim I saw it coming, I didn't, but I don't love Priest any more or less knowing Rob Halford is a gay man. I don't love Queen any more or any less because of Freddie's sexual orientation. The Prophets Song STILL gives me shivers regardless.
Freddie wasn't your typical media stereotype of what being gay was, some weedy, camp, Mr Humphries type. The image of gay men being large, muscular and macho hadn't really broken in the mainstream. A lot of people still though the Village People were straight, because they just hadn't had any exposure to homosexuality in reality. The fact that a butch, macho, masculine rock god could actually be a, you know, sissy, was a huge deal in 1991.
:huh:
Is that how you remember it? That's not how I do.
I'm pretty sure people knew the Village People were gay from the jump.
And Freddie wasn't large or muscular. In fact I think the leather jacket/white tank top, mustached stereotype was enhanced by both Freddie and the Village People.
AND
I never once had any doubt that the Village People or Freddie Mercury was gay, and neither did anyone I knew.
That's me too; it's not that this was a secret, it's that for many it wasn't a big deal. I don't say this to sound all woke or enlightened, it's just a matter of keeping the record straight. So to speak. :) :) :) :)
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If anything, they perpetuated that gays were freaks.
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If anything, they perpetuated that gays were freaks.
I wouldn't say that at all.
They were definitely different. But I don't associate "different" with "freak" and never have.
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If anything, they perpetuated that gays were freaks.
I wouldn't say that at all.
They were definitely different. But I don't associate "different" with "freak" and never have.
Well, I think in the early to mid 80's many people considered the flamboyancy as freakish. Mainstream regular gay people didn't seem to be part of the popular culture that it is today.
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Certainly here in the UK, Freddie's death changed attitudes towards HIV and AIDS. We'd had people like Rock Hudson die of it, but Freddie was British, and much loved. He was one of ours, and not some poncy Hollywood type. He was the first major British celebrity, and the first major rock star to die of this horrible disease. But more than shock at his illness and death, I think a lot of Queen fans were genuinely shocked at the fact he was gay - he may have been out to his family and friends, but most of his fans had no idea. The fact that most of those fans were typical blue-collar rock guys really forced them to re-assess their attitudes towards homosexuality when their idol and favourite rock star turned out to be "one of them".
All of which is unbelievable today, because looking back he's very clearly flaming, darling. But at the time, a lot of British people would not have picked up on that - gay culture just wasn't represented in mainstream media like it is now.
Freddie's death certainly softened attitudes, and fans donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust in a way they would never have donated to an AIDS charity beforehand. Attitudes towards homosexuality have changed enormously in the passing years, and I really think Freddie's death was a catalyst for that change.
RIP Freddie, you are still missed and you always will be. There was no one quite like you and there will never be again.
A sincere 'Thank you' for this :tup
As to Magic Johnson: I remember where I was as well, since it was telecast on all the networks. It was front page news in the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit News, the Kalamazoo Gazette, the Lansing State Journal and who knows what other Michigan papers. Watching the documentary, Johnson wouldn't have found out had it not been for the Lakers doing the team's blood tests for simple annual insurance reasons.
Freddie's passing: buried midway through the news section, with the normal two paragraph AP write up and maybe a small picture. People magazine had one page, and Rolling Stone I believe had maybe half a page.
Luck, and increased research and awareness after it had been mostly been swept under the rug in the early 80s helped allow Magic to survive. The attitude was exemplified in this little short https://www.vox.com/2015/12/1/9828348/ronald-reagan-hiv-aids
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QUEEN 1992 Releases
Mostly compilations released during this time.
One I forgot to mention from April of '91 was this
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fboxed-sets%2Fcd-single-box-japanboxopen.jpg&hash=e686f0e8c9ed1d854c5a0c2dc4e04e2b4aa67622)
QUEEN CD SINGLE BOX
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_CD_Single_Box
Japan only. Oddly, 'Teo Torriate' is not included. Of course, the wife owns this.
Let's not forget that Hollywood Records reissued the entire Queen catalogue in North America in 1991. That was a bit of a cash outlay
On to '92....
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fboxed-sets%2Fbox-of-tricks-ukbox-12-inch-collection-cdfront.jpg&hash=d9671c778ded3ed4e5978bb7494e84390a747b25) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fboxed-sets%2Fbox-of-tricks-ukboxopen.jpg&hash=3e1314c65bcc15cc5895ec90df5d1dcd11013f30)
12” COLLECTION
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_12%E2%80%B3_Collection
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ&list=PLW03aakseNTHRaBO2gsUT6o1-z-vTkcz2
Hard copy was only made available in the 'Box of Trix' https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Box_of_Trix My wife and I each owned this. The poster hangs in my garage.
I prefer the extended version of 'It's A Hard Life' to the LP version, 'A Kind Of Magic' and 'Hammer To Fall' are worthwhile versions, the rest 'meh' to repetitive trash.
The twice previously mentioned:
(https://i.discogs.com/-_wZDA14qXBT9f3FRxG53TdSzVMrNstDwQzMuC9_FIQ/rs:fit/g:sm/q:40/h:300/w:300/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTM4Mzc1/Mi0xNTk4OTMzODU0/LTE2NDIuanBlZw.jpeg)
CLASSIC QUEEN March '92
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_Queen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHDpQBvdj14&list=PLE238CD6DF5E44638
Charts and certifications already posted.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fprodimage.images-bn.com%2Fpimages%2F0720616126528_p0_v2_s1200x630.jpg&hash=1770594ddf3770f145fa8b37229529535ccf4749)
GREATEST HITS September '92 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKhsbNX1274&list=PLtki-dVaaJTWZnwlR1DevfI0GABCjU-Jq
Charts and certifications already posted.
The QUEEN COLLECTION 3 CD box set containing the Hollywood Records versions of 'Classic Queen', 'Greatest Hit's and a 1989 band interview.
yes, we have this
on to Freddie........
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BARCELONA
reissued with new album cover
Charts: UK #15
Netherlands #9, New Zealand #13, Switzerland #18, Austria #24, Germany #41, Japan #93
Certifications: Silver in UK, Platinum in Switzerland
(all sales from '88 onwards)
Singles:
Barcelona
Charts '92: UK #2
Ireland #2, Netherlands #2, New Zealand #2, France #6, Switzerland #8, Portugal #9, Sweden #12, Belgium #21, Australia #42
How Can I Go On (did not chart)
(https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Freddie-Mercury-Montserrat-Caballe-Barcelona-Album-Cover-820.jpg)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASJI6pNGqGo&list=PLG4oHUlIe48er2grAx1IaS5UJDNslg0Tv
The FREDDIE MERCURY ALBUM
Released: November 16, 1992
Charts: UK #4
Austria #2, Germany #3, New Zealand #4, France #5, Switzerland #8, Netherlands #9, Norway #12, Sweden #35
Certifications: 2x Platinum in UK
Gold in Finland, Netherlands, Sweden
Platinum in Argentina, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland
2x Platinum in France and Spain
Singles:
In My Defence
Charts '92: UK #8, Ireland #12
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/78/FMAlbum1992.jpg)
SIDE ONE
The Great Pretender (original version)
Foolin' Around (Steve Brown remix)
Time (Nile Rodgers remix)
Your Kind Of Lover (Steve Brown remix)
Exercises In Free Love
In My Defence (Ron Nevison remix)
SIDE TWO
Mr. Bad Guy (Brian Malouf remix)
Let's Turn It On (Jeff Lord-Alge remix)
Living On My Own (No More Brothers radio mix)
Love Kills (original version)
Barcelona
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6mDo9d0VOY
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Freddie_Mercury_Album
I always called it the Freddie Mercury 'Insult', what with all the techno pop remixes that Jim Beach commissioned. Yet, it sold big time in Europe. Go figure.
THE GREAT PRETENDER
Released: November 24, North America only (Hollywood Records)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/4/47/Freddie_tgp.jpg/175px-Freddie_tgp.jpg)
CD and cassette only
The Great Pretender (Brian Malouf remix)
Foolin' Around (Steve Brown remix)
Time (Nile Rodgers mix)
Your Kind Of Lover (Steve Brown remix)
Exercises In Free Love
In My Defence (Ron Nevison remix)
Mr. Bad Guy (Brian Malouf remix)
Let's Turn It On (Jeff Lord-Alge remix)
Living On My Own (No More Brothers radio mix)
My Love Is Dangerous (Jeff Lord-Alge remix)
Love Kills (Richard Wolf remix)
Living On My Own (techno remix)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnSevbIyN2zfaJIbX3MLpXJN6JQgZ6opI
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(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Freddie_Mercury_Tribute_Concert_poster.jpg)
Wembley Stadium, London
April 20, 1992
Attendance: 72,000
(sold out in three hours, before any guests were announced)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdMsGdhbb6w&list=PL598E5638FC92B022
1) Tie Your Mother Down (vocals by Joe Elliot)
2) I Want It All (vocals by Roger Daltry)
3) Las Palabras De Amor (vocals by Zuccero)
4) Hammer To Fall (vocals by Gary Cherone)
5) Stone Cold Crazy (vocals by James Hetfield)
5) Crazy Little Thing Called Love (vocals by Robert Plant)
6) Too Much Love Will Kill You
7) Radio Ga Ga (vocals by Paul Young)
8) Who Wants To Live Forever (vocals by Seal)
9) I Want To Break Free (vocals by Lisa Stansfield)
10) Under Pressure (vocals by David Bowie and Annie Lennox)
11) All The Young Dudes (vocals by Ian Hunter)
12) Heroes (vocals by David Bowie)
13) '39 (vocals by George Michael)
14) These Are The Days Of Our Lives (George Michael & Lisa Stansfield)
15) Somebody To Love (vocals by George Michael)
16) Bohemian Rhapsody (vocals by Elton John and Axl Rose)
17) The Show Must Go On (vocals by Elton John)
18) We Will Rock You (vocals by Axl Rose)
19) We Are The Champions (vocals by Liza Minelli).
(https://images.radiox.co.uk/images/300178?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&signature=O3nJxSpywJ9pGFyX6PANNW-iedo=)
(https://www.diregiovani.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Freddie-Mercury-Tribute-e1453025675707.jpg)
The remaining members' brief speeches, before John introduces Metallica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRqPp0TqyPs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Freddie_Mercury_Tribute_Concert
The concert was originally released in VHS form (usually in two-tape releases worldwide), but due to time limitations, "Love of My Life" and "More Than Words" by Extreme, "Animal" and "Let's Get Rocked" by Def Leppard, Spinal Tap's "The Majesty of Rock", U2's "Until The End of the World", Mango Groove's "Special Star" and Robert Plant's version of "Innuendo" were removed from the original release. The US release also omitted Bob Geldof's performance of "Too Late God", and Zucchero's performance of "Las Palabras de Amor".
In April 2002, for the 10th anniversary of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the second half of the concert (featuring the performances by the surviving members of Queen) was released on DVD and entered the UK charts at No. 1.[7] "Innuendo" was not included on the DVD, at Plant's request. In addition, the original 4:3 footage had been cropped down to widescreen. The DVD was certified Gold in Poland.
On 24 June 2013, Queen announced on their Facebook page that a new remastered version of the concert would be released in late 2013 on DVD and Blu-ray.[9] The DVD and Blu-ray was released on 2 September 2013. Like the earlier VHS release, this version excludes Extreme's "Love of My Life" and "More Than Words", Def Leppard's "Animal" and "Let's Get Rocked", performance by Spinal Tap, U2 and Mango Groove from the opening acts segment, and Plant's "Innuendo" from the Queen+ segment.
Several songs from the concert have also been released in audio-only format:
Metallica's three-song performance was made into a UK tour edition single for "Nothing Else Matters", entitled Live at Wembley Stadium and released in Europe just one week after the concert, on 27 April 1992.
Guns N' Roses' performance of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" was released in May 1992 as a double A-side, with the band's studio recording of the song; it was also featured on their album Live Era '87–'93. The single entered the UK charts at No. 2.
Def Leppard released their version of "Now I'm Here" (with May) from the concert, as a B-side to their single "Tonight" in April 1993.
an EP of the George Michael performances with Queen was released as Five Live in April 1993. It entered the UK singles chart at No. 1. Without a doubt, George Michael's star shined the brightest, with his superb vocals and backing choir on 'Somebody To Love'. Tony Iommi and Roger Daltrey were pretty close on 'I Want It All'.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcThXGT3b5XAUNwqqus4Yf1u-bxscNDmR5pKfXnLUsPH6oxeo9ispLMAmPZ0TDOi5IEqMdo&usqp=CAU)
Brian performing 'Too Much Love Will Kill You'
(https://imgs.smoothradio.com/images/221532?crop=16_9&width=660&relax=1&signature=RRCUl8OletXCManAUQVGBG4aIzg=)
with George Michael performing ''39'
(https://www.outinperth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Freddie-Mercury.jpg)
I remember watching a video tape a few nights later, since I worked a double shift or two during that time span.
There was nothing like 'Live Aid', and never will be again. There was nothing like this tribute concert, until the two recent ones for Taylor Hawkins.
The various comments, regarding the exhilaration of playing in front of tens of thousands at jam packed stadiums..... knowing you'll probably never do it again. Or, regarding the Queen 'machine'.....that they had a Ferrari, but no one to drive it.
I'll just leave it at that.
RIP, Freddie
(Brian's 'Too Much Love Will Kill You', performed by Brian at The Tribute Concert, was released in August, reaching #5 in the UK charts (his second Top Ten in nine months). The 'Back To The Light' album was released in September, reaching #2 in the UK. I'll list the info when I return home in ten days
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQpEnOUdrE&list=PLkvNP54Usc1Msdlo3ip09DO9wii8rd6I1)
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I LOVED this VHS as a kid. I remember my dad getting it and I would watch it endlessly thinking how cool the whole concert was without really understanding the context behind it. I recently (within the past few years) re-watched and a few quick notes:
- Metallica kicked a truckload of ass here
- Extremes Queen medley was one of the highlights of the show IMO
- Guns N' Roses did a fantastic job, Axl was pretty good during the later half of the set as was James Hetfield's version of Stone Cold Crazy
Two more thoughts; I heard that the reason Innuendo was scrapped was at the request of Robert Planet and his dislike of his performance. I think he did an OK job and I wish it was included. I also thought that if there was a replacement of for Freddie in Queen then it should've been George Michael. He has the pipes, personality, and style to be a perfect fit in the band not to mention his performance of "Somebody To Love" being the climax of the entire show. I completely understand why it never happened but I think Queen could've been a stellar band with GM at the helm.
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If anything, they perpetuated that gays were freaks.
I wouldn't say that at all.
They were definitely different. But I don't associate "different" with "freak" and never have.
Well, I think in the early to mid 80's many people considered the flamboyancy as freakish. Mainstream regular gay people didn't seem to be part of the popular culture that it is today.
But I'm trying to stretch my memory here... its not like we didn't know or at least suspect Paul Lynde or Liberace (though he vehemently denied it) were gay. Honestly, I think it was far LESS of a big deal back then than it is now or that it was perceived to be back then. I grew up watching those kinds of shows - Hollywood Squareses, Match Game with my grandma and I remember at one point asking what "gay" was, my dad told me (I don't remember how) and I went off to play wiffle ball. I thought (and still do think) that Paul Lynde was hilarious, and Liberace was a rock star on piano. I think to some degree the "progress" is a double-edged sword. Sure for the INDIVIDUALS it's probably better now (I only say "probably" because I can only suppose) but for the collective, is it? I can't really pinpoint any hit to Queen's popularity specifically because Freddie was or was not gay. I know certain actors and sports figures in particular fret over their sexuality coming out, but are those participants losing opportunities specifically because they are gay? I think we've gotten to a point where we might be over-correcting a bit.
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If anything, they perpetuated that gays were freaks.
I wouldn't say that at all.
They were definitely different. But I don't associate "different" with "freak" and never have.
Well, I think in the early to mid 80's many people considered the flamboyancy as freakish. Mainstream regular gay people didn't seem to be part of the popular culture that it is today.
But I'm trying to stretch my memory here... its not like we didn't know or at least suspect Paul Lynde or Liberace (though he vehemently denied it) were gay. Honestly, I think it was far LESS of a big deal back then than it is now or that it was perceived to be back then. I grew up watching those kinds of shows - Hollywood Squareses, Match Game with my grandma and I remember at one point asking what "gay" was, my dad told me (I don't remember how) and I went off to play wiffle ball.
This is my memory too. I never thought of any of these people as freaks, and don't remember anyone else thinking that either.
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If anything, they perpetuated that gays were freaks.
I wouldn't say that at all.
They were definitely different. But I don't associate "different" with "freak" and never have.
Well, I think in the early to mid 80's many people considered the flamboyancy as freakish. Mainstream regular gay people didn't seem to be part of the popular culture that it is today.
But I'm trying to stretch my memory here... its not like we didn't know or at least suspect Paul Lynde or Liberace (though he vehemently denied it) were gay. Honestly, I think it was far LESS of a big deal back then than it is now or that it was perceived to be back then. I grew up watching those kinds of shows - Hollywood Squareses, Match Game with my grandma and I remember at one point asking what "gay" was, my dad told me (I don't remember how) and I went off to play wiffle ball.
This is my memory too. I never thought of any of these people as freaks, and don't remember anyone else thinking that either.
I tend to view some as just being a bit more ‘eclectic’ than others
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I LOVED this VHS as a kid. I remember my dad getting it and I would watch it endlessly thinking how cool the whole concert was without really understanding the context behind it. I recently (within the past few years) re-watched and a few quick notes:
- Metallica kicked a truckload of ass here
- Extremes Queen medley was one of the highlights of the show IMO
- Guns N' Roses did a fantastic job, Axl was pretty good during the later half of the set as was James Hetfield's version of Stone Cold Crazy
Two more thoughts; I heard that the reason Innuendo was scrapped was at the request of Robert Planet and his dislike of his performance. I think he did an OK job and I wish it was included. I also thought that if there was a replacement of for Freddie in Queen then it should've been George Michael. He has the pipes, personality, and style to be a perfect fit in the band not to mention his performance of "Somebody To Love" being the climax of the entire show. I completely understand why it never happened but I think Queen could've been a stellar band with GM at the helm.
I couldn’t find my original Word doc for my Tribute concert post, and had to scramble to get this up before departing.
Agree with your post. Plant’s performance was OK, and is available on YouTube. For charity reasons, he should have allowed it to be officially released
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I thought Axl Rose was horrendous. I love that Tribute concert, but him getting two of the big spots near the end has always been a big stain for me.
Bowie and Annie Lennox doing Under Pressure was so good. I loved how the audience loudly does the scatting before the second verse and you see Bowie smile at the crowd doing it.
George Michael singing Somebody to Love was THE highlight. He slammed that not only out of the park, but out of the city. :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Brian May may not be a traditional lead vocalist, but Too Much Love Will Kill You was damn good. A very touching performance.
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If anything, they perpetuated that gays were freaks.
I wouldn't say that at all.
They were definitely different. But I don't associate "different" with "freak" and never have.
Well, I think in the early to mid 80's many people considered the flamboyancy as freakish. Mainstream regular gay people didn't seem to be part of the popular culture that it is today.
But I'm trying to stretch my memory here... its not like we didn't know or at least suspect Paul Lynde or Liberace (though he vehemently denied it) were gay. Honestly, I think it was far LESS of a big deal back then than it is now or that it was perceived to be back then. I grew up watching those kinds of shows - Hollywood Squareses, Match Game with my grandma and I remember at one point asking what "gay" was, my dad told me (I don't remember how) and I went off to play wiffle ball.
This is my memory too. I never thought of any of these people as freaks, and don't remember anyone else thinking that either.
I tend to view some as just being a bit more ‘eclectic’ than others
Yeah, that's probably it.
I also thought that if there was a replacement of for Freddie in Queen then it should've been George Michael. He has the pipes, personality, and style to be a perfect fit in the band not to mention his performance of "Somebody To Love" being the climax of the entire show. I completely understand why it never happened but I think Queen could've been a stellar band with GM at the helm.
Not being a huge Queen fan, I guess I never contemplated who should've replaced Freddie, but this is a good call. Say what you want about George Michael, but that dude can sing.
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To me it's like MM joining DT. It made the most sense, sure those other guys had the chops to play but MM fit in with DT, same region, similar tastes in music and the same stylistically.
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George Michael was a hell of a singer, too bad I don't really care about his music.
Those Queen songs he sang were great. Would have liked too hear him take on some of the rockier stuff too.
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The concert is one of my favorite concerts to watch. The passion, the life, the performances, just make it a magnificent experience. The singers they picked all sounded great, but I definitely agree that I was blown away and noticed George Michael more than many others.
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George Michael was a hell of a singer, too bad I don't really care about his music.
Those Queen songs he sang were great. Would have liked too hear him take on some of the rockier stuff too.
George Michael is top three singers in the "Wow can that man SING, but I wish he had better material through the years to work with!" list.
I'm in the "Plant gets a short shrift" camp as well; I love that version of Innuendo; the "ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh!" section is an homage to Plant anyway...
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George Michael was, in addition to having the perfect timbre and sensibilities for this song, also additionally inspired to do it justice - his first partner and his first true love had been diagnosed with AIDS over the holidays of '91. GM couldn't really share what was going on with anyone, because he was still closeted, he hadn't even come out to his own family at the time, so he put all of that emotion into the performance. And what a performance :hefdaddy
I can't really watch the whole show in one bit because it's a lot! Last time, I started crying before the Queen set, when DL + BM play Now I'm Here :lol I usually hold off on the crying up to the Bohemian Rhapsody solo when Brian looks up from his guitar to the front of the stage and becomes suddenly aware of where he is and what he's doing, and he's so jarred he stops playing for a second. Then that's usually too much. :sadpanda:
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But I'm trying to stretch my memory here... its not like we didn't know or at least suspect Paul Lynde or Liberace (though he vehemently denied it) were gay. Honestly, I think it was far LESS of a big deal back then than it is now or that it was perceived to be back then. I grew up watching those kinds of shows - Hollywood Squareses, Match Game with my grandma and I remember at one point asking what "gay" was, my dad told me (I don't remember how) and I went off to play wiffle ball. I thought (and still do think) that Paul Lynde was hilarious, and Liberace was a rock star on piano. I think to some degree the "progress" is a double-edged sword. Sure for the INDIVIDUALS it's probably better now (I only say "probably" because I can only suppose) but for the collective, is it? I can't really pinpoint any hit to Queen's popularity specifically because Freddie was or was not gay. I know certain actors and sports figures in particular fret over their sexuality coming out, but are those participants losing opportunities specifically because they are gay? I think we've gotten to a point where we might be over-correcting a bit.
Until relatively recently being outed could end careers. It could also lead to physical violence. And discrimination against gays is certainly far from over. Most states in the US have no protection for LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, etc, and the situation is much worse in other parts of the world. And, unfortunately, the violence hasn't gone away (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_violence_against_LGBT_people_in_the_United_States), either.
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But I'm trying to stretch my memory here... its not like we didn't know or at least suspect Paul Lynde or Liberace (though he vehemently denied it) were gay. Honestly, I think it was far LESS of a big deal back then than it is now or that it was perceived to be back then. I grew up watching those kinds of shows - Hollywood Squareses, Match Game with my grandma and I remember at one point asking what "gay" was, my dad told me (I don't remember how) and I went off to play wiffle ball. I thought (and still do think) that Paul Lynde was hilarious, and Liberace was a rock star on piano. I think to some degree the "progress" is a double-edged sword. Sure for the INDIVIDUALS it's probably better now (I only say "probably" because I can only suppose) but for the collective, is it? I can't really pinpoint any hit to Queen's popularity specifically because Freddie was or was not gay. I know certain actors and sports figures in particular fret over their sexuality coming out, but are those participants losing opportunities specifically because they are gay? I think we've gotten to a point where we might be over-correcting a bit.
Until relatively recently being outed could end careers. It could also lead to physical violence. And discrimination against gays is certainly far from over. Most states in the US have no protection for LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, etc, and the situation is much worse in other parts of the world. And, unfortunately, the violence hasn't gone away (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_violence_against_LGBT_people_in_the_United_States), either.
No doubt, but that doesn't mean it's the MAJORITY of people that make this an issue.
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^
True…but all it takes are the angry, small minded minority (many of those who make the laws and control much of the airwaves) to continue to oppress.
I don’t want this thread to slip into the ‘political forum’ area….
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George Michael was, in addition to having the perfect timbre and sensibilities for this song, also additionally inspired to do it justice - his first partner and his first true love had been diagnosed with AIDS over the holidays of '91. GM couldn't really share what was going on with anyone, because he was still closeted, he hadn't even come out to his own family at the time, so he put all of that emotion into the performance. And what a performance :hefdaddy
I can't really watch the whole show in one bit because it's a lot! Last time, I started crying before the Queen set, when DL + BM play Now I'm Here :lol I usually hold off on the crying up to the Bohemian Rhapsody solo when Brian looks up from his guitar to the front of the stage and becomes suddenly aware of where he is and what he's doing, and he's so jarred he stops playing for a second. Then that's usually too much. :sadpanda:
Before I lose web service for two days…thank you for this post and the comments about Brian during BoRhap. I’m certainly going to check that out when I get home 👍
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George Michael is top three singers in the "Wow can that man SING, but I wish he had better material through the years to work with!" list.
Amen to that. I wish he had done an album in the style and high quality of songs like Kissing a Fool (from Faith) and Cowboys and Angels. Check out the latter if you never have. Killer song and vibe, and his voice is immaculate in it.
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Amen to that. I wish he had done an album in the style and high quality of songs like Kissing a Fool (from Faith) and Cowboys and Angels. Check out the latter if you never have. Killer song and vibe, and his voice is immaculate in it.
Those two songs happen to be some of my all-time fav songs ever, not just among songs by George Michael. Father Figure and this older song Where Did Your Heart Go are both great.
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Amen to that. I wish he had done an album in the style and high quality of songs like Kissing a Fool (from Faith) and Cowboys and Angels. Check out the latter if you never have. Killer song and vibe, and his voice is immaculate in it.
Those two songs happen to be some of my all-time fav songs ever, not just among songs by George Michael. Father Figure and this older song Where Did Your Heart Go are both great.
Oh yeah, Father Figure is a song that has held up really well. Some may call it 80s cheese, but I call it a great song. Same goes for Careless Whisper.
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I've always quite enjoyed Jesus To A Child, that's a fine song.
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my wife whose a massive fan of George Michael (Jorje Miguel), actually can't stand Father Figure.
Jesus to a Child on the other hand, is 1 of many she loves.
The Older boxed set (including Vinyl) actually, literally after decades of waiting, finally came out this past week. It arrived on our doorstep yesterday afternoon, so she was in a big Jorje Miguel-mood last night.
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Father Figure is a fantastic song.
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George Michael was, in addition to having the perfect timbre and sensibilities for this song, also additionally inspired to do it justice - his first partner and his first true love had been diagnosed with AIDS over the holidays of '91. GM couldn't really share what was going on with anyone, because he was still closeted, he hadn't even come out to his own family at the time, so he put all of that emotion into the performance. And what a performance :hefdaddy
I can't really watch the whole show in one bit because it's a lot! Last time, I started crying before the Queen set, when DL + BM play Now I'm Here :lol I usually hold off on the crying up to the Bohemian Rhapsody solo when Brian looks up from his guitar to the front of the stage and becomes suddenly aware of where he is and what he's doing, and he's so jarred he stops playing for a second. Then that's usually too much. :sadpanda:
Finally home with internet service again!!!!
I just read George Michael's wiki because of this post, and listened to 'Somebody To Love' (amongst other bits of the concert last night and this morning). It gave a whole new insight and appreciation to his spectacular performance.
Amen to that. I wish he had done an album in the style and high quality of songs like Kissing a Fool (from Faith) and Cowboys and Angels. Check out the latter if you never have. Killer song and vibe, and his voice is immaculate in it.
Those two songs happen to be some of my all-time fav songs ever, not just among songs by George Michael. Father Figure and this older song Where Did Your Heart Go are both great.
Oh yeah, Father Figure is a song that has held up really well. Some may call it 80s cheese, but I call it a great song. Same goes for Careless Whisper.
Yes to all of that.
my wife whose a massive fan of George Michael (Jorje Miguel), actually can't stand Father Figure.
Jesus to a Child on the other hand, is 1 of many she loves.
The Older boxed set (including Vinyl) actually, literally after decades of waiting, finally came out this past week. It arrived on our doorstep yesterday afternoon, so she was in a big Jorje Miguel-mood last night.
You just gave me an gift idea for the wife for the upcoming holidays.... :tup
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just adding in the info I had stored in a Word doc that I found last night (some already posted) for my own viewing and reading benefit down the road (perhaps next Easter Monday....)
The Tribute Concert
MTV 'news' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uai6vlQTrZQ Seal, Kirk Hammett, Rick Allen, Joe Elliot, Robert Plant, Annie Lennox, Ian Hunter, Brian, Elton John (with his sad comments after rehearsals)
Rehearsals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp8g2JM9nog
Metallica rehearsal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w21_dD8c0-k
George Michael 'Somebody To Love' rehearsal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46YZ8evUfKk
The show after Queen's introduction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjz7M6yeAx0&list=PL2AVtjnLL3PEGMnGmCXsUAK0R-V9w_I1W
BBC radio broadcast, including preshow ads and interview with Roger Daltrey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0mffO78Lf0&list=PL4M4uHWrnWKR7STPVG6xh2d6HcXWx_mUg
70 countries showed it on television, 31 live on radio, estimated audience of 1 Billion
The BoRhap tape at 2:30, Brian, Roger, and John introduction speeches.
(39:45 Freddie taped Ay-Oh before Queen takes the stage)
Metallica – "Enter Sandman", "Sad but True", "Nothing Else Matters"
Extreme – Queen Medley (including "Mustapha" (intro), "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Rock Section), "Keep Yourself Alive", "I Want To Break Free", "Fat Bottomed Girls", "Bicycle Race", "Another One Bites The Dust", "We Will Rock You", "Stone Cold Crazy" and "Radio Ga Ga"), “Love Of My Life” and "More Than Words" (Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l26ARroNhS4 Brian appears on stage to wild applause and chants, with quite the heart felt intro. I know I went out and bought ‘Pornograffiti’ and ‘III Sides’ soon after this performance.
Def Leppard – "Animal", "Let's Get Rocked", "Now I'm Here" (With Brian May) Phil Collen of Def Leppard, great lead guitar performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhR5gPjwSSk 1.7 MILLION Views This might have helped Brian get over some of his nervousness before the full Queen segment
Bob Geldof – "Too Late God"
Spinal Tap – "The Majesty of Rock"
U2 – "Until the End of the World" – beamed via satellite, pre-recorded on April 18 in Oakland, California.[11] Cindy Crawford announces as "via satellite... straight from Sacramento, California".
Guns N' Roses – "Paradise City", "Only Women Bleed", "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
Mango Groove – "Special Star" – played via satellite from Johannesburg, South Africa
Elizabeth Taylor – AIDS Prevention Speech
Freddie Mercury – compilation of various interactions with the audience
followed by
Queen + Joe Elliott and Slash – "Tie Your Mother Down" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AasArumnUVs 8.8 MILLION Views
Queen + Roger Daltrey and Tony Iommi – "Heaven and Hell" (intro), "Pinball Wizard" (intro), "I Want It All" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CSSnrY3Ezs
10 MILLION Views (as the smoke from the flash pods still lingers at the beginning)
Queen + Zucchero – "Las Palabras de Amor"
Queen + Gary Cherone and Tony Iommi – "Hammer to Fall" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trY5YLd5Lsw
Queen + James Hetfield and Tony Iommi – "Stone Cold Crazy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyVed8lxJs0
Queen + Robert Plant – "Innuendo" (including parts of "Kashmir"), "Thank You" (intro), "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twlc9GzWL8c 8.7 MILLION Views not on the official release
Brian May + Spike Edney – "Too Much Love Will Kill You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1n3-OH0r8k with Brian introducing Spike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uxKNm1kJR4 1 MILLION Views
Queen + Paul Young – "Radio Ga Ga" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvNkcvkGI4M fun to do the Ga Ga, and Young gave a good performance. The last time one gets to see John at the mic singing
Queen + Seal – "Who Wants to Live Forever"
Queen + Lisa Stansfield – "I Want to Break Free" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev5e1UKx7Tk
Complete with vacuum cleaner 😊
Queen + David Bowie and Annie Lennox – "Under Pressure" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCP2-Bfhy04 53 MILLION Views !!!
Queen + Ian Hunter, David Bowie, Mick Ronson, Joe Elliott and Phil Collen – "All the Young Dudes"
Queen + David Bowie and Mick Ronson – "Heroes" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ6T9uYImnQ
1.1 MILLION Views
David Bowie – "Lord's Prayer"
Queen + George Michael – "'39" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvpZuFX681o
Queen + George Michael and Lisa Stansfield – "These Are the Days of Our Lives" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9rx_VVNaH8 2.5 MILLION Views
Queen + George Michael – "Somebody to Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvM2Cmi-YRU 33 MILLION Views (other sites have another 15 Million total)
Queen + Elton John and Axl Rose – "Bohemian Rhapsody" using the same light show as The Magic Tour from 1986 for the opera section, and vocals played from a tape using the original 1970s’ studio recording featuring Freddie Mercury. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i26406_EldM 24 MILLION Views
And, what do you know….they didn’t eff up the taped section when filming it for once !!!!!!!!!! :tup :tup
Queen + Elton John and Tony Iommi – "The Show Must Go On" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbadIO0j0hQ
Queen + Axl Rose – "We Will Rock You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jXgiUY8FxE 2.8 MILLION Views
A very choked up Brian introducing THE perfect final guest performer
Queen + Liza Minnelli, supported by everyone else who performed at the concert – "We Are the Champions" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSxKIVm33mE 2 MILLION all together
(“You’ve brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it, and WE thank you all…” which is how it should have been sung ever since…)
Queen – "God Save the Queen" (taped outro)
Had to be tough for Elton to walk out and do BoRhap after George Michael’s show stealing performance.
Damn, a shame they didn’t use the version of ‘The Show Must Go On’ on their GH III release. I would have been OK with that.
Axl Rose….great wardrobe choice ?
Tony Iommi….what a great ‘shoulder’ for Brian to be able to lean on at times.
Poor John at the end……playing BEHIND all the other guest performers......…
*************
Queen's activity
Freddie Mercury – pre-recorded piano and vocals (on "Bohemian Rhapsody") and compilation of various interactions with the audience during the section before the Queen + section of the concert.
Brian May – electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards (on "Too Much Love Will Kill You" and "Who Wants To Live Forever"), lead vocals (on "Tie Your Mother Down" for 1st verse, then co-lead vocals with Roger Taylor on 1st chorus on "Tie Your Mother Down" and "Too Much Love Will Kill You"), co-lead vocals (on "I Want It All"), backing vocals
Roger Taylor – drums, tambourine, backing vocals, co-lead vocals (on "Tie Your Mother Down" with Brian May on 1st chorus, and on "Under Pressure" as a trio with David Bowie and Annie Lennox on choruses).
John Deacon – bass guitar, backing vocals
Guest musicians
Elton John – piano on "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Slash – electric guitar on "Tie Your Mother Down"
Tony Iommi – electric guitar on "Heaven and Hell" (intro), "Pinball Wizard" (intro), "I Want It All", "Hammer to Fall", "Stone Cold Crazy" and "The Show Must Go On"
Ian Hunter – electric guitar on "All the Young Dudes"
Mick Ronson – electric guitar on "All the Young Dudes" and "Heroes"
David Bowie – alto saxophone on "All the Young Dudes"
Joe Elliott – backing vocals on "All the Young Dudes"
Phil Collen – backing vocals on "All the Young Dudes"
Backing musicians
Queen were backed by the following musicians:
Spike Edney – keyboards, piano, backing vocals
Mike Moran – piano on "Who Wants to Live Forever" and "Somebody to Love"
Josh Macrae – percussion in some Queen tracks
Chris Thompson – backing vocals, acoustic guitar on "I Want It All", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and "Heroes", additional percussion
Maggie Ryder – backing vocals
Miriam Stockley – backing vocals
London Community Gospel Choir – backing vocals on "Somebody to Love" and "We Are the Champions"
John Jones – organ and backing vocals on "We Are the Champions"
Brian's 'Too Much Love Will Kill You' single would be released four months later, reaching #5 in the UK charts. I'll start the discography back up with that single and his almost UK chart topping LP tomorrow.
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Funny, watching these clips, after not having seen any of this show in a long, long time, so many obscure little things I remember vividly come back to me, like Plant shaking Roger's hand at the end;
(“You’ve brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it, and WE thank you all…” which is how it should have been sung ever since…)
But honestly I had to watch the clip, wondering how I didn't remember this at all.
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I bought 3 different versions of the tribute concert over the years... way back in the 90's I bought the LD release, and it contains pretty much everything DragonAttack had mentioned above. Then a DVD version came out in the late 90's or early 2000's, but it has only the Queen + guests portion. And finally I bought a BD re-release, and I believe it features the same content like on the LD. That being said, I have not touched the BD in years, and I will have to look at it once more to confirm. Will get back to you guys on it later.
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Funny, watching these clips, after not having seen any of this show in a long, long time, so many obscure little things I remember vividly come back to me, like Plant shaking Roger's hand at the end;
(“You’ve brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it, and WE thank you all…” which is how it should have been sung ever since…)
But honestly I had to watch the clip, wondering how I didn't remember this at all.
I intensely watched almost all of the concert this weekend for the first time in decades (other than brief snippets done for the links). Yeah, the handshake was quite the moment. :tup For the most part, the camera work captured quite well what took place on stage. The three weeks of practice, the emotions behind the rehearsals, and the egos left at the door made for one memorable event that I have put on my calendar for another viewing.
And....the line from 'We Are The Champions'.....I've always felt with the Queen+ performances, that the line should be changed to “You’ve brought US fame and fortune and everything that goes with it, ... WE thank you all…”
Sidenote: I had asked years ago regarding Billy Squier. Queen participated on songs on three albums: Brian, Roger, and Freddie provided BVs on 'Emotions In Motion', Brian played lead on 'Another 1984', and Freddie sang on 'Love Is The Hero' and cowrote 'Lady With A Tenor Sax'. And he toured with them in North America in '82.
Seems he was there, off to the side of the stage, as part of the group of friends and supporters.
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I bought 3 different versions of the tribute concert over the years... way back in the 90's I bought the LD release, and it contains pretty much everything DragonAttack had mentioned above. Then a DVD version came out in the late 90's or early 2000's, but it has only the Queen + guests portion. And finally I bought a BD re-release, and I believe it features the same content like on the LD. That being said, I have not touched the BD in years, and I will have to look at it once more to confirm. Will get back to you guys on it later.
Looking forward to it :tup
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I was never able to keep the pace and comment properly, but I did read through most of the thread. Excellent job DragonAttack! :tup
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COZY POWELL
Quite the career! Amongst the big names he drummed for were Jeff Beck for two albums, then had a few Top Twenty songs with his band 'Bedlam', before joining Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow from '76 to '80. per https://www.last.fm/music/Cozy+Powell/+wiki "in 1980, when Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham died, Cozy was considered by the band as a possible replacement for Bonham. The band decided against it and disbanded." :o
Powell then performed with a number of major bands - Michael Schenker Group from 1981 to 1982, Whitesnake from 1982 to 1984, then with Keith Emerson, Greg Lake in 1986 and Gary Moore in 1989, then Black Sabbath intermittently from 1989 to 1991, and again from 1993 - 1995.
In '89, long time friend Tony Iommi asked Brian to play lead guitar on 'When Death Calls' from the 'Headless Cross' LP while both Cozy and bassist Neil Murray were members of Black Sabbath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78YRHNQSR2s
At the GUITAR LEGENDS concert in Seville Spain on October 19, 1991, Cozy and Neil performed the entire show as the rhythm section (page 33 of this discography), with Brian performing 'Driven By You' on stage for the first time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3G6M2sM8R8
Brian, Cozy, and Neil would perform together on a few albums, tour together as well, before Powell's tragic car accident in '98.
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/bricoz_b.jpg)
'Colin Flooks' and Brian
Between late 1992 and early 1993, Powell put together an occasional touring band using the old band name 'Cozy Powell's Hammer' featuring himself on drums, Neil Murray on bass, Mario Parga on guitar and Tony Martin on vocals and occasional rhythm guitar/synth module. The band performed throughout Europe and appeared on German television. Powell made headlines in 1991 when he appeared on the BBC children's programme 'Record Breakers', where he set a world record for the most drums (400) played in under one minute, live on television.
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COZY POWELL The Drums Are Back
Released: some time in 1992, Europe (Electrola)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CQuwGeCkT4
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.progarchives.com%2Fprogressive_rock_discography_covers%2F4193%2Fcover_54131731122019_r.jpg&hash=100010de04c699a5c5eab4dbc408c3c7acc7c63f)
SIDE ONE
1. The Drums Are Back (4:19)
2. Ride To Win (3:45) **
3. I Wanna Hear You Shout (3:38)
4. Light In The Sky / Return Of The 7 (6:04)
5. Battle Hymn (4:43)
SIDE TWO
1. Legend Of The Glass Mountain (5:05)
2. Cryin' (4:53)
3. Classical Gas (3:17)
4. Somewhere In Time (3:51) **
5. Rocket (3:44)
** The instrumentals from 'Ride To Win' would be used as the basis for Brian's ‘Resurrection’, and ‘Somewhere In Time’ for ‘Nothing But Blue’ on his upcoming album.
Bass – Billy Sheehan (tracks: A4, B1), John Deacon (tracks: B4), Lawrence Cottle (tracks: B3), Neil Murray (tracks: A1, A3, A5, B2), Steve Makin (2) (tracks: B5)
Bass, Sequencer – Don Airey (tracks: A2)
Drums, Producer – Cozy Powell
Engineer – Justin Shirley-Smith, Rail Ragout, Sean Lynch, Steve Pimm
Executive Producer – Brenda Brooker
Guitar – Brian May (tracks: A2, B4), Jamie Page* (tracks: A3, B2), Steve Lukather (tracks: A4, B1), Steve Makin (2) (tracks: A1, A5, B5)
Guitar, Keyboards, Programmed By – Ray Fenwick (tracks: B3)
Keyboards – Don Airey (tracks: A2, A4), Geoff Nichols (tracks: A1, A5, B4, B5), John Sinclair (3) (tracks: A3, B2)
Organ [Hammond] – Jon Lord (tracks: B1, B5)
Percussion – Cozy Powell (tracks: A1)
Sequencer, Programmed By – Geoff Nicholls (tracks: A1)
Sequencer, Programmed By, Keyboards [Intro] – Jeff Francis (tracks: B1)
Timpani – Cozy Powell (tracks: A1, B3, B5)
Vocals – Gerry Lane (tracks: A3, B2)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fcollaborations%2Fcozy-powell-the-drums-are-back-japancdbooklet.jpg&hash=b31ef2c18b6785ce4aecce7277a24a08076e0ca7)
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Looking forward to it :tup
I did a quick check on my BD after dinner, and I can confirm it features most of the opening acts of the tribute concert. Unfortunately both "Love of My Life" and "More Than Words" are not included, but strangely Bob Geldof's "Too Late God" is in the BD (it was not in the original LD release). As for the main show, most of the performances were kept intact, except for Robert Plant's version of Innuendo. I am not sure if you guys have watched that performance? Geez... he sung like crap and I am glad it wasn't included. :lol
Bonus features include the 10th Anniversary interview with Brian and Roger + rehearsal of Under Pressure, These Are The Days of Our Lives, Somebody To Love + photos etc.
Here is the link to that BD I am talking about: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Freddie-Mercury-Tribute-Concert-Blu-ray/76576/
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COZY POWELL
Quite the career! Amongst the big names he drummed for were Jeff Beck for two albums, then had a few Top Twenty songs with his band 'Bedlam', before joining Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow from '76 to '80. per https://www.last.fm/music/Cozy+Powell/+wiki "in 1980, when Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham died, Cozy was considered by the band as a possible replacement for Bonham. The band decided against it and disbanded." :o
I remember that. He did play two tracks on Robert Plant's awesome first album, Pictures At Eleven, with Phil Collins playing the rest of the album.
Like I've Never Been Gone is the best song on the album and unmistakably Cozy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6QiE83dPmE
Also I saw Cozy and Neil Murray play with Brian in 1993 opening for Guns n Roses at the Boston Garden. So cool.
And anyone following my Concert Thread would know that Neil Murray played in Gary Moore's band at my first concert and being third on the bill, it was the first live band I ever saw in concert.
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We met Cozy after seeing Emerson Lake & Powell in 1986. He went out a side door of the building to get into a car. I'm so pissed I didn't get a pic WITH him, but he did turn for a pic and signed my ticket!!
September 15, 1986
Performance Arts Center
Providence
(https://i.imgur.com/aUqWvkh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QfW2kOx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/c9HWyY5.jpg)
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He did play two tracks on Robert Plant's awesome first album, Pictures At Eleven, with Phil Collins playing the rest of the album.
I still have that album. I remember thinking how it made perfect sense that he would get Cozy and Phil to play drums. Two guys known for their "big booming" drum sound. After fronting Led Zeppelin for so many years, I'm sure anything less would just feel empty. I hadn't heard that Cozy was considered to replace John Bonham before they just decided to fold Led Zeppelin, but it makes sense. That big sound. Still, I'm glad they didn't and just let Zeppelin go.
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He did play two tracks on Robert Plant's awesome first album, Pictures At Eleven, with Phil Collins playing the rest of the album.
I still have that album. I remember thinking how it made perfect sense that he would get Cozy and Phil to play drums. Two guys known for their "big booming" drum sound. After fronting Led Zeppelin for so many years, I'm sure anything less would just feel empty. I hadn't heard that Cozy was considered to replace John Bonham before they just decided to fold Led Zeppelin, but it makes sense. That big sound. Still, I'm glad they didn't and just let Zeppelin go.
Cozy was a premier English drummer in the 70's so I'm not surprised he would be considered. I assume it was a media consideration though. I think the Zep guys were set early on to not continue.
I LOVE Pictures At Eleven. Plant never did anything interesting to me after that, but I have it on CD and still listen to it.
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My roommate at the time was pretty into Plant's solo stuff, and he had The Principle of Moments as well. It had some good songs, but wasn't as consistent as Pictures at Eleven. I picked up Shaken 'n' Stirred because I like "Little By Little" but I couldn't name you another song off of that one.
Now and Zen is pretty good. The one that caught everyone's attention was "Tall Cool One" with all the Led Zep quotes, and yeah it worked, I bought the album (actually my first and only CD from him). Inconsistent, but overall the best since his first album.
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My roommate at the time was pretty into Plant's solo stuff, and he had The Principle of Moments as well. It had some good songs, but wasn't as consistent as Pictures at Eleven. I picked up Shaken 'n' Stirred because I like "Little By Little" but I couldn't name you another song off of that one.
Now and Zen is pretty good. The one that caught everyone's attention was "Tall Cool One" with all the Led Zep quotes, and yeah it worked, I bought the album (actually my first and only CD from him). Inconsistent, but overall the best since his first album.
The first two are really good, then there was the abysmal Shaken 'n' Stirred. Now and Zen I loved then but hasn't aged well. Manic Nirvana is an EXCELLENT record; kind of the perfect bridge of his solo stuff and Zeppelin. From there, his catalogue has really been STRONG but you have to like that sort of roots angle he's taken since then.
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Looking forward to it :tup
I did a quick check on my BD after dinner, and I can confirm it features most of the opening acts of the tribute concert. Unfortunately both "Love of My Life" and "More Than Words" are not included, but strangely Bob Geldof's "Too Late God" is in the BD (it was not in the original LD release). As for the main show, most of the performances were kept intact, except for Robert Plant's version of Innuendo. I am not sure if you guys have watched that performance? Geez... he sung like crap and I am glad it wasn't included. :lol
Bonus features include the 10th Anniversary interview with Brian and Roger + rehearsal of Under Pressure, These Are The Days of Our Lives, Somebody To Love + photos etc.
Here is the link to that BD I am talking about: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Freddie-Mercury-Tribute-Concert-Blu-ray/76576/
Tastes and all, but I LOVE that verision of Innuendo. No, it's not Plant at his best, but it's Plant being real.
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Looking forward to it :tup
I did a quick check on my BD after dinner, and I can confirm it features most of the opening acts of the tribute concert. Unfortunately both "Love of My Life" and "More Than Words" are not included, but strangely Bob Geldof's "Too Late God" is in the BD (it was not in the original LD release). As for the main show, most of the performances were kept intact, except for Robert Plant's version of Innuendo. I am not sure if you guys have watched that performance? Geez... he sung like crap and I am glad it wasn't included. :lol
Bonus features include the 10th Anniversary interview with Brian and Roger + rehearsal of Under Pressure, These Are The Days of Our Lives, Somebody To Love + photos etc.
Here is the link to that BD I am talking about: https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Freddie-Mercury-Tribute-Concert-Blu-ray/76576/
Thanks for the update :tup
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We met Cozy after seeing Emerson Lake & Powell in 1986. He went out a side door of the building to get into a car. I'm so pissed I didn't get a pic WITH him, but he did turn for a pic and signed my ticket!!
September 15, 1986
Performance Arts Center
Providence
(https://i.imgur.com/aUqWvkh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QfW2kOx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/c9HWyY5.jpg)
As always, your concert archives amaze me!!! :o :tup :tup
I am going to check out ‘Pictures at Eleven’ for the first time in many a year on the road today.
Back to our regular program……
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BRIAN MAY TOO MUCH LOVE WILL KILL YOU b/w I’m Scared
Released: August 24, 1992 UK (Parlophone), US (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #5
Netherlands #1, Belgium #2, Norway #4, Ireland #7, Portugal #8, Europe #10, Australia #18, Austria #20, Sweden #26, Switzerland #26, Germany #30
Certifications: Silver UK, Gold in The Netherlands
VIDEO (original) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNa5kRX45tg 1.7 MILLION Views
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51apUKnrBIL._SY580_.jpg)
‘Too Much Love Will Kill You’ was written during ‘The Miracle’ sessions, with demos existing with Elizabeth Lamers and Brian doing LVs, and of course Freddie (as listed on Page 31 under 'The Miracle Demo Sessions'). It was not used due to the change of crediting all songs to ‘Queen’. It's first airing was when Brian and Spike Edney performed it at The Tribute Concert.
A great mellow tune. The acoustic instrumental outshines what would later be released as a Queen song, Brian's vocals are spot on (except for trying way to hard on that last 'too much love will kill you' part), and either version would have fit perfectly on 'The Miracle' after the title song as originally intended.
'I'm Scared' would be the first appearance of Cozy Powell and Neil Murray on a Brian release.
Along with the 45, there was, of course, a CD single
"Too Much Love Will Kill You"
"I'm Scared" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hATmlUA7rB4 (different from the LP version)
plus
"Too Much Love Will Kill You" (guitar version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbI5K9EH9zw very much worth the listen
"Driven by You" (new version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q52qCelQQl4 slightly different mix
(https://queenpedia.com/images/d/db/Tmlwkybriancdrev.jpg)
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We met Cozy after seeing Emerson Lake & Powell in 1986. He went out a side door of the building to get into a car. I'm so pissed I didn't get a pic WITH him, but he did turn for a pic and signed my ticket!!
September 15, 1986
Performance Arts Center
Providence
(https://i.imgur.com/aUqWvkh.jpg)
My Dad took me to see the ELPowell show in Cleveland later on this tour for my 9th birthday. I absolutely loved that album and really wish they had done a follow up record. My Dad got me the tour shirt for Christmas later that year, and I can say, with confidence, that I was the only 4th Grader in the greater Cleveland area who would wear that shirt to school regularly. :tup
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4th grade??
I was a freshman in college.
The thing about this show is that it was originally to be at the Providence Civic Center, with Yngwie opening. We scored 2nd row seats.
Then it was announced that not only was it being moved to the Performing Arts Center, but no Yngwie either. We had to trade in or tix so there went my 2nd row seats too.
I don’t remember who ended up opening.
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I forgot to list this as to chronological date released (complete info on Page 28)
Good timing one month after the Tribute Concert
LIVE AT WEMBLEY ‘86
Recorded: July 12, 1986
Released: May 26, 1992, UK (Parlophone), USA (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK#2, USA #53
Portugal #1, New Zealand #3, Austria #6, Switzerland #6, Netherlands #12, Hungary #13, Germany #13, Sweden #29
Chart (2005–06): Italy #13, Spain #14, Ireland #91
Chart (2020): Portugal #37
Certifications: Platinum in UK and USA
Gold in Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland
Platinum in France and Spain
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/Queen_Live_At_Wembley_%2786.png)
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(https://campnesher.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/09/Under-Construction-Sign.png)
Finished
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BRIAN MAY BACK TO THE LIGHT
Released: September 28, 1992 UK (Parlophone), February 2, 1993 USA (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #2, US #159
Netherlands #11, Switzerland #11, Hungary #17, Austria #20, Germany #25, Sweden #25, New Zealand #36, Japan #45, Australia #94
2021 reissue
UK #7, Belgium #7, Switzerland #9, Germany #10, Austria #20, Japan #21, Poland #48, Belgium #52, Ireland #59, Netherlands #60, Italy #89
Certifications: Gold in UK
Singles:
Driven by You / Just One Life
Released: November 25, 1991 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #6 (other info already posted)
Too Much Love Will Kill You / I'm Scared
Released: August 1992 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #5 (other info already posted)
Back To The Light / Nothin' But Blue
Released: November 1992
Charts: UK #19
Resurrection / Love Token / Too Much Love Will Kill You (Live)
Released: June 1993
Charts: UK #23
Last Horizon / Let Your Heart Rule Your Head (Live)
Released: December 1993
Charts: UK # 51
(https://queenpedia.com/images/7/72/Brian_bttl.jpg)
Recorded: 1988–1992
Allerton Hill Studio
Produced by Brian May
Co-produced and enginered by Justin Shirley-Smith
All vocals, backing vocals, guitars, keyboards and anything else around – by Brian May unless otherwise stated. (on the lyrics sheet for each song)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQpEnOUdrE&list=PLkvNP54Usc1Msdlo3ip09DO9wii8rd6I1
SIDE ONE
The Dark 2:20
Back to the Light 4:59
Love Token 5:55
Resurrection (May, Cozy Powell, Jaime Page) 5:27 *
Too Much Love Will Kill You (May, Elizabeth Lamers, Frank Musker) 4:28
Driven by You 4:11
SIDE TWO
Nothin' But Blue (May, Powell) 3:31 **
I'm Scared (Justin's Mix '92) 4:00
Last Horizon 4:10
Let Your Heart Rule Your Head 3:51
Just One Life 3:38
Rollin' Over (Ronnie Lane, Steve Marriott) 4:36
* original Cozy Powell 'Ride To Win' instrumental
** original Cozy Powell 'Somewhere In Time' instrumental
2021 reissue
Nothin' But Blue (guitar version) / Too Much Love Will Kill You (guitar version) / Just One Life (guitar version) / Driven by You Two /
Driven by You (Ford Ad version) / Tie Your Mother Down (with Slash, The Tonight Show, April '93) / Too Much Love Will Kill You (live in Los Angeles, April '93) /
'39 / Let Your Heart Rule Your Head (live at the Brixton Academy, June '93) / Last Horizon (live at the Brixton Academy, June '93) / We Will Rock You (live at the Brixton Academy, June '93) / Driven by You (Radio Mix)
*******
A very well done bonus disc. The guitar versions are the instrumental versions with added lead guitar. All worth a listen or two. I wish I was good at mixing, as it would be nice to add some of those guitars to the album versions. There are two omissions: Cozy's instrumental ‘Ride To Win’ track that became ‘Resurrection’ is not included in the 2021 reissue. That can be found on his ‘The Drums Are Back’ album in a prior post.
And the piano version of TMLWKY that was not included as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCNfb1BSWbs
(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/brian-may-hollywood-2-cd.jpg) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Fback-to-the-light-uklpinner2.jpg&hash=9040b6662cd6c260abffb6b98071bca542a8dddd)
‘The Tonight Show’ performances were originally included on the Japanese ‘Resurrection’ CD release that included the Brian May + Friends ‘Star Fleet Project’ LP. More of this in a separate post.
The Brixton Academy tracks will be mentioned later.
Having purchased the singles with the various guitar versions eons ago, and moving way past the stage of being a completist, I did not buy the reissue. For those who are interested, I highly recommend it over the original.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Light
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Having posted all of this, I’ll simply start by saying this is a damn good to great album, and a fantastic one if you are a Brian fan. Quite a few hard rockers, along with the somber ones he was known for. Cozy and Neil certainly bring a harder edge to the songs they appear on. Much of what this album contains would have worked wonders as additional or replacement songs on all of the Queen albums from ‘Flash’ onwards.
Speaking of which, ‘The Dark’ was worked on for the ‘Flash Gordon’ soundtrack. I could certainly have seen this instrumental brought back and used as the introductory song (minus the brief vocals) on ‘The Miracle’ replacing the first two songs. Hell, imagine if it had kicked off 'Hot Space' and the band had followed through with more 'Queen-ish' songs on Side One. The title track is steller, with all the ‘Queen’ hooks and BVs. Brian’s heavy rockin side shines on ‘Love Token’ and ‘Resurrection’, and Cozy is at the forefront of 'his' song'.
‘Too Much Love Will Kill You’ is a needed breather, a great song at that, followed by his other Top Ten hit ‘Driven By You’.
Side Two is a bit weaker (hard to equal Side One), opening with the melancholy ‘Nothing But Blue’ (instrumental from Cozy’s ‘Somewhere In Time). The silly lyriced ‘I’m Scared’ precedes the superb instrumental ‘Last Horizon’ (performed at many a Queen+Paul Rodgers concert). I’d have placed it either before or after the final song.
‘Let Your Heart Rule Your Head’ is a fun semi ‘’39’ paced song, followed by yet another somber track in ‘Just One Life’ (not written about Freddie). Either this or ‘Nothing But Blue’ would have been perfect fits on ‘A Kind Of Magic’.
His rousing cover of ‘Rolling Over’ is a good ending of a great album.
This is easily the best solo ‘rock’ offering any of the band members released.
*************
Brian lists many thank yous, ending with.....
For the past 20 years I have been privileged to work with the best team in the world. Thank you Roger, John and our dear incomparable, sorely missed Fredde, and all those who worked for Queen over the years, for getting me this far.
MY SPECIAL THANKS ALSO:
To my Dad for making my guitar with me. It should just see me out.
To my dear Mum for keeping Allerton Alive.
For persistent friendship, much appreciated. Tom Short, Nathan East, Steve Ferrone, Rick Wakeman, Steve Vai, Paul Rodgers, E.V.H., Elton John, Axl, Slash, and the Def Leps.
To Joe Satirani for magnificent guitar which makes its debut on Nothin’ But Blue.
For support and encouragement, to Tony Iommi, Joe Elliott, Nuno, Gary, Paul and Pat of Extreme, Neil Murray, Jack Nelson, Mike Moran and Cozy Powell, whose contribution to this album is inestimable.
And to my lady, Anita Dobson, for having the fiath that I could fly.
This album is dedicated to Harold May, Alfred Dobson, and Freddie Mercury. And to all those loved ones we have lost too soon.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Ftestpage1%2Fbttlback.jpg&hash=dbf77e9547fe42a48d1a43e06cb48af2bbef9105)
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BACK TO THE LIGHT Session Musicians
(listed on the inner sleeve after the lyrics of each song)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZM4CG0EML._SY580_.jpg)
the North American album cover
Cozy Powell – drums (2-4, 7-8) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_Powell
Geoff Dugmore – drums (10, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Dugmore
John Deacon – bass (7) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Deacon
Neil Murray – bass (3, 8) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Murray_(British_musician)
Gary Tibbs – bass (2, 10, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Tibbs
Mike Moran – piano (3, 12), keyboards (9) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Moran_(music_producer)
Don Airey – keyboards (extra) (4, 7) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Airey
Gill O'Donovan – backing vocals (2, 10) http://gillianodonovan.com/bio.html
Maggie Ryder – backing vocals (2, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maggie_Ryder
Miriam Stockley – backing vocals (2, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miriam_Stockley
Suzie O' List – backing vocals (2, 10)
Chris Thompson – backing vocals (12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Thompson_(English_musician)
each one's discography and sessionography are fascinating reads
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I love this record, as you said easily the best solo effort of a Queen member.
Ressurection is one of my favorites and probably the heaviest song Brian has done.
Not sure if all those songs would have worked as Queen songs, but it would have been interesting to hear the bands take on them.
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(https://i.discogs.com/HJSmsEbfI9ip5YDlx1pvWJOUa44AadluHybynCGq3p0/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:588/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTczMjM2/ODEtMTUyMzAxNzU5/Ny0yMzI4LnBuZw.jpeg)
Brian May's alter ego, aka T.E. Conway :lol
IIRC, I got this EP as a bonus cd off of Another World. Very interesting Rockabilly style songs.
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Been at least a decade since I listened to this record but I really liked it when it came out. Loved the title track and Resurrection particularly (there was a live album released with a great version of Resurrection too). Pity about the follow up!
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I love this record, as you said easily the best solo effort of a Queen member.
Resurrection is one of my favorites and probably the heaviest song Brian has done.
Not sure if all those songs would have worked as Queen songs, but it would have been interesting to hear the bands take on them.
Resurrection is certainly the heaviest song he ever tried to sing! ;) One wonders what a follow up within three years might have sounded like had the next 'Queen' album interfered. The different surroundings, along with Cozy and Neil, was helping to bring out the long hidden rocker in him.
The songs I mentioned would have certainly worked. For 'The Miracle': 'The Dark' and obviously 'Too Much Love Will Kill You' (with Freddie's LVs). 'Driven By You':
Roger might have changed a thing or two regarding the programmed drums. 'Just One Life' or 'Nothin' But Blue' on 'A Kind Of Magic': he already had John's bass on the latter. The mixes on Brian's solo efforts are almost perfect matches for those albums as well.
A re-listen to his offerings with his LVs throughout their catalogue shows little influence or additions by the band members.
My thoughts are that of a fan who missed his one song (or two) lead vocal offerings (as well as Roger's) per album after 'The Game'.
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Can't say I missed Roger's. ;D
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Perhaps from NOTW onwards, but.......in comparison, after his leads, he did help make Freddie sound even better than he was ;)
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I actually like his background vocals.
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I'll get to Brian's live album tomorrow to keep moving things along, but first....I'll catch up on the glut of items that were made available to the buying public (some good, some not my cup of tea in the least). They certainly were milking the cash cow to the fullest, but it certainly worked...shockingly well in one instance.
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I'll get to Brian's live album tomorrow to keep moving things along, but first....I'll catch up on the glut of items that were made available to the buying public (some good, some not my cup of tea in the least). They certainly were milking the cash cow to the fullest, but it certainly worked...shockingly well in one instance.
Did you mean that Brian May Live at the Brixton Academy album? That's a nice live album, but I thought his voice was more or less gone by that night of the recording. He was struggling to sing at times.
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I'll get to Brian's live album tomorrow to keep moving things along, but first....I'll catch up on the glut of items that were made available to the buying public (some good, some not my cup of tea in the least). They certainly were milking the cash cow to the fullest, but it certainly worked...shockingly well in one instance.
Did you mean that Brian May Live at the Brixton Academy album?
Well, it isn't 'Acoustic By Candlelight' ;) :D
That's a nice live album, but I thought his voice was more or less gone by that night of the recording. He was struggling to sing at times.
I simply think he tried too hard at times, or tried a range at times that didn't always 'click'. Along with a slight adrenaline rush, knowing it was being filmed and recorded. More on all of that tomorrow.
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It was certainly a time to have a deep wallet if one wanted to try and keep up with all that was being made available during the first few years after Freddie's passing. Or by the end of the decade, when the various Queen and solo releases and compilations were finally finding their way to the States.
As to Queen releases, in '91 was 'Innuendo', 'Greatest Hits II', and the entire back catalogue available on CD released by Hollywood Records. In '92, there was the '12" Collection / Box Of Trix' and 'Wembley '86', along with the North American releases of 'Greatest Hits' and 'Classic Queen'.
Brian releases three singles, two in the UK Top Ten (the other #19) and a #2 UK album.
As to Freddie.....In '92, 'Mr. Bad Guy' is re-released, as is 'Barcelona' (charting at #15), the CDs finally reaching these shores. And then 'The Freddie Mercury Album' (UK and Europe, #4 in UK, Top Ten for six weeks in '92, Top 50 for twenty four weeks total) and 'The Great Pretender' (North America) compilations releases
Add to all of that.....the releases of all of these singles in 7" and 12" vinyl and CD formats.....
(CD single listings only)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/2/20/Barcelonacdsingle2.jpg)
Released: July 27, UK (Polydor)
Chart: UK #2
Barcelona
Exercises In Free Love
Barcelona (Extended Version)
Barcelona (TV Edit)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/4/4e/Hcigocdsingle2.jpg)
Released: October 12, UK (Polydor)
Did Not Chart
How Can I Go On
Guide Me Home
The Golden Boy
The Fallen Priest
Part 1 of 2
(https://queenpedia.com/images/5/5f/Inmydefcdsingle.jpg)
Released: November 30, UK (Parlophone)
Chart: UK #8
In My Defence (Ron Nevison Mix)
Love Kills (Wolf Euro Version)
She Blows Hot And Cold
In My Defence (Original Version)
Part 2 of 2
(https://queenpedia.com/images/b/b9/Inmydefcdsingle2.jpg)
Released: December 7, UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #8
In My Defence (Ron Nevison Mix)
Love Kills (Wolf Euro Version)
Mr. Bad Guy
Living On My Own (Underground Solution Mix)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/8/85/Greatpretender2.jpg)
Released: January 25, 1993 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #29
The Great Pretender
Stop All The Fighting
Exercises In Free Love
The Great Pretender (remix)
************
From the compilations, I very much liked the 'Time' remix, along with the remixes of 'In My Defence' and 'The Great Pretender'. They stayed 'true' to the originals, with various piano and guitar enhancing the originals. The 'Love Kills' Wolf Euro Mix changes the original from more of a dance track to a rock track, which I did enjoy (though the drums never sounded like that on a Queen or Freddie release)
and yes, between the wife and me, from our combined collections, we shelled out money for all of them. Hey, they have nice cover sleeves :D
There's one more remix compilation to list, the sales and youtube views which I found quite shocking.
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FREDDIE MERCURY LIVING ON MY OWN b/w My Love Is Dangerous
Released: July 19, 1993, UK (Parlophone) US (not released)
This is not the original from his 1985 ‘Mr. Bad Guy’ LP, that reached #50 in the UK. It is also not the Julian Raymond mix that appeared on ‘The Freddie Mercury Album’ and ‘The Great Pretender’ 1992 compilations. This was yet another by the name of the ‘No More Brothers Radio Mix’ (which did appear on some pressings of ‘The Great Pretender’ compilation).
Well, I guess part of it was the times (U2 released ‘Zooropa’ two weeks earlier), part of it is Freddie’s voice, and part is an infectious dance track (I guess). Regardless.... it made it to #1 in the UK for three weeks and #1 in ten countries, thus being ‘Freddie’s’ only solo song to reach Number One.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTdd8QxifbY 92 MILLION Views
(yes....92 million frickin views :o )
Charts: UK #1
#1 in Denmark, Europe, France (for 15 weeks!), Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Sweden
#2 in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
#6 in Finland
Certifications: Gold in UK
Gold in France, Netherlands and Sweden
Platinum in Austria and Germany
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d0/Livingonmyown1993.jpg)
7-inch and cassette
A. Living on My Own (radio mix)
B. Living on My Own (1992 album remix)
12-inch
A1. Living on My Own (extended mix)
A2. Living on My Own (club mix)
B1. Living on My Own (dub mix)
B2. Living on My Own (LA mix)
CD single
Living on My Own (radio mix)
Living on My Own (extended mix)
Living on My Own (club mix)
Living on My Own (1992 album remix)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/a/a3/Lomo2rev.jpg)
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FREDDIE MERCURY REMIXES
Released: December 1993 Japan (Toshiba CD only), Holland (CD/cassette), Brazil (CD/LP/cassette), Italy and Bolivia (LP only) (Parlophone)
Charts: Switzerland #18, Germany #22
(https://queenpedia.com/images/8/80/Freddie_remixes.jpg)
SIDE ONE
Living On My Own (No More Brothers Extended Mix) 5:16
Time (Nile Rodgers 1992 Remix) 3:49
Love Kills (Wolf Euro Mix) 3:25
SIDE TWO
The Great Pretender (Malouf Mix) 3:38
My Love Is Dangerous (Jeff Lord-Alge Mix) 3:41
Living On My Own (Roger S Mix) 5:45
As if Freddie's music hadn't been remixed enough by the time this compilation was released, many countries (not including the UK or US) issued this six-track collection of songs that had previously appeared elsewhere, except for the Roger S mix of 'Living On My Own'. Hardly worth picking up, the album was still relatively popular enough (especially in clubs) for it to chart in two countries as an import.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/3/3d/Freddie_remixesback.jpg)
(will note that neither of the last two releases made it into one of our collections)
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I like the "Time" material - I'm trying to find a reasonable copy of the soundtrack. Dave Clark! - but while I'm impressed by the Freddie solo stuff, it's really not something I go to very often. I know his voice is versatile, but I love its power, and that's really best showcased with the bombast of Queen.
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I like the "Time" material - I'm trying to find a reasonable copy of the soundtrack. Dave Clark! - but while I'm impressed by the Freddie solo stuff, it's really not something I go to very often. I know his voice is versatile, but I love its power, and that's really best showcased with the bombast of Queen.
Only on 'Barcelona' and a few solo tracks such as 'Man Made Paradise' and 'There Must Be More To Life Than This' did he let loose.
As to 'Time', head back to page 26 of this thread regarding the musical. The title track was cut into two, the first almost three minutes on Side One, the ending on Side Four. :huh: >:( Both the title track and 'In My Defence' are available individually, as are the two superb remixes. And there's also the version Dave Clark remixed this century.
As to a hard copy of the soundtrack, there's always eBay for the vinyl https://www.ebay.com/itm/265929213979?hash=item3dea9dc81b:g:6XAAAOSwSs5jMekf&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsHpbTvZ0jBVsrXGgW5IRpJY3sd1QQ9R1bg1bJav0MKLcl4C
2VANdndAhfYaS6D%2BTB4ryse%2F24c%2FLSfL9TmpcsnlKoIJlC4AYivdCA8vfts0OrOsexqjMzQ4ocuqo9B%2B6rHQDNy0TCaBDM7sRmupedu
MQpTUL4PT0N1PhS8kE4yacdDPAtAO%2BMUvIKaAQNNT9JpT%2Fzk4ZPu7MZzUO9OBxS7czmmVizMboSaQy17uCpjzV%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8L21Zr6YA
Not willing to gamble, you can always shell out $24 for the complete soundtrack on iTunes. No CDs were ever made of the soundtrack in '86, and none
were created for this anniversary release. :huh: http://www.time-themusical.com/
Once again, I hope you're a Sir Laurence Olivier fan, as he pops up (way too) often as the narrator.
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I think I am incredibly lucky to own Freddie's "Barcelona", "In My Defence" (part 2 of 2) singles.
I also own Brian May's "Star Fleet" EP, the special edition (it is a compass) of "Driven By You", as well as Roger Taylor + Yoshiki (X Japan)'s "Foriegn Sand" single.
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I think I am incredibly lucky to own Freddie's "Barcelona", "In My Defence" (part 2 of 2) singles.
I also own Brian May's "Star Fleet" EP, the special edition (it is a compass) of "Driven By You", as well as Roger Taylor + Yoshiki (X Japan)'s "Foriegn Sand" single.
The Wolf Euro mix of 'Love Kills' was what I used on my Side Two version of 'The Works', replacing 'Machines' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvnlWw4nDos
Just wish the drums were more 'Queenish' sounding.
The others you list, other than 'Driven By You', I'll get to shortly
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but first, copying the news from the Queen thread
I know there have been billboards throughout the world announcing today's release of 'Face It Alone'.....but
thanks to Tim, I did not know about this until a few minutes ago.
https://bravewords.com/news/queen-release-rediscovered-track-face-it-alone-featuring-freddie-mercury-lyric-video-the-miracle-collector-s-edition-due-in-november
(https://bravewords.com/medias-static/images/news/2022/miraclebundle1022.jpeg)
I mean, 'Holy crap on a cracker!!!!' FINALLY !!!!
When this wasn't released in 2019 on its 30th Anniversary, I figured it would never see the light of day. And ... it will contain some demos that I never knew existed, of songs I never knew existed :tup :tup
Details https://www.queenonline.com/news/press-release-queen-the-miracle-collectors-edition
Maybe it will be a bit bloated, and I had to laugh at the typical Queenonline spin "Widely recognised as Queen’s strongest album of the 80’s and one of their most inspired, the 1989 released The Miracle was a global success reaching No. 1 in the UK and several major European markets, even re-establishing the band in the US where it delivered a gold album."
Strongest? Eff no! Though it could have been.
Curious as to the tweaks that will be done on the vinyl, looking forward to the intended 'Another Miracle', the demos I've never heard of, the polished demos of those I have heard. (mentioned on page 26 of the discography https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1050)
I WANT IT ALL.......AND I WANT IT NOW!
(please make any comments of this on the QUEEN thread. Thank you)
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Just bought "Face It Alone" off of Amazon... it feels exciting, emotional and somewhat errie to hear Freddie singing a "new" song after all these years. The song itself is very solid, but a bit too straight forward musically, and I can see why they left it off The Miracle.
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OK..catching up..
BACK TO THE LIGHT Session Musicians
(listed on the inner sleeve after the lyrics of each song)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZM4CG0EML._SY580_.jpg)
the North American album cover
Cozy Powell – drums (2-4, 7-8) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_Powell
Geoff Dugmore – drums (10, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Dugmore
John Deacon – bass (7) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Deacon
Neil Murray – bass (3, 8) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Murray_(British_musician)
Gary Tibbs – bass (2, 10, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Tibbs
Mike Moran – piano (3, 12), keyboards (9) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Moran_(music_producer)
Don Airey – keyboards (extra) (4, 7) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Airey
Gill O'Donovan – backing vocals (2, 10) http://gillianodonovan.com/bio.html
Maggie Ryder – backing vocals (2, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maggie_Ryder
Miriam Stockley – backing vocals (2, 12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miriam_Stockley
Suzie O' List – backing vocals (2, 10)
Chris Thompson – backing vocals (12) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Thompson_(English_musician)
each one's discography and sessionography are fascinating reads
I'm listening to this now. That album starts out awesome. It does seem to chill a bit though.
Resurrection is great. That's a classic Cozy beat. That's Brian on vocals? Wow. He reminds me of someone else..
Last Horizon is outstanding!
Geoff Dugmore's drumming on Rollin' Over is excellent.
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^
The drumming: I'll be honest, I thought Cozy did ALL of it before I wrote up this album. :facepalm:
And then I see Brian programmed them for 'Driven By You', and find out the 'Driven By You Too' was with Cozy drumming and Neil on bass.
It was good for me to listen to the whole thing in one sitting last week for the first time in eons.
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BRIAN MAY BACK TO THE LIGHT 45s and 'The TONIGHT SHOW'
If there weren't enough items to purchase during this time, Brian's discography certainly added to the totals with five singles in a two year span
in various formats
(https://queenpedia.com/images/b/ba/Drivencd.jpg)
Driven By You
Just One Life
Just One Life (guitar version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4-ky-BgRWc
Released: November 25, 1991 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #6 (other info already posted)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/5/5d/Tmlwky7.jpg)
Too Much Love Will Kill You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNa5kRX45tg
I'm Scared https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hATmlUA7rB4
Too Much Love Will Kill You (guitar version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbI5K9EH9zw
Driven by You (new version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q52qCelQQl4
Released: August 24, 1992
Charts: UK #6 (other info already posted)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/6/61/Bttlcd1.jpg)
Back To The Light
Nothin' But Blue (guitar version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMXPl7DSyD0
Released: November 1992
Charts: UK #19
and then there were CD singles of the title track really milking the cash cow
Back To The Light Part 1 of 2
1. Back To The Light
2. Star Fleet
3. Let Me Out
Released: 1992
Country: UK
Back To The Light Part 2 of 2
1. Back To The Light
2. Nothin' But Blue (Guitar Version)
3. Blues Breaker
Released: 1992
Country: UK
The TONIGHT SHOW May 4, 1993
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3eDxqJZhuoEmzoC3yYri7a3BBAZOlis-Xlg&usqp=CAU)
Back To The Light, interview, Tie Your Mother Down (with Slash)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKzPume5gw4
Of course, I taped and watched this. Had a couple of Queeniac friends who were in attendance. A pity that Jay could only spend one minute interviewing Brian.
These performances would be used on the next two singles.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4a/70/1d/4a701d2ec653caf6c680fda4d23326e4.png)
******************************
(https://queenpedia.com/images/9/90/Res1.jpg)
Resurrection / Love Token / Too Much Love Will Kill You (Live)
Released: June 1993
Charts: UK #23
the split CD singles
Resurrection Part 1 of 2
1. Resurrection
2. Love Token
3. Too Much Love Will Kill You
(https://queenpedia.com/images/a/a3/Res2.jpg)
Part 2 of 2
1. Resurrection
2. Driven By You (Two)
3. Back To The Light (Live)
4. Tie Your Mother Down (Live)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/a/a8/Resjpnmini.jpg)
Released: November 10, 1993 Japan (EMI)
Resurrection
Love Token
Too Much Love Will Kill You (live, Palace Theater, LA)
Back To The Light (The Tonight Show)
Tie Your Mother Down (The Tonight Show w/Slash)
Blues Breaker
Star Fleet
Let Me Out
******************
A Japanese only release, this was somewhat of a holy grail for me for the final three tracks, taken from his ‘Star Fleet Project’. As of this date,
this is the only CD release that includes that entire album/EP.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/8/81/Resjpnminiback.jpg/150px-Resjpnminiback.jpg)
***********
(https://queenpedia.com/images/4/45/Lh7.jpg)
Last Horizon / Let Your Heart Rule Your Head (Live)
Released: December 1993
Charts: UK # 51
Last Horizon (Single Edit)
Last Horizon (live at the Brixton Academy)
’39 / Let Your Heart Rule Your Head (live at the Brixton Academy)
Last Horizon
A nice early teaser for his upcoming release
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The TONIGHT SHOW May 4, 1993
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3eDxqJZhuoEmzoC3yYri7a3BBAZOlis-Xlg&usqp=CAU)
Back To The Light, interview, Tie Your Mother Down (with Slash)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKzPume5gw4
Wow, I've never seen this. May 4th?
Then I saw Brian open for GnR 6 weeks earlier.
According to setlist FM, this was the setlist.
The Dark
Back to the Light
Driven by You
Hammer to Fall
Love Token
'39
Let Your Heart Rule Your Head
Keyboard Solo
Now I'm Here
Guitar Extravagance
Resurrection
Drum Solo
Bohemian Rhapsody
Resurrection
We Will Rock You
Tie Your Mother Down
Hey, look what I found!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnzF522gDiY
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There's very few of his shows that have been made available. Great find! :tup An interesting set list
Susan made it back stage when he was in Baltimore. I missed the one in Royal Oak MI because my relief didn't show up in time (he'd worked a couple of back-to back 2nd/3rd shift doubles in a row), so I couldn't get too angry. Well, then again....
Was Brian's segment (excessively) loud compared to GnR? Was Cozy a beast?
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There's very few of his shows that have been made available. Great find! :tup An interesting set list
Susan made it back stage when he was in Baltimore. I missed the one in Royal Oak MI because my relief didn't show up in time (he'd worked a couple of back-to back 2nd/3rd shift doubles in a row), so I couldn't get too angry. Well, then again....
Was Brian's segment (excessively) loud compared to GnR? Was Cozy a beast?
I saw that tour in Hartford in March of 1993. This was the setlist:
The Dark
Back to the Light
Driven by You
Tie Your Mother Down
Love Token
'39 (Snippet)
Too Much Love Will Kill You
Now I'm Here
Guitar Extravagance
Resurrection
Bohemian Rhapsody
We Will Rock You
I don't remember much about the ididvdual songs. It was not excessively loud as I remember it. Cozy was in fact a beast (I've seen him three times live with various bands and he always brought the sauce).
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^
Well, it's official: I hate both of you! ;) :D
(OK, have extreme envy towards you guys)
at least I had the following to listen to.....
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Was Brian's segment (excessively) loud compared to GnR? Was Cozy a beast?
I don't recall the sound level. We were 15 rows back, dead center.
I really keyed in on Cozy et the ELPowell show. I loved him from MSG and Rainbow. Such an icon.
When I saw Brian May, I literally had no idea who was in his band. I remember thinking the drumset looked like Cozy's setup, and then I was like HOLY SHIT! It IS Cozy Powell.
Susan made it back stage when he was in Baltimore.
What is the story here?
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She was with a friend who got her near the side before he went on, there's hand shaking, and she's wearing a custom leather jacket with the Queen crest on the back. And then, well, while others are going a bit too GaGa, she, well....you've met her, she gave that shy but damn confident 'look' that she has, asked him to autograph a fan club magazine back cover that had a picture of her daughter on it, and.....well.....ended up with a slightly good view of the concert. ;)
Sadly, no pics, as they wouldn't allow any.
But...here's the jacket nine years later (in case you've forgotten) :D
(https://i.imgur.com/8PLKu1X.gif)
and today
(https://i.imgur.com/n9ozYMJ.jpg)
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BRIAN MAY LIVE AT THE BRIXTON ACADEMY
Released: February 7, 1994 UK (Parlophone)
Recorded: June 15, 1993
Attendance: 5,000
Charts: UK #20
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_at_the_Brixton_Academy_(Brian_May_album)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Brian_May_-_Live_at_the_Brixton_Academy.jpg)
Personnel
Brian May: vocals, lead guitar
Jamie Moses: rhythm guitar, vocals
Spike Edney: Hammond organ, synthesizer, piano, vocals
Neil Murray: bass
Cozy Powell: drums
Catherine Porter: vocals
Shelley Preston: vocals, tambourine
All songs written by Brian May, except where noted
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa7BfC30lP4
CD Listing:
Back To The Light
Driven By You
Tie Your Mother Down
Love Token
Headlong
Love of My Life (Mercury)
'39 / Let Your Heart Rule Your Head
Too Much Love Will Kill You (May, Frank Musker, Elizabeth Lamers)
Since You've Been Gone (Russ Ballard)
Now I'm Here
Guitar Extravagance
Resurrection (May, Cozy Powell, Jamie Page)
Last Horizon
We Will Rock You
Hammer To Fall
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Flive-at-the-brixton-academy-uklpgatefold1.jpg&hash=daedbdbc76e1d243e7508ed77af958c10e933a2e) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Flive-at-the-brixton-academy-uklpgatefold2.jpg&hash=53f9042f796284483f3e6b10c3a44cc756969ae1)
inner gatefold
OK, so at times Brian isn't the best lead vocalist. He had a far better sidekick for two decades to handle those chores. But...he is good in his lead role, especially
considering the heaviness of most of this setlist. And then there's always 'Love Of My Life' which gave me goosebumps hearing him do it almost three decades ago.
'Since You've Been Gone' from Cozy's Rainbow days, on through the 1812 Overture and oh, btw, not listed, but at approximately 1:06:14, as part of the 'Guitar Extravagance' is the rockin' part of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' before going back to a smashing finish of 'Resurrection'.
The fun band intros follow, and then the make you melt 'Lost Horizon' before 'We Will Rock You' slow/fast and 'Hammer To Fall' close out a rocking night.
It took a while, but one can tell he is happy and enjoying himself.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Flive-at-the-brixton-academy-uklpback.jpg&hash=38d48ef6d47c8226da5164132ae10922502a5640)
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'GOD' was part of the set list, but Brian never heard back from Yoko Ono granting permission. So, it was not included in the official release.
Here is a bootleg version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SKoMniFuAc
The dream is over, what can I say
The dream is over, yesterday
We were the fab ones, but now it is gone
I was the gentle one, but now I must be strong
And so dear friends we'll just have to carry on
The dream is over
The dream is over, no matter what they say
The dream is over, it has to be this way
We played in springtime, but now I play in fall
We hit the bigtime, but now we are small
And our dear friend let's hope he has it all, still
The dream is over
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in pain
I don't believe in heroes
I don't believe in fame
I don't believe the newsprint
I don't believe we're free
I don't believe in nations
I don't believe in pride
I don't believe in pressure
I don't believe we're right
I don't believe in torture
I don't believe in fight
I don't believe in colour
I don't believe in white
I don't believe in history
I don't believe in being Queen any more
I just believe in me
Just you guys and me
And that's reality
Yes the dream is over
Dream on
(https://i.discogs.com/BEkUZrzWjKJguMym7l7pDA_eca6W8Q9oihdmHnEv19Q/rs:fit/g:sm/q:40/h:300/w:300/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9BLTEzMzU3/ODQtMTIzMjA0MDA4/MS5qcGVn.jpeg)
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(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3b/Brian_May_-_Live_at_the_Brixton_Academy.jpg)
I've watched parts of this a few times over the years. I've never pulled the trigger on the CD because the female backing vocals are overpowering. Musically it's really good. I finally decide to pull the trigger, and it's n/a on Amazon...actually $180.. ???
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$180? Jesus! I think I paid $15 for it when it came out.
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Ditto.
TAC, there are used ones from $15-40 available......
btw...totally agree with the female BVs. Too high pitched, and definitely WAAAAY too loud :tdwn Queen fans want the BVs, just not like that.
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QUEEN + George Michael Somebody To Love
Released: April 7, 1993
Charts: UK #1 for three weeks, USA #30
Also #1 in Ireland, Iceland #2, Netherlands #6, Belgium #8, New Zealand #8, Italy #9, Canada #11, France #16, Australia #19, Germany #21
Certifications: Silver in UK
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvM2Cmi-YRU 51 MILLION Views from various sites
(https://queenpedia.com/images/3/37/5liveuk.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Live_(George_Michael_and_Queen_EP)
These Are The Days Of Our Lives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9rx_VVNaH8
We've seen the video. I do recall back in the day that it received a lot of airplay on a 'newer' music channel called VH-1 (back when it played music as well).
There was also a 5 song EP released at this time
1. Somebody To Love (Queen +George Michael)
2. Killer
3. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
4. These Are The Days Of Our Lives (Queen, George Michael, and Lisa Stansfield)
5. Calling You
6. Dear Friends (Queen only) (not on UK release)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/d/d6/Fiveliveholcdsrev.jpg)
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ROGER TAYLOR Happiness?
Released: September 5, 1994 UK (Parlophone, EMI)
Charts: UK #22 (its only week on the charts)
Singles:
Nazis 1994 UK #22
Foreign Sand (45 version) b/w You Had To Be There
Charts: UK #26
Happiness? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x02BUTGJ5To
b/w Ride The Wild Wind Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McOWxuV4w2o
Charts: UK #32
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness%3F_(Roger_Taylor_album)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYq53lA1LPM&list=PLZ6v8cTaWNkhsXoUIos1lNvhx37K4O7UA
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/57/Roger_Taylor_Happiness.jpg/220px-Roger_Taylor_Happiness.jpg)
Produced by: Roger Taylor / Co-Produced by: Joshua J. Macrae
Recorded / Mixed: One On One Recording, L.A.
Roger Taylor - drums, vocals, guitar and stuff
Jason Falloon - guitars
Phil Spalding - bass
Mike Crossley - piano and keyboards
Catherine Porter - backing vocals
Joshua J. Macrae - programming
Yoshiki - drums, piano and synthesizer on Foreign Sand
Jim Cregan - guitars on Foreign Sand
Phil Chen - bass on Foreign Sand
Dick Marx - strings arrangement on Foreign Sand
Brad Buxer, Geoff Grace - programming on Foreign Sand
SIDE ONE
Nazis 1994 2:35
Happiness 3:17
Revelations 3:44
Touch the Sky 5:04
Foreign Sand 6:53
Freedom Train 6:12
SIDE TWO
'You Had To Be There' 2:55
The Key 4:25
Everybody Hurts Sometime 2:52
Loneliness... 2:25
Dear Mr Murdoch 4:19
Old Friends 3:33
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Froger-taylor%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Fhappiness-uklpinner1.jpg&hash=a262819ca9d5e519a2340bfd4a7b177422395ab2) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Froger-taylor%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Fhappiness-uklpinner2.jpg&hash=081044f1f04d38b33576d1a9b93515b9f4f7f1c2)
The album starts off with a dredge of a song that has a great intent. Not subtle at all. A little cleverness would have worked, as the message is on point (of course).
The title track onward makes for a damn good Side One. Roger tones things back a bit vocally on this album, which is somber and retrospective coming off his good friend’s passing whilst working on the tidbits that would make up the final band album. They are all worth a listen, as he even let’s loose a bit with the skins on ‘Freedom Train’.
Side Two….he was eons ahead of the times with his bashing of good ol’ Rupert Murdoch before I even knew his name. His anger towards him regarding the hounding his subordinates and editors heaped on Freddie in his last year is more than within reason. The man is a d*ck. No subtley yet again.
‘Old Friends’ is the only passable Side Two song, talking about Freddie and loved ones lost.
Combine tracks 2-6 with the best of his next album in four years, and you’d have one very good offering.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Froger-taylor%2Fgallery%2Falbums%2Fhappiness-uklpback.jpg&hash=a8c581dd6165e1cbb28fbb6228372802c056e812)
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The Singles
(https://queenpedia.com/images/1/17/Naziscd.jpg)
Nazis 1994
UK #22
Six different versions on the CD single, and four of them on the 12” single. Why? Don’t really care, and never listened to them.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/9/9d/Foreignsandcd.jpg/150px-Foreignsandcd.jpg)
Foreign Sand
UK #26
1. Foreign Sand (Edit) 2. 'you had to be there' 3. Foreign Sand 4. Final Destination
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/5/5e/Happinesscd.jpg/150px-Happinesscd.jpg)
Happiness? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x02BUTGJ5To
UK #32
1. Happiness? 2. Loneliness... 3. Dear Mr. Murdoch 4. I Want To Break Free (Live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbOEGSYJKyM
This isn’t the version, and no idea when in this century it was performed in front of a bunch of stuffed shirts. Appears to be Mike Rutherford on one of the lead guitarists. Oh, and the vocals are not good.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/d/d8/Happinesscdrev.jpg)
The 7” vinyl had ‘Ride The Wild Wind (live) as the B side https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McOWxuV4w2o
As he often did with good rockers like this and ‘Man On Fire’, this is slower and way too tame.
The 12” single for Happiness? was
Side A: Happiness? / Dear Mr. Murdoch Side B: Everybody Hurts Sometime (Live) / Old Friends (Live)
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1. Happiness? 2. Loneliness... 3. Dear Mr. Murdoch 4. I Want To Break Free (Live) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbOEGSYJKyM
This isn’t the version, and no idea when in this century it was performed in front of a bunch of stuffed shirts. Appears to be Mike Rutherford on one of the lead guitarists. Oh, and the vocals are not good.
That was a charity event. Mike Rutherford and Andy Fairweather-Low on guitar, Paul Carrack was there, as well as a good portion of Procul Harum (the drummer for one, and Gary Brooker on piano). I think Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr sang songs as well.
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^
Thanks. The camera zoomed around so much, with views of people so often from the neck down, that I didn't get many good looks at the artists...many who certainly had aged from what I remembered them as.
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CARMINE APPICE GUITAR ZEUS LP
Quite a career he's had, and drumming must run in the family ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmine_Appice
In 1995, Brian made a guest appearance on 'Nobody Knew' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3jgDgfGWCA
Nice group of guest artists, from Yngwie, Neil Shon, Steve Morse, Edgar Winter, Slash, amongst others
https://www.discogs.com/release/3631704-Carmine-Appices-Guitar-Zeus-Carmine-Appices-Guitar-Zeus
(https://i.discogs.com/nxj87EPSrafacxjjS1D6H3ZEeDfyge0bzzAfCY3r6jA/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:597/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTM2MzE3/MDQtMTQ5MjI1MDAz/OC04NzA2LmpwZWc.jpeg)
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Mick Mars?? :rollin
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^
Yup. Even Leslie West all those years later.
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HEAVEN FOR EVERYONE '45'
Heaven For Everyone single edit b/w It’s A Beautiful Day Heaven For Everyone
Released: October 23, 1995
Charts: UK #2
Hungary #1, Netherlands #2, Scotland #2, Iceland #3, Austria #4, Belgium #4, Italy #4, Europe #5, Finland #5, Ireland #7, France #8, Switzerland #9, Australia #15, Germany #15, Norway #18 New Zealand #25, Sweden #29
Certifications: Silver in UK, Gold in France
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI8lrvKLzg0 6.8 MILLION Views
(https://queenpedia.com/images/5/5e/Heavenpt1cd.jpg)
(A 7” vinyl jukebox version was released, as was a ‘Part 2 of 2’ Cd single with ‘Keep Yourself Alive’, ‘Seven Seas Of Rhye’, and ‘Killer Queen’. Why? Absolutely no clue other than to gouge the completists. In the States, ‘Soul Brother’ was the Bside. Huh?)
Released two weeks before the upcoming album, this would be a great teaser for what to expect. Some would be aware of the original version recorded by The Cross in ’88, in which Freddie sang lead on one version, and BVs for the version that Roger sang lead.
It’s A Beautiful Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnrH-j74rGc
This was from a demo Freddie performed way back in 1980 for ‘The Game. This is a combination of the upcoming album’s opening song and reprise. It makes for more than a fine stand alone version.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/f/fc/Heavenpt1cdback.jpg)
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CARMINE APPICE GUITAR ZEUS LP
Quite a career he's had, and drumming must run in the family ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmine_Appice
Although Carmine and Vinnie Appice are brothers, Vinnie pronounces his surname "A-pee-KAY", while Carmine pronounces it "Ah-PIECE". Apparently David Bowie changed Carmine's pronunciation early on when he briefly played in his band, and it stuck. Useless fact I heard somewhere, but can't recall where.
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I have that "Nobody Knew" cd single, but I am not a fan of that song. It is just ok to me. :|
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CARMINE APPICE GUITAR ZEUS LP
Quite a career he's had, and drumming must run in the family ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmine_Appice
Although Carmine and Vinnie Appice are brothers, Vinnie pronounces his surname "A-pee-KAY", while Carmine pronounces it "Ah-PIECE". Apparently David Bowie changed Carmine's pronunciation early on when he briefly played in his band, and it stuck. Useless fact I heard somewhere, but can't recall where.
Is Vinnie that or "A-pi-chee", with the emphasis on the A? There's an interview he gave a couple months ago where he talks about that and told the Bowie story, but I forgot how he pronounced his own name; I'll try to find it.
REALLY nice guy; I met him after a Last In Line show in Agawam, MA, and he basically came out and hung with me and my friend for the better part of half an hour. We even walked out to our cars together. I didn't really pester him with questions, it was just shooting the shit about weather and stuff, but he's a pretty down to earth guy. I think my friend asked him about the "John Lennon lasagna" story.
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Dio always introduced him as Vinny Appissy
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I have that "Nobody Knew" cd single, but I am not a fan of that song. It is just ok to me. :|
That video looked like something done for the anniversary, as one can see age lines on Brian.
Carmine 'Apissy'....I had a drum stick of his in my hand as it lay on the floor at a show, until the doofus in front of me stepped then stomped on it >:( :censored
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MADE IN HEAVEN LP
Released: November 6, 1995 UK (Parlophone) November 7 US (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #1, US #58
#1 in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Europe, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
#2 in Belgium, France, Norway, Scotland
Hungary #3, Japan #10, Canada #10
1997: UK #47
2022: Poland #32
Certifications: 4x Platinum in UK, Gold in US
Platinum in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Norwary, Poland,
2x Platinum in Argentina, Austria, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain,
3x Platinum in Germany
5x Platinum in Europe
Singles:
Heaven For Everyone b/w It’s A Beautiful Day (45 edit)
Released: October 23, 1995
Charts: UK #2
Hungary #1, Netherlands #2, Scotland #2, Iceland #3, Austria #4, Belgium #4, Italy #4, Europe #5, Finland #5, Ireland #7, France #8, Switzerland #9, Australia #15, Germany #15, Norway #18 New Zealand #25, Sweden #29
Certifications: Silver in UK, Gold in France
A Winter’s Tale b/w Thank God It’s Christmas
Released: December 11
Charts: UK #6
Finland #10, Netherlands #16, Italy #19, Austria #23, Ireland #23, Switzerland #28, Belgium #33, Germany #62, Australia #71
Too Much Love Will Kill You b/w We Will Rock You-We Are The Champions (Rock In Rio Blues in US)
Released: February 26, 1996
Charts: UK #15, USA #18 Mainstream
Belgium #10, Scotland #11, Canada #18, Ireland #28, Europe #41
Certifications: Silver in UK
I Was Born To Love You (Japan only release)
Released: 28 February 1996
Charts: Japan #45 in ’96, #1 in 2004, #63 in 2018
Certification: Gold
Let Me Live b/w Fat Bottomed Girls - Bicycle Race
Released: June 17
Charts: UK #9
Netherlands #28, Germany #67
You Don't Fool Me
Released: November 18
Charts: UK #17
Belgium #13, France #14, Netherlands #21, Austria #23, Ireland #23, Italy #24, Germany #26, Switzerland #27, Sweden #52
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-4%2Fmade-in-heaven-uk2015lpfront.jpg&hash=c9f68b990ffb99368dcf0104cf68d6668780549d)
Recorded: January - June 1991 and October 1993 - early 1995
Mountain, Allerton Hill, Cosford Mill, and Metropolis Studios
PRODUCED BY QUEEN
All songs written by Queen unless otherwise noted
Freddie Mercury – lead vocals keyboards backing vocals
Brian May – electric guitar backing vocals keyboards lead vocals (3, 4)
Roger Taylor – drums, backing vocals percussion keyboards lead vocals (3)
John Deacon – bass guitar keyboards electric guitar
Additional personnel
Rebecca Leigh-White, Gary Martin, Catherine Porter, Miriam Stockley – backing vocals (3)
David Richards – keyboards (5, 8, 13), co-production, engineering, mixing supervision
Justin Shirley-Smith – co-production, engineering
Josh Macrae – co-production, engineering
Ashley Alexander - engineering
Reinhold Mack – recording of additional material in the '80s
Kevin Metcalfe – mastering
Richard Gray – artwork, cover photograph of Irena Sedlecká's Mercury sculpture in Montreux
Dedicated to the immortal spirit of Freddie Mercury
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBO3rLDqBBE
SIDE ONE
It's A Beautiful Day 2:32
Made In Heaven (Mercury) 5:25
Let Me Live 4:45
Mother Love (Mercury, May) 4:49
My Life Has Been Saved 3:15
SIDE TWO
I Was Born To Love You (Mercury) 4:49
Heaven for Everyone (Taylor) 5:36
Too Much Love Will Kill You (May, Musker, Lamers) 4:20
You Don't Fool Me 5:24
A Winter's Tale Queen (Mercury) 3:49
It's A Beautiful Day (reprise) 3:01
Yeah 0:04
Available on CD
Track 13 Queen (May, Taylor, David Richards) 22:32
2011 Universal bonus EP
Heaven for Everyone (Single Version) / It's A Beautiful Day (Single Version) / My Life Has Been Saved ('89 Version) / I Was Born to Love You (Freddie vocal and piano demo) / Rock in Rio Blues (Live B-side to A Winter's Tale) / A Winter's Tale (Cosy Fireside Mix)
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These bonuses are nice, but once again incomplete.
The short demo of ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’, written during ‘The Game’, was included on that album’s reissue, but not this. There’s also the ‘Let Me Live’ banned version, The Cross' original versions of ‘Heaven For Everyone’ (with both Freddie and Roger doing LVs)and Freddie solo ‘Made In Heaven’ missing. And of course, all of the ‘Too Much Love Will Kill You’ demos that were done during ‘The Miracle’ sessions.
I'll list and link these in another post.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fextra%2Fphoto-made-in-heaven-sunrise.jpg&hash=81f337b8df1f5d4b5caccaf68bab54a55f17666b)
inner gatefold
Queen’s ‘last’ studio album.
The album was met with a wave of excitement, and became the second-biggest album release of 1995 (behind Anthology 1, which also, incidentally, featured a "new" recording from The Beatles).
I certainly remember seeing the promo poster at the record shop, hoping like hell it would be close to what their ‘last’ album had been. I was not disappointed, even if this contains some so called ‘scraps’ and reworked material. It is Queen, it is done well, and I still hold this in very high regard.
The breakdown of each song’s origins can be read here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Made_in_Heaven
As to the contents, from the gatefold covers, inner gatefold pics, the sleeve, and the poster, one got their money’s worth. It is certainly sad and somber, yet uplifting at the same time due to the music. At the time, I had heard Freddie’s originals of ‘Made In Heaven’ and ‘I Was Born To Love You’. With the added Queen touch, they aren't mellow or dance drive, but rock. There's no programmed drums on these, and Roger does shine (though they sound a bit too loud and '90s at times). I had not yet heard The Cross’ original version of ‘Heaven For Everyone’ or ‘My Life Has Been Saved’ (the nonalbum B-side of ‘Scandal), John giving it a much different treatment than the guitar driven original. ‘Too Much Love Will Kill You’….certainly different than Brian’s version.
It has two of my all time favorites in 'Let Me Live’ …..only ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ had Freddie, Brian, and Roger all sing lead on the same song (Brian and Roger getting one line each) and arguably Brian’s best guitar solo in ‘A Winter’s Tale’ (Freddie’s final penned lyrics) which is Queen at its most tender yet bombastic best. ‘Mother Love’ …..Freddie’s last vocals, with Brian having to finish out the lead vocals, followed by all Queen songs are played in 5-10 seconds before a snippet of 'Larry Lurex' singing 'Goin' Back' , and then the the sound of a baby cry. Quite chilling.
‘You Don’t Fool Me’….to me, the out of place odd duck on the album. It has a great solo from Brian, but the tone of it all doesn’t fit this release, and I certainly wasn’t in the mood for a semi dance track. I warmed to it over the years, and it’s a great tune to have blasting while cruising on the freeway on a sunny day, but it’s the one song I removed from this and placed on another disc.
Well….other than ‘Track 13’. The vinyl ends with Freddie’s ‘Yeah’. The CD offers up 22 minutes of meandering atmospheric music, with an occasional chime and spoken words from Freddie a couple of times. It has been given the somewhat accepted title of ‘Ascension’ . I use around five minutes of it on my version.
***********
Brian has mentioned in interviews that they were not going to do a Led Zeppelin ‘Coda’ type farewell. First, they didn’t have enough polished demos, though a few have come to light over the years….’Feelings Feelings’ from ‘News Of The World’ being one example. ‘Let Me In Your Heart Again’ released decades later was too similar to ‘Let Me Live’, and they certainly wouldn’t use ‘Love Kills’ on this one.
A pity that ‘Man Made Paradise’ and ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’….which were written and worked on during ‘Hot Space’, and eventually appeared on Freddie’s first solo album, and of which demos do exist, were not worked on for this project. They both would have fit in to the theme of this release.
Whether one considers this or ‘Innuendo’ as the last ‘Queen’ studio album, this is a good to great listen, ..... a fitting send off and final chapter for Queen.
Almost.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/9/9e/Queen_mihback.jpg)
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Mother Love is just emotionally draining to listen to, it tears my heart out every time.
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Each time I listen to You Don't Fool Me it gets more annoying.
The rest of the album is solid but I'm not really a fan of it. But it's way better than Led Zeppelin's Coda as far as posthumous releases go.
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I have that "Nobody Knew" cd single, but I am not a fan of that song. It is just ok to me. :|
That video looked like something done for the anniversary, as one can see age lines on Brian.
Carmine 'Apissy'....I had a drum stick of his in my hand as it lay on the floor at a show, until the doofus in front of me stepped then stomped on it >:( :censored
What show did you see Carmine at?
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I have that "Nobody Knew" cd single, but I am not a fan of that song. It is just ok to me. :|
That video looked like something done for the anniversary, as one can see age lines on Brian.
Carmine 'Apissy'....I had a drum stick of his in my hand as it lay on the floor at a show, until the doofus in front of me stepped then stomped on it >:( :censored
What show did you see Carmine at?
Queen's (Brian + Roger) 'Walk of Fame' post ceremony show in 2002.
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I have that "Nobody Knew" cd single, but I am not a fan of that song. It is just ok to me. :|
That video looked like something done for the anniversary, as one can see age lines on Brian.
Carmine 'Apissy'....I had a drum stick of his in my hand as it lay on the floor at a show, until the doofus in front of me stepped then stomped on it >:( :censored
What show did you see Carmine at?
I've seen almost 400 shows in my life, and I'm struggling to remember if I ever actually saw Carmine. What tour did he do for Ozzy?
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Mother Love is just emotionally draining to listen to, it tears my heart out every time.
There's various 'stripped down' versions of this song on youtube, but one that might be more emotionally draining is this one with just vocals and drum machine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6WtjaRelD4 without the ending sound effects.
And, the story behind it, being Freddie's last vocals, well...before I get all teary eyed and such....
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I have that "Nobody Knew" cd single, but I am not a fan of that song. It is just ok to me. :|
That video looked like something done for the anniversary, as one can see age lines on Brian.
Carmine 'Apissy'....I had a drum stick of his in my hand as it lay on the floor at a show, until the doofus in front of me stepped then stomped on it >:( :censored
What show did you see Carmine at?
I've seen almost 400 shows in my life, and I'm struggling to remember if I ever actually saw Carmine. What tour did he do for Ozzy?
I believe he may have been part of the Bark At The Moon tour in Europe as Tommy Aldridge did the US tour.
Here's Carmine with Ozzy on Solid Gold, which I absolutely remember seeing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlM1PcMlvCk
EDIT: I was right! The Euro leg of the BATM tour..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofGP51Q4PRI
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Spotify Stats!
It's A Beautiful Day...6.3m
Made In Heaven...16.8m
Let Me Live...10m
Mother Love...9.2m
My Life Has Been Saved....3.7m
I Was Born To Love You...70.3m
Heaven For Everyone...45.3m
Too Much Love Wil Kill You...80.2m
You Don't Fool Me...41.3m
A Winter's Tale...9.8m
It's A Beautiful Day (Reprise)...2.6m
Yeah...6.1k
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Never been a huge Queen fan although I respect them and like a decent amount of their stuff. This thread has encouraged me to check out some more of their stuff, especially Made in Heaven.
Each time I listen to You Don't Fool Me it gets more annoying.
Call me a weirdo, but besides Mother Love, this is the track I probably like most - just finished listening to it several times.
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MADE IN HEAVEN ‘demos’
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fextra%2Fphoto-made-in-heaven-sunset.jpg&hash=17c72251de8b2a88981297c7db2f55cd0a465bb4)
sunset photo
In truth, there were no demos available from the ‘Made In Heaven’ sessions.
What is listed below were the originals that were ‘tweaked’ and made their way onto the album.
‘It’s A Beautiful Day’ from ‘The Game’ sessions. Included on the 2011 ‘The Game’ bonus disc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUTFl0fNjIU
‘Made In Heaven’ from the ‘Mr. Bad Guy’ album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBCTasRgFqo 7.6 MILLION Views
‘Let Me Live’ the ‘banned’ version, first worked on during ‘The Works’. No demo exists with Rod Stewart’s vocals (no doubt sung by Roger on the final version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD28NSiA8Vw
‘Mother Love’ stripped down, with just the vocals and a drum machine, as if this were a demo (no ending sound effects for all of the following)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6WtjaRelD4
just vocals and guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d73J2hrxnPk
just vocals and keyboards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbknVsn05Gw
put them all together, and you have this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wy3AjykX_g
‘My Life Has Been Saved’ the nonalbum B-side of ‘Scandal’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uOqLWWfM0Y
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-4%2Fmade-in-heaven-uk2015lpposter3a.jpg&hash=d5958f1c704905ef91edc1dc9877014cceb78d83) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-4%2Fmade-in-heaven-uk2015lpposter3b.jpg&hash=3dab6b8282744a32917e7738cb9abbcc1ee68244)
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the posters in the vinyl release
‘I Was Born To Love You’ Freddie’s original demo, first made available on ‘The Solo Collection’ in 2000, and included on the 2011 bonus disc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dipa77q0GCc
and what appeared on the ‘Mr. Bad Guy’ album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNhhAEupU4g 28 MILLION Views
‘Heaven For Everyone’ the single and what appeared on The Cross ‘Shove It’ UK version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjjA3j1YhEQ
Roger’s LV which appeared on the USA ‘Shove It’ LP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7oCFCDR4NA
‘Too Much Love Will Kill You’ (already listed for ‘The Miracle’ demos and the BTTL album)
Brian with Elizabeth Lamers LVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PokXANl5fxU
Brian LVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA2ui9-hnDM (silence after 4:52)
Freddie LVs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gKjGFYV0Yc (only two minutes available)
And Brian’s three versions
45 and LP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNa5kRX45tg
Guitar version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbI5K9EH9zw
Piano version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCNfb1BSWbs
It’s A Beautiful Day 45 version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnrH-j74rGc
the hidden 'Track 13', which only appeared on the CD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqMiaS88TlE
'Rock In Rio Blues', from Rock n Rio ’85 (becoming ‘Impromptu’ on ‘Wembley ’86' and The Magic Tour) A bonus track on the UK ‘A Winter’s Tale’ CD, on the TMLWKY North American CD single, and a bonus track on the 2011 reissue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqHhQDkCoPU
'A Winter’s Tale (Cosy Fireside Mix)' another bonus on the 2011 reissue. More of a raw version, with less ‘atmospheric background’ Still superb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Y9DmQNaLk
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sunrise photo
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Spotify Stats!
It's A Beautiful Day...6.3m
Made In Heaven...16.8m
Let Me Live...10m
Mother Love...9.2m
My Life Has Been Saved....3.7m
I Was Born To Love You...70.3m
Heaven For Everyone...45.3m
Too Much Love Wil Kill You...80.2m
You Don't Fool Me...41.3m
A Winter's Tale...9.8m
It's A Beautiful Day (Reprise)...2.6m
Yeah...6.1k
I'm shocked, 'Shocked I tell you!' at the high number for 'I Was Born To Love You'. It's not on any UK greatest hits, wasn't released as a single except for Japan....where it hit #1 and was certified gold in 2004....
And....at the low numbers for 'Let Me Live', 'Mother Love', and 'A Winter's Tale'. Figured they'd be another 10M higher.
And ‘thank you’ once again for the numbers 👍
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Never been a huge Queen fan although I respect them and like a decent amount of their stuff. This thread has encouraged me to check out some more of their stuff, especially Made in Heaven.
Each time I listen to You Don't Fool Me it gets more annoying.
Call me a weirdo, but besides Mother Love, this is the track I probably like most - just finished listening to it several times.
I mentioned that it didn't fit 'for me' in the album's concept and sound, but that on its own it is one catchy and driving song, aided by one of Brian's best solos. I include it on a compilation just for that reason.
One can always check out the sixteen(?) different and authorized remixes of the song on wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Don%27t_Fool_Me and then scour through YouTube for all of them. ;)
It also was their last hit single in Europe.
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(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-11-17_New%20York_23.jpg)
just to thank ' queenlive.ca ' for all the live pix and individual concert info (if you have a nickel or so, send on a donation. I did. Greg is one of the best!)
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/ for the various album photos (which I should have learned of sooner). This site is incredibly detailed and up to date.
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Welcome.... This site was by some friends of mine.... they dropped off the map after a while, but the site is still up. Thank goodness.
https://www.queenvault.com/ go through it, and it will list ALL of the various versions of songs ... almost to a fault. ;) For instance, there are THIRTEEN different versions of 'I Want It All' !!! Want to know what they are? Go to this site. One of my many 'bibles' throughout the years.
And....thanks to TAC: Tim, thank you for keeping me going on through this thread (not yet complete). And your kind words. I would not have known about editing the image sizes without your assistance (amongst other things). Your love of UFO in that discography inspired me.
Keep yourself alive! :tup
(https://queenphotos.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/queen-in-1978.jpg?w=627&h=403)
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You're very welcome, my friend!
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Brian has mentioned in interviews that they were not going to do a Led Zeppelin ‘Coda’ type farewell.
The rest of the album is solid but I'm not really a fan of it. But it's way better than Led Zeppelin's Coda as far as posthumous releases go.
Interesting that Coda is brought up. Coda gave me a Top 5 Zeppelin Tune. That'd be Wearing And Tearing. :metal
I just did my Made In Heaven listen, and yes, you really can't compare this and Coda. Coda was basically just a bunch of unreleased tracks. This is reworked material built around Freddie's "in the can" vocal tapes.
Whether one considers this or ‘Innuendo’ as the last ‘Queen’ studio album
It's Innuendo. :P
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So...I am generally skeptical and suspicious of posthumous releases. Sometimes it's difficult for me to parse out if it's a money grab to soak fans or something celebratory/tribute in nature.
I've never been "into" Queen. I've always admired them from afar, but when Made In Heaven came out, I kind of winced at a band embellishing old vocals to create a new product. Just seemed gimmicky to me. I have never heard a single note of this before this afternoon.
These are my First (and only) Listen impressions of the songs..
It's A Beautiful Day...Wow, Freddie announces his return! What a way to open a posthumous release.
Made In Heaven....Odd that they basically "covered" a Freddie solo song, but with a title like this, it works. It's nice enough, but that's a gimmicky move.
Let Me Live....Interesting story about the Take Another Piece Of My Heart. I can't hear Rod though anywhere in the song. The lyrics "Let Me Live" are kind of haunting considering.
Mother Love....This is a cool song., especially reading about it. Brian singing the last verse and all. I could do without the baby though.
My Life Has Been Saved....John Deacon's songs were always so pointed, and by that, they always had a nice steady pace to them. Reading that this was an earlier B-Side...I'll have to find that.
EDIT: I like the original much better. That opening solo by Brian is great. The '89 version is much heavier.
I Was Born To Love You....this is a great song, but putting Queen's instruments over a Freddie vocal from a solo album feels cheesy to me, but nothing cheesy about Brian slaying this song.
I guess as a tribute kind of thing, I can deal with it.
Heaven For Everyone....Interesting story of how it was a Cross song. The lyrics are real fitting for this album.
Too Much Love Will Kill You....Awesome. An actual still together unreleased Queen track. Interesting backstory on why it couldn't be released. Cool that Brian was playing it in his band.
You Don't Fool Me....This is wicked cool. Again, the story of the producer turning odd bits into something coherent is really creative. This is actually the best song so far! Brian kills on it.
A Winter's Tale...Wow this is really nice. Chilling, actually.
A Beautiful Day (Reprise)....Great closing track. Brian again is a monster here. This and the opener reminds me of how they did WWRY slow, and then made a fast version.
I wonder how much thought they put into which version to start the album and which one to close the album. It would seem the choice would be do we want to end on a somber note or an upbeat celebratory one. I think they made the right choice.
Yeah....
Untitled 22 minute thingy....um...I stopped getting baked years ago.
My feeling on Made In Heaven is this: It is gimmicky. Extremely. It'd normally be the kind of thing that I would shudder at.
But..there's a dignity about it that overrides it. Even when Freddie was "off camera", like It's A Beautiful Day, he was amazing. I have no clue what Roger and John were thinking, but this project was clearly important to Brian. His playing is truly inspired, and he seems to have taken the helm on it.
Brian has really come across as an extremely well grounded and dignified person, so while I don't normally take to releases like this....he has sold me on it.
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Hate to be pedantic, but surely The Cosmos Rocks is their final studio album???
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Hate to be pedantic, but surely The Cosmos Rocks is their final studio album???
I believe on the cover there's written "Queen + Paul Rodgers", so..... no.
On a side note, I believe the "Queen +..." denominataion works perfectly. It symbolizes the difference with the past. It's not Queen carrying on with another singer, it's what's left of Queen joining forces with another singer. Way easier to digest for all the Freddie orphans.
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I totally agree with that.
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Surely it belongs in BOTH artists discographies rather than in neither? It's surely both a Queen album and a Paul Rogers album, rather than neither a Queen album nor a Paul Rogers album?
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They could have given themselves a totally different name. But they started with playing mainly Queen songs live, before they even talked about recording new songs. So the emphasis on 'Queen' is definitely intended.
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It's always a tough call when the band loses its lead singer. To me, Queen was the inimitable combination of Freddie's voice and Brian's guitars. Without both, it's not what I'm looking for when I want to listen to Queen. Same as Journey without Steve Perry or Yes without Jon Anderson. The band still exists, they want to keep making music, and it certainly helps that they have the legal right to use the name. So they continue. But is it the same band? To some, the band is/was a specific set of individuals; to others, the band is whatever name it says on the cover.
Queen + Paul Rodgers circumvents that argument by acknowledging that it's Queen but with a new lead vocalist. I had assumed that DragonAttack was going to get to them eventually, since he's been very thorough with side projects and solo albums involving anyone in the band. But I agree that Made in Heaven was the last studio album by Queen.
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Let's also keep in mind that the vast majority of these debates arise when a band carries on after a lineup change.
With Queen, it's not that Freddie left. He died and the band was shocked like the rest of their fans and was unsure of what to do. It took forever for them to finally be confident to get back on stage again. So the divide between Queen with Freddie and "Queen many years after Freddie's death finally find a way to go on the road again" is even greater than your average "classic singer leaves the band" situation.
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It's always a tough call when the band loses its lead singer. To me, Queen was the inimitable combination of Freddie's voice and Brian's guitars. Without both, it's not what I'm looking for when I want to listen to Queen. Same as Journey without Steve Perry or Yes without Jon Anderson. The band still exists, they want to keep making music, and it certainly helps that they have the legal right to use the name. So they continue. But is it the same band? To some, the band is/was a specific set of individuals; to others, the band is whatever name it says on the cover.
Queen + Paul Rodgers circumvents that argument by acknowledging that it's Queen but with a new lead vocalist. I had assumed that DragonAttack was going to get to them eventually, since he's been very thorough with side projects and solo albums involving anyone in the band. But I agree that Made in Heaven was the last studio album by Queen.
Totally on board with the first paragraph, though I did hear both bands with different vocalists at concerts over the years, and they sounded darn good / similar enough that it all worked for me. Not so as to studio efforts.
As to the highlighted section of the second paragraph, first 'thank you' for the compliment. Second....no, I'm not going down the Queen + rabbit hole (other than Hits III). And,....absolutely no concertography!!!! Perhaps listings of collaborations and tours and such over a five to ten year span, bunched into a single post on occasion to bump the thread. Otherwise, I'd be here forever. :D :sad:
Plus, a lot of it didn't interest me (though I enjoyed the concerts the original members of 'Smile' performed with Paul and Adam). In fact, I think since this thread started, TAC has heard more songs by Brian with Kerry Ellis than I ever had before. :lol
Basically, the main crux of this ends with the Freddie box set release in 2000.
Meanwhile, I gave my edited version of 'Made In Heaven' another spin, this time in the dark while kicked back on the couch. I get that opportunity about every 2-3 months nowadays. Damn, it's still just as good as it was almost three decades ago.
Thanks for yet another honest review, Tim. :tup
(I was tempted to listen to the entire 22 minute 'Track 13' version for a change, but five minutes is enough. Plus, I don't get baked these days anymore either :lol)
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I'm not going down the Queen + rabbit hole (other than Hits III).
I'm honestly surprised. I can't say that I'm disappointed or relieved or what, because it's not that big a deal to me, but I'd fully expected you to go down the rabbit hole. :lol
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Sounds like a challenge to me. ;D
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I'm not going down the Queen + rabbit hole (other than Hits III).
I'm honestly surprised. I can't say that I'm disappointed or relieved or what, because it's not that big a deal to me, but I'd fully expected you to go down the rabbit hole. :lol
I am also surprised, given all of the other "not Queen" stuff you have included.
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I'm not going down the Queen + rabbit hole (other than Hits III).
I'm honestly surprised. I can't say that I'm disappointed or relieved or what, because it's not that big a deal to me, but I'd fully expected you to go down the rabbit hole. :lol
I am also surprised, given all of the other "not Queen" stuff you have included.
And.... all related to 'Queen'.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm going to do recaps in 5-10 year bits of the 'post Freddie' era after his solo box set in 2000. Shorter and less time consuming for me. And, most of it is less interesting to me as stated earlier. What I have been posting was at times over done history, but up to the end of the century, what Freddie, Brian, and Roger did solo was quite pertinent.
And I had a very 'Queeniac' feeling and affiliation for all of those releases.
Roger branching off and touring with The Cross (because Freddie had told his mates that he could no longer tour), releasing solo albums (of which there were zero comments as to his 'Happiness' LP here on the forum)...but, damn was I happy for that release, and finally getting my hand onto those Cross LPs (even though they only make one good 'best of'). Then there was Brian doing Stateside radio promos and the Seville concert in '91 a month before Freddie's passing.... his first time on stage with Cozy Powell on drums.
Brian has a killer lead guitar on a Soundgarden song for my next post. Sadly....what his decisions (together with Roger) this century are worth 'recaps' and not posting individually, and I don't feel like wasting my time putting up all those youtube links for those tunes. Why? Because 90% of the songs suxx!!! :tdwn
Unless anyone has done one of these (and I should have known having followed the Iron Maiden and UFO discography threads, and having leant a hand on the Jethro Tull thread), these are not easy. Just cropping the album covers and doing the highlighting and links is incredibly time consuming.
So.....after ....
One Smile album
15 Queen studio albums
9 Queen live albums
1 Queen BBC live album (Golders Green '73)
6 Queen BBC studio sessions (one, two, or three total albums...depending on how one views things)
Six compilation albums (Queen GH I, GH II, Greatest Hits, Classic Queen, 12" Collection, Japanese 3" collection)
The ‘way too many it got to be boring’ 45 and CD and 12” singles.
Two Freddie solo LPs
Three Freddie compilations
Two Brian solo LPs
One Brian live LP
Brian with Anita Dobson
Three Roger solo LPs
Three Cross LPs
Five Freddie non album 45s (Love Kills, Time, In My Defence, The Great Pretender, Hold On)
Two soundtracks featuring Freddie songs ('Time' and 'Metropolis')
'Highlander' the movie and TV series
'The Hotel New Hampshire' mention (Keep Passing The Open Windows)
ooooops, let's not forget the video concerts
Hyde's Park, '75
Earl's Court '76
Houston '78
Hammersmith '79
South America '81
Japan '82
Rock In Rio '85
Japan '85
Live Aid '85
Knebworth '86
The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert '92
I did mention various work on studio LPs with Eddie Howell, Ian Hunter, Elton John, Billy Squier (three times), Roger Daltrey, Black Sabbath, Kansas, Elaine Page…etc etc
To me, that was all 'Queen'. And, I probably missed one or two in my recap.
(and don’t forget ‘The Stonk’, you :censored stonkers 😀)
Moving on..... I'll have to mention Queen + Robbie Williams as to 'A Knight's Tale' (the first movie my wife and I watched together in a theater). I'll have to mention 'Return of the Champions' and 'The Cosmos Rocks'. And the >:( :censored ing awful Queen + Five collaboration.
I'll do those in groups of 5-10 years (unless someone else cares to go more in depth with a 'QUEEN +' discography (three albums) and concertography ;))
Who else did what they did over that span, and reached so many people? 'Buehler? Buehler?'
If I missed anything, my apologies.
If I went too much in depth...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zANvYB93u2g
(https://img.nbc.com/sites/nbcunbc/files/images/2021/12/16/SNL64_Steve_Martin_Monologue_1.jpg)
I promise, I won't do it again.......
well...then again :lol
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Whether you touch the Queen+ stuff or not (I know you said you would but not in depth), let me just say that you did a tremendous job.
As a more casual Queen fan I learned a lot of new things and very much enjoyed reading every posts, even if my contributions were few.
So thanks in advance for doing this.
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I personally loved this. I didn't get to participate quite as much as I could have but that's not to say it wasn't enjoyable and something I looked forward to when I logged in each day.
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Thank you for doing this, it's been great fun listening to the discography again, and discovering some rarities I'd never heard before, and learnt some interesting new facts. Well done!
Now is anyone ever going to continue that Zappa discography thread that died?
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I personally loved this. I didn't get to participate quite as much as I could have but that's not to say it wasn't enjoyable and something I looked forward to when I logged in each day.
Thank you for doing this, it's been great fun listening to the discography again, and discovering some rarities I'd never heard before, and learnt some interesting new facts. Well done!
You're both welcome. I do know I was (still am?) getting lots of views throughout. Still not finished, but I'm going to do most of the rest from 'a view from 20,000 feet' of the projects, rather than a 'continued thread on steroids' (borrowing a TAC phrase! :tup)
Now is anyone ever going to continue that Zappa discography thread that died?
I have a handful of his LPs in my collection, and I have to admit, that was one fun and great read!
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BRIAN MAY appearances as guest, songwriter, or producer during the 90s
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Greenpeace_Alternative_NRG_cover_500x440.jpg)
1994 Greenpeace – Alternative NRG "New Damage" (with Soundgarden) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKG4O7lMYXY I have to admit, when I heard this version on a bootleg disc in the late 90s with some of what's listed below, I finally dove into their catalogue, much to my enjoyment.
1995 In from the Storm (tribute to Jimi Hendrix] "One Rainy Wish" (later released on the album Another World) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLYL3ZngcM8 (this is the ‘Another World’ version)
(https://luxuryactivist.com/wp-content/uploads/Sissel-Kyrkjebo-interview.jpg)
1996 Pinocchio: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack "Il Colosso" (with Jerry Hadley, Sissel Kyrkjebø, 'Just William'), "What Are We Made Of?" (with Sissel Kyrkjebø) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlyCqpQrdMc
Brian and Sissel ‘What Are We Made Of?’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgPhgdrEOOg
I almost always envision Freddie doing Sissel’s parts. Or….that Brian and Roger could have combined forces and made an album together, with occasional lead vocals from other artists. One of his best solo offerings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sissel_Kyrkjeb%C3%B8
1996 Twang! A Tribute to Hank Marvin & The Shadows "FBI" (later released as a B-side of the single On My Way Up) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwiPXyY4anI
1998 Lullabies with a Difference "My Boy" (recorded in 1982) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko05EdayiSU believe it or not, this was recorded during the ‘Hot Space Sessions’! It was included on the 2022 reissue bonus disc of ‘Another World’. Weird personal note: I play it on certain anniversaries of two of my former dogs, both of whom were ‘my boys’…..
Other guest appearances
1990 Rock Against Repatriation "Sailing" Sailing
1991 D-Rok "Red Planet Blues", "Get Out of My Way" Oblivion
1992 Extreme "Love of My Life" Song for Love (for the Terence Higgins Trust)
1992 Judie Tzuke "I Can Read Books" Wonderland
1992 Phenomena "A Whole Lot of Love" (recorded 1988) Phenomena III: Inner Vision
1992 Tony Martin "If There Is a Heaven" Back Where I Belong
1992 Cozy Powell "Somewhere in Time" (instrumental version of "Nothin' But Blue"], "Ride to Win" The Drums Are Back guitar (bass by John Deacon on "Somewhere in Time") already mentioned
1992 Steve Hackett "Don’t Fall Away From Me" (recorded 1986) The Unauthorised Biography
1993 Paul Rodgers "I'm Ready" Muddy Water Blues: A Tribute to Muddy Waters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avngr1XrcHQ (live version)
1993 Steve Hackett "Cassandra" (recorded 1986) Guitar Noir (bonus track)
1993 The Left Handed Marriage "Appointment", "She Was Once My Friend", "I Need Time" [recorded 1967] Crazy Chain guitar, backing vocals; I Need Time written by Bill Richards and May. This was a band Brian was a member of in the 60s, in which the tapes made their way onto the market.
1994 Os Paralamas do Sucesso "El Vampiro Bajo El Sol" Severino
1995 Jennifer Rush "Who Wants to Live Forever" Out of My Hands vocals and guitar Forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv8rZ5aOnuk
With few exceptions, I have an incredibly hard time listening to another vocalist on Queen covers. This is one of them. I will admit….she should have been the one performing this at the Tribute Concert.
1995 Gordon Giltrap "Heartsong" [recorded 1993] Music for the Small Screen
1995 Carmine Appice "Nobody Knew (Black White House)" Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus …already mentioned
1995 S.O.L. (Stefan Zauner) "Make My Dream Come True" S.O.L. - Some Other Language
1996 Status Quo "Raining in My Heart" Don't Stop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut7me3IjXJM I remember hearing this back in the late 90s, and thinking it would have been a perfect song for Brian to have covered with his vocals. Lovely, syrupy song with that trademark Red Special lead guitar.
1996 Rock Therapy "Reaching Out" Reaching Out (with Paul Rodgers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8NTCKewGoI a different version of this on tape would be the intro for a Queen + Paul Rodgers tour.
ROGER TAYLOR
1992 Shakin' Stevens "Radio" The Epic Years (album) drums https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7ZM-7PoDEw
1997 SAS Band (Spike Edney's group) "That's the Way God Planned It" SAS Band (album) drums, vocals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEm-qNfrz10
JOHN DEACON plays bass on the above listed song, as well as on Cozy Powell’s ‘Somewhere In Time’ (which became Brian’s ‘Nothin’ But Blue’, where he’s also credited)
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1995 Jennifer Rush "Who Wants to Live Forever" Out of My Hands vocals and guitar Forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv8rZ5aOnuk
With few exceptions, I have an incredibly hard time listening to another vocalist on Queen covers. This is one of them. I will admit….she should have been the one performing this at the Tribute Concert.
As far as having issues with other vocalists covering Queen songs, I get that. It's really because Freddie was so strong. It's one of the reasons I feel the same when people try and sing a Dio song, or even a Dickinson Era Maiden song.
It really works if the covering vocalist is amazing in their own right, as this girl seems to be, but also you can't be afraid of tinkering with an arrangement either, as this does.
Plus, Brian's vocals are amazing and I think I commented a few times in the thread that the Brian sung Queen songs feel really genuine, even if the vocals weren't great. But you can tell that over the years, he really developed as a vocalist.
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I went back to look and didn't see it, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there:
Brian May did the guitar solo on "When Death Calls" from Black Sabbath's Headless Cross album.
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It was here, Stads!
COZY POWELL
Quite the career! Amongst the big names he drummed for were Jeff Beck for two albums, then had a few Top Twenty songs with his band 'Bedlam', before joining Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow from '76 to '80. per https://www.last.fm/music/Cozy+Powell/+wiki "in 1980, when Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham died, Cozy was considered by the band as a possible replacement for Bonham. The band decided against it and disbanded." :o
Powell then performed with a number of major bands - Michael Schenker Group from 1981 to 1982, Whitesnake from 1982 to 1984, then with Keith Emerson, Greg Lake in 1986 and Gary Moore in 1989, then Black Sabbath intermittently from 1989 to 1991, and again from 1993 - 1995.
In '89, long time friend Tony Iommi asked Brian to play lead guitar on 'When Death Calls' from the 'Headless Cross' LP while both Cozy and bassist Neil Murray were members of Black Sabbath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78YRHNQSR2s
At the GUITAR LEGENDS concert in Seville Spain on October 19, 1991, Cozy and Neil performed the entire show as the rhythm section (page 33 of this discography), with Brian performing 'Driven By You' on stage for the first time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3G6M2sM8R8
Brian, Cozy, and Neil would perform together on a few albums, tour together as well, before Powell's tragic car accident in '98.
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/bricoz_b.jpg)
'Colin Flooks' and Brian
Between late 1992 and early 1993, Powell put together an occasional touring band using the old band name 'Cozy Powell's Hammer' featuring himself on drums, Neil Murray on bass, Mario Parga on guitar and Tony Martin on vocals and occasional rhythm guitar/synth module. The band performed throughout Europe and appeared on German television. Powell made headlines in 1991 when he appeared on the BBC children's programme 'Record Breakers', where he set a world record for the most drums (400) played in under one minute, live on television.
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Hey, I wasn't bitching or complaining or anything. It's your thread, do whatever you want. You've done a great job, for sure. I was just surprised, that's all. Makes no difference to me.
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^
Yeah, … I know… and I’m sorry for my snippy retort.
It did spur me on as a needed life distraction to spend a couple of hours on a Queen + Paul and + Adam set of posts. Amazing how much easier to do them without going into microscopic details (similar to the recent Brian, Roger, and John post).
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1995 Jennifer Rush "Who Wants to Live Forever" Out of My Hands vocals and guitar Forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv8rZ5aOnuk
With few exceptions, I have an incredibly hard time listening to another vocalist on Queen covers. This is one of them. I will admit….she should have been the one performing this at the Tribute Concert.
As far as having issues with other vocalists covering Queen songs, I get that. It's really because Freddie was so strong. It's one of the reasons I feel the same when people try and sing a Dio song, or even a Dickinson Era Maiden song.
It really works if the covering vocalist is amazing in their own right, as this girl seems to be, but also you can't be afraid of tinkering with an arrangement either, as this does.
Plus, Brian's vocals are amazing and I think I commented a few times in the thread that the Brian sung Queen songs feel really genuine, even if the vocals weren't great. But you can tell that over the years, he really developed as a vocalist.
His duet with Sissel on 'What Are We Made Of?' was certainly another. Him and Roger could (should) have taken that type of approach later on.
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NO ONE BUT YOU b/w Gimme The Prize (instrumental)
Released: November 1997 (Europe, Japan, US),
Withdrawn by Parlophone in the UK, fans created an online petition to have the single released there. They succeeded (welcome to the internet age!)
Released: UK (Parlophone), January 5, 1998
(the withdrawn UK single originally had ‘Princes Of The Universe’ as the double A-side, used for European and Japanese releases, which would have been the smart thing to do. But then, Freddie’s estate would have received more royalties, since the song is credited to him. Hmmmmm……)
Charts: UK #13
Netherlands #26, Germany #75
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLKyaOLb2Fs 13 MILLION Views
The original promo video, with no inserted footage, and just the three remaining members of the band (I much prefer this one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8W7qkJvLFk
CD Single
1. No-One But You (Only The Good Die Young) - 4:13
2. Tie Your Mother Down (Single Version) - 3:44
3. We Will Rock You (Rick Rubin Remix) - 4:59
4. Gimme the Prize (Instrumental Remix for 'The Eye') - 4:01 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jRKT4NsE2U
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/73/No-One_but_You_%28Only_the_Good_Die_Young%29_%28Queen_single_-_cover_art%29.gif)
******
This would mark the last time John Deacon would perform as a member of Queen.
Brian May finished writing this in ’97, after Queen reformed for a one-off appearance with Elton John in Paris. It was intended to be on his upcoming solo album Another World. I love this from wiki: "He sent the demo of the song to Roger, who by his own account put it in a drawer and forgot about it. After eventually hearing it, Roger suggested that it could be turned into a Queen song." He also changed the tempo and had Brian make the lyrics less specific to Mercury.
As to one of the B-sides
I’d have preferred this version of ‘Gimme The Prize’, with vocals included, but much of the soundtrack voices removed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7np_HRSd5U
No comments as to including the WWRY ruined by Rick Rubin version. Certainly truth in advertising.
a live version of NOBY from 2002, which I watched and listened to for the first time this week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcYLLRfesgs
(https://queenpedia.com/images/f/f9/Nobygermanycdsrev.jpg)
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QUEEN ROCKS LP
Released: November 3, 1997, UK (Parlophone), USA (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #7, USA (DNC)
Germany #12, Netherlands #14, Austria #16, Switzerland #16, Scotland #17, New Zealand #32, Sweden #51
Certifications: Platinum in UK
Gold in Australia and Japan
Singles:
No-One But You (Only The Good Die Young) b/w Gimme The Price (The eYe Instrumental Remix)
Released: January 1998 (after fan petitions)
Charts: UK #13, Netherlands #26, Germany #75
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/70/Queen-rocks.jpg/220px-Queen-rocks.jpg)
Queen are: John Deacon, Brian May, Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor
'No-One But You' is of course another story
SIDE ONE
We Will Rock You (May) 2:01
Tie Your Mother Down (May) 3:45
I Want It All 4:30
Seven Seas Of Rhye (Mercury) 2:48
I Can't Live With You (1997 'Rocks' Retake) 4:47
SIDE TWO
Hammer To Fall (May) 4:25
Stone Cold Crazy 2:14
Now I'm Here (May) 4:13
Fat Bottomed Girls (May) 4:16
Keep Yourself Alive (May) 3:47
SIDE THREE
Tear It Up (May) 3:25
One Vision 5:10
Sheer Heart Attack (Taylor) 3:24
I'm In Love With My Car (Taylor) 3:11
SIDE FOUR
Put Out The Fire (May) 3:18
Headlong 4:38
It's Late (May) 6:26
No-One But You (Only the Good Die Young) (May) 4:11
******
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-5%2Fqueen-rocks-uklpgatefold1.jpg&hash=0b6136e45d4798bbf905c83a82b1bddf556eba72) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-5%2Fqueen-rocks-uklpgatefold2.jpg&hash=7c3ccecb3a58b978057435a2fc1086d2e098c956)
An obvious change from the phoenix and fairies and lions on the original crest for the cover art. Nice gatefold with lyrics. Thought it quite odd that no pictures of the band were included. Music wise, one gets what the title says you'll get....a nice collection of the harder side of the band’s discography, with the one new song to finish. Also, the complete album versions are used.
The retake of ‘I Can’t Live With You’ has a harder edge, with real drums and other minor changes, and is better than the original version on 'Innuendo' (agree with KevShmev’s earlier comment). 'I Want It All' combines the vocal intro on the 45 with the album version (I made a version like that for myself when the single was released in '89) and Brian's guitar solo is slightly different. Makes for a nice change for something different.
The omission of ‘Princes Of The Universe’ was a bit of a head scratcher. Since there were some remixed versions here, l wish they would have removed that 'nails on a blackboard' noise in 'Sheer Heart Attack'. ;)
For the newcomers, a nice introduction of the harder side of the band. For those who already these songs, a couple of changes would have been preferred. ‘The Hero’ original movie version from ‘Flash Gordon’ (not the one from the soundtrack) would have made a nice addition. And a couple of BBC versions….. the extended version of ‘Son And Daughter’ perhaps, and certainly the fast version of ‘We Will Rock You’ (with a teaser saying ‘from the complete BBC Sessions coming soon….' (not twenty years later). Or offered them as the B side of ‘No One But You’ or additional tracks on the CD single.
And perhaps, instead of the studio version of 'Now I'm Here', they could have included the live version on the 'Concert for Kampuchea' LP, again with the 'from the '79 Hammersmith concert, to be released in xxxx....', instead of never having officially released it. :sad:
'Stone Cold Crazy', 'It's Late', and 'Keep Yourself Alive' get their well deserved inclusion on a 'best of' compilation.
And 'Hey!', I finally had 'Tie Your Mother Down' without the 'A Day at the Races' album intro ;)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aze7In4dL.jpg)
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Queen Rocks is probably my favourite compilation of the band. Plenty of my favourites and a good hard rocking album all up. I think the retake of I Can’t Live With You is a way better version, personally.
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Queen Rocks is probably my favourite compilation of the band. Plenty of my favourites and a good hard rocking album all up. I think the retake of I Can’t Live With You is a way better version, personally.
Mostly agree, because it wasn't just 'hits'. I could rattle off a dozen songs that would have made a great addition to GH I.
And the retake of I Can't Live With You did really rock ;)
Tomorrow: a forgotten (by me) set of video releases, and a computer game (the video sucked, the music did not)
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THE MAGIC YEARS Vol 1,2,3
Released: 1987
These three VHS offerings were made available in '87, with snipped performances of their early years on through their final concert at Knebworth in 1986.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Fthe-magic-years-ukvhsvol1front.jpg&hash=51412d6c5bba04c1197c97d962c934277cd5961f) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Fthe-magic-years-ukvhsvol2front.jpg&hash=b0a8a7cf4202850946a6aef9203745b694165592) (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Fthe-magic-years-ukvhsvol3front.jpg&hash=43cadc4a8e56b067a34de41795d013d3dffb30d6)
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/queen/videos/the-magic-years-volume-1.htm
More additional candy for my ever craving sweet tooth to indulge on at the time. There’s more footage and concerts that have been officially released since then, so many bootleg concerts now on youtube, but back then this was part of what little was available.
I purchased these in the late 90s, and my memory made me think that's when they were released :D A nice collection that I remember also watching with the current Mrs. DA in 2002, and then selling off at a convention swap meet.
I went back and inserted it at the end of the Billy Squier ‘Enough Is Enough’ post on page 28 as well.
A breakdown of each video tape https://www.rewatchclassictv.com/products/queen-magic-years-documentary
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THE eYe
Released: April 3, 1998
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen:_The_eYe
Computer game on five discs, but more importantly, ...music...
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3e/Queentheeyecover.jpg/220px-Queentheeyecover.jpg)
Disc 1 - "The Arena Domain"
Data track (includes Arboria) - 22:22
Made in Heaven (loop) - 1:08
I Want It All (instrumental, remix) - 4:43
Dragon Attack (instrumental, remix) - 4:23
Fight From The Inside (instrumental) - 3:03
Hang On In There (intro) - 0:57
In The Lap of the Gods...Revisited (edit, vocals) - 0:32
Modern Times Rock'n'Roll (instrumental) - 1:44
More Of That Jazz (instrumental) - 4:30
We Will Rock You (commentary mix) - 0:58
Liar (intro) - 1:26
The Night Comes Down (intro) - 0:48
Party (instrumental) - 2:26 (not on the English version of the game)
Chinese Torture (usual version) - 1:44
I Want It All (instrumental, remix) - 4:53
Disc 2 - The Works Domain
Data track - 25:45
Mustapha (intro, vocals) - 0:26
Mother Love (instrumental) - 4:16
You Take My Breath Away (instrumental) - 3:15
One Vision (intro) - 0:32
Sweet Lady (edit, vocals) - 1:03
Was It All Worth It (instrumental, edit) - 1:57
Get Down, Make Love (instrumental, remix) - 3:49
Heaven For Everyone (instrumental) - 5:36
Hammer To Fall (instrumental) - 4:22
Tie Your Mother Down (intro) - 0:39
One Vision (instrumental, remix) - 2:27
It's Late (edit, vocals) - 1:08
Procession (usual version) - 1:14
Made in Heaven (instrumental, remix) - 5:24
Disc 3 - The Theatre Domain
Data track - 21:53
It's A Beautiful Day (remix) - 1:38
Don't Lose Your Head (instrumental) - 1:59
Princes Of The Universe (instrumental, remix) - 1:08
A Kind Of Magic (instrumental) - 4:25
Gimme The Prize (remix, vocals) - 4:03
Bring Back That Leroy Brown (edit, vocals) - 0:27
Ha Ha Ha, It's Magic! (vocal sample) - 0:06
You Don't Fool Me (instrumental) - 5:58
Let Me Entertain You (instrumental, intro) - 0:49
Khashoggi's Ship (instrumental) - 1:37
Forever (usual version) - 3:21
Don't Try So Hard (edit, vocals) - 1:35
Was It All Worth It (intro) - 0:37
Disc 4 - The Innuendo Domain
Data track - 25:40
Brighton Rock (intro) - 0:13
I'm Going Slightly Mad (instrumental) - 2:40
Bijou (instrumental, edit) - 1:27
Khashoggi's Ship (instrumental) - 1:37
The Show Must Go On (instrumental, remix) - 4:26
The Hitman (instrumental, edit) - 1:07
Too Much Love Will Kill You (edit, vocals) - 1:50
I Can't Live With You (instrumental, remix) - 4:40
Love Of My Life (harp intro only) - 0:04
Disc 5 - The Final Domain
Data track - 21:48
Death On Two Legs (intro) - 0:40
Death On Two Legs (instrumental) - 3:07
Ride The Wild Wind (instrumental, remix) - 4:45
Headlong (instrumental) - 4:53
Breakthru (instrumental) - 2:07
Hammer To Fall (instrumental) - 4:32
Gimme The Prize (instrumental, remix) - 4:12
The Hitman (instrumental, remix) - 2:40
Don't Lose Your Head (usual version) - 4:40
Gimme The Prize (vocals, remix) - 4:11
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Finteractive%2Fqueen-the-eye-ukcdrominner4back.jpg&hash=4fb5d61fd323b16c56f5d136924ec0d1f0d78473)
*****
Had a friend who visited the UK at this time pick this one up for me. One had to be extremely careful putting this into a CD player, as that loud buzz from the data tracks felt like it was 10x louder than the music, and would knock your socks off if your stereo volume was still up.
Lots of edits and mostly instrumental versions. Those were quite enjoyable (Khashoggi’s Ship being one) with some slight changes at times in the mixing by Justin Shirley-Smith. I especially enjoyed a couple of the ‘Gimme The Prize’ versions, as the spoken words from the soundtrack were removed.
Gained more of an appreciation of Freddie’s voice, especially when listening to ‘The Show Must Go On’ without him.
Our originals were sold long ago, with cdr copies of the audio. Some decade I might listen to it again.
No idea about the video game. I know my ex tried it, and showed me a few things, but quickly we both lost interest. Most said it stunk.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Finteractive%2Fqueen-the-eye-ukcdromback.jpg&hash=f0966ca7cc835af7bed9df858e69c71f90029c4c)
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NO ONE BUT YOU
Released: November 1997 (Europe, Japan, US),
The original promo video, with no inserted footage, and just the three remaining members of the band (I much prefer this one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8W7qkJvLFk
I have zero recollection of this. I'm not sure it would've made my radar anyway, but that's a nice song. The youtube comments mention John looking at the camera at 2:17, and man, that's haunting.
QUEEN ROCKS LP
Released: November 3, 1997, UK (Parlophone), USA (Hollywood Records)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/70/Queen-rocks.jpg/220px-Queen-rocks.jpg)
So I obviously don't remember this, but it looks like such a random choice of tracks.
What I do remember was that I was aware that Hollywood Records took over the Queen catalog, and they tried to squeeze every nickel out of it.
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Yeah, the 'No One But You' video just all seems kind of cold, from the black and white footage, to John rarely being shown and seemingly miles away physically and emotionally. The last time the three are shown together, and the only post 'Made In Heaven' 'just' Queen song ever recorded.
The 'Rocks' LP did the trick it was supposed to do, and was a 'band' decision, sold by both Hollywood Records and Parlophone.
'Milking the cash cow': it wasn't just Hwood Records https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Box_Sets
The wife and I each had 'The Complete Works' and 'Box Of Trix' from EMI. The fanatic that she was, she still has the 1997 'Queen Rocks' box (Hollywood Records). Both of us also had 1992 'The Queen Collection' (Hollywood Records) box set. I'll admit that was a nice one, with the HR versions of 'Greatest Hits', 'Classic Queen', an '89 interview on a third disc that also had 'Thank God It's Christmas'.....the first time I had heard this '84 release.
There's also the Japanese EMI 'The CD Singles Box' of 3" CDs.
And...the 'Queen Ultimate Box Set' from Parlophone http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/queen/discography/ultimate-queen.htm It cost 300 pounds back in '95. It looked nice in her old study, and tried to sell it a few years ago for much less than the $2000 listed here :lol
https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m42497386683/?gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18190861155&utm_content=t0&adgroup=142235858762&network=g&device=c&merchant_id=126358573&product_id=m42497386683&product_id=829035334551&gclid=Cj0KCQjw--2aBhD5ARIsALiRlwAcdv7EFzpYBEB16UqYukH54h82ge6SvZdLvrQBV5MjKQ--qpciSngaAlbGEALw_wcB
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fboxed-sets%2Fthe-crown-jewels-usboxcontents.jpg&hash=efd35fde031514c2b6bb1348aee67e3c7bc4878f)
One more Hollywood Records milking (or fleecing) occured in November of '98 with the release of 'The Crown Jewels'
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=The_Crown_Jewels
The first eight albums, with the errors from the original '91 HR issues fixed, but with nothing new. Cost then was around $100. I do still have the one given to me as a Christmas present that year (so I have the EMI original imports, the HR '91 reissues, and these in my collection....and cdr copies of the 2011 reissues from the library.....)
1998 also saw the release of two solo albums, and the loss of yet another Brian 'bandmate'. Next post.....
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COZY POWELL (1947-1998)
"I play drums like I drive - crazy!"
from the Brian May website https://brianmay.com/cozy/cozy.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_Powell
The accident from wiki: "Powell died on 5 April 1998 following a car crash while driving his Saab 9000 at 104 mph (167 km/h) in bad weather on the M4 motorway near Bristol. He had been dating a married woman who was having problems with her husband.[11] Upset, she phoned him and asked him to come quickly to her house which was approximately 35 miles (56 km) away. As he was driving to her house, she phoned him again and asked "Where are you?" He informed her he was on his way and she then heard him say "Oh shit!" followed by a loud bang.[11]
Powell was ejected through the windscreen and died at the scene.[11] According to the BBC report, at the time of the crash Powell's blood-alcohol reading was over the legal limit, and he was not wearing a seat belt, in addition to talking with his girlfriend on his mobile phone. The official investigation also found evidence of a slow puncture in a rear tyre that, it was suggested, could well have caused a sudden collapse of the tyre with a consequent loss of control of the car.[12]
He was living in Lambourn in Berkshire at the time and had returned to the studio shortly before his death to record with Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green. At the time of death, Powell had recently pulled out of tour rehearsals with Yngwie Malmsteen, having suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident. One of his last phone calls, to Joe Geesin (his fan club editor), was to express distress about this, to describe the physiotherapy treatment he was undergoing, and to voice his enthusiasm for the upcoming Brian May tour.
A memorial plaque in Cirencester was unveiled on January 7 2016, in a ceremony led by Brian May, with Suzi Quatro, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Don Airey and Tony Iommi in attendance."
(https://bestclassicbands.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cozy-powell-500.jpg)
(https://www.metal-hammer.de/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/13/14/GettyImages-117044615-992x560.jpg)
Rainbow 1975-80
(https://i.prcdn.co/img?regionKey=IDjIW0Rcb8MpYDNQN6KV9Q%3D%3D)
Michael Schenker Group
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CO4jw4SWsAAqOMN.jpg)
Whitesnake (Neil Murray is on the left) 1982-85
(https://i.scdn.co/image/78a9a4ce866a04099044aa0b22bb9c92a2b330dc)
Black Sabbath 1988-91, 94-95
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cozypowell.com%2Fimages%2Fgarymoore.jpg&hash=611f9743f905f6d945bae08e52a1a8735f99de2f)
Gary Moore, 1988
(https://superockers.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/brianband.jpg?w=640)
the Brian May band
Brian's next album was set for release in a couple of months, with a couple months after that. Eric Singer, who had also played for Gary Moore and Black Sabbath, and then KISS after Eric Carr died (the same day as Freddie) until Peter Criss came back in '96, took Cozy's place as drummer on Brian's tour.
I so remember reading the news of the accident that day. FWIW, I so felt for Brian. Music and touring had become fun again after the loss of another dear friend, with Cozy being one of the main reasons of that enjoyment.
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BRIAN MAY BUSINESS 45
The Business (Rock On Cozy Mix) b/w Maybe Baby
Released: May, 1998 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #51
Business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbYtExRCmW8
Released one month after Cozy Powell’s death, this single mix differs from the eventual LP version by featuring some added drumming as the intro, and ends with part of his drum solo from ‘Live At The Brixton Academy’. Gives the song an even harder edge. The regular ‘Business’ 45 edit did not chart in the States.
Maybe Baby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upkdd_sxZvI
a nonalbum cover of the Buddy Holly hit. And well done, I might add. This should have found its way onto the album.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/6/6f/Businesscd.jpg)
CD single
1. Business (Rock On Cozy Mix)
2. Maybe Baby
3. Brian Talks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae5lhVxGj8Q
4. Enhanced Section
(https://i.discogs.com/pvhRLgjjRkm2_OfBwcKxelAcHkBKBwHt7m05lHb26zE/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:586/w:597/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTMzOTQx/MjAtMTM4NDExMDI2/MS0yNzg0LmpwZWc.jpeg)
North American sleeve
This special mix is a tribute to my dear friend Cozy Powell, indisputably one of the greatest Rock drummers of all time, and one of the greatest blokes you could ever hope to meet. Cozy recorded 'The Business' and 'Maybe Baby' with me as part of my solo album project, Another World, throughout which, with his unique energy, he gave me the greatest support and encouragement. We all loved him dearly and will miss him more than words can say. Cozy, you truly were "The Business"
A donation from the single also went to one of his charities, the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Fsingles%2Fthe-business-ukcdback.jpg&hash=d13b157a2aa8ed7a98b9cc3fb10afe05ccbf3916)
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BRIAN MAY BUSINESS 45
The Business (Rock On Cozy Mix) b/w Maybe Baby
Released: May, 1998 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #51
Business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbYtExRCmW8
Released one month after Cozy Powell’s death, this single mix differs from the eventual LP version by featuring some added drumming as the intro, and ends with part of his drum solo from ‘Live At The Brixton Academy’. Gives the song an even harder edge. The regular ‘Business’ 45 edit did not chart in the States.
Maybe Baby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upkdd_sxZvI
a nonalbum cover of the Buddy Holly hit. And well done, I might add. This should have found its way onto the album.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/6/6f/Businesscd.jpg)
CD single
1. Business (Rock On Cozy Mix)
2. Maybe Baby
3. Brian Talks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae5lhVxGj8Q
4. Enhanced Section
(https://i.discogs.com/pvhRLgjjRkm2_OfBwcKxelAcHkBKBwHt7m05lHb26zE/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:586/w:597/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTMzOTQx/MjAtMTM4NDExMDI2/MS0yNzg0LmpwZWc.jpeg)
North American sleeve
This special mix is a tribute to my dear friend Cozy Powell, indisputably one of the greatest Rock drummers of all time, and one of the greatest blokes you could ever hope to meet. Cozy recorded 'The Business' and 'Maybe Baby' with me as part of my solo album project, Another World, throughout which, with his unique energy, he gave me the greatest support and encouragement. We all loved him dearly and will miss him more than words can say. Cozy, you truly were "The Business"
A donation from the single also went to one of his charities, the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Fsingles%2Fthe-business-ukcdback.jpg&hash=d13b157a2aa8ed7a98b9cc3fb10afe05ccbf3916)
That Cozy mix ends awesome with the drum solo. I like it!!
COZY POWELL (1947-1998)
"I play drums like I drive - crazy!"
from the Brian May website https://brianmay.com/cozy/cozy.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_Powell
The accident from wiki: "Powell died on 5 April 1998 following a car crash while driving his Saab 9000 at 104 mph (167 km/h) in bad weather on the M4 motorway near Bristol. He had been dating a married woman who was having problems with her husband.[11] Upset, she phoned him and asked him to come quickly to her house which was approximately 35 miles (56 km) away. As he was driving to her house, she phoned him again and asked "Where are you?" He informed her he was on his way and she then heard him say "Oh shit!" followed by a loud bang.[11]
Powell was ejected through the windscreen and died at the scene.[11] According to the BBC report, at the time of the crash Powell's blood-alcohol reading was over the legal limit, and he was not wearing a seat belt, in addition to talking with his girlfriend on his mobile phone. The official investigation also found evidence of a slow puncture in a rear tyre that, it was suggested, could well have caused a sudden collapse of the tyre with a consequent loss of control of the car.[12]
He was living in Lambourn in Berkshire at the time and had returned to the studio shortly before his death to record with Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green. At the time of death, Powell had recently pulled out of tour rehearsals with Yngwie Malmsteen, having suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident. One of his last phone calls, to Joe Geesin (his fan club editor), was to express distress about this, to describe the physiotherapy treatment he was undergoing, and to voice his enthusiasm for the upcoming Brian May tour.
A memorial plaque in Cirencester was unveiled on January 7 2016, in a ceremony led by Brian May, with Suzi Quatro, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Don Airey and Tony Iommi in attendance."
(https://bestclassicbands.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cozy-powell-500.jpg)
(https://www.metal-hammer.de/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/13/14/GettyImages-117044615-992x560.jpg)
Rainbow 1975-80
(https://brianmay.com/cozy/cr06.jpg)
Michael Schenker Group
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CO4jw4SWsAAqOMN.jpg)
Whitesnake (Neil Murray is on the left) 1982-85
(https://i.scdn.co/image/78a9a4ce866a04099044aa0b22bb9c92a2b330dc)
Black Sabbath 1988-91, 94-95
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cozypowell.com%2Fimages%2Fgarymoore.jpg&hash=611f9743f905f6d945bae08e52a1a8735f99de2f)
Gary Moore, 1988
(https://superockers.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/brianband.jpg?w=640)
the Brian May band
Brian's next album was set for release in a couple of months, with a couple months after that. Eric Singer, who had also played for Gary Moore and Black Sabbath, and then KISS after Eric Carr died (the same day as Freddie) until Peter Criss came back in '96, took Cozy's place as drummer on Brian's tour.
I so remember reading the news of the accident that day. FWIW, I so felt for Brian. Music and touring had become fun again after the loss of another dear friend, with Cozy being one of the main reasons of that enjoyment.
I used to stare at this picture on the back of MSG, the Michael Schenker Group's second album.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYO4laPlciI/Xmgu_t9IWMI/AAAAAAAADaI/UpCsByVWkRIfZT5x4PdVJstdww14JU2NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Michael%2BSchenker%2BGroup%2B-%2BMSG%2B%25281981%2529%2Bfront%2Bback%2Balbum%2Bcovers.pg.jpg)
Looking For Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqE59en2epE
My all time favorite Cozy performance comes on this album..
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQVUtaYCkBC4lzoIm0FFoeGyGNyyV-6vBNsKxh2Kd8bagnpcuhfIueYoiSsCPaqkhkRVic&usqp=CAU)
https://youtu.be/htLlpJZ6r18?t=45
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THE eYe
Released: April 3, 1998
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen:_The_eYe
Computer game on five discs, but more importantly, ...music...
Had a friend who visited the UK at this time pick this one up for me. One had to be extremely careful putting this into a CD player, as that loud buzz from the data tracks felt like it was 10x louder than the music, and would knock your socks off if your stereo volume was still up.
Lots of edits and mostly instrumental versions. Those were quite enjoyable (Khashoggi’s Ship being one) with some slight changes at times in the mixing by Justin Shirley-Smith. I especially enjoyed a couple of the ‘Gimme The Prize’ versions, as the spoken words from the soundtrack were removed.
Gained more of an appreciation of Freddie’s voice, especially when listening to ‘The Show Must Go On’ without him.
Our originals were sold long ago, with cdr copies of the audio. Some decade I might listen to it again.
No idea about the video game. I know my ex tried it, and showed me a few things, but quickly we both lost interest. Most said it stunk.
Practically their Ed Hunter, hey?
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Yeah, came out about the same time. Sooner actually. First thing I thought of.
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Other than Iron Maiden, did any other band try this, with similar poor reviews of their games? Theirs was released in '99.
Rainbow at the Rockpalast....great intro, both Ritchie and Cozy are on fire, and that extended 'Man On The Silver Mountain' version from Munich '77 are pure killer! :tup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpgu9wKJVbc&list=PLYFAAfhX89-cwT7ejpxzy3AaTgoBS_8uR&index=7
oh, and hell yeah, 'The Business' rocks!
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BRIAN MAY ANOTHER WORLD LP
Released: June 1, 1998 UK (Parlophone), September 15 US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #23
Germany #32, Netherlands #47, Austria #48
2022 reissue: UK #14
Scotland #6, Germany #15, Switzerland #31, Japan #35, Spain #39, Austria #47, Belgium #95
Singles:
Business b/w Maybe Baby
Released: June 1998
Charts: UK #51
Why Don't We Try Again b/w Only Make Believe - FBI
Released: September
Charts: UK #44
‘On My Way Up’ and ‘Another World’ were also released in The Netherlands (DNC).
https://www.queenvault.com/AnotherWorld/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Another_World_(Brian_May_album)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/13/Brian_May_-_Another_World.jpg)
Arrangement and production by Brian May
Engineering and co-production by Justin Shirley-Smith
Recorded at the Allerton Hill Studio
Mastered by Kevin Metcalfe at Townhouse Studios
Design and photography – Richard Gray
Equipment supervision, maintenance, stuff – Pete Malandrone
Brian May – vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass guitar, programming
Cozy Powell – drums on "Business", "China Belle", "The Guv'nor", "Slow Down", "One Rainy Wish", and "All The Way From Memphis", drums and percussion on "Why Don't We Try Again?"
Steve Ferrone – drums on "Another World"
Neil Murray – bass guitar on "China Belle", "Slow Down", "One Rainy Wish", and "All The Way From Memphis"
Ken Taylor – bass guitar on "Another World"
Jamie Moses – guitar on "Slow Down"
Spike Edney – keyboards on "Slow Down"
London Metropolitan Orchestra – strings on "One Rainy Wish", conducted by Michael Kamen
Cathy Porter – backing vocals on "On My Way Up"
Shelley Preston – backing vocals on "On My Way Up" and "All the Way from Memphis"
Nikki Love – backing vocals on "All the Way from Memphis"
Becci Glover – backing vocals on "All the Way from Memphis"
Taylor Hawkins – drums on "Cyborg"
Jeff Beck – guitar on "The Guv'nor"
Ian Hunter – guest raconteur on "All the Way from Memphis"
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcJIjHD24Qk&list=PLkvNP54Usc1PjfsU2h-PXzEzXph6FvrOF
Full title track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqmCq8dpVJ0
SIDE ONE
Space 0:47
Business 5:07
China Belle 4:01
Why Don't We Try Again 5:24
On My Way Up 2:57
Cyborg 3:54
SIDE TWO
The Guv'nor 4:13
Wilderness 4:52
Slow Down (Larry Williams) 4:18
One Rainy Wish (Jimi Hendrix) 4:05
All The Way From Memphis (Ian Hunter) 5:16
Another World 7:30
Bonus tracks on the Japanese CD
F.B.I (Hank Marvin) 3:11
Hot Patootie (Richard O'Brien) 3:20
There is a TE Conway edition and a ‘Red Special’ release associated with this album. Those will be mentioned in another post
2022 reissue bonus disc
1. Brian Talks 1:15
2. Business (Rock on Cozy Mix) 4:41
3. Hot Patootie (O'Brien) 3:22
4. F.B.I. (original rough mix) (Marvin) 3:19
5. Maybe Baby (Buddy Holly, Norman Petty) 2:13
6. Only Make Believe (Conway Twitty, Jack Nance) 2:39
7. Otro Lugar (Another World sung in Spanish) 4:07
8. Cyborg (solo instrumental version) 3:30
9. Business Stings 2:15
10. I'll Be Prayin' 1:09
11. On My Way Up (guitar version) 1:24
12. The Last Great Optimist 0:54
13. On My Way Up (live in Paris, June '98) 8:05
14. Hammer To Fall (live in Paris, June '98) 9:11
15. My Boy 2:12
The 2022 reissue with bonus disc is worth checking out. Nice instrumental additions, includes all of the non album songs, ‘The Business’ 45 Cozy mix, a couple of good live versions, and the tender ‘My Boy’. A shame that ‘What Are We Made Of?’ wasn’t included.
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Some good stuff, but it’s a disjointed hodge podge of new material and covers….some of it works, some of it doesn’t.
Originally intended as a covers album titled ‘Heroes’, Brian changed his mind part way through. He wrote the eventual title song for a Gwyneth Paltrow romantic comedy ‘Sliding Doors’. Due to contractual issues, it was not used. This rejection, coupled with Brian writing some more songs, resulted in a change of direction.
‘Business’ simply kicks axe as much or more as ‘Resurrection’. ‘China Belle’ has some good guitar, but he’s trying a bit too hard on this. ‘Why Don’t We Try Again’ is a mid tempo song about lost loves (either from breakups or death) with some nice lead guitar work midway through. The line ‘in the dark, there’s a desert flower’ may be a reference to Freddie. My second favorite song of the album.
‘On My Way Up’ is a ‘’39’ Let Your Heart Rule Your Head’ wannabe. It’s a fun and upbeat tune, but a bit too brash and fast with the BVs at times. And it didn't fit the 'flow' of the album in this spot.
The two songs with guest appearances should shine, which they do instrumentally, but there’s just something ‘missing’ (or too much) in them. ‘Cyborg’ was made for a video game years earlier. This tune really rocks, with Taylor Hawkins playing drums, but the computer voice game voice irritates me. Just heard the instrumental a month ago…..enjoyable without the video voice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TJwWUGBw2c
The other song is ‘The Guv’nor’, with Jeff Beck making a guest appearance. Meh lyrically, a treat for the most part instrumentally.
‘Wilderness’ is another gentle ballad, somewhat similar to ‘Why Don’t We Try Again’. Except that after some crashing BVs at the two plus minute mark, comes one of Brian's most mesmerizing and melting guitar solos for the next minute. The final two and a half minutes alone was worth purchasing this album.
‘Slow Down’ is a damn good rocking cover. ‘One Rainy Wish’ was done for a Hendrix tribute LP earlier titled ‘In From The Storm’. It’s well done, with added effects not appearing on the original. ‘All The Way To Memphis’ is a tribute to long time friend Ian Hunter. It’s quite a heavy cover, but the BVs are quite bad. Brian and Cozy do rock on it. A rather melancholy finish, hearing an automobile speeding off into the distance at the end……
The album ends with the title track…..but it doesn’t. After nearly a minute of silence, an ‘Easter Egg’ of a gentle piano instrumental appears, mostly a cover of ‘Business’. It has been given the title ‘Being On My Own’.
Two covers that didn’t make the album that should have: ‘Maybe Baby’ (mentioned in a prior post), and the Hank Marvin & The Shadows instrumental ‘FBI’ is the other. Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt from Status Quo provide additional guitars on 'FBI'. I’d always thought that Cozy played drums, but they are programmed here. :o
FWIW, I would have trimmed some of the fat and gone with:
Side One: Space / Business / China Belle / Why Don’t We Try Again / Maybe Baby / FBI
Side Two: On My Way Up / Wilderness / Slow Down / One Rainy Wish / Another World
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Another World is the only solo album I have by any of the Queen members, and I dig it. I will have to bust it out this week, as it's been a while.
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A personal side note on "Why Don’t We Try Again"... I was breaking up with my then girlfriend, and we were literally saying goodbyes in my car and I was playing this album with the volume down while we were talking. Then "Why Don’t We Try Again" came on right when we both felt lost for words and didn't say a thing for a few minutes... midway through the song she turned and said it is a nice song... maybe we should give each other one more shot? :lol
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…and…?
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Haha! We got back together and "Tried it again" for about another year before we broke up for good. That being said, we stayed in touch to this day and remain friends :)
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Hopefully this time you guys broke up with the radio off. :lol
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All they heard was radio gaga anyway.
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Zydar for the alleyoop!
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Haha! We got back together and "Tried it again" for about another year before we broke up for good. That being said, we stayed in touch to this day and remain friends :)
Well, you at least got another 'one year of love' out of the relationship <groan>
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That it lasted so long was truly a Miracle.
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:D
I have to tread carefully here....as I don't want to make light of his memory of the song. I have a few as well, along with others, that .... well....you know.....
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other ANOTHER WORLD related releases
RETRO ROCK SPECIAL
Released: 1998, USA (Hollywood)
Hot Patootie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkF5G64sB0U
Maybe Baby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QAnnN-nnAs
F.B.I. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azcZBnEwpFc
Only Make Believe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znkaJlEQN8k
(https://queenpedia.com/images/b/b8/Brian_retro.jpg)
This was a 4-track promo CD, released as a US-only send-away offer with the ‘Another World’ LP. I ordered the European version, and received it in about two weeks. I forget all that was involved online to order the North American LP with this bonus. All I know is that I ordered it, waited, had to write Hollywood Records again, and finally received the album….along with FOUR copies of this ‘Twit E. Conway’ promo. I sold the three extras for ten bucks each......
'Maybe Baby' and 'F.B.I' made it worthwhile. I mentioned this before .... both of these should have been on the album.
I know at least one person here (Azyiu) has this from a previous post.
During Brian's '98 tour, he would walk on stage dressed like his alter ego, play a few tunes, and then reappear performing the mostly heavier songs.
Brian's nonsensical notes on the back cover:
Exclusive "Retro Rock" E.P./Mini CD, non-enhanced. Four original recordings by T.E. Conway. Be Advised - if you play this EP/MCD on your PC running current Windows '58 ICBM software, it will do absolutely nothin'.
The T.E. Conway Story
1939 - Born Tyrone Everage Conway in a small farming town in Tennessee, U.S.A.
1957 - Already a legend at the age of 18, affectionately known as "Twit" because of his devotion to his distant cousin Mr. Twitty, T.E. Conway scores a succession of huge rockabilly hits around the known world.
1959 - The young T.E. finds "The Light", an obscure Zen yogic set, and at only 20 years old turns his back on the lights of show business to become a meditative recluse.
1994 - By special request of British rock icon Brian May, T.E. Conway makes a surprise comeback appearance at the Queen Christmas Convention at London's glamorous Shepherd's Bush Empire.
1998 - Between hairdressing appointments, T.E. cuts four magnificent reworkings of his greatest hits at Allerton Studios, England. They appear for the first time uncut on this very disc.
Play loud. Play cool. Never shoot animals unless they have a gun.
Hail King Conway !!!
Produced by Brian May. Co-produced and engineered by Justin "The Kid" Shirley-Smith.
Management by Jim Beach and Julie Glover. Design by Richard Gray. Photography by Jim Jenkins. Mastered by Rockin' Kevin Metcalfe at The Soundmasters.
This product is 98% enhancement free. Only available to purchasers of Another World.
Mr. Conway's vocal coach: Brian May.
*********************
RED SPECIAL JAPANESE TOUR MINI ALBUM
Released: 1998, Japan (Parlophone)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/6/62/Brian_rsjapan.jpg)
On My Way Up * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZQdR4cC0IQ
Why Don't We Try Again?
Maybe Baby
Business (USA Radio mix uncut)
Another World
It's Only Make Believe
Hammer To Fall slow / fast * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK2H-kzaOqM
Brian Talks (A Tribute to Cozy Powell)
* Live in Paris, June ‘98
**************
This release coincided with his four shows in Japan near the end of the tour. Why it says 'Japanese Mini Tour Album' when it only contains two live songs, and both of those are from Paris, is beyond me.
Regardless.....a nice little piece for the collection. It was worth it just for the two live versions, both of which run over eight minutes.
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This release coincided with his four shows in Japan near the end of the tour. Why it says 'Japanese Mini Tour Album' when it only contains two live songs, and both of those are from Paris, is beyond me.
Regardless.....a nice little piece for the collection. It was worth it just for the two live versions, both of which run over eight minutes.
The mini album was released prior to Brian May's shows to commemorate the Japanese tour. The Japanese market is known to release such mini-albums or EPs. I do not have this one, but I have a Metallica one and an Extreme one.
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i went to the show he did in Groningen in 1998. i still have the tourbook! Amazing to see him walk right past me when he got out of the tourbus, 12yr old me was starstruck ;D
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This release coincided with his four shows in Japan near the end of the tour. Why it says 'Japanese Mini Tour Album' when it only contains two live songs, and both of those are from Paris, is beyond me.
Regardless.....a nice little piece for the collection. It was worth it just for the two live versions, both of which run over eight minutes.
The mini album was released prior to Brian May's shows to commemorate the Japanese tour. The Japanese market is known to release such mini-albums or EPs. I do not have this one, but I have a Metallica one and an Extreme one.
Yes, technically correct. It was released October 28th, he played Japan November 10-14. 'To coincide with his upcoming Japanese tour dates' would have been the correct way to phrase this. I actually didn't think anyone was checking in on me that severely.
Tough crowd! :D
i went to the show he did in Groningen in 1998. i still have the tourbook! Amazing to see him walk right past me when he got out of the tourbus, 12yr old me was starstruck ;D
:tup Probably looked ten foot tall to you then!
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Another World is the only solo album I have by any of the Queen members, and I dig it. I will have to bust it out this week, as it's been a while.
Not sure if you did or not. There's some very good stuff on it and there's also....
Some time down the road, I'd suggest 'Back To The Light' as well. Stronger from start to finish.
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ROGER TAYLOR Live At The Cyberbarn
Performed: September 24, 1998
At a personal studio in front of 200 friends before the release of his 'Electric Fire' album.
The second CD single of 'Surrender' includes three audio tracks from the concert, namely 'Surrender', 'Tonight' and 'No More Fun', and an edited video of 'Surrender'. The audio tracks were later released on the 'Solo Singles 2' album and 'The Lot' boxed set.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKv4HiuSvaE
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzc0MzE2MjMtMzdmYS00MDM5LTk0OGMtODAyMzY2MTQ4NWRkXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTYyMTcxMw@@._V1_.jpg)
Bass – Steve Barnacle
Drums – Keith Prior
Keyboards – Mike Crossley
Lead Guitar – Jason Falloon
Rhythm Guitar – Matt Exelby*
Tracklist:
We Will Rock You
Pressure On
A Nation Of Haicuts
Believe In Yourself
People On Streets
No More Fun
Tonight (he totally effs up the intro…)
Surrender
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Radio Gaga
(https://img.cdn.nimg.jp/s/nicovideo/thumbnails/36366905/36366905.27724587.original/r1280x720l?key=1d0540fb9e30cdbaa683d64ee3abe27bb3b654ba8fe6ebd7ff6035b33be13b2d)
If you like Roger, this is a fun listen. It provided one with a preview of six new songs. My first time hearing him sing two Queen songs that he wrote: ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’ and ‘Radio Ga Ga’, as well as ‘We Will Rock You’.
After the gig, Roger was presented with a certificate from the Guinness Book Of Records, as this performance drew the largest audience ever for an internet concert at the time, with 595,000 worldwide hits. I was one of them for a short time, with only an intermittent audio feed.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/361387742096 if you have it, it's worth $100 on the market
The VHS version that was first released was almost an hour, with interviews inserted in most (all songs). What a screw job it was!
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ROGER TAYLOR ELECTRIC FIRE LP
Released: September 28, 1998
Charts: UK #53 (one week)
Singles:
Pressure On b/w People On Streets / Tonight (dub Sangria)
Released: September 28, 1998
Charts: UK #45
Surrender b/w London Town C’mon Down (45 edit)
Released: March 29, 1999
Charts: UK #38
Surrender radio mix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ9wDOt_t0k
London Town 45 edited version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6cgAWspmf8
LP AUDIO part of it, anyway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9UAH9CiS3Q&list=PLUPLEaMRcaevENeFjzJx6hFQikr8cV3TV
Not in order https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqV9ODlrfig&list=PLZ6v8cTaWNkhCLZItY_aT-bdIfduUiv6L
(https://queenpedia.com/images/c/c4/Roger_electric.jpg)
Produced by: Roger Taylor and Joshua J. Macrae
Recorded: early 1997 mid 1998 at Cosford Mill, Surrey
Roger Taylor - vocals, drums, percussion, guitars, bass guitar, keyboards
Keith Prior - drums
Steve Barnacle - bass guitar
Mike Crossley - keyboards
Jonathan Perkins - keyboards, backing vocals
Jason Falloon - guitars, acoustic guitar, bass guitar
Keith Airey - guitars
Matthew Exelby - guitars
Treana Morris - lead and backing vocals
Arty - vocals
All songs written by Roger Taylor unless otherwise noted
SIDE ONE
Pressure On
A Nation Of Haircuts
Believe In Yourself
Surrender
People On Streets
No More Fun
SIDE TWO
The Whisperers
Is It Me?
Tonight
Where Are You Now?
Working Class Hero (Lennon)
London Town, C'mon Down
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Released a few months after Brian’s ‘Another World’.
Again, if you like Roger, you’ll really like this one. His strongest solo offering. There’s a few rockers, and a couple of clunkers, but it’s a ‘decent’ album. The first four are top notch, and the closer is a co-favorite of his solo songs. ‘Surrender’ with Treanna Morris sharing vocals, is about spousal abuse. Tonight’ (and the alternate version) makes one want to simply kick back and relax. ‘Working Class Hero’ fits Roger and his attitude to a ‘T’. I’m not a fan of 99% of Beatle (or solo) covers. Roger does this justice.
‘People On Streets’ was a working title for ‘Under Pressure’. I had hopes this would be in a similar style. It wasn’t, but it is relaxing.
He still resorts to the ‘distorted / voice at the other end of a telephone line’ vocals, some times to great effect, others not so.
Related songs:
Tonight (Dub Sangria) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1pH9LIImfI
The B-side of ‘Pressure On’. Most of the vocals have been removed, some different instrumentation. Found it at a swap meet a couple years later, and was the first ‘new’ Roger tune the wife and I heard together.
Keep A Knockin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GamNkrq6xY
A session song, released later on ‘The Lot’
Finally, along with ‘Man On Fire’, ‘London Town’ is my favorite of Roger’s solo offerings. It sounds great when one is relaxing on the couch in the evening, or cruising down the freeway at 85 MPH on a sunny day.
(Also, about ten seconds after the ending of ‘London Town’, one hears Roger saying ‘One Night Stand’. If one inserted their CD into a computer, followed the instructions on the sleeve and went to a website, you were able to download the song at that time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY1azt0ZNOI )
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spoken words at the end of ‘Believe In Yourself’
believe in yourself
believe in yourself, (believe in yourself)
'bus conductors, people on trams,
welshmen and sheep, clams,' (believe in…)
'lepidopterists, collectors of stamps,' (yourself)
'leopards with spots on, tramps' (i mean
you – believe in yourself)'space wasting journalists, people in
far flung posts,' (I mean you)
unpleasant neighbours,' (I mean you) 'ghosts,' (I mean you)
'duane eddy,' (and I mean you) 'lawyers
with fees,' (and I mean you)
'elvis,' (and i mean you) 'deciduous trees,' (and I mean you)
'bosses,' (and I mean you) 'pets,' (and I mean you)
'nurses, vets,
people in big homes,' (believe in yourself – you, you)
'elsie,' (you) 'stan', (I mean you – you)
'brother,' (believe…) 'desperate dan'
(The wife made a hat for the 2008 convention costume contest that had trees, a lawyer, bus conductor, leopards, ghosts, Duane Eddy, Elvis, a dog, a nurse, a vet, a big home and Desperate Dan on it ;) Clever, and won a prize...)
The spoken words in London Town starting at 3:49
“But for the fact that the eye can cease to respond
The brain to absorb, the heart to miss a beat
The spirit to launch itself at hazardous speculation
That surely the weird creatures that make up
This dark hive called London, or for that matter the world
It would lie spread before us every day such it seemed
It haunts the brains of magnates
The delirium of heads and brains and hands
The cavalcade hardly to be suffered
The very endlessness of its inventive fantasy.”
And at 6:02
Clay miracles float by in a hundred lights
The eyes of constellations swarm through London
Sight becomes cluttered, there is no end to it
Beneath the electric glare and the fog
In downpouring sunlight and fire light
In wind and sun rise are at dusk
There is no end.”
https://peakestudies.com/MervynPeakeFAQ.htm scroll down for ‘London Fantasy’
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ROGER TAYLOR Live At The Cyberbarn
Performed: September 24, 1998
At a personal studio in front of 200 friends before the release of his 'Electric Fire' album.
The second CD single of 'Surrender' includes three audio tracks from the concert, namely 'Surrender', 'Tonight' and 'No More Fun', and an edited video of 'Surrender'. The audio tracks were later released on the 'Solo Singles 2' album and 'The Lot' boxed set.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKv4HiuSvaE
I was expecting this to kinda suck, but it works in such a small setting. I'm not the hugest Roger fan. I think I always thought of Rod Stewart when I heard Roger sing.
But a small sweaty club show is a perfect venue for solo Roger. Has more of an air of authenticity to it I guess.
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ROGER TAYLOR Live At The Cyberbarn
Performed: September 24, 1998
At a personal studio in front of 200 friends before the release of his 'Electric Fire' album.
The second CD single of 'Surrender' includes three audio tracks from the concert, namely 'Surrender', 'Tonight' and 'No More Fun', and an edited video of 'Surrender'. The audio tracks were later released on the 'Solo Singles 2' album and 'The Lot' boxed set.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKv4HiuSvaE
I was expecting this to kinda suck, but it works in such a small setting. I'm not the hugest Roger fan. I think I always thought of Rod Stewart when I heard Roger sing.
But a small sweaty club show is a perfect venue for solo Roger. Has more of an air of authenticity to it I guess.
I always think of Roger when I hear Rod Stewart sing ;)
At least we know they weren't one and the same
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/20/6a/fd/206afd5a544fabb473d9fe27c485cd48.jpg)
Of note was one other 'Electric Fire' related release.
Keep A Knockin’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GamNkrq6xY
Released on the 'Pressure On' UK 5" CD Single CD 2 1998. The original is from the 1930's but the most notable version is by Little Richard in 1957. A faster tempo track that should have replaced ‘The Whisperers’ on the album, as Side Two was mostly a snooze fest (other than the final track)
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So ends Roger's solo releases....well, for fifteen years anyway...
Going way back, a list of my favorites
Let’s Get Crazy
Magic Is Loose
Man On Fire
It’s An Illusion
Happiness
Touch The Sky
Pressure On
A Nation Of Haircuts
Believe In Yourself
Tonight (dub Sangria)
London Town – C’mon Down
with the following honorable mentions:
Strange Frontier
Young Love
Racing In The Street
Foreign Sand
Freedom Train
Surrender
Final Destination
One Night Stand
Keep A Knockin’
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and, somewhat sadly, we come to
QUEEN+ GREATEST HITS III
Released: November 8, 1999 UK (Parlaphone), US (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #5, USA (DNC)
Austria #2, Switzerland #4, Denmark #5, Germany #5, Norway #5, Belgium #7, Hungary #7, Italy #7, Netherlands #8, France #9, Scotland #11, Sweden #19, New Zealand #24, Finland #35, Ireland #46, Australia #77
2008: Spain #89
Certifications: 2x Platinum in UK
Gold in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Platinum in Argentina, Denmark, Norway, Europe
********
Singles:
Under Pressure (Rah Mix) / The Song of the Millennium – Bohemian Rhapsody / Thank God It's Christmas
Released: December 6, 1999 UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #14, New Zealand #21
********
Princes Of The Universe / Was It All Worth It
Released: 1999, Netherlands only release
Charts: Netherlands #45
(with two sales to my wife and myself....)
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Musicians:
John Deacon - bass guitar, keyboards
Brian May - guitars, vocals, keyboards
Freddie Mercury - vocals, piano, keyboards
Roger Taylor - drums, percussion, vocals, keyboards
**************
SIDE ONE
The Show Must Go On (’97 live with Elton John)
Under Pressure (Rah Mix)
Barcelona * (Mercury)
Too Much Love Will Kill You (May, Musker, Lamers)
SIDE TWO
Somebody To Love (live ’92 with George Michael) (Mercury)
You Don't Fool Me
Heaven For Everyone * (Taylor)
Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love) (May)
SIDE THREE
Driven By You (May)
Living On My Own (remix) (Mercury)
Let Me Live
The Great Pretender (Ram)
Princes Of The Universe (Mercury)
SIDE FOUR
Another One Bites The Dust (‘98 remix with Wyclef Jean) (Deacon)
No One But You (Only The Good Die Young) (May)
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Thank God It's Christmas (May, Taylor)
* single edits
All songs by Queen unless otherwise noted
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cd booklet pictures
First of all, I love this cover. Call me an ol' softie, but this definitely struck a chord with me. There are CD versions with the lettering, and images of Brian, Roger, and John printed on the glass case while Freddie’s picture is on the booklet. Special Vinyl versions were similar… the lettering and images on the clear plastic, Freddie’s picture on the sleeve.
Just the image itself stirs memories …both glad and sad. A well thought out concept.
The back cover of this gatefold album does a 180 and rather stinks. This isn’t a live album.
As to the music……I understand the concept of this release, and what they were going for. It should have worked considering what was available and ‘qualified’.
That said….., I absolutely hate this album! Worse than ‘Hot Space’. Even worse than ‘Live Magic’. This was supposed to be their swan song….make it good, with grace and dignity and ellegance and bombastic QUEEN music. They had a lot of choices to work with, and it shouldn’t have been too difficult.
OK, we get the final stage performance of Brian, Roger, and John as QUEEN. The Ferrari is revved up and running, Elton John is the vocalist, we should be flying out of the gates…..but Elton just isn’t the right driver. He doesn’t pull it off…because he simply cannot. His and Queen’s performance at the Tribute Concert would have been a better choice. Along those lines, the inclusion of ‘Somebody To Love’ with George Michael is one of the highlights of this release.
The ‘Under Pressure ‘Rah mix’ is more like a WTF mix. I made it through about one minute last week. It would be a harbinger of things to come in regards to ‘QUEEN +’ future releases.
It was nice to finally hear the 45 version of ‘Barcelona’…..but it’s weak without that grand vocal opening. And the Wyclef Jean version of ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ from the ‘Small Soldiers’ movie soundtrack is a who gives a f*ck inclusion.
I didn’t care for the ‘Living On My Own’ remix to begin with, though it qualifies. Without the prior tracks I could have put up with it. ‘You Don’t Fool Me’ adds yet another semi dance track, and wasn’t a favorite of mine at the time
‘Thank God It’s Christmas’ ends this offering (suffering?). It’s a deserving track. If you listen to this compilation, you might be more inclined to say ‘thank gawd that’s over’ when it ends.
There were better and more deserving songs that were not included, that were more ‘Queen’ in my eyes, which would have made this the proper send off. We weren’t out to jump up and down and dance and go ‘ga ga’. We wanted what the band could offer better than most. This didn’t offer enough of the band.
The alternate version I made for myself and friends…..is one of my most listened to discs, next to my version of ‘The Miracle’. The woulda coulda frickin shoulda version.
Queen + Greatest sH*ts III is more like it here.
If I'm being too harsh, here's a review that's really rips it a new one. https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Greatest_Hits_III
'Other than that, Greatest Hits III stands as a total failure; while this author generally tries to remain completely objective and unbiased, he has taken the same route as Queen did with this compilation and broken tradition. In simple terms, Greatest Hits III is the dregs of a barrel being scraped dry. Had some actual thought gone into the compilation, with more emphasis on the "forgotten" singles from Queen's past, this would have been a rather decent collection, but it only confirmed that any old thing with the Queen name slapped on it can suddenly pass as worthwhile, while the long-awaited anthology projects and any live concerts from the 1970s still collect dust.
Qualifiers that were not included:
Freddie Time #32, In My Defence remix #8, Love Kills #10, I Was Born To Love You #11
Brian: Too Much Love Will Kill You #6 (yeah, I know, both versions couldn’t be included), Back To The Light #19, Resurrection #23
Roger…. Nazis 1994 #22 (of course not, but….), Foreign Sand #26, Happiness? #32, Surrender #38, Pressure On #45
QUEEN:
Flick Of The Wrist, it was the double A of ‘Killer Queen’…… #2
Tie Your Mother Down #31
Spread Your Wings #34
Love Of My Life (live) #63 in the UK, but #1 in both Argentina and Brazil
Back Chat [45] #40
Body Language (gulp) #25
Scandal #25
A Winter’s Tale #9
As with most 'greatest hits' releases, there are omissions, edits, etc. Most people end up making their own versions. Generally, that just means a tweak
here or there. This one required an overhaul.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/d/d5/GhIIIrev.jpg)
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(https://images.45worlds.com/f/cd/queen-greatest-hits-iii-20-cd.jpg)
My ' woulda coulda frickin shoulda ' been GH III version
I originally started this with the ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’ 45, then a couple of years later went with
The Show Must Go On [original]
Barcelona [LP version]
Too Much Love Will Kill You
Somebody To Love
Heaven For Everyone [LP version]
A Winter's Tale
Las Pallabras de Amor (Words Of Love)
Driven By You
There Must Be More To Life Than This
Tie Your Mother Down
Let Me Live
The Great Pretender * [remix]
Princes Of The Universe
Man On Fire [my favorite Roger tune, replacing Wyclef Jean]
No-One But You
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Was It All Worth It
Forever
‘Spread Your Wings’ and ‘Scandal’ lost out due to time constraints. Along with ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’, and the ‘Time’ and ‘In My Defence’ remixes, which were on my original cassette version.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-5%2Fgreatest-hits-iii-uklpinner3.jpg&hash=ff2d10c064a70f58685ce9cbb6f46f788f4602dc)
(https://www.popsike.com/pix/20200917/293739327260.jpg)
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@ DragonAttack
I don't think your comments are harsh toward this release. There are reasons why I never even bothered to consider buying QUEEN+ GREATEST HITS III at all. :biggrin:
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^
Seems to be a consensus with the rest of the forum as well. :D
With recent election 'stuff' and travel and 'life', I'll try to get things going again with another personal compilation for the heck of it before posting The Solo Collection.
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for fun .... just a personal compilation on the heels of GHIII
HORIZONS
Released: never
Charts: none
Certifications: none
********
Singles:
Time
Charts: UK #32
Driven By You
Charts: UK #6, US Mainstream Rock #9
Luxembourg #2, Portugal #9, Netherlands #10, Ireland #14, Europe #20, Belgium #35, Canada #70
You Don’t Fool Me
Charts: UK #17
Belgium #13, France #14, Netherlands #21, Austria #23, Ireland #23, Italy #24, Germany #26, Switzerland #27, Sweden #52
London Town – C’mon Down (B-side of ‘Surrender’ #38 UK charts)
It’s A Beautiful Day (B-side of ‘Heaven For Everyone’, UK #2)
Resurrection
Charts: UK #23
In My Defence
Charts: UK #8
Iceland #2, Ireland #12, Europe #33, France #50
Last Horizon
Charts: UK #51
(https://i.imgur.com/d1EOUac.jpg)
SIDE ONE
The Dark 1:43
Time 3:50
Driven By You 4:11
You Don't Fool Me 5:25
London Town-C'mon Down 6:56
SIDE TWO
It's A Beautiful Day [45 version] 3:58
I Can't Live With You [’97 Rocks retake] 4:48
Love Token Outro 0:53
Resurrection 5:19
In My Defence 3:53
Last Horizon 4:11
Possible bonus tracks
The Great Pretender remix / NoOne But You / Nothin’ But Blue / Back To The Light / Business / Why Don’t We Try Again
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This is simply a personal compilation of mostly solo tracks that were written or versions that were ‘created’ in the 90s. A couple made GH III, a few others should have, and the others are here to give it the feel of a ‘Queen’ album. ‘The Dark’ would have made a superb intro on ‘The Miracle’ LP. And from this here is where I started to enjoy ‘You Don’t Fool Me’, especially flying down the freeway on a sunny day.
Just like ‘A Night at the Opera’, there’s an instrumental …well, two, two Brian LVs, one Roger LV, and John at least gets a lead bass part…
My prior solo compilation from the early to mid 80s….
Made In Heaven ext / Let Me Out / Man Made Paradise / There Must Be More To Life Than This / My Love Is Dangerous
It’s An Illusion / Let Me In Your Heart Again / Love Kills / She Blows Hot & Cold / Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow ext)
The Dark (minus the spoken intro) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmQpEnOUdrE
Time [remix] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_kUOSsfblI
Driven By You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_IkRDds4fI
You Don’t Fool Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w3E5Edvvqs
London Town – C’mon Down https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqV9ODlrfig
SIDE TWO
It’s A Beautiful Day [45 version] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnrH-j74rGc
I Can’t Live With You [’97 Rocks retake] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xf7nw_JA_w
Love Token outro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3W0YvuDX_Y
Resurrection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iux9mTnf7xg
In My Defence [remix] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff4923bgnA0
Last Horizon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdf3Ro_vc6Q
(https://i.imgur.com/E9QnUUZ.jpg)
the Solo Collection upcoming
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FREDDIE MERCURY SOLO
Released: October 23, 2000
Charts: UK #13
Netherlands #21, Austria #36, Switzerland #42, Italy #45, Germany #55
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fc/Fmsolo.jpg/220px-Fmsolo.jpg)
This was a 3 CD ‘sampler’ of the following boxset. It included his two solo albums ‘Mr. Bad Guy’ and ‘Barcelona’, along with a very short bonus disc with the following songs:
I Can Hear Music (Larry Lurex, 1973 Single) – 3:29
Love Kills (Original 1984 Single Version) – 4:31
The Great Pretender (Original 1987 Single Version) – 3:29
Living on My Own (1993 Radio Mix) – 3:38
In My Defence (2000 Remix) – 3:55
Time (2000 Remix) – 4:02
Love Kills (Rock Mix) – 4:27
The 2000 remixes of ‘In My Defence’ and ‘Time’ were not included in the box set. So, if completists wanted all the available versions of those two songs, it was time to shell out another thirty bucks for a three disc box set, of which two discs were probably already owned, or they would be owned with the purchase of the bigger boxset.
Oh, and you also got the 'Love Kills (Rock Mix)'.. Freddie's vocals from the original, over a 'rock version' minus the dance-type synthesizer... with phony crowd noise added in at the beginning. The lead guitar doesn’t sound anything Freddie or Queen related, and the bass 75% of the time plays the notes from ‘A Kind Of Magic’. Seriously? I mean, WTF?
A one disc ‘best of’ teaser with some hits, some demos, and some collaborations would have been the smart and 'decent' thing to have offered in an already overly saturated Queen market. Just put 'Freddie' or 'Queen' on it, and milk that cow.
Pass.
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HORIZONS
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/315221262_1482744838879334_298951875316402264_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=PvxHH5Lglh4AX9tsuH0&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=03_AdT09GtWJCrxvNpIyXTsj84b0H4g7bJhqvnBy72ZBxMeHw&oe=639650A6)
I could've sworn I got this from my Dragonhouse Record & Tape Club introductory haul.
I even taped a penny to my postcard..
(https://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2018/04/columbia-house.png?w=980&q=75)
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HORIZONS
(https://i.imgur.com/d1EOUac.jpg)
I could've sworn I got this from my Dragonhouse Record & Tape Club introductory haul.
I even taped a penny to my postcard..
(https://townsquare.media/site/494/files/2018/04/columbia-house.png?w=980&q=75)
:lol
Dear Mister TAC:
Mrs. TAC received eighteen discs in our previous promotions, including the previously mentioned 'Written In The Stars'. Unfortunately, you may have reached the household limit.
The 'Horizons' disc may have been an oversight on our part (which it probably was, which p*sses me off >:()
In the meantime... please refer to the youtube links provided, or refer to Spotify for this missing 'album'.
Or, perhaps, the penny fell off of the postcard. In which case, please resubmit your order.
Sincerely,
Dragonhouse Records :D
(gawd, ..... your cleverness always cracks me up :tup)
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FREDDIE MERCURY The SOLO COLLECTION
Released: October 23, 2000
10 CD, 2 DVD box set. 12” x 16” 120 page book, with descriptions of the songs, his life, and pictures.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Solo_Collection
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/FreddieSoloCollection.jpg/220px-FreddieSoloCollection.jpg)
Disc one: Mr. Bad Guy (1985)
All songs written by Freddie Mercury
Let's Turn It On – 3:42
Made in Heaven – 4:05
I Was Born to Love You – 3:38
Foolin' Around – 3:29
Your Kind of Lover – 3:32
Mr. Bad Guy – 4:09
Man Made Paradise – 4:08
There Must Be More to Life Than This – 3:00
Living on My Own – 3:23
My Love Is Dangerous – 3:42
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow – 3:46
Disc two: Barcelona (1988)
Barcelona (Mercury) – 5:39
La Japonaise (Mercury) – 4:48
The Fallen Priest (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 5:45
Ensueño (Mercury/Moran/Caballé) – 4:21
The Golden Boy (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 6:03
Guide Me Home (Mercury/Moran) – 2:49
How Can I Go On (Mercury) – 3:50
Overture Piccante (Mercury/Moran) – 6:39
Disc three: The Great Pretender (1992)
The Great Pretender (Brian Malouf Mix) (Ram) – 3:39
Foolin' Around (Steve Brown Mix) (Mercury) – 3:35
Time (Nile Rodgers Mix) (Dave Clark/John Christie) – 3:49
Your Kind Of Lover (Steve Brown Mix) (Mercury) – 3:59
Exercises In Free Love (Mercury/Moran) – 3:56
In My Defence (Ron Nevison Mix) (Clark/Soames/Daniels) – 3:51
Mr. Bad Guy (Brian Malouf Mix) (Mercury) – 4:00
Let's Turn It On (Jeff Lord-Alge Mix) (Mercury) – 3:45
Living on My Own (Julian Raymond Mix) (Mercury) – 3:38
My Love Is Dangerous (Jeff Lord-Alge Mix) (Mercury) – 3:40
Love Kills (Richard Wolf Mix) (Mercury/Moroder) – 3:28
Disc four: The Singles 1973–1985
I Can Hear Music (Larry Lurex, 1973 Single) (Greenwich/Spector/Barry) – 3:29
Goin' Back (Larry Lurex, 1973 B-side) (Goffin/King) – 3:34
Love Kills (Original 1984 Single Version) (Mercury/Moroder) – 4:31
Love Kills (Original 1984 Extended Version) (Mercury/Moroder) – 5:22
I Was Born to Love You (Original 1985 Extended Version) (Mercury) – 7:05
Stop All The Fighting (1985 Non-album B-side) (Mercury) – 3:19
Stop All The Fighting (1985 Non-album B-side Extended Version) (Mercury) – 6:37
Made in Heaven (Original 1985 Extended Version) (Mercury) – 4:50
She Blows Hot & Cold (1985 Non-album B-side) (Mercury) – 3:26
She Blows Hot & Cold (1985 Non-album B-side Extended Version) (Mercury) – 5:50
Living On My Own (1985 Extended Version) (Mercury) - 6:40
My Love Is Dangerous (Original 1985 Extended Version) (Mercury) – 6:29
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow (Original 1985 Extended Version) (Mercury) – 5:32
Let's Turn It On (Original 1985 Extended Version) (Mercury) – 5:08
Disc five: The Singles 1986–1993
Time (Original 1986 Single/Album Version) (Clark/Christie) – 3:58
Time (Original 1986 Extended Version) (Clark/Christie) – 4:37
Time (Original 1986 Instrumental Version) (Clark/Christie) – 3:22
In My Defence (1986 Album Version) (Clark/Soames/Daniels) – 3:57
The Great Pretender (Original 1987 Single Version) (Ram) – 3:29
The Great Pretender (Original 1987 Extended Version) (Ram) – 5:54
Exercises In Free Love (1987 Non-album B-side) (Mercury/Moran) – 3:59
Barcelona (Original 1987 Single Version) (Mercury/Moran) – 4:27
Barcelona (Original 1987 Extended Version) (Mercury/Moran) – 7:07
How Can I Go On (1989 Single Version) (Mercury/Moran) – 4:02
Living on My Own (1993 No More Brothers Extended Mix) (Mercury) – 5:16
Living on My Own (1993 Radio Mix) (Mercury) – 3:38
Living on My Own (1993 Club Mix) (Mercury) – 4:27
Living on My Own (1993 Underground Solutions Mix) (Mercury) – 5:45
Disc six: The Instrumentals
Barcelona (Mercury/Moran) – 4:26
La Japonaise (Mercury/Moran) – 4:46
The Fallen Priest (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 5:50
Ensueño (Mercury/Moran/Caballé) – 4:00
The Golden Boy (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 6:05
Guide Me Home (Mercury/Moran) – 2:38
How Can I Go On (Mercury/Moran) – 3:58
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow (Mercury) – 4:03
Made in Heaven (Mercury) – 4:17
Mr. Bad Guy (Mercury) – 4:14
There Must Be More To Life Than This (Mercury) – 3:08
In My Defence (Clark/Soames/Daniels) – 3:56
The Great Pretender (Ram) – 3:26
Disc seven: Rarities 1
Let's Turn It On (A Capella) (Mercury) – 3:04
Made in Heaven (Alternative Version) (Mercury) – 4:27
I Was Born to Love You (Vocal & Piano Version) (Mercury) – 2:58
Foolin' Around (Early Version) (Mercury) – 4:14
Foolin' Around (Original 1985 Unreleased 12 Mix) (Mercury) – 5:37
Foolin' Around (Instrumental) (Mercury) – 3:40
Your Kind Of Lover (Early Version) (Mercury) – 4:47
Your Kind Of Lover (Vocal & Piano Version) (Mercury) – 3:38
Mr. Bad Guy (Orchestra Out-takes) (Mercury) – 0:35
Mr. Bad Guy (Early Version) (Mercury) – 3:29
There Must Be More To Life Than This (Piano Out-takes) (Mercury) – 2:48
Living on My Own (Hybrid Edit: Early/Later Versions) (Mercury) – 4:29
Love Is Dangerous (Early Version) (Mercury) – 2:12
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow (Early Version) (Mercury) – 2:18
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow (2nd Early Version: Extract) (Mercury) – 1:03
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow (3rd Early Version) (Mercury) – 3:26
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow (Live Take) (Mercury) – 4:22
She Blows Hot & Cold (Alternative Version featuring Brian May) (Mercury) – 4:36
Gazelle (Demo) (Mercury) – 1:20
Money Can't Buy Happiness (Demo) (Mercury) – 2:37
Love Makin' Love (Demo) (Mercury) – 3:35
God Is Heavy (Demo) (Mercury) – 1:22
New York (Demo) (Mercury) – 2:12
Disc eight: Rarities 2
The Duet (The Fallen Priest) (Extract from Garden Lodge tape) (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 3:04
Idea (Barcelona) (Extract from Garden Lodge tape) (Mercury/Moran) – 1:12
Idea (Barcelona) (2nd Extract from Garden Lodge tape) (Mercury/Moran) – 1:04
Barcelona (Early Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal) (Mercury/Moran) – 4:21
Barcelona (Freddie's Vocal Slave) (Mercury/Moran) – 4:31
Barcelona (Later Version: Freddie's Vocal only) (Mercury/Moran) – 4:26
La Japonaise (Early Version: Freddie's Vocal only) (Mercury/Moran) – 4:41
La Japonaise (A Capella) (Mercury/Moran) – 4:17
Rachmaninov's Revenge (The Fallen Priest) (Early Version) (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 4:46
Rachmaninov's Revenge (The Fallen Priest) (Later Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal) – 5:51
Ensueño (Montserrat's Live Takes) (Mercury/Moran/Caballé) – 5:36
The Golden Boy (Early Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal) (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 3:54
The Golden Boy (2nd Early Version: Extract) (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 2:56
The Golden Boy (A Capella featuring Gospel Choir) (Mercury/Moran/Rice) – 5:12
Guide Me Home / How Can I Go On (Alternative Versions) (Mercury/Moran) – 6:54
How Can I Go On (Out-take: Extract) (Mercury/Moran) – 1:31
How Can I Go On (Alternative Piano Version) (Mercury/Moran) – 3:45
When This Old Tired Body Wants to Sing (Late Night Jam) (Mercury/Moran) – 2:42
Disc nine: Rarities 3
Rain (Ibex, Live 1969) (Lennon–McCartney) – 3:51
Green (Wreckage, Rehearsal 1969) (Mercury) – 3:15
The Man From Manhattan (Eddie Howell 1976) (Howell) – 3:22
Love Is The Hero (Billy Squier: 12 Version 1986) (Squier) – 5:22
Lady With A Tenor Sax (Billy Squier: Work In Progress 1986) (Squier/Mercury) – 4:02
Hold On (Freddie Mercury and Jo Dare 1986) (Mercury/Mack) – 3:38
Heaven for Everyone (The Cross Version: Freddie Vocal 1988) (Taylor) – 4:48
Love Kills (Rock Mix) (Mercury/Moroder) – 4:27
Love Kills (Instrumental) (Mercury/Moroder/Keenan) – 4:26
The Great Pretender (Original Demo) (Ram) – 3:04
Holding On (Demo) (Mercury) – 4:12
It's So You (Demo) (Mercury) – 2:40
I Can't Dance / Keep Smilin' (Demo) (Mercury) – 3:43
Horns Of Doom (Demo) (Richards) – 4:16
Yellow Breezes (Demo) (Mercury/Moran) – 5:25
Have A Nice Day (Fan Club Message) (Mercury/Moran) – 0:45
Disc 10 has eight interviews with David Wigg. It also includes two DVDs, one with his promotional videos, the second with ‘The Untold Story’, a visual biography.
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From queenpedia: the box set contains a plethora of studio outtakes, unreleased works-in-progress, and full-fledged songs that didn't make the cut, most that few collectors even knew about. The luxuriant packaging – sepia-toned box encasing a book of meticulous, well-annotated liner notes, a complimentary essay by journalist Séan O'Hagan (not the musician), full lyrics, rare photographs, and original handwritten lyrics – is of an extraordinarily high standard, and puts other box sets (even many of Queen's previous and successive attempts) to shame.
With all that is included, surely there must be something huge to criticize? Well, there are a few notable omissions: live renditions of the Time musical songs (Born To Rock'n'Roll, It's In Everyone Of Us, In My Defence, and Time), the single version of The Fallen Priest, and Montserrat Caballé's vocal version of Exercises In Free Love are the notable ones, as well as a handful of other minor edits and versions. Um, what else? Maybe ... maybe the documentary was too good? Or the promo videos DVD was too complete? How about the price? Over $150 for this thing ... well, actually, that's more than justified, considering the quality and quantity of material and the excellent presentation. So really, a few tracks here and there that are missing is like complaining about a cloud almost obscuring the sun for 30 seconds while on a perfect seven day tropical vacation.
What The Solo Collection is is designed for the die-hard fans, the ones who thought they had everything that Freddie ever did, and yet can still be genuinely surprised at the contents of the box set. Unfortunately, QPL have set such impossibly high standards, that every attempt at an archival release will be judged against this box set. Judging by the recent travesty of The Singles Collection - Volume 1, QPL has a long way to go to match The Solo Collection.
Article written in 2008
*****
Indeed, this was one hell of a great purchase. There were a few other omissions (demos of ‘Man Made Paradise’ and ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’ are prime examples). There’s a few filler extended versions. This was also directed more to the European market, by including The Great Pretender’ ‘best of’, which would have been a rarity to them, as it was a North American release.
Non-album B-sides, extended versions, solo and collaboration tracks….all here. The ‘Barcelona’ extended version still blows me away. The demo for ‘Guide Me Home / How Can I Go On’ in itself made this purchase worthwhile! To hear the transformation of various demos to the next step, and then the next, and then the next, was a treat (‘Barcelona’, ‘Rachmaninov’s Revenge’,....hell, all of the 'Barcelona' sessions... and ‘Love Me Like There’s No Tomorrow’ being prime examples), a few topping the final product in some ways due to the ‘rawness’ of the recordings. Brian’s guitar on the demo of ‘She Blows Hot & Cold’ as a later guide for Paul Vincent, the demo with Billy Squier for ‘Lady With A Tenor Sax’, Freddie working out the bugs on piano for ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’….just a few other the golden nuggets.
And ‘New York’, and…..
A shame some of his demos were never fleshed out. Fortunate that some didn’t go further 😉
The instrumentals: without Freddie’s vocals, of course they aren’t going to be as enjoyable. Except for ‘Ensueno’.
The interviews….interesting (and sad) to hear Freddie so happy at the beginning of the Ibiza interviews, of his new relationship, settling down….and then at the five minute mark David asks him about AIDS. And then there’s the ‘I won’t live to 70’ comment to follow. And his admiration (and fears) of working with Montserret Cabelle.
I just listened to them all for the first time this weekend....
(the music and interviews can, from test samples, mostly (all) be found on youtube)
The DVD of his life, as well as the story in the book, are superb.
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(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zjcKnnRTP-k/TKdE9yunLII/AAAAAAAAJJk/g2cQ1lPloJo/s400/SDC18985.JPG)
If one wants to ‘turn the pages’ of the truly wonderful book, while listening to the instrumentals of ‘Ensueno’ and ‘Guide Me Home’ / ‘How Can I Go On’ without having to purchase the book, starting at the 5:40 mark, here you go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWQ-0-Y7Wck
or start at the beginning, as the new owner takes it out of the plastic. That brought back some memories....
There have been other just as anticipated releases since then (the various demos on the 2011 reissues, the two ‘new’ songs on ‘Forever’ in 2014, the ‘News Of The World’ demos in 2017, and especially the BBC Sessions in 2016) with often disappointing end results (Queen + especially).
Looking back, this was probably the high mark ‘end point’ for me that delivered what it promised….and then some.
Currently in stock at Amazon for $450.....
(https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-cc8a80f16266fd19c094e40fa8447ffb-lq)
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BRIAN MAY FURIA
Released: November 20, 2000, UK (EMI)
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Furia
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Ftestpage1%2Ffuriafront.jpg&hash=a7f89a1c64c24fcb6b54ac18b280ec33154c1dc5)
Brian May – writing, arrangement, production; vocals, guitars and keyboards programming.
Justin Shirley-Smith – co-producing and engineering.
Michael Reed – orchestrations (performed by The London Musicians Orchestra, conducted by Michael Reed)
Phillipa Davies – solo flute
Rolf Wilson – first violin
Dave Lee – solo horn
Emily May – 'apparition' vocal
Dick Lewzey – engineer for orchestral recording
Erik Jordan – assistant engineer
Sylvia Addison – fixer
Richard Ihnatowicz – copyist
Alexandre Aja – director and producer of the film
To Anita – my eternal inspiration
All songs written by Brian May except:
"Tango: 'Cuesta Abajo'" written by Carlos Gardel, performed by Manuel Cedron.
"'Bird in Hand'" written by Lee Scratch Perry, performed by The Upsetters.
**************
Furia Thème - Générique
Premier Regard (Solo Flute)
Paysage
Tango: 'Cuesta Abajo'
La Rencontre (Solo Guitare)
Premier Baiser
Orage
Téléphone
Poursuite
Petit Restaurant
Apparition
Arrestation
Père Et Fils
Aaron
Incendie
Revolver (Solo Violin)
Reggae: 'Bird In Hand'
Meurtre
Fuite
Continuer
'Dream Of Thee'
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w91eyaDrsDM/WZ7UkYN90OI/AAAAAAAA5gM/TfYVdbpFkqIyAs67jjAllLs43wt6cnfDQCKgBGAs/s400/2000%2BFuria.%2BSoundtrack%2B-%2BBrian%2BMay%2B%2528C.D%2BE.U%2BEMI%2BRecords%2B7243%2B5%2B28585%2B2%2B1%2529%2B%25288%2529.jpg)
Tracks 1, 2, 5, 11, 16, and 21 are all the theme tracks in different variations. French dialogue in spots, no Red Special appearances on the soundtrack other than the theme, LaRenjoncontre, and ‘I Dream Of Thee’.
This soundtrack was the first new Queen associated release the wife and I heard together, so parts of this carry a special meaning. As do the lyrics of ‘I Dream of Thee’, for it would be another two months before we’d see each other again before my move.
'I Dream Of Thee' is the only song with lyrics.
‘Furia’ would be Brian’s last solo album.
Oh, and I am reminded of the theme throughout ‘Young Frankenstein’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkyLV3ToNGU
This is all that is available on youtube:
Furia theme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFgxWgGb_Z0
La Renjcontre (solo guitar) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0KRd42KR7Q
Apparition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbNGt_t-mBw
Dream Of Thee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLE4yjLDMto&list=RDCLE4yjLDMto&start_radio=1&rv=CLE4yjLDMto&t=0
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Ftestpage1%2Ffuriaback.jpg&hash=90261e8d3bfb6e665570dbe5ad6468f217f5adba)
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FIVE + QUEEN We Will Rock You
Released: July 17, 2000, UK (RCA)
Charts: UK #1
Austria #2, Scotland #2, Australia #3, Belgium #4, Ireland #6, Germany #8, Iceland #10, Europe #11, Netherlands #15, Belgium #17, Switzerland #18,
Netherlands #20, New Zealand #29, Italy #35, Sweden #35
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/52/Wwry_5ive.jpg/220px-Wwry_5ive.jpg)
A cover by the British boy band Five released from their second studio album, Invincible (1999). The song features Brian and Roger.
The song charted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, making it Five's second number-one single, and their ninth consecutive top-ten hit.
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0uDWynfCQc 19 MILLION VIEWS
Well…I listened to this yesterday for the first time since my one and only listen over twenty years ago. Well….the first 45 seconds to remind me how much I hated
it, and the last minute or so….which is pretty damn good, with a different lead guitar by Brian, and a rockin’ ending, but…. Really!?! WTF!?!??!
My last post of these ‘one off’ type of singles. The rest can be found on wiki
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The Furia should've been your last "one off" post. :lol
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The Furia should've been your last "one off" post. :lol
Ain't that the frickin' truth!!! >:( :censored :lol
Yet, some are so proud to say, that this gave them #1 hits in the UK in four different decades (and two centuries and two millenniums for those who aren't nitpicky about that ;))
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IN VISION
Released: June 2000, Japan (EMI Toshiba)
Charts: Japan #1
(https://queenpedia.com/images/6/62/Invision.jpg)
Bohemian Rhapsody
Don't Stop Me Now
I Was Born To Love You
You're My Best Friend
Now I'm Here
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions
Flash
One Vision
A Kind Of Magic
Who Wants To Live Forever
**********
From Queenpedia: Released in 2000 as a Japanese-only compilation, 'In Vision' may appear to be yet another variation on the well-worn Greatest Hits
line-up, but it was, in fact, a collection of Queen songs that had been used in TV and films in Japan. While it's not essential for the tracks included, the sound
has been remastered to an envious degree (as on most Japanese reissues), so, for audiophiles, it's something of a dream come true.
More remarkably, the album hit #1 in Japan, with 120,000 copies being sold in the first two weeks. The record company had a license to produce only 150,000 units total,
making this compilation quite rare.
A friend did make me a cassette copy, and I would agree, the remastering was wonderfully done.
This compilation is included for the mere fact that it was yet another #1 selling release in Japan.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/c/c9/Invisionrev.jpg/150px-Invisionrev.jpg)
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The PLATINUM COLLECTION
Released: November 13, 2000, UK (EMI Parlophone), September 2002 USA (Hollywood)
Charts: originally DNC
2001: Netherlands #5
2002: UK #2, USA #48
Ireland #2, Belgium #10
2003: Norway #2, Denmark #3
2005: France #13
2008: Sweden #4
2011: Finland #14, Spain #28
2012: Belgium #3, France #112
2018-19: UK #8, USA #6
Poland #1, Portugal #1, US Top Rock Albums #1, Switzerland #2, Austria #3, Italy #3, Australia #4, Germany #5, Canada #6, New Zealand #7, Scotland #8, Hungary #9
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=The_Platinum_Collection
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/9/9a/Plat.jpg/677px-Plat.jpg)
the same songs as previously released on Greatest Hits (see page 19 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.630 ),
Greatest Hits II (page 33 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1120 )
and Greatest sH*ts III (this page)
The booklet contains the sleeves and inside artwork of the prior releases… and the GH 3 disc now has a light blue background instead of gray. The North American version, released in 2002, had the Japanese remastered versions of GHI and GHII. Yet another reason for the completists to shell out more money, but.....I will admit.....they do sound better! ;D
Sales numbers went way up after the ‘We Will Rock You’ stage tour began in Europe, with this reaching #48 in the States in ’02, ten places higher than ‘Made In Heaven’ :huh:
Found it for five bucks at a garage sale around that time, and couldn’t resist it for that price.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/6/6d/Plat2.jpg/670px-Plat2.jpg)
The continued milking: I find it rather shameful that a 6 LP vinyl version was just put on the market this year. As you can see in the link, it's going for $180. And yet, there still seems to be a somewhat lucrative market for this type of unreasonably priced and to me totally unnecessary 'keeping up with the Joneses' product.
https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Collection-6-LP/dp/B09XF677ZD/ref=asc_df_B09XF677ZD/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564635928183&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3993736646888236532&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1018728&hvtargid=pla-1656948852851&psc=1
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The Japan album is actually a pretty decent Queen mix tape.
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Other than 'Flash' with the movie dialogue still included....
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BRIAN MAY 2000 collaborations
A couple of heavier tunes included in these....
Steve Hackett 'Slot Machine' (recorded in '86) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8FhKi1-IH0
Freddie Mercury 'She Blows Hot & Cold' (demo from '85 appearing on 'The Solo Collection') https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbLXPusiDkg
The Foo Fighters 'Have A Cigar' from 'Mission Impossible:2' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crtIW7eSu-M
Tony Iommi and Ian Astbury 'Flame On' from 'Iommi' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R13_UM_jwW0
Tony and Dave Grohl 'Goodbye Lament', also from 'Iommi' and 'Blair Witch Project 2' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F11uZBy3L8
(I'd never seen this before yesterday. Brian and Tony certainly clicked throughout the years....)
(https://i.iheart.com/v3/re/new_assets/5f0884a9f21fa4b2c0024b9e)
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@DragonAttack
Our resident Queen expert. :hefdaddy I am wondering if the theatrical version of "A Kind of Magic", the one appears during credits in Highlander; is available anywhere? :huh:
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@DragonAttack
Our resident Queen expert. :hefdaddy I am wondering if the theatrical version of "A Kind of Magic", the one appears during credits in Highlander; is available anywhere? :huh:
or to somewhat quote Orbert in his Chicago discography, I'm 'the official Queen geek of DTF and will not be out-geeked.' ;)
Page 26 of the discography for the A KIND OF MAGIC 45 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.875
The actual movie trailer was never made available on CD or vinyl. It is only available on the 'Highlander' DVD (or if you still have a VHS). https://www.queenvault.com/AKindOfMagic/
There is always YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASw32qKppMw
(this is the correct music, just ignore the video)
If you want to transfer it to mp3, and don't know of this already, use this:
https://www.4kdownload.com/howto/howto-use-4k-youtube-to-mp3-as-desktop-youtube-player/1
I downloaded this program ten plus years ago. Around 2020, most of the songs were not downloading. So I paid the $29,
and about forty Jethro Tull Steven Wilson remixes did download (amongst other songs).
I'm sure there are other programs that will do the trick (which you may already know).
Pity it wasn't on the 2011 album bonus disc......
This is the version that appeared on the bonus disc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzbWXD45GC8 It's close to the original trailer, with added sound effects for the first twenty seconds, obviously sounding better due to the remixing, and the fade outs last much longer. It's a great version, just not the 'same'.
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Just a head's up, it was released today (an album that I like a lot, although it has its flaws):
https://open.spotify.com/album/4wYe26p1N110qVsKVlb0rL?si=KLg_RELCR5m208y89Mur7Q&utm_source=copy-link
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Thanks for the link :tup but I don't use Spotify....
That said, we did order the two disc collect's edition of 'The Miracle' last week https://www.queenonlinestore.com/Queen/The-Miracle/
Should arrive around Christmas.
The 'staying power' of the band still runs strong. Note the two Super Deluxe editions sold out! We just couldn't pull the trigger on the $165 one. It's certainly a nice package, but we have all the nonalbum B-sides, the booklet and vinyl would have been nice, and the same goes for the backing tracks, but it would have just collected dust on an already full (and often under utilized bookcase). The 'new' songs are included on the two disc release (shame they didn't add the four main nonalbum tracks in this).
The real shame is that the demos that do exist..... 'I Want It All', 'A New Life Is Born', 'Scandal', 'Stealin', 'Hang On In There', 'My Baby Loves Me', and 'Hijack My Heart' were not polished up a bit and included. When I first saw the announcement, I thought they were, but they turned out being the karaoke backing tracks.
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Cool, DragonAttack, I'm sure you'll have a great Christmas gift!
I'm digging a lot hearing the Spotity version (3h8min of running time), I think it does a great job in presenting a lot of things I've never heard before, as a "less professional" Queen fan. I haven't been posting in this thread, but I'm reading it from time to time - this is really more like a book than a thread, really cool! Thanks for sharing a lot of interesting information!
Edit: Although not listed as "demo versions", I believe the demos of 'I Want It All' (#14 on the Spotify album), 'Scandal'(#19) and 'My Baby Loves Me'(#20) are there.
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Cool, DragonAttack, I'm sure you'll have a great Christmas gift!
I'm digging a lot hearing the Spotity version (3h8min of running time), I think it does a great job in presenting a lot of things I've never heard before, as a "less professional" Queen fan. I haven't been posting in this thread, but I'm reading it from time to time - this is really more like a book than a thread, really cool! Thanks for sharing a lot of interesting information!
Thank you, and 'you are welcome'. What became something to occupy some of my time while my wife was convalescing, ended up becoming a semi occupation <insert a smiley or a frown? ;)> And just when I think it's winding down, I keep coming up with more stuff to post regarding this century's activities <once again, insert a smiley or a frown?>
Edit: Although not listed as "demo versions", I believe the demos of 'I Want It All' (#14 on the Spotify album), 'Scandal'(#19) and 'My Baby Loves Me'(#20) are there.
Of course they are! :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: What a big time senior moment :'(
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This was a good reminder for me :tup, as I went back to page 31 of this discography, and updated 'The Miracle' info (finally)
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2917460#msg2917460
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I hope your wife is well by now. :tup
I'll read it, like I said, it's an album that I like a lot.
.
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Pins in a shattered left ankle, November '20
Pins in a broken right wrist, December '21 (at least she's left handed)
Dog with two torn ACLs in between
Me with strained ligaments in right ankle, February '22
and we're dealing with something currently..... :sad:
Thanks for your kind wishes.
Ahhh....and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the bit of history Roger made in 1999.
Freddie appeared on a UK Millenium stamp that year. The only living people the Royal Mail is supposed to depict are members of the Royal Family. Well, Roger is
visible in the background. Kudos to Roger for his promotion ;) (and yes, my wife has one of those stamps......)
http://www.feelnumb.com/2011/02/03/queens-roger-taylor-broke-royal-mail-rules-by-appearring-on-freddie-mercurys-millennium-stamp/
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eveningtimes.co.uk%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fmercurys-magic-stamp-stamp.jpg&hash=d42f1eff06eedc2bd7cbdd8fe30c81f0d34f138c)
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@DragonAttack
Didn't know so much is going on with your personal life. I hope all is well. Stay warm and stay safe.
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^
Thank you for your kind words. I hope for the same in your world. :tup
Which lyric do I quote: 'into every life, a little rain must fall' or 'the world expects a man, to buckle down and shovel sh*t'? ;)
meanwhile, 2001 and 2002 posts real soon
(https://i.etsystatic.com/12018432/r/il/9c608d/914521571/il_794xN.914521571_s8mx.jpg)
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2001
ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
March 19
Waldorf Astoria
New York City
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ31ocFpky-LEdfCu5zM8BrfrQ_rJRDA1EHTw&usqp=CAU)
with Freddie's Mom Jer Bulsara. This photo was online worldwide that night. One of my favorites from their entire career :tup :tup :tup
VIDEOS from their ceremony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnkTh4I_Zis&t=150s the line at 2:30
Dave Grohl: "I once said in an interview, after playing in front of 250,000 people, that if you want to know how to connect to an audience that size, you either watch the Pope....or Freddie Mercury." :tup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e63sQ8Jz57s part 2 acceptance speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y38SRlec0E8 We Will Rock You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHiPF018Nho Tie Your Mother Down (with the Foo Fighters)
This was the first time 'Queen' had performed on stage in the States since 1982 (the first for Brian since his BTTL tour in 1993. A shame it had to be in front of so many stuffed shirts. I will admit to being disappointed that nothing was done with Aerosmith, who also was inducted that evening, especially since both were opening acts at my first Queen concert. Would have been fun to see Joe Perry and Steven Tyler on something like 'Stone Cold Crazy'.
(https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article26561096.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_FILE-PHOTO-The-Foo-Fighters-pose-at-the-Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame-Induction-Ceremony-in-New-York.jpg)
A KNIGHT's TALE
beginning of the movie
We Will Rock You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr9roMoMT1Y
Robbie Williams + Queen We Are The Champions (over the ending credits) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuj40b2MP7c
Robbie Williams: his greatest hits was #1 in eleven countries in ’04. His later two GHs also reached #1 in the UK. Eleven of his twelve studio albums reached #1 in the UK, the other was #2, sales ranging from Gold to 10x Platinum.
His live LP reached #2.
I could find nothing as to how this charted. There was a ton of backlash about this, and rightfully so for various reasons. The extra guitar work at the end is damn good…..but they could have simply taken the demo and touched it up.
And just like the collaboration with Five, John was either totally in retirement, or would have nothing to do with this.
A recent interview regarding the possibility of Williams joining Brian and Roger
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/robbie-williams-queen/
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a6/AKnightsTale.jpg/220px-AKnightsTale.jpg)
May 2001
The film, which notionally took place during the Middle Ages, is notable for its deliberate use of classic rock songs in its soundtrack. The ten that were credited in the film are listed in order of appearance.
"We Will Rock You" – Queen
"Low Rider" – War
"Takin' Care of Business" – Bachman–Turner Overdrive
"Golden Years" – David Bowie
"Further on Up the Road" – Eric Clapton
"Get Ready" – Rare Earth
"I Want to Take You Higher" – Sly and the Family Stone
"The Boys Are Back in Town" – Thin Lizzy
"You Shook Me All Night Long" – AC/DC
"We Are the Champions" – Robbie Williams & Queen
In addition, the film's score makes use of the work of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, his composition Fratres (Brothers) being heard in the scene in which William is knighted by Prince Edward.
The first movie my wife and I watched together in a theater. A great concept to use anachronistic pop culture references and a soundtrack with pop songs from the '70s. RIP, Heath Ledger
Queen Breakthru Cleveland, August 2001 https://queenbreakthru.com/about-queen-breakthru-official-north-american-queen-convention/
Throughout the years, there had been smallish Queen fan gatherings throughout the States, with twenty to forty attendees at each. With help from Jacky Smith at the OIQFC (and yours truly as part of the organizing committee) 480 people attended the first ‘Breakthru’ North American Queen Convention. My wife and I haven’t gone in years, but I believe there were around 120 at this years event. I did receive this nice autographed certificate from being a member of the committee (and picture in the fan club magazine 😊 The certificate I received the following year did not have John’s signature.
For costume night, I dressed as Freddie at Wimbledon :lol(a friend had a replica yellow jacket ) and Susan as one of the 'ladies' from ‘The Great Pretender’ video. :eek
(https://i.imgur.com/XvGQnsF.jpg)
Also....Brian was the featured artist in 'Goldmine' magazine https://brianmay.com/brian-news/brian-features/2001/08/queen-interview-with-brian-may-goldmine-10-aug-2001/
I worked with the editors on getting ads for the convention in this and other issues, paying for them out of my own pocket. I even submitted a list of questions from myself and others. None were used. :sad:
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Goldmine_10Aug2001_Brian_Maycover_1200x1510-768x967.jpg)
September
Brian and Roger filmed part of a 'VHS Storytellers' show earlier, which was to be completed some time in that month in NYC. Tragic events dictated otherwise.
NOVEMBER 24
Ocean Club, London
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/photos-guest/2001-11-24.jpg)
On 10th anniversary of Freddie's death the fan club held a special party in the Ocean Club in London with SAS Band as the main act.
They were joined by Bruce Dickinson for I Want To Break Free and above all by Brian and Roger for six songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVwYm0R0FME
01. Radio Ga Ga (Roger on vocals, Brian on guitar)
02. Since You've Been Gone (Brian on guitar and vocals, Roger on drums)
03. Under Pressure (Roger and Treana Morris on vocals, Brian on guitar)
04. Strange Frontier (Roger on vocals, Brian on guitar)
05. Tie Your Mother Down (Brian on guitar and vocals, Roger on drums)
06. No-One But You (Roger on vocals, Brian on guitar and vocals)
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well, this might get a comment or three (from the Costume Contest at the convention, with a friend and my slender wife)
(https://i.imgur.com/akcyzF9.jpg)
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Susan looks great, Joe!
And I already got in trouble earlier in the thread, so I I'll just leave it at that. :D
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Susan looks great, Joe!
As always! Thanks, Tim :tup
And I already got in trouble earlier in the thread, so I I'll just leave it at that. :D
:lol Probably some comment by a person with too thin of skin at times.....
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finishing 2001, because I screwed up.
I might have been the first person in the States to play this on their stereo. The Japanese version was brought along by the fan club president as a sneak preview for the convention committee, and since I was the only one to bring a boom box......
Good Rockin' Tonight - The Legacy of Sun Records
Released: 2001, UK (Sire Records), Japan (WEA Japan, Warner Music)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Frelated%2Fgood-rockin-tonight-japancdfront.jpg&hash=6d1f5daa230a5a78f72f0d2b9a049f023eba13f1)
Paul McCartney – That's All Right
Jeff Beck & Chrissie Hynde – Mystery Train
Jimmy Page & Robert Plant – My Bucket's Got A Hole In It
Johnny Hallyday – Blue Suede Shoes
Elton John – Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers* – Blue Moon Of Kentucky
Van Morrison & Carl Perkins – Sittin' On Top Of The World
Bryan Ferry – Don't Be Cruel
Bob Dylan – Red Cadillac And A Black Moustache
Eric Clapton & The Impressions – Just Walkin' In The Rain
Matchbox Twenty – Lonely Weekend
Sheryl Crow – Who Will The Next Fool Be?
Chris Isaak – It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You
Live – I Walk The Line
The Howling Diablos* Featuring Kid Rock – Drinkin' Wine Spo - Dee - O - Dee
Mandy Barnett With The Jordanaires – You Win Again
Third Eye Blind – Cry, Cry, Cry
Brian May – Teasin' Around
Companies, etc.
The Companion to the American Masters Documentary "Good Rockin' Tonight: The Legacy Of Sun Records"
Tracks 16-18 are not listed on the back cover.
Tracks 17-18 are exclusive bonus tracks for Japan only.
Brian May- Teasin' Around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdV-PAPFubE
The original 'I Don't Want Nobody (Teasing Around With Me)' by Billy "The Kid" Emerson, 1954 (as 'No Teasin' Around')
**********
Rumours swirled for months about this release. Yet, when it finally happened, Brian's track was only made available on the Japanese version....and not even listed! :huh:
This is Brian at his best! The Red Special at its best! A great cover, and one of my top five Brian performances.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fbrian-may%2Fgallery%2Frelated%2Fgood-rockin-tonight-japancdback.jpg&hash=28e1f07292c4858bbc848c40bc6f6375cc3d16a5)
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Brian May- Teasin' Around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdV-PAPFubE
Wow, this is excellent. When the vocals go up a notch, that had Freddie written all over it. Brian really developed an excellent vocal ability.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers* – Blue Moon Of Kentucky
The Howling Diablos* Featuring Kid Rock – Drinkin' Wine Spo - Dee - O - Dee
Why do these have a * ?
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Brian May- Teasin' Around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdV-PAPFubE
Wow, this is excellent. When the vocals go up a notch, that had Freddie written all over it. Brian really developed an excellent vocal ability.
Indeed! (though I'd never thought of Freddie in that, but 'we'll' take it ;) )
From queenpedia http://www.queenpedia.com/index.php?title=(I_Don%27t_Want_Nobody)_Teasin%27_Around_(With_Me)
"Actually, I've been playing some blues lately. I've done a couple of tracks and I usually end up singing and not screaming; it's in the range where I can put some passion into it. The funny thing is, I actually can scream. I just did this track for Scotty Moore on a Sun Records tribute. It starts off very quiet and then the guy screams because he's totally pissed off ... I did a version of that and I screamed it. The problem is that I can't do it all night."
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers* – Blue Moon Of Kentucky
The Howling Diablos* Featuring Kid Rock – Drinkin' Wine Spo - Dee - O - Dee
Why do these have a * ?
Because I forgot to remove them. ;) Actually, here's the link for that release
https://www.discogs.com/master/203319-Various-Good-Rockin-Tonight-The-Legacy-Of-Sun-Records
I had read through it, did so again after your post, and there's no explanation for the asterisks. (?)
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Speaking of Brian May, have you guys watched any videos by Rick Beato on YouTube? This interview he did with Brian May last year is pretty in-depth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgkvU5eCaYo
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I have not, but will check this one out next week some time.
Thank you for the link :tup
(gosh....it's so hard for me to watch Brian now, ...with totally gray/white hair (like me). He's not supposed to age ;))
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I like how no matter how old he is, he ain't cutting his hair. :lol
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Trivial as to that 2001 convention: we put the word out, and I went about ordering tickets for the Cleveland Indians baseball game that Sunday afternoon against the Seattle Mariners (the year the M's won 116 games). The convention ended at noon, the game was to start at 1pm, and it would be a chance for many of the European guests to attend 'America's past time' in person. Thirty people signed up, with some planning to at least catch 3-6 innings before their flights home. I bought the tickets upfront. The future Mrs. DA and I would be leaving the next morning.
Alas....if I recall correctly, that was the first year of 'flex scheduling', and....you guessed it, the game was moved to Sunday night >:( :censored What a gut punch that email was to read less than two weeks before the game, and then have to pass along that message to the committee. Most of those that could not attend still paid me, and seven of us managed to see history made that night (though we left when it was 12-0, but watching the ending on TV).
https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/august-5-2001-cleveland-overcomes-12-run-deficit-to-beat-mariners/
will move on to 2002 soon, with a brief recap of 'QUEEN' releases throughout the century, and then save some of the rest for a later rainy day.
We ended up selling the unused tickets on eBay for 3-4x face value.
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I like how no matter how old he is, he ain't cutting his hair. :lol
I wouldn't either :D :tup
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2001
Queen Breakthru Cleveland, August 2001 https://queenbreakthru.com/about-queen-breakthru-official-north-american-queen-convention/
Throughout the years, there had been smallish Queen fan gatherings throughout the States, with twenty to forty attendees at each. With help from Jacky Smith at the OIQFC (and yours truly as part of the organizing committee) 480 people attended the first ‘Breakthru’ North American Queen Convention. My wife and I haven’t gone in years, but I believe there were around 120 at this years event.
Hey DA, me and a couple of buddies were at this convention in 2001 as well! Fun experience (although my wife didn't appreciate the two speeding tickets I got driving from NJ to Cleveland) :facepalm:
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2002
An incredibly busy year, starting off with
The WINTER OLYMPICS
February
Salt Lake City, Utah
Brian collaborates once again with Michael Kamen, this time on "Light the Fire Within" the official theme of the 2002 Winter Olympics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5WDVC2IT30
The ceremony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui3vlvpG6Ec&t=4s
I remember running this through the home stereo system to record onto cassette that evening, and cursing every single time someone needlessly talked over it :D >:(
Throughout all these years, I have found nothing where this was officially released, and found that nice, neat, clean version on youtube just a few months ago. :tup
(https://rainierdisplay.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/1200px-2002_Winter_Olympics_logo-01.jpg)
QUEEN's DAY
Amsterdam, April 30
https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/netherlands/queen-birthday
Brian and Roger arrive practically unannounced to perform what is their first concert together as headliners since The Tribute Concert ten years earlier.
https://brianmay.com/queen-news/queen-features/2020/02/queens-day-amsterdam-30-april-2002/
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh3_3mIlSdM&list=PL01D47AE65CB92BF5
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/passes/2002-04-30.jpg)
1) Radio Ga Ga (Roger Taylor)
2) Tie Your Mother Down (Brian May)
3) Another One Bites The Dust (Patti Russo)
4) Under Pressure (Patti Russo / Roger Taylor)
5) Hammer To Fall (Slow Version) (Brian May)
6) The Show Must Go On (Patti Russo)
7) No One But You (Roger Taylor / Brian May)
8) We Will Rock You (Brian May)
9) We Are The Champions (Trijntje Oosterhuis)
The stories from a couple of attendees
https://www.queenconcerts.com/detail/live/1174/brian-may-roger-taylor-live-30-04-2002-museum-square-amsterdam-the-netherlands-dutch-queens-birthday.html?returnpath=a%3A3%3A%7Bi%3A0%3Ba%3A2%3A%7Bs%3A5%3A%22title%22%3Bs%3A14%3A%22Concertography%22%3Bs%3A4%3A%
22link%22%3Bs%3A1%3A%22%23%22%3B%7Di%3A1%3Ba%3A2%3A%7Bs%3A5%3A%22title%22%3Bs%3A5%3A%22Queen%22%
3Bs%3A4%3A%22link%22%3Bs%3A16%3A%22%2Flive%2Fqueen.html%22%3B%7Di%3A2%3Ba%3A2%3A%7Bs%3A5%3A%22title%22%
3Bs%3A11%3A%22With+guests%22%3Bs%3A4%3A%22link%22%3Bs%3A33%3A%22%2Flive%2Fqueen%2F1992-postfreddie.html%22%3B%7D%7D
(^ this all copies and pastes...)
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/photos-guest/2002-04-30a_s.jpg)
Brian collaborations:
with Lynn Carey Saylor: "If We Believe" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_hdI3wd4y8 and 'We Belong' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-QdaJI28x8 from the LP 'You Like It Clean'
with Claire Sweeney: "Too Much Love Will Kill You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4obAtLHMy8
and, yet again, The Foo Fighters: "Tired of You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2mnoH1Fypo from the Lp 'One By One'
Dave Grohl: "This is a really sparse one guitar and one vocal song - but then in the chorus Brian May overdubbed these 4-part guitar harmony swells - it's f--king insane. He's the only guest appearance on the record but you wouldn't even have to put his f--king name on the album because someone would hear that song and be like 'oh my god - that sounds like Queen.' It sounds like a string section, but he did it with a guitar and it's f--king amazing."
Well, it was nice, but I wouldn’t have known Brian appeared on this unless I had been told.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1e/Golden_Jubilee_50_2002_logo.jpg/220px-Golden_Jubilee_50_2002_logo.jpg)
The Queen’s Jubiliee
Buckingham Palace
London, England, June 3
Attendance: 12,000 (with an additional one million people at The Mall to watch and listen on giant screens, and another 200 million watching the televised event around the world)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Jubilee_of_Elizabeth_II
On June 3rd, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh returned to London and at 1:00 pm launched the nationwide BBC Music Live Festival, in which more than 200 towns and cities across the United Kingdom publicly played the Beatles song "All You Need Is Love".
During the day, street parties were held around the country, and that evening, the Queen, the Duke, and other members of the immediate Royal Family, made themselves present at another concert on the grounds of Buckingham Palace called 'Party at the Palace'.
Brian kicked off the event by playing his arrangement of "God Save the Queen" from the roof of the palace, while Paul McCartney concluded the concert.
Brian 'God Save The Queen' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KNWdhVJq9k
Still gives me goosebumps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :tup
(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27113130.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GD1917959.jpg)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a3/42/a3/a342a34736f94e46d2ba205bcf1e7282.jpg)
(Queen + Adam Lambert opening for the 2022 Jubilee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3guQ2Ufbxw)
PARTY AT THE PALACE
Performed: June 3
Released: June 24
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_at_the_Palace
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fd/Party_at_the_Palace.jpg)
The track listing for the CD (does not include all the performances from the evening). There's so many collaborations during the evening, that listing all the songs
and performers would be almost as big as Kev's favorite singers spreadsheet ;))
https://www.discogs.com/release/2959027-Various-Party-At-The-Palace-The-Queens-Concerts-Buckingham-Palace
It was a very enjoyable listen, the DVD a fun watch way back when. I'll have to wipe the dust off of each some time next year.
HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
Hollywood, California
October 18
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/00/57/73/00577384c161b90ffd5b8280bcaa959b--queen-freddie-mercury-hollywood-walk-of-fame.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFIA1NVEYeY
http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Music/10/18/queen.tribute/
After party at the 1650 Club (with Spike Edney's SAS Band)
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/photos-guest/2002-10-18_s.jpg)
01. Tie Your Mother Down (Brian vocals, Nuno Bettencourt guitar)
02. Under Pressure (Roger + Patti Russo vocals)
03. Another One Bites The Dust (Patti Russo vocals)
04. Sleeping On The Sidewalk (Brian vocals)
05. I'm In Love With My Car (Roger vocals)
06. Stone Cold Crazy (Jeff Scott Soto vocals)
07. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Fred Mandel keys)
08. Hammer To Fall slow/fast (Brian vocals)
09. We Will Rock You
10. We Are The Champions (Roger + Brian vocals)
11. Rock And Roll (Roger vocals, Steve Vai guitar, Carmine Appice drums)
VIDEO Stone Cold Crazy (with Jeff Scott Soto) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvD-SHT25LA
The only audio or video footage I have found. I did sneak a mini cassette recorder inside, and some of the performance was somewhat clear...but it was the
LOUDEST show/concert I've ever witnessed! And....the 6'5" tall jerk wad constantly jumping and raising his arms was right in front of us. We moved away for a while, but he was also the d*ck who stomped on my hand so hard when I had one of Carmine Appice's drumsticks in my hand, that I let go, and he grabbed it :censored >:(
(it felt so good to tell him off at the Vegas WWRY premiere a few years later....)
the direct link with the entire day and nights events no longer works
https://brianmay.com/queen/queennews/queennewsoct15b.html#27
(https://i.imgur.com/IUEvGyp.gif)
and, once again, Day 1 of our honeymoon
(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c0/31/c1/c031c14c85cbc2f3aad0a1ff98d056f9.jpg)
WE WILL ROCK YOU Soundtrack
Released: November
The musical began its run earlier in the year https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Will_Rock_You_(musical)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Will_Rock_You_(The_Original_London_Cast_Recording)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB9vPRuTlGI&list=PLZROkT1-_ZH5Rd8n8ogdhXCYNoARHzSAf the soundtrack
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f9/WeWillRockYou_Cast.jpg/220px-WeWillRockYou_Cast.jpg)
1 Innuendo
2 Radio Ga Ga
3 I Want to Break Free
4 Somebody to Love
5 Killer Queen
6 Play the Game
7 Under Pressure
8 A Kind of Magic
9 I Want It All
10 Headlong
11 No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)
12 Ogre Battle (Instrumental)
13 One Vision
14 Who Wants to Live Forever
15 Flash
16 Seven Seas of Rhye
17 Don't Stop Me Now
18 Another One Bites the Dust
19 Hammer to Fall
20 These Are the Days of Our Lives
21 We Will Rock You
22 We Are the Champions
23 We Will Rock You [Fast]
24 Bohemian Rhapsody
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew9KR1zZXzk the play
I enjoyed ‘Innuendo’ but that was about it. As to the play, NOBY and BoRhap were of course highlights. Brian and Roger would occasionally appear (and perform 'We Will Rock You' / 'We Are The Champions' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody') in London, and throughout the world, for debut nights and other special occasions.
Spike Edney and Neil Murray performed on this recording.
As to the original cast, Kerry Ellis (Meat) would collaborate with Brian on a few albums down the road, and my wife and I would get to meet her and Tony Vincent at the Vegas premiere a few years later.
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2001
Queen Breakthru Cleveland, August 2001 https://queenbreakthru.com/about-queen-breakthru-official-north-american-queen-convention/
Throughout the years, there had been smallish Queen fan gatherings throughout the States, with twenty to forty attendees at each. With help from Jacky Smith at the OIQFC (and yours truly as part of the organizing committee) 480 people attended the first ‘Breakthru’ North American Queen Convention. My wife and I haven’t gone in years, but I believe there were around 120 at this years event.
Hey DA, me and a couple of buddies were at this convention in 2001 as well! Fun experience
Well.....COOL BEANS !!!! :tup :tup :tup
Did you manage to attend any others? Since the initial convention, we've only been to '02, '03 (Dallas), '06, and '09 (Detroit)
Fun experience (although my wife didn't appreciate the two speeding tickets I got driving from NJ to Cleveland) :facepalm:
Well, that suxx :sad: Oh, how I hated driving in Ohio :angry: I-80/90 was great to drive whether it was from Michigan to Maryland (or Florida)... nice and flat, perfect for driving 70-80 MPH....or after the hilly and often no shoulder roads of Pennsylvania. But those 60 or 65 MPH speed zones >:( I had heard horror stories of how there was little to no tolerance for speeding, especially for those with Michigan plates (influenced by the football rivalry perhaps ;)), so I made sure that if they saw my out of state plates, I wouldn't be doing anything over 62 MPH.
And...my final story: we no doubt bumped into you some time that weekend, perhaps at the Saturday swap meet. We sold off any mutual items (vinyl, CDs, The Solo Collection, box sets, posters, etc) and walked away with $2100 (and a much emptier car for the ride home :) :tup)
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Re: We will rock you - The musical
I saw this some months ago with my wife when they had a short run in Cologne (again).
The story is as stupid as it gets and is clearly just a vehicle to present some Queen songs. We had a cast with really good singers (but no Brian or Roger :D) and I enjoyed it for what it was.
Highlight was Bohemian Rhapsody as the encore with the operatic part performed live by all the singers.
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Bohemian Rhapsody as the encore with the operatic part performed live by all the singers.
I would love to see/hear that.
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Re: We will rock you - The musical
I saw this some months ago with my wife when they had a short run in Cologne (again).
The story is as stupid as it gets and is clearly just a vehicle to present some Queen songs. We had a cast with really good singers (but no Brian or Roger :D) and I enjoyed it for what it was.
Highlight was Bohemian Rhapsody as the encore with the operatic part performed live by all the singers.
Agreed times a gazillion. The plot is '2112' but from the pen of a five year old. :sad:
Bohemian Rhapsody as the encore with the operatic part performed live by all the singers.
I would love to see/hear that.
I did include the soundtrack link above the WWRY musical album cover.
For ease of search, it's here ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGgiRUSwyCo&list=PLZROkT1-_ZH5Rd8n8ogdhXCYNoARHzSAf&index=24
There were / are others who can do the LVs better.
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2001
Queen Breakthru Cleveland, August 2001 https://queenbreakthru.com/about-queen-breakthru-official-north-american-queen-convention/
Throughout the years, there had been smallish Queen fan gatherings throughout the States, with twenty to forty attendees at each. With help from Jacky Smith at the OIQFC (and yours truly as part of the organizing committee) 480 people attended the first ‘Breakthru’ North American Queen Convention. My wife and I haven’t gone in years, but I believe there were around 120 at this years event.
Hey DA, me and a couple of buddies were at this convention in 2001 as well! Fun experience
Well.....COOL BEANS !!!! :tup :tup :tup
Did you manage to attend any others? Since the initial convention, we've only been to '02, '03 (Dallas), '06, and '09 (Detroit)
Fun experience (although my wife didn't appreciate the two speeding tickets I got driving from NJ to Cleveland) :facepalm:
Well, that suxx :sad: Oh, how I hated driving in Ohio :angry: I-80/90 was great to drive whether it was from Michigan to Maryland (or Florida)... nice and flat, perfect for driving 70-80 MPH....or after the hilly and often no shoulder roads of Pennsylvania. But those 60 or 65 MPH speed zones >:( I had heard horror stories of how there was little to no tolerance for speeding, especially for those with Michigan plates (influenced by the football rivalry perhaps ;)), so I made sure that if they saw my out of state plates, I wouldn't be doing anything over 62 MPH.
And...my final story: we no doubt bumped into you some time that weekend, perhaps at the Saturday swap meet. We sold off any mutual items (vinyl, CDs, The Solo Collection, box sets, posters, etc) and walked away with $2100 (and a much emptier car for the ride home :) :tup)
Yeah, I'm sure we bumped into at the swap meet...you probably got some of my money! :tup
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And...my final story: we no doubt bumped into you some time that weekend, perhaps at the Saturday swap meet. We sold off any mutual items (vinyl, CDs, The Solo Collection, box sets, posters, etc) and walked away with $2100 (and a much emptier car for the ride home :) :tup)
Yeah, I'm sure we bumped into at the swap meet...you probably got some of my money! :tup
[/quote]
My wife and I say 'thank you' ;)
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'New' QUEEN songs of this century
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rBxjJ0h+L._SX425_.jpg)
From the many compilations during this century, there was Queen Forever, released in 2014.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Forever
Released: November 14, 2014
Charts: UK #5, USA #38
South Korea #2, Poland #2, Netherlands #3, Israel #4, Switzerland #4, US Hard Rock #4, Italy #5, Belgium #6, Scotland #6, Germany #7, Austria #8, Czechoslavakia #8, Spain #8, Canada, #11, France #12, Portugal #12, Denmark #15, Japan #16, Ireland #18, New Zealand #18, Sweden #28, Australia #35,
Finland #36
Certifications: Gold in UK, Germany, Italy, Poland
It offered two ‘new’ songs from the ‘The Works’ sessions
( page 24 of this discography https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2905229#msg2905229 )
Let Me In Your Heart Again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWzeNnq1-rA
Love Kills https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPdU_07YZY
These two absolutely blew me away when released. And still do. Great listens after collecting dust for thirty years! Would have made great additions to 'The Works' back in the day.
There’s also an extended version of ‘Let Me In’ that was ruined by William Orbit. It’s available on youtube.
And then, there’s this:
From the ‘Hot Space’ sessions, which then became a duet with Michael Jackson
There Must Be More To Life Than This (Wm Orbit mix), in which the Jackson estate did not give full control to Brian and Roger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FrrzXH0exU
All of their discography (minus ‘Live Killers’) was remastered and reissued in 2011, along with bonus discs for each. And then there was the ‘News Of The World’ 40th Anniversary release, which included a bonus disc of demos. Nice.
And now.... we have ‘The Miracle’, rereleased this year. Includes three absolutely superb nonalbum B-sides (Hang On In There, Stealin’, and My Life Has Been Saved) and a fun one (Hijack My Heart). This reissue also includes demos AND demos touched up and polished, some of which I had never knew existed until this year. I’m waiting for Christmas to open it (if it arrives by then).
With that…..we’ve covered all officially released (and many unofficially released) ‘QUEEN’ songs.
Will touch base on more of Roger’s and Brian’s releases, with summaries of their work with Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert as well, albeit briefly, some time later next week.
'...and there you have it....' ;)
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/88e58cec39c05230698da3a3c3fca33c/a90dcc8d4e9a4e05-dc/s1280x1920/bb3835031970cc373893d70ee643433674f6e35e.png)
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GREAT JOB! :tup
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Thank you.
Well, it only took me two weeks to polish up my prior post. :D
I had completed most of the Word docs for the very brief recaps for Queen+Paul Rodgers and Queen+Adam Lambert a while back, and will post soon.
Over the past three months, we've had the specter of cancer hanging over this household. The results of an invasive surgery on my wife came back negative yesterday. Phew!
So, let's raise a toast to Mrs. DA! :tup
(https://media.tenor.com/NGlZv83mhmsAAAAC/freddie-toast-freddie-mercury.gif)
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YAYAYAYAYAY! I can imagine the relief for you and your wife. Best to you.
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That's very good news, DragonAttack :tup
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That's good to hear :tup
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Happy results to Mrs. DragonAttack, the #2 Queen thread contributor ;) internet hugs to your household!!
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Thanks, everyone! :tup
A special 'thank you' to Mr. and Mrs. TAC, who provided smiles and words of support throughout all of this. :heart
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Thanks, everyone! :tup
I special 'thank you' to Mr. and Mrs. TAC, who provided smiles and words of support throughout all of this. :heart
(https://media.tenor.com/JzAm9KcnyUoAAAAC/freddie-mercury-live-aid-yes.gif)
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:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup :tup
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(sorry....this one slipped through the cracks.....)
46664
Released: November, 2003
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=queen+46664 (pick the songs you care to listen to....)
The '46664' project was conceived by Nelson Mandela as a platform to raise awareness of the AIDS virus and raise funds to help it's prevention, as the disease was ravaging South Africa. '46664' was his prison number whilst imprisoned on Robben Island. The project brought together many musicians, including Queen, Dave Stewart, Bono and Bob Geldof, as well as some modern pop stars and African musicians.
Certainly, a much different reception was given to Brian and Roger in regards to their appearance and show this time in South Africa, as opposed to the Queen tour in 1986.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46664
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Frelated%2F46664-the-event-ukdvdfrontsticker.jpg&hash=f3815bd5074b3417d453539e0dbd34cb0b87d71b)
DVD 1
Beyonce - Crazy in Love (46664 version)
Bob Geldof - Speech
Bob Geldof - Redemption Song
Queen and David A Stewart - Say It's Not True
Paul Oakenfold, Shifty Shellshock and TC - Starry Eyed Surprise
Paul Oakenfold, Shifty Shellshock and TC with Amampondo Drummers - Ready Steady Go
Baaba Maal - Baayo
Baaba Maal - Njilou
Youssou n’Dour -Africa Dream Again
Yusuf Islam and Peter Gabriel - Wild World
Peter Gabriel, Youssou n’Dour and Angelique Kidjo - In Your Eyes
Peter Gabriel and Youssou n Dour - Biko
Bono, The Edge, Beyonce and David A Stewart - American Prayer
Bono, The Edge, David A Stewart, Youssou n’ Dour and Abdel Wright - 46664 (Long Walk to Freedom)
Nelson Mandela - Speech
Queen - Invincible Hope
Queen - 46664 - The Call
Queen - The Show Must Go On
Angelique Kidjo - Afrika
Yvonne Chaka Chaka - Umquombothi
Bongo Maffin - The Way
Johnny Clegg and guests - Asimbonanga
Johnny Clegg and Jimmy Cliff - People
Jimmy Cliff - Many Rivers To Cross
Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now
46664 Press Conference : including short excerpts of Brian and Roger
Behind The Concert : including rehearsals of 'Toss The Feathers', 'Amandla', 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'We Are The Champions', some interviews and footage of Queen
Interviews : featuring interview excerpts with Dave Stewart, Queen, Peter Gabriel, and others
Fighting AIDS : a feature AIDS related projects
Credits
DVD 2
Part Two of the 46664 Concert:
The Corrs - Breathless
The Corrs and Roger Taylor - Toss The Feathers
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Corrs - Leliungelo Elakho
Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Homeless
Andrea Corr and Brian May - Is This The World We Created?
Abdel Wright - Loose Me Now
Danny K - Hurts So Bad
Watershed - Indigo Girl
Bob Geldof - The Great Song Of Indifference
Bob Geldof - (What So Funny ‘bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
Queen and Zucchero - Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime
Eurythmics - Here Comes The Rain Again
Eurythmics and Youssou n’Dour - 7 Seconds
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Ms Dynamite - Don’t Throw Your Life Away
Bono and The Edge - One
Bono and The Edge - Unchained Melody
Anastacia, Bono, The Edge, David A Stewart and Queen - Amandla
Queen and Soweto Gospel Choir - Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen and Zucchero - I Want It All
Queen and Thandiswa Mazwai - I Want To Break Free
Queen - Radio Ga Ga
Queen and Anastacia - We Will Rock You
Queen and Anastacia - We Are The Champions
Soweto Gospel Choir and Cast - 46664 Chant
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EHLC4fVb0UQ/hqdefault.jpg)
With Anastacia
*******
I simply remember that this was 'nice' to see, a first of Brian and Roger for me from a big stage since The Tribute Concert.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/13/e0/c6/13e0c6c6f413704de83c99e3250168c6.jpg)
(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2017/11/08/14/lennox-mandela.jpg?quality=75&width=982&height=726&auto=webp)
with Dave Stewart, Annie Lennox, and Peter Gabriel
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QUEEN + JOHN FARHAM WE WILL ROCK YOU
Released: July 2003
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Ftestpage1%2Fjohnfarnhamfront.jpg&hash=f515ba48d388fcce1a7924f47df0959fb1b2c35e)
Now, for a bit of fun. John Farnham worked with Queen to produce a new version of "We Will Rock You" for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, released on his greatest hits album, "One Voice". Media reports of Queen asking Farnham to join the band were subsequently denied by both Brian May and Farnham.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Farnham
http://www.queenvault.com/testpage1/johnfarnhamback.jpg
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP6O5hCN1M8
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Farnham's voice is somewhat similar to Brian on this release. This version is a minute longer than the original, with added vocals and a damn good (kick axe!) instrumental that really works, and gives it a very 'fresh' feel. Definitely worth a listen or two. :tup
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lqjNWuM2z-Q/mqdefault.jpg)
With Brian in 2020
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QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS
Brian and Paul had worked on a couple of collaborations eons before. The origins of the collaboration came when Brian played at the Fender Strat Pack concert in 2004. Now for the first time, he joined Paul Rodgers for a rendition of Free's classic, "All Right Now". After this Brian spoke of a chemistry between the two of them. Following this, Brian invited Paul to play with Queen at their induction to the UK Music Hall of Fame. Again citing a new excitement with Rodgers, the three announced they would tour in 2005. The tour originally was meant only to include Europe and the 46664 concerts of that year. However at the end of the European tour, some dates in the USA and Japan were added. In 2006, a full scale US tour was undertaken. (wiki)
Q+PR would be together for three years, before a mutual parting of the ways.
I enjoyed them for what it was, which was a chance to see Brian and Roger with a big name lead singer. The Ferrari was back, revved up, and the machine was still as powerful. The driver just wasn't always a perfect fit. Then again, look who he was trying to 'replace'.
(https://brianmay.com/queen/tour05/pix/bg_bandseated600ed.jpg)
Danny Miranda, Jamie Moses, Paul, Brian, Roger, and Spike Edney
Related tour https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_%2B_Paul_Rodgers_Tour
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/FU8AAOSwMXZdRDZy/s-l400.jpg)
The new logo tee shirt
(https://igormiranda.com.br/wp-content/uploads/migblg/queen-b16.jpg)
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I love Paul Rodgers.
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QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS RETURN OF THE CHAMPIONS
Released: September 13, 2005 UK (Parlophone) , US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #12, US #84
Germany #13, Austria #19, Netherlands #19, Italy #19, Portugal #28, Belgium #39, Switzerland #42, Spain #44, Ireland #47, France #80
Singles:
Reaching Out / Tie Your Mother Down
DNC
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51GEDVPS4SL._SY580_.jpg)
Musicians:
Paul Rodgers - lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar on Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Brian May - guitars, lead and backing vocals
Roger Taylor - drums, lead and backing vocals
Spike Edney - piano, keyboards, backing vocals
Jamie Moses - guitars, backing vocals
Danny Miranda - bass guitar, backing vocals, acoustic guitar on Say It's Not True
Produced by: Justin Shirley-Smith
Recorded: 9 May 2005 at Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield
Design by Richard Gray
Front Cover Photography by Nena & Tomy, Milano
Back Cover Photography by Allan Campbell
DISC ONE
1. Reaching Out
2. Tie Your Mother Down
3. I Want To Break Free
4. Fat Bottomed Girls
5. Wishing Well
6. Another One Bites The Dust
7. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
8. Say It's Not True
9. '39
10. Love Of My Life
11. Hammer To Fall
12. Feel Like Makin' Love
13. Let There Be Drums
14. I'm In Love With My Car
15. Guitar Solo
16. Last Horizon
DISC TWO
1. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
2. Radio Ga Ga
3. Can't Get Enough
4. A Kind Of Magic
5. I Want It All
6. Bohemian Rhapsody
7. The Show Must Go On
8. All Right Now
9. We Will Rock You
10. We Are The Champions
11. God Save The Queen
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As good a live album and introduction to this partnership as this may be, it’s often noted that it was unfair to Paul, who is singing a set of primarily Queen tunes. Comparisons to Freddie were inevitable, and most reviews ranged from fair to good. I especially enjoyed the moments when Roger was sharing or full lead on vocals, the short drum solo, and a full version for the first time of ‘I’m In Love With My Car’. The first time in almost two decades that Brian’s guitar solo is on a ‘Queen’ release, and ending it with his solo instrumental ‘Lost Horizion’ is one of a handful of true highlights.
It was good to finally hear the music performed live on songs such as ‘I Want It All’ and ‘The Show Must Go On’…..it’s just that Paul wasn’t exactly the right fit on these and few others, and his extra warbling at times was a detriment.
I also thought it would have been nice to have something ‘new’ so to speak to the set list: Brian’s ‘Driven By You’, Roger’s ‘Man On Fire’, and I really would have enjoyed Bad Company’s ‘Movin’ On’.
Oh, and the artwork was lazy and unappealing.
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I love Paul Rodgers.
I always thought highly of him. 'Bad Company' is a top 100 album. I was so glad he hopped on board.
After the European tour, they took a three month break, and did two shows in the States (New Jersey and Hollywood) before playing six shows in Japan. That sold out show at the Meadowlands Arena was such an incredible day. The first arena show for 'Queen' since '82. The tailgating in the north parking lot around Jacky Smith's group, meeting dozens of UK and American fans in person (knowing many by their 'handles' for eons), the show (about ten feet from the catwalk on Brian's side), tailgating afterwards, partying in the hotel lobby til 2AM..... basically.....because Paul had the nads to give it a go.
I'll always be grateful to him for this.
Oh, and if you 'love' Paul Rodgers, you have to be absolutely thrilled with 'his' songs.....and that great backing band he has on this ;) :tup
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RETURN OF THE CHAMPIONS DVD
Charts: UK #1, US #13
Austria #2, Netherlands #2, Greece #3, Italy #4, Belgium #6, Spain #6, Denmark #10, Australia #16
Certifications: Gold in UK, Australia, France, Germany
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Same listing as the CD and vinyl releases, but with two additional tracks. Those two songs are 'It's A Beautiful Day', which initially opened the concert but now appears over the end credits, with short highlights from the concert, and 'Imagine', which is a separate feature and was recorded in Hyde Park, London, on July 15, 2005. The opening titles of the DVD appear over the first verse of 'Reaching Out'.
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QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS SUPER LIVE IN JAPAN
Released: April 26, 2006 (Japan only) EMI
(Highlights from the concert were later released in a CD & DVD issue of 'The Cosmos Rocks' in 2008.)
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Disc 1:
01. Lose Yourself
02. Reaching Out
03. Tie Your Mother Down
04. Fat Bottomed Girls
05. Another One Bites The Dust
06. Fire And Water
07. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
08. Say It's Not True
09. '39
10. Love Of My Life
11. Teo Torriatte
12. Hammer To Fall
13. Feel Like Makin' Love
14. Let There Be Drums
15. I'm In Love With My Car
16. Guitar Solo
17. Last Horizon
18. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
19. Radio Ga Ga
20. Can't Get Enough
21. A Kind Of Magic
22. Wishing Well
23. I Want It All
24. Bohemian Rhapsody
25. I Was Born To Love You
26. The Show Must Go On
27. All Right Now
28. We Will Rock You
29. We Are The Champions
30. God Save The Queen
Disc 2:
Backstage In Budapest mini-documentary
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I love Paul Rodgers.
I always thought highly of him. 'Bad Company' is a top 100 album. I was so glad he hopped on board.
After the European tour, they took a three month break, and did two shows in the States (New Jersey and Hollywood) before playing six shows in Japan. That sold out show at the Meadowlands Arena was such an incredible day. The first arena show for 'Queen' since '82. The tailgating in the north parking lot around Jacky Smith's group, meeting dozens of UK and American fans in person (knowing many by their 'handles' for eons), the show (about ten feet from the catwalk on Brian's side), tailgating afterwards, partying in the hotel lobby til 2AM..... basically.....because Paul had the nads to give it a go.
I'll always be grateful to him for this.
Oh, and if you 'love' Paul Rodgers, you have to be absolutely thrilled with 'his' songs.....and that great backing band he has on this ;) :tup
:tup :tup :tup
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Thanks.
QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS THE COSMOS ROCKS
Released: September 2008, UK (Parlophone EMI), US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #5, US #47
Czechoslavakia #4, Germany #4, Switzerland #5, Italy #6, Netherlands #8, Austria #11, Finland #15, Hungary #15, Belgium #16, Spain #20, Croatia #22, Poland #22, Denmark #24, Sweden #24, Portugese #25, France #28, Norway #31, Ireland #47, Australia #49
Certifications: Silver in UK, Gold in Russia
(the chart numbers are somewhat impressive numbers, but it charted no longer than four weeks in any country. It certainly lacked staying power ;))
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glDE43GOggc&list=PLTkzdu5Yyhl3yVvutmS_1Wkn3xlUG2o6i
Singles:
Say It's Not True
Released: December 31, 2007
Charts: UK #90
(for the '46664' project, with all proceeds being donated to the South African charity)
C-lebrity b/w Fire And Water (live Japanese recording)
Released: 2008
Charts: UK #33
We Believe (Italian promo)
Charts: #4 Virgin Radio
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Paul Rodgers - lead and backing vocals, guitar, bass guitar, piano, keyboards
Brian May - guitars, bass guitar, piano, keyboards, lead and backing vocals
Roger Taylor - drums, percussion, keyboards, lead and backing vocals
Taylor Hawkins - backing vocals (C-lebrity)
Produced by:
Brian May, Paul Rodgers, Roger Taylor
Co-Produced by:
Joshua J. Macrae, Justin Shirley-Smith, Kris Fredriksson
All tracks written by Queen + Paul Rodgers
This album is dedicated to Freddie Mercury
1. Cosmos Rockin' (Taylor) 4:10
2. Time to Shine (Rodgers) 4:23
3. Still Burnin' (May) 4:04
4. Small (Taylor) 4:39
5. Warboys (Rodgers) 3:18
6. We Believe (May) 6:08
7. Call Me (Rodgers) 2:59
8. Voodoo (Rodgers) 4:27
9. Some Things That Glitter (May) 4:03
10. C-lebrity (Taylor) 3:38
11. Through the Night (Rodgers) 4:54
12. Say It's Not True (Taylor) 4:00
13. Surf's Up... School's Out! (Taylor) 5:56
14. Small Reprise (Taylor) 2:03
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Unreleased Take Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZejw4EeVg8
Runaway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19ghSUIP84s
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There’s a couple of OK songs, but this is basically sounds like a Paul Rodgers album, with a Roger LV thrown in. No LVs by Brian (and only three written by him). I had truly expected many songs to have shared LVs. Roger has six writing credits.
For some reason, no bass player was brought in. Brian and Paul shared those duties, which hurts the end product. It also just kind of sounds like a bunch of middle age rockers doing most things 'by the numbers'.
We listened to this a few times when it was released.
'Small' is a very moving highlight. 'We Believe', and 'Some Things That Glitter' are the highlights that I remember. 'Cosmos Rockin' and 'C-lebrity' are OK (Taylor Hawkins making yet another collaboration with Brian and Roger).
Oh, and again, the artwork is lame, boring, and very unoriginal. And.....who are those tiny, itsy bitsy people on the front and back covers?
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When the Cosmos TV series premiered on public television in 1980, its score consisted of a variety of music from all over the world. Considering the non-commercial scope of the series any music could be used, free of charge. The variety of the selected music ranged from classical and ethnical music, to Vangelis' and Jean-Michel Jarre's synthesized pieces taken from their seventies albums.
The liner notes of "The music of Cosmos" - Collector's Edition explain:
"The musical content of COSMOS seemed to create a message of it's own - almost as though it were the collective intelligence of the universe pleasantly calling our attention to the lessons at hand. [this]... expresses, simply and eloquently, our intentions in selecting music for the thirteen hours of the COSMOS television series. As with the golden phonograph record placed on board the Voyager spacecraft, bearing a sampling of "Earth's Greatest Hits", we included a variety of musical traditions and genres. Many hours were spent exploring the music of unfamiliar composers and performers, and considering how old favorites would enhance the thoughtful words and rich visuals of the series. Finding the music for COSMOS was in itself a voyage of discovery. We hope you will share in that experience, enjoy the music of this album and then sample the original works from which these pieces were excerpted. It was always our intention in COSMOS that the images and the music would be as important as the words, and that the series would speak to that part of us in which the heart and mind are one"
(Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan and Steven Soter)
My wife was a fan of the 'Cosmos' TV series, and bought the vinyl soundtrack when it was released. She has had the cover framed on her office wall since I've known her.
(https://www2.alibris-static.com/the-music-of-cosmos/cover/m99509wqal4_l.jpg)
Does anyone see any similarities to the Q+PR studio album title and cover? :D :D :D
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ROCK THE COSMOS TOUR
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_the_Cosmos_Tour
QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS LIVE IN UKRAINE (CD and DVD)
Performed: September 12, 2008, Freedom Square, Kharkov, Ukraine
Attendance: 350,000
Released: June 15, 2009 UK (Parlophone EMI), September 1, 2009 US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #65, USA Top Rock Albums #44, Billboard #111
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGCTQTZXGXs
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/Live_in_Ukraine_cover.jpg)
Paul Rodgers - lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar on Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Brian May - guitars, lead and backing vocals
Roger Taylor - drums, lead and backing vocals
Spike Edney - piano, keyboards, backing vocals
Jamie Moses - guitars, backing vocals
Danny Miranda - bass guitar, backing vocals
Produced by: Joshua J. Macrae, Justin Shirley-Smith, and Peter Brandt
DISC ONE
Kharkiv's Freedom Square
One Vision - 4:03
Tie Your Mother Down 2:29
The Show Must Go On - 4:37
Fat Bottomed Girls - 5:00
Another One Bites the Dust - 3:35
Hammer to Fall - 3:42
I Want It All - 4:10
I Want to Break Free - 3:55
Seagull - 4:50
Love of My Life - 5:45 (Brian LV)
'39 - 4:37 (Brian LV)
Drum Solo - 5:00
I'm in Love with My Car - 3:42 (Roger LV)
Say It's Not True - 4:02 (Roger, Brian, and Paul LVs)
DISC TWO
Shooting Star - 6:21
Bad Company - 5:36
Guitar Solo - 3:58
Bijou - 2:07 Lead vocals by Mercury (via tape)
Last Horizon - 4:32
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - 4:04
C-lebrity - 3:52
Feel Like Makin' Love - 6:45
Bohemian Rhapsody - 5:53 (Pre-recorded vocals by Mercury, Paul LV.
Cosmos Rockin' - 4:28
All Right Now - 5:31
We Will Rock You - 2:19
We Are the Champions - 2:59
God Save the Queen - 2:05
- A Kind Of Magic, Radio Ga Ga, and Wishing Well were all omitted
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The CD content was also available to download, with 'Radio Ga Ga' (originally performed before 'Bohemian Rhapsody') added to the iTunes download, and 'A Kind Of Magic' (originally performed before 'Seagull') added to the Amazon download. The remaining track, 'Wishing Well', which was performed before 'Shooting Star', appears to be unreleased.
A concert movie was produced by NCM Fathom and Disney’s Hollywood Records. It was shown in U.S. movie theatres one night only – Thursday, 6 November 2008.
Q+PR was asked to headline the free concert Don't Let AIDS Ruin Your Life, Recorded at the 'Life Must Go On' concert
from queenpedia: Mere weeks before their tour was set to start; the concert was a way of promoting safe sex practices and raising awareness of AIDS, a rising concern in the Ukraine, and was supported by the Mercury Phoenix Trust. Released nine months after the event, and well after the announcement that Q+PR had disbanded.
One Vision was brought out of mothballs for the first time since 1986, and Shooting Star was played live for the first time. Perhaps the biggest and most welcome surprise came after Brian's guitar solo, when he and Freddie (by way of the video screen and the original audio recording) duetted on Bijou; second to this was Roger's unique drum solo, where he and Danny Miranda fooled around on an upright electric bass for a few minutes (slipping in references to Another One Bites The Dust and Under Pressure) before Roger sat down at a basic drum set of bass and snare drums and hi-hat. As he started his solo, roadies would assemble a much larger kit around him as Roger showed that he hadn't lost any of his chops."
This was released after Brian, Roger, and Paul amicably parted ways. I don’t own this, and have never heard a second of it. Some day, one day……..
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So...I listened to Queen And Paul Rogers for the first time ever today.
Return Of The Champions is the only thing they really have on Spotify.
@ Joe, the streams for each song average about 550k, with Bohemian Rhapsody topping out at 783k and Can't Get Enough bringing up the rear at 298k.
Anyway, the sound on this album isn't very good. I pulled up the Ukraine concert on youtube though and :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Wow! It sounds and looks amazing. I dropped the needle blindly and it landed on The Show Must Go On..incredible. I had always though Paul Rogers was a curious choice to collaborate with, but he really pulls it off and is very cool.
It's heartbreaking to see those happy people in the crowd.
I just read Glenn Hughes' autobiography, and apparently when Ian Gillan left Deep Purple, they actually asked Paul Rogers to join them. He obviously did not, and started Bad Company instead.
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I'm with TAC, I listened to Queen + PR for the first time today via the youtube link and it was awesome. I really liked Paul a lot more than I thought I would.
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Thanks for the Spotify recap, Tim. :tup And the Deep Purple story. Interesting.
I finally listened to most of the Ukraine concert over the past couple of days. Yes, it is very good! A bit disappointing that both OV and TYMD were shortened to start. Doing TSMGO early in the show helped Paul, as his voice didn't cut it later in the set during the 'Champions' show. My personal gripe was that I just wish he didn't add extra vocals that weren't on the original. But it was a good show, especially the informal stuff on the catwalk for ''39, LOML, 'Car', etc.
I wonder what that area looks like now. I know missiles landed in and around that center this year >:( :censored
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QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT
There was (is) controversy regarding Van Halen or Van Hagar. It's the same or worse regarding '+ Adam Lambert'. I'll just say that the kid (hell, he's 40 now) has the pipes and the range to do Freddie's vocals justice. His fanatic Glambert fans are generally annoying as all hell, but he also has had the nads now for ten years to step in and do the songs justice. He didn't try to step into Freddie's shoes, is in a no win situation, but his live performances are quite stunning.
My wife will always tell you which studio version of 'Too Much Love Will Kill You' is better: Freddie and Queen's, there is no comparison to Brian's. :D She's seen Q+AL four times now. And is looking forward to yet another 'one last one' soon.
(https://www.billboard.com/wp-content/uploads/media/queen-msg-aug-6-2019-billboard-1548.jpg?w=1024)
2012
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_%2B_Adam_Lambert_Tour_2012
Opened in Kyiv at Independence Square
2014
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_%2B_Adam_Lambert_Tour_2014%E2%80%932015
A couple of couples spent the weekend on their 'tour' of the tour for the show at Columbia MD's Merriweather Pavilion. It was our 'thank you' and 'goodbye' concert. Not the best view from the lawn, but the sound was as loud and good as ever, 'Love Kills' was superb, and the show was fun and entertaining as hell.
I mean....I got to hear the taped intro of 'Procession' again :metal And 'Stone Cold Crazy' again after thirty years, and 'I Want It All', and.....
It was a worthwhile experience......
2016
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_%2B_Adam_Lambert_2016_Summer_Festival_Tour
2017
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ9pW-NnDHXewH_QeRfepe2IvMJgukEaTNYVGCvIDAXr9y1gcgxQ1Ualrwwsld7mIaGaVo&usqp=CAU)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_%2B_Adam_Lambert_Tour_2017%E2%80%932018
Their 'News of the World' anniversary show, complete with great animation of Frank the Robot. Sadly, they dropped most of the NOTW songs by the time we saw them at Madison Square Garden with some friends. Thanks guys, yet again, for a great show and all the memories throughout all the years.
2019
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52bc1ecbe4b088a72263abc5/1564009786858-8AC7ZYWDOPT5PMRA40F9/L1050139.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rhapsody_Tour
Couldn't turn down yet another trip to MSG for their two night sold out visit. Sitting with a dozen of our Long Island friend's friends at the Tic Toc Diner on 34th and 8th before the show, wearing my 'Hot Space' tour shirt (which was a good 10-15 years older than many of fans in attendance :D) This is the one where the ground just shook and shook after the operatic part of BoRhap. Of all tunes, they brought 'Machines' out of mothballs. And it was pretty damn good.
from the first MSG night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OisxWMrqoy8&list=PL9b4bPHWOZovoEtPUJmH01A-eouRQOlsF
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QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT LIVE IN JAPAN
Released: December 20, 2016
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0hLnZh7lcs&list=PLS_irjENNUWKbiez66JpuubGVVk6EcBpW
Bohemian Rhapsody https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlY0WQpdy5g
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1. Procession
2. Now I'm Here
3. Stone Cold Crazy
4. Another One Bites The Dust
5. Fat Bottomed Girls
6. In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited
7. Seven Seas Of Rhye
8. Killer Queen
9. I Want It All
10. Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)
11. Love Of My Life
12. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
13. Under Pressure
14. I Was Born To Love You
15. Radio Ga Ga
16. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
17. Bohemian Rhapsody
18. We Will Rock You
19. We Are The Champions
20. God Save The Queen
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Again, anything with the taped intro of 'Procession' has got to be good. It's a good show, good sound, mostly good video (minus the ever annoying crowd shots), and it shows they made a good choice of a singer.
oh, but yet again......who continues to design their horrible cover art? :tdwn
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen-and-adam-lambert%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Flive-in-japan-japanbluraycdback.jpg&hash=ab478fcf8e38c3c840b50b57464b7502190e5115)
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QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT LIVE AROUND THE WORLD
Released: October 2, 2020 UK (EMI), US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #1, US Top Rock Albums #5
Australia #1, Scotland #1, Portugal #3, New Zealand #4, Germany #5, Switzerland #5, Austria #6, Netherlands #6, Japan #10, Belgium #13, Finland #14, Hungary #14, Poland #17, Spain #20, Ireland #22, Italy #23, Denmark #28, France #56, Czechoslavakia #61
Certifications: Silver in UK
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Queen_%2B_Adam_Lambert_-_Live_Around_the_World.png)
1 Tear It Up
2 Now I'm Here
3 Another One Bites the Dust
4 Fat Bottomed Girls
5 Don't Stop Me Now
6 I Want To Break Free
7 Somebody to Love
8 Love Kills - The Ballad
9 I Was Born to Love You
10 Drum Battle
11 Under Pressure
12 Who Wants to Live Forever
13 Guitar Solo - Last Horizon
14 The Show Must Go On
15 Love of My Life
Live at Fire Fight Australia, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Australia, 16 February 2020
16 Bohemian Rhapsody
17 Radio Ga Ga
18 Ay-Ohs
19 Hammer to Fall
20 Crazy Little Thing Called Love
21 We Will Rock You
22 We Are the Champions
(https://media2.cltampa.com/cltampa/imager/u/zoom/12358164/queenadam_lambert_low_res-1302.jpg?cb=1642533635)
After the release of the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' movie, they decided on doing a one off rendition of their 'Live Aid' performance in Australia. A pity that this show wasn’t a bonus disc. Not including ‘I Want It All’, ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’ etc was extremely disappointing, ….as well as a full version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
And....there's no Pavlovian 'God Save The Queen' tape to end the show.
As is….the camera work isn’t too ‘squirrelish’, and it was way more enjoyable than we’d expected.
The artwork continues the failing marks over the past two decades.
We're glad we got it .....as a gift! ;)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WHale+RDL._SY580_.jpg)
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just thought it was fitting :tup
We finally opened our two disc 'Miracle' box set, along with the 'I Want It All' tee shirt. Looking forward to a first listen of those demos tonight.
(https://i.discogs.com/indnaajV-CVX45SPn-etiMSo0Ziliz6t6pNlpH1dO9Y/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:531/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE2MjA1/NjYtMTQwMjY3OTky/Ny04Mjk1LmpwZWc.jpeg)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/88/Queen_Thank_God_It%27s_Christmas_single_cover.jpg)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw2TD91Nytg
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/83/Winterho.jpg)
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjWQZBmJf6M
(https://www.rockaxis.com/img/newsList/1794487.jpg)
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Being a 'glutton for punishment', in the next few days I'll be posting ALL of the Queen and Queen+ album releases for this century. That includes all of the reissues, the compilations, and those with Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert. Page references when mentioned prior will be listed (Wembley '86 released in 2003, the BBC 'On Air' sessions for example) and most will be a simple post with title, release date, and song listings.
Many (most?) were money grabs and semi 'insults' until some good/great hidden or forgotten gems were released. I feel bad for the completists. So glad we gave up on that eons ago. And, as many have said, it is surprising that 'QUEEN FARTS' was never released as a money grab. Then again, that would probably chart in dozens of countries and go Gold or Platinum in the UK. ;)
It'll be a whirlwind, but I cannot wait to discuss the demos and polished demos of last months 'The Miracle' collectors edition. It was hell to see it sit under our tree for weeks unopened. Yes, it could have had more demos included. But....whoda thunk that I would actually ever enjoy 'Party'?!?!?! :o :D :tup
And then, I'll finally be done!
Oh ... that's right, there's still more Brian and Roger stuff to post after that. ;) :facepalm:
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let's take care of the 2000 releases to start
QUEEN IN VISION
Released: June 2000, Japan (EMI Toshiba)
Charts: Japan #1
Page 39 of this discography https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2937004#msg2937004
(https://queenpedia.com/images/6/62/Invision.jpg)
Bohemian Rhapsody / Don't Stop Me Now / I Was Born To Love You / You're My Best Friend / Now I'm Here / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / Flash / One Vision / A Kind Of Magic / Who Wants To Live Forever
********************
FREDDIE MERCURY SOLO
Released: October 23, 2000
Charts: UK #13
Netherlands #21, Austria #36, Switzerland #42, Italy #45, Germany #55
Page 39 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2937004#msg2937004
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fc/Fmsolo.jpg/220px-Fmsolo.jpg)
This was a 3 CD ‘sampler’ of the following boxset.
********************
FREDDIE MERCURY The SOLO COLLECTION
Released: October 23, 2000
10 CD, 2 DVD box set. 12” x 16” 120 page book, with descriptions of the songs, his life, and pictures.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Solo_Collection
Page 39 of this discography https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2937004#msg2937004
What a treasure this was (and still is :tup)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/FreddieSoloCollection.jpg/220px-FreddieSoloCollection.jpg)
********************
BRIAN MAY FURIA Soundtrack
Released: November 2000
Page 39 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2937004#msg2937004
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.queenvault.com%2Ftestpage1%2Ffuriafront.jpg&hash=a7f89a1c64c24fcb6b54ac18b280ec33154c1dc5)
********************
QUEEN The PLATINUM COLLECTION
Released: November 13, 2000, UK (EMI Parlophone), September 2002 USA (Hollywood)
Charts: originally DNC
2001: Netherlands #5
2002: UK #2, USA #48
Ireland #2, Belgium #10
2003: Norway #2, Denmark #3
2005: France #13
2008: Sweden #4
2011: Finland #14, Spain #28
2012: Belgium #3, France #112
2018-19: UK #8, USA #6
Poland #1, Portugal #1, US Top Rock Albums #1, Switzerland #2, Austria #3, Italy #3, Australia #4, Germany #5, Canada #6, New Zealand #7, Scotland #8, Hungary #9
Certifications: 8x Platinum in UK, 5x Platinum in USA
Gold in Finland, South Korea, Switzerland
Platinum in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal
2x Platinium in Australia, France, Netherlands, Spain,
4x Platinum in Italy
Diamond in Poland
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=The_Platinum_Collection
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/9/9a/Plat.jpg/677px-Plat.jpg)
The disc for GH III is now a light blue, but all tracks are the same UK listings as previously released on:
Greatest Hits page 19 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.630
Greatest Hits II page 33 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1120
and Queen + Greatest Hits III page 39 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1330
It truly amazes me that the certifications and sales totals are for just this release! Greatest Hits went 23x Platinum in the UK on its own (Platinum in the States), GH II 13x Platinum in the UK (Platinum in the States), and GH III 2x Platinum in the UK.
The amount of people that bought the same old thing(s) in a slightly different (and more expensive) package is just crazy!
And....just call me and the wife crazy! :biggrin:
********************
HORIZONS
Released: 2000 (Dragonhouse Records only 😉)
(https://i.imgur.com/d1EOUac.jpg)
SIDE ONE
The Dark 1:43
Time 3:50
Driven By You 4:11
You Don't Fool Me 5:25
London Town-C'mon Down 6:56
SIDE TWO
It's A Beautiful Day [45 version] 3:58
I Can't Live With You [’97 Rocks retake] 4:48
Love Token Outro 0:53
Resurrection 5:19
In My Defence 3:53
Last Horizon 4:11
(https://i.imgur.com/E9QnUUZ.jpg)
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2002
QUEEN's DAY
Amsterdam, April 30
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh3_3mIlSdM&list=PL01D47AE65CB92BF5
Page 40 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1365
(https://www.queenconcerts.com/inc/passes/2002-04-30.jpg)
********************
PARTY AT THE PALACE
Performed: June 3
Released: June 24
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_at_the_Palace
https://www.discogs.com/release/2959027-Various-Party-At-The-Palace-The-Queens-Concerts-Buckingham-Palace
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fd/Party_at_the_Palace.jpg)
********************
GREATEST VIDEO HITS I
Released: October 2002, UK (EMI), USA (Hollywood)
EMI (Europe)
Charts:
2002 Germany #42
2005: Hungary #8
Certifications: 3x Platinum in UK, Platinum in USA
Gold in France and Mexico
3x Gold in Germany
Platinum in Argentina and Poland
3x Platinum in Canada
6x Platinum in Australia
The original VHS in 1981 reached #1 on the charts in the UK at the same time as their ‘Greatest Hits’ LP.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417C61EHPML._AC_SY580_.jpg)
DISC ONE
Bohemian Rhapsody / Another One Bites the Dust / Killer Queen (live Top of the Pops version) /Fat Bottomed Girls / Bicycle Race / You're My Best Friend / Don't Stop Me Now / Save Me / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Somebody to Love / Spread Your Wings / Play the Game / Flash / Tie Your Mother Down / We Will Rock You We Are the Champions
Audio (optional):
PCM Stereo
DTS 5.1
Audio commentary by Queen
DISC TWO
Now I'm Here (Live in 1974 in London)
Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Top of the Pops)
Keep Yourself Alive
Liar
Love of My Life (Live in 1979 Jazz Tour)
We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live in Houston in 1977)
The second disc also contains some extras, such as a documentary about "Bohemian Rhapsody" called "Inside the Rhapsody" and a photo gallery. A Flames version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is available. Audio commentaries by Freddie Mercury and John Deacon are taken from previously recorded interviews whilst Brian May and Roger Taylor have recorded new commentaries for the DVD. Both confessed they have few memories of many of the videos because they did not see them for a long time prior to the commentary being recorded.
And, I didn’t know there was a ‘commentary’ option until yesterday!
********************
WE WILL ROCK YOU Soundtrack
Released: November, 2002
Page 40 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2942442#msg2942442
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB9vPRuTlGI&list=PLZROkT1-_ZH5Rd8n8ogdhXCYNoARHzSAf the soundtrack
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f9/WeWillRockYou_Cast.jpg/220px-WeWillRockYou_Cast.jpg)
********************
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2003
LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM
Released: CD / DVD in 2003
Originally Released: May 26, 1992, UK (Parlophone), USA (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK#2, USA #53
Portugal #1, New Zealand #3, Austria #6, Switzerland #6, Netherlands #12, Hungary #13, Germany #13, Sweden #29
2005–06: Italy #13, Spain #14, Ireland #91
2020: Portugal #37
Certifications: Platinum in UK, Platinum in USA
Gold in Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland
Platinum in France and Spain
Page 28 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.945
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2736334b723f809a8b1de2b475c)
DISC ONE
One Vision / Tie Your Mother Down / In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited / Seven Seas of Rhye / Tear It Up (With Liar Intro) / A Kind of Magic / Day Oh sing along / Under Pressure / Another One Bites the Dust / Who Wants to Live Forever / I Want to Break Free / Impromptu / Brighton Rock (Guitar Solo) / Now I'm Here
DISC TWO
Love of My Life / Is This the World We Created...? / (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care / Hello Mary Lou / Tutti Frutti / Gimme Some Lovin / Bohemian Rhapsody / Hammer to Fall / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Big Spender / Radio Ga Ga / We Will Rock You / Friends Will Be Friends / We Are the Champions / God Save the Queen
Bonus tracks on the 2003 Hollywood reissue
A Kind of Magic (Live 11 July 1986 at Wembley Stadium, London)
Another One Bites the Dust (Live 11 July 1986 at Wembley Stadium, London)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Live 11 July 1986 at Wembley Stadium, London)
Tavaszi szél vízet áraszt (Live 27 July 1986 at Népstadion, Budapest, Hungary)
the original cover
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/17/Queen_Live_At_Wembley_%2786.png)
********************
GREATEST VIDEO HITS II
Released: November 2003
Charts: Germany #69
Certifications: 3x Platinum in UK
Gold in Mexico and Poland
Platinum in Argentina, Australia, and Germany
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/WEBP_402378-T1/images/I/41A85Z2WQNL._SY445_.jpg)
DISC ONE
A Kind of Magic / I Want It All / Radio Ga Ga / I Want to Break Free / Breakthru / Under Pressure / Scandal / Who Wants to Live Forever / The Miracle /
It's a Hard Life / The Invisible Man / Las Palabras de Amor / Friends Will Be Friends / Body Language / Hammer to Fall / Princes of the Universe / One Vision
DISC TWO
Hot Space section, Volume 1
Back Chat / Calling All Girls / Staying Power (Milton Keynes)
The Works section, Volume 2
Montreux Golden Rose Pop Festival
Interviews, including one with Freddie Mercury.
A Kind of Magic section, Volume 3
Montreux Golden Rose Pop Festival
Interviews
One Vision documentary
'Extended Vision' video
Alternative version of "Who Wants To Live Forever".
The Miracle section, Volume 4
Interviews
'Making of The Miracle' documentary
'Making of The Miracle Album Cover' documentary
Bonus video: Who Wants to Live Forever for the Bone Marrow Donor Appeal
*******
It features an option for audio commentary from both Brian May and Roger Taylor on each music video, reflecting on their memories and opinions of each video.
I DID NOT KNOW THIS UNTIL this week!
Music videos from 'Innuendo' were not included on the DVD.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Fvideos%2Fgreatest-video-hits-ii-ukdvdslipcaseback.jpg&hash=2aa2b55766f1b4b4a549fd99592e42ca1b6aa745)
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and, to close out 2003...
GREATEST VIDEO HITS II advertisement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-TEIht30-0
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5S-ChGAXVc8/hqdefault.jpg)
:) :) :) :tup
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2004
JEWELS
Released: January 28, 2004, Japan (EMI)
Charts: #1 in Japan
Certifications: ONE MILLION units sold!
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/5/54/Jewels.jpg/150px-Jewels.jpg)
I Was Born To Love You / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / Don't Stop Me Now / Too Much Love Will Kill You / Let Me Live / You're My Best Friend /
Under Pressure / Radio Ga Ga / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / Another One Bites The Dust / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Flash /
The Show Must Go On / Bohemian Rhapsody
*******
A Japan only 24 bit digitally remastered compilation CD featuring extensive liner notes in Japanese and obi-strip.
It was released alongside a DVD that bears the same name, which includes the official videos of the songs that make up the album plus two bonus tracks, "I'm Going Slightly Mad" and "Let Me Live (Photo Gallery)"
Another basic rehash with surprising sales numbers. I will admit to being tempted to buy it, as the Japanese remasters were always a grade or two above the UK offerings.
********************
46664
April 2004
Page 41 of this discography https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1400
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=queen+46664
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Frelated%2F46664-the-event-ukdvdfrontsticker.jpg&hash=f3815bd5074b3417d453539e0dbd34cb0b87d71b)
********************
GREATEST HITS - WWRY Edition
Released: August 17, 2004, USA (Hollywood)
Charts: #42 USA Hard Rock Albums
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/2/2a/Ghusagh1.jpg/150px-Ghusagh1.jpg)
Bohemian Rhapsody / Another One Bites The Dust / Killer Queen / Fat Bottomed Girls / Bicycle Race /
You're My Best Friend / Don't Stop Me Now / Save Me / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Somebody To Love / Now I'm Here / Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy /
Play The Game / Flash's Theme / Seven Seas Of Rhye / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions
The UK GH version, along with three bonus tracks: 'I'm In Love With My Car’ and live versions of ‘Under Pressure’ and ‘Tie Your Mother Down’
*****
Notes: Released to coincide with the debut of 'We Will Rock You-The Musical' in Las Vegas and included wrap around flyer with ticket offer. Best Buy exclusive edition included a bonus DVD featuring 'Somebody To Love' with George Michael from The Tribute Concert, and 'The Show Must Go On' with
Elton John at the 1997 Paris Béjart Ballet.
We couldn’t resist. We had to buy the CD version in Vegas at the premiere! What can I say……
********************
QUEEN ON FIRE LIVE AT THE BOWL
Released: October 25th, 2004, UK (Parlophone), USA (Hollywood)
CD Charts 2004-05: UK #20
Portugal #9, Germany #10, Italy #15, Scotland #22, Austria #23, Switzerland #52, Belgium #60, Ireland #67, Spain #73, Netherlands #74, France #75
Certifications: Gold in UK
Gold in Austria
Platinum in Germany
DVD Charts: UK #1
Austria #1, Sweden #1, Belgium #1, Norway #4, Hungary #5, Australia #10
Certifications: 3x Platinum in UK
Gold in Austria, Mexico, Switzerland
Platinum in USA, Argentina
2x Platinum in Portugal
3x Platinum in Australia and France
5x Platinum in Germany
More details on page 21 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.700
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/28/Queen_On_Fire_Live_At_The_Bowl.png)
DISC ONE
Flash / The Hero / We Will Rock You (Fast) / Action This Day / Play the Game / Staying Power / Somebody to Love /
Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (Reprise) / Love of My Life / Save Me / Back Chat
DISC TWO
Get Down, Make Love / Brighton Rock / Under Pressure / Fat Bottomed Girls / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down /
Another One Bites the Dust / Sheer Heart Attack / We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions / God Save the Queen
DVD bonus material:
MK Bowl backstage interview
Freddie Mercury interview
Brian May and Roger Taylor interviews
Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria on 12 May 1982
Another One Bites the Dust / We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions / God Save the Queen
Seibu Lions Stadium, Tokorozawa, Japan on 3 November 1982
Flash / The Hero / Now I'm Here / Impromptu / Put Out the Fire / Dragon Attack / Now I'm Here (Reprise) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love /
Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)
Photo gallery (Calling All Girls)
*****
Finally, after having the edited mono TV broadcast on VHS, the final European Hot Space show is polished up nicely on this release. It is a great show, and the band was on fire that night!
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2005
JEWELS II
Released: January 26, 2005, Japan (EMI)
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-5%2Fjewels-2-japancdfront.jpg&hash=894ee14224128cd306d781225d51be1a7566e4ce)
Tie Your Mother Down (Air Guitar Edit) / Hammer To Fall * / Bicycle Race / I Want To Break Free / Good Old Fashioned Loverboy / Save Me / One Vision * /
I Want It All * / Love Of My Life (standalone version) / '39 / Made In Heaven / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Now I'm Here / Keep Yourself Alive /
These Are The Days Of Our Lives / Teo Torriatte (High Definition Mix)
* single versions
Bonus Video Tracks:
'We Will Rock You' (fast) and 'Sheer Heart Attack' from Milton Keynes
*****
‘Jewels’ was released in Japan only in 2004, and reached #1 (see prior post). It was later reissued in December 2013 on the SHM-CD format.
Oh, and the 'Tie Your Mother Down' air guitar edit.....it has the last twenty seconds of WWRY added at the beginning. WTF?
(https://queenpedia.com/images/e/ed/JewelsIIrev.jpg)
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QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS RETURN OF THE CHAMPIONS
Released: September 13, 2005 UK (Parlophone) , US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #12, US #84
Germany #13, Austria #19, Netherlands #19, Italy #19, Portugal #28, Belgium #39, Switzerland #42, Spain #44, Ireland #47, France #80
Page 41 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1400
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a1/Returnofthechampions.jpg)
********************
JEWELS I and II
Released: October 3, 2005, Japan (EMI)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/1/1c/JewelsIII.jpg)
Jewels & Jewels II Japan Tour 2005 special limited edition 2-CD box set , to coincide with the Queen + Paul Rodgers tour.
Let's see.....what market can we fleece yet again this time? Hey, it's the same two CDs we just released here, let's slap on a new cover, print up some of the Jewel I versions, and package it with all the Jewels II ones that didn't sell. And mention it being a limited edition to the completists world wide.
Yup....sounds good to me. :sad:
********************
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA 30th anniversary
Released: November 21, 2005
Details of the 1975 release on Page 6 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.175
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages2.fanpop.com%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F12800000%2FA-Night-At-The-Opera-queen-12848546-480-480.jpg&hash=a6473094fe3478e76842878d290c4fea50bc16a6)
This is a limited edition CD and DVD release. It features a newly remastered version of the album, and a DVD featuring a surround sound mix and videos for each track. The DVD was also released as part of the 'premium edition' of 'The Making Of 'A Night At The Opera'' DVD.
*******
Something that should have been a 'must buy' item that yet again failed miserably IMO. We passed. Due to how that album was recorded, we knew there would be little to no demos available. Some polished up live offerings from the era, and a complete live 'BoRhap' from '77 would have been nice. We did find the audio DVD for five bucks at a neighbor's garage sale a few years later.
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(https://i.discogs.com/x1VYHFS0F4HuTurLoDDLe3pywkpO_-FBgUYCxxASung/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:590/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTE2MTQ2/NDQtMTQxMzY1ODg3/MS00ODAzLmpwZWc.jpeg)
Speaking of A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, I actually have this 24K gold-plated version. It is supposed to sound better and clearer, but my stereo systems were never great enough to unleash its full quality, I guess? :facepalm: :lol
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I couldn't tell you the differences as well, but....of course, the wife has a copy :D
(https://i.imgur.com/iY6YB5L.jpg)
I still have the ADATR and NOTW versions. I 'do know' that the guitars on 'All Dead All Dead' and 'It's Late' were clearly better, and the same goes with the BVs on 'Get Down Make Love'. Will recheck when I go back through the discography again next year. :biggrin:
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construction completed.....
(https://i.etsystatic.com/12018432/r/il/9c608d/914521571/il_794xN.914521571_s8mx.jpg)
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deleted
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2006
Stone Cold Classics
Released: 11 April 2006, USA (Hollywood)
Charts: US Top Rock Albums #8, Billboard #45
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/45/QUEENSTONECOLDCLASSICS.jpg)
Stone Cold Crazy / Tie Your Mother Down / Fat Bottomed Girls / Another One Bites the Dust /
Crazy Little Thing Called Love / We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions / Radio Ga Ga /
Bohemian Rhapsody / The Show Must Go On / These Are the Days of Our Lives / I Want It All /
along with......All Right Now (live Queen + Paul Rodgers) / Feel Like Makin' Love (live Queen + Paul Rodgers)
******
A compilation released in conjunction with the broadcast of an episode of 'American Idol', in which contestants performed songs from the Queen catalogue. Guess it was also a way of introducing Paul Rodgers into the fold.
Shocked! Shocked I tell you…that this thing charted!
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ultimatequeen.co.uk%2Fqueen%2Fgallery%2Falbums-6%2Fstone-cold-classics-uscdback.jpg&hash=b44d5f9a186258dd09f6842dbe20a8997ede18d4)
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QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS SUPER LIVE IN JAPAN
Released: April 26, 2006 (Japan only) EMI
(Highlights from the concert were later released in a CD & DVD issue of 'The Cosmos Rocks' in 2008.)
See comments on prior page
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FREDDIE MERCURY Lover Of Life, Singer Of Songs
Released: September 4, 2006, UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #6
Italy #1, Europe #4, Spain #6, Austria #7, Norway #8, Hungary #9, Portugal #11, Germany #13, France #14, Sweden #14, Switzerland #16, Poland #24, Ireland #26, Netherlands #30, Czechoslavakia #31, Belgium #63
Certifications: Gold in UK
Gold in Italy and Spain
DVD
Charts: UK #1
#1 in Austria, Italy, Sweden
Hungary #2, Spain #2, Denmark #3, Belgium #5, Netherlands #5
Certifications: Gold in UK
Gold in France and Spain
Platinum in Poland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lover_of_Life,_Singer_of_Songs
(https://queenpedia.com/images/e/eb/Freddie_lolsos.jpg)
DISC ONE
In My Defence (2000 Dave Clark remix)
The Great Pretender
Living On My Own (1993 radio mix)
Made In Heaven
Love Kills
There Must Be More To Life Than This
Guide Me Home
How Can I Go On
Foolin' Around
Time
Barcelona
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow
I Was Born To Love You
The Golden Boy
Mr. Bad Guy
The Great Pretender (Malouf remix)
Love Kills (Star Rider remix)
I Can Hear Music
Goin' Back
Guide Me Home (Thierry Lang version)
DISC TWO
Love Kills (Sunshine People radio mix)
Made In Heaven (extended version)
Living On My Own (The Egg remix)
Love Kills (Rank 1 remix)
Mr. Bad Guy (Bad Circulation version)
I Was Born To Love You (George Demure Almost Vocal mix)
My Love Is Dangerous (extended version)
Love Makin' Love (demo)
Love Kills (Pixel82 remix)
I Was Born To Love You (extended version)
Foolin' Around (early version)
Living On My Own (No More Brothers extended mix)
Love Kills (More Oder Rework by The Glimmers)
Your Kind Of Lover (vocal & piano version)
Let's Turn It On (a capella)
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Released on what would have been Freddie’s 60th birthday. Not sure how he’d feel about all the remixed abominations on this two disc overblown money grab. Disc One is worthwhile (other than the ‘Love Kills’ remix (the first of five (?) on the two discs. WTF!?!?!).
Disc Two…..’Made in Heaven’ (extended version), ‘Love Makin’ Love (demo), and ‘Your Kind Of Lover’ (vocal & piano) are the only songs of note. The rest….I can judge a book by its cover, and stayed clear of them without giving any of them five seconds of my time.
Others agreed: https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=Lover_Of_Life,_Singer_Of_Songs:_The_Very_Best_Of_Freddie_Mercury
Full disclosure: we bought the one disc version. Hey, it has a Dave Clark mix of ‘In My Defence’, the piano version of ‘Guide Me Home’ is lovely, and we liked the artwork on the cover.
(https://queenpedia.com/images/e/e9/Freddie_lolsosback.jpg)
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2007
The A–Z of Queen, Volume 1
Released: July 10, 2007 USA (Hollywood)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d9/Azqueen.jpg)
CD track listing
A Kind of Magic / Another One Bites The Dust / Bohemian Rhapsody / Bicycle Race / I Want It All * /
Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Don't Stop Me Now / Fat Bottomed Girls * / Flash * / Innuendo /
Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy
* single versions
DVD track listing
A Kind of Magic / Another One Bites the Dust (from Live at the Bowl) / Bohemian Rhapsody / I Want It All (from Return of the Champions) / Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Live at Wembley) / Don't Stop Me Now / Fat Bottomed Girls (from Return of the Champions) / Innuendo (original promo video)
Wembley Stadium Concert Interview
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A to Z ???? The reason behind the track listings for it, and just the reason for this release was ?????
This was only released in the States (geesh......lucky us! :tdwn :tdwn :tdwn), and exclusive to Wal-Mart. Well, we never shop there as is, and this wasn't a reason for us to start.
This is a CD and DVD set, with ringtones of 'Play The Game' and 'Good Old Fashioned Loverboy'. :huh:
It is just as embarrassing to look at some of these crap offerings now as it was to read about them before and as they'd hit the market. >:(
Geez.....at least there was never a 'Volume 2' ........ though I would have loved to have seen the track listing for that and Volume 3
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QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL
Released: October 29, 2007 UK (EMI / Parlophone)as a double CD, Blu-ray, DVD, and triple vinyl in the UK and the following day in the US
Charts for the CD sales:
UK #20, Portugal #22, Germany #17, Austria #25, Italy #27, Switzerland #27, Spain #35, Netherlands #54, Belgium #62, Mexico #73, Ireland #88
Certifications: Gold in Australia
******
DVD Charts: UK #1
Italy #1, Portugal #1, Sweden #1, Norway #2, Belgium #3, Denmark #3, Austria #4, New Zealand #8, Australia #9
Certifications: Platinum in UK, 2x Platinum in USA
Gold in Australia and Switzerland
Platinum in Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, and Portugal
2x Platinum in Canada
See page 20 for more details https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.665
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/66/Queen_Rock_Montreal.jpg/220px-Queen_Rock_Montreal.jpg)
DISC ONE
Intro / We Will Rock You (Fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play the Game / Somebody to Love / Killer Queen / I'm in Love with My Car / Get Down, Make Love / Save Me / Now I'm Here / Dragon Attack /
Now I'm Here (Reprise) / Love of My Life
DISC TWO
Under Pressure / Keep Yourself Alive / Drum and Tympani Solo / Guitar Solo / Flash * /
The Hero * / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Jailhouse Rock / Bohemian Rhapsody /
Tie Your Mother Down / Another One Bites the Dust / Sheer Heart Attack / We Will Rock You /
We Are the Champions / God Save the Queen
*not included on DVD because the film was tossed! Grrrrr
The fourth or fifth release of this concert. If at first you don’t succeed…..
To be honest, once Queen got control of the audio and video, they succeeded. Though this was well worth it, we just bought the DVD and thank our County
library again for the CDs.
A reminder: the last time Queen performed as a four piece band.
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2008
IN VISION 2008
Released: February 28, 2008, Japan (EMI)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/3/34/Queenvision08jpn.jpg)
It's A Beautiful Day
I Was Born To Love You
Somebody To Love
Don't Stop Me Now
Bicycle Race
Killer Queen
Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)
Flash's Theme (2007 High Octane Mix)
Bohemian Rhapsody
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions
*****
These were songs used in TV ads in Japan. Not to be confused with their 'In Vision' Japanese release of 2000, it's track listing also from songs in TV ads
in Japan. That release contained six songs on this release. Well, I'm not confused....I don't really care.
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considering this scan, maybe 'Blurred Vision' was a hidden track ;)
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QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS THE COSMOS ROCKS
Released: September 2008, UK (Parlophone EMI), US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #5, US #47
Czechoslavakia #4, Germany #4, Switzerland #5, Italy #6, Netherlands #8, Austria #11, Finland #15, Hungary #15, Belgium #16, Spain #20, Croatia #22, Poland #22, Denmark #24, Sweden #24, Portugese #25, France #28, Norway #31, Ireland #47, Australia #49
Certifications: Silver in UK, Gold in Russia
More details on prior page
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Cosmos Rockin' / Time to Shine / Still Burnin' / Small / Warboys / We Believe / Call Me /
Voodoo / Some Things That Glitter / C-lebrity / Through the Night / Say It's Not True / Surf's Up... School's Out! / Small (Reprise)
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The SINGLES COLLECTION Volume 1
Released: November 17, 2008, UK (Parlophone/EMI)
Special (?) collector’s box set, containing Queen’s first 13 worldwide Top 40 charting singles, including B-sides, on 13 discs.
One can go to http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/ and then Queen discography / boxsets for the pictures of the front and backs of all thirteen sleeves.
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Keep Yourself Alive / Son and Daughter
Seven Seas of Rhye / See What a Fool I've Been
Killer Queen / Flick of the Wrist
Now I'm Here / Lily of the Valley
Bohemian Rhapsody / I'm in Love with My Car
You're My Best Friend / '39
Somebody to Love / White Man
Tie Your Mother Down / You and I
(Queen's First E.P.) Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy / Death on Two Legs (Dedicated To...) / Tenement Funster / White Queen (As It Began)
We Are the Champions / We Will Rock You
Spread Your Wings / Sheer Heart Attack
Bicycle Race / Fat Bottomed Girls (single version)
Don't Stop Me Now / In Only Seven Days
******
I could almost….almost see purchasing ONE disc with these songs, along with a nice picture book of the various sleeves. At least the artwork is fairly nice for once.
Queenpedia.com correctly tears Queen Productions a new one with their review
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=The_Singles_Collection_-_Volume_1
just a snippet: "There is absolutely no reason to shell out hard-earned cash on this dross, especially during a time when the economy is in such a crisis that spending £40 on a box set should get you your money's worth." and "My advice: spend your £40 on a band who truly deserves it, on a band who's up and coming, on a band who thrives on integrity. Go see a live show, take the missus out for dinner, or give your money to a charity. This is a wasted opportunity that doesn't even deserve to lick the boots of Greatest Hits III. 10 for the music, of course, but -10 for execution. Lucky for us that we have three more similar boxes to look forward to."
Currently available from Amazon, anywhere from $100 (used) to $240 (new)
https://www.amazon.com/Singles-Collection-Queen/dp/B001GRY5YI
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2009
QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS LIVE IN UKRAINE (CD and DVD)
Performed: September 12, 2008, Freedom Square, Kharkov, Ukraine
Attendance: 350,000
Released: June 9, 2009 UK (Parlophone EMI), September 1, 2009 US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #65, USA Top Rock Albums #44, Billboard #111
more details on prior page
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/Live_in_Ukraine_cover.jpg)
DISC ONE
One Vision - Tie Your Mother Down - The Show Must Go On - Fat Bottomed Girls - Another One Bites the Dust - Hammer to Fall - I Want It All -
I Want to Break Free - Seagull - Love of My Life (Brian LV) - '39 (Brian LV) - Drum Solo - I'm in Love with My Car (Roger LV) - Say It's Not True (Roger, Brian, and Paul LVs)
DISC TWO
Shooting Star - Bad Company - Guitar Solo - Bijou (LVs by Mercury via tape) - Last Horizon - Crazy Little Thing Called Love - C-lebrity - Feel Like Makin' Love -
Bohemian Rhapsody (Paul and Pre-recorded vocals by Mercury) - Cosmos Rockin' - All Right Now - We Will Rock You - We Are the Champions -
God Save the Queen
- A Kind Of Magic, Radio Ga Ga, and Wishing Well were all omitted
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The SINGLES COLLECTION Volume 2
Released: June 15, 2009, UK (Parlophone/EMI)
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Love of My Life (Live) / Now I'm Here (Live)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love / We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live)
Save Me / Let Me Entertain You (Live)
Play the Game / A Human Body
Another One Bites the Dust / Dragon Attack
Flash Theme / Football Fight
Under Pressure / Soul Brother
Body Language / Life Is Real
Las Palabras de Amor (Words Of Love) / Cool Cat
Calling All Girls / Put Out the Fire
Back Chat (Single Remix) / Staying Power
Radio Ga Ga / I Go Crazy
I Want to Break Free (Single Version) / Machines (Or 'Back to Humans')
*************
Well, if you spent a bunch of money on ‘The Singles Collection Volume 1’, you had about six months to save up for yet another ‘special collectors’ edition’ box set, this time of their next thirteen single releases. Once again, each comes in its own sleeve. And once again, the artwork is OK.
The collection is notable for containing tracks that have never before been officially released on CD, namely 'A Human Body' (previously only available as a 7" vinyl b-side) and 'Back Chat' (which was remixed for single release, and has only ever been available on the original 7"). The live tracks are taken from 'Live Killers'.
*********
The first paragraph of Queenpedia.com's review: Picking up where the downright embarrassing The Singles Collection - Volume 1 left off, Volume 2 collected the singles released between June 1979 and April 1984 – as long as they were a Top 30 hit anywhere in the world, amended slightly from the original vision of a Top 30 hit in the UK or US. (This accounts for the inclusion of the live version of Love Of My Life, which peaked at a disappointing #63 in the UK, but topped the Argentine and Brazilian charts.)
their closing paragraph: "It's still difficult to decide who, exactly, these boxes are geared toward. Die-hard fans want everything included (which, for this box, would have meant not only Mustapha, Jealousy, and We Will Rock You, but also the instrumental and U.S. radio versions of Radio Ga Ga, as well as the instrumental remix of Machines (Or 'Back To Humans'). Casual fans would balk at the price and the relative obscurity of the B-sides, instead opting to pick up any number of existing compilation albums – or the then-forthcoming Absolute Greatest. So why Queen Productions had to pander to the masses, instead of offering die-hard fans anything worthwhile, is another one of those frustrating mysteries that no one has yet been able to explain satisfactorily. But oh, the abomination was far from complete..."
https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=The_Singles_Collection_-_Volume_2
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ABSOLUTE GREATEST
Released: November 16, 2009, UK (Parlophone), USA (Hollywood)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_Greatest
Charts: UK #3 (total of 39 weeks!)
Scotland #3, Hungary #4, Portugal #4, Sweden #5, Denmark #6, Norway #6, Ireland #9, Austria #10, France #11, Switzerland #15, Australia #18, Spain #20, Italy #21, Belgium #22, Mexico #22, Germany #23
2010
New Zealand #4, Belgium #15, Netherlands #36
2011
Finland #15
2018
Canada #10
Certifications: 2x Platinum in UK
Gold in Australia, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Portugal
Platinum in Hungary, Ireland, New Zealand
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b2/Queen_Absolute_Greatest.jpg)
We Will Rock You /We Are the Champions / Radio Ga Ga / Another One Bites the Dust / I Want It All * /
Crazy Little Thing Called Love / A Kind of Magic / Under Pressure / One Vision * / You're My Best Friend / Don't Stop Me Now /
Killer Queen / These Are the Days of Our Lives / Who Wants to Live Forever (edit) / Seven Seas of Rhye / Heaven for Everyone * /
Somebody to Love / I Want to Break Free * / The Show Must Go On / Bohemian Rhapsody
* single versions
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This one was surprising as to its worldwide sales. Then I read the details from ultimatequeen.uk:
"This album features Queen's 20 greatest tracks (?) and was available as a single CD, double CD, double CD book, and triple LP set. It was re-released in Germany in 2016 on CD and as a double white vinyl LP, in slightly different artwork, which was exclusive to the Tchibo website.
The double CD and book releases feature a second disc titled 'Absolute Narrative', lasting 42:06, which features commentary by Brian May and Roger Taylor about each track. For this, each track has been edited.
The book and LP editions included a unique code which could be used on the QueenOnline website to give access to online streams of 18 live performances, several of them exclusive to the release."
Always clever, those folks at Queen Productions, finding newer ways to milk that golden goose. And it did manage to not include one of their three #1 hits ('Innuendo')
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2010
The SINGLES COLLECTION Volume 3
Released: May 31, 2010
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It's a Hard Life / Is This the World We Created...?
Hammer to Fall (Single Version) / Tear It Up
Thank God It's Christmas / Man on the Prowl / Keep Passing the Open Windows
One Vision (Single Version) / Blurred Vision
A Kind of Magic / A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling
Friends Will Be Friends / Princes of the Universe
Pain Is So Close to Pleasure (Single Remix) / Don't Lose Your Head
Who Wants to Live Forever (Single Version) / Forever
One Year Of Love / Gimme The Prize
I Want It All (Single Version) / Hang On in There
Breakthru / Stealin'
The Invisible Man / Hijack My Heart
Scandal / My Life Has Been Saved (Original Version)
*****
queenpedia.com review https://queenpedia.com/index.php?title=The_Singles_Collection_-_Volume_3
"Trucking right through the disappointing Singles Collection series, Volume 3 is perhaps the most interesting of the bunch, because Queen started to wise up (a bit) and give fans some extra bang for their hard-earned buck" to start, but finishing with
"At the risk of sounding like a broken record, however, the opportunity for extended remixes should have been taken advantage of, as these particular single releases spawned some of the more interesting extended remixes, especially Hammer To Fall, Pain Is So Close To Pleasure, Friends Will Be Friends, Breakthru, and Scandal. And, as before, the lack of liner notes is just baffling. But, considering the pointlessness of the first two boxes, this one just barely ekes into the category of 'If You Have A Spare £40 Sitting Around And Need To Blow It On Something Then This Might Not Be A Complete Waste Of Money.'"
The set marks the first time that "Blurred Vision" and the single mix of "Pain Is So Close to Pleasure" have been made available on CD. ‘Stealin’’ and ‘My Life Has Been Saved’ were originally available on the vinyl and CD singles, but were not included as bonuses on ‘The Miracle’ LP.
Also, ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’ was the original B-side of ‘Friends Will Be Friends’. A nice correction was made by using ‘Princes Of The Universe’.
Again, all CDs come in their own sleves with original artwork. And, yet again, this was another bloated offering. At least there was a one year gap after Volume 2 to save the money up for this unnecessary release. But we're not quite done yet.......
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The SINGLES COLLECTION Volume 4
Released: October 10, 2010, UK (Parlophone/EMI)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/72/Queen-SinglesCollection42010.jpg/220px-Queen-SinglesCollection42010.jpg)
The Miracle / Stone Cold Crazy (Live At The Rainbow '74)
Innuendo / Bijou
I'm Going Slightly Mad / The Hitman
Headlong / All God's People
The Show Must Go On / Queen Talks
Bohemian Rhapsody / These Are the Days of Our Lives
Heaven for Everyone (Single Version) / It's A Beautiful Day (non album B Side Version)
A Winter's Tale / Rock In Rio Blues (UK Single Version)
Too Much Love Will Kill You / I Was Born to Love You
Let Me Live / We Will Rock You (Live At Wembley '86) / We Are the Champions (Live At Wembley '86)
You Don't Fool Me (Edit) / You Don't Fool Me
No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young) / We Will Rock You (The Rick Rubin 'Ruined' Remix) / Gimme The Prize (Instrumental Remix for 'The eYe')
Under Pressure (Rah Mix) / Under Pressure (Mike Spencer Remix) / Under Pressure (Live At Knebworth)
********
‘Lost Opportunity’, the original non album B side of ‘I’m Going Slightly Mad’ was not used. :huh: A nice touch to replace ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ and ‘Bicycle Race’, the original B sides of ‘Let Me Live’, with the live versions of WWRY/WATC from Wembley.
Everyone was crying for the Rick Rubin version of WWRY to find its way onto something again NOT :tdwn
And everyone wanted those Under Pressure versions. :tdwn
And, queenpedia.com didn't even bother giving this one a review.
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2011
Queen announced that they were leaving EMI for Universal Music. There was much excitement at the time with this announcement, with hopes of what might finally get unlocked and released from the vaults.
What we would end up with throughout the year was the complete studio catalogue remastered and reissued, with each release containing a bonus disc of various demos, alternate versions, and live tracks. ‘You can’t please everyone’….but these reissues were generally incomplete or lacking on truly making the extra discs 'bonuses'. Most could have simply added the bonus songs onto the original studio material to fit onto one disc. This would have saved the buying public some money Oh, well.
Oh, and the fleecing would still continue with yet additional unnecessary releases.
As is, New Year’s Day would kick the year off with the 'Greatest Hits I and II' releases. The first five studio albums would be released in March, the following five on June 27th September 5th (of course)
Sadly (for me), ‘Live Killers’ was not reissued. So, no officially released ‘polished’ live versions of ‘Somebody To Love’, ‘If You Can’t Beat Them’, ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’, and ‘It’s Late’ exist from that tour. Pity.
‘Live At The Beeb’, the single album released by the Band of Joy off shoot company in 1989, was also not reissued.
The prior writeups can be found here for :
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/Queen_Greatest_Hits.png)
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March, 2011
The first five studio LPs are reissued.
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as always, with the good comes the :huh:
Deep Cuts, Volume 1
Released: 14 March 2011, UK (Island)
Charts: UK #92
Spain #90
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/25/Queendeepcuts7376.jpg/220px-Queendeepcuts7376.jpg)
Ogre Battle
Stone Cold Crazy
My Fairy King
I'm in Love with My Car
Keep Yourself Alive
Long Away
The Millionaire Waltz
'39
Tenement Funster
Flick of the Wrist
Lily of the Valley
Good Company
The March of the Black Queen
In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited
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From Queenpedia: “With the news that Queen were jumping ship from EMI to Universal Music, fans immediately salivated over what bountiful treasures would finally be unearthed on future reissue programs. Universal were well-known for their attention to detail and completeness with other artists' reissues, and certainly the same would be held true with their latest acquisition. (Little did fans know that Universal all but begged Queen Productions for unlimited access, but were denied outright.) The first step in an aggressive 40th anniversary campaign was to entice new fans who were familiar only to Queen's greatest hits, and Deep Cuts: Volume One 1973-1976, compiled by Brian, Roger, and Foo Fighter Taylor Hawkins, is a mostly successful insight into what lay beyond Bohemian Rhapsody and Killer Queen.
Naturally, it would be easy to quibble with the tracklisting, and each fan is going to have his or her own opinions on what should have been included – although the omissions of ‘White Queen (As It Began)’ and ‘You And I’ are downright inexcusable, and calling ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ a deep cut is utterly confounding – and perhaps some standalone edits of ‘Tenement Funster’, ‘Flick Of The Wrist’, and ‘Lily Of The Valley’ would have been more enticing. (The two unique edits, of ‘Ogre Battle’ and ‘The March Of The Black Queen’, are interesting, if inessential.) But for what it is, Deep Cuts: Volume One 1973-1976 is an attractive and well-constructed compilation that gave some hope to the fanbase that QPL was finally listening.”
************
A new and ‘complete’ ending for ‘The March Of The Black Queen’ was created for this issue. Thanks to youtube, it did provide a nice way to complete my ‘Queen On Air’ version. That said, this just continued the pile after pile of garbage being thrown out to the Stepfords to purchase. :tdwn :tdwn :tdwn
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June 2011 reissue releases
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Page 12 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.385
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Page 14 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.455
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Pages 15 and 16 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.525
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Page 17 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.560
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Page 20 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2897519#msg2897519
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Deep Cuts, Volume 2
Released: 27 June 2011, UK (Island)
Charts: UK #175
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/ba/Queen_-_Deep_Cuts_2.jpg)
Mustapha
Sheer Heart Attack
Spread Your Wings
Sleeping on the Sidewalk
It's Late
Rock It (Prime Jive)
Dead on Time
Sail Away Sweet Sister
Dragon Attack
Action This Day
Put Out the Fire
Staying Power
Jealousy
Battle Theme
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They should have had Taylor Hawkins help them on the songs and the track listings. Queenpedia didn't even bother to comment on this one.
Yet another :huh: and :tdwn
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September 2011 reissues
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Page 22 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2903379#msg2903379
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https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.910
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Page 32 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2919863#msg2919863
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Page 37 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1260
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Deep Cuts Volume 3
Released: September 5, 2011, UK (Island)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Cuts,_Volume_3_(1984%E2%80%931995)
(https://queenpedia.com/images/thumb/f/f1/DeepCutsVol3.jpg/175px-DeepCutsVol3.jpg)
Made In Heaven
Machines (Or 'Back To Humans')
Don't Try So Hard
Tear It Up
I Was Born To Love You
A Winter's Tale
Ride The Wild Wind
Bijou
Was It All Worth It
One Year Of Love
Khashoggi's Ship
Is This The World We Created...?
The Hitman
It's A Beautiful Day (Reprise)
Mother Love
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Again, ....where was Taylor Hawkins? ;) Where was the art director? Where were their senses?
The end of this 'Deep Dive' into everyone's pockets segment.
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2012
All's quiet on the Queen front for a while (perhaps to give people time to purchase and listen to all those reissues....). No needless compilations as well! :tup
FREDDIE MERCURY BARCELONA Special Edition
Released: September 11, 2012
Page 30 for details of the original release https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1015
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_(Freddie_Mercury_and_Montserrat_Caball%C3%A9_album (scroll down for the 2012 release)
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Musicians
Freddie Mercury – lead vocals and backing vocals, piano, arrangements
Montserrat Caballé – lead vocals and backing vocals
Mike Moran – keyboards, programming, arrangements
John Deacon – bass guitar ("How Can I Go On")
‘Barcelona’:
Homi Kanga – violin, Laurie Lewis – violin, Deborah Ann Johnston – cello, Barry Castle – French horn,
Frank Ricotti – percussion
Backing vocals on ‘The Golden Boy’:
Madeline Bell, Dennis Bishop, Lance Ellington, Miriam Stockley, Peter Straker, Mark Williamson, Carol Woods
There are others, including Roger's son Rufus on drums
DISC ONE – New orchestrated album
Barcelona – 5:43
La Japonaise – 4:52
The Fallen Priest – 5:46
Ensueño – 4:22
The Golden Boy – 6:04
Guide Me Home – 2:50
How Can I Go On – 3:49
Exercises in Free Love – 3:57
Overture Piccante – 6:47
How Can I Go On [Bonus Track featuring David Garrett] – 3:56
DISC TWO – The Best of the Rarities and Session Outtakes
Exercises in Free Love [1987 B-side] – 4:26
Barcelona [Early Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal] – 4:21
La Japonaise [Early Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal] – 4:41
Rachmaninov's Revenge (The Fallen Priest) [Later Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal] – 5:51
Ensueño [Monsterrat's Live Takes] – 5:36
The Golden Boy [Early Version: Freddie's Demo Vocal] – 3:54
Guide Me Home [Alternative Version] – 2:50
How Can I Go On [Alternative Version] – 4:03
How Can I Go On [Alternative Piano Version] – 3:44
DISC THREE – Album orchestral version
Barcelona – 5:39
La Japonaise – 4:51
The Fallen Priest – 5:47
Ensueño – 4:01
The Golden Boy – 6:03
Guide Me Home – 2:50
How Can I Go On – 3:37
Exercises in Free Love – 3:57
Overture Piccante – 6:43
(‘Ensueño consists only of Moran's (original) piano part. No backing vocals are featured on any of the tracks.
DISC FOUR – DVD
Club Ibiza Performance
Barcelona
La Nit Barcelona Performance
Barcelona
How Can I Go On
The Golden Boy
Barcelona [Classic Video]
Barcelona [The Special Edition EPK]
Barcelona [2012 Edit by Rhys Thomas]
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I was very much looking forward to this release. A real ‘orchestra’ replacing the synthesizers. Sadly, some of the ‘oomph’ was lost, and there were points where Freddie’s vocals were lowered, which obviously took away some of the power of his performance.
We only purchased the one disc version. Disc Two would be an absolute fantastic bonus for those who did not purchase ‘The Solo Collection’ box set in 2000. Those demos are stunning, and the ‘Guide Me Home’ / ‘How Can I Go On’ alternate versions tug at my emotions more than anything of his that was released.
The instrumentals are ‘nice’…..but, when Freddie’s and Montserrat’s vocals are removed, they’re simply not going to be as good.
All in all, the effort is here, the thought behind it all is evident, and this release did provide a bang for your buck.
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HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY
Released: September 20, 2012, UK (Island Records), USA (Hollywood Records)
Venue Népstadion, Budapest, Hungary, 1986
Charts: 2012–19
Hungary #7, Germany #23, Italy #29, Netherlands #44, Belgium #90
DVD
Charts: 2012
Austria and Belgium #1, Itally #5, Denmark #6, Spain #7, Australia and Sweden #8, Switzerland and The Netherlands #10
DVD certifications: Gold in Hungary, Platinum in Poland
* Originally released in 1987 in the UK (VHS only), Japan (VHS and Laserdisc), Germany (Laserdisc only) and Russia (VHS only)
Page 28 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.945
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/Hungarian_rapsody_blu_ray.jpg)
CD DISC ONE
One Vision / Tie Your Mother Down (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) * / In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited / Seven Seas of Rhye /
Tear It Up / A Kind of Magic / Under Pressure / Another One Bites the Dust (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Who Wants to Live Forever / I Want to Break Free (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Looks Like It's Gonna Be a Good Night (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Guitar Solo (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Now I'm Here
DISC TWO
Love of My Life (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Tavaszi Szél Vizet Áraszt (Traditional) / Is This the World We Created...? /
(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Hello Mary Lou (omitted on DVD and Blu-ray) * /
Tutti Frutti (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Bohemian Rhapsody / Hammer to Fall / Crazy Little Thing Called Love (edited on DVD and Blu-ray) * / Radio Ga Ga / We Will Rock You / Friends Will Be Friends / We Are the Champions / God Save the Queen
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2013
ICON
Released: 11 June 2013, USA and Canada only (Hollywood Records)
Charts: USA Hard Rock Albums #22
Canada #8
Certification: Platinum in Canada
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Stone Cold Crazy
Tie Your Mother Down (includes the ‘A Day at the Races’ intro….)
Fat Bottomed Girls
Another One Bites the Dust
We Will Rock You
We Are the Champions
Radio Ga Ga
Bohemian Rhapsody
I'm in Love with My Car
I Want It All
The Show Must Go On
*******
I never knew this existed until this year. What the idea was behind its release, or its track listing, is anybody’s guess. It says on ultimatequeen that it was a limited edition release, yet it charted and went Platinum? No idea as to that as well.
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Of note, in November, Roger Taylor's 'The Lot, a twelve CD, one DVD box set of his solo and The Cross albums is released. That will be mentioned later under his releases of this century.
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2014
LIVE AT THE RAINBOW
Released: September 8, 2014, UK (Virgin/EMI), USA (Hollywood)
Char
ts: UK #11, US Hard Rock Albums #5, Billboard #66
Netherlands #7, Germany #9, Austria #12, Scotland #12, Belgium #13, Italy #15, Spain #17, Switzerland #19, Portugal #22, Hungary #34, Finland #40, Ireland #54, France #55
US Billboard Video Sales #2
The one disc offering has the November ’74 show from the ‘Sheer Heart Attack’ tour. The 2 CD offering includes their March ’74 show from the Queen II tour.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_at_the_Rainbow_%2774
More details for the March ’74, page 4 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.105
For November ’74, page 5 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.140
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QUEEN II Tour, March '74
Procession / Father To Son / Ogre Battle / Son And Daughter / Guitar Solo / Son And Daughter (reprise) / White Queen (As It Began) / Great King Rat / The Fairy Feller's Masterstroke / Keep Yourself Alive / Drum Solo / Keep Yourself Alive (reprise) / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll / Jailhouse Rock / Stupid Cupid / Be Bop A Lula (medley) / Liar / See What A Fool I've Been
SHEER HEART ATTACK Tour, November '74
Procession / Now I'm Here / Ogre Battle / Father To Son / White Queen (As It Began) / Flick Of The Wrist / In The Lap Of The Gods / Killer Queen / The March Of The Black Queen / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Son And Daughter / Guitar Solo / Son And Daughter (reprise) / Keep Yourself Alive / Drum Solo / Keep Yourself Alive (reprise) / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Stone Cold Crazy / Liar / In The Lap Of The Gods.... Revisited / Big Spender / Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll / Jailhouse Rock / God Save The Queen
**********
Finally!!!! OK, now we're talking!!! :tup
From the prior write ups, what Queen fans and Queeniacs had been waiting on for much too long. Both shows are superb!
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and then two months later........
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QUEEN FOREVER
Released: November 14, 2014, UK (Virgin EMI), USA (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #5, USA #38
South Korea #2, Poland #2, Netherlands #3, Israel #4, Switzerland #4, US Hard Rock #4, Italy #5, Belgium #6, Scotland #6, Germany #7, Austria #8, Czechoslavakia #8, Spain #8, Canada, #11, France #12, Portugal #12, Denmark #15, Japan #16, Ireland #18, New Zealand #18, Sweden #28, Australia #35,
Finland #36
Certifications: Gold in UK, Germany, Italy, Poland
Singles:
Let Me In Your Heart Again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWzeNnq1-rA
Love Kills https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPdU_07YZY
Some details, Page 40 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1365
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Forever
Yet again, another one or two disc purchase option for the completists...and, of course, a limited edition vinyl box set :tdwn
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Let Me In Your Heart Again / Love Kills - The Ballad / There Must Be More To Life Than This (with Michael Jackson) / It's A Hard Life /
You're My Best Friend / Love Of My Life / Drowse / Long Away / Lily Of The Valley / Don't Try So Hard / Bijou / These Are The Days Of Our Lives /
Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love) / Who Wants To Live Forever / A Winter's Tale / Play The Game / Save Me / Somebody To Love /
Too Much Love Will Kill You / Crazy Little Thing Called Love
*****
DELUXE EDITION
DISC ONE:
Let Me In Your Heart Again / Love Kills - The Ballad / There Must Be More To Life Than This (with Michael Jackson) / Play The Game / Dear Friends /
You're My Best Friend / Love Of My Life / Drowse / You Take My Breath Away / Spread Your Wings / Long Away / Lily Of The Valley / Don't Try So Hard /
Bijou / These Are The Days Of Our Lives / Nevermore / Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love) / Who Wants To Live Forever
DISC TWO
I Was Born To Love You / Somebody To Love / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Friends Will Be Friends / Jealousy / One Year Of Love / A Winter's Tale /
'39 / Mother Love / It's A Hard Life / Save Me / Made In Heaven / Too Much Love Will Kill You / Sail Away Sweet Sister (To The Sister I Never Had) /
The Miracle / Is This The World We Created? / In The Lap Of The Gods.... Revisited / Forever
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There’s also an extended version of ‘Let Me In’ that was ruined by William Orbit available in the deluxe edition or as a single release. It is available on youtube if you need to hear it (I don’t ever again).
And then, there’s this:
From the ‘Hot Space’ sessions, which then became a duet with Michael Jackson
There Must Be More To Life Than This (Wm Orbit mix), in which the Jackson estate did not give full control to Brian and Roger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FrrzXH0exU
And then ……was it really necessary to do a one CD/double album release AND two disc / 4 LP ‘Deluxe Edition’? Of course not, other than for money. And, you get 'too much of the mellow side of Queen' (per Roger).
You do get the three 'new' releases, two of which are absolutely worth the price. There are also stand alone versions of ‘Lily Of The Valley’ and ‘Nevermore’, and ‘Play The Game’, minus the synth intro, which makes for a nice change.
Want a change of pace, and a slightly different version of ‘The Game’ LP? Start it with the ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’ demo, and then use this version instead of the album version.
Oh, the cover art: it's simple, quiet nice, and rather odd. The drawings of Brian and Roger are from the ‘A Day at the Races’ vinyl sleeve in ‘76, Freddie from the ‘Greatest Hits’ cover in ’81, and John seems a combination of 1980 and ?????
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2015
All the studio albums were reissued on vinyl, taken from the 2011 remasters (GH I and II were released in 2016). Most are currently available at queenonline …anywhere from $15-50.
I’m sure the completists were either salivating or groaning. Then again, for the younger folk or those who wanted to complete their collections, or just prefer vinyl, I guess this made sense.
and then, in time for the holidays, we have....
********************
A NIGHT AT THE ODEON
Released: November 20, 2015, UK (Parlophone)
Charts: UK #40
More details on Page 8 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.245
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/A_Night_at_the_Odeon_-_Hammersmith_1975.jpg)
CD and DVD
Now I'm Here / Ogre Battle / White Queen (As It Began) / Bohemian Rhapsody / Killer Queen / The March of the Black Queen /
Bohemian Rhapsody (Reprise) / Bring Back That Leroy Brown / Brighton Rock / Guitar solo / Son and Daughter / Keep Yourself Alive / Liar / In the Lap of the Gods... Revisited / Big Spender / Jailhouse Rock / Stupid Cupid / Be-Bop-A-Lula / Jailhouse Rock (Reprise) / Seven Seas of Rhye * / See What a Fool I've Been * / God Save the Queen *
* not filmed, therefore not on the DVD
Live At The Budokan Japan 1975:
Now I'm Here / Killer Queen / In The Lap Of The Gods.... Revisited
(added to the DVD)
Looking Back at the Odeon
A previously unreleased 22 minute documentary featuring interviews from Brian May, Roger Taylor and Bob Harris.
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Again, now we’re talking! Finally, the most bootlegged show of their career is officially released on audio and video. Their live Christmas Eve '75 show which aired on BBC2. The multitrack recording was found in 2009. It took a few years, but it was soooo worth it.
Superb! (other than the cover)
This album was released as a single CD, double LP, CD+DVD set, and CD+Blu-ray set. It features the complete show, and was also simultaneously released on DVD and Blu-ray, losing two tracks. The CD, DVD and Blu-ray were all released together in a boxed set which also contains replica memorabilia from the concert, and a 12" single containing a soundcheck recording of 'Now I'm Here', which was the first time any Queen soundcheck had been officially released.
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2016
FREDDIE MERCURY Messenger of the Gods
Released: September 2, 2016, UK (Universal), USA (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #31
New Zealand #8, Spain #13, Czechoslavakia #14, Poland #16, Belgium #18, Austria #24, Portugal #26, Netherlands #27, Germany #33, Italy #53, Switzerland #53, France #148
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DISC ONE: A-Sides
1. Living On My Own *
2. The Great Pretender
3. In My Defence (2000 Remix)
4. Love Kills
5. Barcelona *
6. Made In Heaven *
7. Time (2000 Remix)
8. Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow
9. I Was Born To Love You
10. The Golden Boy *
11. I Can Hear Music (slight edit)
12. How Can I Go On *
13. Living On My Own (1993 Radio Mix)
DISC TWO: B-Sides
1. Going Back
2. Let's Turn It On
3. My Love Is Dangerous
4. She Blows Hot And Cold
5. Living On My Own (1992 Album Mix)
6. Stop All The Fighting
7. Time (instrumental)
8. Excercises In Free Love (Freddie vocal)
9. Excercises In Free Love (Montserrat vocal)
10. The Fallen Priest *
11. Overture Piccante
12. Love Kills (Wolf Euro Mix)
* single versions
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Disc 1 features all twelve of Freddie's A-side singles from 1984 to 1993, with the addition of the Larry Lurex track 'I Can Hear Music' from 1973, while disc 2 features their corresponding B-sides (except 'Rotwang's Party', the B-side to 'Love Kills').
The set includes four single versions on CD for the first time - 'Living On My Own', 'Made In Heaven', 'The Golden Boy' and 'The Fallen Priest'. It also includes the 2000 Remixes of 'Time' and 'In My Defence' (in place of the original single version and the 1992 Remix which were actually released as singles) and a slight edit of 'I Can Hear Music'.
The set was available as either a 2CD set, with the above tracklisting, or a boxed set, which featured all 13 singles pressed onto 7" coloured vinyl discs (with two ‘Living On My Own’ remixes on one of the vinyls.
Those can be seen at
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/ then Freddie Mercury, compilation albums, Messenger of the Gods for the artwork for all of the 7” vinyls.
It had been ten years, so I guess it was time to roll out another Freddie compilation, and make sure it’s released around what would have been his 70th birthday. I would always include the LP or extended versions of ‘Barcelona’ on one of these. As is, it’s a good collection.
Just don’t get me started as to the ridiculous thirteen vinyls!!!!
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QUEEN ON AIR
Released: November 4, 2016, UK (Virgin EMI), USA (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #25, USA Top Hard Rock Albums #19
Scotland #20, Portugal #27, Germany #28, Spain #32, Netherlands #47, Belgium #52, Austria #60, Italy #73, Switzerland #84, France #123
2018
France #96
Sold as a two disc (the BBC sessions) or six disc box set. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Air_(Queen_album)
AUDIO Sessions 1-6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1WwJW1Mu_w&list=PLgC34OV_4iVXqAMIUaL-o7p0_cpnbpkcp]
Details for Sessions 1, 2, and 3 Page 2 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.35
Session 4, Page 3 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.70
Session 5, Page 5 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.140
Session 6, Page 12 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.385
AUDIO Golders Green Hippodrome concert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJhWfr4V_ns&t=961s
Comments Page 2 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.35
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/04/On_Air_%28Queen%29.jpg)
The BBC Sessions
DISC ONE
Session 1: February 5, 1973
1 My Fairy King
2 Keep Yourself Alive
3 Doing All Right
4 Liar
Session 2: July 25, 1973
5 See What a Fool I've Been
6 Keep Yourself Alive
7 Liar
8 Son and Daughter
Session 3: December 3, 1973
9 Ogre Battle
10 Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll
11 Great King Rat
12 Son and Daughter
DISC TWO
Session 4: April 3, 1974
1 Modern Times Rock 'N' Roll
2 Nevermore
3 White Queen As It Began
Session 5: October 16, 1974
4 Now I'm Here
5 Stone Cold Crazy
6 Flick of the Wrist
7 Tenement Funster
Session 6: October 28,1977
8 We Will Rock You
9 We Will Rock You Fast
10 Spread Your Wings
11 It's Late
12 My Melancholy Blues
**********
DISC THREE
Golders Green Hippodrome, London, September 13, 1973
1 Procession
2 Father to Son
3 Son and Daughter
4 Guitar Solo
5 Son and Daughter (Reprise)
6 Ogre Battle
7 Liar
8 Jailhouse Rock
Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo, Brazil, 20 March 1981
9 Intro
10 We Will Rock You (fast)
11 Let Me Entertain You
12 I'm in Love With My Car
13 Alright Alright
14 Dragon Attack
15 Now I'm Here (Reprise)
16 Love of My Life
Maimarktgelände, Mannheim, Germany, 21 June 1986
17 A Kind of Magic
18 Vocal Improvisation
19 Under Pressure
20 Is This the World We Created...?
21 (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care
22 Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
23 Crazy Little Thing Called Love
24 God Save the Queen
INTERVIEWS
(Broadcast on BBC Radio 1)
DISC FOUR (1976–1980)
1 Freddie with Kenny Everett, ‘A Day at the Races’ album, November 1976 *
2 Queen Interview with Tom Browne, ‘News of the World’ album, Christmas 1977
3 Roger with Richard Skinner, ‘Live Killers’ album, June 1979
4 Roger with Tommy Vance, ‘Flash Gordon’ album and film, December 1980
5 Roy Thomas Baker ‘The Record Producers’
DISC FIVE: (1980–1986)
1 John interview, South American tour, March 1981
2 Brian on ‘Rock On’ with John Tobler, ‘Hot Space’ album, June 1982
3 Brian on ‘Saturday Live’ with Richard Skinner and Andy Foster, ‘The Works’ album, March 1984
4 Freddie on ‘Newsbeat’, The Works Tour, August 1984
5 Brian on ‘Newsbeat’, ‘The Works’ album, September 1984
6 Freddie on ‘Saturday Live’ with Graham Neale, ‘The Works’ album, September 1984
7 Freddie with Simon Bates, April 1985
8 Brian on ‘The Way It Is’ with David ‘Kid’ Jensen. Wembley Stadium, London, July 1986 *
DISC SIX: (1986–1992)
1 Roger interview, ‘My Top Ten’ with Andy Peebles, May 1986
2 ‘Queen for an Hour’ interview with Mike Read, ‘The Miracle’ album, May 1989
3 Brian with Simon Bates, ‘Freddie and Too Much Love Will Kill You’, August 1992
4 Brian with Johnnie Walker, ‘Freddie and the Tribute Concert’, October 1992
Broadcast on BBC Radio 1 except
* Broadcast on Capital Radio
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The multiple decades long-awaited release finally happens. And, of course I’m going to complain.
First, ‘The March of the Black Queen’ is missing, so the ‘Sessions’ is incomplete. Even though it was simply played on a tape at the time, it should have been included.
The Golders Green performance is missing ‘See What A Fool I’ve Been’ (complete show is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKUCsM-uP5o )
Sessions 1-4 could have been on Disc One, Sessions 5-6 and the Golders Green performance on Disc Two…… and then the rest of the material on the six disc box set.
The complete Sao Paulo show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec1sOcraou4 and
Mannheim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUahFZ1lIhE&t=4233s . A weird hodgepodge of selected songs.
And then, there’s three discs of interviews. If that’s your thing, you’ll enjoy this. I never bothered with the Freddie interviews from his 2000 box set until a couple of months ago.
The two disc set is the affordable way to go, along with downloading the complete Golders Green performance from youtube.
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/ then 'live albums' 'on air' for art work from the vinyl box set, and which is terribly lacking on the 2 disc release.
Highlights mentioned in the prior posts: all of them! ;)
But, seriously, both of the extended 'Son And Daughter' performances, 'White Queen' (with piano), 'Nevermore', 'Liar', 'See What A Fool I've Been', 'Doing Alright', Modern Times (Session 4), Spread Your Wings, We Will Rock You [fast], My Melancholy Blues, and........the rest of the songs! :tup
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QUEEN ON AIR
This one I know!
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QUEEN ON AIR
This one I know!
Good stuff, too! :tup Hope you'll enjoy that Dragonhouse Records copy :D
To think it was February 1st that the first sessions were mentioned here :eek
Time to get out the construction signs again, so I can finish in 2022.
(https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/06/16/07/26/sign-2408065__340.png)
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2016 continued
QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT LIVE IN JAPAN
Released: December 20, 2016
VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0hLnZh7lcs&list=PLS_irjENNUWKbiez66JpuubGVVk6EcBpW
Bohemian Rhapsody https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlY0WQpdy5g
Page 41 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1400
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Procession / Now I'm Here / Stone Cold Crazy / Another One Bites The Dust / Fat Bottomed Girls / In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited / Seven Seas Of Rhye / Killer Queen / I Want It All / Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) / Love Of My Life / These Are The Days Of Our Lives / Under Pressure / I Was Born To Love You /
Radio Ga Ga / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Bohemian Rhapsody / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
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2017
NEWS OF THE WORLD 40th Anniversary Edition
Released: 2017, UK (Island), USA (Hollywood)
Charts:
2018
Portugal #22
2019
Italy #95, Belgium #98
of course, the original sold and charted much higher. Details on Page 12 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.385
The original write up for this release Page 13 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.420
In 2017 came the release of some long awaited gems in one package (albeit overpriced). It included the vinyl, the 2011 remastered CD, a DVD ('The American Dream' about their USA tour), and two bonus discs (demos sessions and BBC session offerings :tup)
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DISC ONE
2011 remaster of the original album
DISC TWO: Raw Sessions
We Will Rock You (Alterative Version) 2:26 / We Are the Champions (Alternative Version) 4:33 / Sheer Heart Attack (Original Rough Mix) 4:17 /
All Dead, All Dead (Original Rough Mix) 3:08 / Spread Your Wings (Alternative Take) 4:56 / Fight from the Inside (Demo Vocal Version) 3:08
Get Down, Make Love (Early Take) 4:02 / Sleeping on the Sidewalk (Live in Boston, '77) 3:49 / Who Needs You (Acoustic Take) 2:49 /
It's Late (Alternative Version) 6:44 / My Melancholy Blues (Original Rough Mix)3:36
AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-bzqylNf08&list=PL-sj4xR8SOmOHMY5KfsqykZgrxRfXxrl5
* Here is a fan made hybrid mix of 'All Dead, All Dead'....first with Freddie's LVs, then Brian's to finish. Quite enjoyable as I enjoy both in a haunting way. The lyrics and guitar always make me think of the album cover for some odd reason https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyv0nMju_1w
DISC THREE
Feelings Feelings (demo) / We Will Rock You (BBC) / We Will Rock You (Fast) (BBC) / Spread Your Wings (BBC) / It's Late (BBC) / My Melancholy Blues (BBC) / 7. We Will Rock You (Backing Track) / We Are the Champions (Backing Track) / Spread Your Wings (Instrumental) / Fight from the Inside (Instrumental) /
Get Down, Make Love (Instrumental) / It's Late (USA Radio Edit 1978) / Sheer Heart Attack (Paris '79) / We Will Rock You (Fast) (Tokorozawa, Nov '82) /
My Melancholy Blues (Houston '77) / Get Down, Make Love (Montreal Nov '81) / Spread Your Wings (Europe '79) / We Will Rock You (Milton Keynes '82) /
We Are the Champions (Milton Keynes '82)
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What the 2011 reissue should have been (music-wise). Again, I don't know why live material is used from other tours (WWRY / WATC from '82?) And, there are good/superb versions of 'It's Late' available. It's great to hear Freddie on piano during the instrumental section. As is, this was a real treat overall.
A lot of goodies as to pictures and write ups were available (ultimatequeen.co.uk studio albums)
(https://www.mothermercury.be/wp-content/uploads/Albumhoes.jpg)
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2018
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY: The Original Soundtrack
Released: October 19, 2018, UK (Virgin/EMI), USA (Hollywood Records)
Charts: UK #3, US Top Rock Albums #1, US Billboard
#1 in Australia, Czechoslavakia, Greece, Japan, Mexico,
#2 in Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland
#3 in Belgium, Canada, Italy, Portugal
#4 in Netherlands, Poland, Scotland
Belgium #5, Austria #6, France #7, Germany #8, Hungary #10, Denmark #11, Norway #14, Finland #19, Sweden #21
Certifications: Platinum in UK, Gold in USA
Gold in Belgium, Canada, and South Korea
Platinum in Denmark, Japan, and Spain
2x Platinum in Australia, Italy, and Poland
3x Platinum in France
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_Rhapsody:_The_Original_Soundtrack
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6c/Bohemian_Rhapsody_soundtrack.jpg)
20th Century Fox Fanfare
Somebody to Love
Doing All Right... Revisited (Performed by Smile)
Keep Yourself Alive (Rainbow, London, March 1974)
Killer Queen
Fat Bottomed Girls (Paris, 1979)
Bohemian Rhapsody
Now I'm Here (Hammersmith Odeon, London, December 1975)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Love of My Life (Rock in Rio, January 1985)
We Will Rock You (Movie Mix)
Another One Bites the Dust
I Want to Break Free (Single Remix/Soundtrack Edit)
Under Pressure
Who Wants to Live Forever
Live Aid, Wembley Stadium
Bohemian Rhapsody (Reprise)
Radio Ga Ga
Ay-Oh
Hammer to Fall
We Are the Champions
Don't Stop Me Now... Revisited
The Show Must Go On (edit)
(https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Queen-Bohemian-Rhapsody-packshot-web-optimised-1000.jpg)
Let’s include those well known songs, ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ and ‘Now I’m Here’ (more revenue for Brian) instead of ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ and ‘You’re My Best Friend (less for John) and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ 'and 'We Will Rock You' should have been in the ‘Live Aid’ set. Uhh duh and remove 'Hammer To Fall'..
no brainer
It’s still enjoyable to hear the 20th Century theme on the Red Special, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ was nice, and I enjoyed so many moments in that movie. I’m glad I knew most of the mistakes going in, as it was a shame it was soooooooooooooooo chronologically wrong >:( >:( >:( :censored :censored :censored and poorly written.
I tried watching it again when it was on HBO, caught it about halfway through, and watched about ten minutes and that was enough.
Still, what you have on this disc has many songs with different versions, so if you want a change of pace, it's worth a listen.
Speaking of which....I recorded copies for a few friends as holiday gifts back then. I also just realized that....I've never listened to this. :lol :lol
(https://img.cdandlp.com/2019/08/imgL/119626111-2.jpg)
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2019
FREDDIE MERCURY NEVER BORING
Released: October 11, 2019, Europe (Mercury), USA (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #18
Scotland #6, Switzerland #9, Spain #10, Austria #21, Germany #23, Japan #29, Poland #32, Belgium #37, Italy #50, Netherlands #54, Belgium #62, Czechoslavakia #75, France #164
3 CD set and DVD. The three discs were 'Never Boring' along with his two studio LPs: 'Mr. Bad Guy' and 'Barcelona'. All three discs were also issued individually on CD, vinyl, digital and streaming services. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Boring
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b5/Freddie_Mercury_-_Never_Boring.png/220px-Freddie_Mercury_-_Never_Boring.png)
NEVER BORING
The Great Pretender *
I Was Born to Love You *
Barcelona (2012 Orchestrated Version)
In My Defence (2000 Remix)
Love Kills *
How Can I Go On (2012 Orchestrated Single Version)
Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow *
Living on My Own (1993 Radio Mix)
The Golden Boy (2012 Orchestrated Single Edit)
Time Waits for No One
She Blows Hot and Cold *
Made in Heaven *
* special edition versions
DVD
The Great Pretender
Living on My Own
Barcelona
I Was Born to Love You
Time Waits for No One
In My Defence
Living on My Own (Radio Mix)
The Golden Boy (La Nit performance, Barcelona)
How Can I Go On (La Nit performance, Barcelona)
Barcelona (La Nit performance, Barcelona)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/WEBP_402378-T1/images/I/91K83h8CR0L._SX522_.jpg)
I kept finding these rehashed money grabs 'always boring'....so the title is quite ironic. Yet more 'revised' versions of some songs released, and yet...
some how, some way, it generally sells!!! :huh:
Here's one example, 'Time Waits For No One': let's slightly retitle it, slightly remix it for the third....no,.....fourth time. And it will get 25 MILLION VIEWS!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGjt291COa0 I heard it when it was released. Some day I might look around for that one disc to check out the differences in the other songs.
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HzWoAtwQL._SY1000_.jpg)
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2020
GREATEST HITS IN JAPAN
Released: 15 January 15, 2020, Japan (Universal)
Charts:
Japan #7, France #129
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Somebody To Love
Don't Stop Me Now
Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)
Spread Your Wings
Killer Queen
The Show Must Go On
Bohemian Rhapsody
'39
The March of the Black Queen
Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy
Keep Yourself Alive
Radio Ga Ga
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per wiki: "As part of their "Rhapsody Tour", Queen + Adam Lambert returned to Japan in January 2020. To mark the occasion, a compilation album was released, featuring twelve Queen songs voted for by Japanese fans.
The voting took place through an online form via a special section on Queen's official Japanese website from 6 to 25 November 2019, where, as a general rule, fans residing in the country were invited to cast their votes for their favourite song by Queen from their 15 original studio albums under the one-person-one-vote principle. All participants were required to choose only one song to vote for from the list of 172 tracks in total.
In total there were 11,988 voters. The CD version of the album was exclusive to Japan, while the digital version was available worldwide. The limited-edition CD also included a DVD including music videos of the 12 songs on the album."
Sounds like a DTF KevShmev countdown to me! :lol
There is also a DVD version that is shorter but contains the same tracklisting, but with three alternate versions, namely 'Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together)'
(Seibu Lions Stadium, Tokyo, November 1982), 'The March Of The Black Queen' (recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, December 1975) and 'Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy' (recorded for 'Top Of The Pops'). The remaining tracks are the usual promo videos, apart from 'Bohemian Rhapsody', which is the alternate 'flames' video. The DVD features a simple silent menu, with links to Play All or select a song, with no credits.
They could have had 15 songs, since there was time. But......Hey, 'The March Of The Black Queen' finally made it onto a 'greatest hits' compilation! :tup :lol And....as silly as this all was, it made it into the Top Ten in Japan. The brand still sells..........
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2020
QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT Live Around The World
Released: October 2, 2020 UK (EMI), US (Hollywood)
Charts: UK #1, US Top Rock Albums #5
Australia #1, Scotland #1, Portugal #3, New Zealand #4, Germany #5, Switzerland #5, Austria #6, Netherlands #6, Japan #10, Belgium #13, Finland #14, Hungary #14, Poland #17, Spain #20, Ireland #22, Italy #23, Denmark #28, France #56, Czechoslavakia #61
Certifications: Silver in UK
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9d/Queen_%2B_Adam_Lambert_-_Live_Around_the_World.png)
More details on Page 41 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1400
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2022
THE MIRACLE Collector’s Edition
Write up for the original release in '89 on Page 31 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.1050
https://www.queenonlinestore.com/Queen/The-Miracle/-The-Miracle-Super-Deluxe-Collector-s-Edition-8-Disc/7I9I1UK730R
(https://i0.wp.com/theseconddisc.com/wp-content/uploads/Queen-The-Miracle-Cover.jpg?fit=900%2C900&ssl=1)
DISC ONE Bob Ludwig 2011 Remaster
Party
Khashoggi's Ship
The Miracle
I Want It All
The Invisible Man
Breakthru
Rain Must Fall
Scandal
My Baby Does Me
Was It All Worth It
DISC TWO The Miracle Sessions
Party (Original Take)
Khashoggi’s Ship (Original Take)
The Miracle (Original Take With John’s Ending)
I Want It All (Original Take)
The Invisible Man (Early Version With Guide Vocal)
When Love Breaks Up (Demo)
Breakthru (Real Drums And Bass)
Rain Must Fall (Demo)
Scandal (Original Rough Mix)
My Baby Loves Me
Was It All Worth It (Original Take)
You Know You Belong To Me
I Guess We’re Falling Out (Demo)
Dog With A Bone
Water (Demo)
Face It Alone
DISC THREE Alternative Miracle
I Want It All (Single Version)
Hang On In There [B-Side]
Breakthru (” Version)
Stealin’ [B-Side]
The Invisible Man (” Version)
Hijack My Heart [B-Side]
Scandal (” Version)
My Life Has Been Saved [B-Side]
Stone Cold Crazy (Live At The Rainbow, London ') [B-Side]
My Melancholy Blues (Live At Houston, Texas ’) [B-Side]
Chinese Torture [Instrumental]
DISC FOUR Miracu-mentals (Backing Tracks)
Party *
Khashoggi's Ship
The Miracle
I Want It All
The Invisible Man
Breakthru
Rain Must Fall
Scandal
My Baby Does Me
Was It All Worth It
*instrumental
DISC FIVE The Miracle Interviews
Queen For An Hour (Trailer)
Queen For An Hour (Roger, John, Freddie & Brian with Mike Read)
Queen For An Hour (Out-takes)
Rockline (Brian & Roger with Bob Coburn)
DVD / BLU-RAY - The Miracle Promo Videos
I Want It All
Breakthru
The Invisible Man
Scandal
The Miracle
The Miracle Interviews (Interviews with Roger, Brian and John on the set of the Breakthru film shoot in June , by Gavin Taylor. John has given no further
interviews since that day)
The Making of the Miracle Videos
The Making of The Miracle album cover
VINYL LP The Miracle - The Long Lost Original LP Cut
Party
Khashoggi's Ship
The Miracle
I Want It All
Too Much Love Will Kill You
The Invisible Man
Breakthru
Rain Must Fall
Scandal
My Baby Does Me
Was It All Worth It
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbravewords.com%2Fmedias-static%2Fimages%2Fnews%2F2022%2F636BE86B-queen-the-miracle-collector-s-edition-unboxed-video-image.jpeg&hash=ea6f4bbd14c6f8beee0965c426add2568fb29869)
I will say we enjoyed the hell out of the demos. The highlights: I liked 'Party' for the first time EVER. 'I Want It All' was interesting to hear the instrumental at the END of the song. I had heard the 'When Love Breaks Up' demo eons ago (the 'Breakthru' intro) but not this polished. 'Was It All Worth It' was worth the purchase alone, to hear it 'raw' without all the bells and whistles thrown in later. The rest have lots of Brian guitar, real drums by Roger, John's bass sounds superb, and Freddie...well, knowing what lay in store and what he was going through, is just FRICKIN' AMAZING! And...they're all having fun, and sound like a damn rock band. No idea what happened between these sessions and the studio versions. A bit too polished.
The 'new' unreleased polished demos were 'OK'. There's so many more that could have been polished, such as the twelve minute 'Stealin''....they should have done them all and released them. I had heard 'I Guess We're Falling Out' before, but not with the 'Hang On In There' ending attached.
Oh, and they could have easily added the four nonalbum B-sides onto the studio CD. Now THAT would have just made too much sense.
As is....a very worth while experience !
Oh, and WTH, we couldn't resist buying this along with it.... :lol)
(https://dvfnvgxhycwzf.cloudfront.net/media/SharedImage/image500/.fsPQ3rKY/SharedImage-140088.jpg?t=21994d64f2bda8b1c762)
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and .....with that....as to the QUEEN 'band' discography ....
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/l1J3I2AACdYouQQec/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47wyagejc9trodvhjf29hi4zdicr6oaqn8gv6cefht&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Right, Tim? :lol :lol
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Amazing Joe. Seriously. Thank you so much for this thread. Wow, what a resource.
I'm glad you covered the Paul Rogers and Adam Lambert eras as you did. I'll definitely be going back to check those out, especially the Ukraine show.
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and .....with that....as to the QUEEN 'band' discography ....
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/l1J3I2AACdYouQQec/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47wyagejc9trodvhjf29hi4zdicr6oaqn8gv6cefht&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Right, Tim? :lol :lol
Awesome job! :tup
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Yeah, seriously awesome job. Thanks for doing this.
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Amazing thread and follow, thank you!
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Wow, that was a hell of a thread! Great job! :tup
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Really, really great work here. I enjoyed the heck out of it!
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^
Thank you all for the 'thank you's' :tup :heart
I still have Brian's and Roger's offerings for the century, but that will have to wait until I finally see my unofficial grandson (great nephew) for the first time this weekend in Vegas for his first birthday (born almost three months premature).
Boy, did life get in the way of this thread. My S-I-L and husband sold their home and moved out there to be with their grandson and son and daughter-in-law. We helped box, paint, etc their old house. For a month, we thought we were going to sell our home, and did beaucoup amount of updates. Then Mrs. DA's 'situation'. And a best friend's wife, and my best friend, and.....so on and so on.
And.... I fell into the rabbit hole of doing almost all the darn links for the youtube concerts that had been uploaded during the last couple of years (nothing like a Queen concert, and remember 'Never miss the beginning of a Queen concert!' :D ) Unlike TAC (yes, he is a smart one ;)), he started his UFO discography research months in advance. This one started the day after I made my first post :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
I'll thank him yet again for encouragement throughout behind the scenes, as well as telling me about sizing jpegs, and the imgur.com site (as all my Fbook Messenger pics would end up with a different address, and the pic would disappear weeks later :censored :censored :censored). Oh, and for his Spotify numbers. Perhaps he followed along, as his wife, always the smartest one :lol is a big Queen fan!
Trivial: for this century, there were approximately 46 official releases, either worldwide, UK/Europe, North America, or Japan.
Add five Freddie releases.
Oh....and let's not forget that some of these came in various forms: CD, CD and DVD, vinyl, 2 CD and 3 vinyl, etc etc
And....all fifteen studio LPs and two 'Greatest Hits' were reissued in 2011 on CD (with bonus discs).
And...all fifteen studio LPs were re-released on vinyl within the past five years, 'The Platinum Collection' was rereleased on colored vinyl last year, and then there was........ it goes on, and on, and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on.......
I'll add some additional stuff here later tonight, but two things first:
I've listed https://www.queenlive.ca/ as 'the bible' for Queen concerts. I donated to his website for his years of work. I got an Anita Dobson 'Talking Of Love' disc just from asking :) :tup
Ryan Newton, for all of those updated audio concerts on youtube (or, perhaps I should :sad: because of all the extra work he created for me ;). Can't wait to finally listen to more of them this year.
There's Martin at https://www.queenconcerts.com/
And finally
http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/
If you want to see 99% of what the cover art is for the LPs, CDs, and DVDs front and back covers, , this is the place. As well as the CDs, CD booklets, booklets, vinyl inner sleeves, etc. This site also includes the solo releases. :tup I had problems in the beginning with putting up the artwork, but finally managed.
oh, and of course, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_(band) discography and tours
I also had to laugh at getting this book for the holidays....AFTER I'd finished the discography! :lol
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/WEBP_402378-T1/images/I/41PlL-4YAxL._SX384_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
"In this new installment in Voyageur Press’s Album by Album series, rock journalist Martin Popoff convenes a cast of 19 Queen experts and superfans to discuss all 15 of the band’s studio albums (including their soundtrack for the 1980 film Flash Gordon). Panelists include Queen experts, rock journalists, musicians, and record industry figures. The results are freewheeling discussions delving into the individual songs, the circumstances that surrounded the recording of each album, the band and contemporary rock contexts into which they were released, and more."
Those commenting on various albums include Queen expert Jim Jenkins, Reinhold Mack, Chris Caffery (Savatage), David Ellefson (Megadeth) , Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian), Ian Mosley (Marillion), Patrick Myers (tribute band Killer Queen), Daniel Nester (writer and super fan that we've met), Nina Noir (female tribute band Killer Queen) Darius Rucker (Hootie & The Blowfish), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), and Sir Paul McCartney (Wings, and some band before Wings ;)).
https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Album-Martin-Popoff/dp/0760362831
(with my usual gripe....if it's a 'Queen' book or album, then show the damn band. :censored)
and this for our anniversary :D (also album by album, with tour info included)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51krZIMGCkL._AC_SY780_.jpg)
Lots of photographs throughout these two books I had not seen before, with good/great discussion and insights throughout. Some omissions, but overall, they are very good reads.
The timing could have been better: "Nice to close the barn doors after the cows got out"
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I'll close by telling everyone yet again to check out 'The Miracle' demos, along with 'I Guess We're Falling Out'. And turn it UP!!! :tup We just listened to it on the home stereo, at about volume 7 (neighbors, ya know). All the interesting initial lyrics, the 'Leroy Brown' intro to 'I Want It All' and the instrumental at the end (my wife gasped when it wasn't in it's final location), and, again.... 'Was It All Worth It'!!! :metal :hefdaddy :tup
Maybe this is a 'Frankensteined' demo package (the lyric appears in Track Two), but their rock n roll roots truly shine on this!
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RIP Jeff Beck
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Jeff_Beck_Brian_May_03_690x664.jpg) (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/77/f8/36/77f836e0a414631eae1c31c7154dfbe5.jpg)
In '98, Jeff played guitar on one of Brian's songs from the 'Another World' LP titled 'The Guv'nor', in reference to Jeff (the LP reissue will get mentioned here soon)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WA_ot1Lmkk
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In 2011, Jeff and Roger performed for an event called 'A Picnic Concert By The Chapel On A Lake'. This was in Surrey, England. Surrey College is where Queen's very first concert performance took place 50+ years earlier
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIlvJGRGdOYJPEeizVJ7k6Fr08milKX4HElBszNOM3BnBETq7WW7l1jB-rM4EhTAuKc7I&usqp=CAU)
'Say It's Not True' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgSdnHXpiT4
'People Get Ready' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgSdnHXpiT4
and just Jeff 'Nessum Dorma' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP1yyRb-_IU
Beck also played on Roger's 'Fun On Earth' LP, released in 2013 (that LP as well will get mentioned here soon).
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(https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/35/590x/queen-brian-may-roger-taylor-jeff-beck-1720346.jpg?r=1673538252850) (https://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Freddie+Day+65th+Birthday+Anniversary+Party+-KLT_8Rfv6nx.jpg)
from a Freddie 65th birthday bash in 2011 (hence the one fake mustache). Roger's son Rufus is the youngster pictured.
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And finally, we have the now Sir Brian May, along with Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck meeting Queen Elizabeth. I do not know when this took place (only the Queen has gray hair, so it was many years ago)
(https://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2020/02/GettyImages-52263395.jpg?w=980&q=75)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDDZf_NoN7s
(and the much needed captions of the conversation afterwards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYeue0EiXgE)
She must have spent less than five seconds doing research beforehand.
“Are you a guitarist as well?” :facepalm: :lol :lol
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RIP Jeff Beck
:metal :tup :hefdaddy
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^
Indeed. And....I came across a few items where Brian and Jeff appeared together (though didn't play together) during this century.
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QUEEN updated concerts
Before I 'briefly' ;) list all of Brian’s and Roger’s collaborations and LPs from 2003 onwards, I’m inserting this note as to recently made available concerts (and upgrades) for those who are interested.
Five new or upgraded shows have surfaced over the past couple of months. When I become aware of newly released or upgraded shows, I’ll post them as I move along, as well as give a reference to the appropriate page on the discography. On those pages, I will then make note of the edit and revise the information. I'm posting three of the shows here for now.
Also, with kind permission granted, I plan on inserting DTwwww… ‘Mike’s’ comments from his various Queen shows he attended into my original posts. That will always be a WIP as well.
....this never ending fight..... :D
That said...
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Toledo Sports Arena, Toledo, Ohio, January 30th, 1977 Attendance: 6,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP3_nN7ByTg&t=2s Quality: B
The first recording of this concert surfaced a little over a year ago, but it was only the first half of the show as the taper’s batteries ran out. This is a second source that is much more complete, but is missing the second encore.
Inserted on Page 10 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.315
I saw the Queen / Thin Lizzy concert eight days earlier in Kalamazoo. A C+ Richfield Coliseum recording from the next night exists, but this is leaps and bounds above that. A pity that Kzoo tape has never seen the light of day, but this helps make up for that one still collecting dust.
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Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, February 1st, 1977 Attendance: 16,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfI_hb5oAbc Quality: B+
Queen’s first performance ever in Toronto. Only ‘Now I’m Here’ is missing. Added to Page 10
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The Montreal Forum, Montreal, July 21st, 1982 Attendance: 18,000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJkWvEeRCWM&t=1152s Quality: A
This is a new transfer of the Montreal 82 recording, kindly put out by The Real Wizard. ( www.queenlive.ca ) Here are his original notes: "This is a merge of both audience sources to best complete the show. Dare I say this is now the definitive document from the North American leg of the Hot Space tour !? Thanks to onedunpark, Brian's Wig, manymilesaway, and riku for their part in getting these tapes out there.
(another source is used for TYMD to make the concert complete) A definite upgrade! :tup
Original post Page 21 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.700
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the two additional concerts....
Ford Auditorium Detroit, February 10th, 1975 Attendance: 2,900 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8dfDGp2E4Q Quality: B/C
NEW! This is now the earliest recording from 1975.
Their first show in Detroit, and I couldn't go because it was a Monday school night. >:( Kansas guitarist Rich Williams recalls playing their opening set to constant boos and shouts for Queen.
The master of this tape was damaged, but The Real Wizard and friends did their best to make those minutes somewhat bearable.
The band is a bit sloppy in parts, but Freddie is in top shape though and sounds fantastic.
Of note: The band perform 'See What a Fool I've Been' as a final encore after the tape of 'God Save The Queen'....the first and only time they would play a song after the tape.
Inserted on Page 5 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2863773#msg2863773
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UPGRADE
Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, November 21st, 1977 Attendance: 16,500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJ2DjQZGS7c Quality: A-/B+
Upgrade from a tape first made available in 2021, merged with a new one from two months ago.
Given that the band didn't play 'Spread Your Wings' or 'It's Late' when Mike Millard saw them a month later in Long Beach, this tape features the highest-quality versions of those songs from this tour thus far.
Page 13 https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.msg2877725#msg2877725
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Of note: The band perform 'See What a Fool I've Been' as a final encore after the tape of 'God Save The Queen'....the first and only time they would play a song after the tape.
That sounds so spontaneous. These days, you just KNOW there will be an encore. I am NOT against encores, rather many artists pretend they are spontaneous or they take more than several minutes to come out between the last song they just played and the start of the encore. I'd much rather they have an intermission in the middle, and then just play the second half of the show non-stop and call it a great night.
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Sorry for the very delayed response. I've come across a bunch of pix from the first North American Convention, the Walk of Fame, and the WWRY Vegas premiere buried away recently. Rather melancholy seeing so many friends, acquaintances, and artists no longer with us.
Moving on.... I enjoy encores for what they are, and if the concert proper finale and encores are done 'properly' ;), add to the experience. Queen did it right throughout their career (other than insering FWBF between WWRY and WATC during the Magic Tour).
For this Detroit '75 show (which is enjoyable to hear Freddie's greetings to Detroit in spite of the damaged tape, the problems dissipate after 'Son And Daughter'), it would be interesting to know why the band came back on stage after the GSTQ tape. Generally, all the ceiling lights would come on after it was played. Audible audience groans can be heard on those shows when the tape was left running. For this concert, the audience is still cheering as loud as after the concert proper and the encore. No idea what went on, why the band came back on stage, and then played 'See What A Fool I've Been', a non album B-side that maybe a handful in the audience had ever heard (and certainly not that version), for the only time in the States.
It wouldn't be played again until their shows in Japan the following April.... ( that we know of, as who knows what took place on some of those nights where no recordings exist)
Then again, as to 'God Save The Queen': hey, you can call me naive, but back then, and I still remember hearing some people say after hearing the ANATO LP or walking out of the Saginaw '76 show..... 'what the hell are they playing 'My Country 'Tis Of Thee' for ? :lol
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For the upcoming Queen countdown, I updated this thread by listing their discography on the first page. It should provide a helpful guide to anyone to find the pages for each album.
And since I've written down most of Brian's and Roger's releases for this century, I'll finally pull the trigger and start adding those here, now that life is calming down, taxes are done, and TAC's roulette is winding down ;)
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This past Tuesday.... A Knight at the Opera
(https://cdn.apollo.audio/one/media/6410/6e26/bce0/c405/f2fb/58a4/brian-may-knighted-header-0.jpg?quality=80&format=jpg&crop=0,0,675,1200&resize=crop)
(https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/tmIPv9.ayJO8uX4b97etVw--~B/Zmk9ZmlsbDtweW9mZj0wO3c9NjQwO2g9MzYwO3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/cover_media_989/2d278206bf58d0c5b36d9097e1e6bcff)
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Well deserved. Rise, Sir Brian May!
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Why is Dee Snider there, wearing a black hat?
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What a dick comment
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Stads can't help it, DA. He's always got the damned thing in his hand.
Congrats, Sir Brian--Knight of the Realm.
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Love the wordplay in the thread title. :tup
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Poor Brian May.
One of the most famous guitarists in the world? Responsible for some of the greatest rock hits in history? A literal astrophysicist? A knight?
Hopefully he'll catch a break some day.
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What a dick comment
Meant in fun. I looked at the picture and that's who I thought of.
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My wife and I will always remember just how she treated us like royalty for all of our work for the North American fans the two times that we were honored that she took the time to speak with us decades ago. A charming and warm person. :heart :tup
Meanwhile...... :P
(https://i.chzbgr.com/full/5565994240/h57F83495/when-you-find-youre-in-a-hole)
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Love the wordplay in the thread title. :tup
As I wrote to you directly, I shamelessly stole the headline from news and Fbook posts.
Poor Brian May.
One of the most famous guitarists in the world? Responsible for some of the greatest rock hits in history? A literal astrophysicist? A knight?
Hopefully he'll catch a break some day.
And....to think...he was so depressed in the 80s that he contemplated suicide. :sad: Music was an escape, and then he had to deal with all that was Freddie. Afterwards, making music and having the adrenaline rush of headline touring, he lost Cozy. Sucked the wind out of him.
Wonder what he might have done this century if not for all that heartache. As is, his collaborations were fairly good. Some day, one day, I'll add those efforts here.
btw....Mrs. DA's second round of cancer tests were pretty good as of today. No surgery for a change.
CHEERS, MY DEARS! :tup
(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/d3/e9/18/d3e918a3cff3f82793f510db32f1fb22.jpg)
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Way to bury the lede! Congratulations on Mrs. DA's good news. Let's hope that continues.
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Way to bury the lede! Congratulations on Mrs. DA's good news. Let's hope that continues.
Agreed! That is good news! :tup
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Okay, I recognize the King (still sounds kinda weird to say that) and of course Brian May, but who is the lady in the black hat?
(and yeah, she does kinda look like Dee Snider in that one picture)
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Okay, I recognize the King (still sounds kinda weird to say that) and of course Brian May, but who is the lady in the black hat?
(and yeah, she does kinda look like Dee Snider in that one picture)
I think it's Brian's wife.
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Okay, I recognize the King (still sounds kinda weird to say that) and of course Brian May, but who is the lady in the black hat?
(and yeah, she does kinda look like Dee Snider in that one picture)
That's Anita Dobson, famous actress in her own right, and Brian's wife since around 2000 or so.
(And that was the whole basis of the joke; it was in that ONE PICTURE, which didn't really look like her to me. She's actually very classy and very attractive in most of the pictures I've seen of her. I'm deeply sorry if I offended anyone.)
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Okay, I recognize the King (still sounds kinda weird to say that) and of course Brian May, but who is the lady in the black hat?
(and yeah, she does kinda look like Dee Snider in that one picture)
That's Anita Dobson, famous actress in her own right, and Brian's wife since around 2000 or so.
(And that was the whole basis of the joke; it was in that ONE PICTURE, which didn't really look like her to me. She's actually very classy and very attractive in most of the pictures I've seen of her. I'm deeply sorry if I offended anyone.)
Stads,.....you saved your axe on that one ;) Oh, and Orbert.... well :censored ;)
I am going to have to dig for the pix of her with me and the wife from '02 and '04, but in the meantime, here is one of her and Brian in the late 80s
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/23/09/16/230916ba45ea10755aa077714361121f.jpg)
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Thanks to TAC for the info of part of this concert being made available just a couple of days ago
Cobo Hall, Detroit November 9th or 10th Attendance: 11,000 + https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXNtDBxAdwo Grade: A to A+ (other than a slightly harsh cut after TYMD to SHA)
Tie Your Mother Down Encores: Sheer Heart Attack / We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/tickets/78-11-09_Detroit_ticket_01.jpg)
The second release this year of a Detroit show (SHA Tour '75 being the first). Freddie's voice is a bit off at times (read the review below), but 'so what!' (plus, he's incorrect in stating that only two songs were performed on the mini drop down stage). This has the first complete playing of 'Sheer Heart Attack, as a shortened version was always performed during the NOTW tour and prior 'Jazz' shows.
"Thank you. Goodnight. See you soon, Detroit." This gave me goosebumps, as I would see them in Detroit less than two years later! :tup
These shows took place on Thursday and Friday nights. On Saturday, they'd perform at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, ...my favorite concert of all time. So this tape is extra extra special.
(https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-11-09_Detroit_43.jpg) (https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/78-11-09_Detroit_18.jpg)
https://www.queenlive.ca/queen/reviews/78-11-09_Detroit_review.jpg
(Pasted in page 15 of this discography https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=57201.490)
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Back when the Detroit Cobo Hall '78 segment was uploaded by Ryan Newton near the end of March, he said it would be his last upload.
Well, since then.....he has shut his channel down! https://www.youtube.com/@ryannewton1202
Which means.... 99% OF THE CONCERT LINKS POSTED IN THIS THREAD NO LONGER WORK!
Just..... EFF ME >:( :censored :angry: :tdwn
Guess I should have downloaded all the ones I wanted to save at the time of my posts. :sad:
Greg Barnes has been a long time poster of concert bootlegs, with the songs broken down into individual tracks (I prefer to keep the medleys and WWRY/WATC/GSTQ each as a single track due to the occasional harsh transitions). No idea if many of the upgrades that were on Ryan Newton's page are included
https://www.youtube.com/@Gregsynthbootlegs/playlists
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Near the end of the penultimate 'Ted Lasso' episode was a song called 'Fought & Lost' by Sam Ryder.
Not played was the instrumental and an additional chorus. The full version includes the unmistakable 'Red Special' and Brian on BVs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtQBKRgmyVc
The single was released last week.
There were other 'Queen' bits through the show: of Rebeccah's uncle having attended Ealing College with Freddie, of 'Fat Bottomed Girls' having been suggested years earlier as a Richmond fight song (though 'Don't Stop Me Now' would have made more sense), and then the playing of FBG as the team departs after their big win over Manchester City. Made a fun episode even more enjoyable in this household.
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Ryan Newton's Queen concert page shut down months ago. It was like a gut punch to me, losing all the links that were posted throughout this discography (as well as all of the superb commentary throughout).
I found this individual's account a while back, and just have never posted it.
MILES FERNANDO
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4A5EY_jw2aNBiF1sI-L_w3_iAfoJZcDT
video
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4A5EY_jw2aPQV58ddrKAjRwIfFDiAT1y
So, for those who are interested, here you go.
btw...Brian released a nice treasure trove of demos from his 'Starfleet Project' months ago. I still haven't received my Amazon order. :tdwn I could always listen to it on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/4P8zihOMmBazpiqcsLYuEP but I'm hoping it arrives when I get back from a vacation.
EVH fans might be interested in some of these unheard demos as well.
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There's been a run of 1975 Japan shows on Dime this past week.
No samples so no idea on the quality.
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Well, it's been a while...
and though this perhaps would be best on the 'Queen' thread, 'Queen Montreal' was shown throughout the States last weekend. Due to popular demand (Surprise! Surprise! ;)) it is showing again this weekend, and next (depending on location)
(https://i.imgur.com/cqCEjF1.jpg)
https://www.queeninimax.com/
The history of 'THE' hottest band in the world at the time :tup
QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL
Released: October 2007 UK (EMI / Parlophone)as a double CD, Blu-ray, DVD, and triple vinyl in the UK and the following day in the US
Charts for the CD sales:
UK #20, Portugal #22, Germany #17, Austria #25, Italy #27, Switzerland #27, Spain #35, Netherlands #54, Belgium #62, Ireland #88
2008:
Mexico #73
Certifications: Gold in Australia
******
DVD Charts:
2007
Italy #1, Portugal #1, Sweden #1, Belgium #3, Denmark #3, Austria #4, New Zealand #8, Australia #9
2008
Norway #2
Certifications:
Gold in Australia and Switzerland
Platinum in Argentina, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, UK
2x Platinum in USA, Canada
(https://brianmay.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Queen_Rock_Montreal_550x325.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFie0kyu9cs&t=25s
Intro/ We Will Rock You (fast) / Let Me Entertain You / Play The Game / Somebody To Love / Killer Queen / I'm In Love With My Car / Get Down, Make Love / Save Me / Now I'm Here - Dragon Attack - Now I'm Here (reprise) / Love Of My Life / Under Pressure / Keep Yourself Alive / Drum Solo / Guitar Solo / Flash / The Hero / Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Jailhouse Rock / Bohemian Rhapsody / Tie Your Mother Down
Encore 1: Another One Bites The Dust / Sheer Heart Attack Encore 2: We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions / God Save The Queen
******
The DVD does not contain ‘Flash’ and ‘The Hero’. Footage was tossed aside. Fortunately, when Queen bought out the rights, they did include them on the CD release.
Freddie (and the band) had gotten annoyed at the cameras and such. They were to wear the same outfits each night at the same points. Well, he wore something entirely different for the one night they played 'Jailhouse Rock', so it was placed after CLTCL, when it was actually played before WWRY.
These would be the final performances of 'Let Me Entertain You', 'I'm In Love With My Car', and 'Flash' (which would be used as the pre-recorded opening music in '82). 'Killer Queen' and 'Keep Yourself Alive' would be dropped as well, but revived in 1984.
These are the final live performances of Queen as a four-piece band. All subsequent tours would have an additional on keyboards and occasional guitar.
At this point in their career, Queen were arguably the biggest band in the UK, becoming the first artists to simultaneously top the album charts (with Greatest Hits), singles charts (with Under Pressure), and video charts (with Greatest Flix).
But.....what goes up, must inevitably come down. For Queen, that would not take long. But for this night, it's generally well edited (other than the always close ups during BoRhap), the intro with the 'fly swatter' lighting rig is well captured, along with so many other various moments. A great show, with only a few overdubs, and a great video documentary of the band at the end of their most successful era.
(a much better cover for Montreal would have been....)
(https://i.imgur.com/KziLi1i.jpg)
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I got this on Blu-ray for Christmas one year, and it's still one of my favorite concert videos. I've always liked Queen, but for me a lot of their music just doesn't work well in a live setting. On the studio versions, it's all so perfect and sounds so glorious. Live is practically a different genre. But there are definitely some Queen songs that do work well in a live setting, and a lot of them are right here.
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I got this BD the first day when it came out years ago. It is still one of the best concert BDs in my collection.
Speaking of QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL, did you all get tickets to watch the IMAX version last weekend? I originally got a ticket for the Thursday night show, but with my luck, I got ill and had a fever and had to skip it. Worst yet, I got an email from the theater later that afternoon saying the show was cancelled, due to their heating system malfunctioning. Talk about the gods don't want me to see it in IMAX :lol
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It's run here has been extended a couple more weeks. Saw it Wednesday night with the wife. FAB U LOUS on the big screen. And that SOUND! :tup
I always wish I could reedit most concert videos. I want to see the band, and the lighting rig (which was superb as always for these shows, and not just the lead guitarist's fingernails during a solo. Or just Freddie's face. That said....it was a worth while experience..... :D
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I saw it too. I watched this a million times, of course, but it was amazing to see all the same.