QUEEN Discography- MONTREAL '81 in theaters near you

[ZirconBlue]

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, either. 

[Stadler]

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, either.

No doubt, but that doesn't mean it's the MAJORITY of people that make this an issue. 

[DragonAttack]

^
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….

[DragonAttack]

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

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 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.

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 👍

[KevShmev]

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.

[Azyiu]

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.

[KevShmev]

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.

[Zydar]

I've always quite enjoyed Jesus To A Child, that's a fine song.

[SoundscapeMN]

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.

[hefdaddy42]

Father Figure is a fantastic song.

[DragonAttack]

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

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 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.

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....

[DragonAttack]

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 !!!!!!!!!!

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.

[Cool Chris]

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.

[Azyiu]

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.

[DragonAttack]

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.    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.

[DragonAttack]

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

[MirrorMask]

I was never able to keep the pace and comment properly, but I did read through most of the thread. Excellent job DragonAttack! 

[DragonAttack]

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."   

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.


'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.

[DragonAttack]

COZY POWELL     The Drums Are Back

Released:  some time in 1992, Europe (Electrola)

AUDIO       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CQuwGeCkT4


 
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)

[Azyiu]

Looking forward to it

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. 

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/

[TAC]

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."   

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.

[TAC]

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

[Orbert]

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.

[TAC]

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.

[Orbert]

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.

[Stadler]

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.

[Stadler]

Looking forward to it

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. 

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.

[DragonAttack]

Looking forward to it

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. 

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

[DragonAttack]

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

As always, your concert archives amaze me!!!   

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……

[DragonAttack]

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



‘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

[romdrums]

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

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. 

[TAC]

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.

[DragonAttack]

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
 

[DragonAttack]

Finished

[DragonAttack]

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



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
 
 

‘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
 
*******************
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.