| Atheïst 09.10.2008 02:06 |
Having seen Queen + Paul Rodgers 3 times now in the past few years I have to say that I found out that Paul Rodgers really rocks hard. His bands made some great class rock and blues tunes. I went in these concerts as a Queen fan and came back as Paul Rodgers fan as well. To all those people attending Queen + Paul Rodgers concerts that feel the need to walk out the venue to buy drinks or take a piss as soon as Paul Rodgers performs a solo song (Seagull for example): give the guy the respect he deserves! He is equally brilliant (at least!) to Queen in every way. In Rotterdam this really annoyed me; half the venue seemed to lose interest when Seagull came along. Nothing wrong with this, but please do not make it that obvious to mr. Rodgers that you feel that he is nothing more than an 'instrument-that-we-put-up-with' that needs to be there for Queen to tour again. In my view this is really disrespectful to both the band and the adience that do want to listen to his solo stuff (which will obviously sound better if Paul feels that his work is appreciated). |
| bryony 09.10.2008 09:59 |
I travelled from Southampton,UK to Hannover, Germany to see Q & PR on Saturday 4th October Its no problem for me for Queen to use another singer but Paul Rodgers did not 'Rock Hard' - he did anything but. He lazed his way through the Queen songs and he looked bored to me. Paul Rodgers is NOT up to the role of singing Queens' songs on stage in the presence of Brian & Roger. the problem is - he's just not a good enough singer For Example - The Show Must Go On - when Freddie wrote/recorded this he sung his lungs out like..." I'm dying but the Show Must Go On !!"....Paul Rodgers just walked around the stage virtually 'speaking' the lyrics with about 15% effort! His style of singing is quite annoying as well - he 'hangs back' he keeps his vocals about half a beat BEHIND where the rest of the band are - its sounds awful and frankly I found his performance on Saturday night to be ....not in the 80/EURO's category. Brian & Roger were great (Brian seemed tired/slightly ill but he gave absolutely everything) and Last Horizon moved me to tears it was so good (rather like in 2005) Brian & Roger are perfectly good singers - they could do this tour without Paul Rodgers - if PR was ill for a show and couldn't perform, do you think the show would be cancelled ? No - Brian & Roger would still play the show - because they don't need him ! I'm a little bit surprised by the set list as well - the 'old' Queen songs where about the same as the ones from the 2005 tour with a few Cosmos songs thrown in - seriously...with a back catalog like Queen have...surely they could have been a little more daring with the set list ??!! Saturday night will be the last Queen show for me while PR is 'singing' with them. That will be all (Queen Fan in the UK) |
| Raststätte-Knödel 09.10.2008 10:09 |
I liked how he sung in Rotterdam. I think he did very well, but then I have never heard and seen Freddie live I'm glad they don't tour with Robbie Williams. That would be awful. I don't think Paul is a bad choice |
| Marcelo_argentina 09.10.2008 11:39 |
Do you really expect to listen to Queen live?..get a time-machine if so... Paul Rodgers Rocks, that's for sure! And this is not Queen, we all know that as well. I'm really glad this guys are on the road again, as a new band, indeed! |
| dobo 09.10.2008 11:44 |
Paul Rodgers is the best singer of all time (in my opinion) he is my fave singer even more so than Freddie and Queen (my 2nd fave), so for me this whole Queen + Paul Rodgers thing is the greatest thing since sliced bread |
| Band Forever 09.10.2008 11:52 |
To Athiest. Audiences vote with their feet and no Paul Rodgers/Bad/Free is not on the same level as Queen. I heard seagull and it is a pile of manure without being rude, the only decent songs he is involved with is All Right Now, and Feel like makin Love. I don't understand all this pandering by Brian and Roger they are the Rock Royalty, they seem to be constantly justifying Rodgers' place in the lineup, as my fellow sotonian as stated PR has a lacklustre singing style. No I don't hate Paul Rodgers I don't hate anyone, but I think the fanbase/public has heard and seen enough of him by now to form valid if somewhat differing opinions, and frankly speaking PR doesn't cut it, no matter which way you want to dress it up about him performing the songs in a different shitty bluesy style. My personal opinion is that he has become a pal of Brian's plus a contemporary of their era thats why he is part of the lineup eos. I saw in a interview that RT curtailed his drum solos because when he looked into the audience they were all charging off to buy their hotdogs, so what does that tell you Mr Rodgers about the quality of your work. BM and RT will do what they will, but don't these pyschophants on here and tell us PR is a genius, it is a word that is losing its meaning, i'll correct the misguided for their benefit Queen are the geniuses my fellow fans, PR needs Queen more than they need him and it is Queen that has put Rodgers name back in the public eye. |
| Marcos Napier 09.10.2008 12:08 |
To say you hate something or someone is a bit different than saying you don't like something, although some fans here like to do that instead. I myself don't hate him. I don't like TCR and this whole + thing, but I don't "hate" him simply because it's not his fault. Spare him his life from this monstrosity. While it's time. |
| April 09.10.2008 13:28 |
When Paul sang some of his songs at the stadium, the audience didn't applaude that enthusiastically as they did for Queen songs. He certainly understood it and said: "Thank you sooooo much." Also without enthusiasm and kind of ironically. I think it is his mistake. I am sure that people know Queen songs much better than his songs and they expect to hear Queen. There's nothing to be done yet. He has to be patient. People will be more favourable to him next time. |
| eekabear 09.10.2008 14:15 |
I'd like to ask all the Queen + PR doomsayers their opinion on the following:[br]Had Brian, Roger and Paul got together as 'Taylor, May & Rodgers' and put an album of original material together, then gone on tour playing a mix of new TM&R songs, classic Queen songs, classic Rodgers songs, classic May solo pieces and classic Taylor solos pieces, would you have been happy and paid out for the album and tour tickets? |
| roy_fokker 09.10.2008 14:49 |
Well well well.. [br][br]I must admit that when I first heard Paul singing Queen songs, way back in 2005, I was very positively surprised. [br]Although I am not quite a fan of the bluesy-style, I felt he had a very good vocal-control, a good sound and an acceptable vocal range.[br][br]Of course, Freddie is Freddie, but - being a singer myself as well - I think we must recognize that Paul has some very interesting vocal skills. [br]Secondly, he must be appreciated for the way he acts, not trying to replace Freddie, not trying to put others in the shadow. [br][br]This said, I also have some critical remarks. His performance in Milan, this year, wasn't that good, for instance. I guess he had some vocal problems, but.. yes, too many variations on the theme. Ok not imitating Freddie too much, but too much improvisation turns Queen music to a bad copy of it. I don't like, especially, when he attacks 1/2 beat later or earlier, sometimes compromising the efficacy of choirs (see I want to break free, or I want it all). [br][br]Finally, one last consideration: why so many Free/Bad Company songs? I would have preferred Small instead of Seagull, and maybe "Through the night" or "Still Burning" instead of "Feel like making love" and "Bad Company". [br][br]This said.. thumbs down for those who do not applaude him during the shows. Most of all, it's a lack of style, that conflicts with being a Queen fan. [br][br]Roy. |
| bst123 09.10.2008 18:20 |
It was very annoying indeed during Seagull in Rotterdam. It was a great performance and i think Paul is a fine singer and artist with a very respectable resume. I think 98% came for Queen, but still some respect and curtiousy would be in nice because he's doing a fine job. By the way i like "Seagull" and some other Paul/Bad Company stuff and I'm almost ashamed of the people/Queen fans surrounding me when he sings and plays his songs.[br] |
| queenfanbg 09.10.2008 22:20 |
"dobo wrote: Paul Rodgers is the best singer of all time (in my opinion) he is my fave singer even more so than Freddie and Queen (my 2nd fave),[br] so for me this whole Queen + Paul Rodgers thing is the greatest thing since sliced bread"[br][br][br]u cant be serious....[br][br][br][br][br][br][br][br] |
| Nummer2 10.10.2008 01:19 |
I couldn't notice this in Hamburg at all. The audience is generally rather reserved, but there was no difference between Queen or Paul Rodgers' songs. Especially "All Right Now" got enthusiastic applause and everybody was singing. The encore is the time when a Hamburg audience usually awakes from its lethargy, you must know ;-) [br][br]But it's true, Brian is clearly the star, and Paul doesn't even try to steal the show. He dowsn't want to and - that's obvious - he simply can't.[br] |
| Atheïst 10.10.2008 01:28 |
Most of you guys don't get my point, since I am not talking at all about him singing Queen songs. I don't give a fuck about how he sings Queen songs and none of you should. You all know that it will NOT be Freddie Mercury singing Queen songs and you all know that it's not someone up there emulating Freddie. Therefore, YES, the songs will be sung differently. If you don't like it then stay at home, because you all know the deal: it is half of Queen with some singer playing renditions of their most famous songs, along with songs from the other singer's back catalogue. You see? The Queen part is just PART of the show. The other parts are Paul Rodgers' songs and the new QPR songs.[br][br]I was talking about the fact that all of you that were there bought tickets to see Queen + PAUL RODGERS and a lot of you end up disrespecting Paul by simply 'ignoring' his solo efforts.[br][br]If you do not like him being up there, then don't buy the damn tickets and go on thinking about how great it would have been to have Queen on tour with just Brian an Roger. Don't pretend to support QPR by buying tickets or albums to spoil part of the show for those fans that DO want to enjoy both Queen AND Paul Rodgers.[br][br]And yes, walking out to take a leak or buy a drink does spoil the concert in my opinion, because the band feels that they are not appreciated and will give us less energy. [br][br]'Brian is the star' <- that is what he wants to be so bad, it's almost as though he is glad that he can finally get out in the spotlight without someone standing in his way. His ego is really very big I think. And for what? His playing isn't all that special. He fucks up his Last Horizon solo almost always these days (the ending run up the scale ALWAYS has muffled notes and in Rotterdam the final note was very out of tune, while he himself admits that he sees himself as a great master of prebends). His 'trademark' solo is nothing more but a big pile of layering using some effects. Anyone that knows how to play some scale can play such a solo (and he usually fucks up his scales and wanders off into another key; find his youtube movie where he demo's delays -> even in this demo he does this and admits it later on). Really, he's nothing special. |
| Marcos Napier 10.10.2008 03:11 |
Paul is just in the wrong place. See the difference when he does what he knows what (and likes?) to do: link trying its best with Queen though. Unfortunately, it's not working as it should.[br] |
| bst123 10.10.2008 08:06 |
[br]"Brian is the star' <- that is what he wants to be so bad, it's almost as though he is glad that he can finally get out in the spotlight without someone standing in his way. His ego is really very big I think."[br][br]I agree with you on Paul Rodgers and everybody walking out to take a leak or buy a drink when he sings his songs, it's sad and disrespectfull. But thinking that Brian May wants to be in the spotlight, no way. He gives the fan's what they want, a piece of him during the concerts. He hasn't got a very big ego, i think he's very modest about himself and his musical abilities. [br][br]"Anyone that knows how to play some scale can play such a solo (and he usually fucks up his scales and wanders off into another key."[br][br]This i also don't agree on. I play the guitar myself and although i can play a lot of Brian's stuff, to me he is a very unique guitarist with a good sense for melody and timing (i can't play it like him, sound wise and bending etc.). He's not a Steve Vai or Joe Satriani but he plays from the heart and is not trying to put 100 notes in one second. I think technically Vai and Satriani are great but when it comes down to add something special to a great song or even write great songs/solo's i have to say Brian May is a more allround and accomplished (studio and live)musician/guitarist then for example they are.[br][br]One thing also, Brian May is 61 years old, tell me how many other guitarists of his age play stuff like that "live" night after night? Same thing goes for Roger Taylor and Paul Rodgers (drumming and singing).[br] |
| Holly2003 10.10.2008 08:30 |
Atheïst wrote: Most of you guys don't get my point, since I am not talking at all about him singing Queen songs. I don't give a fuck about how he sings Queen songs and none of you should. You all know that it will NOT be Freddie Mercury singing Queen songs and you all know that it's not someone up there emulating Freddie. Therefore, YES, the songs will be sung differently. If you don't like it then stay at home, because you all know the deal: it is half of Queen with some singer playing renditions of their most famous songs, along with songs from the other singer's back catalogue. You see? The Queen part is just PART of the show. The other parts are Paul Rodgers' songs and the new QPR songs.[br][br]I was talking about the fact that all of you that were there bought tickets to see Queen + PAUL RODGERS and a lot of you end up disrespecting Paul by simply 'ignoring' his solo efforts.[br][br]If you do not like him being up there, then don't buy the damn tickets and go on thinking about how great it would have been to have Queen on tour with just Brian an Roger. Don't pretend to support QPR by buying tickets or albums to spoil part of the show for those fans that DO want to enjoy both Queen AND Paul Rodgers.[br][br]And yes, walking out to take a leak or buy a drink does spoil the concert in my opinion, because the band feels that they are not appreciated and will give us less energy. [br][br]'Brian is the star' <- that is what he wants to be so bad, it's almost as though he is glad that he can finally get out in the spotlight without someone standing in his way. His ego is really very big I think. And for what? His playing isn't all that special. He fucks up his Last Horizon solo almost always these days (the ending run up the scale ALWAYS has muffled notes and in Rotterdam the final note was very out of tune, while he himself admits that he sees himself as a great master of prebends). His 'trademark' solo is nothing more but a big pile of layering using some effects. Anyone that knows how to play some scale can play such a solo (and he usually fucks up his scales and wanders off into another key; find his youtube movie where he demo's delays -> even in this demo he does this and admits it later on). Really, he's nothing special. [br][br][br][br]I agree with your comments about PR. I'm going to Cardiff and I'm really looking forward to hearing Free & Bad Company songs live, far more in fact than I want to hear more karaoke versions of old Queen songs. I also hope they play lots off TCR. However, you BM comments basically miss one thing: a lot of people can copy Brian's licks, but he was the one who invented them. It's always easier afterwards to say that you can copy something but creating it is what's important. Brian has given us some fantastic solos and songs over the years and if he's not the most inventive live, or if his playing isn't as great as it used to be, well I've a lot of leeway to give him after 30 years of great music. [br][br][br] |
| Nummer2 10.10.2008 09:00 |
The magic of Queen is the unique combination of skills. One big part is missing since 1991, another one since 1995 (or so). You can't replace those parts, but the remaining parts (May+Taylor) can try to keep on with what's left. They need assistance with that, and Paul Rodgers is a fine assistance, as are Jamie Moses, Danny Miranda or Spike Edney. They don't restore the old Queen magic, but they help to perform what's left of it. And that's fine for me, I never expected more.[br]Paul Rodgers does a fine job, as Roger and Brian do. |
| Libor2 10.10.2008 13:13 |
Well, the truth is that some of us never accept this new Q+PR band, some can to some degree accept it with more or less enthusiasmus and some people are glad Q+PR goes on and enjoy the music of it (+Queen and PR old pieces). I should say I'm in the latter group. I can understand Queen never would be the same without Freddie, but on the other side, I like a lot of music along with Queen and the new CD is quite good. Why should I be sad, if I can listen to some fresh music from people I like (and not only the old, zillion times replayed Queen songs - although always good)? I can agree with Atheist that people on the concerts wouldn't be disrespectful to PR singing his songs, on the other side - his opinion to BM isn't fair (and IMHO not true). I consider BM to be the one of the biggest name in rock guitar history. But, to be honest, I'm a little biased in this point, so maybe I'd let it be. |
| pat10 11.10.2008 09:52 |
paul rocks i love his voice he is no freddie but who is queen + paul rodgers will do for me. |
| April 11.10.2008 17:29 |
Think of it: Paul sings mostly Queen songs. He could have insisted on singing more of his own. But he doesn't protest and doesn't intend to keep a high profile at the concerts. I appreciate this fact and consider him to be a very nice, agreeable and even modest person. Thank you, Paul, for supporting Queen legacy and enabling us to listen to Queen songs live. |
| Gretsch6120 11.10.2008 17:54 |
For all these people saying Paul needs Queen I just don't see it. He has a successful live touring career (the DVD he released in 2006 is simply brilliant!). However I do feel Queen now need Paul. I don't think they would be able tour consistently on performances of the level of Holland and the Queen's Jubilee (God Save the Queen excluded). [p]Paul is a fantastic singer-songwriter, Alright Now is just as strong as an anthem as anything else Queen have, look at the applause it gets at the 46664 Hyde Park show. I'll admit that I'd barely heard of him before he linked up with Queen (just the performance with Brian on the Strat Pack DVD) but now I really do appreciate him and look forward to hearing his stuff at Liverpool just as much as Queen's. [p]Also a word, if I may, on the weight of the setlists. The setlist is weighted to Queen, fact. The band have stated why on many an occassion. When Brian offered Paul the idea of going out on tour it was to be done 50/50, this is stated both on 'Backstage in Budapest' and on Paul's 'Live in Glasgow'. However Paul said Queen could weight it because (stated for 2005) it was the first time in 20 years that they were able to take their stuff and it's their only chance for doing so on the road and also if people wanted to hear lots of his stuff they can go to his solo gigs. And he does mention that quite a few fans in Queen shirts do in fact now show up at his gigs.... |
| justys2 11.10.2008 18:21 |
[p]I totally agree with richjohnson26 [br] Paul Rodgers...for me one of the greatest vocalist in the world and I really really like his voice. I didn't know him before the whole QPR thing started but probably only becouse I wasnt't deeply in rock music that time (expect for Queen:) )But I listened to some of his albums with Bad Company, Free...and I really have to say many of their songs are great and as good as the best Queen songs....All right now, Feel like making love, Bad comapny..wonderful. For me Bad company is one of the best songs in the setlist. I also love Shooting star next great song but unfortunately they don't paly it any more.... [p] You can't even compare Freddie and Paul..two different voices but they are both great. Paul sings Queen songs very well and I love this bluesy stuff he adds...And his acting on stage is nice..he don't try to be in the centre all the time...he seems to have a lot of joy and fun while singing Queen songs and he really gives the best he can. He has definitely an amazing voice and for me Brian and Roger couldn't choose better. Queen and Paul is a great combination. And as for his songs once again..I love this small song called Seagull...and really I have no respect for people who go out to buy a beer during this song only becouse it's Paul's song not Queen's...But you know there are always some stupid people in the audience who can't understand that someone on stage is working hard to put a greta show...when I went to the concert in Berlin I was standing in front of the catwalk and obviously I didn't notice anyboy leaving during Seagull or other Paul's song...peolple near stage were having wonderful time and they were very loud...but I believe that there are always some people who leave and unfortunately they buy tickets and go to the concerts..they should stay at home...but we can't change it. [p]And something about Brian...and that he is a star and he thinks he's the best etc...I don't know why some people has such opinion maybe becouse they somehow don't like him or even hate...Firstly we don't know Brian personally so how can we say such things about him...But of course we can suppose..and read something from what somebody says or how he or she acts...and when I look at him and how he acts and what he says... really he looks like a very nice guy and really I believe he is...and if you sometimes read his soapbox you can also conclude the same thing...he's nice and kind. And that's my opinion but I thing he's far away from stating that he's a star...he admited many times for example that Jeff Beck is his hero and when he looks at him he knows that he has to learn a lot..he wrote something like this..i remember it becouse I coudn't agree with him:)... For me he's one of the greatest guitarist's in the world...without any doubt. And it's not only my opinion...it's just truth...look how many great solos he invented and listen to him playing...after all this years he still plays amazing...when I heard him playing few weeks ago and he was standing right in front of me I was really moved...great...wonderful...there are no words... and if you can't see and hear it...I don't know...maybe you don't listen at all...:) |
| timantt1 11.10.2008 19:43 |
I was thinking, what if this 'Cosmos' album was released as a new Bad Company album, how would have I rated it? [p] [p]I admit, if I would be a music critic, I would give it 1 star as a Queen album., but maybe 3 stars as a Bad Company album. [p] [p]But at least 4 of those classical Bad Co albums (the six that Paul is in) are better than this, maybe 5 of them. [p] [br] [br] |
| Compliance Queen1 12.10.2008 12:07 |
bst123 wrote: It was very annoying indeed during Seagull in Rotterdam. It was a great performance and i think Paul is a fine singer and artist with a very respectable resume. I think 98% came for Queen, but still some respect and curtiousy would be in nice because he's doing a fine job. By the way i like "Seagull" and some other Paul/Bad Company stuff and I'm almost ashamed of the people/Queen fans surrounding me when he sings and plays his songs. I am still on tour with QPR currently spending the day off in Glasgow. The Rotterdam crowd was the most rude during Seagull talking, on cell phones. The crowd in Hannover was pretty sublime during the entire show. Hamburg was the wurst crowd. The best reception for Paul was in Glasgow last night--saw many Free, PR and Bad company T-Shirts in the crowd--in fact they were the best crowd I have seen so far on my leg of the tour. It would be great if he did different songs--how about an acoustic FLML? Bad Company during the show really kicks-especially last night. I do miss having other PR songs in the mix--Wishing Well in particular. |
| Phoenix501 14.10.2008 06:46 |
I agree with last comment... I didn't know any PR songs apart from ARN at Glasgow... but I gave him as enthusiastic applause as I could for his own songs (even if they didn't really appeal to me personally). He did mess up a couple of Queen songs with timing issues, but who cares? The Glasgow crowd gave every single song fantastic applause... and I was really impressed by the audience. i could tell there were a good amount of PR fans at the gig, but all in all, it was a very even and genuine response they all got. I think people here mistake PR enthusiasm with Queen songs compared to his own material the wrong way... it's not that he doesn't want to give the same energy with Queen stuff, i think he's just more confident with his own material as would be expected with any artist touring after all those years... this shows. All in all, the Glasgow gig was fantastic, very personal and the crowd played a massive part in it... just look at the lengthy standing ovations after Bo Rap or WATC... BM, RT and PR looked gob-smacked by it... bet they wish they had added Glasgow to their touring schedule before lol. I hope you all enjoy the remaining concerts just as much. |
| Togg 14.10.2008 08:59 |
I think it's worth pointing out that some people are mistaking Paul messing up timing, when in actual fact he is just sining the song a different way to the way it was originally performed. He turns a lot of the lyrics around and changes the rhythm of them, for example ABTD is sung with a much more afro/american feel than ever before. Sometimes it just catches you off guard because you are waiting for the song to come out the way Freddie sang it. Give the guy respect, last night at the O2 he was bloody amazing (IMO) He has a stunningly strong voice and boy can he nail a tune. big thumbs up from me. |
| breakthru50 14.10.2008 10:44 |
Togg wrote: I think it's worth pointing out that some people are mistaking Paul messing up timing, when in actual fact he is just sining the song a different way to the way it was originally performed. He turns a lot of the lyrics around and changes the rhythm of them, for example ABTD is sung with a much more afro/american feel than ever before. Sometimes it just catches you off guard because you are waiting for the song to come out the way Freddie sang it. Give the guy respect, last night at the O2 he was bloody amazing (IMO) He has a stunningly strong voice and boy can he nail a tune. big thumbs up from me. Completely agree with this. At first it took me a few lsitens to get into his way of singing the songs but now the more I hear of him, the more I like. I thought he gave a fantastic performance in Glasgow on Saturday and I think his singing on the new album is amazing. |
| Phoenix501 14.10.2008 11:47 |
Togg wrote: I think it's worth pointing out that some people are mistaking Paul messing up timing, when in actual fact he is just sining the song a different way to the way it was originally performed. He turns a lot of the lyrics around and changes the rhythm of them, for example ABTD is sung with a much more afro/american feel than ever before. Sometimes it just catches you off guard because you are waiting for the song to come out the way Freddie sang it. Give the guy respect, last night at the O2 he was bloody amazing (IMO) He has a stunningly strong voice and boy can he nail a tune. big thumbs up from me. Sorry mate, I disagree... I'm in no way putting PR down... I too think he's remarkable singer and is great entertainment with the Queen boys, but I still feel he gets timing wrong.... watching the Brixton DVD and Japan 2005 DVD, he doesn't make similar timing errors that he made in Glasgow the other night. I genuinely feels he just forgets the songs or lyrics occasionally, but he's only human and still is professional enough to disguise it. Don't mistake people's observations as criticisms or attacks on him just for the sake of an argument please. I give him massive respect, not just because he deals with being compared with Freddie in a graceful manner, but mainly because he is a tremendous entertainer. I loved watching him the other night, but he did mess up timing on a couple of songs... no biggie though... didn't in the slightest make the show any less enjoyable for me... actually added to the "live" factor. I think he sounds AMAZING on some of the bootlegs I have of this tour and previous ones. Even Freddie had moments were he messed up songs, but saved it by experience... Save Me on Queen Rock Montreal! (Or blatantly forgetting songs lol, SYW Osaka 82 (I think it was?).) |