As a fanatical Freddie fan, I must say that last night I gained respect for Paul Rodgers after a great performance on some of the classic Queen anthems. Maybe on his recorded tracks he does come across as too country western mixed with jazzy blues (harmonica in tow) but last night he displayed a great vocal range.
My only critique was his lack of sharp delivery aka attitude on some tracks like Show Must Go On. And also I wish I had a shovel to dig a hole and bury that atrocious song Seagull on some cold, barren beach. Paul is hot!
It was amazing how close the band was for standing ticket holders - the O2 does rock as concert venue. It was hot and heavy when things got going as opposed to the cold, blustery other London venues! Also excellent to be fed and watered with some great choices of restaurants.
As for the show, it started a little on the low power side - I found the sound on the initial tracks, Tie Your Mother Down and Fat Bottom Girls a tad lacklustre. But then again it was Freddie's raw primal screaming (Queen on Fire ) at the top of Tie Your Mother Down that defined that track. After that it picked up. Favorites were Crazy til Thing Called Love, Love of My Life and Cosmos Rocks (though latter may remind one of David Bowie a bit too much) Also like Surfs Up.
Yes Rog needed a bit of me time but it did become a bit slow in the middle with his drum tinkering. Rog is a great vocalist;sounds like Rod Stewart with that smoky voice and I thought he could have sung Too Much Love Will Kill You rather than I'm In Love with My Car (hate that song though I love cars - its just the lame lyrics that get me as much as Paul's Seagull - what's he on about is what I think!)
Of course homage to Freddie - the real God we were all there to honor - was nostalgic and everyone stomped into BoRap with reverential zeal. WWRY I thought could have done with a bit more oooomph from the band but again these are the litanies we know and love.
Anyone going to future gigs do take your camera - there are some artistic quality moments to be had with Brian May and the lighting esp. Brian looked as hot as ever..esp in the white shirt. How does he manage to keep all that hair at his age. Thanks for the guitar solo! In my dreams I would love to hear Innuendo played but I am told Brian could not play it. Other wishes included These are the Days of our Lives - instead of some of the other tracks like We believe.
A great night. Thanks boys. Thanks for a joyful night.
I am going to Wembley and hopefully SAmerica if they do extend.