| Gregsynth 06.02.2011 02:54 |
Here's a topic we can have fun with (my lists aren't in order): Underrated: 1. Buenos Aires (3/1/1981): This gig often gets overlooked during the 1981 era (most people talk about Sao Paulo, Monterrey, Puebla, Montreal, etc), but it is filled with many wonderful musical and vocal moments (plus an underrated Somebody To Love). 2. Dundee (12/13/1975): When people talk about Queen in 1975, Hammersmith 1975 is usually the concert that's brought up. After listening to this concert, I believe that it's leaps and bounds above it (band isn't nervous, Freddie/Brian aren't ill, Freddie's in better voice, etc). 3. Edinburgh (9/2/1976): This is overlooked because of Hyde Park. I feel that the whole gig was overall better (band wasn't nervous, Freddie's voice is in better shape, encores were played, etc). 4. Newcastle (12/3/1979): Most people talk about the 2nd Newcastle concert (rightfully so--it's an incredible gig), but the 1st concert often gets neglected. There's some renditions of songs that are either on par/better than the more famous concert. Overrated: 1. Wembley (7/12/1986): The show has a wonderful atmosphere, but I feel that the band put on better shows on the tour (Leiden concerts, Brussels, Mannheim, etc). Freddie's voice wasn't in the best shape (wasn't too bad though), and there's some moments of nervousness. 2. Hyde Park (9/18/1976): While the gig itself is good, I feel that the Edinburgh concert was overall better. There was a nervous edge during the Hyde Park concert, which sometimes affected the performances in some way (Freddie wavering on notes, etc). 3. Hammersmith (12/24/1975): While I want this concert to be released, I feel that there are better gigs on the 1975 leg of the Opera Tour (Dundee, Liverpool, Manchester, etc). Most of the other gigs don't get mentioned that much, but Hammy 1975 always gets thrown around. 4. Houston (12/11/1977): This show isn't as overrated as most, but I feel that Philly 1977, and the NY 1977 shows were more solid (the atmosphere was incredible during those concerts--especially during Philly). Houston does have great performances of songs (especially White Man), but after listening to the other 1977 gigs, I find that Philly 1977, and the second NY concert have most of the "best" versions on this tour leg. |
| Soundfreak 06.02.2011 04:24 |
I think it's impossible to really rate a concert especially when a video is all you have. What you get there is not necessesarily a real representation of the actual concert. What may have been absolutely exciting when being there may look quite boring on video due to a poor camera or sound mix. I have learned that lesson many years ago attending a rock concert that was filmed for tv. There was Meat Loaf performing in his "better days". The show was absolutely stunning, although I'm not a fan of his work. But - on tv it was a nightmare cause he sang off key most of the times. You didn't notice while being there.... Another popular german band called "Spliff" also performed there and presented a set of new german songs for the first time. The audience was booing....they hated those songs as the band was famous for a concept show in english with a different singer. On TV this show was cleverly edited to make it look like a very successful performance.... These are two extreme examples of course, but the same goes for every concert cause you can't capture the actual excitement in a building neither on tape nor on video. A good example in case of Queen is Earls Court 77. We have no idea of the audience and how they reacted that night. All we can rate is the poor camera and bad lightning. But those who were there will have a different perspective. So you can't really rate it...except for the quality of the recording. |
| Planetgurl 06.02.2011 11:03 |
Soundfreak wrote: A good example in case of Queen is Earls Court 77. We have no idea of the audience and how they reacted that night. All we can rate is the poor camera and bad lightning. But those who were there will have a different perspective. Yep, altho' I wasn't there and have seen the footage - bit dodgy in places - the reviews were great for Earls Court. I too wish they'd shot other gigs on the ANATO tour. That Christmas Eve gig pales in comparison to other gigs on that tour where there was carnage.... |
| jamster1111 06.02.2011 12:26 |
Add Live Aid to that overrated list! |
| jamster1111 06.02.2011 12:28 |
Oh and add some of those gigs from the short UK tour of 1978 to the underrated list. Everyone thinks Fred's last great performance before the Crazy Tour was Copenhagen but no, he's even stronger at the Stafford and London gigs. Plus, they are at home so they are great gigs. I just wish we had better quality of at least one of them. |
| Gregsynth 06.02.2011 19:14 |
I think Live Aid is slightly overrated in terms of "the absolute greatest Queen gig." But there is plenty of evidence to back up Live Aid being the best performance there. You've got the ENTIRE crowd clapping to Radio Ga Ga, We Will Rock You, and We Are The Champions, Freddie in excellent voice, and Brian being on fire throughout the gig. |
| Gregsynth 06.02.2011 19:16 |
As for the UK 1978 gigs--Freddie's voice is on par with Copenhagen, but the overall atmosphere is better at the UK shows. Those shows are also underrated. |
| The Real Wizard 06.02.2011 21:04 |
Gregsynth wrote: I think Live Aid is slightly overrated in terms of "the absolute greatest Queen gig." =============== If anything it's underrated. How many concert performances connected with as many people as Queen did at Live Aid? As far as I'm concerned it's the single greatest concert by any rock band. Queen ruled the world that day. Zeppelin at the O2 Arena in 2007 may be in that league - 30 million people applied for tickets. Sure, the boys aren't the same players they were 40 years ago, but the atmosphere at that show was probably the greatest thing most of those 20,000 people will ever experience. One day you'll hopefully realize that there's more to a concert than what notes the band played and what notes the singer hit.. |
| Gregsynth 06.02.2011 21:20 |
I'm just talking about the comments of "Live Aid Was the absolute best Queen gig ever." It's like the fans that only talk about Wembley 1986! I think Queen's Live Aid performance was the absolute best performance on that whole event, though. |
| Gregsynth 06.02.2011 21:47 |
And for the "overrated" comments, it's just simply that it's only 20 minutes (especially if you compare it to other awesome concerts that were full Queen concerts). I wouldn't have mentioned Live Aid if it weren't for Jamster1111! Blame him! haha |
| Kamenliter 06.02.2011 23:10 |
I think Live Aid is amazing and that's the single best performance of Radio Ga-Ga I've heard..especially the ending with Freddie's 'whoah-ohh-ohhh' and Brian following with a matching guitar line. The crack on Champions, though, always hurts! :) |
| Gregsynth 06.02.2011 23:26 |
Kamenliter wrote: I think Live Aid is amazing and that's the single best performance of Radio Ga-Ga I've heard..especially the ending with Freddie's 'whoah-ohh-ohhh' and Brian following with a matching guitar line. The crack on Champions, though, always hurts! :) ======= Yeah, I can't find a version of Radio Ga Ga that beats that version (atmosphere, vocally, etc)! |
| kosimodo 07.02.2011 03:18 |
Yep! Radio Gaga is stunning.. Remember.. This wasnt a Queen crowd! Wembley '86 i never play on my CDplayer... But i do watch sometimes the DVD. It is a fun show to watch.. But it hurts my ears!! |
| Bad Seed 07.02.2011 06:43 |
Couldn't agree more about Live Aid, simply stunning. I remember watching the 10th anniversary on the BBC when one of the directors (or someone to do with the day) said, 'whether you like their music or not, you cannot deny that it was one of the greatest performances anyone has ever done, anywhere, ever'! Couldn't have put it any better. Agree with Buenos Aires too. For me this way outshines the Sao Paulo show. Such a pity it wasn't included as a bonus to Montreal. |
| jamster1111 07.02.2011 09:40 |
Sir GH wrote: Gregsynth wrote: I think Live Aid is slightly overrated in terms of "the absolute greatest Queen gig." =============== If anything it's underrated. How many concert performances connected with as many people as Queen did at Live Aid? As far as I'm concerned it's the single greatest concert by any rock band. Queen ruled the world that day. Zeppelin at the O2 Arena in 2007 may be in that league - 30 million people applied for tickets. Sure, the boys aren't the same players they were 40 years ago, but the atmosphere at that show was probably the greatest thing most of those 20,000 people will ever experience. One day you'll hopefully realize that there's more to a concert than what notes the band played and what notes the singer hit.. I don't just go by what notes a singer hits. I go by how the music is performed. Apart from Radio Ga Ga, the performances of songs really are not as great as people say. Most of them are rushed and would have been performed much better if they slowed it down a tad...but I can't blame them, they we're probably nervous as hell. Yes the atmosphere was great but there were a lot of concerts where Freddie connected thousands of people. The reason why i say it's overrated is because it's the center of many Queen live discussions, and plus, they're even making a movie out of it! |
| Sebastian 07.02.2011 09:52 |
In terms of impact, being the highlight of an important event, blah blah blah of course Live Aid is a milestone. BUT, in terms of performance, Queen had 50+ better nights. Same for the Tribute: great as a Iommi + May + Taylor + Daltrey + Deacon combo is, I still prefer Mercury + May + Taylor + Deacon. |
| Bo Alex 07.02.2011 12:04 |
IMHO, Hyde Park is very overrated. The overall performance sucks. The 39 version is ugly, and I've always hate the Brighton Rock outro in Flick Of The Wrist Also Live Aid is very overrated in my opinion: undoubtly it was a huge moment in Queen carrer, but the band made so many mistakes in a very short time: just take a look at Hammer To Fall's end. Also, Freddie couldn't get some notes wiht his voice. They were dressed terrible too (especially John and Freddie). Underrated: Montreal 1981. Fantastic performance, despite the extremely quiet audience. Sorry for my English! Cheers!! |
| Gregsynth 07.02.2011 13:58 |
Sebastian wrote: In terms of impact, being the highlight of an important event, blah blah blah of course Live Aid is a milestone. BUT, in terms of performance, Queen had 50+ better nights. ======== My point exactly. I'd like to also add that Live Aid is probably in the top bracket for "atmosphere/crowd participation." |
| philip storey 07.02.2011 14:13 |
I thought that Freddie looked fantastic at live aid ,great pair of jeans and a pair of trainers to die for!!!! Oh and that studded arm band.Great set,one of the best days of my life ,Cold beer,Sex mad girlfriend,Hot day,Fred struts his stuff !!Perfect!! |
| Gregsynth 07.02.2011 14:20 |
Concerning Freddie's vocal performances on Live Aid--I recently found out that the guy had freakin' laryngitis while performing: On another point, Freddie does have some vocal milestones: It's the first time he actually sang Bohemian Rhapsody's 1st verse RIGHT (none of that undersinging, scoop singing, or oversinging stuff he tends to do). It took Freddie 10 years to sing the verse with the right phrasing. :D Concerning Radio Ga Ga, it's his best vocal performance of the song, for Hammer To Fall, it's probably his best vocal performance of that song. Crazy Little Thing Called Love is awesome, We Will Rock You is nice (though sadly the whole song wasn't played), and We Are The Champions is great (despite the minor flubs in the vocal). The Champions from this show deserves props, because it's the only time he ever sang the chorus correctly (on all Bb4s). |
| The Real Wizard 07.02.2011 14:28 |
jamster1111 wrote: Yes the atmosphere was great but there were a lot of concerts where Freddie connected thousands of people. The reason why i say it's overrated is because it's the center of many Queen live discussions, and plus, they're even making a movie out of it! ======================= Queen didn't just play to 80,000 people at Wembley that day. They also played to about a billion people watching on TV. They're making it a focal point of the Freddie biopic so that a new generation of people can experience Queen's single greatest moment again. It's a pretty brilliant idea, and I hope they succeed. |
| The Real Wizard 07.02.2011 14:31 |
Bo Alex wrote:
just take a look at Hammer To Fall's end.Roger is playing based on what he's hearing in his monitors. They didn't get to do a soundcheck, so if he couldn't hear the vocal or guitar clearly, he couldn't possibly know when the song was ending. Roger is a very competent drummer, so this is really the only explanation I can think of. Underrated: Montreal 1981. Fantastic performance, despite the extremely quiet audience.It wasn't extremely quiet. On the previous "WWRY" releases, the audience was brought down in the mix. They were lively like any other - just watch or listen to Queen Rock Montreal. |
| The Real Wizard 07.02.2011 14:36 |
Gregsynth wrote: It's the first time he actually sang Bohemian Rhapsody's 1st verse RIGHT (none of that undersinging, scoop singing, or oversinging stuff he tends to do). It took Freddie 10 years to sing the verse with the right phrasing. ================ Maybe it was a conscious choice. He knew he was playing for the world, not just a Queen audience. So perhaps he wanted to sing the song in the way that everyone knows it instead of embellishing it like he usually did. They played Hammer To Fall more like the single version (again, the familiarity factor), and kept all the other songs concise just so they could fit as much as they could into those 17 minutes. They were the only act that day who dialed it in right. Making little decisions like this are what separate the men from the boys. And on that day, most of the big stars made fools of themselves - but not Queen. Who cares what notes he sang. They played for a billion people that day, and in the eyes of the majority of that audience, they were perfect. At the end of the day that's all that matters. |
| Gregsynth 07.02.2011 14:41 |
I'll tell you who made big fools of themselves at Live Aid: Led Zeppelin! If any performance at Live Aid is overrated, it's Zeppelin's. Least with Queen, Freddie's voice was actually in excellent form, Brian wasn't DRUNK OR HIGH playing the guitar (plus it wasn't buried in a flange effect), Freddie connected with the whole audience (plus the billions watching at home). Whatever errors Queen did on their set are minor, and can be excused/not brought up. Zeppelin was just a mess. |
| jamster1111 07.02.2011 16:00 |
Sir GH wrote: jamster1111 wrote: Yes the atmosphere was great but there were a lot of concerts where Freddie connected thousands of people. The reason why i say it's overrated is because it's the center of many Queen live discussions, and plus, they're even making a movie out of it! ======================= Queen didn't just play to 80,000 people at Wembley that day. They also played to about a billion people watching on TV. They're making it a focal point of the Freddie biopic so that a new generation of people can experience Queen's single greatest moment again. It's a pretty brilliant idea, and I hope they succeed. ======================= Yes it's obvious that Queen were by far the best act at Live Aid, but I still wouldn't consider it their best concert of all time. Even during Radio Ga Ga, you could look into the audience and see that not everyone (maybe about half the people) are clapping. People exaggerate about that...Nonetheless, Freddie's vocal performance during that song was perfect, though he did make a few errors due to nervousness on a few other songs. I also have to agree that the band weren't dressed very well, but this is a matter of opinion. Since someone mentioned Hyde Park I might as well share my opinion on that. To me, musically, it wasn't a very good concert. Due to nervousness (hell, I'd be nervous too), many things are off throughout the evening, but most obvious is Freddie. To me, he sounds off throughout the whole thing (specifically the beginning)...though I do love his rendition of You Take My Breath Away (which I'm glad they are releasing as a bonus track on the Races remaster)! Anyway, as much as I am for 70's concerts being releasing, I think releasing Hyde Park would be an embarrassment to Freddie and it make it look like he can't sing live. - However, the amount of concerts where he sounded great and how he connected with the audience (not to mention his studio work), makes up for a small batch of off days. The point is that people use Live Aid as a tool to prove how great Queen were...as if Live Aid never happened, they were still just as great. What made Queen great and specifically such a great live band wasn't a 20 minute performance on July 13th, 1985, but rather a period of 2 years of genius music spanning from many different genres, and even in the end, Freddie pulled through and the band we're able to pull of brilliant albums till the end. The other main thing that made Queen so great were their live performances. Not only did Freddie have the voice, but over the years, he was able to grow into the greatest frontman of all time and connect with audiences over 250,000 and incorporate every person to feel like they were really part of the music. Yes Live Aid was a great example of this but the point is, it wasn't the only example and musically, Queen put on MUCH better concerts. |
| Gregsynth 07.02.2011 16:27 |
The point, is that this Freddie Mercury biopic is geared towards the general public (who know mostly Freddie as the 1985/1986 version with the Wembley Jacket, powerful voice, Live Aid, etc). Live Aid is the best way to generate public interest about the film, and it rules for the promotional stuff (plus their concert has an excellent reputation). I can't think of any other filmed concert that would be the best for promoting the movie: Montreal has a (relatively) tame crowd, and Freddie doesn't look happy in some spots. Hammersmith 1975 is more towards the hardcore fans, Hyde Park has nervousness written all over it, Wembley has the great atmosphere, but the vocals aren't quite the best. Live Aid is the best idea to promote the film! |
| NOTWMEDDLE 07.02.2011 18:13 |
Live Aid is OVERRATED as is Wembley (official release). The Mannheim 1986 performance is underrated (so isn't Budapest in my view). Chicago 1978 is underrated, Zurich 1978 is CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED (first boot of the News Of The World Tour I owned and my personal favorite). Cologne 1979 is underrated. Boston, January of 1976 was a TEN TIMES BETTER GIG THAN HAMMERSMITH AND/OR HYDE PARK. I didn't mind Freddie singing things lower than normal, it's what made a rock and roll show. If I wanted to hear like on the record I'd put on either Lady Gaga or Britney Spears or KISS or AeroSUPPLY (Aerosmith). I thought Rio 1985 was better than Live Aid. For what it's worth, the set was the most energetic of the UK acts but pales compared to other Queen shows I've heard over the years. What I liked about many Pink Floyd boots I own are some of the imperfections |
| Gregsynth 07.02.2011 18:19 |
You nailed it with Mannheim 1986! Awesome energy, brilliant performances! It's a favorite gig of mine! Boston 1976 is also awesome (puts Hammy to shame). You should check out Edinburgh 1976--it's before Hyde Park, and I think it's better overall! Cologne 1979 is probably my favorite 1979 Live Killers gig--tons of awesome musical moments (love the Keep Yourself Alive on that gig)! |
| jamster1111 07.02.2011 18:27 |
NOTWMEDDLE wrote: Live Aid is OVERRATED as is Wembley (official release). The Mannheim 1986 performance is underrated (so isn't Budapest in my view). Chicago 1978 is underrated, Zurich 1978 is CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED (first boot of the News Of The World Tour I owned and my personal favorite). Cologne 1979 is underrated. Boston, January of 1976 was a TEN TIMES BETTER GIG THAN HAMMERSMITH AND/OR HYDE PARK. I didn't mind Freddie singing things lower than normal, it's what made a rock and roll show. If I wanted to hear like on the record I'd put on either Lady Gaga or Britney Spears or KISS or AeroSUPPLY (Aerosmith). I thought Rio 1985 was better than Live Aid. For what it's worth, the set was the most energetic of the UK acts but pales compared to other Queen shows I've heard over the years. What I liked about many Pink Floyd boots I own are some of the imperfections Yes!!! Finally!!! I do also agree that Rock In Rio (First Night) was much better than Live Aid. Live Aid was special that Queen were watched by 2 billion viewers but 1/12/1985 was a much better concert. For NOTW I have to say in my view the most underrated are Stockholm and the last couple UK gigs. All the gigs you mentioned are very underrated though, specifically Boston 1976. |
| jamster1111 07.02.2011 18:29 |
And Montreal is actually slightly underrated as most people think that it's a bad concert because the audience was so quiet. Well, the audience wasn't the best but it didn't stop Queen from putting on a fantastic show. Musically, it's tight and spot on and in my opinion, is musically the best show of 1980-1981. |
| Gregsynth 07.02.2011 18:36 |
Most people complain about the audience for Montreal. I have never heard someone say "I think Montreal was bad, or the concert was bad." The audience gets brought up though (at least the 11/24/1981 audience bootleg shows that the audience was awesome). As for the Rio vs Live Aid thing: It's apples to oranges. Both concerts are epic, have an awesome crowd, brilliant showmanship from Freddie, many wonderful musical and vocal moments (Bo Rhap/Radio Ga Ga for Live Aid, and STL/Under Pressure being my favorites from both gigs). |
| Cruella de Vil 07.02.2011 18:50 |
Hi there! I just was listening to the final Japan concert of the 1975 tour. This is the sound of a young band, hungry energetic and determined to win over a new audience and thankful for the energy that they receive back. All the extra songs that were thrown in the one concert (Hangman, See What a Fool, a Great rock medley) and the enormous energy of all four members make for a fantastic gig. The sheer 'killer instinct' and drive is evident in practically every song. My other vote goes to Houston 1977. Plaudits especially to John who does all the pops and slaps in Get Down Make Love, and those rapid 8ve jumps in the guitar solo of Liar are indicative of his level of involvement. And Roger blasts the shit out of Stone Cold Crazy. This is a more experienced band. Confident, brash and on the crest of a wave in the US. Great stuff! There are most probably far more than these, but I'll leave that for others. Have a nice day! |
| jamster1111 07.02.2011 21:31 |
CruellaDeVille wrote: Hi there! I just was listening to the final Japan concert of the 1975 tour. This is the sound of a young band, hungry energetic and determined to win over a new audience and thankful for the energy that they receive back. All the extra songs that were thrown in the one concert (Hangman, See What a Fool, a Great rock medley) and the enormous energy of all four members make for a fantastic gig. The sheer 'killer instinct' and drive is evident in practically every song. My other vote goes to Houston 1977. Plaudits especially to John who does all the pops and slaps in Get Down Make Love, and those rapid 8ve jumps in the guitar solo of Liar are indicative of his level of involvement. And Roger blasts the shit out of Stone Cold Crazy. This is a more experienced band. Confident, brash and on the crest of a wave in the US. Great stuff! There are most probably far more than these, but I'll leave that for others. Have a nice day! Yes those concerts are very good. However, I'm not really a fan of that 5/1/1975 but it was probably the best gig of the Japan leg of the Sheer Heart Attack tour. I love Houston 1977 though and more specifically from that US tour, the Philadelphia and New York gigs. |
| NOTWMEDDLE 08.02.2011 01:26 |
Gregsynth wrote: I'll tell you who made big fools of themselves at Live Aid: Led Zeppelin! If any performance at Live Aid is overrated, it's Zeppelin's. Least with Queen, Freddie's voice was actually in excellent form, Brian wasn't DRUNK OR HIGH playing the guitar (plus it wasn't buried in a flange effect), Freddie connected with the whole audience (plus the billions watching at home). Whatever errors Queen did on their set are minor, and can be excused/not brought up. Zeppelin was just a mess. ------------------------------------- I got into Zeppelin thanks to that Live Aid performance ironically enough. I get irked when people say Phil Collins blew it when Pagey was drunk. In fact, it was Robert Plant's idea to have Phil drum (as Phil did Robert's first two solo albums and first US solo tour as drummer). Originally it was to be Plant/Collins/Page but Bill Graham said "Led Zeppelin reunion is better idea". Phil even said he tried not to upstage Zeppelin. I regret that the classic lineups of Pink Floyd, Styx, Supertramp and Van Halen didn't play. That was perfect opportunity |
| Gregsynth 08.02.2011 01:51 |
Very interesting! I don't even get why Phil Collins gets blamed for the performance. He seemed fine overall. The one thing that really messed that performance up was Jimmy Page (and/or his guitar). Least Plant was trying to sing the songs (I heard he was in the middle of a solo tour + throat trouble), but Page was just too out of it. I'm actually surprised that was the performance that hooked you on Zeppelin! I was expecting something from the early 70s or something. Then again, there's Queen fans that got introduced to the band via Hot Space--so I guess anything can happen! |
| davidandbess 08.02.2011 06:05 |
Hi everyone, I was extremely lucky to have seen them 6 times during the seventies and I had the pleasure to be at live aid. Every concert to me was a blast, now I am not into music as to the extend to micro anyalise all the riffs and suchlike all i remember is things like freddie throwing flowers into the audience at the old Glasgow Appollo Theatre and the lighting show that at the time to me was dazzling to say the least,1giant like grid of lights that seem to come from the back of the stage and move upward and over head,and also freddie's interactions with the crowd was memorable. so to answer the question I would say imho every show was unbelievably fantastic and to those of you who never had the chance to see them live you do not know what you missed, videos tapes and all other copied materials do not even come close to the real deal. This guy could hold a crowd like no other. God rest his sole he will be forever the best front man I have ever had the pleasure to watch and I've seen many a concert in my time. Regards David |
| NOTWMEDDLE 08.02.2011 14:21 |
jamster1111 wrote: NOTWMEDDLE wrote: Live Aid is OVERRATED as is Wembley (official release). The Mannheim 1986 performance is underrated (so isn't Budapest in my view). Chicago 1978 is underrated, Zurich 1978 is CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED (first boot of the News Of The World Tour I owned and my personal favorite). Cologne 1979 is underrated. Boston, January of 1976 was a TEN TIMES BETTER GIG THAN HAMMERSMITH AND/OR HYDE PARK. I didn't mind Freddie singing things lower than normal, it's what made a rock and roll show. If I wanted to hear like on the record I'd put on either Lady Gaga or Britney Spears or KISS or AeroSUPPLY (Aerosmith). I thought Rio 1985 was better than Live Aid. For what it's worth, the set was the most energetic of the UK acts but pales compared to other Queen shows I've heard over the years. What I liked about many Pink Floyd boots I own are some of the imperfections Yes!!! Finally!!! I do also agree that Rock In Rio (First Night) was much better than Live Aid. Live Aid was special that Queen were watched by 2 billion viewers but 1/12/1985 was a much better concert. For NOTW I have to say in my view the most underrated are Stockholm and the last couple UK gigs. All the gigs you mentioned are very underrated though, specifically Boston 1976. --------------------------------------------------------- The performance of Radio Ga Ga on Rio was more energized and I preferred the harmonies on "You had your time, you had the power" with Freddie singing low and Roger singing the high parts. Also I Want to Break Free on Rio was superb. What I saw of the opening pyro salvo on Tear it Up, what better way to start your performance (walking on to Machines). I do know most WAtCs on the live albums (sans Montreal, Live at the Bowl and Live Magic) were "magically fixed" to appear he hit that high B flat in the chorus when Fred sang it lower!. |
| Isle0fRed 08.02.2011 14:44 |
wembley 86 second night overrated I also think newcastle 2nd night is overrated, but that is my opinion as i only heard that one recently and that hasnt had time to grow on me. With Live Aid, the biggest fail was ol' Maccer, sorry for about turning your mic off with Simon Le Bon's false note in second place personally i think final japan 79 is underrated, sure Freds voice is a big -, but the crowd and the band itself is a big +, not to mention the enjoyment throughout |
| Bo Alex 08.02.2011 15:04 |
jamster1111 wrote: And Montreal is actually slightly underrated as most people think that it's a bad concert because the audience was so quiet. Well, the audience wasn't the best but it didn't stop Queen from putting on a fantastic show. Musically, it's tight and spot on and in my opinion, is musically the best show of 1980-1981. Totally agree. Montreal is the Queen concert that I watched much times, the old version and the new one (Rock Montreal, which is an improvement in every way). The 1981 live sound is my fave of all time. The piano-driven songs sounds fantastic. The next year they added an extra musician, and their sound lost that magic touch. The crowd in Montreal was a crying shame, they kept sitting all the time with the exception of few songs (for example, TYMD). But the band sounds great. Something about Radio Ga Ga in Live Aid: you are rating this version very high. But I want to ask: What did Freddie try to do in the song ending line?? (Loveeeees youuuu ohhoh uhh!! WTF!!!) It sounds terrible!!! |
| Gregsynth 08.02.2011 15:16 |
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| Gregsynth 08.02.2011 15:18 |
OK, there's the Live Aid Radio Ga Ga. That one line sounds just fine! Nothing seems terrible to my ears. |
| Isle0fRed 08.02.2011 15:53 |
There is nothing wrong with Queen at Live Aid, the only real problem i had is that Love Of My Life should of been played instead of Is this the world we created. In concerning The greatest Queen gig of all time, Queen did have the whole world watching or listening; glued to their sets, at 6:40pm the time Queen were the only sounds of song and dance heard on planet earth. which is why It is their greatest gig. also that gig was like a reboot for the band as the works tour and album were weak. considering that Live Aid was to be the last gig, also strenghtens the effort and passion for the music as the Queen would of gone out with a bang. |
| on my way up 12.02.2011 03:09 |
How can anyone say that Queen's performance at Live Aid is overrated???????? Almost all other artists were nervous and made stupid mistakes: bad setlists, stupid choice of songs etc. probably due to nervousness and nothing putting enough thought into their performance... And then there were Queen... They put a lot of thought in their show and managed to make the maximum impact. Once again they showed they were a very very clever band. That setlist was just brilliant! (as always, I wonder why so many people do not take notice of Queen's talent to put together a great setlist...) And of course, that performance is the ultimate FM-moment. While all other performing artists were visibly nervous, FM came on, claimed the stage and put on a show like no-one will ever do again. Veni vidi vici! The ease with which Freddie sang and the ease with which Freddie dazzled the audience - while the ENTIRE world was watching - is simply unbelievable... His charisma that day (always actually) ... wow... There are numerous classis FM moments during that show. I totally adore the look on his face after his vocal play "Yes, I've got them in the palm of my hands". By that time the band is bursting with energy and Freddie's level of confidence is huge. They then play a gutsy HTF, with BM doing some brilliant guitarwork. How can anyone complain about that "mistake" at the end?? It's minor and doesn't take away from the impact of the performance. it's great to see that freddie could hold the audience until the very last moments of WATC... By the way, that version of WATC is so stunning. FM had guts like no other, I'd say. It's one of the things I admire about him: no fear, just going for it. That performance is simply the perfect example of the performing genius of Queen and FM especially... |
| Sebastian 12.02.2011 11:38 |
It was a great performance and an unforgettable moment. But Queen had 50+ night where they performed even better, even if they weren't as famous or pivotal. |
| Thrill Yeti 12.02.2011 16:56 |
I've only honestly never noticed a mistake in Live Aid's Hammer to Fall; can someone point out the exact moment please? |
| NOTWMEDDLE 14.02.2011 00:51 |
on my way up wrote: How can anyone say that Queen's performance at Live Aid is overrated???????? Almost all other artists were nervous and made stupid mistakes: bad setlists, stupid choice of songs etc. probably due to nervousness and nothing putting enough thought into their performance... And then there were Queen... They put a lot of thought in their show and managed to make the maximum impact. Once again they showed they were a very very clever band. That setlist was just brilliant! (as always, I wonder why so many people do not take notice of Queen's talent to put together a great setlist...) And of course, that performance is the ultimate FM-moment. While all other performing artists were visibly nervous, FM came on, claimed the stage and put on a show like no-one will ever do again. Veni vidi vici! The ease with which Freddie sang and the ease with which Freddie dazzled the audience - while the ENTIRE world was watching - is simply unbelievable... His charisma that day (always actually) ... wow... There are numerous classis FM moments during that show. I totally adore the look on his face after his vocal play "Yes, I've got them in the palm of my hands". By that time the band is bursting with energy and Freddie's level of confidence is huge. They then play a gutsy HTF, with BM doing some brilliant guitarwork. How can anyone complain about that "mistake" at the end?? It's minor and doesn't take away from the impact of the performance. it's great to see that freddie could hold the audience until the very last moments of WATC... By the way, that version of WATC is so stunning. FM had guts like no other, I'd say. It's one of the things I admire about him: no fear, just going for it. That performance is simply the perfect example of the performing genius of Queen and FM especially... --------------------------------------------------------------- It was 1:40 PM Eastern Standard Time in the US when Queen played. Everyone now looks back and says "Queen's golden hour" when the biggest music markets (the US and Canada) ignored them pretty much. Having listened to many Queen shows, I think there were better performances personally than Live Aid. |
| Gregsynth 05.06.2011 23:51 |
Hamburg and Kassel 1982 are very underrated. |
| Rick 06.06.2011 03:17 |
Underrated: Vancouver 1978 One of the best Jazz gigs by Queen, in my opinion. |
| on my way up 06.06.2011 13:14 |
Rick wrote: Underrated: Vancouver 1978 One of the best Jazz gigs by Queen, in my opinion. I agree. My personal Jazz 1978 favourite! |
| formulaone+queenmad 06.06.2011 22:48 |
Underrated ..... 9/7/1984! Seriously! Overrated - Hyde Park 76 |
| Rick 07.06.2011 03:02 |
I really hope QP will prove otherwise with Hyde Park. It will blow us away I think. |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 03:03 |
Rick wrote: I really hope QP will prove otherwise with Hyde Park. It will blow us away I think. ========================== At this point, any release will make me happy! Hammersmith 1975 + Hyde Park would be wonderful! |
| Gregsynth 07.06.2011 03:19 |
Rick wrote: Underrated: Vancouver 1978 One of the best Jazz gigs by Queen, in my opinion. ===================== Under my own admission, I think I've underrated the Jazz Tour too much (mostly due to the bad Japan gigs). There's alot of 1978 gigs that I've been enjoying recently (The New York gigs, Montreal, Chicago, Vancouver, Oakland, etc). Musically they are wonderful, and Freddie's performances (considering his vocal shape), are quite nice (his creative phrasing and note choices on the winter 1978 gigs are nice)! |
| formulaone+queenmad 07.06.2011 11:56 |
Two gigs that don't recieve much love (and they didn't on the HS debate!) are the two Viennas from 1982! They have wonderful music/vocal moments and some top versions of songs! |
| Gregsynth 28.02.2012 01:25 |
After months of this topic being dead, it's time to revive it: Underrated gigs: 1. Nagoya 1985 (5/13/1985): Probably the most surprising gig on the Works Tour! Freddie is daring enough to hit key notes (that he drops on 5/11 and Osaka), and sounds good overall! The band performances are also excellent! 2. Munich 1986 (6/29/1986): Much better gig than the previous night, and the gig shows how effective Freddie can sing/deliver songs when he doesn't have full access to his range! Great versions of "Another One Bites The Dust" (superb bass playing by John), and "Friends Will Be Friends" (best version on the entire Magic Tour)! The "Keep Yourself Alive" improv is also nice! 3. Manchester (7/16/1986): Really nice performance from all 4 members! 4. Frejus (7/30/1986): Tons of surprising moments from Freddie! 5. Montreal (12/1/1978): One of my favorite shows on the Jazz Tour. Yeah, Freddie isn't in the best voice--but at least he tries, and does his best with his voice. Only downside to this gig is the Brighton Rock section. Overrated gigs: 1. Milwaukee (3/7/1975): Freddie's weakest gig on the Sheer Heart Attack tour--he sounds very unstable throughout the show. 2. Rock In Rio (1/12/1985 and 1/19/1985). Great atmosphere, but there's many sloppy musical moments throughout both shows. Freddie doesn't sound too great on the second show, and some renditions of songs don't sound good (either lackluster phrasing by Freddie, or bad vocal harmonies). 3. Glasgow (12/1/1979): The weakest show out of the 4 known recordings for the Crazy Tour: There's more sloppy moments from the band members on this show than any other Crazy Tour show. 4. New York (7/28/1982). A handful of songs sound very rushed, and Freddie goes for notes he can't hit (like attempting to hit the B4s on Action This Day, or the Bb4s on Somebody To Love), and makes rushed/awkward phrasing throughout the songs. That's one of the reasons why I'm not fond of the North American Hot Space shows. |
| Gregsynth 28.02.2012 01:28 |
NOTWMEDDLE wrote: The performance of Radio Ga Ga on Rio was more energized and I preferred the harmonies on "You had your time, you had the power" with Freddie singing low and Roger singing the high parts. Also I Want to Break Free on Rio was superb. What I saw of the opening pyro salvo on Tear it Up, what better way to start your performance (walking on to Machines). I do know most WAtCs on the live albums (sans Montreal, Live at the Bowl and Live Magic) were "magically fixed" to appear he hit that high B flat in the chorus when Fred sang it lower!. Rio's Radio Ga Ga is awful. Live Aid's pisses all over it (both technically and musically). |