Okay ... got to get this out there quick because the RUSH concert starts in just a few hours in Baltimore, USA - part of their international tour.
Do you want to play along with me?
The challenge is: What song by Queen could we slip into their set list to amaze the crowd?
Given the character and qualities of Geddy Lee's voice I'd like to hear Ogre Battle or White Man. But if I had to choose just one, I'd go with Ogre Battle. I want to hear Geddy sing ... "and if the black crow flies to find a new destination ... that is the sign!"
I think he would also sound cool on the "two way mirror mountain" parts.
So what do you think? Thoughts and opinions anyone on this challenge? Or is QZ , somehow, not the place for opinions ...
Alright then ... with ZERO challengers, QueenUSA will call this one as follows:
Bugle Blow - Let Trumpet Cry ...
Ogre Battle LIVES Forever More!
You can come along, You can come along ... Come to Ogre BATTLE!
I don't think there's any Queen song Rush aren't technically able to play (the opposite isn't true though!), although some would sound better than others. Rush don't do vocal harmonies the way Queen do, so they couldn;t replicate that. It would be interesting to hear Rush do I'm in Love With My Car -- not one of Queen's most technically difficult songs, but simply one that would sound interesting if given the Rush treatment. Others? Sweet Lady, The Prophet's Song (minus the middle bit!), Machines (Back to Humans) and Seven Seas of Rhye.
I completely agree ... RUSH could not do the harmonies at all .... so I think it would be best to sneak in the Queen cover as part of a medley of complimentary RUSH tunes. That way they could tailor it to avoid harmony hazards such as the opener and closer to Ogre battle, which I do not think they could pull off unless Geddy receives lots of backing support from Neil and Eric. To hear RUSH execute a Queen harmony would really stun their concert crowd.
Is all of this so far fetched?
Since it's Queen 40th anniversary why can't a band slip in a quick tribute to them as a nod to their anniversary? I think it would be a great gesture plus alot of fun for them. I think the fans would actually appreciate it. They should of at least considered to do this on their tour leg through the UK.
Interesting subject but Rush and Queen are really polar opposites - maybe alot of the same audience but Queen last toured USA in 1982, Rush have just gone from strength to strength and getting bigger every year!
On the last tour, Neil nodded to Queen during his drum solo with a brief sample of WWRY
In addition, Geddy contributed to a recent docu-book on Queen, albeit just a paragraph
Never heard Queen mention Rush, dont think they would be Freddie's type of band
And, lets be blunt about it, in terms of tehnical ability and musicianship, Rush could blow Queen clean out of the water while, in terms of charisma/entertainment/performance, Queen could leave Rush standing in the traps
On a personal note, I DO think that Rush have a slight edge, especially as Brian had turned into a grumpy old man while Lerxt gets funnier every year
ANAGRAMER wrote: neil and eric!!!
am sure lerxt would be delighted with his new name ______________________________
OOOoooppps! Sorry Alex - I completely goofed your name! Too focussed on my Ogre Battle concept.
ANAGRAMER wrote:
Never heard Queen mention Rush, dont think they would be Freddie's type of band
And, lets be blunt about it, in terms of tehnical ability and musicianship, Rush could blow Queen clean out of the water while, in terms of charisma/entertainment/performance, Queen could leave Rush standing in the traps.
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Before we get too far afield debating the bands .... the challenge is to pick a Queen song that would work with Geddy Lee's voice and his style of delivery. Do you have anything for that, that you would like to hear?
As long as Geddy doesn't try any high notes (he struggled many times Friday night), how about 'Don't Lose Your Head' (Neil could fix the rotten drums) and 'Hang On In There' with the fade out skins leading to a solo.
^ Too bad Geddy was struggling with his high notes. I lked your pics as well as Holly2003 and my own. I think they could do it and it would be interesting - yet their own catalog is so vast they hardly need to reach around for any other material - so the only reason they ever would do it would be for sheer fun, appreciation and a break from the routine - a chance to step into some Queen for a unique thrill. Thanks for your thoughts everbody. I'll leave off with a RUSH lyric from Trees ... "and the Trees were all made equal by hatchet, axe and saw."
Post EDIT -- Ok I am adding 2 more potential songs for the challenge: Flick of the Wrist and the 1st leg of Innuendo! Again these would be awesome as select portions in a medley .....
"Dislocate your spine if you don't sign he says
I'll have you seeing double ...
Mesmerize you when he's tongue -tied
Simply with those eyes
Synchronize your minds and see
The beast within him rise"