So, both shows are set up with the aim of keeping Queen's music alive and in the public eye, and bringing it to a new audience for today and the future when Bri and Roger can/will no longer tour. Whilst one is in theatres and the other will be in concert venues, surely they tread on each other's toes? Will one see the end of the other, and if so which will win out? Surely they already have the best musicians playing in the various WWRY bands around the world? Will the audition process bemused simply as a publicity tool and then we'll end up with high profile musicians in the band anyway (Eric Singer etc)? I was most shocked to read Roger saying that he's had enough of touring and doesn't want to do it anymore - up to now, the last few years has always seen Brian adopt that view whereas Roger wanted to play and tour, especially after he said that the Paul Rodgers tours reinvigorated him. I do wonder if he's doing this out of despair with Brian, who has clearly stated that his own priority for 2012 is a new album and tour with Kerry Ellis.
Roger said a while ago he didnt know why he was working so hard and really felt like slowing down now. The thing is I dont know what else they can do at the moment, unless they find a new singer to work with they will never tour as the two of them alone as it were, they have done the tour with another singer and I suspect that will be the last of that. To organise a few one off shows would be too costly unless it was a full tour which certainly brian will not do unless it was just UK. So what does that leave...? I am surprised we have not seen a big live 40th bash this year but live in hope it will happen at least one more time before they hang up the stage cloths.
I'm very surprised too that there has been no announcement yet of a 40th anniversary gig/gigs. If they have decided to call it a day, I really hope they do a final show as a formal 'last' gig rather than just let it fizzle out and go back to the one off charity appearances (which will no douby carry on in the future from time to time).
Perhaps they did have a show lined up for this year, but have chosen to postpone it, and will do a big one off on the eve (or even the opening night) of this 2012 tribute to launch it in style?
I always saw Kiss doing this type of thing, and Gene Simmons has openly said before that Kiss is a 'name' and 'franchise' and the band would continue with new members well into the future, btu I really didn't see Queen doing this at all. I wouldn't mind betting that Jim Beach saw how much money some of the tribute bands make and thought he'd get a piece of the action - I am however surprised to see Roger so keen and active on this when he is usually far more or a better judge with regard to what he associates himself and the Queen name so closely with.
I can see why Roger is doing it, basically it gives him the opportunity to play in front of an big crowd every now and then when he feels like it, can you imagine if it goes well like th WWRY shows they can take their pick as to whne they play around the world, a great way to keep going without having to pull together a full on tour, and it does away with having to have a new lead singer...I am sure they will do at least one final big gig before they decide to call it a day. But at the moment I think that is a few years off, Brian is still working with Kerry and other projects, Roger still seems to be writing so he may pull out an album next year. maybe 2012/13 they will do some stuff together again?
I may upset a few people here, but how can Queen tour to celebrate their 40 th.
Freddies gone. John has retired to private life. Brian and Roger are in their mid 60's.
Let's just appreciate the recordings we have, be they video or audio and remember them as they were.
WE AINT GONNA SEE QUEEN AGAIN.