| cmsdrums 06.08.2012 12:05 |
Spike Edney has posted a promotional piece on his Facebook page about his new keyboard. Filmed on stage at Hammersmith, it is quite interesting anyway as he explains some of the Queen sounds. Further interest towards the end of the piece however is when he says he is 'looking forward to using the keyboard on a big world tour next year - fingers crossed'. Now I know that he plays with lots of people, but I'm wondering if this may be Queen, or maybe Roger solo, WWRY Musical tour, or if he might be drafted into the Queen Extravaganza for a more exhaustive set of dates (of which I think the latter two could be the most likely)? |
| emrabt 06.08.2012 12:18 |
Probably the All star band. |
| AdamMethos 06.08.2012 12:48 |
Has the SAS band done big world tours? I don't exhaustively follow the news on SAS but the gigs I have noticed have all been in the UK and relatively small. Would Roger do a world tour for his solo album since it seems like such a niche product? The WWRY tour is already announced so Spike wouldn't need to cross fingers about it. QE already has a keyboard player/music director so I would be surprised if Spike joins them. Brian & Roger seem to be more interested in playing only selected dates as Queen instead of doing big world tours, but maybe the Q+AL gigs have invigorated them? It still seems strange that QOL would get rid of the Q+AL subforum barely a week after the Hammersmith shows (but leave the 46664 subforum even though nothing new has happened with that for years) if there's still a possibility of more Q+AL gigs in the future. |
| Vocal harmony 06.08.2012 14:31 |
Although the WWRY dates have been announced it doesn't mean the musicians, cast or crew have been decided. Another thing to take into account is that Felix is normally the touring show's drummer, which would mean if Queen were to tour next year the tour couldn't take place at the same time or leading up to the WWRY dates. Spike has been around the Queen organization long enough to be asked to tour with who ever needs a keyboard player. As has been pointed out he could be talking about the WWRY tour a Queen tour. Or even a Kerry Ellis and Brian May tour or any number of other bands that may require his services. |
| people on streets 06.08.2012 14:54 |
Typical Spike Edney behaviour. Acting all important while, really, he's not important at all. No wonder Freddie didn't like the man, and his ego. What a tosser. Hope this Queen + AL thing is over now. |
| Vocal harmony 06.08.2012 15:19 |
Do you think he would have been used past the 84 European dates if Freddie didn't like him. Not important? Your knowledge of the subject is limited. Fact Spike was given the job because he could play Keys and guitar, he was unassuming willing to take a back seat but maybe more important was able to teach the band the songs they had forgotten how to play. During rehearsals for the Q+PR tours he was given the title of musical director because of his musicianship and knowledge of the material. But, People on the Streets, I guess you no better, maybe Freddie mentioned something to you in passing that no one else was aware of. |
| people on streets 06.08.2012 15:50 |
Hello Spike! Welcome on Queenzone. I don't like you! x |
| Micrówave 06.08.2012 15:59 |
The keyboard isn't that great. The Pianos aren't anything special and there's only two... appropriately called the "German D" and the "Japanese C". Whatever. The leslie effect sounds terrible on the Organs, but again... it's a Korg. Fortunately they've given you some drawbars, Spike. This is not a very live-friendly keyboard, it's more suited for a studio. |
| Vocal harmony 06.08.2012 20:24 |
From that short and not ideal recording, how can you tell that the piano's aren't anything special. Calling a high end piece of equipment not that good is a bit strange. In his position Spike could afford or be able to get his hands on whatever he needs. He is hardly going to settle for something that is anything less than good. |
| horse feathers 06.08.2012 20:45 |
After watching the clip of this very mediocre keyboard player, I think it is pretty obvious that he uses Autotune at the end of his chain of FX, especially with the bum notes he played. Most particularly in Radio Gaga. His piano playing is awful, lacks any feeling and the string patches he uses are absolutely awful. People On Streets, where can I find the articles on Freddie's opinion of this self egotist and talentless man? Vocal Harmony, may I suggest that Microwave has first hand experience of this keyboard. And that he hasn't weaned his opinion from the dull clip alone. But even from that clip, you can tell that the sounds are awful and very cheesy. |
| Midwinter 07.08.2012 01:31 |
Agree with that. Spike is a rather poor keys player, not to mention classical piano. |
| cmsdrums 07.08.2012 02:19 |
I tend to agree - his playing has no feel or emotion and he is very much 'plinky plonky' in style at times. He's certainly not a pianist, but more a keyboard player playing piano,, in the same way that Brian and Paul Rodgers on the Cosmos Rocks played bass but are absolutely not capable of being bassists. Having said that, being a musician isn't always about having the absolute highest level of ability and virtuoso skills - it's as much about being professional, on time, rehearsed, and easy to get on with - he clearly fits those criteria, and so whilst Morgan Fisher on the Hot Space tour may well have been a better keys player, I don't think he fitted in with the band and wanted to be part of the 'headline act' rather than 'the chorus line'. |
| Togg 07.08.2012 03:07 |
Spike is a lot more than a keyboard player for the band, he acts as a musical director for other musicians on a tour and coordinates much of what happens on tour. Queens keyboard needs are not huge or that complex, he plays what 'they' put on the original recordings most of the time so if the keys are weak blame the band. If you have ever gone to see the SAS band you will know he is a wonderful talent at getting people together and putting on a great show. |
| people on streets 07.08.2012 04:26 |
horse feathers wrote: People On Streets, where can I find the articles on Freddie's opinion of this self egotist and talentless man? .I think Ratty wrote or told about it. Thought it was common knowledge among Queen fans. Will find you a quote. The fact that he was on the last 84 or whatever gigs doesnt mean Freddie liked the man. He was just a session musician who was hired to do his job. |
| Togg 07.08.2012 07:56 |
Absolute bollocks |
| Sebastian 07.08.2012 09:37 |
I never liked him either. BTW, the fact he toured with Queen for three years doesn't necessarily mean Freddie liked him - for all we know, the band members often even didn't like each other, yet they kept together as their professional relationship was still strong. |
| Micrówave 07.08.2012 09:47 |
Vocal harmony wrote: From that short and not ideal recording, how can you tell that the piano's aren't anything special. Calling a high end piece of equipment not that good is a bit strange. In his position Spike could afford or be able to get his hands on whatever he needs. He is hardly going to settle for something that is anything less than good. Because I've played one. Yes, I find it interesting that Spike is going with a "new" keyboard for this tour, unless someone has already pre-programmed it for him. Most high end boards can be figured out in a couple of days, not the length of a tour. I prefer a piano that doesn't sound as thin in the mid-range area... with a nice beefy low end. These two pianos simply don't do that... for me. To each their own. I still prefer the 128K Piano from the Roland XV-88 to most anything even now, although those new Nord samples are very tasty... especially the Steinway D. Plus, he's probably fully endorsed by Korg, so he has to use their boards. And they want their new Daddy on display for all to see. |
| AdamMethos 07.08.2012 12:26 |
In the video he says Q+AL has two of the Korgs and QE has three. Maybe he got a discount in exchange for promo? The Admin over at QOL says "I really would not read too much into this" in response to Spike's comments. It's hard to tell whether he's shooting down a Q+AL world tour specifically or just the idea of Spike doing a world tour with anyone next year. Here's the thread: link |
| Vocal harmony 07.08.2012 13:26 |
At the venue, on the night from the FOH desk the piano sound was really good. I think when your talking any sizable venue with a large PA sometimes the type of sound generated isn't always what you'd expect until you hear it used in a gig situation. Spike is a very capable keyboard player, being a good pianist is a different thing, that doesn't mean he can't play. Queen could have hired who ever they wanted. Certainly not someone who wasn't or isn't good. Being in a band and disagreeing with each other is one thing, and something worth putting up with in a band like Queen. But being a member of a band and not liking a hired session guy you have to work closely with but putting up with them is a little strange. |
| Micrówave 07.08.2012 13:32 |
I think when your talking any sizable venue with a large PA sometimes the type of sound generated isn't always what you'd expect until you hear it used in a gig situation.Not true. Spike doesn't listen to what is "generated" in a sizeable venue. He uses an in-ear monitoring system. The Piano will sound the same if he's playing in a bathroom or a sizeable venue. |
| Vocal harmony 07.08.2012 14:47 |
No what I meant was, sometimes an instrument comes to life on a big stage with a big PA. Out front it may sound very different to the raw sound, which maybe not what you'd expect to hear. |
| horse feathers 07.08.2012 20:34 |
'And nobody played synthesizer'... Whatever happened to those days, I wonder? The Radio Gaga, things he was showing us. Piano with strings, the arpegiator,the bell sound, etc. And the fooking awful vocoder sounds, or the vocal choir sounds. Do we really need all that shite being played at a live gig? Is he still playing synth on LOML? Brian has got rid of the 2nd guitar player now, which is a great thing, IMO. Also, no matter how talented young Rufus is, do we really need him on the tour? Drums, Guitar, Bass and Piano, now wouldn't that be fantastic if they played like that again, live? I know not everyone will agree on this but remember Extreme at the Freddie Tribute? I am Biased, cos I love Extreme. Remember their version of Radio Gaga? Drums, Bass and Guitar and that was it. But the energy and life they put into that performance. Much better than vocoder, bells and all the other shit Spike puts on the live stuff, isn't it? I reckon Freddie would say that they might as well play the fooking record instead, than all the stuff he puts on it. Keep it live, keep it raw, keep it reel, FFS. |
| tomchristie22 08.08.2012 02:16 |
If I remember correctly, Extreme were pretty shite at the Freddie Tribute Concert, particularly without the overdubs from the VHS version. And yes, Spike's keyboard sounds are detrimental to some of the songs, but it's better than not having key accompaniment at all. Radio Ga Ga was written with synths in mind, and it was recorded and performed that way. I don't see how it's anyone else's right to say that it would've been a better Queen song without them. |
| tomcat39 08.08.2012 05:14 |
I was at Hammersmith, LOML was Brian on acoustic guitar only. The drum battle between Rufus and Roger was really fun to see, Roger was having a blast. I thought he was a good addition and not a distraction at all. Let's face it, Roger isn't as young as he once was and whilst he still sounds fantastic, there were times when I'm sure he was glad to have Rufus helping him out a bit. Agree on the 2nd guitar, Brian still fills the room all by himself. Was a terrific night out. Spike's latest tweets @SpikesSASBandTo those of you wondering about my comments about taking the Korg on a world tour next year... @SpikesSASBandI'm afraid that there are absolutely no plans for this in the pipeline. It was merely a moment of distracted wishful thinking on my part!! |
| horse feathers 08.08.2012 08:56 |
Tomchristie22. I have a nicam vhs version of the tribute concert, recording live on the day. Also a stereo recording on tape from the radio.I have never seen the VHS official 'overdubbed' release of this concert. It is my opinion and therefore I ame entitled to it, as are you. It is also my right to voice an opinion on how I might like to hear them do live versions of songs. Your voiced opinion on this will fall flat now with my next comment. Love Of My Live was written with a piano in mind, electric guitars and bass guitar and a harp, however live, Queen played it on an acoustic 12 string guitar and transposed the song to another key. Now get out of that one. Also I never said the song would have been better without the synths, far from it. It was my opinion on how I would like the live version to sound, without all the shite, Spike puts on it. |
| Holly2003 08.08.2012 09:16 |
I really like Extreme's arrangement of Love of my Life. I really wish Brian would try something similar to what Nuno did instead of just playing the same simple stuff over and over again, concert after concert, year after year. That said, I could never warm to Extreme's lead singer, Gary Cherone. He wasn't very good and no amount of fab guitar antics by Nuno could paper over that shortcoming. |
| Missreclusive 08.08.2012 09:25 |
Holly, we must have similar hearing as I thought Cherone was awful, would rather listen to Brians weak version. I do agree with HF on keeping it simple, raw and real when played live, otherwise might as well play a recording. |
| AlexRocks 08.08.2012 10:02 |
Why in the hell are Queen not going to be doing a new studio l.p. and tour next year? At some point no offense to Spike Edney they do need to get a younger keyboard player. (Someone who is skinny and good looking. I'm just saying. What?) |
| horse feathers 08.08.2012 10:46 |
Yeah, Mr Cherone is not the greatest singer in the world. But he is a real Queen fan. They always thanked Queen on their early albums. But wouldn't you rather see him on stage with Brian and Roger, rather than Glambert. Nuno is a fantastic guitar player, though. When you mention Brian's weak version, Missreclusive are you referring to 'Hammer To Fall', from the Queen set? Cos I mean the medley that Extreme did, which I thought was the best part of that concert, tbh, |
| Rubbersuit 08.08.2012 15:21 |
horse feathers wrote: 'And nobody played synthesizer'... Whatever happened to those days, I wonder?That was over 30 "fooking" years ago. Where you been? I agree with you about Extreme being awesome... but again, that was 20 years ago. You can't go back! Paul McCartney has an old man's turkey neck, Queen use keyboards, Brian and Roger are OLD and can't do it like they used to. You've aged too! |
| Fireplace 08.08.2012 17:49 |
So basically we have a shite keyboard player with a shite keyboard that plays shite parts for a bunch of over-the-hill old geezers who sound shite and had a shite band play in a shite tribute for their shite dead singer, who never liked the shite keyboard player in the first place, all the way back in 1992. I'm glad we really support our heroes here at the Rolling Stones forum! PS There is quite a big difference between how a piano sounds on its own and how it cuts through the mix of a full rock band. But I guess all you Rachmaninovs knew that.... |
| Fireplace 08.08.2012 17:50 |
I almost forgot to call this thread "bumholian". |
| Compliance Queen1 09.08.2012 02:34 |
Fireplace wrote: I almost forgot to call this thread "bumholian".LOL! Good one! |
| emrabt 09.08.2012 02:52 |
This has devated from "is spike touring with queen or someone else" To "nobody likes spike" |
| emrabt 09.08.2012 02:52 |
This has devated from "is spike touring with queen or someone else" To "nobody likes spike" |
| Holly2003 09.08.2012 04:49 |
He's put on a lot of weight since his days as Buffy's nemesis. |
| AdamMethos 09.08.2012 08:17 |
This guy appears to be a roadie who has worked with Adam Lambert in the past...? Dougie Doug ?@dougiesauris Looks like Queen is reserving more venues for a 2013 tour. |
| dysan 09.08.2012 09:47 |
I'm pretty sure the acoustic numbers had synth strings under them, as they did on the earlier tours. Invisible if you're not listening for it. For what it's worth I think Spike is a good guy but agree the selected sounds on this tour were quite bad. '39 on the opening night I assume he pressed the wrong button but it got sorted later on. |
| horse feathers 09.08.2012 13:31 |
So Tom, about the Freddie tribute, Extreme thing in 92? You are mor than half my age so you can only be 23 at the most. So you seen Extreme before the overdubs at 3 years of age, wow what a memory. I'm talking about their medley, BTW. Which in my opinion, was fantastic. Oh, BTW, you never got back to me on the LOve Of My Life thing I posted, I would love to hear your response on that, please don't deny me your worthwhile opinion. However shite it always is. |