| mickyparise 26.05.2013 19:59 |
How does one replace the irreplaceable? As one of the most unique, charismatic and gifted lead singers in rock history, Freddie Mercury is not someone that you could just insert a new face as lead vocalist for Queen and go on like nothing happened. This has been a challenge to the surviving members of Queen, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor (bassist John Deacon has been retired from the business since 1997) as they attempt to keep the band’s name and legacy alive and kicking in the 20+ years since Mercury’s death. There have been tours, one off singles and TV performances to be sure but no permanent solution which of course might be their plan all along, find a singer to fill a certain gap for a limited amount of time then move on when it has run it’s course. The band has come to use the name “Queen+” to indicate that whomever they are working with is NOT a member of the band but rather an equal collaborator. However as May and Taylor are getting on in years, perhaps they would like to make one last real go of it and bring in someone to the band proper instead of a fill-in. A balanced partnership where they challenge each other’s ideas and have equal footing in the studio as well as on stage, a collaboration where they play to each other’s strengths instead of stepping back and letting the other lead the way. So with the following list I’d like to present five singers that I believe could provide such a partnership. True, Queen have worked with them in some capacity in the past but not in the way I have described. Some are likely to happen, others have a snowball’s chance in hell of occuring but never the less makes one salivate over the musical possibilities. link |
| waunakonor 26.05.2013 22:02 |
It's just five people who have already sung with them at some point. Kind of lame... (EDIT: until I read someonewholikesadam's comment in another thread, I didn't realize Michael Allred is responsible for this. Interesting.) |
| Nitroboy 26.05.2013 22:28 |
Please, get Adam Lambert off that list. Same goes for Robbie Williams |
| Jimmy Dean 26.05.2013 22:39 |
Wouldn't mind a Queen + Muse collaboration tour. A little more robust version of the Black Crowes with Jimmy Page which sounded fantastic. Matthew Bellamy's voice would fit the bill. Next 4... 1. James Dean Bradfield (Manic Street Preachers) could definitely hit the high notes, but I can't see him singing Crazy Little Thing Called Love or Bicycle Race (if you know the Manics, you know what I mean). 2. Rob Halford... he's a fan - would be interesting if it were a "Queen Rocks" tour... may even work for an interesting rendition of Love Of My Life... He'll bring the leather. 3. Liam Gallagher. This may not be a popular choice... but I just want to hear him do Fat Bottomed Girls and Stone Cold Crazy... even Now I'm Here... Buuuuuut... he can't do the high notes - so BohRhap and TSMGO or even Somebody to Love would be impossible given his "relatively" limited range. 4. If HE were still alive - Jeff Buckley. I would just be interested to hear his interpretations of Freddie's songs. He would change the approach and make you rethink it. Much like he did with Cohen's Hallelujah. |
| LAP 26.05.2013 23:31 |
Gary Cherone. |
| dave76 27.05.2013 11:03 |
NONE. No one can replace Freddie Mercury although George Michael did a great job at the 1992 FM tribute concert. For me he was the best of the evening. |
| Thistle 27.05.2013 11:20 |
^ agreed. We shouldn't be replacing Freddie, but I wouldn't mind seeing a Q+PR effort again. I loved the CR tour! |
| dsmeer 27.05.2013 13:22 |
I don't like the word replace. I would love to see Brian and Roger play live again, with: Paul Rodgers David Lee Roth ( That would be something different) George Michael Well let them just do a small venue tour, band name : Brian & Roger, without any 'guest' singer, some solo and some Queen. One can only dream. |
| Thistle 27.05.2013 13:41 |
dsmeer wrote: let them just do a small venue tour, band name : Brian & Roger, without any 'guest' singer, some solo and some Queen. One can only dream.I'd go for that one, too :) |
| Fireplace 27.05.2013 17:41 |
1. Frank Sinatra 2. Nat "King" Cole 3. Elvis Presley 4. Luciano Pavarotti 5. Enrico Caruso Unfortunately they all have this small problem in common, so let''s forget about replacing Freddie and finally lay this hollow shell of a band to rest. |
| Thistle 27.05.2013 17:48 |
^ Caruso would be my vote over the others. Wait....he's dead. No! Hold on.....they all are....... MY BRAIN HURTS |
| MackMantilla 27.05.2013 17:56 |
I think Sacha Baron Cohen is missing on that list.. |
| Narudge 27.05.2013 18:05 |
I made a reply at the bottom of the page, and ironically, because it disagrees with the views of the original author, it rather coincidentally hasn't been displayed, yet there are a few comments that agree with him and, surprise surprise, they are there for all to see! Oh the joys of free speech... Anyway, artists I feel would be good as collaborators (not replacements, there is no replacement!): - Gary Cherone - What with Extreme's amazing Queen medley and his outstanding vocals on Hammer To Fall, He really should be considered, and at least he has a rock music background rather than a certain American Idol reject that I can think of. Amazing vocals, nearly as much range as the old Fred meister himself, and a spade-full of power in his delivery, I could think of no better person! - Matt Bellamy - And if Mr Cherone wasn't able to, I'd certainly love Mr Bellamy to have a go! His vocals are just superb, not Freddie standard, but getting there. Similar credentials to Mr C, but a bit of a softer tone in places. Cracking! - Mika - Before I get shot down for suggesting Mika, there has been suggestions in the past that he does sound a bit Freddie-ish (unless I'm much mistaken) and with his wide range and powerful vocals, he'd go pretty well with Queen I reckon. What's more, he can play the piano, so he could take over the duties from ol' Spike every now and then in true Freddie style. - Tom Chaplin - Well hopefully we've all seen that version of 'It's A Hard Life' sung by him in 2011 with Bri and Rog at the Prince's Trust concert, and he was bloody brilliant! Of all of the suggestions made in that article, I'm still struggling to get to grips with his reasoning for Robbie Williams. Has he not seen his recent "Take the Crown Live at the O2" performance? Woeful is not the word... |
| Thistle 27.05.2013 18:19 |
Narudge wrote: I made a reply at the bottom of the page, and ironically, because it disagrees with the views of the original author, it rather coincidentally hasn't been displayed, yet there are a few comments that agree with him and, surprise surprise, they are there for all to see! Oh the joys of free speech...Paranoia and utter drivel into the bargain: it happens to us all sometimes, and a quick refreshing of the page would have sorted it. If your logic was true, then your post above would vanish, too. Welcome to QZ, "newbie": it's amazing how you talk like some of the paranoid users (particularly on the Fanthology threads) already, but have only been here 5 minutes lol :p |
| Thistle 27.05.2013 18:25 |
MackMantilla wrote: I think Sacha Baron Cohen is missing on that list..Erm....... NO! Jeremy kapone!!!! Get with the programme, Mack :p |
| matt z 27.05.2013 19:28 |
Freddie was a complete ONE OFF. ... speaks volumes that suggestions all focus on people who are flamboyant (PR's hair plugs) and dynamic... *exceptions being Adam what's his name. Just goes to show you'd need a few people to fill in those ballet shoes |
| Gregsynth 27.05.2013 20:27 |
Lambert was terrible with Brian/Roger and the audio recordings back that up. I'd rather hear Marc Martel sing Queen songs--least he has a good tone to his voice. |
| ewill_rocky 28.05.2013 01:31 |
1. Paul Rodgers 2. David Bowie 3. Gary Cherone 4. Robbie Williams 5. George Michael (?) . . . . . 9000. Me :-P Adam Lambert?? WTF?? Who is this turbo gay?? |
| Stelios 28.05.2013 05:00 |
For me only George Michael comes close and that only for a certain window of time around 1992. Due to Michael's HIV positive partner who later died, Mercury's/Queen's and Michael's "life-themes" suddenly crossovered. It was not only the same illness or sexuality issues but things that had to do with secrecy and the interaction of artistry and celebrity with concepts that rarely the pop/rock 'n roll world deals with. As fas as talent Michael always had a voice that could project power,directness,vulnerability,playfulness, and to some extent even the heroic/epic quality that Mercury used to own so greatly. However the Queen repertoire was always more eclectic and cross-genre let alone rock-oriented.To make it work betwwen the 3 surviving members of Queen and Michael at the time it had to take a creative , risk-taiking approach and blending of the new elements. Musically, perhaps some of Deacon's dance/funk taste and ability would be more fitting of Michael's "frequency" and talent. May inevitably should have alter a little the edginess of the Red-Special (although we all love it only Mercury's versitile roar could match that sound) , perhaps exploring more some acoustic guitar textures, or the soulfulness of his piano/keybord skills as was evident on Save Me e.t.c. Also Taylor's direction towards These are the days of our lives prooved some interesting potentials between G.Michael's tone/sensibility and Queen's sound around '91. I think all four of them ( especiall Michael and May) should have taken aback and in a way start from common ground ( the succesfull interpretations of somebody to love, '39 and TATDOOL on the FM Tribute concert) and in a way let things happen. It would have been difficult but it is the only possibility i can see as far as meaningful, creative and artisticly succesfull work by the four of them could ever be produced echoing the past and Mercury's legacy into new directions. |
| matt z 28.05.2013 07:10 |
Agree with above. Yes it was a window. And it didn't happen. Unlikely more than ever thanks to the band getting older and the separation from actual contemporaries getting wider. They're liable to throw in another round with some other POS in order to merit headlines. But as far as compatability and camaraderie are concerned they really have no outlet without having any "jam buddies" Looking forward to Brian s stuff with Tony Iommi |
| br5946 28.05.2013 08:53 |
Freddie is irreplaceable, as we all know. But I would love to see either Stuart Murdoch or Paul Heaton do guest lead on some ballads. I think Heaton could perform Teo Torriatte very nicely indeed. And while I'm on the alt-rock side of things, as much as a Keane fan as I used to be, I might be the only person out there who thinks negatively of Tom Chaplin singing 'It's A Hard Life' - he just couldn't carry the notes at the Prince's Rock Trust. |
| MackMantilla 28.05.2013 12:27 |
Thistleboy1980 wrote:Damn.MackMantilla wrote: I think Sacha Baron Cohen is missing on that list..Erm....... NO! Jeremy kapone!!!! Get with the programme, Mack :p You're right, dude! :D |
| dsmeer 28.05.2013 12:40 |
Gary Cherone > NoNoNo He did a good job during the tribute concert but did a very very band thing joining Van Halen, a great band but he did not fit. I think the same will happen with joining Brian & Roger. I can't see he any tune that isn't a rock tune. |
| waunakonor 28.05.2013 14:55 |
Thistleboy1980 wrote:I'm pretty sure he tried posting on the actual website's comment section, and not QueenZone. The four comments below the article on the site are quite positive. Although they are within their bounds to censor like that, it is pretty silly as it disables actual discussion from happening.Narudge wrote: I made a reply at the bottom of the page, and ironically, because it disagrees with the views of the original author, it rather coincidentally hasn't been displayed, yet there are a few comments that agree with him and, surprise surprise, they are there for all to see! Oh the joys of free speech...Paranoia and utter drivel into the bargain: it happens to us all sometimes, and a quick refreshing of the page would have sorted it. If your logic was true, then your post above would vanish, too. Welcome to QZ, "newbie": it's amazing how you talk like some of the paranoid users (particularly on the Fanthology threads) already, but have only been here 5 minutes lol :p |
| Narudge 28.05.2013 18:18 |
waunakonor wrote:I'm sorry I didn't make myself clearer, but I yes, I was referring to the website on which the comments were made and not on here. Sorry about the confusion chaps!Thistleboy1980 wrote:I'm pretty sure he tried posting on the actual website's comment section, and not QueenZone. The four comments below the article on the site are quite positive. Although they are within their bounds to censor like that, it is pretty silly as it disables actual discussion from happening.Narudge wrote: I made a reply at the bottom of the page, and ironically, because it disagrees with the views of the original author, it rather coincidentally hasn't been displayed, yet there are a few comments that agree with him and, surprise surprise, they are there for all to see! Oh the joys of free speech...Paranoia and utter drivel into the bargain: it happens to us all sometimes, and a quick refreshing of the page would have sorted it. If your logic was true, then your post above would vanish, too. Welcome to QZ, "newbie": it's amazing how you talk like some of the paranoid users (particularly on the Fanthology threads) already, but have only been here 5 minutes lol :p But yes, I agree, these authors post these comments with their own opinions on show, but no-one is allowed to make a comment that goes against that view, thus disabling any form of discussion. I'd like to hear some other peoples points of view against. My comments, but that is seemingly not possible now. it is disgraceful really, but then again, it's everywhere in today's society unfortunately, so putting up with it is the only option. Anyway, sorry about the off topic rant, I'll retire back to my cave now!! |
| the dude 1366 28.05.2013 18:59 |
This is the first time where I wonder if age will decide that there is no more. I hope I am wrong. |
| gerry 29.05.2013 12:32 |
Having read this piece i thought to myself, why should Freddie be replaced? Firstly he was a one off rock god who couldnt be possibly replaced and i certainly do not want anyone else to sing freddies songs, further more i refuse to buy new material if they feature adam lambert or paul rogers. yes i am a faithful ardent Queen fan, and as like john deacon said something nasty about robbie williams joining Queen, i totally agree with him. Freddie was magical and forever regal on stage, he was the one most fans came to see in concert, he created the magic on stage, Brian, Roger anf John were the ingredients, and together you had an explosion of total sheer brilliance on stage. I love David Bowie, but he could not sing Freddies songs. a square peg wont go in a round hole, and i do not want any more poor stand ins for a man that was a rock god. Nobody can hold a candle to our rock god Freddie. So to Adam Lambert, Robbie Williams & Paul Rodgers, in your dreams! |
| someonewholikesadam 29.05.2013 16:52 |
Why do Queen fans take everything so literally. The article doesn't Freddie SHOULD be replaced, just lists five singers that COULD replace him. And Adam Lambert is #1 in the author's opinion. Tee hee hee. |
| Jimmy Dean 29.05.2013 17:04 |
br5946 wrote: Freddie is irreplaceable, as we all know. But I would love to see either Stuart Murdoch or Paul Heaton do guest lead on some ballads. I think Heaton could perform Teo Torriatte very nicely indeed. And while I'm on the alt-rock side of things, as much as a Keane fan as I used to be, I might be the only person out there who thinks negatively of Tom Chaplin singing 'It's A Hard Life' - he just couldn't carry the notes at the Prince's Rock Trust.Interesting choice with Stuart Murdoch. While he's a great singer and all - and I love B&S - he's really only suited for B&S/folk material, in my opinion. His voice is too thin to carry a Queen song. But definitely an outside the box idea for a Freddie replacement! |
| Fireplace 29.05.2013 17:10 |
Alright, I'll share a serious thought . Now don't laugh, but Leo Sayer's voice always reminds me a bit of Freddie. Same pitch area, same vocal elasticity. He's no spring chicken anymore and I don't have a clue what he sounds like these days, but look him up on YT and hear for yourself. |
| Jimmy Dean 29.05.2013 17:11 |
someonewholikesadam wrote: Why do Queen fans take everything so literally. The article doesn't Freddie SHOULD be replaced, just lists five singers that COULD replace him. And Adam Lambert is #1 in the author's opinion. Tee hee hee.People on this forum are either too sensitive and think that a replacement would be blasphemy because of course Freddie Mercury is God. Even so, would Freddie give a fuck? Nope. Or, they're hard headed and will never change their mind even if someone could actually do a better job than Freddie did. Is that impossible? No it is not. But these people on this forum do think it's impossible. Because no one will ever be better than Freddie Mercury in the future history of the world. Which is just like those Elvis fans who will never let up that Freddie is better than Elvis. Being too much of a fan is not a good thing. You'll miss out on great music. Keep an open mind! |
| Scaramouche_5.9. 30.05.2013 05:33 |
Of course no replacing!! That's not possible... Everyone knows that!!?!! But would love to hear Queen again - for me only 2 of the 5 "suggested" singers are possilbe - PAUL RODGERS or GEORGE MICHAEL!!! |
| Michael Allred 30.05.2013 07:27 |
Narudge wrote:I cannot speak as to why your comment did not appear on the site, I have no control over it what so ever but among the many articles there at whatculture.com, you will find many MANY people disagreeing with a point the author made, etc. As to your reference to "free speech," you have no right to it EVERYWHERE on the internet. Site editors can pick and choose as they see fit depending on if it falls into their posting guidelines. Finally, if you are looking for a "debate," the comments section following an article aren't really the ideal place for it, afterall it's not a forum. You found your way here and got across what you had to say so what harm has been done?waunakonor wrote:I'm sorry I didn't make myself clearer, but I yes, I was referring to the website on which the comments were made and not on here. Sorry about the confusion chaps! But yes, I agree, these authors post these comments with their own opinions on show, but no-one is allowed to make a comment that goes against that view, thus disabling any form of discussion. I'd like to hear some other peoples points of view against. My comments, but that is seemingly not possible now. it is disgraceful really, but then again, it's everywhere in today's society unfortunately, so putting up with it is the only option. Anyway, sorry about the off topic rant, I'll retire back to my cave now!!Thistleboy1980 wrote:I'm pretty sure he tried posting on the actual website's comment section, and not QueenZone. The four comments below the article on the site are quite positive. Although they are within their bounds to censor like that, it is pretty silly as it disables actual discussion from happening.Narudge wrote: I made a reply at the bottom of the page, and ironically, because it disagrees with the views of the original author, it rather coincidentally hasn't been displayed, yet there are a few comments that agree with him and, surprise surprise, they are there for all to see! Oh the joys of free speech...Paranoia and utter drivel into the bargain: it happens to us all sometimes, and a quick refreshing of the page would have sorted it. If your logic was true, then your post above would vanish, too. Welcome to QZ, "newbie": it's amazing how you talk like some of the paranoid users (particularly on the Fanthology threads) already, but have only been here 5 minutes lol :p |
| bohemianfred 30.05.2013 14:11 |
There is only ONE man on the planet that has aVoice like that Angel Freddie and that is Gary Mullens. Listen to him on you tube and judge for yourself |
| Fireplace 31.05.2013 17:15 |
People on this forum are either too sensitive and think that a replacement would be blasphemy because of course Freddie Mercury is God. Even so, would Freddie give a fuck? Nope. Or, they're hard headed and will never change their mind even if someone could actually do a better job than Freddie did. Is that impossible? No it is not. But these people on this forum do think it's impossible. Because no one will ever be better than Freddie Mercury in the future history of the world. Which is just like those Elvis fans who will never let up that Freddie is better than Elvis. Being too much of a fan is not a good thing. You'll miss out on great music. Keep an open mind!Not entirely true. Some people just want to be spared the Lambert 2.0 adventure, that's all. |
| brENsKi 01.06.2013 01:27 |
i'd really like to hear "Somebody To Love", "Love of My Life" and "Save Me " belted out by Lemmy of Motorhead...think he has a delicate subtlety to his voice that'd really compliment those songs |
| Michael Allred 01.06.2013 08:50 |
Fireplace wrote:Fair enough and the simple and easy solution for them is to ignore any such future effort when/if it comes to pass.People on this forum are either too sensitive and think that a replacement would be blasphemy because of course Freddie Mercury is God. Even so, would Freddie give a fuck? Nope. Or, they're hard headed and will never change their mind even if someone could actually do a better job than Freddie did. Is that impossible? No it is not. But these people on this forum do think it's impossible. Because no one will ever be better than Freddie Mercury in the future history of the world. Which is just like those Elvis fans who will never let up that Freddie is better than Elvis. Being too much of a fan is not a good thing. You'll miss out on great music. Keep an open mind!Not entirely true. Some people just want to be spared the Lambert 2.0 adventure, that's all. |
| Missreclusive 01.06.2013 13:56 |
No more Lambert! Marc Martel. If they wrote some new material and Marc sings...I'll buy it. I do like George Michael too...PR...not so much. |
| bulsamicvinegar 01.06.2013 14:56 |
Klaus meine vocalist with the scorpions would be a good choice.listen to love of my life sung by him live.hes got a fantastic range and excellent voice. |
| bulsamicvinegar 01.06.2013 14:57 |
Klaus meine .hes a fantastic singer. Listen to him sing love of my life live.better than freddie. |
| Thistle 01.06.2013 15:53 |
^ You like your point SO much, you had to make it twice??? :p Bullshit about him being better than Freddie, btw. Of course he's great - but not better. |
| Hangman_96 01.06.2013 17:54 |
bulsamicvinegar wrote: Klaus meine .hes a fantastic singer. Listen to him sing love of my life live.better than freddie.Nice joke. He may sing good, but he's not Freddie! |