QueenZone discussion #1397927

Stelios wrote: Because it showcases the most the transformation of glam rock Freddie to gay clone Freddie. Both in visuals and artistry. Also the sauna concept was demonised due to AIDS and the bathhouses of U.S (San Fransisco especially). There is a dark tone of explicit (homo)sexuality that afterwards had been associated with death itshelf. On a more obvious tone, it is the one track that detaches Queen the most from their rock oriented roots.

The Real Wizard wrote:

Stelios wrote: Because it showcases the most the transformation of glam rock Freddie to gay clone Freddie. Both in visuals and artistry. Also the sauna concept was demonised due to AIDS and the bathhouses of U.S (San Fransisco especially). There is a dark tone of explicit (homo)sexuality that afterwards had been associated with death itshelf. On a more obvious tone, it is the one track that detaches Queen the most from their rock oriented roots.

^ this.

Oscar J wrote: Because the song creeps me out.

Stelios wrote: Because it showcases the most the transformation of glam rock Freddie to gay clone Freddie. Both in visuals and artistry. Also the sauna concept was demonised due to AIDS and the bathhouses of U.S (San Fransisco especially). There is a dark tone of explicit (homo)sexuality that afterwards had been associated with death itshelf. On a more obvious tone, it is the one track that detaches Queen the most from their rock oriented roots.

gerry wrote: Hot space was a great album, no matter what most people think.

Stelios wrote: Because it showcases the most the transformation of glam rock Freddie to gay clone Freddie. Both in visuals and artistry. Also the sauna concept was demonised due to AIDS and the bathhouses of U.S (San Fransisco especially). There is a dark tone of explicit (homo)sexuality that afterwards had been associated with death itshelf. On a more obvious tone, it is the one track that detaches Queen the most from their rock oriented roots.

Costa86 wrote:

Stelios wrote: Because it showcases the most the transformation of glam rock Freddie to gay clone Freddie. Both in visuals and artistry. Also the sauna concept was demonised due to AIDS and the bathhouses of U.S (San Fransisco especially). There is a dark tone of explicit (homo)sexuality that afterwards had been associated with death itshelf. On a more obvious tone, it is the one track that detaches Queen the most from their rock oriented roots.

Couldn't have said it better. From seeing the video, you can just imagine the sheer depravity which Freddie was into in those days, and it is such a pity, because it would lead to his demise.

gerry wrote: Freddie was great on Body Language and it was a great track inspite of the lacking guitars from Brian. Vocals were still easy to spot as Queen and all in all i liked the track. Hot space was a great album, no matter what most people think.

noorie wrote: ^^^^^ I kind of disagree. The Living On My Own video was disgusting (to me at least), but I really like the Body Language video.... I do not think they are similar at all. Queen was a rock band, not a church choir.

Day dop wrote:

noorie wrote: ^^^^^ I kind of disagree. The Living On My Own video was disgusting (to me at least), but I really like the Body Language video.... I do not think they are similar at all. Queen was a rock band, not a church choir.

What's disgusting about the Living on my own vid?

Martin Packer wrote: Living On My Own video is NOT disgusting. It's rather sweet, actually bittersweet - knowing as we do that many of the people therein are now dead. .

gerry wrote: Mike Hunt: i totally agree with you, "Hot Space" at the time was weak, but i found it fascinating that Queen could cross over from been this heavy rock band to cleverly going into unknown funk/disco/rock territory, it only proved they were a very versatile group and they could put there hands to anything! Innuendo and made in heaven albums for me where bitter, and although freddies vocals on innuendo album were brilliant the songs were not! So yeah Hot space does have a fondness in my heart, because the songs were enjoyable to me. pity "Dancer" was never released as a single though with a 12 in version like "Backchat!

BelfastQueenFan wrote: I would love to be in the position of riches and fame to have that kind of utterly debauchery filled champagne swilling, sex orgy party. That is what life is about.

gerry wrote:Sebastian: yeah there is something about "Body Language" that is missing, for the track sounds a little bit empty from the studio version point of view but on tour Brian did put some guitar work on this track which made it a little more interesting.

gerry wrote:Still Freddie persuaded the others to go along with this disco funk sort of album, he was very brave, and when most fans disliked the album, they did however pull out all the stops on the next album "The works" as if they were panicking that they would loose fans forever! i knew they were just experimenting and did not mind, because i loved been surprised with what came next. Freddie kept the world on its feet!

gerry wrote: I am not making excuses for Queen and i never stated "Hot Space" was one of there best as someone said on this thread. I take "Hot Space" for what it was at the time, and yes Queen pulled out all the stops on "The Works" as roger said back in 1984 that it was what Queen fans wanted in terms of a traditional Queen album. and it did have some great tracks on it. Disagree with what you stated that there was not another Queen classic till "innuendo" i can think of plenty i.e " Radio Ga Ga" " I want to break free" " A kind of magic" "i want it all" were you a sleep from 1982 and woke up in 1991? Mmmmmmmmmmm i wonder?

gerry wrote: "The Works" album which is by far a better album than innuendo!

Oscar J wrote: Not Hitman, Headlong.

gerry wrote: We all have our own opinions guys but if you like "innuendo" better than "The Works" that is your personal choice, but for me "The Works" is a better constructed album and lets face it these days hardly any tracks from that album are given air play apart from "These are the days of our lives" where as "The Works" does get loads of air play around "Radio Ga Ga" and "I want to break free" but before you all bitch once again this is my opinion. Even "Friends will be Friends" wins hands down as to anything on innuendo!

gerry wrote:I was just mentioning the US as they are a tough market to crack and very fussy

gerry wrote: I think boy george got away with it because he fitted in with the romantics image at the time where as freddie insisted in keeping the moustache just to ad an element of fun when he was in drag but the americans do not like seeing blokes with facial hair and full make up because they just can not handle it !

PrimeJiveUSA wrote: I've always loved Body Language. The studio version of Staying Power even more. Everyone goes on and on about Staying Power(live) while slighting the studio version. I don't get it. Staying Power is one of Freddie's best songs ever, imho.

gerry wrote:well the only proof i have for you is that freddie got bottled on stage at rio for getting dressed up in drag with the wig and boobs and he had to quickly get rid before the whole show was wrecked back in 1985!

gerry wrote: the crowds must have been anti-gay and do not forget it was only 1985 so not much tolerance towards cross dressing etc.......

gerry wrote: Brenski: i always admit when i am wrong like i have in the past so please dont think your the martyr here ok. its only a discussion for gods sake. Here is an explanation from "wikipedia" on freddie and the boob incident. highly praised because it was seen as an anthem of the fight against oppression, whereas the reaction to the video was mixed.[3][22] Illustrative in this regard was the live performance of the song in Rio de Janeiro in 1985. When Mercury appeared in front of an audience of 325,000 and started singing "I want to break free", stones were thrown at him. He quickly realized that his female outfit was the reason and removed his wig and false breasts, which calmed down the audience. This incident however puzzled and disappointed the singer.[23][24] So there you have it even freddie was puzzled why he he was stoned!

brENsKi wrote:

gerry wrote:well the only proof i have for you is that freddie got bottled on stage at rio for getting dressed up in drag with the wig and boobs and he had to quickly get rid before the whole show was wrecked back in 1985!

for THREE very clear reasons THAT ^^^ is NOT proof. reason 1. - Rio is NOT in the USA reason 2 - Rio is perhaps one of the most liberal cities in the world in respect of cross-dressing and attitudes to sexuality reason 3 - the "bottling" you refer to was nothing to do with the drag per se, it was that the song in question meant so much to the Brazillian people and they saw the song being performed in anything but a serious manner as a disrespect to them. it didn't matter that he wore false boobs...he coulda come on in a clown outfit, or a cowboy outfit or even dressed as a soldier - they'd have reacted the same. it WAS what the song signified to the people - it was an anthem adopted in the struggle for liberation.

sheerq wrote: As for "I Want to Break Free," I don't think the drag video performance had a negative impact on American audience.

gerry wrote: why do you think fred takes off the boobs half way through "Break Free"

gerry wrote: thanks for that chief mouse, well written.

gerry wrote:Brenski: you can not really argue with me, the fact is freddie did get stoned, fact.

brENsKi wrote:he wasn't stoned. and i really can't be arsed to argue with you anymore. it's NOT my fault you can't read ...and also seem to think brazil is part of the uSA. please stop.

Chief Mouse wrote:This article definitely exaggerates things, as an uncut video reveals that nothing was being thrown at Freddie to dodge

gerry wrote:thanks for that chief mouse, well written.

The Real Wizard wrote:

brENsKi wrote:for THREE very clear reasons THAT ^^^ is NOT proof.reason 1. - Rio is NOT in the USA reason 2 - Rio is perhaps one of the most liberal cities in the world in respect of cross-dressing and attitudes to sexuality reason 3 - any "bottling" you refer to was nothing to do with the drag per se, it was that the song in question meant so much to the Brazillian people and they saw the song being performed in anything but a serious manner as a disrespect to them. it didn't matter that he wore false boobs...he coulda come on in a clown outfit, or a cowboy outfit or even dressed as a soldier - they'd have reacted the same. it WAS what the song signified to the people - it was an anthem adopted in the struggle for liberation.

Bang on. Just also note that there isn't a single bottle or related ducking seen in the average quality footage of the first night.

gerry wrote:all opinion but..... dont blame me if you think its incorrect information! Sadly nothing i write on this site satisfies you Brenski."i guess were falling out" pardon the pun ha ha!

gerry wrote: Wrong, Brenski is the troll on here and he is the one who is opinionated - fact!

gerry wrote:There is worse grammer on this site than mine,

gerry wrote:You are the one who likes to pull me up on my facts and so that makes you opinionated as usual.

gerry wrote: If you do not like what you read then jog on - simples!

gerry wrote: Holly2003: "Dancer" is a great Track on "Hot Space" and it has some great guitar playing from Brian. i can think of worse Tracks, like : Bijou, My Baby does me, Mother Love, The Hitman, You dont fool me. Queen excite us all in different ways!

Holly2003 wrote: Dancer is a piece of rubble in an abandoned slaughterhouse, in a city no one cares about, in a country no one ever visits.

brENsKi wrote:

gerry wrote: Holly2003: "Dancer" is a great Track on "Hot Space" and it has some great guitar playing from Brian. i can think of worse Tracks, like : Bijou, My Baby does me, Mother Love, The Hitman, You dont fool me. Queen excite us all in different ways!

Gerry, I'd agree with most of what you listed - except IMO "Dancer" is pretty dire, and when pitched against the entire queen catalogue then "Mother Love" falls somewhere between the diamonds and the cubic zirconia - I'd think it at least merits a "semi-precious" stone description.

gerry wrote:Hot Space was just Queen messing around with "new sounds" and although it does not sound like a regular Queen album i am still fond of the album. I am a ardent Queen fan of 40 years and the only 2 albums i am not keen on are "Innuendo" & " Made in Heaven" the rest i love and treasure.

gerry wrote: Give it another spin, its not all bad darling!

gerry wrote: Holly: i get it you do not like "Hot Space" but it was top 10 in the album charts here back in 1982. Give it another spin, its not all bad darling!

PrimeJiveUSA wrote: Dancer is the worst song on Hot Space. Brian May should not attempt to write *dance* music, imo. Body Language is actually pretty cool.

gerry wrote: Many fans are narrow minded and dismiss this great track but dont take it seriously its just Queen keeping Freddie happy lol

gerry wrote:Well i disagree with you Brenski.We had an album chart to let everyone know what was popular at the time, and as such this reflected the artists sales figures. You can not compare Queens "Hot space" to the likes of Steps or Britney because as time as gone by album sales have got hyped and not to mention digital downloads and all that crap these days. True sales figures were just that in the 50s 60s 70s & 80s. as good old vinyl records were the original and truest way to calculate an artists sales figures and it was a more fairer system.

gerry wrote:Brenski:  so Queen's Greatest Hits has sold over 6 million so does that make it a crap album then?what i am trying to say is Artists these days do not have to sell many sales to get the gold or platinum discs like in the 70s and 80s bands like Queen and Status Quo had to sell much more than the groups of today to be considered for Gold or platinum sales.

gerry wrote:you sound quite narrow minded as far as diffferent music cultures are concerned?

gerry wrote My cd collection is huge and not just Queen, I have cds by Toto, Twisted Sister, E.L.O, Status Quo, Supertramp The Sweet, David Bowie, Boston, Kiss etc......... so its untrue that i am unwilling to recognize other artisits.

gerry wrote: yeah i know what you said, but did you understand when i said Queen had it tough in there days because they had to sell more records to achieve gold discs, as opposed to today where artists do not have to sell that many copies to achieve gold discs, for instance xfactor contestants, they get away with murder

brENsKi wrote: where did you find that information? because every gold single award from 1957 to 2012 has over 1 million sales as for albums: silver 60,000 gold 100,000 platinum 300,000 - UK gold 500,000, platinum 1,000,000, diamond 10,000,000 USA i have searched far and wide on the net and can find nothing to suggest these sales classifications have ever changed with regard to actual figures. This is a prime example of you just "uttering something" because you think it's the case - without actually checking your facts.

brENsKi wrote: my figures came from BPI & RIAA sites...not wiki or fansites and the point being aimed at Gerry's comments that a "Gold" these days is easier than it was for queen in the 70s/80s

gerry wrote:Hey thanks for that, and i wonder what professor peanuts aka Brenski has to say to that?But yeah what you say is what i explained to Brenski. It is much easier for talentless morons like james arthur or little mix to get gold awards, quite an insult to real genuine artisits like Queen.

gerry wrote:what i am trying to say is Artists these days do not have to sell many sales to get the gold or platinum discs like in the 70s and 80s bands like Queen and Status Quo had to sell much more than the groups of today to be considered for Gold or platinum sales.

brENsKi wrote:

gerry wrote:I think boy george got away with it because he fitted in with the romantics image at the time where as freddie insisted in keeping the moustache just to ad an element of fun when he was in drag but the americans do not like seeing blokes with facial hair and full make up because they just can not handle it !

you're globalising again. YOU don't know this for sure. where are the facts to back this up? it's just YOUR perception.the only actual facts we all know are that the IWTBF & IAHL videos helped to kill queen in the states, no-one anywhere knows if the moustache contributed to this.

gerry wrote: well the only proof i have for you is that freddie got bottled on stage at rio for getting dressed up in drag with the wig and boobs and he had to quickly get rid before the whole show was wrecked back in 1985!

gerry wrote:Yes i love "Dancer" its a pity that song never became a single release because it has a bit of everything for us Queenies,a good Deacy bass line, some fancy Brian guitar playing, some great Freddie vocals and a nice drum beat by rog!.

gerry wrote:i guess it depends on how many hit singles are made from each album to make the album popular. I think The Game had quite a lot of hit singles taken from it, where as innuendo album only has "These are the days of our lives" played from it these days on the radio.

gerry wrote: Todays groups and artists have it far too easy, and success is handed down to then on a gold plate from simon cowell or who ever can pull the strings.

gerry wrote:well the looser all quits first Brenski ...... bye bye looser! ha ha ha.

Vocal harmony wrote:

gerry wrote: Todays groups and artists have it far too easy, and success is handed down to then on a gold plate from simon cowell or who ever can pull the strings.

No they don't. The music business today is totally different from what it was 30 or 40 years ago. Today a band like Queen would find it hard if not impossible to break through on any level. Management, record companies, product placement advertising all want an instant retire on their outlay and time, so achieving a number one, or at least top five is any even bigger measure of success then it used to be, and is usually the only way that as an artist you can be sure your on the road to a second or third album. The days of letting artists develope as writers and performers has long since gone. With the failure of Keep Yourself Alive to sell, and the failure of the first album to ignite the charts in 2014 Queen would sink quicker than Titanic. Yes in this instant stardom thing that happens now fame appears any easy step to reach but there is little scope for individuality, and little chance of doing something that your managment or record company don't want you to do. Yes there are xceptions, but they are becoming fewer and far between

AlbaNo1 wrote: Queen would undoubtedly be an exception. They would be taking the rock band route, not the pop star. Currently successful rock bands like Muse or Kings of Leon did not come flying out the blocks with hit singles.Even so Queen werent that slow to catch fire. Seven Seas of Rhye, Killer Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody were among the first 6 singles released.