| GB: Queen Archivist 21.10.2016 18:34 |
On another posting here today, relating to the UK Queen convention last weekend, Benn Kempster asked this question... Did any news of substance come out from the recent Convention? The response has been minimal thus far, as it generally is each year, which makes me think few people here are likely to have attended. I don’t ever recall seeing many people covering a convention in any detail - maybe just the odd one or two comments. No one seems particularly interested in what goes on and what new info comes forth. It's certainly not covered in the detail that other innocuous subjects are covered - such as how long was Freddie's cat's tail - that's for sure. This baffles me. It surprises me that relatively little is written about this event and that it is curiously overlooked for the most part, when it is (I think it fair to say) THE Queen fan event of the year. I’m intrigued to know how many QZ-ers attend the event. Is it 50? 25? 10? 2? Does anyone here attend? This year for example, two people who worked in recording studios with Queen in the latter years - and indeed during the final sessions with Freddie - were on stage to offer some enthralling and rather personal recollections. Noel Haris and John Brough sat on stage for over an hour telling some of the funniest and/or interesting stories I’ve heard, including some of Freddie's last vocal sessions, and imparting details that were fascinating to everyone in the room - even the die-hardest (if there is such a word) fans like Jim Jenkins and myself were moved by certain anecdotes. The chaps were amusing, entertaining, informative and always respectful. I expected to sit and watch perhaps the first 5 minutes and then discretely disappear, but actually I was immersed in every word for the entire 75 minutes. They also showed photos of Freddie in the studio which have never been made public before. The same was true of Freddie’s dear friend Peter Straker and Mike Moran (Freddie’s ‘Barcelona’ collaborator) on stage together also generously imparting wonderful stories and recollections which you simply won’t hear or read about anywhere else. They were like a comedy partnership at certain points and very entertaining. Half of the Do-Ro team, who made probably a dozen or more of the most memorable Queen videos, Hannes Rossacher, was on stage too, and he also gave details that you’re just not gonna encounter in any book. Has that even been mentioned here on QZ, I wonder? Producer Mack was at the convention last year (or maybe the one before that) and that too was an amazing interview. Isn’t this stuff of interest to you guys? I struggle to grasp why encounters like this are not all over QZ being discussed and scrutinized for every ounce of new information they proffer, but they’re not. They are hardly even mentioned. Instead there are postings like.. Did Freddie have Autism / Brian's rig on Queen I and The Works / Unreleased Photo Of Freddie At The Dominion Theatre Can someone please tell me…. How many of you attend the annual UK Queen Fan Club convention (put together by Jacky Smith, secretary of the QFC since 1982)? I'm genuinely curious. Thanks |
| brians wig 21.10.2016 19:30 |
I did. I go every year, but quite often it's not easy to relate what was said, short of recording everything and spending days transcribing it. Loved your little video of the 3D Queen pics Greg. Was that really 1/4 of the photos in the book. Didn't seem that many (although I wasn't counting) |
| Fireplace 21.10.2016 20:39 |
Oh noes, Sir Archivist disapproves of the topic content on QZ. May as well pack it in guys, without the support of this community pillar we're done for anyway. How dare people who are actually musically inclined discuss Brian's equipment? Why would anyone be interested in how the music was put together when you can get real genuine 1975 replica balloons with a box set? Why discuss musicians when you could just as well go out and buy their branded vodka? Just to be fair I'll answer your question as well. I did not attend the convention as it was not possible to travel to England just for the weekend. Some of us actually live outside the UK (yes, there is life there) and work for a living. Your description of some of the programme items certainly sounds interesting and entertaining and I can imagine most of us here would feel it's worth attending if it's within their reach. If you feel the need to plug the convention, fair enough, we all stand to benefit from keeping the interest in Queen alive. Just do so without slagging of the other topics of conversation as they are just another manifestation of that same interest. |
| cdrom 21.10.2016 22:42 |
well i am extremely curious about the convention. I doubt I will ever be able to attend, but I would definitely appreciate being there. New stories told from professionals working with the band is exactly what I find interesting. I've read many books about the band, but for the most part, it's the same stories told over and over again. It would be amazing( to me) if someone could relate some of these interesting new stories on here. And guys; maybe if you were a tad bit nicer to Mr. Brooks, he will share some of the Queen archive with you as he has for me. He's sent me 3 cd's from the Night at the opera sessions so far. Interesting collection I must say. And all because I've always been polite and respectful to the man. |
| soxtalon 21.10.2016 22:59 |
I would LOVE to be able to attend. Living in the US though it's out of the realm of possibility. Heck, most of the time even Breakthru is if I'm honest...I did go to the first BT and really enjoyed myself. But indeed I would love to see these interviews and always scan for people talking about them but I get was brianswig is saying too. How to condense it for forum discussion? |
| Graeme Arnott 21.10.2016 23:41 |
I was a member for 38 years, I never attended one, I am into Queen for the music, tales of what goes on in their private lives or anecdotes from associates do not interest me. |
| cmsdrums 22.10.2016 03:05 |
Same as Graeme - been a fan club member for 30 years but never been. The interviews with the likes of Mack, John Brough etc.. would be of great interest to me, as I'd love to know more of how the music was created, what other tracks were worked on, stories behind the studio sessions etc.....unfortunately sitting through a weekend listening to tales about Freddie's home life, plans for Queen based board games/t shirts/mugs etc... and listening to third rate cover bands just doesn't appeal to me. As a rule the convention is a long way for me to travel too. As is also stated above, unless a particular interview is videoed or transcribed it would be hard to relay full and more importantly ACCURATE details of what was said. Interesting to see that The Darkness are having a fan convention day in London on October with masterclasses with the band, table tennis vs Justin and Rufus, costumes, photos, interviews etc all topped off with a three set (one new stuff, one rare stuff, one hits) live gig by the band in the evening. I wonder if Rufus' Queen experiences have helped shape this?? |
| rocknrolllover 22.10.2016 03:40 |
cdrom wrote: well i am extremely curious about the convention. I doubt I will ever be able to attend, but I would definitely appreciate being there. New stories told from professionals working with the band is exactly what I find interesting. I've read many books about the band, but for the most part, it's the same stories told over and over again. It would be amazing( to me) if someone could relate some of these interesting new stories on here. And guys; maybe if you were a tad bit nicer to Mr. Brooks, he will share some of the Queen archive with you as he has for me. He's sent me 3 cd's from the Night at the opera sessions so far. Interesting collection I must say. And all because I've always been polite and respectful to the man.Are you joking about A Night At The Opera sessions? |
| jondickens1 22.10.2016 04:32 |
I've been to the convention twice,last year being the latest. I enjoyed listening to you Greg last year and I appreciate the hard work Him and Jacky out in for the event. However I didn't attend this year partly due to family commitments and partly because I was disappointed at the accommodation at Southport. Glad to see it was changed for this year. I'm interested to know though Greg,after listening to you on stage for an hour last year,I felt your comments always seemed to say much without really revealing much. I wonder,would it not be possible to have a Q and A session with the conventioners? Has this been done in the past? Maybe last year the conventioners weren't asking the right questions,but I came away learning nothing new. I heard a lot about the job you do but little or nothing in the way of the what archive product you have. That isn't meant as a criticism; as I say,maybe the right question wasn't asked. One question I would like to ask though if your able to answer is this. Who is it that decides what product to release? I feel there is a general concencus amoungst the fans that we aren't getting the product we're all wanting. A specific case in point this year was Hyde Park 76 release. Queen on Air is ok but the live content as bonus tracks on the deluxe edition,at least in my opinion,could and should've been more expansive. And 2 CD's of interviews? Really? I think we are all aware you as an archivist are not the one responsible for these decisions and perhaps some Queenzoners have wrongly accused yourself of shortchanging the fans. Apologies are perhaps in order from some. Hope you have found time to read this Greg and have the time to answer my question. |
| Mr. Bulsara 22.10.2016 06:00 |
Correction jondickens1. 3 cds of interviews. A shame... And just one of concerts highlights? A joke... And i think it's just not my opinion. it was much better if they release 3 cds of concerts and just one of interviews. I'll buy it for sure. But in this format i will buy only the BBC Sessions. There's no need to spens a lot of money in the rest. A waste... |
| TRS-Romania 22.10.2016 08:47 |
Here is the DoRo interview at the convention link Peter Straker & Mike Moran (part of it) link |
| TRS-Romania 22.10.2016 08:49 |
Not from the UK convention 2016, but from Queensday in Holland September 24th 2016 A Conversation with Mike Moran, Peter Freestone and Peter Straker Duration: 1 hour 9 minutes Audio Quality: Excellent link |
| Fireplace 22.10.2016 09:59 |
Great shares, thanks! |
| musicland munich 22.10.2016 10:53 |
I grew up without the internet. Back then those informations were really rare or second / third hand at best. Nowadays it's completely irrelevant. We will have all the content....sooner or later. Don't get me wrong, the Convention itself is surely a nice thing. My personal reasons for NOT attending. Would have cost me at least 800 Bucks ( traveling by my standards) plus beeing away from my business. |
| Benn Kempster 22.10.2016 11:08 |
The Convention was never really something that interested me to be honest; I could never bare to think of being in a holiday camp (my idea of absolute hell) with a couple of hundred people wearing Queen t-shirts (outside of a Queen gig) and singing (mostly bad) karaoke. Each to their own sewerage (as Townshend so beautifully wrote) I have always thought, but for me I just wouldn't enjoy it other than spending the whole time trying to record the material off of Queen TV. HOWEVER, the value is ABSOLUTELY in what Greg has highlighted here. In trying to be all things to all people, the Convention HAS to appease both them and me and the contributions from the likes of Mick Rock, Mike Moran, Crystal et al must be absolutely invaluable. Personally, I'd probably pay to stream interviews like this, but provided that the questions were anything BUT questions about Freddie's love life and Brian's hair. I'm glad Queen fans feel that they can still keep this tradition going - it's amazing to know that the band can still do this. BUT, not for me I'm afraid. |
| soxtalon 22.10.2016 12:06 |
Thank you for those shares! Well worth a view those! |
| matt z 22.10.2016 17:36 |
it's not economically feasible for me to attend. I'd have to charter a 20 hour trip, (*directly after work) and use personal time off in case I did not arrive back on time. the jet lag and alcohol, plus difficulty of using transit systems or rented vehicles in very foreign terrain would make it a very overwhelming nightmare for a few hours worthof presentations. I'm very fascinated and interested in these studio recollections, as it's my good fortune to live near Hollywood where I regularly attend such Q&A sessions with cast and production for films I've loved and adored for years. I don't flack it or attack it. Someday I would love to go to one of those conventions. Maybe someday I will |
| cmsdrums 23.10.2016 09:42 |
Benn Kempster wrote: The Convention was never really something that interested me to be honest; I could never bare to think of being in a holiday camp (my idea of absolute hell) with a couple of hundred people wearing Queen t-shirts (outside of a Queen gig) and singing (mostly bad) karaoke. Each to their own sewerage (as Townshend so beautifully wrote) I have always thought, but for me I just wouldn't enjoy it other than spending the whole time trying to record the material off of Queen TV. HOWEVER, the value is ABSOLUTELY in what Greg has highlighted here. In trying to be all things to all people, the Convention HAS to appease both them and me and the contributions from the likes of Mick Rock, Mike Moran, Crystal et al must be absolutely invaluable. Personally, I'd probably pay to stream interviews like this, but provided that the questions were anything BUT questions about Freddie's love life and Brian's hair. I'm glad Queen fans feel that they can still keep this tradition going - it's amazing to know that the band can still do this. BUT, not for me I'm afraid.Every point bang on the money. |
| Pim Derks 23.10.2016 11:03 |
Attending a convention used to be a dream, when I was a lot younger (in my early teens). I only visited the Dutch fanclub convention during this time and it was something I always looked forward to. A couple of years ago I went along to the UK convention with a friend who was performing there and this year I also went to see them perform at the Dutch convention. If it wasn't for them I would definitely not go. People in their 50's dressed as Freddie, buying Freddie plates, listening to Freddie's cook, buying a tie signed by Roger/Brian for 250+ euros... It's all so absurd and bizarre to me these days. |
| dysan 23.10.2016 13:11 |
I genuinely didn't know it was happening. |
| MrFunster 23.10.2016 15:38 |
Who has got photos of freddie in the studios during te final sessions plus a new photo of the final appearance in 1988 at the dominion theatre. Which has been showed by Noel Haris and John Brough. I would like to see these pictures. |
| mr mason 23.10.2016 15:50 |
Were any demos played? |
| Claudio_CQI 23.10.2016 19:17 |
Our community finds it very interesting and worth to take part. Some of us from Italy attend every year. We share almost live news from major happening. Thanks to all attendees and guests. |
| dysan 24.10.2016 06:06 |
I do agree with the above post - when I first joined the fanclub in 1989 (and got ripped off!) seeing the articles about the convention was a bit off putting. Even as a kid I thought it a bit naff. |
| dudley-fufkin 7834 24.10.2016 06:27 |
I went, it was great fun. Even got to see a clip of the Dont try so hard video which someone had on their phone, hardly recognised freddie |
| cmsdrums 24.10.2016 07:45 |
dudley-fufkin 7834 wrote: I went, it was great fun. Even got to see a clip of the Dont try so hard video which someone had on their phone, hardly recognised freddieYou naughty little tease you! |
| Togg 24.10.2016 08:02 |
Been in the fan club since 1980, never been to a convention and dont really ever intend to go, not really what I wish to do, I listen to Queen, play the songs myself and watch concerts, but dressing up like them and playing games is not my thing, I'd be interested to hear what folk who worked with them say, sure, but I'm not that interested that I have to spend a whole weekend doing it. I buy the products when something interesting comes out, go to all the tours and and love reading the more technical side of what Brian and Roger do, I have collected a vast amount of Queen releated music equipment, and I'd go to a Red Special meet up, but again, not really interested in playing football and dressing like Freddie... |
| Togg 24.10.2016 08:04 |
One thing you might be interested in Greg I finally have booked a trip to The Galapogos, something that we spoke about many years ago if you remember... |
| Arnaldo "Ogre-" Silveira 24.10.2016 11:09 |
I would go to the Convention if I were in that Continent at that time. No luck so far. Cheers, Ogre- |
| GB: Queen Archivist 24.10.2016 11:19 |
Fireplace wrote: Oh noes, Sir Archivist disapproves of the topic content on QZ. May as well pack it in guys, without the support of this community pillar we're done for anyway. How dare people who are actually musically inclined discuss Brian's equipment? Why would anyone be interested in how the music was put together when you can get real genuine 1975 replica balloons with a box set? Why discuss musicians when you could just as well go out and buy their branded vodka? Just to be fair I'll answer your question as well. I did not attend the convention as it was not possible to travel to England just for the weekend. Some of us actually live outside the UK (yes, there is life there) and work for a living. Your description of some of the programme items certainly sounds interesting and entertaining and I can imagine most of us here would feel it's worth attending if it's within their reach. If you feel the need to plug the convention, fair enough, we all stand to benefit from keeping the interest in Queen alive. Just do so without slagging of the other topics of conversation as they are just another manifestation of that same interest.GB: How old are you, Fireplace? 13? I wasn't slagging off other topics. I'm merely saying that the interviews at the convention, particularly the most recent one, invariably cover some very serious and significant Queen history - such as Freddie's last ever vocal sessions, and that's not being even mentioned on QZ, much less debated or analysed like everything else usually would be, whereas random speculation such as whether Freddie was autistic or not is deemed to be MORE thread/post-worthy. Fireplace, you need to Surround yourself with some people that might be able to help you a bit with seeing that not everything on QZ is a dig. Fireplace, Surround. See what I did there. You're clearly a Hearth-hearted Mantle case !!! |
| GB: Queen Archivist 24.10.2016 11:22 |
Togg wrote: Been in the fan club since 1980, never been to a convention and dont really ever intend to go, not really what I wish to do, I listen to Queen, play the songs myself and watch concerts, but dressing up like them and playing games is not my thing, I'd be interested to hear what folk who worked with them say, sure, but I'm not that interested that I have to spend a whole weekend doing it. I buy the products when something interesting comes out, go to all the tours and and love reading the more technical side of what Brian and Roger do, I have collected a vast amount of Queen releated music equipment, and I'd go to a Red Special meet up, but again, not really interested in playing football and dressing like Freddie...GB: Fair enough, Togg, but there are some really fab anecdotes that come up at the conventions from the good folk on stage. Mike Moran, for example, was quite emotional at certain points when relaying a story about Freddie inviting him for dinner one evening - and the huge trouble Freddie had gone to. These things only happen at the conventions and are seriously worth being part of That's my opinion anyway. |
| musicland munich 24.10.2016 12:02 |
GB: Queen Archivist wrote: - such as Freddie's last ever vocal sessions, and that's not being even mentioned on QZ, much less debated or analysed like everything else usually would be, whereas random speculation such as whether Freddie was autistic or not is deemed to be MORE thread/post-worthy.Hi Greg As for Freddie's last (vocal) session(s). Justin Shirley Smith was kind enough to make contact to us QZoners in the past. Actually the subject has been discussed widely on QZ. Here is a piece of his contribution... XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Hi Chris Cole Moreton seemed to be genuinely moved by his visit to the studio and wrote a nice article. In the course of the writing however he missed one detail on this subject: I told him we had been investigating tape-box labels and track-sheets and, in fact, any documents we could find relating to these recordings in 1991. Cole only mentioned the tape-box labels - perhaps thinking it was enough information for most people ! ... Anyway, I thought I'd just correct that here where I reckon there are some people who care more about these things. Please remember Cole's job is to sensationalise whenever he can, hence: "Now, The Telegraph can disclose, the mystery has been solved." etc. You would be right to be doubtful had we just taken one tape-box label date as proof of a recording date. The tape-box label in question is Reel #7 and is dated "13-5-91". The second item on this tape is "Mother Love (Original)". This leads me to believe that work on Mother Love was not started before that date. The track sheet for "Mother Love (Original)" shows that Freddie sang a number of takes and includes detailed notes about each take. For example: "FM v1 + Mid8 + v2" and "FM mid8 + v2 + whisper Mother Love" and "FM Mid8 last line" etc. There is also a Brian vocal track. There is no date on this track-sheet. The instrumentation at this stage is just drum-machine, keyboard and three takes of guitar. The next version is "Mother Love New Master" on Reel #6. This version clearly started as a copy (digital clone) of "original". The track sheet for "Mother Love New Master" is dated "16-5-91". This track-sheet shows all the same vocal takes with the same detailed notes copied through. The only differences are in the instrumentation: drum-machine, keyboard, guitar (Take 1 only - incidentally the same as in the final mix), bass and "Hi Note"[synth]. The one remaining difference is "Vox Comp" instead of "Brian Vocal". The fact that all the vocal takes were copied over with exactly the same distinctive notes leads me to believe Freddie had recorded these vocals on, or before, 16th May 1991. The next version is "Mother Love (Master 2) New Arrange" on Reel #2. This version clearly started as a copy (digital clone) and edit of "New Master". The track sheet for "Mother Love (Master 2) New Arrange" is dated "22-5-91". The track-sheet contents are all identical to "New Master". The last stereo rough-mix tape from these sessions is dated "22-5-91" and contains Mother Love. I can find no evidence of any work on Mother Love after the 22nd May 1991. Regarding "A Winter's Tale", the track-sheets show that Freddie's vocal was compiled on "10 May '91" which means that he recorded it on, or before, that date. Although the fact that I worked on the sessions and have a pretty good memory of what happened is helpful, particularly in deciphering the documents, I cannot say I recall the exact order and dates of events. I have instead preferred to trust the written notes and dates from 1991 for this message and the information I gave to Cole. Regards Justin Shirley-Smith |
| Fireplace 24.10.2016 14:56 |
GB: Queen Archivist wrote:You agree with my post then? Much appreciated.Fireplace wrote: Oh noes, Sir Archivist disapproves of the topic content on QZ. May as well pack it in guys, without the support of this community pillar we're done for anyway. How dare people who are actually musically inclined discuss Brian's equipment? Why would anyone be interested in how the music was put together when you can get real genuine 1975 replica balloons with a box set? Why discuss musicians when you could just as well go out and buy their branded vodka? Just to be fair I'll answer your question as well. I did not attend the convention as it was not possible to travel to England just for the weekend. Some of us actually live outside the UK (yes, there is life there) and work for a living. Your description of some of the programme items certainly sounds interesting and entertaining and I can imagine most of us here would feel it's worth attending if it's within their reach. If you feel the need to plug the convention, fair enough, we all stand to benefit from keeping the interest in Queen alive. Just do so without slagging of the other topics of conversation as they are just another manifestation of that same interest.GB: How old are you, Fireplace? 13? I wasn't slagging off other topics. I'm merely saying that the interviews at the convention, particularly the most recent one, invariably cover some very serious and significant Queen history - such as Freddie's last ever vocal sessions, and that's not being even mentioned on QZ, much less debated or analysed like everything else usually would be, whereas random speculation such as whether Freddie was autistic or not is deemed to be MORE thread/post-worthy. Fireplace, you need to Surround yourself with some people that might be able to help you a bit with seeing that not everything on QZ is a dig. Fireplace, Surround. See what I did there. You're clearly a Hearth-hearted Mantle case !!! |
| Sebastian 24.10.2016 14:57 |
Benn Kempster wrote: HOWEVER, the value is ABSOLUTELY in what Greg has highlighted here. In trying to be all things to all people, the Convention HAS to appease both them and me and the contributions from the likes of Mick Rock, Mike Moran, Crystal et al must be absolutely invaluable. Personally, I'd probably pay to stream interviews like this, but provided that the questions were anything BUT questions about Freddie's love life and Brian's hair.I hear you, although then there's also the problem with interviews often being really similar to each other... which makes sense, considering the vast majority of their public will probably be hearing those stories for the first time. It is tad disappointing, I must admit, that every time Mack gets interviewed on a magazine or book he spends three quarters of it telling the same story of how he was in California when he heard the band were interested in recording at Musicland, blah, blah, blah ... and then he tells the same CLTCL story and the backing track and the Tele and how they were impressed by his methods ... and then maybe he talks about AOBtD and how it was almost left off the album, etc ... he's probably got some fascinating stories to tell about, say, the Flash Gordon OST or the guest musician on Action This Day, or even his involvement with The Works and Magic, perhaps even stuff about Let Me Live or the Gibson Firebird on HTF, etc., but no, it's always the same tales... and it's not his fault, it's just the way it is. I know, I know ... better to have him telling the same stories than not having him at all, and if I dare say otherwise I'm just whining and moaning, etc., etc... Same for Mike Moran: how many times has he retold the same story of his head-on collision and the 'In My Defence' recordings (even when the question had absolutely nothing to do with it)? Again, not his fault, it's setting up the context of how his partnership with Freddie started, but I would just love it if at least once he (and others) went full-on *new stories* mode. What he said about Killer Queen in the Netherlands was priceless - half an hour of stories like that would be absolutely outstanding. |
| Upstanding Citizen 25.10.2016 01:12 |
cdrom wrote: well i am extremely curious about the convention. I doubt I will ever be able to attend, but I would definitely appreciate being there. New stories told from professionals working with the band is exactly what I find interesting. I've read many books about the band, but for the most part, it's the same stories told over and over again. It would be amazing( to me) if someone could relate some of these interesting new stories on here.check your inbox for a private message... thanks. |
| cmsdrums 25.10.2016 02:47 |
Sebastian wrote: Same for Mike Moran:.....What he said about Killer Queen in the Netherlands was priceless - half an hour of stories like that would be absolutely outstanding.Hi Seb. I ty to keep up with most of the non-idiotic posts here, but haven't yet seen this Killer Queen story (I suppose this is a great example of the points made in this thread as to convention gems being missed amongst the rubbish)....can you easily relate what the story entails, or even better point me to somewhere I can read/see this? Many thanks |
| Sebastian 25.10.2016 06:52 |
It takes a while for him to get to the point but it's worth it |
| strangefrontier 25.10.2016 09:06 |
I agree with a lot of the comments. I joined the fan club in 89 and attended 13 conventions in a row between 92-04. I found the early ones were exciting to attend...seeing concerts etc for the first time and met some interesting people. In my time I managed to meet the likes of Tim Staffell, Spike Edney and Mick Rock to name just a few, and the conventions gave you the opportunity for this to happen but by 2000, the conventions were becoming a bit stale for me and it was all a bit predictable. I've got some wonderful items from the market place over the years but in the end it became all about the market place for me and not a lot else other than meeting people from the previous years so I retired from attending and haven't seen or heard anything to make me want to go back. I have to agree that the themed disco's and fancy dress were very cringy at times as has already been mentioned and seeing an overweight man dressed as Freddie at Live Aid is not for me! Unfortunately the convention and fan club didn't really move with the times and when the fan club had to reduce the amount of mags to 3 a year (for financial reasons) I decided not to renew my membership. The internet really killed things for the fan club I feel and the promised member section has never materialised to my knowledge either which I thought was a great idea. It must be said that Jacky and the team have always done a fantastic job and without them I wouldn't have experienced the good times that I did but things move on and paying out for the accommodation and the travel involved is simply not possible for everyone and I feel no longer good value. |
| Togg 25.10.2016 10:09 |
GB: Queen Archivist wrote:Togg wrote: Been in the fan club since 1980, never been to a convention and dont really ever intend to go, not really what I wish to do, I listen to Queen, play the songs myself and watch concerts, but dressing up like them and playing games is not my thing, I'd be interested to hear what folk who worked with them say, sure, but I'm not that interested that I have to spend a whole weekend doing it. I buy the products when something interesting comes out, go to all the tours and and love reading the more technical side of what Brian and Roger do, I have collected a vast amount of Queen releated music equipment, and I'd go to a Red Special meet up, but again, not really interested in playing football and dressing like Freddie...GB: Fair enough, Togg, but there are some really fab anecdotes that come up at the conventions from the good folk on stage. Mike Moran, for example, was quite emotional at certain points when relaying a story about Freddie inviting him for dinner one evening - and the huge trouble Freddie had gone to. These things only happen at the conventions and are seriously worth being part of That's my opinion anyway. You are probably right, in fact I'd be very interested to hear him and others speak, but it's a bit of a mission to do a whole weekend, plus my wife is not exactly a massive fan so it would be hard to get her there, and weekends tend to be fairly family orientated if you know what I mean... I'm sure I've missed some crackers, but sadly it gets rather difficult when you have other things that have to happen over weekends |
| cmsdrums 26.10.2016 02:26 |
Sebastian wrote: It takes a while for him to get to the point but it's worth itThanks very much! |
| Chopin1995 26.10.2016 03:43 |
I wonder will we ever hear those different takes of Freddie's vocals for Mother Love. |
| brians wig 26.10.2016 04:48 |
It was Greg's archive sessions that kept me going back year after year, but those, sadly, have stopped now. I can only imagine that QPL don't want anyone hearing or seeing anything they probably have no intention of releasing :( These days, it's become such a habit that I keep going back - if only to meet up with people I only ever see there. I can't dance, the live concerts don't appeal much, the market place is a bit crap these days as there are not many dealers and all the interesting stuff costs £hundreds. QTV doesn't even play anything you can't buy from a shop these last 10 years (in fact, there was no QTV this year). Even this years auction was shite: there was no list of what was to be auctioned like there usually is and when the items were finally brought out on stage, I'd say 90% of them were just signed photos and set lists (from Rog, Brian, John and Kerry). It's a shame they didn't get a dozen QAL tourbooks fully signed by the band: THAT would raise more interest I think and raise more money. The glory days are gone, sadly, but the guest speakers are generally interesting and I won't stop going: partly in fear for missing something interesting or amazing. Oh and yes, to answer a previous question: there WERE two unheard tracks played this year: not by Greg: they were sneaked in by John Brough. They were 90 second snippets of an unnamed instrumental with Freddie la-la-ing over the top and early lyric version of "My Life HAs Been Saved" which, sadly and frustratingly, was faded out just as it was getting interesting (think about those snippets of demos from "The Miracle" album....). I have to say, I don't know what QPL problem is with demos being played at convention. People STILL talk over the top of something they've never heard before and the quality of any recordings made isn't brilliant. It's not like folks won't buy them if they were officially released just because they've already got a shitty quality copy from convention. |
| cmsdrums 26.10.2016 06:33 |
brians wig wrote: I have to say, I don't know what QPL problem is with demos being played at convention. People STILL talk over the top of something they've never heard before and the quality of any recordings made isn't brilliant. It's not like folks won't buy them if they were officially released just because they've already got a shitty quality copy from convention.Absolutely - if anything it makes us more eager to buy a decent quality version after hearing 45 seconds recorded on an iphone at the back of a noisy hall! |
| Benn Kempster 26.10.2016 08:27 |
Sebastian, re: >It is tad disappointing, I must admit, that every time Mack gets interviewed on a magazine or book he spends three quarters of it telling the same story of how he was in California when he heard the band were interested in recording at Musicland, blah, blah, blah But the wankers asking the same questions will always get the same answers. What needs to prompt an interviewee to open up is a creative interviewer who is able to elicit answers to questions that jog a memory or two and create an atmosphere of memories being stirred and the actual interview going to new places. Obviously, there are times when the interviewee restricts the nature of questions that are being asked, but someone like David Wigg (regardless of what one may think of him) was able to get some cracking stuff out of Freddie who was NOTORIOUSLY guarded. When was the last interview with ANYONE connected to the band that was publicly available and actually gave anyone something that they didn't know? |
| Holly2003 26.10.2016 09:18 |
Days of Our Lives was good. Rhys Thomas clearly is a fan and knows his stuff. We found out how the original version of Stone Cold Crazy sounded. I expected a lot more discussion about that on here but people seem more interested in creating top 10 lists or pondering when Freddie got Aids. |
| Sebastian 26.10.2016 09:43 |
Holly2003 wrote: Days of Our Lives was good. Rhys Thomas clearly is a fan and knows his stuff. We found out how the original version of Stone Cold Crazy sounded.That was not on Days of Our Lives, was it? |
| cmsdrums 26.10.2016 10:25 |
Holly2003 wrote: Days of Our Lives was good. Rhys Thomas clearly is a fan and knows his stuff. We found out how the original version of Stone Cold Crazy sounded. I expected a lot more discussion about that on here but people seem more interested in creating top 10 lists or pondering when Freddie got Aids.Agreed - the closest we got to Brian and Roger relaxed and really discussing stuff outside the usually banal stuff. It was a rarity to see them interviewed together for that documentary too, and I'd like to see that more.......yes, they speak together at press conferences when promoting a tour (and the DVD voiceovers), but in general they are always interviewed separately - the ANATO 'Classic Albums' being a prime example when they could have put them together to play acoustically or recollect stories. |
| Nitroboy 26.10.2016 11:21 |
Holly2003 wrote: Days of Our Lives was good. Rhys Thomas clearly is a fan and knows his stuff. We found out how the original version of Stone Cold Crazy sounded. I expected a lot more discussion about that on here but people seem more interested in creating top 10 lists or pondering when Freddie got Aids.The stuff Rhys Thomas was involved in was great actually. |
| Holly2003 26.10.2016 11:41 |
Apologies, it was on the Alfie Boe doc here: link at about 1:44. But Rhys Thomas' efforts are to be applauded. |
| Sebastian 26.10.2016 12:29 |
I think Mike got asked an interesting question in the Netherlands when they queried about 'Great Pretender', but he simply re-told the same old story about his car accident and the 'In My Defence' intro... for me it's as if the first half an hour of every football match consisted of the audience being explained the rules and what a red card means, etc., instead of just getting on with it.
cmsdrums wrote: they speak together at press conferences when promoting a tour (and the DVD voiceovers)I'm fairly sure they were interviewed separately for GVHII at least. |
| Bohardy 26.10.2016 13:16 |
Sebastian wrote: It takes a while for him to get to the point but it's worth itReally? I was expecting some insight, perhaps something Fred had said about KQ that we'd not heard before, but that 'anecdote' just amounts to someone (who happened to be very close to Fred) saying 'I remember hearing KQ when it came out and thought it was a really good, interesting, and clever song'. We don't need Mike Moran to tell us that! |
| cmsdrums 26.10.2016 16:52 |
Hmmm....Moran argues against his own point by saying 'they didn't have any big hit singles in the early days like they did much later on'......then proceeds to talk about Kilker Queen being fabulous and a massive hit (no 2 in the UK)! That was only their third single, and in only the year after their first ever one, so I'd say they DID have hit singles very early on!!! |
| Sebastian 06.11.2016 11:41 |
Bohardy wrote: I was expecting some insight, perhaps something Fred had said about KQ that we'd not heard before, but that 'anecdote' just amounts to someone (who happened to be very close to Fred) saying 'I remember hearing KQ when it came out and thought it was a really good, interesting, and clever song'. We don't need Mike Moran to tell us that!Perhaps I was wrong to announce it at all, since that probably gave you (and some others) false hope of something juicier, so I apologise for that. I for one was quite excited to hear Mike talking about something *other* than his head-on collision and how Montserrat asked him to play for her at the Covent Garden. |
| e-man 13.11.2016 11:12 |
back in the mid to late 90s, when I really wanted to go, I was too young and it was too much money. These days, it's more a question of logistics, and frankly, the desire to have a whole weekend of nothing but Queen. However, I do envy the folks there who get to hear these guys talk and take questions. I'd love to experience that. Some snippets appear on youtube, but so far nothing from the engineers etc?? If someone has a recording, I'd love to hear their stories. Great job from the fan club in getting these guys to appear. (although, I can't imagine they are drowning in such requests...) What I'll never understand, is why some of these people are never to be found in official documentaries, as they Obviously can offer a fresh and I'm sure unique view on certain things. I can't imagine they are asked, but turn the offer to appear down....any inside on this would be welcome! (slightly off topic there, but still..) |
| craigob11 14.11.2016 16:59 |
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| craigob11 14.11.2016 17:00 |
was there this year & also at the very 1st in Gt.Yarmouth...its only once a year & good iss up really.great music..obviously but i found that nothing had really changed over the years apart from guest speakers whom have all been integral to the Queen story in some way..this years guest were great & interesting as Gregg mentioned all had plenty of time for fans. I think the format needs rethinking & new ideas injecting...we keep seeing/hearing the same stuff...mr.archivist are you listening...? |
| Sebastian 14.11.2016 18:27 |
craigob11 wrote: ...as Gregg mentioned...Gregg? Old Gregg? Was there a club where people would wee on each other? |
| Oscar J 15.11.2016 11:39 |
And drink Bailey's from shoes. Mmm, creamy beige. |
| Sebastian 15.11.2016 16:12 |
It was a great convention then! |