| GB: Queen Archivist 15.01.2017 07:37 |
I thought I'd offer an update on this book, as it's getting close to completion. Brian has been working hard on it, and we've been helping him to get all the details together and in the correct sequence. Jim Jenkins posted a little notice in various places this morning, and his enthusiasm and encouraging reaction to what he's seen has prompted me to offer something too. I really don't want to get into a questionnaire type situation with this book here, yet, because the surprise element is crucial. But once it emerges, and after BM has offered what he thinks appropriate, I'll be happy to get in to some further aspects of it, if anyone is interested. Brian is of course the person to cover this best and I cannot wait to hear what else he comes up with during the promotional period - as no doubt he will. It's been such a fascinating project to be involved in. Anyway, here's what I offered in response to JJ's posting on Facebook earlier today, plus some extra detail too. Regards GB... There are many Queen stories and anecdotes that have never been told before, not even in part, in this book. I was astonished at how many things Brian was suddenly recalling after all this time. Sometimes I offered him just the smallest prompt about an album or single or tour, and he went off on amazing ten minute tangents of fascinating recall - as if they happened only yesterday - with Denis and I hanging on every word! It has been an emotional road I think it's true to say; one of nostalgia, fond memories, poignant moments and excited recollection in equal measure. We somehow tapped into things that Brian thought he'd mostly forgotten, but it was ALL there in enthralling detail - and then some! It just required a little prompting. Even the most expert Queen fans will learn much from this book. It has turned into something very much bigger and more detailed than any of us expected at the start, and that includes Brian. The pictures are stunning... the band relaxing, at leisure, on stage, off stage, waiting at airports, pre-show prep, the aftermath of concerts, even shopping for toys in Zagreb in '79 !!! There are many images of the band members in various unlikely situations that you'll love. And it is rather shocking after all these years to suddenly be confronted by the faces of the band in three vivid dimensions, rather than the flat 2-D images your brain is accustomed to seeing. It is very startling, in ways you don’t expect, to have, for example, Freddie peering back at you (into camera) with his nose closer to you than his cheeks and lips, his eyes demanding your attention in ways that flat photos never could, and with every nuance of his skin and curl of his jet black hair so vivid. You really feel like you could reach out and touch the contours of his face, or the bristles of his unshaven chin. I have found this multi-faceted book an emotional and moving project to work on, so you can imagine what it's been like for Brian. We'll keep you posted. Jim J, Denis, Robin and I are making final checks with Brian this week to make certain it's all in the correct sequence. Watch this space… with BOTH eyes!!! GB |
| rocknrolllover 15.01.2017 08:15 |
Hello. It's really nice to see you here again. Can you enlighten to us about future Queen DVD? Thank you in advance! Rocknrolllover |
| coops 15.01.2017 08:19 |
Can't wait to get my copy. Thanks for the update. |
| Chief Mouse 15.01.2017 08:20 |
As a photography enthusiast and collector and obviously a Queen fan, I'm looking forward to this book. Unseen great photos and unheard stories is always a pleasure. Not sure I want to touch Freddie's face though. |
| on my way up 15.01.2017 13:43 |
Very much looking forward to this product... |
| Riku M 15.01.2017 13:48 |
Sounds interesting! Wonder how much it will cost? |
| mooghead 15.01.2017 14:49 |
rocknrolllover wrote: Hello. It's really nice to see you here again. Can you enlighten to us about future Queen DVD? Thank you in advance! RocknrollloverStop turning everything this poster says into an enquiry about what you want. Stick to the subject and he might stick around... |
| Martin Packer 15.01.2017 14:54 |
I do think the "how much will it cost?" question is relevant, though probably unanswerable. I say that because the Apple books, though apparently gorgeous, are beyond the reach of almost anybody. I'm hoping QI3D doesn't turn out that way. But I do agree about pouncing on GB, just because he surfaced. |
| Costa86 15.01.2017 15:33 |
Cool update, thanks! |
| Kuijpy 15.01.2017 16:15 |
There he is once again, but he never repons to other questions about DVDs or CDs, an awfull person Greg! |
| rocknrolllover 15.01.2017 16:58 |
mooghead wrote:Stop it you. I asked GB, not you.rocknrolllover wrote: Hello. It's really nice to see you here again. Can you enlighten to us about future Queen DVD? Thank you in advance! RocknrollloverStop turning everything this poster says into an enquiry about what you want. Stick to the subject and he might stick around... |
| The Fairy King 16.01.2017 00:59 |
Great news. Can't wait. |
| MercurialFreddie 16.01.2017 04:33 |
That's fantastic news. Greg, could you tell us when we can expect a release date of this book ? |
| cmsdrums 16.01.2017 04:39 |
Thank you - good to hear some news on what promises to be a really different and innovative release. Can you say if the images in the book will be viewable with the already available 'OWL' viewing kit? I know that the OWL kit is designed to use with images on smartphones and stereo cards popped into its viewing field, so how will the book images be viewable? Thanks |
| brians wig 16.01.2017 05:12 |
"What price will it be?", someone asked I'd expect it to be the same price as the other 3D books Brian has published, although if the page count is significantly higher (which I hope it is), then I don't mind paying more. CMS Drums: The other books all come with ther own "Owl", so don't fret. This will as well. |
| cmsdrums 16.01.2017 06:31 |
brians wig wrote: CMS Drums: The other books all come with ther own "Owl", so don't fret. This will as well.Thank you! |
| Vali 16.01.2017 06:39 |
this sounds promising, I'm a big fan of 3-D and enjoyed the "Diableries" book so much. Bring it on ! |
| MackMantilla 16.01.2017 09:21 |
Looking forward to this book :-) will it be released in september or before?? |
| RS_Protos 17.01.2017 11:45 |
"Even the most expert Queen fans will learn much from this book. " he's back! oh boy, thank you so much, please don't rush the release date because i'm still trying to find the under-estimated part on Queen-Air........... I bet it will be a great release because it doesn't involve any type of Queen music from the sacred archives. |
| popy 17.01.2017 15:17 |
Another shit MS Paint cover for a release about Freddie Mercury solo work with is support band Queen. |
| Vali 17.01.2017 15:41 |
Wow, they did it again. What an awful cover design. So amateurish... |
| RS_Protos 17.01.2017 15:47 |
I'm not sure if they are doing it on purpose or they both have lost any sense of reality. Always seems the opposite of what the fans wants, kinda like the politicians, LOL |
| Togg 18.01.2017 02:55 |
Looking forward to this one. |
| Chief Mouse 18.01.2017 03:03 |
Ha, that cover looks like the 80s to me. |
| cmsdrums 18.01.2017 11:21 |
I am really looking forward to this book....but agree that the cover is terrible (again) :-( |
| Pim Derks 18.01.2017 12:36 |
Brian really shouldn't do the design of his projects by himself... Just when you think it couldn't get any worse after On Air "artwork" (or lack thereof). |
| Bohardy 18.01.2017 13:25 |
Pim Derks wrote: Brian really shouldn't do the design of his projects by himself... Just when you think it couldn't get any worse after On Air "artwork" (or lack thereof).Exactly. That design/font/colour-scheme has Brian's fingerprints all over it. On Air didn't, and I don't agree with most here who seemed to think that awful. But he really needs to quit forcing his childish, amateur, and wholly lame graphic design attempts on to serious commercial artistic products. |
| Oscar J 18.01.2017 16:11 |
Haha, is that WordArt?! |
| Fireplace 18.01.2017 19:33 |
A very informative trailer that shows us exactly how the book has, ahmmm, a cover.... I'm not an art critic, so I'll leave the more colourful descriptions to you guys. |
| GB: Queen Archivist 19.01.2017 06:55 |
Chief Mouse wrote: As a photography enthusiast and collector and obviously a Queen fan, I'm looking forward to this book. Unseen great photos and unheard stories is always a pleasure. Not sure I want to touch Freddie's face though.GB: Mouse, you will enjoy this book from what you say. It genuinely does contain far more than we imagined it would. Some great text and photos. |
| GB: Queen Archivist 19.01.2017 06:56 |
mooghead wrote:GB: It's a bit too soon to say anything. We're only discussing things at present. Nothing is decided. But there are some interesting ideas floating around here.rocknrolllover wrote: Hello. It's really nice to see you here again. Can you enlighten to us about future Queen DVD? Thank you in advance! RocknrollloverStop turning everything this poster says into an enquiry about what you want. Stick to the subject and he might stick around... |
| GB: Queen Archivist 19.01.2017 06:59 |
Martin Packer wrote: I do think the "how much will it cost?" question is relevant, though probably unanswerable. I say that because the Apple books, though apparently gorgeous, are beyond the reach of almost anybody. I'm hoping QI3D doesn't turn out that way. But I do agree about pouncing on GB, just because he surfaced.GB: Fair comments MP. I'm not certain about the price of the book. I think it's likely to be £50, because it's a substantial product with a lenticular cover, and those things don't make for a £25 or £30 price, I think I'm right in saying. As soon as I know, I'll come back and tell you. |
| GB: Queen Archivist 19.01.2017 07:04 |
Kuijpy wrote: There he is once again, but he never repons to other questions about DVDs or CDs, an awfull person Greg!GB: I am an awful person yes. But there are only so many hours in a day, and so many things one can achieve. I'm trying to keep up with numerous things here and I just cannot get into answering unending questions, as much as I (sometimes) would like to. The more I answer, the more I get. It's that old thing about giving an inch but certain people taking a mile, then a bit more, and a bit more. Also... I find that I'm answering exactly the same questions over and over, and that way madness lies!!! :-) |
| GB: Queen Archivist 19.01.2017 07:05 |
MercurialFreddie wrote: That's fantastic news. Greg, could you tell us when we can expect a release date of this book ?GB: I believe it's May this year. |
| GB: Queen Archivist 19.01.2017 07:06 |
cmsdrums wrote: Thank you - good to hear some news on what promises to be a really different and innovative release. Can you say if the images in the book will be viewable with the already available 'OWL' viewing kit? I know that the OWL kit is designed to use with images on smartphones and stereo cards popped into its viewing field, so how will the book images be viewable? ThanksGB: Yes you can view it with the Owl you already have - though it will come with an Owl anyway. |
| Vocal harmony 19.01.2017 09:39 |
popy wrote: Another shit MS Paint cover for a release about Freddie Mercury solo work with is support band Queen.WTF are you going on about? |
| Nitroboy 19.01.2017 09:47 |
GB: Queen Archivist wrote:Martin Packer wrote: I do think the "how much will it cost?" question is relevant, though probably unanswerable. I say that because the Apple books, though apparently gorgeous, are beyond the reach of almost anybody. I'm hoping QI3D doesn't turn out that way. But I do agree about pouncing on GB, just because he surfaced.GB: Fair comments MP. I'm not certain about the price of the book. I think it's likely to be around the £40 mark, because it's a substantial product with a lenticular cover, and those things don't make for a £25 or £30 price, I think I'm right in saying. As soon as I know, I'll come back and tell you. My guess is going to be £50, simply because Queen products usually charge more for less. And it has a lenticular cover you say? That's good I guess - I was about to say that for a book filled with 3D pcitures, the cover looked awfully 2D. The cover design still looks terrible though; lenticular or not :) |
| Supersonic_Man89 19.01.2017 10:09 |
I think it speaks volumes that GB didn't reply to any of the complaints about the cover...because my God, that's bad. Genuinely looks like an unofficial bit of tat you'd find in a car boot sale in 1983. Change that font...change the pic if possible, is there not a better one available? Usually on a picture book, you'd have one of the best ones on the front to entice people to look inside. I'm not a negative member of the forum who bashes everything Queen release...the cover on air, was okay in my opinion...but this is just something else. |
| dysan 19.01.2017 11:06 |
I wonder what the interesting DVD ideas floating around are. Perhaps GB should start a thread and ask us what we want? Or at least discuss extras we know exist that could fit nicely as a package. I think that would be a nice touch. |
| dysan 19.01.2017 11:08 |
Just watched the clip. I don't think it's that bad! Yeah the font needs to be a bit more FLASH and fill up the space better, but that's a cool picture. |
| on my way up 20.01.2017 07:50 |
GB: Queen Archivist wrote:Just make the band consider (or maybe it's just Brian who needs to be persuaded) to sell soundboard recordings from Queen shows via the official website and after they consider doing it, just make them do it!! 1 show each 3 or 6 months, or even just a show a year...That would be something aimed at those very die-hard fans you find on this website ;-) We'd be over the moon each time something new comes out (we wouldn't even mind more 1986 shows for that matter, bring me any Leiden 1986 show in sbd quality and I'd wet my pants!).mooghead wrote:GB: It's a bit too soon to say anything. We're only discussing things at present. Nothing is decided. But there are some interesting ideas floating around here.rocknrolllover wrote: Hello. It's really nice to see you here again. Can you enlighten to us about future Queen DVD? Thank you in advance! RocknrollloverStop turning everything this poster says into an enquiry about what you want. Stick to the subject and he might stick around... Now, back to topic, absolutely thrilled with this book and just delighted that Brian worked with so much passion on it (apparently). Really wonder what stories will be revealed and whether those unseen pics will shed new light on some Queen shows/tour etc. (since the live shows are what intrigues me most). |
| dudeofqueen 20.01.2017 09:46 |
I have to say that, even with the appalling designs of recent years so fresh in the memory, that cover is just TOO outrageously bad to be the final product. Even Brian, in his right mind, isn't going to sign off the design of a book that HE has compiled, with an archetypal Freddie in mustachio'd gay clone fatigues image on the cover and a typeface harking back to his "Back To The Light" album. Its just far too amateurish to be believable given the nature of the content. |
| RS_Protos 20.01.2017 10:19 |
"Just make the band consider (or maybe it's just Brian who needs to be persuaded) to sell soundboard recordings from Queen shows via the official website and after they consider doing it, just make them do it!! 1 show each 3 or 6 months, or even just a show a year...That would be something aimed at those very die-hard fans you find on this website..." LOL, they can care less about the die-hard fans |
| Sebastian 21.01.2017 06:34 |
I've got little to no knowledge of design and stuff like that so I don't really mind, but even if it were that horrible, I think the point's been made. Unless you intend to buy the book solely to stare at its cover, what really matters is what the contents are. |
| Nitroboy 21.01.2017 08:25 |
Sebastian wrote: I've got little to no knowledge of design and stuff like that so I don't really mind, but even if it were that horrible, I think the point's been made. Unless you intend to buy the book solely to stare at its cover, what really matters is what the contents are. Indeed, but it doesn't bode well considering the entire reason the book is made/sold, is because the content is all about pictures. If it was a novel, it could be easily be overlooked. But in this case, it's a bad omen. |
| AlexRocks 22.01.2017 14:22 |
Ummmm, I think the cover might be great! And I'm the guy who thinks Adam Lambert should be on the cover! :) (I kid! I kid!) :) I do hope that QUEEN + and all of their various line-ups and incarnations are at least acknowledged if not shown as well in some form! |
| dysan 22.01.2017 15:06 |
Never judge a book by it's leather trousers. |
| Nitroboy 27.01.2017 17:44 |
Nitroboy wrote:... My guess is going to be £50, simply because Queen products usually charge more for less...Well, it seems I was right after all |