In the audience recording for You're My Best Friend at the Rosemont on September 19, 1980, there's a warbly little voice singing the "happy at home" line at 1:07 and where that's usually Brian and Roger, it sounds like just one person and it sounds an awful lot like John. Thoughts? link
Many colds in his career then.
With Queen, live, I don't think he was a very capable backing vocalist. In the studio is a different story. He became a better singer later on. Roger was a much better singer than Brian IMHO.
Many colds in his career then.
With Queen, live, I don't think he was a very capable backing vocalist. In the studio is a different story. He became a better singer later on. Roger was a much better singer than Brian IMHO.
For sure he had his off nights, but listen to any of the US/Japan 1976 tapes - their three part harmonies were spotless.
But indeed, Roger was far more consistent. About 400 audience tapes, and Roger barely missed a beat or a backing vocal - you can count them on one hand.
The Real Wizard wrote:
But indeed, Roger was far more consistent. About 400 audience tapes, and Roger barely missed a beat or a backing vocal - you can count them on one hand.
agreed. and not just for the available live tapes. the five gigs i attended stick in my mind for Roger's perfection - both vocally and as a drummer. I suppose - with the "end of line/phrase" harmonies - his vocals became almost like a drum beat.
It's been edited out of the official release, but on 'One Vision' on the Budapest gig, Roger and Freddie sings 'solution' and 'direction' at the same time to get 'dilution'! :-)
I have to agree that Roger was amazingly consistent as a live vocalist. Hitting those high notes when Freddie’s voice was off and getting them right, when he had to come in cold and while drumming is pretty impressive. His harmonies were always on, too. That’s true talent.
Agreed. Roger has always been very consistent in his drumming quality and his use of vocals live. Overall, In my opinion, an argument could be made for him being the best member of the band combining consistency, vocal quality and range, output, looks and living the rock and roll lifestyle to its fullest ;-)
I really enjoy Roger’s lead vocals too. His growl is awesome! It still has great quality even today, although I can’t say I enjoy his somewhat depressing solo lyrics of late. : D I really like Brian’s voice on lead, he has a softer sound quite similar to the Beatles, whom I also love. Oddly though, I try to pick out Brian’s voice on Queen harmonies and can rarely find it. It must be there and blending so well that I can’t hear it (talking both live and on albums).