| brENsKi 20.12.2004 14:18 |
I can't wait for the flak to fly after his article in today's paper. My opinion (for what it's worth) is HE'S entitled to his opinion. I disagree with him completely. But you have to understand that his musical background was punk - so he would've been anti-everything Queen stood for - establishment, art school, public school privieged backgrounds...One thing, do you think (people) thta we can be contructive of his comments without all the apologists and "angry young men/women" jumping to stoic defence of oour band...let's hear some genuine opinion on his articel (other than "what a load of shit".....sermon over....Brenski now tosses a live grenade onto the fire....here's the article (in FULL) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUEEN OF THE FAKES Dec 20 2004 QUEEN to reform? Be still my beating heart. One commentator said Queen "arguably rank second only to the Beatles in British pop history". It is certainly arguable. Queen were crap with Freddie Mercury - pompous, overblown, all style and no substance - and they will be crap fronted by grizzled bluesy shouter Paul Rodgers (an odd choice - like getting Mike Tyson to stand in for Wayne Sleep). In the 30-year orgy of British groups, Queen were never more than a fake orgasm. As a punishment, my first editor once sent me to see them at Wembley Arena. It was horrible - like a pantomime for thick adults. These little islands have produced the greatest bands in popular music. The Who, Stones, Kinks, Beatles, Small Faces, Faces, Clash, Sex Pistols, Smiths, Stone Roses, Libertines - I could go on all day. Queen were never the real thing. They made a few good singles because, for all Freddie Mercury's faults - a preening emptiness being the foremost - the old tart had a sense of humour. But Queen were always the most wildly overrated band in the world. Apart from U2, of course. |
| deleted user 20.12.2004 14:21 |
Sarcasm, my dear sir. Just like the amazon.com reviewer. |
| mike hunt 20.12.2004 14:22 |
fuck him, what does he know, the libertines, give me a break. |
| deleted user 20.12.2004 14:32 |
I can see where he's coming from. He's part of an old tradition of British music journalists whose views on music are primarily led by the notion that "substance" and an attitude that is deemed subversive and political are the same, mixed with extreme fashion-consciousness. In their view, too much melodic and harmonical content and arrangements too intricate spoil the music. Many of them are disgruntled ex-musicians who were absorbed by punk and new wave, brimming over with enthusiasm for the ideal of "everyone can make music", playing in bands themselves, only to gradually discover that this credo didn't tell the whole truth. Others are complete non-experts and probably can't even tell the difference between a bass-guitar and a drum-stick. They make a living of talking about things they basically know nothing about, writing reviews that are as "style over substance" and as far removed from discussing the actual music as possible. If I'd think like that I'd hate Queen, too. |
| Rich Tea 20.12.2004 17:51 |
Unfortunatly a lot of music journo's think it is credible to like anything which is trendy and cult but once it becomes popular to the masses then it must be crap. The Beatles got away with it because they were the first. Queen have always been easy targets generally liked by the masses. Unfortunatly Mr Parsons is now very much in the minority because most people of his age now admit (some grudgingly) to having liked Queen all along. Steve Jones (ex Pistols) admited on his US radio show that all the Pistols loved Queen and that the two bands became friends while recording in the same studios. It was a romantic notion that the punk bands couldn't play the truth was that bands like The Clash and The Damned certainly could. Punk was a kick up the backside for British music with artists like ELP,Yes, Genesis and Cliff dissappearing up there own arses. Queen bashing was fashionable from 75 to 80 but anybody doing it in 2004 just loses all credibility and looks stupid. He's not expressing his opinion he is trying to look clever my money is on him owning at least one Queen album!!! |
| mike hunt 20.12.2004 18:07 |
i didn't know the pistols admitted to liking queen that's pretty nice info, and your right he looks dumb at this point, especially knowing the stones, the who, the beatles, and now learning the pistols all were and are queen fans, now who looks stupid. |
| deleted user 20.12.2004 18:16 |
My mums just shown me it in the Mirror. What a load of shit. Isn't that Tony Parsons a Barstard? I mean, he is entitled to an opinion but insulting the best band in the world. |
| Flashman 20.12.2004 18:50 |
The thing I can't believe is the fact that people admit to reading The Mirror. You ought to be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves. |
| Daburcor? 20.12.2004 19:14 |
I thought the article was spot on. |
| deleted user 20.12.2004 19:48 |
The thing I can't believe is the fact that people admit to reading The Mirror. You ought to be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves. My mum reads it. I don't actually read any papers only stuff like that if my mum points it out to me. |
| andymezza_uk 20.12.2004 20:13 |
Only thing I agreed with was what he said about U2. Massively overrated. |
| mike hunt 20.12.2004 20:14 |
i have to agree about U2 |
| Sebastian 20.12.2004 22:56 |
I don't think U2 is underrated in any way. About the rest, what I find odd is the Mike Tyson for Wayne Sleep remark. Way off. |
| brENsKi 21.12.2004 05:35 |
two points: 1. i read two papers (plus one local one - b'ham evening mail) the mirror for sport and the independent 2. his opinion is flawed in many ways - if you read his books (which i do) you'll see that most most of his lead characters are Parson's clones and they share a very similar taste and they tend to come from similar backgrounds - and appear to dislike the stuff they MOST identify with |
| pma 21.12.2004 05:38 |
Yep, few good singles. Like the one about "Mama"... not as good as "She's A Killer" or whatsitcalled. Truth hurts. |
| The Mir@cle 21.12.2004 06:08 |
Bo Rhap is the most successful single on earth, but he's right... it's all fake, all crap (-; He's a writer... never listened to real music I think. |
| Gaz man 21.12.2004 07:14 |
Come on guys really look at the paper this guy writes for, every one knows that papers like the daily mirror are directed at the interlectual capacity of a seven year old. And even to reply to this myself i find a little low. History speaks for itself, we are talking about one of the biggest selling outfits of the past few decades on a worlwide basis. Not many bands have ever made this step especially for such duration. The only "super- band" of current light to do the same is U2. No longer do we live in the age of genuine massive bands, the "limited edition" manufactured garbage runs a mock of us all. Mr. Parsons does the same in the light to his article. Sure the guy can have his opinion, and im sure he's not the only one who thinks like this. But with the continual and every growing number of fans form professional musicians and consumers alike (for a band who have not released new material for some time) Queen remian one of the most important bands of our time - the numbers speak for themselves. If a band like Bon Jovi can release an album titled 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong I wonder how much larger this number would be for Queen. |
| The Fairy King 21.12.2004 10:19 |
Nice! hehehe, but u guys shouldn't feel attacked, i mean it's just a journalist, COME ON! Queen didn't care and we shouldn't either! |
| Mr Coolest Cat 21.12.2004 11:23 |
Tony Parsons is just a jumped up barrow boy who works for a rag thats been slowly going down the pan for years. |
| Dicky Hart 21.12.2004 11:58 |
Tony Parsons is a prat, he is always on Tv or writing out about how bad everything is, he never has anything postive to say about anything. Im sure I saw a photo of him standing with brian once at some Showbiz bash, where was his quaffing the free champagne. Ignore this screwball. |
| Perry 21.12.2004 12:59 |
Well, I think the Daily Mail is my regular paper now. I liked the article 'We Will Rock You (Again)'by David Thomas. Especially end. 'So Queen aren't really replacing Freddie Mercury, because you can't replace Freddie Mercury, but somehow, I think we already knew that.' Tony Parsons vs. David Thomas please! |
| dorahc 21.12.2004 13:29 |
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but its apparent this guy doesn't know what the HELL he is talking about! |
| deleted user 21.12.2004 14:42 |
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but its apparent this guy doesn't know what the HELL he is talking about! I totally agree. |
| slightly mad 22 21.12.2004 14:42 |
that must be total album sales/single sales/concert tickets and merchandise sold since the band formed in the early 80's till now!! got to admit saw them in concert and they are good!! |
| akan 21.12.2004 15:00 |
can someone post his e-mail or the email of the daily mirror? |
| slightly mad 22 21.12.2004 15:02 |
does anybody have a gun??? hope nobody does kill him i'll be in the frame!! please ignore that comment!! |
| The Real Wizard 21.12.2004 16:20 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Bo Rhap is the most successful single on earthAre you completely sure of this claim? Can you back it up? I can't add anything else to this discussion than has already been said. Parsons is entitled to his opinion, and that's about it. |
| Drowse1ok 21.12.2004 16:48 |
I feel quite proud that he slagged Queen off. This is a guy who thinks the Smiths are a GREAT British band? And the Stone Roses? This guy obviously had an operation to remove any musical taste very early on in life. So if he thinks Queen are crap, that's alright with me. |
| mamamia 21.12.2004 17:41 |
some people don't know good music when they hear it! i'll bet he's a homophobic the way he talks about freddie mercury like that. why can't they keep their snidy and sarcastic opinions to themselves. |
| QueenSite 21.12.2004 18:49 |
poor journalist forced to go and see one of the greatest rock bands in the world in Wembley....;) I 100% disagree, except from his comment about U2 |
| Ms. Bea Haven 21.12.2004 21:17 |
If there's one thing that I learned from watching one of those "Dirty Harry" movies - it's this: "Opinions are like assholes. Everybody's got one." |
| LadyMoonshineDown 21.12.2004 21:28 |
Meh. I've taken shits that I cared more about then this piece of writing, but it doesn't phase me a bit (what he wrote that is). To be honest, he had some good one liners in there; to be fair. But other than that, it was just another man's opinion. Boo hoo. If anyone is truly affected by that, then they need some therapy because guess what? People have opinions. Woo! cheers |
| Joe Fabulous 21.12.2004 22:36 |
Well, It is the first time I read something like that about our beloved band and, to be honest, it really shocked me. But, it is understandable, that that guy has (if any) a poor musical background while Queen has always had a very vast and large musical creativity, so I think it is such a waste of time worrying about that crap he wrote (if he really did, I don't think such an asshole could even spell his own name). |
| Joe Fabulous 21.12.2004 22:41 |
Well, It is the first time I read something like that about our beloved band and, to be honest, it really shocked me. But, it is understandable, that that guy has (if any) a poor musical background while Queen has always had a very vast and large musical creativity, so I think it is such a waste of time worrying about that crap he wrote (if he really did, I don't think such an asshole could even spell his own name). |
| QueenSite 22.12.2004 11:06 |
Everybody is free to express his own opinion. But to deny Queen's importance in music is simply silly. For example I don't like U2 or Madonna, but I can't deny they have a big role in music history |
| Johan 22.12.2004 12:11 |
At least the guy is right about U2... |
| The King Of Rhye 22.12.2004 16:04 |
All I have to say is.... Those who can, do.....those who can't, become critics..... PS....Libertines?? Wayne Sleep?? Huh?? Oh, I guess I am just an ignorant American....heh |
| Brianmay1975 23.12.2004 01:41 |
Oh well...I'm late :). I couldn't add anything more to this discussion, all the big things have been said and I totally agree with you guys, he's a loser. After all, saying smth like the only reason Queen have got away with it is Freddie's ("the old tart"?!) sense of humour... hell, this shows all his stupidity. I'm sorry for him, being to see Queen at Wembley Arena must have been a trauma to him, it's perhaps one of the things which provoked his mental disabilities... |
| F@lco 23.12.2004 11:57 |
Yeh. Whatever. Heard it ALL before, Tony. A million times. A million and one now in fact. Tony Parsons' opinion is rubbish. His books are rubbish (got to page 25 of "Man And Boy" and threw it away personally). He's rubbish. So frankly if a tosser like Tony Parsons liked Queen, it'd be a worry to me. Glad to have nothing in common with him. |
| bigc 23.12.2004 12:01 |
Tony Parsons slagged off John Peel too. So dont worry, hes a bitter man very much in the minority |
| brENsKi 23.12.2004 12:30 |
f@lco said: So frankly if a tosser like Tony Parsons liked Queen, it'd be a worry to me. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ really? and why would it be a worry to you? that is a truly odd statement.... 1. there must be millions of tossers all over the world who like queen 2. why worry about who does/doesn't like queen? |
| F@lco 23.12.2004 12:50 |
Cos I wouldn't like to think that a tosser like that would have anything relevant in common with me. Sorry if I offended you, Brenski, by calling him a tosser. Also - sorry you had trouble in following my posting. I'll try and speak a little plainer in future for you. |
| Emanuel 24.12.2004 18:14 |
dear friend, I am from Argentina and i really appreciate your reply to the nonsense published by this tabloid regarding QUEEN. You really know how to express what you think (and I agree fully with you). Congratulations!!!!! |
| Vladdy 25.12.2004 13:54 |
This is another second-hand jurnalist with no taste for music. I know that every one is entitled to their own opinion but this guys opinion is so far off that it can't be overlooked. Shame on you, Tony "second hand fucked up journalist" Parsons |
| Vladdy 25.12.2004 13:56 |
Oh...and yes........ His right about U2 |
| jasen101 26.12.2004 02:29 |
His editorial is hate driven...it only makes sense to people who hate Queen for the same reasons he does...usually jealousy, homophobia, or ignorance plays a part in it. There are many great bands that I can't stand...but I'm not going to waste my time bad mouthing them...for what? Pure shite Tony Parsons...you were a stupid git when you saw Queen at Wembley Arena and never got them...and you're a stupid git now for writing such nonscense. Fuck Off! Thank you. |
| Jean Luc 2000 26.12.2004 10:01 |
He is right!!! U2 are over rated. |
| Debbie1 26.12.2004 10:12 |
I totally disagree that Queen with Freddie were crap - in my opinion they were the best band ever but that said I do have mixed feelings about them touring with another singer - Queen were Queen and Brian and Roger touring without Freddie and John in my opinion are not Queen and should not be using the Queen name (sorry going off subject a bit here). Anyway everyone is entitled to their own opinion - I happen to think Elvis and The Beatles were hugely over-rated but I am perfectly aware that I am in the minority and I think the same applies with this guy's comments. For what it is worth in my opinion no one will ever come close to Freddie and Queen were a fantastic comibnation - with Freddie gone I don't think that can ever be re-created. Debbie |
| MatiasQueen89 26.12.2004 11:17 |
ese tipo es un puto tragaleche, se merece que lo cuelguen del forro de las pelotas por hijo de puta |
| The Real Wizard 26.12.2004 13:56 |
Debbie1 wrote: I happen to think Elvis and The Beatles were hugely over-rated but I am perfectly aware that I am in the minorityThat's good of you to admit that, but my question for you is, in terms of the Beatles, how can the only band who can be given credit for reshaping the world of popular music be considered over-rated? I agree you on with Elvis, though. Musically he is very over-rated, but you can't deny the effect he had on popular culture. |
| Gunpowder Gelatine 26.12.2004 14:56 |
That article is such a waste of time. Fans are just going to ignore the article, and those who hate Queen are just going to have their hate reaffirmed. Does he think he's going to change anybody's mind with his opinion? Why not use the article to put across bands you do like and create more publicity for them? He's trying to stir up controversy, but just ends up looking moronic. |
| Debbie1 26.12.2004 15:58 |
Sir GH, what I was trying to say is that we all have different opinions. I'm not denying that The Beatles had a huge impact on people's life and will continue to do so but I certainly don't think they were the best band in the world or the best songwriters- and as I said I am very well aware I am in the minority. Maybe over-rated isn't the best way to have described them but I was just trying to explain that we don't all think the same in terms of musical greats. Debbie |
| brENsKi 26.12.2004 16:00 |
jasen101 wrote: His editorial is hate driven...it only makes sense to people who hate Queen for the same reasons he does...usually jealousy, homophobia, or ignorance plays a part in it. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ you have clearly NEVER read ANY of his previous columns - because your reply couldn't be any more further from the truth the guy is usually so balanced and his views (although forthroght and outspoken) are usually accurate and fair - which is the whole point of my initial post really - i couldn't understand where such a fair guy was coming from my guess is - he didn't get queen and still doesn't - but that doesn't make him jealous, homophobic or ignorant - just that he sees things differently |
| malicedoom 27.12.2004 17:14 |
Yeah, I just watched their performance at Live Aid again this past weekend. Tony sure has it down pat. They sure were pure 'crap' there like all their other live performances, eh? Best thing to do (as always in cases like these) is to just let it go. WE all know how amazing Queen was/is - that's all I have to say. -Frank |
| Freddicon 28.12.2004 06:55 |
YAWN! |
| Melancholy Blues 28.12.2004 07:03 |
i don't get how you could not see some amount of talent in queen. even if you don't like someone's musiv then you should still be able to appreciate why other people like them and that they must have some amount of talent. if any thing, queen are underrated |
| surferdude66 28.12.2004 20:31 |
What a jackass! |
| freddieismyqueen 28.12.2004 20:32 |
You people are so stupid. I'm not even kidding. On all of the other Queen forums, there is a load of respect going on. You people are pathetic! Fighting over all of this trivial crap...it's a load of shit! You're pathetic! PATHETIC! You're living in the past which is sad...no Queen without Freddie. No SHIT he was the best, always will be, but he's not coming back! As much as you all want him too, he isn't! Let Brian and Roger do what they will, it's none of your fucking concern! They don't need your constant scrutiny over something so ludicrous as using a band name. They do NOT need that kind of crap. They're doing this to move on. MOVE on. Is this coming through to you people? It's hard, even after over 13 years. I've lost people 15 years ago and it's still hard. He was very close to them. Sure, he thought the band name up, but they're just as entitled to use it. Freddie wouldn't care a DAMN if they used Queen as the name. I'm sure that wherever he is...heaven, whatever...he's smiling down on them for trying. FUCK YOU. You people are sad. Pathetic. Flame me. Flame away. It's pathetic. PATHETIC. Sara Stapleton xOxL8erG8erxOx@aol.com |
| Anton Debono 03.01.2005 10:35 |
I have read this article and for me is real bullshit. No one can (within a conscience level) say that Queen were crap. If one looks at Freddie Mercury alone; one can make his own conclusions. His virtousity (both as a musician and even as a vocalist (not to mention his showman persona)was something that this planet has never encountered and never will. Even Bono admitted that Freddie is the best showman ever. All the polls speak for themselves. Guys there are alot of people outthere that like to write lies.. they have their opinion. They can say it. Its democracy. Ultimately queen will always remain the best band of this planet! |
| the oppositionist 03.01.2005 10:40 |
<marquee><font color = green>Brenski wrote: I can't wait for the flak to fly after his article in today's paper. My opinion (for what it's worth) is HE'S entitled to his opinion. I disagree with him completely. But you have to understand that his musical background was punk - so he would've been anti-everything Queen stood for - establishment, art school, public school privieged backgrounds...One thing, do you think (people) thta we can be contructive of his comments without all the apologists and "angry young men/women" jumping to stoic defence of oour band...let's hear some genuine opinion on his articel (other than "what a load of shit".....sermon over....Brenski now tosses a live grenade onto the fire....here's the article (in FULL) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ QUEEN OF THE FAKES Dec 20 2004 QUEEN to reform? Be still my beating heart. One commentator said Queen "arguably rank second only to the Beatles in British pop history". It is certainly arguable. Queen were crap with Freddie Mercury - pompous, overblown, all style and no substance - and they will be crap fronted by grizzled bluesy shouter Paul Rodgers (an odd choice - like getting Mike Tyson to stand in for Wayne Sleep). In the 30-year orgy of British groups, Queen were never more than a fake orgasm. As a punishment, my first editor once sent me to see them at Wembley Arena. It was horrible - like a pantomime for thick adults. These little islands have produced the greatest bands in popular music. The Who, Stones, Kinks, Beatles, Small Faces, Faces, Clash, Sex Pistols, Smiths, Stone Roses, Libertines - I could go on all day. Queen were never the real thing. They made a few good singles because, for all Freddie Mercury's faults - a preening emptiness being the foremost - the old tart had a sense of humour. But Queen were always the most wildly overrated band in the world. Apart from U2, of course.JESUS, this guys a cock if he thinks this is journalism! The questions hes forgot to address were: 1) if queen were so crap, explain their incredible unbeated world wide success 2) explain what the hell you mean comparing queen to the fucking libertines 3) how can a band be a 'fake orgasm' when they have three greatest hits records, over 20 albums, a twenty five year career, the greatest number one of all time, a sell out theatre show, almost the record for sell out at knebworth.... etc etc So, in a word- FUCK YOU IDIOT- GO DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE YOU WRITE A PIECE OF CRAP LIKE THIS |
| the oppositionist 03.01.2005 10:42 |
Sorry, you wanted serious answers. Well, having dabled in journalism myself, its great to have an opinion, but this one is really badly researched and the comparisons he makes are completely pointless. Besides, the Daily Mirror hate queen and always have, ask brian... |
| Anton Debono 03.01.2005 10:49 |
Guys I wolud raelly like to know an avaerage figure of Queen worlwide sales. I have tried to search myself but what I ve found was not actuallu correct I believe. It figured that Queen sold 80 million Albums - I guess that there were more sales what you think? Can please someone reply with a more believable figure!! |
| Anton Debono 03.01.2005 10:49 |
Guys I wolud raelly like to know an avaerage figure of Queen worlwide sales. I have tried to search myself but what I ve found was not actuallu correct I believe. It figured that Queen sold 80 million Albums - I guess that there were more sales what you think? Can please someone reply with a more believable figure!! |
| the oppositionist 03.01.2005 10:55 |
freddieismyqueen wrote: You people are so stupid. I'm not even kidding. On all of the other Queen forums, there is a load of respect going on. You people are pathetic! Fighting over all of this trivial crap...it's a load of shit! You're pathetic! PATHETIC! You're living in the past which is sad...no Queen without Freddie. No SHIT he was the best, always will be, but he's not coming back! As much as you all want him too, he isn't! Let Brian and Roger do what they will, it's none of your fucking concern! They don't need your constant scrutiny over something so ludicrous as using a band name. They do NOT need that kind of crap. They're doing this to move on. MOVE on. Is this coming through to you people? It's hard, even after over 13 years. I've lost people 15 years ago and it's still hard. He was very close to them. Sure, he thought the band name up, but they're just as entitled to use it. Freddie wouldn't care a DAMN if they used Queen as the name. I'm sure that wherever he is...heaven, whatever...he's smiling down on them for trying. FUCK YOU. You people are sad. Pathetic. Flame me. Flame away. It's pathetic. PATHETIC. Sara Stapleton xOxL8erG8erxOx@aol.comYo, darling, chill! Some of us on here tend to analyse our favourite band, not just praise them for taking a breath ok? We want the same as you do. By asking these questions we get to understand the thoughts of others and we should respect that, no matter what they say. So should you. |