Thoughts on the tour

Fairy 11.03.2005 15:10	Hi guys! I’m new to this forum so maybe this has been discussed before. I have some views on the Queen tour which I’d like to share to find out if anyone agrees with me. I chose not to go to hear Queen and PR. I just can’t stand hearing someone else sing Freddie’s songs. I know many bands carry on with a different singer, but at least they do record new stuff. They don’t try to makebelieve things can be the same. This Queen show, as I understand it, is mainly going to feature the old stuff sung by someone else. Paul Roger’s voice btw has nothing to do with Freddie’s (not that anybody else can get even close…but George Michael, or Robbie Williams would have probably been better choices, in my opinion). I’m deeply convinced that Freddie wouldn’t have made it big without the rest of the band, and I know Brian and Roger are the best musicians in the world! It’s very hard for me to miss all that. But I guess that attending the concert would be worse for me…It would make me very depressed. The rest of Queen could have been so creative even after Freddie left. They had so much to give to the world of music…they are great artists. They should not spend their time just replaying the old songs, because nothing will be like before. I’d like to know if anyone big Queen and Freddie fan out there has similar feelings. Anyway thanks for reading and take care Freddie’s Fairy
hcrvelin 11.03.2005 16:37	I don't share your views. I thinks Queen as we know it is something that used to be. Dot. There is no way to get that back since Freddie is gone. However Queen is not just Freddie but rather other 3 members as well. Two of them decided to go on with what they know best - playing music - and joined with Paul for a tour. I welcome that as: a) I will see that live b) I will hear some music which meant alot to me before and they part of that c) I will probably hear/see some new approaches to those old bits and here some new I believe dicussions about Freddie replacement are pointless. Brian did say that many times before. There is no replacement for Freddie and that part of Queen is past. Show must go on and goes now with Queen + PR. I will give them a chance. I will always do that probably as their are all great individuals. Being together can only mean great music. And that's why I'll be there on the gig. Being fan of Freddie doesn't mean Queen should stop if he is not around. Queen is not Freddie. There are other people and they have right to go on the same way as they did before. That is my view.
Hitman 11.03.2005 19:32	Ciao Fairy, per prima cosa "benvenuta a bordo" :) forse sei tropo presa dalle emozioni di che Freddie ci regalava, però... Brian & Roger want to perform for us one more time, it's from my point of view a gift that i can't refuse.I'm just 22yo and no chance to see a Queen concert, even if it's a bit different from "old" Queen with freddie though it's not possible to have him between us. So i respect your point of view but this next tour will be according to me a great occasion to live again the Queen era. ciao!
Fairy 12.03.2005 05:35	Hi guys! Thanks for replying to my posts. I do agree with you on many points. I know Roger and Brian are incredibly talented artists, with or without Freddie, and that if it hadn't been for them Freddie wouldn't have become what he was. But I'm also disappointed with them. The show must go on, of course. Then why didn't they produce any hit after Freddie? We all agree they are great musicians even without Freddie. They could have stayed together as a 3-man band (No-one but you was marvellous!), or they could have acquired another singer and carried on being a real rock band. Instead, all they did was perform old hits presented in different ways: a musical, Queen Greatest Hits III featuring remixes of the old hits, and now this tour with a good singer with whom however they haven’t produced any new music. If they had gone on tour as a 3-piece band, or with anew singer but after producing new stuff as a real band, I would have been first in line to get my ticket. I see old bands getting together after many years and going again on tour. Take Rolling Stones, for example. They surely sing old songs too, but they also released new music. Don’t get me wrong. I respect your opinion and I was very undecided about going or not going so I don’t see this as black or white. I have the deepest admiration for the rest of Queen. Hitman is right (di dove sei a proposito? Io sono di Parma!). I am very much emotionally attached to Freddie on a personal level because his energy has saved my life, so I may be biased. But I do recognize the essential importance of the rest of the band. It’s just, to me a tour like this doesn’t follow the imperative of “The show must go on”. I wonder if I’m the only Queen fan to feel this way…I know I’ll mis great music. But I’ll also avoid the big disappointment. Thanks again for reading my posts! Ciao Fairy Queen
hcrvelin 12.03.2005 13:26	Tour doesn't always need to be promotion of a new songs/album even this is a standard approach. When it comes to Queen then you had in reality two things: a) there was a certain demand by fan base to get those guys back to studio or stage, but also if Queen name should be put on hold forever. b) certain remaining band members wanted to do something themselves In both a) and b), no matter how hard it might sound, Freddie icon was a heavy weight which they had to bypass somehow and get on with their lives. Hopefully BM and RT were able to do that (b point) - we will see that soon. Fans can help allot. When it comes to point a) we all know from past threads that there are fans who agree they should go on and those against as that is not Queen anymore, then those who disagree with Queen name usage, then new singer or not, then what singer, etc... Cruel reality says that - according to what history is teaching us and psychology - if Queen+PR will be success then soon all fans will love them. If it fails for some reason then all this issues will be brought back to focus (once again). As Freddie and Queen after him are topics where we can't find common agreement sometimes so it was I believe for remaining Queen members. RT and BM believe they found again with PR that "band feeling" and here they are. Fans should not expect Queen as it was - that is not possible because Freddie was showman and voice like no one else and you can't replace that in future shows. So, it has to be different - it has to have new approach and it has to be new standard from now on. It's going to be different because it is no longer Queen but rather Queen+PR. When it comes to a new stuff, I believe time was not there for that. If everything really started by the end of 2004 and rehearsals during mid Feb then I don't expect new stuff really. But the concert itself and process behind might result in new songs and new album(s). I must say that I would not love to see new album coming out now before concert. First, it means they would need to have at least few songs available that could hit the top and album should be accepted by both fan bases (Queen and PR). This kind of risky seeing when they started to work together. Second, I do not wish now to trade 4-5 old songs for songs from a new album. Don't forget that there are going to be PR's song too that need to fit the gig time. So PR's song+new song would be 50% of the concert at least and remaing would be old stuff. I prefer to see old known hits by both Queen and PR. A new stuff can come later, perhaps end of this or start of the next year. I believe this tour can only help them to make a good album if they find themselves as a band during the while tour. I see the future like this: a) Queen+PR will do the tour which is going to be success - no reason why it shouldn't be as they will play their great songs after all so it is secure thing. After that live DVD will be released with bonus disk of new songs and that's it. No more Queen+PR. b) Queen+PR will continue their joint venture where live DVD will be released followed by a new song. A new album would come out somewhere Q4. I'm just wondering would that be before or after tour in North and South America :)
D@VID 12.03.2005 15:13	As someone old enough to have seen Queen,The Tribute Concert,Brian and Roger seperately live I have no doubts that the concerts will be nothing but awesome. Of course there is NO ONE out there to replace Freddie but having seen Brian and Roger live the real magic of Queen is THE MUSIC.That is what we are all going for.I guarentee when the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody,Ga-Ga,We Will Rock You are pounding out it won't matter if Gareth Gates was up there singing.Just the sheer power of Brians guitar washing over you will be enough to send you to Queen heaven. I am going there to hear the songs that have shaped my life for as long as I care to remember.Everyone of them a memory to a far of time. Bring it on
Fairy 13.03.2005 04:30
Fairy 13.03.2005 04:37	Hi again guys, I know you’re right on lots of things. I know I will miss the greatest music in the world. But think of one thing: if Freddie was still alive and singing with Queen, would you like it if the band didn’t release any new material for 14 years and then decided to go on tour with their old songs? Wouldn’t you think they wasted so much time and talent? Wouldn’t you be disappointed? Remember that Freddie made new music till the day he died. Though he knew he was dying, he still wanted to produce hits that would inspire people, and shape people’s lives (I totally agree). That was the real meening of “The show must go on”. The power and talent of Roger and Brian are not in question. Nobody who listens to Queen even once can deny that! I’m certain the tour will be a success. I think my reluctance to go is based on the principle that you shouldn’t simply try to recapture magic that is gone, but rather integrate it into new projects which can inspire old and new fans. I loved Brian’s “Back to the light” album. I think he and Roger could do a whole lot more than just replay old hits. Then of course the old hits should always be part of the lineup. If they will come out with a new album and become a real band again, I’ll be the first in line to get a ticket, at any price! Then I will be finally able to enjoy these fantastic musicians, and also celebrate Freddie with thousands of his fans. Thanks for listening Fairy Queen
hcrvelin 13.03.2005 05:23	I always thought of "THSMGO" as song dedicated to the fans rather then to band members. It's easy to say that life should go on, but it is different thing in reality. I found myself many times giving a good and correct advice, but when I had to apply them on myself I was escaping from that doing opposite to what should be correct thing to do. In all those cases it was kind of "show must go on" situation (love, loss of family member, etc). Freddie was band member but also close friend to BM, RT and JD. I believe more than death of Freddie they were influenced by all those times while being with him and looking at him as he was getting weaker and weaker. Without anything they could do. That must be terrible and it gives rather big shock. So it takes time to put that behind. Just try to imagine yourself in such position. It is the music that counts now and we will all be out there for that same music. To use one of the Freddie's line (and change it a bit); it's just a fucking concert :) Go out, sing and make it go on as much as possible.
Fairy 13.03.2005 06:32	Hi hcrvelin, “it's just a fucking concert :) Go out, sing and make it go on as much as possible.” It is very true. I think our attitude on the tour and all highly depends on our way of approaching things. If one is able to see it this way – just go out and have fun – I’m sure they will have a ball at the concert, because no doubt there is going to be great music and great performances by excellent artists. Unfortunately I’m not able to experience it this way. To me “The show must go on” means literally to go on, not to dwell in the past. I think the concert would make me very melancholic, and probably sad. But again, if a fan is able to perceive it as a great opportunity to hear great music, then it will be a wonderful evening. I don’t know what Freddie would think (or thinks) about this. Yes, he probably would just smile reading these posts and say: “just do whatever you feel like doing, dear!”. But I wonder if he wouldn’t be disappointed at the total lack of creativity shown by the rest of the band in almost 15 years. He sure wasn’t the type of guy who liked to do the same thing again and again. He always longed for change; he hated boredom and repetition. He said so in many interviews. I know it must have been heartbreaking for the guys to see him go, so slowly. I’m sure it took them lots of time to recover. But suffering doesn’t make one less creative. On the contrary. Take “No one but you”, or take the wonderful Brian album “Back to the light”. It came out very soon after Freddie’s death, wasn’t it 1993? Brian was certainly still in the deepest part of his greif, yet he produced a wonderful and inspiring album, which I guess in his heart he dedicated to Freddie. Listening to this album gave me the opportunity to fully appreciate Brian as an artist, but also to feel a bit of Freddie lived on, and could still give new sensations. Back to the light is a wonderful, inspiring phrase. To me it meant that after all that terrible sadness, there was still a light, a way out, and new adventures to embark on. Thank you for replying to my posts. It really helped to share my views on this. Of course we cannot all agree on everything, but we all love Queen and Freddie. I sincerely hope the tour goes well, and that this will give rise to new projects. I hope Brian and Roger realize how much they still can transmit to their fans through their own creativity, always keeping Freddie’s memory alive. Take care Fairy Queen
Arden Street 13.03.2005 07:35	Howdy all, first post in these parts. Long time fan etc etc Fairy Queen, in theory I agree with everything you say. Being a bit removed from it here in Melbourne it has appeared at times that May/Taylor are happy to chase the gravy train at times and if you can cough up the $ you could probably get Queen to perform at your school fete... It's not the same thing anymore. ...But... Living where you do, you have an opportunity to see something that a hell of a lot of us - probably millions - would kill to see. No it's not the real thing, never can be, but it's a fix, it's something. Do the right thing and see them if you can! The nearest I've got was getting to see Brian play a solo gig (which was not publicised one iota btw) here 7 years ago and that was fantastic. But you have the chance to see a show even more advanced than that. I can't imagine your memories and feelings being compromised by seeing this variation. If it's shit, cest la vie. However.. what if it's just a little bit special? Any Queen fan over there surely can't risk not seeing it! If they do, I'll personally come over there and kick their bloody arse for them!
Fairy 13.03.2005 08:27	Hi Arden Street! Well even if I changed my mind the shows are all sold out LOL. I'm not sure a fix is better than nothing...Personally I'm afraid I would find it all very depressing. But maybe you're right. Time will tell, and if they ever decide to release new stuff and come back to the future from the past I'll be so happy I may spend hundreds of Euro to see them!! Have a great day Fairy Queen
Arden Street 13.03.2005 09:53	Fairy wrote: Time will tell, and if they ever decide to release new stuff and come back to the future from the past I'll be so happy I may spend hundreds of Euro to see them!! Mate, if that happens I'll gladly pay for your ticket to the big show!
pastieman 13.03.2005 20:30	Fairy, you say that BM and RT have done nothing creative for 15 years, what about both of their solo stuff, albums and tours, and WWRY show? WWRY has been running in London for almost 3 years, which both have spent time on in the UK and other parts of the world, plus the time it took to put the show together in the first place, is this not being creative? From reading your comments, I think that you have not been to any of Brians or Rogers shows, NOBODY forgets Freddie at them. When Brian sang Love of my life at Brixton, Freddies name was chanted for a long time before and after he/we sang, this was cut from the CD and video due to time. I am sure it was the same at every gig he did. And when Roger/we sing these are the days, its the same thing, both always make some ref to Freddie once sung. Yes its sad, and it reminds those of us there how much we miss him and what he meant and gave to us all, but we sing along because thats what he would want to see and hear, its our way of remembering the great man. Brian and Roger are moving on, this is a new venture for them with a different singer, they have taken their time, but now they feel the time is right. Yes a lot of Queen songs will be sung, but differently, as Brian said, taking the songs to a new place, but from this, the foundations could be set for new stuff with PR in the future. You have to start rebuilding somewhere, that somewhere is here and now. We wont forget Freddie at these gigs, or anyothers in the future, why? because we will sing for him and remember him when these songs are sung, even though our emotions will be on a rollercoaster ride.
Fairy 14.03.2005 06:30	Hi Pastieman, I don’t know if making a musical with old hits is really being creative…And as I understand it, none of the solo stuff will be sung during this tour. This tour is just about replaying the old stuff, with a singer who I’m not sure can be up to the task. But you sure have a point…The concerts will be a great opportunity for fans to celebrate Freddie. This is the only reason why I sometimes wonder if I’ve done the right thing by choosing not to go. I certainly will miss that celebration. I know nobody forgets him, neither the band nor the fans. Fairy Queen
maxpower 14.03.2005 08:07	i agree with fair... if they'd gone into a studio actually made some new music under the queen/prodgers banner & then toured its somthing authentic, tours wold sell out anyway new material plus the vast back catalogue this is the safer option chooses a set list of 20 plus songs of two combined careers you cant fail, maybe this will be a one off ie this tour & may be ore permanent lets face it they aint getting any younger, i may go to Hyde Park in the summer but good on them for getting back to playing live, rather than the milking of the bands name which they said they'd never do (but they have)

QueenZone discussion #488129

Thoughts on the tour