| Wet Willie 18.08.2005 07:58 |
Since John Deacon has resigned from Queen, have you also noticed how he's being ignored on all levels. I had another look at the "Bowl" DVD last night and noticed we get plenty of Brian, Roger & Freddie, but not too much of John. So OK, he hadn't a great stage presence, but is still 1/4 of the band. Compilations: Too many Brian & Roger tunes. John did contribute great singles to the band too, yet they seemed to be eclipsed in the releases after 1995. Have you also notived this? |
| Little_Queenie 18.08.2005 09:39 |
Yes, John did have some great songs, but not as much as Freddie or Brian. It's just a simple fact, so nothing weird he's less mentioned on DVD's than the rest of them. Of course compilations too will have more Brian's songs than John's when Brian wrote much more than John. |
| Serry... 18.08.2005 10:27 |
I don't think so... I don't think that Gavin Taylor has something against John... |
| kagezan1313 01.09.2005 01:55 |
I think we see less of him just about everywhere because John is a weinee. He's always been the butt of Queen's jokes. Look at his intro on Magic Years - after 5 seconds of stammering during an interview, they cut away. Look at Live in Budapest - during the personal segments, while everyone else is doing something exciting, there's John in a park, being a weinee and talking to some little English girl about where she lives. Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise. Being a rock frontman myself, I must say from my experience that for all they contribute, they are also awefully picky, opinionated, and usually just a pain in the ass to live with. Yes, John Deacon wrote some good songs, but both on and off stage he had all the charisma of a wet tea bag. |
| teleman 01.09.2005 02:45 |
kagezan1313 wrote: Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise. Being a rock frontman myself, I must say from my experience that for all they contribute, they are also awefully picky, opinionated, and usually just a pain in the ass to live with.I've been a working musician for most of the last 25 years and from my experience a rhythm section can make or break a band. The good ones aren't noticed until they aren't there. (In my youthful arrogance I fired some good bassists and drummers and really missed their skill when I had to endure less skilled musicians) An educated ear can tell, no rhythm section no band. John Deacon is a good bassist capable of laying down a groove ala James Jamerson, Jerry Jemmot or Duck Dunn or playing a melodic rock line ala Chris Squire. He did the job required within Queen which didn't draw attention to himself. He also has been credited with making business decisions which made Queen alot of money. |
| Fenderek 01.09.2005 04:15 |
Serry... wrote: I don't think so... I don't think that Gavin Taylor has something against John...It's not gavin- it's John who was hiding in the darkest corners of the stage. I mean- should we have a camera chasing John on DVD, trying to find him? :) |
| FriedChicken 01.09.2005 07:43 |
John is dead, the rest of the band thought it was too painful to include him in the DVD :P |
| Little_Queenie 01.09.2005 08:06 |
Oh dear... :// |
| deleted user 01.09.2005 09:56 |
yes but you notice how they play Another One Bites The Dust on the Q+PR tour yet at no point they say anything along the lines of "heres another great song, by a great friend, John Deacon"? no they go straight into it, no intro about it, and afterwards nothing about it, it is played and thats it! its like "thanks John, we will use your song but you will get no thanks from it cos you resigned!" the only way iv noticed John being remembered is in the TATDOOL and Bo Rhap vids used on the tour, with images of him shown. thats about it! |
| Serry... 01.09.2005 10:08 |
Roger usually said something about John before I Want To Break Free on his solo tours. |
| Krizzy 01.09.2005 11:55 |
No way! He's making a mint are you joking! |
| Sebastian 01.09.2005 13:05 |
> They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them That's the most absurd comment I've ever seen here (and there have been many) Bass is way more than "background noise". It's imo the most important instrument besides drums |
| Suigi 01.09.2005 13:19 |
kagezan1313 wrote: Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise.Fnurr? John Entwhistle was a "weinee"? Michael Anthony is a "weinee"? |
| kagezan1313 01.09.2005 16:25 |
Okay, I take back the "little" out of wienee. There may be bassists of large physical stature. They're still wienees though. And as for bass being the most important instrument besides drums, I've never seen a "bass solo" during a show, never heard anyone say "Hey, listen to that incredible bass!" I'll happily add Flea to the list of bassists who are cool, but that's it. With people like Jack White doing away with bass altogether, I see a light at the end of the tunnel as far as these moody scourges of music go. And honestly, who amongst you could honestly say that John Deacon was a visual draw during a live Queen show? The other three at least did more than bob up and down in place like a wet tea bag. As for accountancy for the band, I've read that with the exception of the Magic tour, every tour they did put the band in the hole. Where was Mr. Deacon then? |
| Adam Baboolal 01.09.2005 17:59 |
Yikes, why would anyone want to sit and talk about John or any bassist in such a way? Btw, didn't the on fire dvd actually come from two pre-recorded video feeds that were made on the day? In other words, isn't that all the footage that exists and therefore had nothing to do with post-95 editing decisions? Btw, why should Bri or Rog have to mention John when they play a song of his? When John didn't show up for any of the big awards over the last few years, I've thought it a bit insulting to the band he was once part of. I've never been happy with those kind of decisions where he didn't show up for at least one of those big awards, like HOF in the USA. And remember that Brian has stated many times before that John is happy with whatever Bri or Rog do with Queen. So if he doesn't bother to make any kind of contact, why should Bri or Rog have to say anything about John? Isn't that what John wants. Peace, Adam. |
| Winter Land Man 01.09.2005 18:03 |
Chrirons wrote: Since John Deacon has resigned from Queen, have you also noticed how he's being ignored on all levels. I had another look at the "Bowl" DVD last night and noticed we get plenty of Brian, Roger & Freddie, but not too much of John. So OK, he hadn't a great stage presence, but is still 1/4 of the band. Compilations: Too many Brian & Roger tunes. John did contribute great singles to the band too, yet they seemed to be eclipsed in the releases after 1995. Have you also notived this?John had the highest charting single to date :) |
| Winter Land Man 01.09.2005 18:03 |
Little_Queenie wrote: Yes, John did have some great songs, but not as much as Freddie or Brian. It's just a simple fact, so nothing weird he's less mentioned on DVD's than the rest of them. Of course compilations too will have more Brian's songs than John's when Brian wrote much more than John.John and Roger and Freddie had more hits than Brian! :) |
| kdj2hot 01.09.2005 19:14 |
kagezan1313 wrote: Okay, I take back the "little" out of wienee. There may be bassists of large physical stature. They're still wienees though. And as for bass being the most important instrument besides drums, I've never seen a "bass solo" during a show, never heard anyone say "Hey, listen to that incredible bass!" I'll happily add Flea to the list of bassists who are cool, but that's it. With people like Jack White doing away with bass altogether, I see a light at the end of the tunnel as far as these moody scourges of music go. And honestly, who amongst you could honestly say that John Deacon was a visual draw during a live Queen show? The other three at least did more than bob up and down in place like a wet tea bag. As for accountancy for the band, I've read that with the exception of the Magic tour, every tour they did put the band in the hole. Where was Mr. Deacon then?IMO, you'll never develop as a "musician" with that attitude, the bass makes or breaks bandsm songs, album. If you don't understand that concept, you'll never be much of an artist. |
| Adam Baboolal 01.09.2005 20:11 |
Have to admit, bass is a very important part. It can make or break a song. And it really drives things along. I wrote a song back in 2002 and the bass part really makes the song. I often feel that without it it wouldn't be as effective. It really showed me that it can be just as important as any other instrumentation included in a track. Peace, Adam. |
| kagezan1313 02.09.2005 12:37 |
Oh, for God's sake! I love bassists. My bassist is a guitar virtuoso. He plays bass instead of lead or rhythm because he chooses to. And anyone who knows about live performance knows that bass and vocals support each other directly. I just enjoy the odd flame, if the comedic aspects of my rants weren't evident. I have, however, never liked John Deacon. The chronic bad hair, the squinty eyes and turtle-head manorisms, not to mention the closed-mouth smiles (at least Freddie had a reason to be self-conscious) Later the alcoholism, the DUI, the whole stripper thing, etc. Just a goof, in my opinion. He just seemed not to belong amid the other three. The one thing he did for which I respect him greatly though was to acknowledge that Queen ceased to exist when Freddie died. That's not intended as a flame for Queen + PR fans. I know Brian and Roger need to do this one last time to cleanse their souls and say goodbye to a life they were forced to leave too soon. They just could have picked a new name tied to Queen, (a la Velvet Revolver) like "The Champions" or such. Perhaps John would have taken part. |
| deleted user 02.09.2005 15:36 |
I remember watching something ...one guy explained Brian the guitarist...and talked about what he did for the band, same with Roger and Freddie and then he said "and John the bass player" I was waiting for more, but that was it it. |
| 7Innuendo7 02.09.2005 18:39 |
bass is the link between beat and hook. Deacon is a genius, but listen to "When Doves Cry" -- one exception of a great tune w/o bass |
| Forever88 02.09.2005 19:39 |
Suigi wrote:Don't forget John Paul Jones!kagezan1313 wrote: Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise.Fnurr? John Entwhistle was a "weinee"? Michael Anthony is a "weinee"? |
| ok.computer 02.09.2005 20:45 |
kagezan1313 wrote: [SNIP] Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise. Being a rock frontman myself, I must say from my experience that for all they contribute, they are also awefully picky, opinionated, and usually just a pain in the ass to live with.Weeeeeeeeeeell, lookee here, y'all. Here's someone who's just looking to be flamed! And y'know what? I think I'm the man to do it! It's 1.00am, I've had a lot to drink, and frankly, this sort of post quite upsets my appreciation of that most excellent of post-drinkie fixes, the kebab. So firstly, may I apologise - those who know my posts know I'm respectful of all opinions. Secondly, I'm about to use the foulest of language. Blame the drink. Your post obviously emanates from the orifice of one who does not know or appreciate the work of John Entwistle or Jack Bruce, or the aforementioned James Jamerson, Jaco Pastorius, Phil Lynott, Stefan Lessard, John Paul Jones, Les Claypool or even our own dear Deaky. We play bass because we like the rumble, the vibe through the floor...we like being that musical bit between the guitar and the drums. We like playing bass, because when we do it well, when we show a little flash, when we play a little fill, people notice and comment. They don't get bored the way they do with widdly-widdly-speed-freak guitarists. And the reason that we are picky, opinionated pains in the ass? We have to live with ego-heavy, small-penised, talentless (and I use the word advisedly) "frontmen" By the way, "being a frontman" yourself, perhaps you could enlighten this forum as to sharing your canon of well-known work? Deaky only managed a couple of number ones. Did you do better...? Also, "being a rock frontman" you must have access to some nice studio equipment. The next time you're in the studio, please take a few minutes to take the following songs with you, and remove the bass track. Listen to these songs without the bass and then tell me how they sound. "Being a rock frontman", then, "pretty shit" should be your answer. The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. The Millionaire's Waltz (that's by Queen, by the way). 5.15 or Dreaming from the Waist Down by The Who, especially any live versions. Wild is the Wind by David Bowie. I could go on, but your record collection probably doesn't stretch that far. By the way, you talked about John Deacon's "closed mouth smile", his "turtle head mannerisms" and lots of other great observations. Do you feel Brian's hair is stupid? Perhaps you don't like Freddie's teeth? Maybe you feel Roger's attempts at remaining young with liberal use of the hairdye are cringeworthy? Or is it because you are the physical embodiment of physical and musical perfection, that you are able to make these in-depth comments? Apologies for my spelling, erratic grammar etc. I don't usually lower myself to ping-pong arguments in here. However, due to the drink, I will make an exception on this occasion, only because I've been riled and disturbed from my kebab by an arrogant little cunt like you. I thank you, and goodnight. |
| Richy Mercury 02.09.2005 20:50 |
When did John use a hooker? DUI? He is a drunk? huh? |
| Crazy LittleThing 02.09.2005 23:54 |
Thank God someone mentioned the late great Phil Lynott! The Doobie Brothers' bassist is a guy named Skylark who is a dynamo. Good bass player, with a good voice, and good moves. The guy's all over the stage. Lots of fun to watch and listen to. Bassists tend to be overlooked . . . it's unfair. I ALWAYS thought John Deacon was cool. Still do. Couldn't give a **** about his personal life as it's none of my business. He's a good musician and he had the stones to branch out into funk, and did it well. I LIKE that he wasn't totally comfortable in front of the camera. Sorry to disagree, but John Deacon is indeed one cool dude. |
| john bodega 03.09.2005 00:36 |
QueenForeverTwo : "I remember watching something ...one guy explained Brian the guitarist...and talked about what he did for the band, same with Roger and Freddie and then he said "and John the bass player" I was waiting for more, but that was it it." You were watching Queen : Is This the Real Life? and watching Bob Geldof talking about the band. I love that bit. It's totally true though, John Deacon is nothing more than a good bass player. That's not a dig. Ok - I don't like it when someone has the attention of the world, and they choose to sort of not use it. But at the same time it's totally respectable of him to choose a quieter lifestyle. It actually suggests quite a strong character really, that he is better than a lot of people who can't function properly once they've become BIG. Mega Big. Heh. He might be a boring twat, but he's got my respect. |
| EraserHead 03.09.2005 21:39 |
John Deacon is a great bassist and without him queen would be missing 1/4 of what made them great. I dont see it fit to bad mouth him just because he hasnt joined in on any recent queen+ adventures. He is a family man at heart (just listen to the lyrics of Your My Best Friend) and a normal guy (as shown of the Live at Budapest behind the scenes shots) so I think its perfectly fine that he has retired. Roger and Brian can easily keep the Queen legend alive without him but that doesnt mean we have to go acting like hes a traitor or anything. It would be great to see him on stage one last time, but if that never happens its not the end of the world. |
| spymyshadow 05.09.2005 09:56 |
[ They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise.
Good God.... Don't tell that the more an instrument shows off, the more difficult it is to play! So, experienced frontman, why don't you make up a band without a bass? I'm curious to hear what it sounds like. |
| kagezan1313 05.09.2005 14:26 |
I love people who reply without reading the rest of the thread. You kind of missed the boat on that one, ok.computer. But thanks for the lovely flame though, it was exactly what I was hoping for...about a week ago. |
| NOTWMEDDLE 06.09.2005 02:44 |
Mike Rutherford is a great bass player too. Roger Waters as well(listen to his playing on Pink Floyd at Pompeii or any ROIO from the Animals tour on the WYWH set, especially Shine On You Crazy Diamond Parts 6-9, how he can play one riff for a long time is tricky) |
| ok.computer 06.09.2005 11:22 |
kagezan1313 wrote: I love people who reply without reading the rest of the thread. You kind of missed the boat on that one, ok.computer. But thanks for the lovely flame though, it was exactly what I was hoping for...about a week ago.Actually it was about a week ago at which I posted that reply, and I did read the rest of the thread, even with alcohol in me. Re-read the post, it may make more sense to you. The flame was no problem. I'm not normally that sort of person, but I always keep a spare bit of bile handy, just for when the occasion demands. As it did then. |
| VGB 07.09.2005 03:41 |
to adress the original post, your "John is being cut out" conspiracy must go all the way back to 1982 because I'm pretty sure those camera angles on the bowl DVD were cut to on the spot while filming it live, I play bass and I think John got a decent amount of coverage where it mattered, also although the angles seem limited, I think out of all the official DVD's the bowl one has some of the best editing/directing I have seen. |
| deleted user 07.09.2005 13:16 |
FriedChicken<br><font size=1>The Almighty</font> wrote: John is dead, the rest of the band thought it was too painful to include him in the DVD :PWell, they didn't seem to have that problem with Freddie... :P |
| great king rat 1138 08.09.2005 07:15 |
kagezan1313 wrote: I've never seen a "bass solo" during a show, never heard anyone say "Hey, listen to that incredible bass!"Ever heard of Cliff Burton? That guy did stuff with a bass that most people wouldn't dream of doing with a guitar - Check out Anasthaesia(Pulling Teeth) on Metallica's 'Kill Em All' album, and tell me that the bass is an unnecessary instrument, knobhead! |
| Lord Blackadder 08.09.2005 08:02 |
Name me a big John Deacon hit except for You're My Best Friend, AOBTD & IWTBF. |
| @ndy38 08.09.2005 08:36 |
Spread Your Wings made the top 40 in the UK. And was included in the Queen Greatest Flix video. |
| great king rat 1138 08.09.2005 08:58 |
Lord Blackadder wrote: Name me a big John Deacon hit except for You're My Best Friend, AOBTD & IWTBF.Friends will be friends co-written by John and Freddie |
| @ndy38 08.09.2005 10:30 |
And Roger has about the same amount of hits as John. Radio Ga Ga, It's a Kind Of Magic, These are the Days of Our lives, Breakthru. |
| great king rat 1138 09.09.2005 03:56 |
<font color=black>andylamb_38 wrote: And Roger has about the same amount of hits as John. Radio Ga Ga, It's a Kind Of Magic, These are the Days of Our lives, Breakthru.and roger's a gimp, while John's not! |
| Moustache 09.09.2005 10:48 |
I think it is not that exciting to see a bass player... people prefer seeing Brian's solos or Rogers heavy drumming and most of all Freddie's performance... So it is normal that John is not that much in front of the camera |
| Adam Baboolal 09.09.2005 10:53 |
Moustache wrote: I think it is not that exciting to see a bass player...You've obviously never seen guys like this - link Peace, Adam. |
| 7drylegs+1wet1 10.09.2005 10:53 |
kagezan1313 wrote: Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise. Being a rock frontman myself, I must say from my experience that for all they contribute, they are also awefully picky, opinionated, and usually just a pain in the ass to live with. Yes, John Deacon wrote some good songs, but both on and off stage he had all the charisma of a wet tea bag.Gary Oldman is a bass player. He doesn't sound like a wet tea bag to me. |
| deleted user 28.01.2006 17:41 |
Suigi wrote:Paul McCartney is a " weinee "?kagezan1313 wrote: Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise.Fnurr? John Entwhistle was a "weinee"? Michael Anthony is a "weinee"? |
| DavidRFuller 28.01.2006 19:36 |
He was the base player. Base players are't shown much. No respect! |
| Brian_Mays_Wig 29.01.2006 18:42 |
<font color=red> queen 2 wrote:Yes!Suigi wrote:Paul McCartney is a " weinee "?kagezan1313 wrote: Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise.Fnurr? John Entwhistle was a "weinee"? Michael Anthony is a "weinee"? |
| Togg 31.01.2006 08:12 |
So many people with so little knowledge all in one space! " I've never heard of a Bass solo" never seen The Who then? "I don't know any lead bass players" not come across Stanley Clark or Mark King then? Anyone that thinks Bass is not an important part of a song is just plain ignorant, try listening to your albums for the bass part. As for John being cut out, IT WAS HIS DECISION TO LEAVE |
| Bobby_brown 31.01.2006 10:00 |
Brian_Mays_Wig wrote:Joe DiMaio is a Weinee?<font color=red> queen 2 wrote:Yes!Suigi wrote:Paul McCartney is a " weinee "?kagezan1313 wrote: Other than Gene Simmons, most bassists are little weinees. They are usually playing bass because real guitar is too challenging for them, so they take up residence in the background, making background noise.Fnurr? John Entwhistle was a "weinee"? Michael Anthony is a "weinee"? Take care |
| carboengine 31.01.2006 14:40 |
Talk about band members being left out, on LIVE AID, except for the sound, you wouldn't even know there was anyone else on stage besides Freddie. I haven't watched Wembley in awhile, but there is an option where you can watch the individual band members uncut. John has his own spotlight there. I used to think John didn't move much on stage or had much visual action there until I saw It's A Miracle with that little kid imitating him. I'll be darned. John does have his own quirky movements. |
| Micrówave 31.01.2006 15:49 |
kagezan1313 wrote: And anyone who knows about live performance knows that bass and vocals support each other directly.WHAT?!?!?! They're totally different. Mark King and Paul McCartney are the only two I know that can really sing and play. Love Chris Squire, but he couldn't be Jon. |
| The prophet's song 31.01.2006 18:59 |
Can I just say, John has always and will always be my favourite, and I was highly dissapointed to see no John interviews on the Bowl DVD, and there should have put one on because he is a member of Queen, and it is a Queen DVD after all. But one thing I wonder is on the commentarys on the 'Greatest video hits I & II' DVD's, how come you only hear John talking on a few songs (by few, I mean 1 or 2), and even then it is obvious that they were from another interview. What's the story with that, did he not want to or did they not even ask him? |
| Togg 01.02.2006 07:32 |
He is a very private person, and doesn't like to speak on camera or in person sometimes. I met him once and he was charming, but very wary of me. |
| john bodega 02.02.2006 06:37 |
First of all, stop defending bass players. People who shit on bass players DO NOT KNOW *ANYTHING* ABOUT MUSIC, so we can instantly discard and ignore anything they say in a musical discussion. John Deacon was a boring guy, I'll admit, but you can never ever (with a straight face) cast aspersions on his ability as a bass player. And... for Fucks sake, he *cut himself out* of Queen. Jesus, is it that hard to understand?? |
| NOTWMEDDLE 03.02.2006 02:12 |
Roger Waters is a bass player yet one of rock's greatest songwriters. |
| john bodega 03.02.2006 11:26 |
" excuse me, im a bassist? first of all bass takes TECHNIQUE, you can say "oh any idiot can play bass" and any idiot can play guitar too! try slapping, try plucking, try harmonics, its not that easy to execute the perfect sound. go up on a stage, play some decent bass to keep the GUITARIST in line and to support the drums, not that easy when youre the backbone of a decent band now is it? *scoffs* " Hope that wasn't aimed at me, I was defending bassists! |
| Lester Burnham 03.02.2006 12:01 |
NOTWMEDDLE wrote: Roger Waters is a bass player yet one of rock's greatest songwriters.Incidentally, I recall reading that Gilmour played a lot of the bass on Floyd's records. Anyway, regarding John, to back up Zebonka's point: he cut himself out of Queen. As to why there aren't any interviews with John on the live DVDs... probably because he may not have given any in 1982 or 1986. I'm sure they asked him if he wanted to commentate on the GVH DVDs, and he respectfully declined, just like when Brian and Roger asked him to tour with them; same response. The man is simply not interested in music anymore. |
| Jakobe 04.02.2006 03:07 |
No bass solos? What about Dragon Attack? That is one funky song, and it was written by Brian! In fact, its not really about a bass solo, but more the bass line. There are so many memorable ones. Under Pressure, AOBTD, and Dragon Attack to name a few. |
| biggest_fan_K 04.02.2006 03:20 |
IMO the Wembley bareley shows Freddie, usually Brian and his red special or Roger. Is there anyway that i could get a dvd that only focuses on Freddie? [like the Camera mode on the extra Wembley disk? Only i want the whole concert that shows only Freddie] |
| RETROLOVE 11.02.2006 13:22 |
kagezan1313: That is very true...he NEVER shows his teeth in any of the picture that I see on here...I know when I take a picture...its impossible to hand my teeth...that had to take some real skill!! LOL...he must have been real aware of it...we all have our little pet peeves about ourselves...my butt sticks out...I always where long-coats over it...lol Yes...the bass does make or break the song, its like the finishing touch...the bass is always my favorite part of any song... |
| RETROLOVE 11.02.2006 13:56 |
Okay...correction, I meant to say HIDE my teeth...not hand my teeth...lawd jesus I cant type...lol |
| no one but you 28112 11.02.2006 18:03 |
FriedChicken<br><font size=1>The Almighty</font> wrote: John is dead, the rest of the band thought it was too painful to include him in the DVD :Pyes, that is why we can see Freddie mostly, to forget the dead one........ |
| JPJJD 13.02.2006 10:37 |
I would like to spend some words about our John. First of all I don't think he was cut out at all, mostly it depends from the show director. If you take Live at Wembley 86, Live at the Earls Court or any Queen promotional video and pics you have to notice that he got the same space of his mates if not more except for Freddie of course. Anyway I never seen him cut off even if he got less shots but I would say that's a common thing when you are talking about bass players which tends to stay in the background (JPJ, Entwistle, Glover, Rutherford and many others)though John wasn't in the shadow during the Magic Tour at least. I'll never share the fact frontmen and guitarist get many shots live even if I could understand it cause I love bass and watching bassists playing (I must admit John is my favourite Queen member so I really enjoy seeing him). As for Deaky skills I think there are no doubts about his greatness when he had plenty of awesome and beautiful basslines; he could also play anything, being him great to keep the rhythm and very good to overplay too when the song needs it of course and don't forget he was able to play fast as hell or in a more melodic and tasteful way as well. He was a good songwriter and a stylish, refined classic bassist. Now, talking of the charisma thing I wouldn't say he hadn't, maybe many people don't know what that word means but John is a charismatic person in his own way. We all know he doesn't like the star system so much cause he liked more the family and his private life but we are talking about the major liable for Queen richness considering studio works and live tours (it's not that Queen never made money with other tours, because they would be stupid to tour and lose lots of money with it. But the reason they never made lots of profits untill the Magic Tour was that they always had such big shows. Lots of crew to pay, lots of huge stadiums, lots of lights, lots of instruments, lots of trucks and so on. Touring is very expensive). Even the other members admitted he was the perfect one to give the right balance to the band allowing their worldwide success. After all Freddie called him the real band's leader he would have his good reasons to do it. Cheers! |
| Gr8 King Rat 13.02.2006 17:42 |
John cut himself out...of everything. |
| Cwazy little thing 14.02.2006 08:06 |
I take the piss out of my bands bassist all the time for being a shit guitar player - theres that joke: How many bassists does it take to change a lightbulb? One - but the guitarist has to show him how to do it first! But the simple fact is - take out the bass, and theres a huge hole in the music, proven by the time we jammed without him. Bassists are vital to a band - equally with guitar, drums and vocals - take any away and Im sure you'll notice it. lol. As for their ability as guitarists....a lot of bassists will happily admit they took up bass because they were shit at guitar, but that doesnt mean all, and I think that its an overtold joke really. On topic however - I dont think John's been cut out, but concert wise, put simply, bassists dont always have the most visually attractive job - its not always as interesting to watch as the other band members, from an action point of view; and excluding songs like AOBTD and UP theres usually more exciting guitar, vocal, and drum moments in tunes that people want to watch -its a matter of following the action. Otherwise it'd be like filming a teams goalkeeper whilst a foward is taking a penalty at the other end. |
| Iriegnome 15.02.2006 16:48 |
As I read the last 4 pages, I think that there are some frustrated guitarists in here. Fuck you if you think that the bassist is a failed guitarist. Michael Anthony, John Deacon, John Paul Jones, Tom Peterson, Phil Lesh, Mike Gordon and on and on. Myself as well. 26 years of playing bass makes me a good bassist. John felt that Queen died with Freddie. The band is not the same with out him and is not the same without John. His bass lines drove the bottom end with Roger. They are the foundation that made the band. Any one difference in the structure of the 4 elements of the band and it is not the same and never will be. |
| Ready_Coddie 17.02.2006 06:09 |
The real Queen fans love John nearly as much as Freddie and truly appreciate the contributions he has made throughout the years... as for the non real fans, who gives a fuck about them anyway? |
| Togg 17.02.2006 06:56 |
As for the whole John felt Queen died with Freddie issue, I think it was more complicated than that. John had been going through a number of years where he was unsure about life in general, he was never one to seek publicity or fame, but as time went on I think he found it harder and harder to deal with. Freddies death was the final blow, who knows what might have happened if Freddie had not been sick, it is possible that John might have left the band anyway, and retired after he felt he had done all he could. He seems to have little love for music anymore, as I don't believe he even gets involved much behind closed doors except for the financial side. Personally I think he used it as a reason to back out gracefully, and would have possible gone anyway. But I don't think it was the only reason he chooses not to be part of the group. |
| Oberon 19.02.2006 10:58 |
I think when it was the four of them, he felt there was a good balance with him at one end, Fred at the other, and Brian and Roger in the middle. With Fred gone, the balance was gone, and Brian and Roger seem much closer in that middle ground. I think if Fred hadn't died, even if he couldn't tour, then Queen would still be recording as a four piece. If Fred was still alive and COULD tour, I think they'd still be recording and touring. I think it's a simple tragedy that we lost Fred, and John felt that once he'd put his part over for Made In Heaven, it wasn't going to be the same again, and left. And for a long time, even Brian and Roger stayed away from Queen, but as we know, they couldn't resist coming back to it in the end... I believe that's the long and the short of it. No conspiracy, no cutting out, just John having had enough and leaving Brian and Roger to do what they feel is right (whether John thinks it's right, and we as fans think it's right). |
| radio_what's_new 22.02.2006 09:14 |
Little_Queenie wrote: Yes, John did have some great songs, but not as much as Freddie or Brian. It's just a simple factIt's not a fact it's your opinion. I like Johns songs better than the one brian wrote. |
| RETROLOVE 24.02.2006 00:54 |
The bass is the "icing on the cake", although I've personally never had an intrest in playing bass...but it really does kinda make the music sound better! |
| as it began 26.03.2006 19:21 |
John bashers can say whatever they want but it's a fact that Queen wouldn't be Queen without John. There really is no need to defend him because everybody knows how much he contributed. One of the many reasons I love Queen so much is how diverse Queen is in their songs. He brought more of an upbeat funky sound to Queen. As Freddie said "You can never call any of the stuff John writes, heavy." Without John there would be no You're My Best Friend, Another One Bites The Dust, I Want To Break Free or Spread Your Wings which is one of my favorites although it didn't have hit status. Sure Queen had many great rock hits but that is all they would be-rock. |
| RETROLOVE 27.03.2006 03:59 |
Oh yeah, Spread your wings is one of my favorites by John!!! Such a sweet song :) Another song that I like is Backchat! |
| Cricket Nutter 27.03.2006 09:54 |
ok computer, thanks for such a great post to that moron on page 2 |
| Hitman 27.03.2006 10:11 |
to play decently bass you need a good technique and it's absolutely a basic instrument on stage....who thinks the contrary simply does not understand anything about music and 99% can't play any instrument. about bassists: Jaco Pastorius was the greatest bass player EVER and his character was different from quiet John. it's a matter of different people. |
| Cricket Nutter 27.03.2006 16:41 |
I noticed somebody saying bass was on the way out, and The White Stripes prove a bass isn't needed. Well, when their most famous guitar riff (Seven Nation Army) is put through an octave divider, 2 octaves below the actual notes played to make a bass sound, and live the bass is cranked up full on certain amps for Jack White, you know its needed. And without a bassist, what is the drummer emeant to work with. its not Meg White's fault she can't put anything decent to songs on drums, its the lack of a bass. I am a drummer, and I know. At band practices without bass, it sounds so empty, you really realise how much it is missed. Plus take Entwistle out of The Who, or Claypool out of Primus, what do you get? A very featherweight, trebly, weak band. They are lead bassists. Deacon is a foundation bassist, what happens when you remove him? Ah yes, the songs fall to pot, and again, you have treble. So bassists no matter what their band role, are essential to the song, be they synth players, chapman stick bassists, or the average solid bassline provider who improvises a little like Deacon. |
| john bodega 28.03.2006 09:25 |
White Stripes were pitiful at the Perth Big Day Out, that's all I need to know. Music that has a measure without bass here and there works very well, but only because when the bass *does* come in, there's an added buildup and heaviness to it. That, and a good bass player can give a nice melodic backing in absence of rhythm guitar. I'm convinced there's a link between the belief that bass players are useless and the idea behind Creationism. As soon as I prove it I'll report back here. |