Ive finally had enough of reading these Queen + anything should be stopped topics. Now , I just bought the return of the champions cd and I must say I was taken aback by the entire show. The best thing about this cd is the fact that it is different than any other Queen show because it in itself isnt the band Queen at all really. This is mainly three bands put into one not as a variety act of course. If anything this concert should further bring to the forefront what kinda masterpiece artist Freddie Mercury really was. This shouldnt bring any critisizm at all really. Freddie being larger than life as he was his presence was felt at many points in the show. That alone was a very important factor for those Queen songs that were peformed during the tour. Once I made it to I want it All and I listend to this track, I thought back to the greatest video hits two disc while watching the music video for this song if you listen to the secondary audio on this track I believe Brian or Roger (not sure which one) stated that this is what Queen may have looked like performing live in the future had Freddie not died. Looking at what I have seen of Queen + Paul Rodgers I think Brian may have hit the nail on the head with that line even with Freddies passing. Though Paul cannot hit Freddies range or singing style on most of these tracks he should be praised for the sheer courage it took to come close. Those of us who didnt get the privlege of seeing a Queen tour with Freddie past the Magic tour got the next best thing in hearing I want it all and The show must go on in its entirity during this tour. Paul stood out to me during those songs and Bohemian Rhapsody between them was a very nice touch as well even tho it was mainly a backing tape during most of the song the very end of this song brought a tear to my eye. Now besides this we bring back an old favorite in Im in love with my car which to me didnt sound any different from any other time that it was performed it was excelent. Radio Ga Ga got good treatment as well with Roger on vocals. Brian May did an Awesome job with Love of my life, 39' and Lost Opertunity which I may add was a nice twist. All in all , Queen + Paul Rodgers gets my over all approval because even the Bad Company and Free tracks came out top notch. This is a must see Specticle and anyone who would dare miss it is missing out on alot. I hope they do tour the United States I think its much needed. If they do decide to tour here , I will be first in line to buy me a ticket. End of story Nuff Said.
Ron