shootingstar 03.10.2005 21:54 |
First off, I'll say that I am largely--strike that--chiefly a fan of Paul Rodgers. I hold an allegiance to Paul as many of you do to Freddie. I take nothing away from Freddie when I say that(it is virtually impossible to do so). Chastise me as you wish. That being said, it goes without saying that I am familiar with basically every song Paul has written or performed. His style might not be to the liking of many devout Queen fans--understandably so. When hearing about this tour, I was flabbergasted--to say the least. Never did I think he could pull off a tour with a band that had achieved such success with one of most recognizable vocalists and distinctive overall sound. I should have had more faith. Yes, some songs sound awful with his voice--downright ghastly at times (AOBTD and IWTBF come to mind off the top of my head). Still, I feel a few renditions of his are as good and perhaps better than some of the original recordings. I will get some flack for this. On to the potentially revised set list for the fall: I'm going to the concert in NJ; I'll reserve final judgment until I see this live. Of course, I want to see a few more injections of Paul's material. Not more than maybe 2 or 3 more songs, but he does have a following here in the states. A few Free songs would be nice as opposed to the often overplayed Bad Company hits. After all, Brian has said that the Fire and Water album was a quasi-Bible for Queen as they were starting out. As far as some edits on the Queen material, I forsee some of the following songs to show up at one of the shows this fall: One Vision--this neglecting is bad--suits Paul well Let Me Live Keep Yourself Alive--about the fastest-paced song Paul could handle I'm Going Slightly Mad--if you haven't noticed, many Paul songs are written with minor chords--again, would suit his voice Who Wants to Live Forever??? I am sure I am missing a few things, but thats OK. I want to know what the general consensus about this chemistry here between Brian, Roger, and Paul. I would say it works in bits and pieces, and with fine tuning, could appease more and more Queen fans over the course of time. I apologize for the Paul-oriented post on this site. I just feel this is something that needs to be addressed. Axe him now and make it a one-off thing or keep it going? This dynamic is obviously one they all thing can work for a while. I was skeptical at first and still am. I long for the days when the original foursome was in tact, but this is what we have to work with. I've covered a lot--perhaps more than necessary for this one post. Still, any thoughts? |
Fenderek 04.10.2005 05:30 |
shootingstar wrote: First off, I'll say that I am largely--strike that--chiefly a fan of Paul Rodgers. I hold an allegiance to Paul as many of you do to Freddie.Welcome to the board, man! We need more people like you, being able to talk normally, not some freaks or geeks hidden behind the screen, feeling strong for the firts (and only) time in their life and bashing the keyboards, writing some crazy stuff... WELCOME! shootingstar wrote: That being said, it goes without saying that I am familiar with basically every song Paul has written or performed. His style might not be to the liking of many devout Queen fans--understandably so. When hearing about this tour, I was flabbergasted--to say the least. Never did I think he could pull off a tour with a band that had achieved such success with one of most recognizable vocalists and distinctive overall sound.I must admit that my first thought was... "YEAH! THEY FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT!" Yes, Paul's style is different, but anybody who knows anything about the music will know taht Rodgers simply IS one of the best blues / rock singers ever. Propably THE best. And I was already rating "Fire And Water" as one of Top 10 best albums EVER. I'm not sure if you're familiar with this, but in recent years Brian and Roger were working with such a respected "artists" like 5ive, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams... Imagine what we felt! Imagine how people who love Keep Yurself Alive or Stone Cold Crazy or all this great 70s music felt when they recorded "We Will Rock You" with Britney? Man, imagine Paul recording with Aqua. Yep, that's the feeling... For us it was a reality. So when they played with The Voice- I was in heaven. And I knew straight away- it's going to work! There were disappointments, but... shootingstar wrote: I should have had more faith. Yes, some songs sound awful with his voice--downright ghastly at times (AOBTD and IWTBF come to mind off the top of my head). Still, I feel a few renditions of his are as good and perhaps better than some of the original recordings. I will get some flack for this.No you won't- not from me anyway. I feel "Fat Bottomed Girls" had never sounded better. Same goes for "We Are The Champions" (yep, taht's what I think...) or "I Want it All". I also loved his versions of "Tie Your Mother Down" and- especially- "The Show Must Go On". And I agree- IWTBF sounded TERRIBLE, although I kind of liked AOBTD (maybe because when they palyed it for the first time in Birmingham- I was there). But basically- man, don't give a damn about those who are going to give you flack. You're entitled to your opinion just like anybody else. If someone is stupid enough to give you flack because of your OPINION- screw'em! shootingstar wrote: I'm going to the concert in NJ; I'll reserve final judgment until I see this live. Of course, I want to see a few more injections of Paul's material. Not more than maybe 2 or 3 more songs, but he does have a following here in the states. A few Free songs would be nice as opposed to the often overplayed Bad Company hits.I saw 7 in Europe. From the start (Brixton) to the end (Hyde Park). Mindblowing. And even I wanted few more Paul's songs- they had "Seagull" in teh setlist but dropped it- shame as it was SENSATIONAL! Same happened to "A Little Bit of Love", dropped when Paul had voice problems (mid tour) and "Fire And Water" they palyed only twice in Ireland (why!!!!!!?????). But I also wanted to hear stuff like "Heavy Load" or "Shooting Star" or "Bad Company" or "Mr Big"... And who knows- they may change at least one or two songs...? shootingstar wrote: One Vision--this neglecting is bad--s |
scooter 04.10.2005 16:04 |
Wow talk about long winded ,Im so glad your a Bad Company fan a group that was mostly a blues rock sound and unfortunately totally inappropriate for Queen theres no meshing here just terrible recreations of great songs, the bands sound and style over the years is so unigue any singer who dosent have the Freddie sound is a waste of time for such a once great band , common guys I could find a better singer than Paul , we dont need a recreation we need a re-birth of the original sound !!! |
Mr Mercury 04.10.2005 16:44 |
ShootingStar, what a cracking post. I agree that the show should have more of Paul's stuff in it rather than meager "greatest hits" that usually gets played. I also agree that Pauls voice isnt suited to one or two of Queens songs (for me in particular "Its A Kind Of Magic") but hey, at least he's tried them and after a spate of shit collaborations he has become a welcome addition to the Queen camp. I also wish that Queen would try some more album songs rather than the tired old "Greatest hits" set. |
Ray D O'Gaga 04.10.2005 16:45 |
shootingstar wrote: First off, I'll say that I am largely--strike that--chiefly a fan of Paul Rodgers. I hold an allegiance to Paul as many of you do to Freddie. I take nothing away from Freddie when I say that(it is virtually impossible to do so). Chastise me as you wish. I've covered a lot--perhaps more than necessary for this one post. Still, any thoughts?Terrific reading the thoughts of a predominantly Paul Rodgers fan. I considered myself a fan of Paul's before he got involved with Brian and Roger, but in retrospect, I would probably have been better described as an admirer moreso than a dyed in the wool fan. So its good to read the thoughts of someone who was steeped in His Rodgersness long before the current project took off. And by the way, thanks for loaning us Paul. He's doing a fab job. |
ok.computer 04.10.2005 19:05 |
Shootingstar, you are most welcome. Firstly, can I say, you may encounter Bryan's Poomed Perdle. Don't worry about it. He's a nonce. Other than that, your post is excellent. And we appreciate the loan of an excellent vocalist. I really enjoyed the gig in Belfast. Cheers Paul |
mazz 04.10.2005 19:13 |
at last normal people great coversation its a great album ROTC and yes it keeps the music alive and yes they need to do some more of the rare stuff would b great |
Wiley 04.10.2005 20:04 |
I really like this "meshing" that you mention and it would be cool to hear them do some other Free/BadCo numbers like Shooting Star, Mr Big, Bad Company and bring back songs like A little bit of love and Seagull, drop AKOM and IWTBF and treat us with It's Late or even Sleeping on the sidewalk!. On another note, I really think they could come up with a good version of Let Me Live, with the three of them singing. Wiley |
its_a_hard_life 04.10.2005 20:41 |
Hey shootingstar! Welcome along... I love Pauls voice very harmonic, holds a tune great vocal wise hes great! I saw Queen+pr at Hyde Park it rocked! I got the ROTC CD and cant wait to get the DVD! Thanks for posting such a great theard! |
scooter 05.10.2005 10:47 |
Yipes you guys are scary Bad co. couldnt hold a candle to Queen what did they do get drunk with him one night and decide to let him sing for them the boys must be getting to old , they may think twice when Paul snaps and and starts beating them up like he did with his Bad co. bandmates , he's a loser. Id go see some of the cover bands out there before Id see them with Paul. I guess the band just cares about themselves and not there legion of fans out there , what a shame. |
Ray D O'Gaga 05.10.2005 11:31 |
scooter wrote: I guess the band just cares about themselves and not there legion of fans out there , what a shame.I am part of that legion and you, sir, do not speak for me. |
scooter 05.10.2005 11:43 |
hehe obviously by your love of Paul Rodgers you arent a true fan its an insult to Queen fans to listen to them play Bad c. songs , what they dont have enough Queen music better than the mediocre Bad co. material there subjecting us to ? I guarantee Ill enjoy the upcoming show in Toronto of the cover band Its A kind Of Magic way more than listening to the horrendous versions of Queen songs Paul is trying to sing , please get rid of your washed up booze budy Paul and get someone who can sing , Europeans have no taste or standards it appears when it comes to music things dont always have to change to be good, they may as well just let Rodger sing them all , ouch just kidding !! |
Ray D O'Gaga 05.10.2005 14:11 |
scooter wrote: hehe obviously by your love of Paul Rodgers you arent a true fan its an insult to Queen fans to listen to them play Bad c. songs , what they dont have enough Queen music better than the mediocre Bad co. material there subjecting us to ? I guarantee Ill enjoy the upcoming show in Toronto of the cover band Its A kind Of Magic way more than listening to the horrendous versions of Queen songs Paul is trying to sing , please get rid of your washed up booze budy Paul and get someone who can sing , Europeans have no taste or standards it appears when it comes to music things dont always have to change to be good, they may as well just let Rodger sing them all , ouch just kidding !!Congratulations - that was almost coherent. |
quicksilver mercury 05.10.2005 16:39 |
Brian May is selfish.He won't sign autograph for a fan cause he think hes too good. Freddie was Queen. If Jimmy Page or Randy Rhodes played with Queen they would have been better. Freddie is Queen RIP 1991 |
Atomic Dog 05.10.2005 21:22 |
Great Job ShootingStar It's about time someone send some balance to all of this. I am a die hard Queen fan, seen them 26 times with Freddie, and 3 times in Europe with Paul. Let me tell you Paul does an amazing job and brings just the twist we needed to make this all fresh. Paul does not replace Feddie, he adds to Queen, and Quween to Paul. Paul is one of the GREATS, and is able to make both the bands music fresh and alive. We all must admit, except for Mr. Poodle and Scooter, that the music is ment to be changed and moved around to make it alive. How much fun it is when Brian changes Hammer to Fall into something new. That is what Paul, Brian , and Roger are doing. I only hope they can do it for awhile so we all can enjoy it. CHEERS to you ShootingStar |
Knute 06.10.2005 00:53 |
scooter wrote: hehe obviously by your love of Paul Rodgers you arent a true fan its an insult to Queen fans to listen to them play Bad c. songs , what they dont have enough Queen music better than the mediocre Bad co. material there subjecting us to ? I guarantee Ill enjoy the upcoming show in Toronto of the cover band Its A kind Of Magic way more than listening to the horrendous versions of Queen songs Paul is trying to sing , please get rid of your washed up booze budy Paul and get someone who can sing , Europeans have no taste or standards it appears when it comes to music things dont always have to change to be good, they may as well just let Rodger sing them all , ouch just kidding !!Congrats! I think you must take the cake for the stupidest person I've come across on the internet. |
The Real Wizard 06.10.2005 03:25 |
Ray D O'Gaga wrote: Terrific reading the thoughts of a predominantly Paul Rodgers fan. I considered myself a fan of Paul's before he got involved with Brian and Roger, but in retrospect, I would probably have been better described as an admirer moreso than a dyed in the wool fan. So its good to read the thoughts of someone who was steeped in His Rodgersness long before the current project took off. And by the way, thanks for loaning us Paul. He's doing a fab job.Totally agree with this post, and the majority of us here will completely welcome your contributions, Shooting Star. Keep 'em coming. Fenderek wrote: DRAGON ATTACK- another possible killer, would def suit Paul...Yep, totally agree. WHITE MAN- imagine the intro sang by Paul... freaking awesome taht would be...I think I will fall over if they play White Man! IT'S LATE- another possible killer, almost everybody was mentioning it on their wish lists...Same as above. If they play any one of these three songs, I will be a happy man. But something tells me the only changes to the setlist will be dropping IWTBF/GaGa/Magic and adding 3 Rodgers songs. I'll be beyond disappointed if this is what will happen. Nonetheless, I'll be sure to post a full review when I get back! |
The Real Wizard 06.10.2005 03:31 |
scooter wrote: I guarantee Ill enjoy the upcoming show in Toronto of the cover band Its A kind Of Magic way more than listening to the horrendous versions of Queen songs Paul is trying to singSuccinctly put, they sound nothing like Queen. The singer is fantastic, but the rest of the band, while great musicians, sound more like a band that happen to be playing Queen songs rather than a tribute band consisting of true Queen fans. I heard they have a new guitar player (the last one sounded nothing like Brian), but this one apparently doesn't sound much closer to Brian either. So if you think you'll enjoy hearing him more than the actual Brian May, then all the power to you. That same weekend I'll be watching the real Brian playing Tie Your Mother Down, his Brighton Rock solo, and '39, while you'll be watching a band with vocal overdubs, a singer who isn't actually playing the piano (it faces forwards instead of sideways... you'll see!), and a bassist playing Beatles songs during his bass solo. please get rid of your washed up booze budy Paul and get someone who can sing , Europeans have no taste or standards it appears when it comes to music thingsWhy is it that most of the people here not supporting the Queen+Rodgers tour have terrible grammar and are condescending towards others? Can't you just state your opinion tactfully? I find it interesting how you call Paul a "booze buddy" (something I've never heard about before, might I add), but you're presumably speaking in defence of Freddie Mercury, someone who is well known for having done cocaine almost daily for years. |
Fenderek 06.10.2005 04:04 |
Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: Why is it that most of the people here not supporting the Queen+Rodgers tour have terrible grammar and are condescending towards others?LMAO- should have noticed that before!!! |
alibat 06.10.2005 11:04 |
Like many people, I had some reservations but I never had a problem with Paul. Like many I wasn't truly happy about using the Queen name as much because Deaky was missing as there being no Freddie (the name Queen + Paul Rodgers to me suggests it should be Brian, Roger, John and Paul only)but I don't want to drag up that boring old topic again. To put it simply, Paul Rodgers is one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time and certainly one of the few truly great ones still around. We all loved Freddie and would love to turn back the clock. I am first and foremost a Queen fan and Freddie is my favorite vocalist (and what a showman he was wasn't he). But all these posts I read slagging Paul off are not on. I am also a fan off Pauls' and have seen him perform in his own right. Some people seem so closed by their love of Queen that they fail to appreciate other great rock acts. I was so happy(not to say relieved) to hear they were touring with Paul and not one of the rubbish acts they've collaberated with in recent years. Those people who think Paul is rubbish should listen to Fire and Water or the first Bad Co album. |
The Stealer 06.10.2005 14:21 |
Meshing is great term. I have seen 7 shows Newcastle through Belfast and had a wonderful time-Paul is fantastic..Brian and Paul have great chemistry between them. This chemistry caused the "ephiphany" that happened a year ago to finally wake Brian up to have him see the light that playing live, taking their music to another level to share with old and new fans alike would be a worthwhile journey. If it were not for Paul---we would not even be discussing this. Brian respects Paul and appreciates how Paul has the creative abililty to look at thier music from the outside and refresh their songs for a live show. Paul has immense respect for Freddie and his talent and has kept this in mind when thinking about his vocal approach. We are seeing a heavier/more masculine side of Queen music along with a deeper approach to the BC and Free Songs.. Bottomline it works, the boys are having fun being out there again. I would agree that IWTBF and AKOM need to be removed from the list..not the best for Paul. AOBTD got better the last few gigs--I thought it was weak as well. Paul's vocal take on HTF,SMGO,IWIA,FBG,WATC (live)--is well dare I say-dodging flames and arrows- I enjoy more than Fred's. I will now retreat to my dusty office-Rock On Bri, Rog and Paul. |
PieterMC 06.10.2005 15:07 |
Compliance Queen wrote: Paul's vocal take on HTF,SMGO,IWIA,FBG,WATC (live)--is well dare I say-dodging flames and arrows- I enjoy more than Fred's.Off with your head!!! |
Ray D O'Gaga 06.10.2005 16:03 |
Compliance Queen wrote: We are seeing a heavier/more masculine side of Queen music ...In all honestly (and I agree whole-heartedly with your post), Paul's approach to the band's material isn't all that different from Freddie's on the last several tours. Freddie's delivery on the 80s tours was pretty macho, even if his short-shorts weren't. Queen in the studio ran the gamut of the masculine to the feminine and many places in between, but live onstage, Queen became a very macho enterprise with 80s clone Freddie leading the charge. I don't think people who feel Paul is too "macho" for the band live are too familiar with Queen's live shows from the early 80s on. |
The Stealer 06.10.2005 17:12 |
Ray D O'Gaga wrote:Point taken- I do say that as time went on..it got very "pop" and more Freddie with the Brian/Roger in the back up band. They werMuch tighter in the 70's early 80's and much preferred by me--just my personal preference.Compliance Queen wrote: We are seeing a heavier/more masculine side of Queen music ...In all honestly (and I agree whole-heartedly with your post), Paul's approach to the band's material isn't all that different from Freddie's on the last several tours. Freddie's delivery on the 80s tours was pretty macho, even if his short-shorts weren't. Queen in the studio ran the gamut of the masculine to the feminine and many places in between, but live onstage, Queen became a very macho enterprise with 80s clone Freddie leading the charge. I don't think people who feel Paul is too "macho" for the band live are too familiar with Queen's live shows from the early 80s on. |
Jericho06 06.10.2005 18:41 |
What a fantastic post. I was a Queen fan first and foremost but have always loved Paul Rodgers sound. I (like others) believe they got it right when deciding to work with Paul. He has injected his own style into an original sound. I have heard many pine for Robbie or George but none would give their own style as does Paul. This has all been trodden over many times but it is nice to read an intelligent thread. |