As convenient as the Korg Triton keyboards and such are, why would he, in the position he's in, have to "settle" for one while Freddie so often used actual concert grands?
(Of course, this refers only to songs which involve piano; obviously, there are voices which can only be realistically produced using electric-based instruments).
Freddie had it so the piano was front and center, front and left, actually....
Spike has no room for that, nor is there cause to have to ship a grand piano around from gig to gig.
Plus, the versatility of the keyboards versus the piano makes it a no-brainer. Just plug and play.
"nor is there cause to have to ship a grand piano around from gig to gig."
I disagree - *many* of Queen's songs are based around the piano, and while it's not as if the piano factor is completely removed, it's clear to any pianist that you cannot come even close to the sound and feel of a concert grand. I see no reason why one would absolutely have to settle for the inferior instrument under in this situation.
SamoaJoe wrote: "nor is there cause to have to ship a grand piano around from gig to gig."
I disagree - *many* of Queen's songs are based around the piano, and while it's not as if the piano factor is completely removed, it's clear to any pianist that you cannot come even close to the sound and feel of a concert grand. I see no reason why one would absolutely have to settle for the inferior instrument under in this situation.
A lot of my industry friends would tend to disagree with you. Many of them have transitioned to the Yamaha Motif, and they're pretty much universally pleased/satisfied with the results. As far as settling for an inferior instrument, I think that determination is best left to the musicians.
You're right about that - I shouldn't generalize peoples' tastes in music. The Yamaha Motif is a great instrument just as the Korg Triton is - they're both fairly cheap, their piano voices are top-notch for digital instruments, they're easy to carry around and set-up, and there is so much one can do with them. Still, I can't see why Spike would use an instrument which can sound somewhat like a piano instead of a true piano (which it would seem he's lucky enough to have access to), but, again, it's all a matter of personal taste.
SamoaJoe wrote: You're right about that - I shouldn't generalize peoples' tastes in music. The Yamaha Motif is a great instrument just as the Korg Triton is - they're both fairly cheap, their piano voices are top-notch for digital instruments, they're easy to carry around and set-up, and there is so much one can do with them. Still, I can't see why Spike would use an instrument which can sound somewhat like a piano instead of a true piano (which it would seem he's lucky enough to have access to), but, again, it's all a matter of personal taste.
I really think, as someone pointed out earlier, it's a matter of portability. I mean, wouldn't you consider a Triton or Motif in lieu of the added cost of a stringed/percussion instrument on the road. Just the thought of hauling a grand around on tour, or relying on a local provider to have a tuned grand up and sweet on stage, would give me nightmares.
Given the almost indiscernible differences (except visually) that the audience could pull out of a fairly large room, it just seems to make sense to travel with the Motif.
Still, you're absolutely right that nothing, and I mean nothing, can hold up to a properly tuned piano when it comes to those arrangements.
CG
FriedChicken<br><font size=1>The Almighty</font> wrote: I think because Spike is a keyboard player, and not a pianist
I think that is debateable - just listen to what he does on Crazy Little Thing and Tutti Frutti on Wembley 86 - he may be primarily a keyboard player these days, but he is stil a hell of a pianist.
I would say two reasons, one as above, they are much more suited to the type of backing music Spike has to play.
And two, you notice I said Backing music, Spike is part of the backing band and might look a little out of place in the middle of the stage with a grand!
Otherwise it would have to be Queen+PR+SE don't you think ;-)
deleted user 22.02.2006 12:15
My guess is that he is too weak to press down on real piano keys, I know I am! :-D
With the musical technology improved, there's no need for a grand piano. Besides, Spike is the keyboard player and he needs the keyboard for other sounds, i.e. synthetizers on Radio GaGa, Strings on TATDOOL, Lost Horizon, Reaching out, Feel like making, etc. In other words, with a keyboard he is able play several different sounds in just one instrument (including the "grand Piano" sound). If you are a fan of Paul McCartney, you can see his keyboard player (who's an excellent musician) playing many different instruments on his keyboard (the strings, saxophones, synths, etc) and even with a keyboard player Paul still plays his Grand Piano or the famous Beatles piano on his concerts. In conclusion, Queen + PR need Spike and his keyboard to create the Queen sound on stage.
I don't think Paul Mccartney plays a grand piano on his recent tours. When I saw him in Arnhem in 2003 he had an upright one, with very cool decorations
I saw spike playing with the BMB (The brian may band, of course!)on the another word tour but i'm not sure to remember wether he was actually playing a "real" piano (could it have been some sort of vintage organ?) or a keyboard device fixed in a wooden furniture. I do recall it gave me a "retro" impression.