Sammy B. Willickers
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"Blow it out your asshole!" - Freddie Mercury, 1985
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Post by Sammy B. Willickers on Aug 28, 2021 0:14:10 GMT
IntroductionHey guys! So I was talking to some people about this subject, and thought "Hey, this would be a great thing to post on QueenChat!" and so, Here it is! If there's another thread like this already, Please inform me. Note that this isn't specifically talking about the Adam era or the Paul era, but more so about the whole 'Queen +' thing itself, Although if you wanna talk about just one era, then be my guest.  It should also be noted that you shouldn't make fun of people's opinion about this or look down on them, Just because they aren't your own. It's okay to disagree, but please don't be an asshole about it. and before you ask, I'm down for when Queen does a collaboration with another artist, Because it's neat to see other people's takes on Queen songs and that stuff, So please don't call me a 'Freddie Stan', just because I don't really like a collaboration or two. Alright, Got all of that out of the way, so to break the ice a bit, I'll start.. Miscellaneous Collaborations (1992 - 2004)I think it started off very hit and miss, like the Freddie Tribute Concert (George Michael was phenomenal, but Robert didn't quite do Innuendo justice for example..) and the other miscellaneous collaborations that happened from the late '90s to early 2000's (I absolutely hated the ABTD remix and the WWRY cover with 5ive). Very brief, but I didn't have much else to say about this era, As the only collabs that I liked in this era was the 'Mike Spencer' mix of Under Pressure (Which doesn't really count in my opinion). Paul Rodgers era (2004 - 2009)This is a bit of an unpopular opinion, but I actually liked the Queen + Paul Rodgers collaboration. I like Paul as a singer and I think he does the songs justice, and he also plays songs from his past as well (Something that is sadly missing in the Queen + Adam Lambert collab) Although I will admit, I was sad that they didn't play songs like Killer Queen (Then again, I like how they DIDN'T play those, As they didn't suit Paul's voice and it would've sounded silly to hear him sing those songs). Yes, the album was not all that good (a few good songs, but nothing too special), I really think the tours were great! (Although the setlists were a bit bland) Adam Lambert era (2011 - present)
Now the Adam Lambert era doesn't speak to me as much as the Paul era. It's not because I hate the idea of Queen doing anything after Fred's death (As stated above, I am all-for collabs), but something about it just makes me feel weird. I personally don't like how Adam sings the songs, It just sounds very Theatrical, but not in a way that I'll vibe in. It's just... not really for me. Final Words
Anyways, Now that I've said my piece, I would like to hear your opinions too! They don't have to be this long, I just wanted to give my opinions on all of these eras. Remember to keep conversations civil and if you disagree, Don't be an asshole about it! BONUS QUESTION: What singer would you like to see front Queen? (Can't be an impersonator)For me, it would be Kerry Ellis
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Post by saintjiub on Aug 28, 2021 0:53:55 GMT
I would rather see Brian and Roger as solo artists.
Other than the QPR album, 46664, and Fun on Earth ... the whole 21st century (thus far) has been a Queen desert wasteland ...
The musical
The movie
Robbie Williams
Beyonce, Pink & Britney Pepsi commercial
QAL
Ugh
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georg
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wrote several books
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Post by georg on Aug 28, 2021 3:53:41 GMT
I genuinely enjoy The Cosmos Rocks on its own merits as three classic rockers having fun in the studio.
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pg
Queen Mab
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Post by pg on Aug 28, 2021 6:12:06 GMT
Some are better than others.
I'll have Queen + Skin
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Post by pimderks on Aug 28, 2021 8:47:56 GMT
Really enjoyed the QPR era - even though part of it was probably just the sheer excitement of a new album and them going on tour and me being able to see the shows, listen to the album for the first time etc. I saw them live with Paul Rodgers 13 times in total during the 2005/2008 tours. Some of the best memories of my life, traveling all around Europe with my best friend. Saw them live with Adam Lambert once, in 2015. While I enjoyed it, ticket prices have become so insane that I really don't feel the need to spend 100+ euros to see them playing the same old stuff again and again and again.
There are no singers that immediately spring to mind who I'd want them to collaborate with. I'd like to see them do more of the 70's stuff. Flick of the Wrist, Death On Two Legs etc.
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Aug 28, 2021 9:10:58 GMT
Q+PR might have worked better as a totally separate project, but then they wouldn't have had the material to take it live. TCR wasn't a bad album in its own right, but inevitably it was judged as a Queen album and as such, didn't really work on that basis. I didn't really like them doing PR's songs live, as it meant they didn't do as many Queen songs.
The collaborations with pop artists were all largely forgettable (in fact I've forgotten most of them), but I don't really think you can put the FM Tribute Concert in the same box, as that was just a one off and is what it is. I'm not a George Michael fan but he did perform a good version of STL. I cringed at Liza Minelli's WATC.
Q+AL is probably the best we can hope for to see the band live. AL is a bit too glam for my liking, but it can't really be disputed that he can sing the songs, and his version of WWTLF is stunning. At first I found his voice a bit screechy, but he seems to have toned that down and warmed to the role.
Can't really think of anyone else who would totally fit the bill. I think Kerry Ellis would be good for some stuff, but not so much for the rockers.
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BrƎИsꓘi
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Aug 28, 2021 9:24:41 GMT
None of the collaborations have worked (for me). None. Not because they're NOT Freddie, but because they all feel awkward/just plain wrong. I'll explain my feelings:
♦ The Tribute Concert: It doesn't really count as collaboration does it? No more than the Concert For George was a collaboration between Dani Harrison and others. These were rehearsed ONE-OFF events - reproducing live versions of old material. A collaboration in music terms would result in studio work surely? It would involve the artists working together to record (or re-record in the case of old songs) under studio conditions - to create a piece of work.
♦ Paul Rodgers: I'd have loved it if this had worked. It didn't. It was more akin to where a "1970s Smile" may have ended up and nothing like any Queen Concept - real or imagined. The cliched lyrics to some songs are cringeworthy and (in places) it's little more than three old rock stars doing a Roger Waters - ageing 'n' raging against the modern world.
♦ Adam Lambert: A really great singer who actually grates on me. Too much affectation, too much Broadway, too much of a tribute act. The modern version of Queen just don't work for me, they've become a parody of themselves.
Now, looking around the rock world I can see ONE singer that really would fit the bill: Ronnie Romero. I saw this guy twice with Ritchie's Rainbow Reincarnation. The guy did justice to Rainbow and Purple songs performed by SIX very different singers. He'd carry Queen songs off really well, we'd probably see a more rock-oriented setlist and he would definitely put his style and mark on Queen songs while maintaining an air of authenticity.
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Aug 28, 2021 9:39:28 GMT
Actually there are a couple of other singers who I think might fit the bill. One is Luke Spiller from The Struts:
And the other is Mika:
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kosimodo
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Post by kosimodo on Aug 28, 2021 13:50:41 GMT
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BrƎИsꓘi
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They called it paradise, I don't know why...You call some place paradise, kiss it goodbye.
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Post by BrƎИsꓘi on Aug 28, 2021 14:01:31 GMT
no. no. no. for the same reason that Adam Lambert is a No. Too "Broadway". Just. No. |
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Post by katydyd5 on Aug 28, 2021 15:40:53 GMT
Q+AL is probably the best we can hope for to see the band live. AL is a bit too glam for my liking, but it can't really be disputed that he can sing the songs, and his version of WWTLF is stunning. At first I found his voice a bit screechy, but he seems to have toned that down and warmed to the role. I was not fortunate enough to see Queen back in the day, through every fault of my own. They consistently appeared in cities near me, but I was into other bands or musicians at the time and missed all of the opportunities. When it occurred to me what I had missed, Freddie was long gone. Though originally not a Lambert fan for all of the reasons many of you have stated, when Queen +AL appeared in a city near me I wanted to see Brian and Roger while they were still touring so I decided to go. It was one of the best concerts I've ever seen and I would go again if they ever tour America again. Yes, AL is flashy, dramatic and gleefully glam, but he does a good job and has settled into his position with the band. In addition Freddie is an integral part of the show and participating in a call and response was a bucket list wish answered. I'd rather see Brian and Roger continue to play shows and keep the music alive, so I'll take Adam and I'll thank him for the job he does. |
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Post by macduff77 on Aug 28, 2021 16:12:41 GMT
I haven’t been fussed with the one-off collaborations. AOBTD by Wyclef I didn’t even feel was a genuine Queen release, more a cover. So was shocked when it landed on GHIII. Didn’t care for WWRY with Five.
As a huge fan of Robbie Williams’ earlier work, I was excited when I heard of the collaboration with Queen. I enjoyed WATC and thought there may be some potential. But obviously that wasn’t to be and I haven’t been a fan of his latest work, so was probably for the best.
I really enjoy The Cosmos Rocks album. I was so excited when they announced the collaboration and enjoyed the shows. I’d always considered it a true collaboration in sharing of each other’s “hits” - that’s why I’ve always considered it a success. It opened me up to Paul’s back catalogue too.
QAL feels more like “Queen” with a new lead singer rather than Queen+. The shows are all Queen and maybe hint at what a Queen show would have looked like today if Freddie hadn’t passed away. Adam can perform the songs closer to the originals more than Paul, I still prefer QPR more. But ultimately I’m just happy the guys are out playing and enjoying themselves and I look forward to seeing one more show before they call it quits.
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n39
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Post by n39 on Aug 30, 2021 13:34:59 GMT
Tyler Warren would be a fantastic lead vocalist, he definitely has the lungs for it
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rogercz
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Post by rogercz on Aug 30, 2021 15:24:30 GMT
Queen+Five and Wyclef - can't literaly hear them in full length - 1/10
WWRY musical - silly theme, 2002 Holland show with weak vocals by RT/BM, 3/10
46664 - they made some effort to create new stuff, live concerts gave space for RT and BM as lead vocalists - 6/10
QPR - I missed 2005 shows, bought ROTCH and wasn't convinced. Attended 2008 show and it was superb, rock concert. TCR was average album without catchier songs, lack sound and songwise of the guy with the famous Red Special guitar - more bluesy like RT and PR album. Even the drums weren't as powerful or technically interestingas used to be.Indeed, some good stuff on it, Runaway and other covers as well as PR solo songs sounded more like true Queen songs to me.
Q+Jessie J - Olympic performance, they shoud hire Paul Rodgers instead...
QAL - AL gets better and better, but shows are more theatrical than proper rockers. RT said they wont't be the karaoke, s they made the new album, I miss something new with AL. And I would like to hear at least three his solo songs as some refresh from the same, old hits.
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Aug 30, 2021 16:13:30 GMT
Tyler Warren would be a fantastic lead vocalist, he definitely has the lungs for it But perhaps not the stage presence? He's a fantastic all round musician, but not sure how comfortable he would be as a frontman. |
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Jake12
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Post by Jake12 on Aug 30, 2021 17:18:32 GMT
Tom Chaplin! That man sang his heart out for ‘It’s A Hard Life’
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toon86
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Post by toon86 on Aug 31, 2021 3:54:16 GMT
Before the Q+PR stuff, what I thought they would've done was something similar to Carlos Santana did with his 1999 Supernatural album. An original album written by them with multiple guest lead singers. Could've had a variety of styles and music with the Queen sound, just with different voices. Think it would've sold by the bucket load. Oh well, would've could've should've.
Never liked TCR, I found it a joyless album with the exception of Small. Even the cover and pics in the booklet made them look miserable. The Q+PR gigs though were great. The Q+AL stuff I think has been a fab nostalgia tour, been to many a gig, but the fact they can't create anything in the studio does make me think they are either jaded or now creatively void and do think the TCR burnt them a bit.
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Post by bennkempster on Aug 31, 2021 8:38:15 GMT
Q+PR had massive potential but, Brian being the control freak he is put the barriers up to anything other than making sure he looked like the star and the strides they made on stage were utterly lost by the time Cosmos Rocks came along.
All the others? Dreadful beyond words.
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Post by pimderks on Aug 31, 2021 10:04:04 GMT
Q+PR had massive potential but, Brian being the control freak he is put the barriers up to anything other than making sure he looked like the star and the strides they made on stage were utterly lost by the time Cosmos Rocks came along. What do you mean? I've always felt was the least involved in TCR. It felt more like a Rodgers/Taylor record to me. I thought they were on fire for the 2008 tour, enjoyed those gigs a lot more than the 2005 ones. |
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NathanH
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Post by NathanH on Aug 31, 2021 18:55:40 GMT
Brian and Roger have always loved touring and playing live, and they wouldn't be able to play the huge venues on their own that Q+AL perform at. I'm guessing that as a musician you don't get the adrenaline rush playing sell out crowds of 40,000 compared to 2,000 attendees playing solo.
Roger isn't as known to the extent as Brian for being generous to fans, so doing his solo tour must be that he loves playing live and maybe he's realised that he can make more money doing this solo tour then the album and merchandise would!
But seriously my proper point is you wouldn't want to go through that physical and mental pain that playing live does if you didn't enjoy it. Even if the financial gain is high! Compared to a lot of bands Q+AL don't rake in as much money. These days you have to make profits playing live and I seriously reckon that just most of the money generated is just to keep the show on the road. Think about travel costs and how many crew there is. Brian and Roger would make some money but that wouldn't be their goal.
They are doing the thing they love. And this year they have just been happy to have made it and are able to still play live.
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Strange_frontier
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Post by Strange_frontier on Sept 1, 2021 0:07:45 GMT
Truth is, my opinion depends on the person in Freddie's slot. I've always been a little weirded out by the GH3 Queen+ stuff, I gave Q+PR a try, they were decent. But Q+AL is far from mediocre. In fact, in my opinion Adam is the closest thing to having Freddie's spirit back on earth.
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Post by 85guild on Sept 1, 2021 4:00:52 GMT
^^^
With all due respect, I just don't get that. Adam is an amazing singer whose voice is suited to Broadway. Brian and Roger can call him God's gift or whatever they call him but they surely know that while he is is perfect for what Brian and Roger are today, they would be in the dust bin of history along with bands like Angel or any glam groups had they not had Freddie Mercury as lead singer. There is no shame in what they are doing to keep the music alive, but Adam Lambert is not even close to a rock and roll singer. No grit, no soul.
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rogercz
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Post by rogercz on Sept 1, 2021 7:21:09 GMT
Q+PR had massive potential but, Brian being the control freak he is put the barriers up to anything other than making sure he looked like the star and the strides they made on stage were utterly lost by the time Cosmos Rocks came along. What do you mean? I've always felt was the least involved in TCR. It felt more like a Rodgers/Taylor record to me. I thought they were on fire for the 2008 tour, enjoyed those gigs a lot more than the 2005 ones. The gigs in 2008 were better, May wasted too much time saving foxes and doing his PhD. so TCR was merely done by RT and PR, but when it comes to the setlist, BM denied ideas that came from PR. He didn't like One Vision or (brilliant) Surf's Up... as an opener and instead of it said that they should start later concerts with TYMD (just a few) and with Hammer To Fall (not very good as opener). When they decided to shorten the setlist, they cancelled Paul's song (Wishing Well etc.). That was surely one of the reasons for break up. |
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Post by pimderks on Sept 1, 2021 8:43:35 GMT
I've heard rumours that Roger and Paul wanted to do more "new" stuff in the set, but that Brian wasn't prepared to rehearse them. Not sure where I read that. I still can't believe that they put out an album in the 2nd week of September and less than 3 months later they had broken up. I'm glad to have seen a couple of early gigs in the Cosmos Rocks tour, where they did stuff like Time To Shine, opening with Surf's Up etc. Would've loved to see one of the later gigs where they did stuff like Voodoo, Under Pressure etc.
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jeroeng
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Post by jeroeng on Sept 1, 2021 9:59:39 GMT
I've heard rumours that Roger and Paul wanted to do more "new" stuff in the set, but that Brian wasn't prepared to rehearse them. Not sure where I read that. I still can't believe that they put out an album in the 2nd week of September and less than 3 months later they had broken up. I'm glad to have seen a couple of early gigs in the Cosmos Rocks tour, where they did stuff like Time To Shine, opening with Surf's Up etc. Would've loved to see one of the later gigs where they did stuff like Voodoo, Under Pressure etc. I was at the same gig where they played Time To Shine (the only gig where they did it, Antwerp). Luckily they also still used Surf's Up as an opener, which really was a perfect opener! Moving that one to later in the set and replacing it with Hammer To Fall was a sin, really! What was Brian thinking? |
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donovan
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Post by donovan on Sept 1, 2021 14:36:11 GMT
Taylor Hawkins Holy Man.
Not a Queen+ collaboration, but that's the best recording they've been involved with this millennium. Brian's 2nd half guitar solo is gorgeous. At times it sounds like Brian invented a time machine and brought 1974 Brian in to record it for him.
The harmonies are also amazing, especially Roger's.
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Sept 1, 2021 15:39:43 GMT
Taylor Hawkins Holy Man. Not a Queen+ collaboration, but that's the best recording they've been involved with this millennium. Brian's 2nd half guitar solo is gorgeous. At times it sounds like Brian invented a time machine and brought 1974 Brian in to record it for him. The harmonies are also amazing, especially Roger's. I really like that! On my list of things to download. 🙂 |
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Post by macduff77 on Sept 1, 2021 16:17:21 GMT
Totally agree. This song is on my daily playlist. It's fantastic. Taylor Hawkins Holy Man. Not a Queen+ collaboration, but that's the best recording they've been involved with this millennium. Brian's 2nd half guitar solo is gorgeous. At times it sounds like Brian invented a time machine and brought 1974 Brian in to record it for him. The harmonies are also amazing, especially Roger's. |
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Sammy B. Willickers
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"Blow it out your asshole!" - Freddie Mercury, 1985
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Post by Sammy B. Willickers on Sept 1, 2021 21:45:49 GMT
Taylor Hawkins Holy Man. Not a Queen+ collaboration, but that's the best recording they've been involved with this millennium. Brian's 2nd half guitar solo is gorgeous. At times it sounds like Brian invented a time machine and brought 1974 Brian in to record it for him. The harmonies are also amazing, especially Roger's. Amazing! Didn't know about this, so thanks for the share!  |
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Post by milenalistens on Sept 2, 2021 11:05:19 GMT
I was fine with the Q+PR collab. As one of those younger millennials who got into Queen because their parents loved them, when I got into them as a kid Queen was deader than dead, so to have them come back just a few years into my fandom was a dream come true, and I loved seeing them in 2008. Sure, PR doesn't have Freddie's pipes but I was a dad rock enthusiast back then and I liked Free/BC so it was fine with me that it was more of a collaboration between them. People at the time were really into the idea of Jeff Scott Soto and others coming in, but honestly, if Queen wanted to tour with a rock singer, they couldn't have done better than PR, despite his obvious limitations and lack of chemistry - he is a rock legend and they are peers, anything but that would be a downgrade.
Of course, back then, Adam wasn't even on the horizon and we weren't even considering the possibility that a great frontman with the range to sing Freddie's songs would be available in the future. He gets a lot of flack from people who refuse to put him in the right context - he's a gay theater 80's kid from LA, he's not going to fit into the mold some core Queen fans have for their fantasy Queen singer, and honestly I like it better that way. I like what he brings vocally, I like him visually with Queen, it's clear that the chemistry is off the charts between them, and frankly I like the idea that "one of us" sings with Queen now.
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