12.23.17 Adam News and Info
Dec 24, 2017 0:17:06 GMT -5
Post by momtomany on Dec 24, 2017 0:17:06 GMT -5
Here comes a belated 'review' of the last QAL European show - in Birmingham, on December 16th!
Must confess I lost these notes I took during my backstage tour . . . part of the reason this is a week late. Must thank Adam for not announcing anything today - it gives me space to write this for Adamtopia, without being lost in flailing or angst! - - - not that we flail or angst . . . .
I've been fortunate to do the backstage tour before; but each time is different. And, this tour, with the way the stage seats are configured - well, the best way to put it is that we have an obscured view - just like the other crew. This felt more like really backstage; at the side; observing the action as it unfolds during the performance. It's perspective was unique and intimate. Those of us in that little box were trusted to witness their work; enjoy; appreciate but not interfere. I felt a needed sense of trust in us.
I'm going to give out this narrative from my notes. I wrote frantically - - - don't know shorthand! Over and over I've experienced something at these concerts; telling myself I'll remember; and then 'poof' I'm off to the next forgotten, unforgettable moment.
My ticket to Birmingham was burned in the fire. I emailed the venue, and they made sure my entry was without any problems whatsoever. Together with Didilynn and 'Purplepassion', we entered the venue precisely at 6PM.
Must say, the Birmingham Arena is spotless!! Very pristine - - - the staff was ready to welcome and wine and dine all of us! I ordered a serving of french fries, only to learn they are called 'thick chips' in the UK . . . a very hearty dinner!
A group of about 14 met with Andy; Andy of 'Chaise Longue'. He greeted us all; acknowledged those of us he'd seen before like an old friend. Here are my notes, from Andy's narration - paraphrased, of course!
Almost before the tour began, Brian's guitar tech, Pete, came out with the actual 'Red Special'. We took photos and asked questions, and marveled at this unassuming guitar; searching for the magic, musical gift that allows it to sing, scream, cry, inspire, take us to the heavens . . .
The set for this 2017 American and European Tour was conceived, and then built last winter in Pennsylvania. When a show is over, it takes from approx. 1030 to 0200 to dismantle. The tour uses 21 trucks. Each venue begins the unloading and set-up process at 6AM. The traveling crew numbers about 60. 80 locals are employed to help build the set at each venue. "It looks like a disaster when we unload, but then a 'kind of magic' happens" and the set is built.
Everything is laid out; the stage is on wheels; built at the end of the arena, and then wheeled under the 'halo' and other suspended stuff. Automatic chains are used. Everything is programmed.
"The start of the tour is hairy because we're just learning to build and break down. Now, we're a well-oiled machine!"
Steve Price and Andy are the longest serving members of the Queen crew. Andy said he was really 'sheepish' at first, knocking on performers' doors to alert them of sound check. Needless to say, Andy's mom is very proud of her son and his role in this tour.
Andy talked about Leeds, and how the crew had to improvise to 'crash' the tricycle into the stairs, because the set didn't quite fit!
Andy acknowledged and applauded the many backstage crews; humbly acknowledging the carpenters and those who build and strike the set. "There's the lighting crew, the video/audio crew; the bus drivers (4 tour buses); the backstage crew, looking after wardrobe; a crew taking care of travel; and local workers, hired at every local arena."
And the cooks! "Always such heathy food. Wonderful puddings!"
Background music was playing in the arena during our tour - Andy paused, and then said "I was in a band years ago, called "100 Reasons", in the late '90s . . . this is one of our songs!". Background, warm-up music being played in the arena included this!! I was bowled over; the bits of inclusion Queen supplies to its crew is just another touching reason why they are so special; why their music pierces my heart. Andy let us know that nearly every crew member on this tour is a musician. Andy was a drummer!
We were led backstage; it was really cold. There, with a few desks and a Christmas Tree-like panel in front of him, was that master of video and light, Steve Price. "Steve speaks like a video master. He's in charge of all screens." As Andy introduced Steve he confided that Steve is his best friend on the tour. However, he said "Chaise Longue" has ruined my life a bit! In Las Vegas I was recognized! Someone came up to me and said 'Are you the chaise longue guy'?" Steve created the video that brought Andy this unwanted fame!
Steve showed us how he works the video screens. He creates an 'ideological, ideal world". There are thirteen cameras on the stage; one is a special, new camera; one projects from the roof. The operators of cameras 1, 2, and 3 are all named Robin. All now have nicknames to distinguish them. Two screens are in the eyes of the robot, Frank. Steve presses buttons to change the screens. Introduced us to Jamie, who is the handheld operator.
Technology be damned!! Steve has a little spiral notebook, filled with notes and sketches. It's his constant reference.
He knows what will happen each night. "I know when Adam will punch the sky." "I have to observe when Roger and Brian look and nod - we know the song will end soon." There are 10 recordings of every show, from different angles. Steve has worked at 140 successive Queen performances; but he has never seen one. Tonight he is backstage, in the loading bay, "because there is no room for us!" "The stage is so big! Sometimes we use hot water bottles to keep us warm!" - Andy then said he would like his hot water bottle to be filled with coffee!
"I know that when Adam sings 'Who Wants to Live Forever' and Brian does his guitar solo, it's all laser shots and no camera; so I have time to go for tea".
Steve and Andy are proud to know they began with the tour in June of 2014. "Pete and Nigel have done all the shows - they work full time. Pete was working on Brian's phone line 23 years ago and got to talking. That conversation led to his becoming Brian's guitar tech."
Yet one more proud accomplishment from Steve Price . . . "I was Father Christmas on our tour a few days ago!"
Crew had set up a Christmas-like little hallway for the performers to enter and exit. There was no sign of Adam, but I imagined what it would be like, in only minutes, for him to enter and exit with the crowd adulation inspiring his performance. Then, yeow! I stepped aside as a wardrobe rack with Adam's clothes - including the gold cloak - swept by! They were gone in an instant!
Adam came over, early in the show, and said to Spike, after having some water, wiping his brow and either inhaling water vapor or speaking into a tiny microphone (I can't tell) said "It's dry - - - it's so dry in here". I thought he meant the air; my friend says he meant the mike feed! I'm obviously clueless.
I spent this performance with a delightful cadre of new friends. We danced and shared our view of Spike's rear end! There were breathtaking moments. When the only lights for 'Love of My Life' were the stars from the arena . . .
At the end, Spike gave me the playlist. Then Tyler came over and gave me a drumstick! Roger waved. Brian bowed. Adam left without acknowledging the stage seats at all.
I'm not bothered by this one bit. I only put it out because this was the way it was.
Well, that's it! I was part of another incredible Queen performance. Thanks to Andy, the crew, the really happy people who came to say 'hello' .
IMO, the reason why Adam & Queen are flawless is entirely due to the behind-the-scenes performers, who create a backdrop and stage a life; create a moment in time where the actors/musicians can spin their magic.
and we, who witness and are grateful, send thanks from humble hearts.
Must confess I lost these notes I took during my backstage tour . . . part of the reason this is a week late. Must thank Adam for not announcing anything today - it gives me space to write this for Adamtopia, without being lost in flailing or angst! - - - not that we flail or angst . . . .
I've been fortunate to do the backstage tour before; but each time is different. And, this tour, with the way the stage seats are configured - well, the best way to put it is that we have an obscured view - just like the other crew. This felt more like really backstage; at the side; observing the action as it unfolds during the performance. It's perspective was unique and intimate. Those of us in that little box were trusted to witness their work; enjoy; appreciate but not interfere. I felt a needed sense of trust in us.
I'm going to give out this narrative from my notes. I wrote frantically - - - don't know shorthand! Over and over I've experienced something at these concerts; telling myself I'll remember; and then 'poof' I'm off to the next forgotten, unforgettable moment.
My ticket to Birmingham was burned in the fire. I emailed the venue, and they made sure my entry was without any problems whatsoever. Together with Didilynn and 'Purplepassion', we entered the venue precisely at 6PM.
Must say, the Birmingham Arena is spotless!! Very pristine - - - the staff was ready to welcome and wine and dine all of us! I ordered a serving of french fries, only to learn they are called 'thick chips' in the UK . . . a very hearty dinner!
A group of about 14 met with Andy; Andy of 'Chaise Longue'. He greeted us all; acknowledged those of us he'd seen before like an old friend. Here are my notes, from Andy's narration - paraphrased, of course!
Almost before the tour began, Brian's guitar tech, Pete, came out with the actual 'Red Special'. We took photos and asked questions, and marveled at this unassuming guitar; searching for the magic, musical gift that allows it to sing, scream, cry, inspire, take us to the heavens . . .
The set for this 2017 American and European Tour was conceived, and then built last winter in Pennsylvania. When a show is over, it takes from approx. 1030 to 0200 to dismantle. The tour uses 21 trucks. Each venue begins the unloading and set-up process at 6AM. The traveling crew numbers about 60. 80 locals are employed to help build the set at each venue. "It looks like a disaster when we unload, but then a 'kind of magic' happens" and the set is built.
Everything is laid out; the stage is on wheels; built at the end of the arena, and then wheeled under the 'halo' and other suspended stuff. Automatic chains are used. Everything is programmed.
"The start of the tour is hairy because we're just learning to build and break down. Now, we're a well-oiled machine!"
Steve Price and Andy are the longest serving members of the Queen crew. Andy said he was really 'sheepish' at first, knocking on performers' doors to alert them of sound check. Needless to say, Andy's mom is very proud of her son and his role in this tour.
Andy talked about Leeds, and how the crew had to improvise to 'crash' the tricycle into the stairs, because the set didn't quite fit!
Andy acknowledged and applauded the many backstage crews; humbly acknowledging the carpenters and those who build and strike the set. "There's the lighting crew, the video/audio crew; the bus drivers (4 tour buses); the backstage crew, looking after wardrobe; a crew taking care of travel; and local workers, hired at every local arena."
And the cooks! "Always such heathy food. Wonderful puddings!"
Background music was playing in the arena during our tour - Andy paused, and then said "I was in a band years ago, called "100 Reasons", in the late '90s . . . this is one of our songs!". Background, warm-up music being played in the arena included this!! I was bowled over; the bits of inclusion Queen supplies to its crew is just another touching reason why they are so special; why their music pierces my heart. Andy let us know that nearly every crew member on this tour is a musician. Andy was a drummer!
We were led backstage; it was really cold. There, with a few desks and a Christmas Tree-like panel in front of him, was that master of video and light, Steve Price. "Steve speaks like a video master. He's in charge of all screens." As Andy introduced Steve he confided that Steve is his best friend on the tour. However, he said "Chaise Longue" has ruined my life a bit! In Las Vegas I was recognized! Someone came up to me and said 'Are you the chaise longue guy'?" Steve created the video that brought Andy this unwanted fame!
Steve showed us how he works the video screens. He creates an 'ideological, ideal world". There are thirteen cameras on the stage; one is a special, new camera; one projects from the roof. The operators of cameras 1, 2, and 3 are all named Robin. All now have nicknames to distinguish them. Two screens are in the eyes of the robot, Frank. Steve presses buttons to change the screens. Introduced us to Jamie, who is the handheld operator.
Technology be damned!! Steve has a little spiral notebook, filled with notes and sketches. It's his constant reference.
He knows what will happen each night. "I know when Adam will punch the sky." "I have to observe when Roger and Brian look and nod - we know the song will end soon." There are 10 recordings of every show, from different angles. Steve has worked at 140 successive Queen performances; but he has never seen one. Tonight he is backstage, in the loading bay, "because there is no room for us!" "The stage is so big! Sometimes we use hot water bottles to keep us warm!" - Andy then said he would like his hot water bottle to be filled with coffee!
"I know that when Adam sings 'Who Wants to Live Forever' and Brian does his guitar solo, it's all laser shots and no camera; so I have time to go for tea".
Steve and Andy are proud to know they began with the tour in June of 2014. "Pete and Nigel have done all the shows - they work full time. Pete was working on Brian's phone line 23 years ago and got to talking. That conversation led to his becoming Brian's guitar tech."
Yet one more proud accomplishment from Steve Price . . . "I was Father Christmas on our tour a few days ago!"
Crew had set up a Christmas-like little hallway for the performers to enter and exit. There was no sign of Adam, but I imagined what it would be like, in only minutes, for him to enter and exit with the crowd adulation inspiring his performance. Then, yeow! I stepped aside as a wardrobe rack with Adam's clothes - including the gold cloak - swept by! They were gone in an instant!
Adam came over, early in the show, and said to Spike, after having some water, wiping his brow and either inhaling water vapor or speaking into a tiny microphone (I can't tell) said "It's dry - - - it's so dry in here". I thought he meant the air; my friend says he meant the mike feed! I'm obviously clueless.
I spent this performance with a delightful cadre of new friends. We danced and shared our view of Spike's rear end! There were breathtaking moments. When the only lights for 'Love of My Life' were the stars from the arena . . .
At the end, Spike gave me the playlist. Then Tyler came over and gave me a drumstick! Roger waved. Brian bowed. Adam left without acknowledging the stage seats at all.
I'm not bothered by this one bit. I only put it out because this was the way it was.
Well, that's it! I was part of another incredible Queen performance. Thanks to Andy, the crew, the really happy people who came to say 'hello' .
IMO, the reason why Adam & Queen are flawless is entirely due to the behind-the-scenes performers, who create a backdrop and stage a life; create a moment in time where the actors/musicians can spin their magic.
and we, who witness and are grateful, send thanks from humble hearts.