talon
Member
Posts: 2,933
Location:
|
Post by talon on Jun 25, 2014 23:57:23 GMT -5
Spike is Queen's Musical Director -- so it is his job. But still nice.  So what are the duties of a music director? Spike's job is a bit unique I think...or at least semi-unique in the world of rock. A bit of background story I always remember is that when Spike got the call in 1984 he went to what he thought was an audition. He played a bit and left not knowing what to think and then got the itinerary...that's how he knew he got the gig  He went to rehearsals the first few days and he amazingly found that the band had forgotten a few of the tracks (Hadn't played them in awhile I guess  So he kind of retaught them while they went oh yeah oh yeah ok... Since then, especially after Freddie died, Spike has begun being called Musical Director. Now as to what that means? It's kind of like he's the field general to Brian and Roger's Admiral. Spike is definitely in charge of the rest of the band (from 1992-2008 that meant Jamie Moses, Danny Miranda, Neil Murray, Eric Singer...whomever was performing with the band. Spike was the only true constant with Brian & Roger. This actually partially led him to form Spike's All Stars which figures all of the above at different times as well as many other C-list type or one hit wonder types who perform with him at functions. They are highly sought after for MANY private and public functions. For the 46664 gig in South Africa B&R used them as THE backing band for all the artists performing.) Now that means he's in charge of rehearsing Neil and Rufus, and making sure the set list is run in order and everyone knows what they are doing. Brian and Roger will have final say and input and dictate the final setlist, etc. and then turn things over to Spike to make things run smoothly. So I'd bet there are runthroughs with just himself, Rufus, and Neil and then B&R will join to warm up and play around, and Spike will then warm up Adam as well. During the gigs you'll find Roger is mostly the man leading the actual charge (as the rhythm is dictated by him - you'll often still find Brian looking to him to end the song), but that Spike will have already made sure everything was ready for and running smoothly... |
|
|
|
Post by bridgeymah on Jun 26, 2014 0:39:52 GMT -5
Watching the video of DSMN and CLTCL for the 1,000th time (lol) I just now noticed Adam is wearing that big spiked bracelet of his! Anyone else notice it? It's probably been mentioned already but I'm still not completely caught up. RL since I got back from Chicago is messing with my Adam fanning!lol I did notice it immediately. It's the one he said he picked up on the street in New York during a publicity junket. Just a cheap piece of costume jewelry, I think. Now incorporated into a fabulous costume. Love that he treats his wardrobe like the dress up box he had growing up - it's just a bit bigger these days in includes designer threads :-) |
|
|
|
Post by adamrocks on Jun 26, 2014 0:51:34 GMT -5
Oh! My! Look at the Queen tattoo this guy has on his chest!  GeralynK geralynk 31m Wow! Joe Barbatos amazing Queen tatt! twitpic.com/e6y51r  |
|
|
|
Post by Q3 on Jun 26, 2014 0:55:10 GMT -5
So what are the duties of a music director? Spike's job is a bit unique I think...or at least semi-unique in the world of rock. A bit of background story I always remember is that when Spike got the call in 1984 he went to what he thought was an audition. He played a bit and left not knowing what to think and then got the itinerary...that's how he knew he got the gig He went to rehearsals the first few days and he amazingly found that the band had forgotten a few of the tracks (Hadn't played them in awhile I guess So he kind of retaught them while they went oh yeah oh yeah ok... Since then, especially after Freddie died, Spike has begun being called Musical Director. Now as to what that means? It's kind of like he's the field general to Brian and Roger's Admiral. Spike is definitely in charge of the rest of the band (from 1992-2008 that meant Jamie Moses, Danny Miranda, Neil Murray, Eric Singer...whomever was performing with the band. Spike was the only true constant with Brian & Roger. This actually partially led him to form Spike's All Stars which figures all of the above at different times as well as many other C-list type or one hit wonder types who perform with him at functions. They are highly sought after for MANY private and public functions. For the 46664 gig in South Africa B&R used them as THE backing band for all the artists performing.) Now that means he's in charge of rehearsing Neil and Rufus, and making sure the set list is run in order and everyone knows what they are doing. Brian and Roger will have final say and input and dictate the final setlist, etc. and then turn things over to Spike to make things run smoothly. So I'd bet there are runthroughs with just himself, Rufus, and Neil and then B&R will join to warm up and play around, and Spike will then warm up Adam as well. During the gigs you'll find Roger is mostly the man leading the actual charge (as the rhythm is dictated by him - you'll often still find Brian looking to him to end the song), but that Spike will have already made sure everything was ready for and running smoothly... The way Spike became Musical Director is a bit odd, but most pop and rock artists who tour theaters and larger venues have a Musical Director. The Musical Director works with the band and vocalists to help them practice and prepare for concerts. Excluding the biggest acts, the Musical Director is often also part of the band. For pop artists, like Lady Gaga, the Musical Director is also responsible for the electronic music and backing tracks. Adam has had two Musical Directors for his tours -- Monte Pittman in 2010-2011, and Brian London in 2012- |
|
talon
Member
Posts: 2,933
Location:
|
Post by talon on Jun 26, 2014 7:12:45 GMT -5
Yes in the world of pop it would be commonplace especially for singular artists. In the world of rock bands it believe it to be more unique...
|
|
|
|
Post by stardust on Jun 28, 2014 2:11:40 GMT -5
It must be a joy for the band members to work with Queen!
|
|
So he kind of retaught them while they went oh yeah oh yeah ok...
