7th October 2015
QueenOnline on Tour: Notes From The Road South America Part 10
Sorry for the delay in this concluding part of these Tour Notes. I have had a visitor by the name of Jetlagus Maximus to entertain and he really has outstayed his welcome I must say. It also feels a bit odd tapping this out in the comfort of my own home.
We better dive straight in, as the memories are still fresh, if you are still interested of course. The tour is over; we have quickly moved on here at Queen HQ, it never stops. It's all about the forthcoming 'A Night At The Odeon' release now.
Meanwhile, last week, back in Chile…
Just prior to the show I had to sort out some last minute meet and greet passes and check the area that they were taking place was fit for purpose, plus I also sat down with the band's management for a chat about a few ongoing projects for when I got home;
"Are you sure you have time Nick? You are not too busy having massage are you?" - Jim Beach joked. I think.
Apart from that, it was business as usual for me pre-show (set lists, water and towels to the backline guys and set up the Queen quick change tent behind the stage), but I did make a point of clearing up any other chores, so I could enjoy more of the show for myself, it was the last one after all - for now, anyway.
The fine and bright day had now disappeared and the evening had quite a chill to it, but the vibe was very warm indeed. The final show was another corker. As mentioned previously there was a very laid back feel to the day and this rolled over into the show from what I could see. Santiago, you seemed like a very happy crowd, very smiley and fun, from the faces I saw. I know, I have now said something nice about every crowd we came across, but that's the truth - the following here in South America really does have the most unique passion and lust for these songs and the band. I salute you.
I had a really good spot on stage for this show; owing to the tight layout on the side of the stage on this particular night, I was very close to the action and had a great view in seeing at how good Rufus and Neil really are. Knowing the ebb and flow of Brian's guitar solo, I knew when to get in position for 'Tie Your Mother Down', I knelt just in front of the thrust then leads to the B-stage and I am so glad I did. The version of this song was hands down the best I have ever heard of this line up deliver - everyone was on fire, especially Rufus and Brian. I am no musician, but I can recognise 'good'. Rufus was just devastating - driving the song on and on, harder and harder and Brian was just out there on the edge, jamming away, taking it higher and higher, you could see the thrill on Neil's face as he was looking to see where the Doc was going to take them. I was actually laughing in awe, if you can do such a thing. I was kind of spent after witnessing that and walked out to the sound desk for a breather and watched the communion of 'Radio Ga Ga' unfold with quite the satisfied smile on my face. What an adventure this had been. AGAIN.
After the show the band hung around for a lot longer that normal, the guest list had been quite large and there were a few friends to see. This also meant that the band could speak to the crew and thank many of us personally for the last 3 weeks or so. I again spoke to Brian and asked him if he had enjoyed himself; "Yeah, it still doesn't not get much better than that, it's been great, Nick." I wished him well and promised I would come down and see him in his studio soon. It turned out that the band actually semi-gate crashed an unofficial fan after show party at a hotel later that night; I hope they had the right passes.
There was less of a rush to break things down seeing as this was the final show, so beers were cracked open earlier, sushi and pizza were enjoyed, rather than consumed as fuel, and most if the crew refrained from rushing off back to the hotel. Lots of hugging, handshakes and variations of "Stay in touch", "Facebook me" and "See you on the next one!" were exchanged. Not only is this crew amazing to work with, but such a nice bunch too, I have made some new and true friends on this tour. Oh, oh and talking of the crew, that reminds me! One of our translators in Brazil was quoted in saying that she thought we were "the best looking crew I have ever seen...” I'm adding that to the CV.
I am trying to end this with a bang or some deep sentimental tone, but failing really. The last of us got back to the hotel at 4am in the morning, more hugs for those we missed earlier and we slowly made our way home in waves and at different times the next day or that morning should I say. I traveled back with Nev, Steve and Ross, the same guys I set off with three weeks earlier; no lost luggage incidents, a great milkshake at the airport, a mild panic for a temporarily lost mobile phone and several chuckles between us whilst waiting in Paris for our connecting flight and that was it. I watched 'Amy' on the plane, the Winehouse documentary - that was depressing and then Jurassic World, and that was just rubbish.
Home. Wife and daughters. The biggest and best hugs of them all. They are my favourite audience.
Five days later and I have only really started to unpack properly. My AAA laminates, set lists, hotel receipts, luggage labels and various currencies are littering the back bedroom and see my miniscule contribution to the Queen story right there, but it'll do me just fine, I will be living off it in the pub for years to come.
Right, that's it; tour bubble popped and back to it. The Queen machine rolls on…
Nick
Will chocolates and roses do??? And to think I had to leave the thread and miss a repartee 
RL so gets in the way sometimes.
But I suppose he had to wear something! 
