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Post by pi on Nov 1, 2023 15:54:38 GMT -5
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quackn
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Post by quackn on Nov 1, 2023 15:59:23 GMT -5
We were saving our enthusiasm for Radio Gaga clapping. It was multigenerationally packed, and Sir Bri got a real kick out of some young headbangers around the B stage. Really played to them because they didn’t have cameras. They were into the music. As the vids show Adam was Mr.Sparkle all night. I’m thinking the Harley is now so over the top that it kind of takes away from its impact. Adam did have some cool moves on the various iterations of the Frankenboots, but he’s comfortably into the spectacle the performance. It’s just a feeling, (don’t ask me for evidence) but I think Sir Bri dominated more than Adam. The drum footage from when Roger was young added a nice showcase for him. It seemed more slick than dangerous performance-wise for all of them. YMMV of course. Well, I’m in Denver and thu are going to be boarding… This has been the increasing case with each tour. nica575 and I discussed this very point on the way home from MSG. It was more obvious this time that Brian took centre stage in most songs, and certainly had all the best lighting. At MSG1 I was close enough to not need the screens but became fascinated at how much screen time Brian got, even when Adam was singing his heart out and Brian’s guitar not to the fore. Similarly, Adam had times when he was singing in darkness and Brian was ablaze. Not sure what happens after WWTLF now (though I saw two shows this time!) but it used to be that Adam’s big song got almost stunted applause because he disappeared down a hole while Brian seamlessly started his guitar solo. MSG1 - Adam made such wonderful introductions to both Brian and Roger who received well deserved and prolonged cheers.. Brian forgot to introduce Adam completely…no words about him at all. I know Brian says lovely things about Adam and I’m really not complaining - what wonderful opportunities Brian has opened out for Adam…but in the moment… And it’s Brian’s well deserved time to shine, having been far less prominent on stage with Freddie as frontman. Of course, Adam is more balanced about this than me! 😃 He is modest and professionally generous to a fault - and perhaps that’s precisely the way this dynamic works so well. No ego clashing! I have to give Brian a little bit of grace for MSG1. It was the night before that his friend passed. His mind may not have been totally on the show. I was there but I don’t remember if that was the night Adam just walked away or if it was another night that he called Adam back and introduced him. My eyes are always glued on Adam so I didn’t notice much difference in who was center stage. Adam has been disappearing down the hole a few years now. But I don’t remember which song was usually next or how quickly it began. I have always felt Roger took second banana. In the beginning he used to come out from behind the drum to sing with Adam, on occasion. Now he never does and I think he has the least screen time. I have to say that Brian does appear tired sometimes. I love them and will continue to see them as long as they play. I hope we have several more years. |
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Post by pi on Nov 1, 2023 16:05:20 GMT -5
Music Scene MediaQueen + Adam Lambert: A Rhapsody in Chicago
 Iconic rockers Queen and Adam Lambert return for their fifth collaboration, bringing The Rhapsody Tour on a trek across the United States. The near-instant sellout of multiple dates led to the addition of more shows, making a two-night appearance in most cities on the tour.
It’s no surprise that the tour sold out, combining one of the most legendary rock groups, powerhouse performer and vocalist Adam Lambert, and a massive production value. Chicago is abuzz, ready for one of the most-anticipated tours of the year. The room goes electric as the lights dim. The robotic imagery on the LED video wall begins to move, as the intro to “Machines” begins to play. As the wall lifts, Lambert takes front and center, clad in a silver suit and cape combination that would make a '90s superhero proud.
As Lambert commands the stage, moving into “Radio Gaga” and then “Hammer to Fall,” guitarist Brian May strolls up and down the extended stage, effortlessly soloing while taking the spotlight as the fans and press eagerly take this opportunity to get a photo of the legendary guitarist. As a solo bassline begins, fans instantly recognize the classic “Another One Bites the Dust.”
For “Bicycle Race,” a now leather-clad Lambert sits on a large bike, decked out with chrome and lights while singing into a camera mounted to the contraption. It’s one of the most entertaining bits of the night, and Lambert’s stage presence and personality come through in his performance here. “Killer Queen” does similar, with Lambert singing into a camera acting as a mirror prop.
The show strips down from its massive production and pageantry as May takes to the spotlight to acoustically perform “Love of My Life” and “‘39.” For the former, he is joined on the video wall by a recording of Freddie Mercury, and the duet concludes with May and Mercury’s hands reaching toward one another before the video fades out. It’s a heartfelt moment, but one of the most memorable of the evening.
Original Queen drummer Roger Taylor goes front and center, giving a drum solo on the extended stage, and is joined by his bandmates as they perform the hit “Under Pressure.” May returns and rises from the stage upon an asteroid, as a visualizer of the universe plays behind him, leading into a guitar solo of epic, interstellar proportions. It’s one of the most hypnotizing moments of the show, and the scale of the production is in full force for this extended sequence.
The group continues to perform hit after hit, as Lambert flawlessly belts every note possible. Things feel more like a cover of the originals, but that’s perfect. The tour and performances pay homage to the late Freddie Mercury, and Lambert takes vocal liberties to inject his style and range, making the performance unique. It’s fantastic that he has been able to tour alongside Queen and share his voice, as he’s a one-of-a-kind performer who truly deserves this.
More + lots of photos! www.musicscenemedia.com/queen-adam-lambert-a-rhapsody-in-chicago/
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Post by pi on Nov 1, 2023 16:21:20 GMT -5
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Post by girldrummer on Nov 1, 2023 16:33:43 GMT -5
I've noticed a little difference in the dynamic, too, although I don't think it's due to any animosity among them. I think it's a might be due to the reality that there aren't that many big tours left. I know they will be touring Japan and Australia and maybe more. But maybe Brian feels like he has earned more of the spotlight. He is respected and revered world-wide. I really don't know the answer. It might change again. Adam has been the centerpiece for quite a while now.
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SophieB
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Post by SophieB on Nov 1, 2023 16:47:11 GMT -5
ljsmack . Forgot to thank you for the interesting recap - and missing your flight while writing it goes above and beyond… 
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Post by pi on Nov 1, 2023 17:46:10 GMT -5
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Post by lurleene on Nov 1, 2023 17:55:00 GMT -5
A dynamic frontman is the key even with a great band. Adam worked because he gave Queen some of what they lost long after Freddie's death. Some in the media may have had a hard time giving him the proper accolades but they did not start filling up those arenas again (at least in the US) until Adam came on the scene. They certainly failed to do it with Paul Rogers and Brian and Roger were right there as they are now. So the extra ingredient, spark and addition was Adam. Fans attending the concerts have been very vocal and amazed, and some stunned, at what he brings to the band. Remove him as the centerpiece and I'm not so sure the accolades and attention would have been there. There were even complaints early in their tours when some thought the guitar and drum solos took up too much of the focus and caused a lull. Just a thought, HA.
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Post by girldrummer on Nov 1, 2023 19:00:58 GMT -5
lurleen, I think you're right, plain and simple. I don't there is any animosity about the pecking order. Each has his own role. As you say, Adam was the THE ONE to give Queen its re-birth. They all know it. I think things will be just fine.
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Post by pi on Nov 1, 2023 20:47:05 GMT -5
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