Anyone who thinks Tokyo 8 may 1985 is better than Tokyo 9 may 1985. At the May 9th show Freddie is totally on fire. His intro to STL, the impromptu, ... Lots of unique moments. The atmosphere is also very beautiful. It's just a rockshow that has it all. It has to be in any top 10 since it's the best Works tour show.
That said, I'm hoping for a complete and great sounding recording of the first night too...
The Real Wizard · Member since
formulaone+queenmad wrote:
7) Brussels 12/13/1980
==========================
Nice to see someone mention this one. December 1980 was a brilliant month for Queen, and the Brussels show is no exception.
The Real Wizard · Member since
Gregsynth wrote:
Bob, I kinda agree and disagree on the Opera subject--while Queen's musical peak were in that era--Freddie wasn't really developed as a singer and frontman yet (that would blossom by the late 70s/early 80s). Going off the available recordings, what Opera concerts would you put high on a list?
====================
It's true, Freddie wasn't very developed yet, as he would be by say, 1982.
The Boston 76 recording reveals an incredible live band, focused purely on the music. Even by 1977, the theatrical side became more of a factor. I'm not saying it was a bad thing, but the music slowly started to suffer as the visual aspect of their show grew. They dropped the harder-to-play songs and focused more on the theatricality than delivering a musically artistic show. I can see why a lot of people in the US were starting to lose their interest in Queen by 1977 and 78.
But to Queen's credit, they always wanted to grow and bring a new spectacle every time they toured. Even though the Hot Space album was panned, the '82 concert reviews were by far the best they ever got. Consistently positive.
koldweather123 · Member since
Whilst it may not be a classic Queen gig, I think its very hard to ignore Live Aid performance.
It would surely be big enough to deserve a top ten place, Queen performed to by FAR the biggest ever crowd globally they ever did and utterly nailed the performance in the main...and the fact its voted one of the best gigs ever pretty consistantly along with perhaps Freddie's best ever versions of Radio Gaga and WATC plus top 5 performances of HTF and Bo Rhap certainly merit this perfomance's inclusion into the top 10...
Its just whether you class this as a 'Queen gig' or not?
Gregsynth · Member since
koldweather123 wrote: Whilst it may not be a classic Queen gig, I think its very hard to ignore Live Aid performance.
It would surely be big enough to deserve a top ten place, Queen performed to by FAR the biggest ever crowd globally they ever did and utterly nailed the performance in the main...and the fact its voted one of the best gigs ever pretty consistantly along with perhaps Freddie's best ever versions of Radio Gaga and WATC plus top 5 performances of HTF and Bo Rhap certainly merit this perfomance's inclusion into the top 10...
Its just whether you class this as a 'Queen gig' or not? ==================
Well, since Live Aid wasn't a "true" Queen gig, I don't consider it among the concerts. The performances of the songs however, are always considered for other lists!
Gregsynth · Member since
Sir GH wrote: Gregsynth wrote:
Bob, I kinda agree and disagree on the Opera subject--while Queen's musical peak were in that era--Freddie wasn't really developed as a singer and frontman yet (that would blossom by the late 70s/early 80s). Going off the available recordings, what Opera concerts would you put high on a list?
====================
It's true, Freddie wasn't very developed yet, as he would be by say, 1982.
The Boston 76 recording reveals an incredible live band, focused purely on the music. Even by 1977, the theatrical side became more of a factor. I'm not saying it was a bad thing, but the music slowly started to suffer as the visual aspect of their show grew. They dropped the harder-to-play songs and focused more on the theatricality than delivering a musically artistic show. I can see why a lot of people in the US were starting to lose their interest in Queen by 1977 and 78.
But to Queen's credit, they always wanted to grow and bring a new spectacle every time they toured. Even though the Hot Space album was panned, the '82 concert reviews were by far the best they ever got. Consistently positive. =================
But the Crazy Tour is an exception! Everybody was on fire, Freddie's live vocals were arguably at their peak, Liar was played, etc. The stripped-down stage show was kind of a throw back to the older days!
Gregsynth · Member since
1. Newcastle (12/4/1979) 2. Leiden (6/12/1986) 3. Rock In Ro (1/12/1985) 4. Boston (1/30/1976) 5. Newcastle (12/3/1979) 6. New York (12/2/1977) 7. Leeds (5/29/1982) 8. London (12/8/1980) 9. Sao Paulo (3/20/1981) 10. Philadelphia (11/23/1977)
That's the current list. I've debated about 5/9/1985 being in there (I can't decide if it's a top 10 or 15 gig). I need more opinions on this (Bob, On My Way Up, etc).
Does anyone have a say on gigs from the 1980-1981 Game Tour and such? I saw a mention for Brussels 1980!
on my way up · Member since
Gregsynth wrote: 1. Newcastle (12/4/1979) 2. Leiden (6/12/1986) 3. Rock In Ro (1/12/1985) 4. Boston (1/30/1976) 5. Newcastle (12/3/1979) 6. New York (12/2/1977) 7. Leeds (5/29/1982) 8. London (12/8/1980) 9. Sao Paulo (3/20/1981) 10. Philadelphia (11/23/1977)
That's the current list. I've debated about 5/9/1985 being in there (I can't decide if it's a top 10 or 15 gig). I need more opinions on this (Bob, On My Way Up, etc).
Does anyone have a say on gigs from the 1980-1981 Game Tour and such? I saw a mention for Brussels 1980! As much as I love the Crazy tour, I don't find there have to be 2 recordings from that tour in the top 10 list.
Also, take out Sao Paulo 20/03/1981 and put in Buenos Aires March 8 1981 (audience recording). That show is the perfect example of how a band can make an audience crazy AND play a musically wonderful show aswell. I find it better and even more intense than the first Sao Paulo show; By the way, if we had a perfect recording of the second night, I'm pretty sure I'd take that over the first night.
I really feel London 08/12/80 should be in the list. Brussels 13/12/1980 and for example Birmingham 06/12/1980 are amazing too but don't top that London show. The London show should stay in the list.
New York '77 second night, is a personal favourite but the soundquality on that one could have been better... Same goes for Philadelphia '77. I must admit I haven't listened to that last one (except for a few samples).
For 1986: KNEBWORTH. That show is so epic, it has to be included in that list.
Also, I think a European Day at the races show should be included. It was Freddie's first amazing tour vocally. I've got a soft spot for both Glasgow and Bristol: very intense shows! (those are the ones I love most). Leeds '82 is a good pick for that reason.
I like Rio first night, but top 10 is a bit too high for me ....
Please put in Copenhagen'78:-)
Gregsynth · Member since
on my way up wrote:
As much as I love the Crazy tour, I don't find there have to be 2 recordings from that tour in the top 10 list.
Also, take out Sao Paulo 20/03/1981 and put in Buenos Aires March 8 1981 (audience recording). That show is the perfect example of how a band can make an audience crazy AND play a musically wonderful show aswell. I find it better and even more intense than the first Sao Paulo show; By the way, if we had a perfect recording of the second night, I'm pretty sure I'd take that over the first night.
I really feel London 08/12/80 should be in the list. Brussels 13/12/1980 and for example Birmingham 06/12/1980 are amazing too but don't top that London show. The London show should stay in the list.
New York '77 second night, is a personal favourite but the soundquality on that one could have been better... Same goes for Philadelphia '77. I must admit I haven't listened to that last one (except for a few samples).
For 1986: KNEBWORTH. That show is so epic, it has to be included in that list.
Also, I think a European Day at the races show should be included. It was Freddie's first amazing tour vocally. I've got a soft spot for both Glasgow and Bristol: very intense shows! (those are the ones I love most). Leeds '82 is a good pick for that reason.
I like Rio first night, but top 10 is a bit too high for me ....
Please put in Copenhagen'78:-) ======================
Gigs suggested by on my way up:
- Buenos Aires (3/8/1981) - Knebworth Park (8/9/1986) - Bristol/Glasgow (5/23/1977 and 5/30/1977) - Copenhagen (4/13/1978) - Tokyo (5/9/1985)
I feel the urge to put 5/9 in the list (because it's an all-round excellent show). I remember the Buenos Aires show being awesome (have to compare that to a couple other gigs, but I think it's list-worthy), Not sure about the Races concerts--but maybe we can get some additional opinions on that (I still think they are more in the top 20--still excellent, mind you)! Knebworth Park I think could get in (atmosphere and performances are wonderful), and I'm not sure about Copenhagen: Freddie's awesome, and the band sound great--but the atmosphere wasn't quite as prominent as it was during other NOTW gigs. New York 1977 and Philly 1977 are awesome gigs!
Here's an updated list:
1. Newcastle (12/4/1979) 2. Leiden (6/12/1986) 3. Boston (1/30/1976) 4. Buenos Aires (3/8/1981) 5. Leeds (5/29/1982) 6. London (12/8/1980) 7. Knebworth Park (8/9/1986) 8. Tokyo (5/9/1985) 9. New York (12/2/1977) 10. Philadelphia (11/23/1977)
How's that for an update? :)
on my way up · Member since
Gregsynth wrote: on my way up wrote:
As much as I love the Crazy tour, I don't find there have to be 2 recordings from that tour in the top 10 list.
Also, take out Sao Paulo 20/03/1981 and put in Buenos Aires March 8 1981 (audience recording). That show is the perfect example of how a band can make an audience crazy AND play a musically wonderful show aswell. I find it better and even more intense than the first Sao Paulo show; By the way, if we had a perfect recording of the second night, I'm pretty sure I'd take that over the first night.
I really feel London 08/12/80 should be in the list. Brussels 13/12/1980 and for example Birmingham 06/12/1980 are amazing too but don't top that London show. The London show should stay in the list.
New York '77 second night, is a personal favourite but the soundquality on that one could have been better... Same goes for Philadelphia '77. I must admit I haven't listened to that last one (except for a few samples).
For 1986: KNEBWORTH. That show is so epic, it has to be included in that list.
Also, I think a European Day at the races show should be included. It was Freddie's first amazing tour vocally. I've got a soft spot for both Glasgow and Bristol: very intense shows! (those are the ones I love most). Leeds '82 is a good pick for that reason.
I like Rio first night, but top 10 is a bit too high for me ....
Please put in Copenhagen'78:-) ======================
Gigs suggested by on my way up:
- Buenos Aires (3/8/1981) - Knebworth Park (8/9/1986) - Bristol/Glasgow (5/23/1977 and 5/30/1977) - Copenhagen (4/13/1978) - Tokyo (5/9/1985)
I feel the urge to put 5/9 in the list (because it's an all-round excellent show). I remember the Buenos Aires show being awesome (have to compare that to a couple other gigs, but I think it's list-worthy), Not sure about the Races concerts--but maybe we can get some additional opinions on that (I still think they are more in the top 20--still excellent, mind you)! Knebworth Park I think could get in (atmosphere and performances are wonderful), and I'm not sure about Copenhagen: Freddie's awesome, and the band sound great--but the atmosphere wasn't quite as prominent as it was during other NOTW gigs. New York 1977 and Philly 1977 are awesome gigs!
Here's an updated list:
1. Newcastle (12/4/1979) 2. Leiden (6/12/1986) 3. Boston (1/30/1976) 4. Buenos Aires (3/8/1981) 5. Leeds (5/29/1982) 6. London (12/8/1980) 7. Knebworth Park (8/9/1986) 8. Tokyo (5/9/1985) 9. New York (12/2/1977) 10. Philadelphia (11/23/1977)
How's that for an update? :) ------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
Well, if you take out Philadelphia and put in Tokyo 01/05/1975, then I'd agree.
In 1975 FM's voice hadn't fully developedyet. I'm fully aware of that but that Tokyo show surely was a great early show for Freddie. You can tell he learned a lot during shows like that. Also, the show is packed and packed with totally unique moments. I remember the summer when the Young Nobles bootleg came out very very well. I had to recover for weeks from the beauty of that performance... In terms of improvisation, it's imo Queen at their best. So tight and still lots of spontaneous moments. It's leaps and bounds above many other performances and is just too important not to be featured in a best of Queen live list.
Also, it's the one show about which I've seen comments from fans from other bands like Zeppelin etc. along the lines of: "Maybe Queen were even the best of them all"
I've just discovered another wonderful show that rarely gets mentioned as a great Queen-show: Tokyo 1 april 1976. I've been listening to the few songs we have in great quality and those songs are packed with great moments: for example: Freddie barking in See what a fool I've been:-) Also, the performance of Father to son is so beautiful, absolutely perfect. Freddie even mentions it afterwards (which is rare). Now, that show will probably not be top-10 but I wanted to mention it nevertheless. Boston'76 is so awesome (also in terms of soundquality) that not much will top that.
Another thought: I totally dig 1986 but should 2 shows be featured in a top-10 list with for example no Jazz/live Killers or Races shows in it?
Gregsynth · Member since
on my way up wrote:
Well, if you take out Philadelphia and put in Tokyo 01/05/1975, then I'd agree.
In 1975 FM's voice hadn't fully developedyet. I'm fully aware of that but that Tokyo show surely was a great early show for Freddie. You can tell he learned a lot during shows like that. Also, the show is packed and packed with totally unique moments. I remember the summer when the Young Nobles bootleg came out very very well. I had to recover for weeks from the beauty of that performance... In terms of improvisation, it's imo Queen at their best. So tight and still lots of spontaneous moments. It's leaps and bounds above many other performances and is just too important not to be featured in a best of Queen live list.
Also, it's the one show about which I've seen comments from fans from other bands like Zeppelin etc. along the lines of: "Maybe Queen were even the best of them all"
I've just discovered another wonderful show that rarely gets mentioned as a great Queen-show: Tokyo 1 april 1976. I've been listening to the few songs we have in great quality and those songs are packed with great moments: for example: Freddie barking in See what a fool I've been:-) Also, the performance of Father to son is so beautiful, absolutely perfect. Freddie even mentions it afterwards (which is rare). Now, that show will probably not be top-10 but I wanted to mention it nevertheless. Boston'76 is so awesome (also in terms of soundquality) that not much will top that.
Another thought: I totally dig 1986 but should 2 shows be featured in a top-10 list with for example no Jazz/live Killers or Races shows in it? ================================
1. Newcastle (12/4/1979) 2. Leiden (6/12/1986) 3. Boston (1/30/1976) 4. Buenos Aires (3/8/1981) 5. Leeds (5/29/1982) 6. London (12/8/1980) 7. Knebworth Park (8/9/1986) 8. Tokyo (5/9/1985) 9. New York (12/2/1977) 10. Tokyo (5/1/1975)
There we go!
4/1/1976 is really underrated: That Japan 1976 leg gets bad rap (the Himeji/Fukuoka/Osaka stuff), but 3/31 and 4/1 are excellent gigs, and are in the top "Opera" gigs (at least for me). I would put those in in a top 30 list!
The reason why 1986 has two gigs, was because the Magic Tour was amazing! The Leiden gig has an awesome atmosphere (the crowd sings to everything, chant the football song, etc), there's some improv sections, Freddie sings the songs CORRECTLY (he hits the high notes on songs, sings Bo Rhap's verse like the recording, does correct and/or interesting phrasing, and doesn't BARK notes like he did on the Works Tour), and the band has a ball on stage! Knebworth has the intimate atmosphere, the emotional performances, and many musical brilliant moments (like the "Fun It" improv during Dust)!
Freddie was just too inconsistent on the Jazz/Live Killers Tour. The only show I can think of, that could possibly be in the list is 11/17/1978 (great music, Freddie sounds strong, great crowd, etc). There are many gigs on that tour that would be in the 25-30 range, but take a look at the current list: In all of them, Freddie's vocal shape ranges from good to excellent: Would a Jazz/Live Killers gig fit vocally? Possibly not (though I'm willing to compromise and hear opinions)!
koldweather123 · Member since
Hmmm BA over Sao Paulo?
Not sure about that to be honest, great crowd and the gig itself is almost certainly a top 15 gig but SP performances were amazing and the crowd weren't exactly lame there either!
I'd go 2nd night over 1st SP though...and personally for me it would take BA's place, as good a gig as that one was...and I bet if we had a good quality recording of that show most would agree...
Overall not much to disagree with, Knebworth certainly deserves its place, special gig even with Freddie's somewhat average vocals (Bar maybe the first 5-6 songs, where they were good even by the earlier shows standards!)
The only Game shows that really have a shot are the ones mentioned plus maybe either Inglewood and Oakland...maybe.
The Real Wizard · Member since
Gregsynth wrote:
"But the Crazy Tour is an exception! Everybody was on fire, Freddie's live vocals were arguably at their peak, Liar was played, etc. The stripped-down stage show was kind of a throw back to the older days!"
Fair play - I'll give you that.
The idea of making a top ten list is so arbitrary and difficult. Everyone's gonna have a different take on it, since there are so many criteria one can follow. Even if we had high quality recordings of every show, we still wouldn't be able to make a truly informed decision - only people who were there every night can say for sure. That's why Leeds '82 and Knebworth '86 have to be in there, at least - Brian and Roger have mentioned those gigs many times as their favourites
Gregsynth · Member since
Sir GH wrote:
Fair play - I'll give you that.
The idea of making a top ten list is so arbitrary and difficult. Everyone's gonna have a different take on it, since there are so many criteria one can follow. Even if we had high quality recordings of every show, we still wouldn't be able to make a truly informed decision - only people who were there every night can say for sure. That's why Leeds '82 and Knebworth '86 have to be in there, at least - Brian and Roger have mentioned those gigs many times as their favourites ==============================
For the different take on lists--I'm sure everybody's made their own personal lists on their favorite and their versions of "the best concerts." For this list, I was think more along the lines of "Hey everybody, lets get together and try to make a 'team-effort' list." The list has changed several times since I first posted it. Everybody seems to agree on Newcastle, Leiden, Boston, etc being in that list. So despite everybody having different takes, there's some common ground between many people!
on my way up · Member since
A few general thoughts about the live band Queen: *a weak Queen-show was still a fantastic rockshow because of several reasons: - the band had great songs and - even on an offday - the managed to bring over the meaning of the songs - the band were masters of putting a setlist together, so the impact of their performance was always huge (great at building intensity etc.) - the band had a unique frontman in Freddie, who - even when his voice was weak - was always a great entertainer and he could adapt songs to the shape of his voice
