Which track showed Brian's virtuosity best (Chicago show)?

Nearly every track performed last night in Chicago is available on one website or another, Youtube for example, and by now many of us have watched many clips a number of times... So my question is: "Which track best displayed Brian's virtuosity at the Chicago show last night?"

I say Stone cold crazy, his solo and radio gaga! That's my opinion, and I was there!

Right, thanks Jake12, but I knew this thread would fall flat, for one simple reason: I was asking people to make a POSITIVE comment. It would require actually listening to the performances and not just make grandiose generalizations bashing this aspect or that based on prefjudices. This board is no place for interesting discussion, or support of the band, apparently, jjust a place for the insecure to quarrel and vent their childish insecurities about camp theatrics. Yawn.

If anyone cares, I've now uploaded my own video of I Want It All to Youtube, and it would be my own favorite showing Brian's chops. But there are many others that did as well, I really am disappointed that something like this can't even result in a discussion, when so much effort and talent went into this show. (quoting Cartman's parting words in my head)

http://youtu.be/cpV3Sx-hBc8

Nice vid, it actually shows what's going on, rather than just close ups of AL!

I've enjoyed what I've heard from this show.

But I think calling BM a virtuosoe is a little wide of the mark. In truth his playing is very up and down, and although he plays some songs and solos well, others have something missing. Take a look at Last Horizon, not great.

The gig, I wasn't there, looks like it was enjoyable and actually really good. But I think BM's lack of constant playing over the years is now showing. Compared to guitarists of a similar age, Jeff Beck ( older) Alex Lifeson (slightly younger), Neil Morse, Adrian Belew etc BM is left somewhat behind.

This isn't me having a dig at BM, I'm a huge fan and think it's great that they are out there playing again, I'm just trying to add a bit of balance.

Best playing in Chicago. . . Stone Cold Crazy and bits of I Want It All. And radio GaGa. But I don't think any of these could be classed as displaying virtuosity

[QUOTE] [b]Vocal harmony wrote:[/b]

Nice vid, it actually shows what's going on, rather than just close ups of AL!

I've enjoyed what I've heard from this show.

But I think calling BM a virtuosoe is a little wide of the mark. In truth his playing is very up and down, and although he plays some songs and solos well, others have something missing. Take a look at Last Horizon, not great.

The gig, I wasn't there, looks like it was enjoyable and actually really good. But I think BM's lack of constant playing over the years is now showing. Compared to guitarists of a similar age, Jeff Beck ( older) Alex Lifeson (slightly younger), Neil Morse, Adrian Belew etc BM is left somewhat behind.

This isn't me having a dig at BM, I'm a huge fan and think it's great that they are out there playing again, I'm just trying to add a bit of balance.

Best playing in Chicago. . . Stone Cold Crazy and bits of I Want It All. And radio GaGa. But I don't think any of these could be classed as displaying virtuosity[/QUOTE]

Go to 2:35 and listen to the next 15 seconds. Superb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfNx-A2geEM

[QUOTE] [b]Day dop wrote:[/b]


Go to 2:35 and listen to the next 15 seconds. Superb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfNx-A2geEM[/QUOTE]

Yes, this is one of those parts he plays well. But it isn't an impossibly hard part to play. Hence the term virtuosity maybe a little misplaced.

[QUOTE] [b]Day dop wrote:[/b]

[QUOTE] [b]Vocal harmony wrote:[/b]

Nice vid, it actually shows what's going on, rather than just close ups of AL!

I've enjoyed what I've heard from this show.

But I think calling BM a virtuosoe is a little wide of the mark. In truth his playing is very up and down, and although he plays some songs and solos well, others have something missing. Take a look at Last Horizon, not great.

The gig, I wasn't there, looks like it was enjoyable and actually really good. But I think BM's lack of constant playing over the years is now showing. Compared to guitarists of a similar age, Jeff Beck ( older) Alex Lifeson (slightly younger), Neil Morse, Adrian Belew etc BM is left somewhat behind.

This isn't me having a dig at BM, I'm a huge fan and think it's great that they are out there playing again, I'm just trying to add a bit of balance.

Best playing in Chicago. . . Stone Cold Crazy and bits of I Want It All. And radio GaGa. But I don't think any of these could be classed as displaying virtuosity[/QUOTE]

Go to 2:35 and listen to the next 15 seconds. Superb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfNx-A2geEM[/QUOTE]

This is not superb to my ears. It sounds actually off-key at the end of those 15 seconds.
Plus on 0:47 there is really nasty false note form Brian.
Also 1:33 "behind the doorway". lol...he messed up a little.

[QUOTE] [b]Day dop wrote:[/b]

[QUOTE] [b]Vocal harmony wrote:[/b]

Nice vid, it actually shows what's going on, rather than just close ups of AL!

I've enjoyed what I've heard from this show.

But I think calling BM a virtuosoe is a little wide of the mark. In truth his playing is very up and down, and although he plays some songs and solos well, others have something missing. Take a look at Last Horizon, not great.

The gig, I wasn't there, looks like it was enjoyable and actually really good. But I think BM's lack of constant playing over the years is now showing. Compared to guitarists of a similar age, Jeff Beck ( older) Alex Lifeson (slightly younger), Neil Morse, Adrian Belew etc BM is left somewhat behind.

This isn't me having a dig at BM, I'm a huge fan and think it's great that they are out there playing again, I'm just trying to add a bit of balance.

Best playing in Chicago. . . Stone Cold Crazy and bits of I Want It All. And radio GaGa. But I don't think any of these could be classed as displaying virtuosity[/QUOTE]

Go to 2:35 and listen to the next 15 seconds. Superb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfNx-A2geEM[/QUOTE]
OK now I know you guys are just making fun. Or you are idiots. You can't seriously say that shitty noise which comes of Adam's mouth and Brian's guitar is GOOD.

[QUOTE] [b]Vocal harmony wrote:[/b]

Nice vid, it actually shows what's going on, rather than just close ups of AL!

I've enjoyed what I've heard from this show.

But I think calling BM a virtuosoe is a little wide of the mark. In truth his playing is very up and down, and although he plays some songs and solos well, others have something missing. Take a look at Last Horizon, not great.

The gig, I wasn't there, looks like it was enjoyable and actually really good. But I think BM's lack of constant playing over the years is now showing. Compared to guitarists of a similar age, Jeff Beck ( older) Alex Lifeson (slightly younger), Neil Morse, Adrian Belew etc BM is left somewhat behind.

This isn't me having a dig at BM, I'm a huge fan and think it's great that they are out there playing again, I'm just trying to add a bit of balance.

Best playing in Chicago. . . Stone Cold Crazy and bits of I Want It All. And radio GaGa. But I don't think any of these could be classed as displaying virtuosity[/QUOTE]



I think Virtuosoe is irrelevant anyway. I'd imagine most people don't like listening to crazy virtuosoe guiratists it's just boring. BM plays some incredible licks and riffs and that's the magic of Brian. Technically he's probably not the greatest guitarist. But in terms of writing licks or getting incredible sounds out of the guitar...in my opinion those things matter so much more than playing at 1000 miles an hour. And that line on Show Must Go On was definitely a bum note (notes!)

[QUOTE] [b]pittrek wrote:[/b]

[QUOTE] [b]Day dop wrote:[/b]

[QUOTE] [b]Vocal harmony wrote:[/b]

Nice vid, it actually shows what's going on, rather than just close ups of AL!

I've enjoyed what I've heard from this show.

But I think calling BM a virtuosoe is a little wide of the mark. In truth his playing is very up and down, and although he plays some songs and solos well, others have something missing. Take a look at Last Horizon, not great.

The gig, I wasn't there, looks like it was enjoyable and actually really good. But I think BM's lack of constant playing over the years is now showing. Compared to guitarists of a similar age, Jeff Beck ( older) Alex Lifeson (slightly younger), Neil Morse, Adrian Belew etc BM is left somewhat behind.

This isn't me having a dig at BM, I'm a huge fan and think it's great that they are out there playing again, I'm just trying to add a bit of balance.

Best playing in Chicago. . . Stone Cold Crazy and bits of I Want It All. And radio GaGa. But I don't think any of these could be classed as displaying virtuosity[/QUOTE]

Go to 2:35 and listen to the next 15 seconds. Superb!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfNx-A2geEM[/QUOTE]
OK now I know you guys are just making fun. Or you are idiots. You can't seriously say that shitty noise which comes of Adam's mouth and Brian's guitar is GOOD.

[/QUOTE]

I am making fun, yes.

Why? Because of the view that - if you're not gonna write a comment that praises the shit out of [insert name here] then don't say anything at all. (As often displayed by Lambert fans of late.)

You scared me. Unfortunately these days it's hard to tell who's serious and who's not

You don't have to play 1000mph to be a virtuoso: Jeff Beck doesn't play like that and he can make the guitar sing. And virtuosity doesn't have to be boring: I saw Steve Vai in concert last Autumn and he was amazing.


[QUOTE] [b]una999 wrote:[/b]


I think Virtuosoe is irrelevant anyway. I'd imagine most people don't like listening to crazy virtuosoe guiratists it's just boring. BM plays some incredible licks and riffs and that's the magic of Brian. Technically he's probably not the greatest guitarist. But in terms of writing licks or getting incredible sounds out of the guitar...in my opinion those things matter so much more than playing at 1000 miles an hour. And that line on Show Must Go On was definitely a bum note (notes!)[/QUOTE]

I agree, virtuosity comes in a lot of different flavors, I wasn't trying to say "Brian is always a virtuosic player", or fast, etc. So now that this thread has had some discussion, I wanted to put forth that I thought the moments of virtuosity came at some unexpected times in the show. I didn't want to bias the responses by saying that in the question, but while SCC and IWIA were fab, and yes, virtuosic, or technically impressive (if that word makes anyone more comfortable), I thought his first solo in Bo Rhap was fabulous, as was Killer Queen, WWTLF and especially Somebody to Love. The sound was a bit muddled during his Last Horizon solo, making it hard to hear the details from the venue floor, just wondering if anyone caught more of that than I.

I´m gonna answer your question, because i love Brian May, and i think i know a thing or two about is playing technique. By the way, what i´m about to write to you i already mailed at Brian in the new year to show the man some appreciation.

Brian is playing better than he ever was in the past. I´m not saying that there are no mistakes, but in general he´s playing better now than he was in 86 for example. He interprets the solos with such beauty, it´s just amazing.

His last year´s IHeartMusic festival was flawless. You could release that concert direct on CD without touching it and it would sound superb. This year concert at IHeartRadio was spectacular. Brian was perfect at all times. There was one minor mistake - that i won´t mention it, this way people will have to look for themselves! - but appart from that it was perfect.

On this tour Brian goes from playing electric guitar, to strumming an acoustic on 39, to fingerpicking (easy, but requires focus) on the new version of Love Kills. And he´s nailing everything.

Now, people will look to the Bho Rhap video of Chicago and go - shit, Brian fucked the ending. He´s getting old. Far from it. Adam kneeled down before Brian and this made Brian lose his concentration on the song. It happens to everybody.

Now, the song i allways refer to - when possible - to see if Brian still has it is Killer Queen. Music is not about speed, it´s about interpretation , and in the past there were guitar magazines whose reporters (who are excellent guitarplayers themselves) voted Killer Queen as the "best" Brian May solo with Queen.

There´s a reason for this, the bendings on the strings have to be pitch perfect for it to work. This is Brian´s technique on a plate and the mix that Brian does with his bending technique and his vibrato is unique in Rock. No one can reproduce this, and let alone trying to produce Brian´s phrasing specially on the WWRY song. That´s his signature technique.

So everytime i see that he still plays Killer Queen like this, i know he still has it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLUrUnNBtjg

Look on YT for people playing this solo and other Brian solos and you will see the difference. You don´t have to be a guitar player to understand what i´m saying about Brian being very special. But when you are a guitar player, your appreciation for the man just go to the roof, because he is irreplacable and i thank God that i´ve experienced his playing live with Queen+PR.

[QUOTE] [b]Mr.QueenFan wrote:[/b]
...
Brian is playing better than he ever was in the past. I´m not saying that there are no mistakes, but in general he´s playing better now than he was in 86 for example. He interprets the solos with such beauty, it´s just amazing.

His last year´s IHeartMusic festival was flawless. You could release that concert direct on CD without touching it and it would sound superb. This year concert at IHeartRadio was spectacular. Brian was perfect at all times. There was one minor mistake - that i won´t mention it, this way people will have to look for themselves! - but appart from that it was perfect.

On this tour Brian goes from playing electric guitar, to strumming an acoustic on 39, to fingerpicking (easy, but requires focus) on the new version of Love Kills. And he´s nailing everything.

Now, people will look to the Bho Rhap video of Chicago and go - shit, Brian fucked the ending. He´s getting old. Far from it. Adam kneeled down before Brian and this made Brian lose his concentration on the song. It happens to everybody.

Now, the song i allways refer to - when possible - to see if Brian still has it is Killer Queen. Music is not about speed, it´s about interpretation , and in the past there were guitar magazines whose reporters (who are excellent guitarplayers themselves) voted Killer Queen as the "best" Brian May solo with Queen.

There´s a reason for this, the bendings on the strings have to be pitch perfect for it to work. This is Brian´s technique on a plate and the mix that Brian does with his bending technique and his vibrato is unique in Rock. No one can reproduce this, and let alone trying to produce Brian´s phrasing specially on the WWRY song. That´s his signature technique.

So everytime i see that he still plays Killer Queen like this, i know he still has it.

[/QUOTE]

Great response! And yes, I named KQ among the better moments of his. Thank you for the detailed reply, I couldn't agree more.

And no, I would never fault him for having fun on stage and missing a lick or two... that moment was as funny as any "we're not worthy" moment from Wayne's World!!! LMAO

I was just struck by the fact that (perhaps due to opening night pressures) he excelled in places I wouldn't normally expect.

Again, thanks for the great response. Anyone else, with similarly in-depth views, please contribute your thoughts!

Cheers,
GUMP