If it makes Brian, Roger and Adam happy, more power to them. The limited engagement is probably indicative that this will be a success (less dates all around the same time = better chances for sold out shows). But if we return to the original topic of "loyal Queen fans," it gets dicey.
1. This will no doubt the deepen rift between the superfan no-Queen-without-Freddie skeptics and the Q+AL supporters (whether they are diehards or casual supporters). The hardliners have already been on the fence for a while because they were ambivalent about their favorite band touring with an Idol contestant described as "theatrical." Now they have much more reason to argue this because of this new vehicle, regardless of the success of the arena tours. Is this rock 'n roll or theatre? They have much more ammo to discredit this era as merely the latter.
2. It is not a good look for Brian and Roger, executive producers of "Bohemian Rhapsody", to be missing his birthday party in Montreux this year to promote the film. Even if their hearts are in the right place, they are willfully choosing to be playing a theater in Vegas that day (with a singer which the hardliners view as a mediocre replacement, no less - their words, not mine). Even if Freddie would have wanted them to continue Queen by playing live in this fashion, for two guys that were quite vocal about the progress of the movie, missing this day and not being with the fans in Switzerland is poor optics of their priorities.
3. Comparing this to the Sun City 1984 shows, while interesting, is not exactly a fair comparison. Remember that Queen was already an established and relevant rock band at that time with a much larger core base. Plus, these were their only shows on that continent in their history up to that point. Queen + Adam Lambert is certainly successful in its own right, but it is viewed, in part, as a nostalgia act even if it continues the legacy of the original. The Sun City concerts were held at a time when the band was more concerned with keeping their fan base on the heels of "Hot Space" than grow it the same way Q+AL is trying to do.
So I guess I'm ambivalent about it more from a perspective of the marketing of this group than its musical merits. I hope it's successful and a good time for all who choose to take part, but don't be surprised if there are Queen loyalists or even casual fans that are discouraged by this move.
Sealion · Member since
From my personal experience: the group of die-hard fans is really small. The group of die-hards, who have a problem with what Brian and Roger are doing, is even smaller.
They are just very vocal on some internet-sites, but that won‘t stop thousands of other fans (diehards and casuals) to enjoy it.
I certainly don‘t care for Vegas, but if Brian, Roger and Adam want this: So be it.
Besides, Brian and Roger were often not attending Freddie‘s birthday. It‘s not even a special one. Maybe they can send a “Hello“ from Vegas :)
Holly2003 · Member since
6-7pm Buffet
8pm Queen+Lambert
9pm Puppet Show
10pm Penn & Teller
GrowUpGlamberts · Member since
They need to stop trying to sell ping pong to tennis fans. At least now they're open about who they really are now.
Captain Joy · Member since
I didn't need to join the Queen Fan Club to get the code. It was sent in a QueenOnline email.
people on streets · Member since
Good for them!
Queen could and should have done Vegas long before.
Like it or not, they are perfect for it. Elvis, Elton, Prince, Kiss, Santana all did Vegas. Why souldn't Queen do it?
I hope they make a shitload of money and will be offered a second run.
Don't like it? Don't see them.
rockchic65 · Member since
^^^^^ totally agree, rock bands are doing vegas now. It's apparently very lucrative and it's certainly easier than travelling between shows, limited soundcheck needed and only a short flight to LA so they won't even have to stay in vegas between shows. Win win it seems.
Holly2003 · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]rockchic65 wrote:[/b]
^^^^^ totally agree, rock bands are doing vegas now. It's apparently very lucrative [/QUOTE]
How much money do you or they think they need?
[QUOTE]
Win win it seems. [/QUOTE]
Except for reputation and musical integrity.
Iron Butterfly · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]Holly2003 wrote:[/b]
[QUOTE] [b]rockchic65 wrote:[/b]
^^^^^ totally agree, rock bands are doing vegas now. It's apparently very lucrative [/QUOTE]
How much money do you or they think they need?
[QUOTE]
Win win it seems. [/QUOTE]
Except for reputation and musical integrity.
[/QUOTE]
AL might need money once Q+AL is over. I don't think his solo career can roll it in as easy as the shows with Brian and Roger have done.
I don't think the guys care about reputation... and I feel much of the integrity went out the door with Brian and Roger by appearing on Idol in the first place. I remember they appeared on Canadian Idol in 2007, and that was before AL's season.
Iron Butterfly · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]snifflese wrote:[/b]
Well, obviously Brian and Roger don't feel that inserting AL into pretty much all of Queen's business is shameful, so it doesn't really matter what you think. After 6 years AL is part of the Queen family to the members of QAL and he is treated as such. All that matter is what Brian and Roger and the other guys think and they oviously think this will be a resounding success and that Queen Jewels is an awesome name. Why reinvent the wheel? All sorts of big names are hitting Vegas and I am sure it will be all sorts of fun for Brian, Roger, and Adam and for all the adoring fans that will get to see this show![/QUOTE]
. Based on your so few posts about Freddie and Queen on both Queen message boards, I will dare say I'm a bigger Queen fan than you are. Besides, you can't fanthom why so many Queen fans still respect and admire Freddie and John after all this time. Don't come here ranting at me or about it doesn't matter what I think regarding Brian and Roger fitting in AL every possible way. It might not matter to them, you might not agree with me, and I might not agree with you, but I will state how I feel.
More AL than ever before and even less Freddie will never sit well with me, especially knowing the fact if not for Freddie, AL would not be where he is now. If anything, Freddie should be shown more than he has been recently. Maybe with this Vegas run there might be a chance to have more of Freddie...at least I hope so. A date falls on Freddie birthday...maybe something special on that date?
Did you not know The Crown Jewels have been in use before by Queen? How lazy it is to copy that and the look to be to be used for anything to do with Q+AL? Very lazy in my POV. Of all the things that could have been used they go ahead and use something else that's already been a part of the Queen history. Of course it doesn't matter for you, cause Queen history doesn't matter to you. Only Q+AL matters for you and I think that's safe to say. And only Adam Lambert matters to you regarding that.
Yes, I'm sure this will be fun for some and good for the guys, it should be easier for Brian and Roger to be in one place. I absolutely hope it goes well for all concerned.
And I hope this isn't marking the end of Brian and Roger playing live. Las Vegas with such a short run... after Brian and Roger being such an important part of rock touring and rock show history...the Vegas run is a little underwhelming for me.
( I'm not knockng anyone who is going to these shows or not going. I never have and I never will. )
Iron Butterfly · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]Sealion wrote:[/b]
From my personal experience: the group of die-hard fans is really small. The group of die-hards, who have a problem with what Brian and Roger are doing, is even smaller.
They are just very vocal on some internet-sites, but that won‘t stop thousands of other fans (diehards and casuals) to enjoy it.
I certainly don‘t care for Vegas, but if Brian, Roger and Adam want this: So be it.
Besides, Brian and Roger were often not attending Freddie‘s birthday. It‘s not even a special one. Maybe they can send a “Hello“ from Vegas :) [/QUOTE]
Freddie's birthday is often special, if Brian and Roger appear or not, I don't think that's the point. Lots of money raised for the MPT by some fans, and that I think is pretty special.
People remember Freddie in their own ways, and I hope something will be said on the 5th of September show by Brian and Roger to mark it.
rockchic65 · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]Holly2003 wrote:[/b]
[QUOTE] [b]rockchic65 wrote:[/b]
^^^^^ totally agree, rock bands are doing vegas now. It's apparently very lucrative [/QUOTE]
How much money do you or they think they need?
[QUOTE]
Win win it seems. [/QUOTE]
Except for reputation and musical integrity.
[/QUOTE]
They don't need the money but I'm sure they wouldn't turn it down and like I said there's a whole host of reasons Vegas makes sense.
As to reputation & integrity, no one outside of some die hard Queen fans would even think of it that way.
people on streets · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]rockchic65 wrote:[/b]
^^^^^ totally agree, rock bands are doing vegas now. It's apparently very lucrative and it's certainly easier than travelling between shows, limited soundcheck needed and only a short flight to LA so they won't even have to stay in vegas between shows. Win win it seems. [/QUOTE]
Bingo.
And at their age I say: well deserved.
People talking about 'how much money they need' and 'musical integrity' have no clue how the music biz works.
Vegas makes total sense for them at this stage in their career (classic jukebox band)
Holly2003 · Member since
More like you have no clue about musical integrity.
Iron Butterfly · Member since
[QUOTE] [b]people on streets wrote:[/b]
[QUOTE] [b]rockchic65 wrote:[/b]
^^^^^ totally agree, rock bands are doing vegas now. It's apparently very lucrative and it's certainly easier than travelling between shows, limited soundcheck needed and only a short flight to LA so they won't even have to stay in vegas between shows. Win win it seems. [/QUOTE]
Bingo.
And at their age I say: well deserved.
People talking about 'how much money they need' and 'musical integrity' have no clue how the music biz works.
Vegas makes total sense for them at this stage in their career (classic jukebox band)
[/QUOTE]
AL isn't what I would call classic. Sorry, not his blood, sweat and tears that went went into making Queen songs classics, legendary, known around the world.
I doubt AL could even get a Vegas residency for his own solo music.
