HYDE PARK - how was it?

Bohardy wrote:

I unfortunately got royally pissed and am having difficulty remembering details of the gig. I know I enjoyed it immensely, but am waiting for an audio or video download to surface in order to refresh my memory somewhat.

Sorry I didn't make it to the Talbot. I had to meet up with a London mate, and he was typically delayed. I forgot to check exactly where the Talbot was, and when we made it to Hyde Park at about 3:30 we asked someone where the Talbot was, and they directed us to a pub which turned out to be the Tyburn. Alas, and obviously, there were no Queenzoners there (to my knowledge), and instead me and my friend were accosted by a mad Paul Rodgers fan who insisted she was a demon at Bullseye on the quiz machine, but in reality was an ageing hippy with a penchant for pressing her ample bosom into my neck.

We entered the throng midway through Razorlight's set, with ridiculous ease, getting right to the edge of the catwalk (left hand side) and about 12 people back. There was absolutely no need to queue early or anything like that. I've never been to a gig where it was so easy to get so close.

But due to copious amounts of cider followed by vodka, I am unable to objectively critique the performance, which I actually think is a good thing.

Ultimately, I had a fantastic night. Despite my massive love for Queen, I'm sure that had I remained sober I would have spent the entire night stroking my chin at the cheesiness of Bri, Rog and Paul, overanalysing everything they did, confirming my doubts of the whole venture.

But thanks to my good friend alcohol I was able to sink below such higher-minded activities and sing and clap along like a goon to songs such as Ga Ga, Magic and Break Free, and revel in every minute of it.

Highlight of the night was the intro to TYMD where Bri sprinted mere feet past me and my mate along to the end of the catwalk. We absolutely pissed ourselves for about 2 minutes flat, because it was for some reason incredibly, incredibly funny.

"But thanks to my good friend alcohol I was able to sink below such higher-minded activities and sing and clap along like a goon to songs such as Ga Ga, Magic and Break Free, and revel in every minute of it."

HA! Good thing they DIDN'T answer the phone at The Talbot when I called. None of you guys were there!

Bartender: "I've got some idiot bird calling from the US who insists there are a bunch of Queen fans here."

Guy drinking at bar: "Wot? Some American is calling us a bunch of Queens?"

It becomes an international incident and goes straight to hell from there . . .

So no-one made it to the Talbot?

Surely not. I'm sure I saw eggy or Banquo in another thread make some reference to the meet-up there.

Bohardy wrote:

So no-one made it to the Talbot?

Surely not. I'm sure I saw eggy or Banquo in another thread make some reference to the meet-up there.

There were a few of us there - Me, Fat Buddino, Fenderek and his Mrs, McM and Eggy as I remember. I'll post a photo tonight!

Yeah, and Great King Rat1138 forced us to drink far more beer than was sensible.

For me it was "Say It's Not True" that was the highlight. It's a great song I'd not heard before and Roger sang it really well. His voice reminded me of "Fun In Space" and I think the song had a similar feel to several on that album.

And I enjoyed "Imagine" and sang along with all my heart.

And "when I look and I find - Brian May" was touching, though I had expected it.

Mcm wrote:

Yeah, and Great King Rat1138 forced us to drink far more beer than was sensible.

I thought it was you... no, wait... me?... hmmm...

Talbot was cool- really cool. We already knew in there they're gonna do IMAGINE, courtesy of ticketmaster and ppl who had to pick up their tickets before the gig- they heard soundcheck and THIS song... We drank a lot of beer, discussed some indie bands with eggy, some metal bands with Great King Rat, wandered about the setlist...
Left quite late, missed Razorlight... Peter Kay was actually funny and than... the intro... I love it, I just love it- the moment when Brian hits few chords during LOSE YOURSELF, than Reaching Out and than blast through Tie Your Mother Down- awesome stuff. Add Fat Bottomed Girls and I was just happy... The only thing I didn't like- daylight. WTF? It didn't look very impressive than... Wishing Well, IWTBF- I love that stuff, but than we had a moment of... I dunno- was pretty depressing when Brian had to sing 39 almost by himself...
I didn't enjoy the middle part of the show- Love Of My Life REALLY worked for me only in Brixton (because it was the first time), Say It's Not True is nice but nothing special... IMAGINE was a beautiful and moving thing and than Hammer To Fall kicked some serious ass... but...
Let There Be Drums and I'm In Love were OK, but for some strange reason only OK... Same with These Are The Days... I love Roger on this tour, but... Maybe it's because it was too quiet? Yes- the whole thing was louder by BoRhap but before... It wasn't the best sound I've experienced this year...
Everything really started by the second part of Radio Ga-Ga. There was a beautiful sunset and on the screens we had AMAZING footage. You'll guys for sure see it on DVD- IMO they should release THIS and put sheffield as a bonus. WHAT A FANTASTIC FOOTAGE THAT WAS. Mcm can confirm- I was on and on about it but... it was truly amazing... Things like Can't Get Enough, IWIA, All Right Now were just FANTASTIC, the last one being the best version I've heard on that trour!!! (and that was my 7th gig). Even A Kind Of Magic was great (only Birmingham version was as good)!!!FANTASTIC!
When they finished and we were waiting for encores four of us (Mcm, me & my mrs. and Ania- friend from Poland) started shouting mustapha, mustapha (just like on Live Killers) and than started singing the song, which brought few smiles to some faces around us... When we lounched our version of loud Stone Cold Crazy- few guys joined in. Of course- there was no way they were going to do THOSE! :)
They did Show Must Go On and again- could have been the best version on tour as well... WWRY/WATC- usual stuff, but really loud and really special- we KNEW it was the last time in Europe. For now anyway...
Was great, really great. Atmosphere was relaxed, weather beautiful, wasn't as crowded as on the spring leg and... we were just outside the Golden Circle... Those who didn't make it to Talbot- maybe next time? :) Those who did- thanks, we had a cracking time! I can't wait for Hammersmith 2006 ;)

Was a cool meet-up for sure. I keep meaning to email GreatKingRat about the DVD he mentioned!
The snakebite you drank would have had me not managing ro walk to Hyde Park!

That's an extremely accurate review of events my friend. I enjoyed Hyde Park more than any of the other seven gigs i've seen so far this year. As Fenderek said to me (on at least one occasion - ha ha!), the footage on the screens really was exceptional. It will be the main DVD release from this tour - no mistake. And with good reason. It's true that the daylight for the first hour was a pain in the arse but the band really delivered the goods and the Director's direction was as good as it gets. We even caught a glimpse of a grinning Gavin at one point who was (presumably) down the front as usual.

Our rendition of Mustapha generated a few worried looks from people when we got to the 'Allah, Allah, Allah' bit which was quite funny.

And the audience was really into it at the back as well which surprised me. You might expect the gold circlers to create most of the crowd atmosphere but even though they were largely composed of the 'Platinum Collection Brigade' and didn't know the 39's or the LOML's, the 'cheap seat' lot remained enthusiastic clappers and wavers throughout. Far more so than the Brixton-goers incidentally.

All-in-all a fantastic night's entertainment. I'm already making arrangements for at least three shows in Japan. Anyone know whe ticket situation is for UK fans for this leg?

Regards.

Mcm wrote:

And the audience was really into it at the back as well which surprised me. You might expect the gold circlers to create most of the crowd atmosphere but even though they were largely composed of the 'Platinum Collection Brigade' and didn't know the 39's or the LOML's, the 'cheap seat' lot remained enthusiastic clappers and wavers throughout. Far more so than the Brixton-goers incidentally.

yes, i did feel i alone knew every lyric in my area at the back right hand corner of the mixing desk. but it was the same at wembley - me and my mate singing everything to the bemusement of a group of teenage girls in the row in front.

What the hell, I enjoyed myself and that's the main thing!!!

I think they should put out a double DVD with Sheffield and hyde park. the sheffield for the indoor and lights throughout and the park for the sheer spectacle and size and those shots as the sun went down. a triumph. lets hope they come back to do some more next year. dare i suggest the new wembley stadium next year?...

Anyone else noticed how great footage it was on the screens??? ;)

eggy wrote:

Was a cool meet-up for sure. I keep meaning to email GreatKingRat about the DVD he mentioned!
The snakebite you drank would have had me not managing ro walk to Hyde Park!

Why do you think Chris and I got a taxi?
I'll drop you an e-mail asap about the DVD.
Take it easy!

great king rat 1138 wrote:

Bohardy wrote:

So no-one made it to the Talbot?

Surely not. I'm sure I saw eggy or Banquo in another thread make some reference to the meet-up there.

There were a few of us there - Me, Fat Buddino, Fenderek and his Mrs, McM and Eggy as I remember. I'll post a photo tonight!

Finally, the photo has appeared!

http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/mp3.aspx?Q=11309

Oh I love it :)

Okay, who is who on the picture? I know eggy, mcm, Fenderek and Lady Fenderek

I can only recognize eggy and great king rat and his wife (from his profile pic) So I assume Fendereck is behind GKR and his wife with his GF?

Great pic!!! Thanks for sharing!!