Paul Rodgers is best known for fronting '70s supergroup Bad Company, which he named after the 1972 Western of the same name, one of his favorite movies.

The platinum-selling, smooth-voiced singer, 58, also lent his voice to such bands as Free and The Firm (you have to remember Radioactive), which he formed with longtime pal, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.

Rodgers' recent gig is probably the hardest yet: picking up where the great Freddie Mercury left off, touring and recording with Queen.

Talk about tough vocal cords to fill.

''As for interpreting and singing their songs, it has been an adventure,'' says Rodgers oh-so-politically. ``It's provided me with a unique challenge.''

It's a challenge he can definitely meet. Says Queen's lead guitarist Brian May: 'Freddie always enjoyed Paul's work. He used to have a go at me in the studio when I tried to have him sing bluesy stuff. He'd say, `Brian, you're trying to make me sound like Paul Rodgers and I can't do it.' ''

Rodgers is pumped to perform classics like Feel Like Making Love, Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy and All Right Now, but he'll surprise fans with some new stuff, too.

The game -- vs. the Kansas City Royals -- starts at 7:10; the concert follows. Tickets: www.floridamarlins.com, 877-MARLINS.




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