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Live Report Queen + Paul Rodgers

Artist: Queen + Paul Rodgers City: Paris (France) Venue: Bercy Date: 24-09-2008 Audience: around 10,000 people Do Queen, one of the greatest bands in the whole wide world, need any introduction? In this report, Radio Metal will describe the 2008 vintage of Queen, in association with vocalist Paul Rogers (former member of Bad Company); the band presented their excellent new album, “The Cosmos Rocks”, on the stage of Bercy on 27th September. Paul Rodgers and Brian May: summit meeting! Before we even enter the venue, something strikes us: you can hear so many different languages everywhere – English, German, Italian… Someone’s even brought a Brazilian flag! That’s when you understand that music brings people together, regardless of their nationalities or generations (many dads had come with their sons to this concert). How nice to hear Brian May affirm meaningfully that « France and England have always been great rivals, but thanks to music, we can overcome this rivalry! ». The 21st-century version of Queen is called Queen + Paul Rodgers, probably to clarify the band’s intentions: they just don’t want to be a tribute to themselves. Along with Paul Rodgers, three musicians (a bassist, a guitarist and a pianist) are here to accompany the band. As the time of the concert approaches, the fans and the « anti » express their clear-cut advice more and more strongly. A new song was even booed by the « anti », before the fans finally made their encouragements heard. Queen + Paul Rodgers sets the tone with a booming intro and a dynamic new song, "Surf's Up... School's Out". Then the "classics" make their entrance, and the giant screen starts showing modern images, like bicycles during "Fat Bottomed Girls", numerous archive pictures and videos starring Freddie Mercury. John Deacon and Paul Rodgers are honoured too, through several pictures taken when they were playing with their former bands. It’s truly amazing to hear these timeless, magical songs again. The guys on stage are living legends, and they do their job with tremendous energy. Those in the audience who’ve once been lucky enough to see Queen with their original vocalist must be feeling very strong emotions – if the 21st-century version has any effect on them at all, that is. Those who’ve never been that lucky quickly forget the reality of the day and let themselves be soothed by the band’s timeless hit songs. In this respect, one of the strongest moments of this show was probably Brian May’s moving interpretation of "Love Of My Life", sung in unison by the audience. Halfway through the concert, the band gather at the center of the stage, and the roadies bring new drums while "'39" is playing in the background, which gives the impression of a friendly, intimist grouping. The audience sing as one and is even congratulated by Brian May himself. After the guitarist, it’s Roger Taylor’s turn to show off his drumming skills in a rather unusual solo, which he begins by hitting the strings of a double bass. Roger even did the vocals on "I'm In Love With My Car", and believe me, you really need to be caught in the atmosphere of the moment not to start laughing at these lyrics. Queen + Paul Rodgers sur on stage! We had a very good time with the new song "Say It's Not True", which is just every bit as bombastic as the “classics” ever were. Paul Rodgers shows that he’s indeed a very good singer, notably on songs from his own repertoire. Some people may even have come here tonight for his talent, and may think that hearing a few songs from Queen is a nice bonus. Paul does have a very nice voice, which goes very well with the songs Freddie Mercury had made his. The new frontman brings a personal touch to the songs, thanks to his past experience, and even if his charisma is slightly reduced (how difficult it must be to replace the legend that is Freddie Mercury!), his goodwill and his smile honour him. It takes quite a lot of guts and self-confidence to take the place of a legend – to a lesser extent, think about Blaze Bayley from Iron Maiden, Tim "Ripper" Owens from Judas Priest and Iced Earth or Ian Astbury from The Cult and The Doors. Obviously no one forces you to like him, but Paul Rodgers’s stage performance is more than decent. The cohesion with Brian May is definitely present, and they both look very happy to be there. After a song from the band Bad Company, Brian May takes over the reins of the concert with a solo that includes "Brighton Rock". There’s no mistaking the sound of the "Red Special", and the great guitarist is still extremely impressive. As we already mentioned, some of the images shown on the video wall feature Freddie Mercury, most notably on the songs "Bijou" and "Bohemian Rhapsody", where Paul Rodgers retreats in the background and leaves our memories do the rest. As if to make us realize just how talented the deceased frontman really was. A few minutes go by, the audience is asking for more, and then come the encores. They begin with the rather punchy "Cosmos Rockin'". The band could never have concluded their show without playing "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions". At this moment, you just close your eyes, leave the earth and forget all your worries. Brian May recently obtained his degree in astro-physics. Tonight, he sent us to the stars with a communicative and undying music. If the band give another concert, don’t ask yourselves any questions: you will always hear the usual "Queen without Freddie Mercury is not really Queen", or "Roger Taylor doesn’t look too happy", but believe me, the show was well worth it. The main thing is that Queen version 2008 does indeed exist, and that in itself is a victory for every music fan on this planet. The band could have chosen to rely on brilliant, timeless songs, but they’ve decided to revamp their image and to take risks – much to the credit of Brian May and his bandmates. Queen and Paul Rodgers haven’t forgotten the pleasure of music now that they’re giving new generations the opportunity to see a legend on stage. Of course, some will think that the band’s re-forming was driven by the call of money, the fear to be forgotten, or a will to follow the trend of old bands getting together again. Believe what you will, but honestly, why would respected musicians with no material worry in the world keep on recording albums and touring, if not for the mere pleasure of having a good time together? Forums and websites are crammed with constructive debate, but in the end, music remains the main thing. And once more, Queen + Paul Rodgers have brought their contribution to music with utmost talent. Set-List Intro Surf's Up...School's Out Tie Your Mother Down Fat Bottomed Girls Another One Bites The Dust I Want It All I Want To Break Free C-lebrity Seagull (Bad Company) Love Of My Life '39 Drums solo I'm In Love With My Car Say It's Not True Bad Company (Bad Company) Warboys Feel Like Makin' Love (Bad Company) Guitar solo Bijou Crazy Little Thing Called Love The Show Must Go On Ragio Ga-Ga Bohemian Rhapsody Encore: Cosmos Rockin' All Right Now We Will Rock You We Are The Champions God Save The Queen Live Report by Anne-Gaëlle

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