SCANS COURTESY Poochlove2
Showing posts with label Print. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Print. Show all posts
2014-07-01 QueenOnline on Tour - Notes From The Road Part 13
OK, that is going a bit far of course, but you guys actually reading my blog really
did spur me on. The feedback was flattering at times and also constructive, therefore
it helped me think a little more about what I was observing and what you wanted to
know about. So once again, cheers guys, I think we both got something out of this.
So, as a treat, here's one for the road as it were a final peak "Behind the curtain,
in the pantomime..."
Vancouver: My final day on 'Planet Queen + Adam Lambert' was pretty unspectacular.
Still fun and hard work, but it was nothing out of the ordinary really, just because
I was jumping ship did not change anyone else's day, we still had a show to do and
that suited me just fine. I think it is OK to admit now that to start with I was not
operating at 100% first thing in the morning. The Three Stooges from the backline
team Messer’s Malandrone, Prior and Burchett, honorary Brit and happiest man to
escape the asylum Conrad Perry, my boss and on the road big sister Jil and special
guest Marcus, formerly of the Paul Rodgers camp made sure I did not forget my final
free night out here in the Wild West. Oh, boy.
Despite my actual physical well being taking a little time to get kick started, my
soul was a little dampened knowing my time was nearly up, but I was quickly cheered
knowing I was going to see my girls again - it was only when I stopped to really think
about it too, but on a show you just do and crack on. To be fair and almost contradicting
myself, the day was little different in that I was showing Sammy, the new Production
team member and in effect my replacement for some jobs, how my day panned out and what
to do. Post up the signage, set up the wi-fi, arrange the Production office, bus rules
etc, everything I had to learn quickly when I turned up in LA two and half weeks ago.
I have to say it was actually rather enjoyable; everyone loves relaying knowledge
don't they?
The benefit of having Sammy with me meant we go things done a little quicker and freed
up a slot in my day grab "Bass Department Neil” in the Band Lounge for a quick interview
for the Official Queen Podcast series. We had been trying to catch up previously, but
had to rearrange on several occasions because things change on show day very quickly
if the band want to work up some ideas in sound check or have meetings etc. As I have
stated previously Neil and I get on very well and it was time to get our nerdy music
discussions on tape. I only think I asked about 3 questions but I managed to over 30
minutes from him! Rufus was in the room too, just basically taking the rise out of Neil
any opportunity.
"You can shut up, you're next matey!"
And to his credit, Taylor Junior, coolly shrugged and said, "Yeah, man, I'm in." Awesome,
bonus material.
Both 'interviews' are pretty raw, but fun. Knowing the pair of them as I have come to, I
just knew I did not even need a list of questions or bullet points to work from and that
is how I like it. Once they have been edited slightly, you can see what I mean, it really
is just blokes chatting about music...and Queen of course. It was a nice break in the routine
for me and really put a smile on my face the remainder of the day as we pushed towards
showtime. I also left Neil with a little challenge; I do hope he comes through...
There was of course a set list change, the dropping of 'Don't Stop Me Now'. Not my business
to know why, but we adjusted the print outs and dished out the news to all the departments.
Showtime was about 10 minutes away and I had this sudden realisation that I had not said
goodbye to either Roger or Brian. Knowing that we were doing a runner after the show I was
not going to see them again until after the Australian leg. Ah well, an e-mail will do, I
will catch up with them later. Cheers chaps, it has been a pleasure, I have learnt so much.
Vancouver were loud too. In fact every show has been pretty deafening to be honest, there
really has not been much between any of you. I shot my usual side of stage photos for the
social channels, but made a point of really soaking it all in and walked amongst the crowd
more than normal - I really enjoyed 'I Want It All' for some reason too, always liked the
song, but it stood out for me in this show, it had a real crunch. Adam? Well he is just
getting better and better with each show. Somehow he finds something extra each night.
It might be note, or a move, or the banter is funnier. I just don't know how he does it
in those shoes! Fair play to the guy.
During the day, I had been given several manly hugs and handshakes wishing me well for my
trip home, and this continued throughout the show as I bopped around backstage, Ed in the
video team said something very sweet which I will keep to myself, but could only have come
from a fellow parent. I liked it most when I was asked if I was "coming back" or did I
"have to go?", but who wouldn't? Sorry if that sounded big headed, but everyone gets on
within this crew, EVERYONE. The place is full of laughter and smiles as people go about
their duties and everyone is fully bonded, I would say the same to anyone else if they were
leaving. I do hope I bump into most of them again sometime down the line.
I have made some real pals while I have been out here and I cemented a couple of true
friendships too and I did get a little sad as we lined up backstage that final time, for
me anyway, for 'Toweling Robe Duty'. How could you not when 'We Are The Champions' is
blasting out and 15,000 people are singing at the top of their lungs and swaying their
arms, my national anthem followed too! Shivers time. Proper soul music.
Neil jogged towards me, took out his in-ear phones, refused the toweling robe, as he did
most nights, said something stupid as he did every night and we headed to cars as normal,
a big hug later it was all done with little fuss. Perfect, just how I wanted it.
"You won't see Nick again, he is off home tomorrow..."
I looked up and there was Brian with his arms out stretched walking towards me. "Nooooo!
Thanks Nick, wish you were staying!" I can't really remember what else we said, but it was
all good, lots of smiles, a handshake and I wished him the best for the rest of the shows.
I think I then shouted "Get out of here, your car is waiting!” I THINK he laughed...haha!
"The kids? Good on you, I've got 5 of them! That's the problem, you have to bloody keep
them, haha!"
Just the response I wanted from Roger as I walked with him to his car as told him I was
going home to see my girls. Manly hug No.23 of the day completed and I saluted him off
smiling.
Job done. God Save The Queen. Home time.
Right I’m off for good now, I have a pile of washing to do and some Vancouver battered
Roger Taylor drumsticks to position somewhere in my office.
Nick
PS: I have just dropped my kids off at nursery and even one of the nursery staff was reading
my updates, which was cool. Then I realised I was also stood there in a yellow Freddie Mercury
T-shirt…hmm, too much?
2014-06-28 Edmonton Journal: Queen's Brian May Showcases Doctorate of Riffology-Vancouver, Canada
Guitarist backs Adam Lambert to the hilt with a 20-plus song set didn’t miss
a moment in the band’s history
BY STUART DERDEYN, POSTMEDIA NEWS JUNE 28, 2014 11:29 PM
Review: Queen's Brian May showcases doctorate of riffology in Vancouver
Queen’s new vocalist Adam Lambert performs in concert at Rogers Arena, Vancouver,
June 28 2014.
Photograph by: Gerry Kahrmann , PNG
Queen and Adam Lambert
Saturday night | Rogers Arena
For all the operatic flourishes, U.K. dance hall ditties and disco funk offs, Queen
was always about epic arena rockers. The English quartet’s canon is loaded with the
crunchy goodness every hard rock act wants.
Add in the unparalleled vocal chops of the late Farrokh “Freddie” Bulsara, a.k.a.
Mercury, and it’s no surprise why Queen ranks with the Beatles in all-time sales.
===
===
Mercury’s passing from AIDS-related complications in 1991 put the remaining active
members in quite a fix. Who were guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor going
to hire to fill the spot?
Legendary Free and Bad Company shouter Paul Rodgers was a marquee name but lacked
any of the required range and both the tour and studio albums were weak. Enter
American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, 32, a guy with serious range and the requisite
glam sense to do the flamboyant material justice.
From the opening quartet of Now I’m Here, Sheer Heart Attack and Fat Bottomed Girls,
the singer was on. But May’s guitar-tistry overshadowed all.
The PhD in Astrophysics was showcasing his doctorate of riffology at Rogers Arena
and the lecture was brilliant.
Lambert hit his stride with Lap Of the Gods/Seven Seas of Rhye, bringing his own
soaring range to hit notes almost as high as his platform boots. Somebody To Love
was huge, right down to his bluesy take on the final chorus.
The singalong to May’s solo rendition of Love Of My Life proved this was an audience
of faithful fans. A good thing as the guitarist honestly noted he isn’t a singer.
Guess that explains why footage of Mercury played for the final chorus.
May followed with a folky ‘39 and Taylor rasped out These Are The Days Of Our Lives
as more vintage footage played across the screens. Even on this somewhat twee number,
May dropped some killer licks.
The Taylors — Roger and son Rufus — provided the short drum solo before Lambert
returned to wail through Under Pressure and it was back to the races.
But not before the singer urged around of applause for Mercury and introduced a new
song, Love Kills, to be featured on the coming new Queen album. Assembled with old
recordings of Mercury, the idea seems a tad weird. But if the roar for the late
entertainer was any indication, the market is there.
The 20-plus song set didn’t miss a moment in the band’s history and certainly
delivered the hits. While I would have relished Seaside Rendevous, you don’t
complain when the version of Don’t Stop Me now bounces that hard.
That song and the Show Must Go On might be apropos to Queen version 2014 on the
whole. Their show was a far sight better than the perfunctory cash grabs many of
their peers are presenting.
===
2014-06-28 QueenOnline on Tour - Notes From The Road Part 12
As promised, 50 Random Facts from the Queen + Adam Lambert North American Tour...
Last show for me tonight...sob!
Nick
***
There are 13 trucks pulling the stage and backstage equipment around this tour.
The crew is made up of Brits, Americans, Canadians, one Irishman and one New
Zealander.
Our Head Carpenter "Keano" was a tree surgeon in the village I am from, Writtle in
Essex.
The show is shot on 5 cameras every night.
Jil our Production Coordinator used to work for Lord of The Dance Michael Flatley.
There are 285,994 light 'actions' per show - this means a movement or being on or
off.
Adam sang "Bohemian Rhapsody" for his "American Idol" audition.
Pete, Head of Catering used to be Kurt Cobain's cook.
He has also gone on to cater for Dave Grohl in the Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures
and Queens Of The Stone Age.
Brian has 18 Vox AC 30 Amps on the tour with him.
Rob our stage designer cycles to the venue from the hotel at every opportunity.
We seem to be following Cher and Heart around the same venues. We find traces of them
at each venue.
Rufus Taylor on meeting Paul McCartney when he was tiny found it easier to call him
"Beatle Guy" than remember his name.
I had to bring over Marmite, Chocolate Buttons and UK Mars Bars for some ex-pats that
now live in LA.
There are 44 Crew on this tour, made up of the Production Team, Riggers, Carpenters,
Lighting, Video, Audio, FX, and Backline Team.
Adam's first ever live show with Queen was at Independence Square in Kiev, in front of
300,000 people.
We have 4 buses carrying the 44 crew. 12 bunks on each bus.
The next gig for one of our lighting team, Robin, is with Oprah Winfrey.
We are carrying 36 tonnes/ 80,000Ilbs of equipment on the road.
Our printer in the Production Office is called Malcolm.
I made that last fact up.
We have 4 confetti cannons in the kit - not always used.
Neil Fairclough and I could talk about Queen and music in general for about 6 weeks
non-stop.
Benji in the Lighting team also worked on the Queen Extravaganza US Tours.
There are 27 different T-shirts to chose from on the Tour Merchandise stand.
I have interviewed Rufus and Neil for the Official Queen Podcast.
I am not going to take pictures of the band member’s dressing rooms and upload them.
Carpenter Andy Bews was the drummer in early 2000s UK rock hopefuls 100 Reasons and I
once reviewed their debut album.
After show Toweling Robes - Brian: black, Roger: black, Spike: light grey: Neil and Rufus:
dark blue. Adam puts on a clean T-shirt.
Leah, who works in Adam's team, used to work for the late, great Jeff Buckley.
Roger on average uses 6-8 pairs of drumsticks a night - although he has been know to use
just one pair.
You can get a good haircut in Calgary. Thanks Mohammad.
On average we take 3.5 hours to load out of a venue each night.
There are over 1000 flight cases being carried on this tour. I did not count them.
I am collecting the entire set list print outs during my time here.
Before the Edmonton show the crowd performed a Mexican Wave.
This is the longest I have ever been away from my kids.
Adam's dad was a DJ at his college radio station and he played a LOT of Queen songs.
On this trek Sting's Fields of Gold is always used to test the audio equipment before sound
check. The track is good for setting the PA tones.
We are carrying specialist electrical equipment that converts US power to our UK needs.
In Calgary Brian and Roger were given the "Freedom Of The City".
We use about 40 local crew at each show...and they all get a Queen + Adam Lambert T-shirt to
wear and keep.
VIP and stage side seated guests are given a backstage tour before the show.
There is over 30 miles of cable used in the whole show.
There are over 1million pixels in the main stage LED screen.
Neil only uses a pick on Under Pressure and he has used the same three picks since LA
rehearsals.
The gold fans that Adam uses in Killer Queen - I spray-painted those.
Prior to sound check Pete has been known to play 'I Believe In A Thing Called Love' by
The Darkness.
I had the best hot dog ever - a 'Japa Dog' - in Vancouver.
On upload of this update I have just 9 hours left on tour.
2014-06-28 Print: Los Angeles Times - Adam Lambert's New Real Estate
Real Estate
A place to crash after the tour
Adam Lambert, an "American Idol" runner-up who has gone on to a successful career in music,
has bought a home in Hollywood Hills West for $2.995 million.
The Modern-style house was built in 1947 and has been renovated. A sweeping exterior staircase
follows the shape of a curved wall with a tall glass-brick window.
The nearly 3,800 square feet of living space includes a dining room with a floor-to-ceiling
climate-controlled wine room, an oversized kitchen with commercial-grade appliances and a
diner-style booth/breakfast room, a den with a fireplace, a screening room and a gym.
The master suite has a fireplace, a sitting area and a spa-like bathroom for a total of three
bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Ferns and lush landscaping fill the courtyard-style backyard, which features a grotto spa.
Lambert, 32, took second place on a hotly contested "Idol" season in 2009, the same year he
released the album "For Your Entertainment." While he has continued to release albums and tour,
he also has been doing soundtrack work for television as well as acting. Since last year, he
has been on five episodes of "Glee."
He is touring North America, Asia and Australia this summer with Queen, filling in for the
late Freddie Mercury. L.A. fans can catch them Thursday at the Forum.
Jeff Yarbrough and Chris Jacobs of Keller Williams were the listing agents. Brad Downs of
Rodeo Realty represented Lambert.
2014-06-27 Print: Ocean Drive - Behind the Scenes of Shareef Malnik's Make-A-Wish Ball
PICTURE COURTESY tarainkpr
As tickets go on sale for the coveted Make-a-Wish ball, Miami royalty Shareef Malnik
reveals his passion for granting wishes for terminally ill children.
The owner of legendary Miami Beach steakhouse The Forge, Shareef Malnik, 56, has been
prominently chairing the ball to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida
for more than a decade. In that time, Malnik has helped raise the gala’s profits from
$300,000 to $2 million; he recently earned recognition from the Make-A-Wish national
chapter for his unique and effective fundraising. But finances aside, Malnik also
dedicates his time and energy to some of the terminally ill children Make-A-Wish serves.
Here, in his own words, Malnik opens up about everything from creating the Chairman’s
Challenge to some of the wishes granted that are particularly meaningful to him.
About two years ago, I was asked to join the board of directors, and that’s given me the
opportunity to contribute to other aspects of the foundation. For starters, I’ve been
spending time with some of these kids. Take Joey Giordano Jr., who is 8 years old; his
wish was to go on a Disney Cruise. It’s so easy to fall in love with these children—just
look at him.
On another occasion, our president, Norman Wedderburn, called and asked me to represent
Make-A-Wish and escort a child through a journey of having a wish fulfilled. She was
flying into Miami to meet Adam Lambert. He would be performing at the Fontainebleau and
they’d have lunch at Hakkasan. Adam’s enthusiasm for meeting this child was unmistakable.
He didn’t just give her time and attention, but he was completely present for their
conversation. He shared stories with her, and she told him that the only way she got
through her time in the hospital— and the pain that accompanied those days—was his
2014-06-27 Print: KPop Starz - Queen and Adam Lambert Tour 2014
NEWS / ENTERTAINMENT / MUSIC
Queen And Adam Lambert Tour 2014: ‘American Idol’ Alum Gets Stellar Reviews
For Rexall Concert; Freddie Mercury Suitably Replaced?
For Rexall Concert; Freddie Mercury Suitably Replaced?
By Chilll Harrison | June 27, 2014 10:18 PM EDT
Adam Lambert
(Photo : WIkimedia / Lena Tregub)
Queen and Adam Lambert's tour 2014 was well-received by fans and the "American Idol" alum got
stellar reviews following the Rexall concert as he channeled his inner Freddie Mercury.
According to the Edmonton Sun, 10,000 fans turned up for the Queen and Adam Lambert tour 2014
at Rexall Place, hanging on to every syllable and note to make sure Freddie Mercury's replacement
doesn't slip up.
"The cheers after the first few notes of the opener Now I'm Here revealed the initial verdict:
He'll do fine," Mike Ross of Edmonton Sun wrote.
He said that Adam Lambert didn't pretend to be Freddie Mercury but what worked was that the
"American Idol" alum was naturally flamboyant and outrageous, which the late Queen vocalist
certainly was.
It also helped that Adam Lambert can hit the high octaves-just like the late Freddie Mercury-
that only a few rock and roll vocalists achieve. According to the Sun, his own rendition of
"Who Wants to Love Forever" effectively "brought the house down."
"This of course isn't the first time Queen went out with another singer - Paul Rodgers from
Bad Company filled the spot for five years - but Lambert is a much better fit," the publication
said.
In terms of replacements, it was added, Adam Lambert was the best hire and even better than
Arnel Pineda who replaced Steve Perry of Journey or Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth (Van Halen)
put together.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Queen and Adam Lambert tour 2014 isn't unprecedented
since the "American Idol" alum already fronted the band during the 2011 MTV Music Video Awards .
The publication said that the Queen and Adam Lambert tour 2014, which kicked off June 19, is the
latest example of a classic band with a large following trying to soldier on and add into the
bank account "without its iconic frontman."
"The results have varied wildly over the decades, going from the hugely disappointing
(the Doug Yule-led Velvet Underground) to the amazingly successful (Brian Johnson's reign with AC/DC),"
it said.
2014-06-26 Print: Calgary Sun - All Hail Rock Royalty - Queen's legacy kept alive and well
ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
All hail rock royalty — Queen’s legacy kept alive and well
BY GERRY KROCHAK, CALGARY SUN
FIRST POSTED: THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014 10:44 PM MDT |
UPDATED: THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014 10:52 PM MDT
Queen Rocks Dome
24 IMAGES
British rock band Queen + Adam Lambert rocked a near sold out audience at the
Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alta. on Thursday June 26, 2014.
Darren Makowichuk/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency
Article
Queen and Adam lambert at the Saddledome
4.0 stars
It’s Queen … but it’s not Queen.
Look, whether you buy into anyone other than the incomparable Freddie Mercury
fronting Queen or not, the opportunity to hear and see an even reasonable
facsimile of one of the greatest rock bands in music history is one worth taking.
Neither Bad Company vocalist Paul Rodgers in the 2000s, or certainly Adam Lambert
now could ever ascend to the loftiest of heights, and to each’s credit … neither
have tried. This current North American tour isn’t so much a tribute to Mercury
but rather an attempt at keeping the music and the legacy of Queen alive in a
live setting.
Being handsome, flamboyant, gay and possessing a big voice is simply not enough
to be on the same level of Mercury’s star power, but Lambert is certainly good
enough that he has to be taken seriously in his current role. He has the charisma,
attitude and semi-operatic vocal chops to not only stand onstage and play with
Brian May and Roger Taylor … but to front the band.
During what must be a thrilling, but thankless task, where Lambert has to be twice
as good to get half the credit, on this night he was up to the challenge — and
then some.
On a majestic stage production with giant oval video screen and just the right
amount of lights and smoke, the 32-year-old former American Idol runner-up strutted,
preened and posed through blazing openers Now I’m Here and Stone Cold Crazy, May’s
characteristic blistering fretwork as amazing as you recall.
Admittedly, there was a healthy contingent of boisterous American Idol fans in
attendance, but the old rockers that dominated the old barn were warm and welcoming.
Lambert, for his part, continued to make his presence and own version of star power
felt on the terrific one-two punch of Another One Bites The Dust and a delicious
interpretation of Fat Bottomed Girls.
Following In The Lap Of The Gods and Seven Seas Of Rhye, Lambert appeared on top of
a purple chaise lounge in platform boots that would have made Paul Stanley proud,
while delivering a Marc Bolin-esque, glammed-out vocal of Killer Queen — if he had
old fans left to win over this one did it!
For all of the evening’s brightest and most surprising moments, Lambert’s drop-dead
stunning performance of Somebody To Love (his favourite
Mercury vocal) and I Want It All, followed by Taylor paying tribute with a lead vocal
and a touching video montage of early Queen days on These Are The Days Of Our Lives
gave the show its undeniable peak (or so we would have thought) about halfway through.
Just prior, May donned his white cowboy hat and let out a “Yee haw!” before recalling
the last time Queen played Calgary in 1977, at The Jube. “You Calgarians are so
beautiful … we’ll have to do a Calgarian Rhapsody later!” he laughed. “I think it’s
been about 37 years … and you’re only getting better!”
If the crowd seemed even a little bit tentative at first, they were now fully engaged
as Lambert and Taylor teamed up on Under Pressure, before a ridiculous May solo spot
lead to the heaviest of the heavy artillery with Tie Your Mother Down, Radio Gaga,
Crazy Little Thing Called Love, The Show Must Go On and new undeniable peak …
Bohemian Rhapsody.
An encore of We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions was the icing on an unforgettable
set list and a memorable evening. All hail the Queen, even now.
Mercury has been gone for 23 years and his legacy will live on forever — it seems fair
to say last night was something that would have made him smile.
== == ==
Queen and Adam Lambert at the Saddledome
4 stars (out of 5)
2014-06-26 QueenOnline on Tour - Notes From the Road Part 11
26th June 2014
Hello again, sorry for the radio silence, the back to back shows in Saskatoon
and Edmonton were full on and then yesterday we had a much needed day off in
Calgary. Many of the crew took advantage of the time off by catching up on
sleep and doing a bit of shopping. It nice to see so many of us, band included,
out and about enjoying the sunshine and the shops on 8th Avenue, which is the
main drag for tourists like us to gravitate towards. I managed to get that hair
cut too.
I took some time to catch up some e-mails and bit of work back in my hotel room
for a hour or so, it's still all go elsewhere in the Queen world with the Live
at The Rainbow release coming in September. I really can't wait for you all to
see and hear it, I am really fond of it, but have also been measured in not
delving into it too much because I still get a thrill from getting the finished
product and taking it all in just like everyone else. Check out the latest trailer
here.
Back to Calgary.
Poppy, who heads up wardrobe, claimed she was celebrating her "32nd" birthday
yesterday, we all knew different of course, but that didn't stop several of us
meeting in the hotel bar and purchasing some fancy overpriced drinks in her honour.
Brian turned up too, he was in a fabulous mood, hugs and high 5s all round. Myself,
Brian and the two Welsh Sound Wizards Kerry and Rob talked about how good the
Edmonton show was and all of us commented on how 'up for it' the crowd were too.
What was also great was how Dr. May then became the unofficial Birthday Party
photographer! He was insistent on getting some great shots for Poppy's big day. I
then sat at the bar with Neil and once again talked music. It really is getting a
bit ridiculous now, we could chatter away for hours, days possibly, we even bumped
into each other in the street earlier in the afternoon and stood there in beating
sun discussing the merits of 'Hot Space' and the Rolling Stones 'Undercover' album.
You will always find Poppy's room near the band dressing rooms. She will be in there
adjusting garments, fixing little bits, making sure shoes are clean, ordering laundry
etc. She will always pop in to the production office (the main hub of backstage)
listing little bits she needs for the runners to go out and get, for example in
Edmonton she need some particular elastic and some sequins.
She also oversees the 'dressing' of the dressing rooms. With each different venue,
comes a different room, so she will direct on where the furniture goes, if they need
another rug to fill the space, where plants are put, if extra lighting is required
maybe, replenish candles, a few shows back Adam's room needed a new kettle, that sort
of thing.
During the show she will flit between the side of the stage incase of any 'wardrobe
malfunctions' and the back of the stage in the ‘quick change tent’ to assist with
costume changes. With Adam it is a two-person job, due to his accessories ☺
Other points of interest include: There are 9 flight cases for wardrobe and the
dressing rooms in total; Poppy has a great cleaning tip that includes vodka that I
was sworn to secrecy on. The last artist she worked for was Rhianna on which she
had 4 assistants due to the number of changes and garments involved in the show.
Poppy carries a different print out of the set list, which includes all the wardrobe
changes, obvious I know, but it was interesting to actually see it. If required she
will bring in a local seamstress to help with any major repair work. Oh and she’s
lovely, but she’s still not 32…
I originally started writing this entry about technical bits and bobs on the tour
and load in, but it was turning out to be rather dry and it was becoming a list of
facts and figures, so I changed tact to what you have above. However, it did give
me an idea for my NEXT update which will be Random Facts from the Queen + Adam Lambert
North American Tour...and I mean random. It will be a collection of facts and figures,
things I have found out about since being on the road and a few personal tit bits, a
real mish-mash, and it should be fun.
See you tonight Calgary!
2014-06-25 Print: Edmonton Sun - Edmonton Queen Fans Welcome Adam Lambert at Rexall Place-Canada
Mike Ross, EDMONTON SUN
FIRST POSTED: TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014 10:12 PM MDT |
UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 07:42 AM MDT
Photos: Queen + Adam Lambert at Rexall (June 24, 2014)
13 IMAGES
Adam Lambert of Queen + Adam Lambert performs at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alta.,
on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun/QMI Agency
Codie McLachlan/Edmonton Sun
Article
If we decide that Queen with a False Freddie is better than no Queen at all, we’d
best shut up about all the “glorified cover bands” running rampant in classic rock.
For in the vocal department, in theatrics, in everything that counts in a great
frontman, there are no bigger shoes to fill in rock ‘n’ roll history than Freddie
Mercury’s. They don’t build bands like Queen anymore. And while it may seem galling
to have some American Idol runner-up risk turning the legend into a hollow mockery
and ruining it for everyone, this is seriously the best live version of Queen that
fans are going to get.
They made sure of that with an incredible show in Rexall Place Tuesday night. It’s
been quite an eventful few days in Edmonton. First Buble, then the queen of pop,
Cher, then Queen. Good, better, best. This concludes our expensive trip down memory
lane.
Imagine the pressure on Adam Lambert, under such sharp scrutiny by more than 10,000
hardcore Queen fans hanging on every note, listening hard, judging. The cheers after
the first few notes of the opener Now I’m Here revealed the initial verdict: He’ll
do fine.
Lambert did not go into this thing timidly. He added his own wrinkles, at no time
“pretending” to be Freddie Mercury, but being his own flambouyant, outrageous self.
In Fat Bottomed Girls, he shouted at the appropriate moment, “Now all you fat-assed
bitches out there, get on your bike and ride!” For Killer Queen, decked out in a
lovely sparkly spiky getup (Cher must’ve left one of her costume boxes behind), he
stretched out on an antique chaise lounge, then spit champagne all over himself and
the audience. “Did I get you wet?” he asked a woman in the front row. “You’re welcome!
I think I got myself wet.”
This of course isn’t the first time Queen went out with another singer – Paul Rodgers
from Bad Company filled the spot for five years - but Lambert is a much better fit.
He sang the living hell out of these songs Queen fans know so well, in a set spanning
45 years of some of the most classic of the classic rock songs. He can hit all the
high notes in Somebody to Love – one of several spine-tingling moments in the show –
and he has power to back it up. Later, his wailing rendition of the power ballad Who
Wants To Love Forever brought the house down. In the legacy of rock ‘n’ roll understudies,
this has to be one of the best hires – better than the guy in Yes, the guy in Journey,
and both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar put together.
The original Queen guys got their chance to shine. Before Roger Taylor wowed the fans
with the expected drum solo, guitarist Brian May provided one of the most chilling
points of the night all by himself. Sitting centre stage and armed only with an acoustic
guitar, he invoked the spirit of Freddie on Love of My Life, which the two of them used
to perform as a duet together, now done solo: “Love of my life, don’t leave me, you’ve
taken my love, you now desert me.” This intimate, vulnerable moment had a lot more
impact than his epic guitar solo later on. Nice touch showing the old film clip of
Freddie singing on the big round TV screen (that seemed to have been stolen from Pink
Floyd’s stadium shows). If there was a dry eye in the house, I didn’t see it.
It’s funny how Queen used to boast “no synths” on its records, never mind that some of
the stuff came up with were studio creations impossible to reproduce live. Bohemian
Rhapsody is a good example, the bombastic bombshell coming near the end of a successively
hit laden home-stretch. They don’t build songs like this anymore, either. You’d drive
yourself crazy at concerts these days trying to figure out what’s being tracked, but
in this case, almost all of that middle section was. They didn't even try to hide it,
either.
At one point in the night after a particularly impressive display of vocal prowess,
May asked the crowd, “What do you think of the new boy?!”
There seemed to be general agreement that Lambert will be permitted to sing Queen songs
as long as he wants to.
2 CAPS COURTESY SweetReunion22
2 CAPS COURTESY SweetReunion22
2014-06-24 QueenOnline on Tour - Notes From The Road Part 10
.jpg)
Late afternoon in Saskatoon. Wow, now I'm dealing in poetry and rhyme.
"I just shook Brian May's hand. How about that? Quite the deal for me,
big fan, big fan." - The security guard sat outside our production office
backstage.
Bless him. I get that, I really do, I STILL do. I am fan of many artists
and it can still be a thrill no matter if you work in this business or not.
There are plenty of people I would like to say hi too, not that I chase that
kind of thing.
Roger has turned up for sound check looking pretty suave; he's wearing a
black trilby. Classy. I told him so too.
He popped in a little later, pulled up a chair and we discussed the Chicago
show and he asked about the reaction online to the first couple of shows. I
showed him the Foo Fighter clip of them covering ‘Under Pressure’ which he
liked and finally, I asked him if he was enjoying himself as he was leaving...
"Oh yeah!" he grinned.
Sound check is blasting out at as I type this. It has consisted of THAT solo
from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody; Brian cranking the riff to 'Stone Cold Crazy' and
'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', all of these are instrumental, although Adam
was with them on stage (I just popped out to see what was going on). Adam
eventually then started to warm up under Spike's guidance to 'Somebody To Love',
before nailing 'Don't Stop Me Now' and 'Killer Queen' with the full band. They
also tinkered with a small section of 'In The Lap Of The Gods'.
OK, 'Bus Life' as promised.
It's not as bad as you think. Having said that I'm only out here for 2 and half
weeks, I might feel differently after 6 weeks hammering the highways. We have 4
buses shipping us around and no, for those of who have asked, Brian, Roger and
Adam do not have a bus, they fly between the dates with management and their teams.
It is important to note that as soon as the show ends at 10.15pm or so, the guys
leap into action to break the show down and load out and we are normally clear and
ready to hit the bus by 2.30am and travel to the next venue, so in most cases a
lot of the 44 crew have pulled roughly 19 hour days. Prior to getting the bus
everyone will have a shower between the hours of about 12am and the 2.30am
mentioned, the venue provide the towels and the facilities, we all bring a
'day bag' which contains a change of clothes and wash bag. Most change into
'comfies'. Baggy shorts or bottoms, a fresh T-shirt, hoodie and flip-flops are
pretty standard. The dirty, stinky roadie tag seems a thing of the past.
"We're a bus." That means everybody is on and lets move on out.
We have 12 bunks, two sets of six either side of the gangway in the middle of the
bus, and there is a seating area at the front with a table, TVs, and the 'kitchen',
with another to the rear. The sleeping arrangements all start with the most senior
member of the bus picking his bunk, in our case it was Head Carpenter and fellow
Essex boy Keano who got first dibs, after that it was a free for all. I have a
middle bunk on the right side towards the back; I think I am over a wheel. The
bunks are actually pretty comfy and you have curtain that blocks much of the light,
it took a while to get used to it, but it is 'coffin-like' and after doing such
long days you do sleep and well, I think the motion of the bus helps too. The
longest stretch on my tenure was when we did 15 hours from Chicago to Winnipeg.
Oh, and you have to sleep with your feet facing to the front for safety reasons
so you don't crack you head should we brake.
First and last rule of touring on a bus. No solids in the toilet, from either
end. Let's move on shall we?
The bus has a regular turn over of drinks and snacks on the bus which is called
'bus stock', this is refreshed everyday by the catering boss Pete. In the beverage
department, it currently includes a selection of juices, beer and wine, plus there
is a constant supply of bottles of water. Food-wise there is always bread, crisps,
spreads, chocolate, fruit and cold meats to tuck into. Once again, going back to
the time we all eventually look to leave the venue there will be some food specially
prepared for us as we board. After the Winnipeg show it was a huge platter of sushi,
once again, not the sort of image you have of a road crew, all of use stilling there
with little plates, chop sticks and discussing pickled ginger and who likes wasabi
and who doesn't.
Our driver is called Scott. He's a very nice man. Just thought I would give him a
mention. That is about it, we all get on, we talk nonsense most of the time as most
guys do, some people read, others watch TV; the World Cup being on is helping too.
Nothing to do with the bus, but I thought it worthy of inclusion. Laundry - we do,
do it. We just stick it all in a bag, attach an envelope to it with $20 inside and
your name on it, take it to the production office and our runner takes it away, it
all comes back by the end of the day. Again, the grimy on the road image is something
of a myth.
Oh and I need a haircut, I need to get to our next day off and sort it out. Get myself
a 'local' trim.
The next two days will be tough, we have a 'back to back'; Saskatoon and Edmonton,
that means load out, on the bus for just 4 hours, then straight into the venue for
another long day, no day off in between. See you on the other side!
"Shook Brian May's hand, oh yeah." Our security guard has just told someone else of
his Queen related experience, he really is dining out on this one. You can see him
holding court on Christmas Day at the dinner table rolling out that tale, I bet he'll
embellish it too as time goes on. "So there I was jamming with Brian...."
Nick
(Edit: I have just come back stage mid-way through the show here in Saskatoon...
my goodness, what a crowd, you guys are smashing it, what a noise!)
2014-06-23 QueenOnline on Tour - Notes From The Road Part 9
Exciting news! I have a new job, 'Toweling Robe Assistant', when the band does what
is known as a 'runner'. This basically means that when the band leave the venue
straight from the stage, as you guys are still applauding, I have to greet a band
member right behind the stage, hand them a towel, drape them with their unfolded
toweling robe and show them to their waiting vehicle. It does not happen at every
gig, but I have to say it was actually rather exciting when I did it after the
Winnipeg show.
I was stood ready to go after ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, before the encore, and the energy
at that moment is incredible, I have chills just thinking about it. The crowd was
roaring and stomping away out front for more, the band are buzzing around behind the
stage in a huddle, clearly full of adrenaline, security was now present and a clear
avenue has been cleared towards the cars that had their motors running, as the noise
in the arena soared even higher Roger shouted "OK, let's go!”, it took all of my
discipline not to run out there with them! It was thrilling to be part of.
‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Champions’ flew by and the next thing I know I am being told
the same old jokes by Neil as we skip down the ramp towards the cars...does that man
ever stop? I stand back as the rest of the guys quickly filter down, a beaming Brian
whizzes by acknowledging people on the way, I give him the thumbs up, he slaps me on
the arm and says "Thanks Nick!" and that's it, they are gone. That memory is a keeper,
a little thing in the whole scale of this trip, but I am taking that one with me.
The show itself also stood out for me for two reasons, an addition in the set list
and the fact that I was assaulted.
During the latter part of the sound check in which they ran through 'These Are The
Days Of Our Lives', 'I Want It All' and 'Love Kills' the band got together and for a
discussion on the stage. A few minutes later it was announced. "Set List change, can
you redistribute these please?” 'Don't Stop Me Now' had been added after 'Radio Ga Ga'.
Get in. For many this track is some what of good time anthem, well it is round my way
and caused mayhem on the dance floor at my wedding, and it was great to see it dropped
into the arena show after it brought the house down at the iHeart show in LA. I think
Chicago got a tiny bit jealous... ;)
The attack: Being the professional I am, I was doing my online job side of stage and
just about to take a picture of Adam above me on one of the walkways and I was groped.
Full blooded backside action, a really handful was grabbed. I jumped out of my skin,
remember is quite dark round the back of the stage, Glamberts I thought, and spun round
with a glare ready for action, but no. All I could see was RT's drum tech Nigel running
way, screaming with laughter holding Adam's gold microphone stand like a spear. A few
of the crew were chuckling away and pointing at me, I even saw a couple of the audience
who witnessed the ordeal give me smile. He'll keep, he'll keep.
Here we are in Saskatoon then, show number three and by this time next week I will be
at home. It's been a riot so far, but hard work and long hours, but the experience has
been immense so far and I have met some truly great people. Yesterday was a day off and
almost the entire crew, even the non-football loving ones, and couple of Adam's team
headed into town to watch the USA / Portugal match. It was good game, but the highlight
for me was Rufus and the impassioned rant he gave me about his thoughts on England captain
Steven Gerrard and his performances at the World Cup, I could not stop laughing. Not
sure Stevie G would have been quite so amused. The bond we all have as crew grows everyday,
it sounds cliché but it IS like a family and many have said that the vibe in this tour
is an absolute joy. There was a lot of love in that bar...and lot of empty glasses.
I have a few ideas on forthcoming blogs including 'Bus Life' and the 'Load In/Out', so
hopefully I can get to those topics shortly.
One final thing, if you are interested, my highlights of the shows so far, in no particular o
rder, are: 'In The Lap Of The Gods', Roger and Adam smashing 'Under Pressure', 'Love Kills'
on the B-stage and 'Who Wants To Live Forever' and the disco ball.
Saskatonians, let’s see what you’ve got.
Fact: Canadian musician Joni Mitchell calls Saskatoon her hometown, and funnily enough
the Tour Management team here were just the other day showing off their new orange flight
case that used to be owned by Joni, it has her signature scrawled all over it in massive
silver print.
Bye.
Nick
2014-04-24 Adam Lambert Looks Grungy in Grey Ripped cut-offs | Denimology
Adam Lambert Looks Grungy in Grey Ripped cut-offs
Adam Lambert Looks Grungy in
Grey Ripped cut-offs
We love guys in sexy cut offs!
Adam Lambert looks grungy in grey ripped cut-offs, well, kinda! But I thought it was funny:
grey hair, grey cut offs, grey t-shirt – oh well, what do you think? Was he matching his hair color
to go with his outfit? Or was he matching the outfit to go with his hair color?
At any rate, we don’t get to see many guys dressed like this here in NYC – yet – way too
cold still. Besides, I believe that the NYC guy prefers to keep his jeans long! Unless, maybe,
when you walk around the East Village or some similar grungy hood you might see one or the
other hard core rocker guy in a similar outfit!
ripping and distressing!
