Queen, yes...Queen. I can hear some of you laughing, but, despite my new/wave punk rock leanings, I do enjoy some classic rock, including this band, and I'm not ashamed to admit it, on a blog few read, at least. Heck, I might even get defensive if you push me enough. I'm not actually a fan of the "hits"--I prefer some of the "off" stuff. Albums like Jazz, and the superb double-live LP Queen--Live Killers are the stuff of musical achievement to me. Interesting arrangements, superlative musicianship, etc, combine to create a band that had/has a profound influence on me. As noted, however, I am a discerning Queen fan. "Bohemian Rhapsody" does nothing for me...
...Being a guitar player, I have a great respect for Brian May. It was the solo at the end of "We Will Rock You", heard from an eight track player on a summer's day in 1977 that inspired me to learn the instrument. Well, the ukulele actually, but close enough. I was a member of my hometown's Ukulele Ensemble for two years, and I still have mine. Through my beginnings at guitar lessons, I tried to emulate Brian May's signature sound, but with little success. It took a while, perhaps too long, to figure out that it can't really be replicated without studio/ electronic wizardry, which is hard to produce on a mid-priced acoustic guitar. Still, May has a great touch and phrasing--nice and melodic. And, he seems like a nice guy, not pompous and sneering like other "rock " guitarists. I grew to appreciate his work, with and without Queen--check out his reworking of the "Starfleet" TV cartoon theme song with Eddie Van Halen, if you can find it!
...the polar opposite in Queen was definitely Freddie Mercury. Of course, like many people, I love his voice--range, passion, energy, and his abilities as a front man. Even people who do not like Queen admit to the fact that they stole the show at 1984's Live Aid concert--no smoke, pyrotechnics--just a half microphone stand and some tight trousers. Freddie knew how to play an audience, no doubt about it. His personality was equal to his voice. In the sense that he had a great range. Freddie was so camp and over the top that he almost seemed like a fictional operatic Diva. His bon vivant is more of a personal inspiration for me. Freddie seemed to be the sort of person who wouldn't let little things get him down. In fact, back when Queen were struggling to "make it", Freddie would spend any money he made on clothes, rather than things like food or rent. Call that irresponsible if you will, but it seems to indicate a single-mindedness, that I lack as a musician. Even when he was ill, very ill, he still appeared live and gave interviews--he gave it all. Finally, the band reported that he had AIDS, and he died the next day. The posthumous album (not entirely sure about this, must check dates) has the song "The Show Must Go On", which is Freddie in a nutshell. Many people don't realize that Freddie wrote lyrics and music for almost half of Queen's catalogue! Also, although not entirely my cup of tea, Freddie did enjoy singing opera, which further displays his talents.
....so there you have it--Brian May was a musical influence (nay, impetus!) and Freddie, I consider to be a role model. Again, snicker if you like, but I should extend an open invitation to look at my Queen record collection and listen to some fabulous live recordings, my dear...and then, we can go shopping...
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