talon
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 22:16:06 GMT -5
Thank you Talon from me also...right behind you on this, graciejane. All the learning I have done on this site is as big a reason as any for why I keep coming here all the time. If all we did here was re-iterate the love we feel for our man, I would likely move on, slowly. Talon, Cassie and all posters here, Thank You for your time and gracious sharing of knowledge, expertise and commitment to Adam and QAL. It's a wonderful learning experience. BTW, I saw Freddie and the band during their US college tour, was literally 5 feet from the stage. He had such concentration (intensity?), even in a small student union, folding chairs, stage maybe one foot off the floor, and cramped. You just knew this was a extraordinary experience. Thank god for my older brother who didn't mind his 12 yr old sister tagging along!! Can't wait, seeing them in Montreal! Damn! Lucky!!!! |
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 22:15:30 GMT -5
Does Roger have a home in LA? I'm not up on the personal lives of the band. I know he did have property in L.A. at one point - hell the band recorded The Works in Los Angeles (and Brian loves L.A.) but as far as I know Roger lives in the UK nowadays. |
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 21:05:12 GMT -5
pssssstttt....Freddie Mercury has been dead for over 25 years. Not only "can" he be replaced, he HAS been replaced. Brilliantly. The end. Now, let's just enjoy QUEEN with the phenomenon that is Adam Lambert.
Sorry but that's just not true. Otherwise they'd be going out as Queen. Or they'd be reissuing their albums as Queen + Freddie Mercury (and John Deacon) Sorry, did not mean to sound disrespectful of the band. But I only follow Queen because of Adam fronting them now. I knew of them but was too young to follow. I love what Adam does and do not spend much time going back in time. I have gone back to look at some of Queen from the past but not because of what is posted here. There was an interest to view something for one reason or another. They were great but I view and move on. Also viewed some of Zepplin and Hendrix because Adam did them. They were wonderful too, but other than a few well known songs, I never went back to view their catalog of videos either. I can't get too invested in analyzing the past for the sake of comparing or proving who was better. My interests are just different I guess. Not wrong just different. I enjoy what I enjoy and that is the way it is. Don't need to see everything they did in the past to know I love what they and Adam are doing now. Thank you. I don't mind this point of view at all - I pointed it out because some people have asked in these very threads why Queen fans act that way? I'm sharing the viewpoint to help people see where it comes from. I don't expect you to go back and watch every Queen video or even watch anything besides QAL if you don't want to  Just answering some questions I've seen regarding reviewers, and non fans. Whenever there is even a semi-critical tone to a review it's dismissed as having had an agenda or being anti-Adam. I don't think that's the case. Maybe some. But some just didn't get out of it what a Glambert might have gotten out of it. THere are some reviews that attack Brian's guitar solo or Roger's drum battle...no agenda. It doesn't fit their wants. But most of the reviews have been that QAL is a good time out. NO reason to dismiss a view that isn't just 100% positive! ]The "problem" (as I see it)) is that Freddie died. It made him a saint. Has Freddie ever sung a bum note or had an off concert? OFC not! He was "The" perfect frontman. And no one can or ever will be as good as him! Truthfully though, If he was still around, who knows what shape he'd be in or if he'd even be able to sing anymore? Would he still have that voice? Doubt it, as we can witness what has happened to other old rockers' voices. I would guess that even Freddie would be "no Freddie Mercury!" But his death has frozen him in time. There's no way to get around that with the Queenies. They see Freddie of the early 80s in their eyes and minds. There's just no way of getting around that. It is what it is!  Oh god now. Freddie was far from a saint. Maybe you weren't there the day I posted some of my favorite Freddie flubs. There have been times his voice cracked, words have been forgotten, etc. etc. He had a TON of off moments. He was though "THE" perfect frontman for this band because he was one of the driving forces behind what made Queen to begin with for Adam to guest iwth all these years later. Now Adam is a perfect guest to step in since Freddie is no longer around. I can get behind that. There are few others I'd rather see try as I've said! Again I posted because there were many times that I had read people not understanding why Queen fans or reviewers aren't seeing what you were seeing. I was merely trying respectfully to answer the question -- and given the many private messages I've gotten over the years of some people who privately want to thank me for daring to speak my mind even if it is a not quite as popular opinion, because they felt afraid to do so here -- and these are not Queen fans come over but here as purely Adam fans! I'm glad to be able to present a different side. Isn't that one of the things Adam and Queen both fight for? Tolerance and acceptance of ideas? IMHO It's disrespectful to Adam's worth by constantly talking about Freddie.. How about discussing just how much Adam puts into his performances with Queen without the constant repetition of who is better freddie or Adam.. Again i'm sure freddie's fans discuss this ,do we have to day after day..There are going to be about 50 Queen and Adam around the world concerts... I'm really hoping we as a fan club for Adam keep him up front and center.. For those folks who want to continue this ,I think a special discussion thread on Adamtopia for Freddie would be GREAT.Fair to all... How could it possibly be disrespectful to talk about Freddie when discussing a Queen concert? It's all part of the whole. I'm just being honest. I love Brian, but I get on him for his hyperbole and his "dangerous" talk, I love Roger but I'll make fun of some of his zesty comments that haven't come true. I love what Adam brings - but not 100% of it. I love what Freddie created but not 100% of it. There are a few Freddie songs for instance that if I never hear again, honestly it'd be too soon...doesn't mean I don't worship the ground he walked on = it's just talk, conversation. ]I agree. I've been a Queen fan since the 70s, yet, I get weary of the same old debate--I'm sorry, "insightful discussion"--that attempts to drain the pure joy out of THIS performer and THIS music being celebrated in THIS era. Every. New. Tour. HOW ABOUT THAT ADAM FUCKING LAMBERT, PEEPS?  Insightful discussion it is - trying to shut down discussion is what's unfortunate. But don't worry! I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here to talk about QAL gigs and I'll still offer my viewpoint respectfully! And I won't try to shout you guys out either Have fun discussing Adam's role in a 100% positive manner - Get excited talking about Two Fux being released soon! Speculate on forthcoming AL solo material. Not stifling discussion of ANY kind Merely speaking my mind and I will continue to do so! Thank you Talon from me also...right behind you on this, graciejane. All the learning I have done on this site is as big a reason as any for why I keep coming here all the time. If all we did here was re-iterate the love we feel for our man, I would likely move on, slowly. Talon, Cassie and all posters here, Thank You for your time and gracious sharing of knowledge, expertise and commitment to Adam and QAL. It's a wonderful learning experience. BTW, I saw Freddie and the band during their US college tour, was literally 5 feet from the stage. He had such concentration (intensity?), even in a small student union, folding chairs, stage maybe one foot off the floor, and cramped. You just knew this was a extraordinary experience. Thank god for my older brother who didn't mind his 12 yr old sister tagging along!! Can't wait, seeing them in Montreal! Thanks! i have enjoyed the music of Queen since my early teenage years, but I have never been a Freddie fan - I need to admit that I never saw them live. Adam sang himself into my heart about 8 years ago and I adore him as Queen's new front man and solo artist. Freddie...I do respect him as an excellent musician and frontman, but from what I have seen on videos I "don't get it". Adam makes me weak in the knees, the other doesn't. I think it is a matter of perspective and personal preferences. I'm okay with that. Perfectly valid viewpoint. I won't argue that As I said, merely offering an answer to the question in a way that you might not get on a site full of more possessive or rabid Queen fans! |
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talon
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 18:07:47 GMT -5
I really appreciate the comments and dialogue between Cassie and Talon - and I have to say that I'm in agreement with both of you. I've been fortunate enough to have seen Freddie live, and yes, he was (and still is) a force to be reckoned with. Freddie totally dominated everything on stage with an intensity that I had never seen before - it seemed that he looked straight at you and dared you to stare back. Seeing Freddie perform live is something I hold in my heart and my memory forever.
Very fair response I understand the inclination to contrast and compare, Freddie and Adam both fronted Queen. And both have legions of devoted fans. But I keep thinking, how lucky are we to have had (in Adam's case, have) them both? And I also understand preferences. But preferring one doesn't have to diminish the other. How wonderful that we can have two kings. Two different amazing gifted singer performers to perform the music that has made and still makes people happy, thoughtful, sad, aroused, feisty, moved. How wonderful to still hear the songs that are iconic live. How lovely for Brian and Roger to see, yet again, the songs of their life astound an audience. I also enjoy reading the differing viewpoints, understand them both, and appreciate talon for being so willing to not just react, but to explain why he loves Freddie so much. I totally get it, talon, you are passionate about Freddie. Good on you. I hope everyone has a very favorite singer and is still open to appreciating others, as you are. *hugs* Talon, well done. You've hit the nail on the head regarding the comparison: it's subjective. I usually scroll whenever I see this topic being discussed. However, I'm glad I read this one as it cleared up a misconception for me. I had been thinking Freddie was not so nice based on an impression I got from an interview posted here at some point (don't remember when). It took place in Brazil and the interviewer was a woman. All I can remember is the perception that Freddie must not have been a nice person because he seemed overly aggressive and rude in his tone and manner toward her. And having been accustomed to Adam's deft and polite way of handling all manner of interviews, I was a bit taken aback. I see now by your post that Freddie is purported to have been very shy and milder in person than his stage persona. This puts a very different light on my thinking. Maybe he was having a bad day for that Brazilian interview. Also, instead of often scrolling, I should pay more attention to some of the background stuff posted here about Queen. At some point I'll find you all the countless stories of Freddie's warmth as a person. Journalists - not as much - he had a very hostile relationship with them since the very beginning. Mostly though he just was more aloof in interviews because he knew his words were going to be twisted no matter how careful he was. Talon, well done indeed!! You definitely are a person who can see "both sides of the equation", and I so appreciate all that you bring to us here at Adamtopia. Your insights are so well appreciated, at least by this Glambert and many others here. And Talon, a thank you isn't sufficient to express my gratitude to you for your thoughtful posts, knowledge and insights, as well as your humble approach to communicating with us here on Adamtopia. I for one treasure your opinions. Aww... Thanks back I don't know one single Glambert that thinks Adam's Queen "legacy" comes close to Freddie's! IMO, that is ridiculous & to equate all or most Glamberts with that viewpoint is not fair. Also, let's not lose sight that this is an Adam Lambert fan site. Well, it's pretty common for a loud minority to strongly affect perceptions of the group as a whole. Applies not just to fandoms either. :D Not saying it's fair, but it does happen a lot. And on this being an Adam Lambert fansite - I really do appreciate talon's views on how Glamberts are being perceived - both to remind us to mind our manners, and to not get too worked up when others get on our case. Even if it's not *our* fault. (shrug) And I already feel that Adamtopia members in general are reasonable and the environment here relatively... sane. Heh. Back to Freddie and Adam - yeah, I do (privately) compare them too. Tend to feel the same way as cassie... Sorry talon - though I understand where you're coming from - you're very eloquent. Exactly! And that's fine To each his/her own! I don't know one single Glambert that thinks Adam's Queen "legacy" comes close to Freddie's! IMO, that is ridiculous & to equate all or most Glamberts with that viewpoint is not fair. Also, let's not lose sight that this is an Adam Lambert fan site. Thank you for your wise words...IMHO I kind of wish we had a special Adamtopia section for Freddie so I wouldn't have to scroll so often. I come here to read about Adam.. the comparison stuff is tiresome to me. Like some others,I got interested in Queen and Mercury because of Adam. That doesn't mean that I don't think Freddie was a musical Renaissance man. I just prefer to live in the present and to enjoy Queen music with Adam in this decade. Well since there wouldn't be QAL without Freddie, it remains relevant. Sorry! Thanks to all, especially talon, for this enlightening discussion. I love it when differing points of view are shared calmly and articulately, with supporting ideas. Not only do I learn new things about the topic, but I often learn new things about myself as well. In this discussion I have had a couple of those "Aha!" moments. One is how deeply my classical music background and training influence my perception and appreciation of artists and performances. For example, my appreciation of a voice is largely dependent on how much it exemplifies valued characteristics in formal and classical music. In my mind, there are certain techniques and sounds that are "right" and "desirable." Others are inferior, lacking or even unpleasant. There are also certain characteristics and structures of musical compositions that I judge as being more interesting, more complex, more satisfying, more sophisticated, and more valued based on more classical styles of music. Even my opinions of a show are influenced by my experience and background in theater. My appreciation or preference for certain artists is also influenced by my personality, and what in the artist's presentation of themselves on stage connects with me on a visceral level. I can be quite stubborn in all these opinions, as if they are established facts. Reading these posts, trying to see and understand other viewpoints, I have started to "get it." In this diverse world, "good" and "great" artists exist in many different genres, with widely differing criteria for what makes the artist "great." A strength according to one criterion, may be a weakness using different measuring sticks. One would think I knew that long ago, but.... I know it at a different level now. Not just a theory, but an internalized change of perspective. So, from the very deep end, I thank Talon, and many others on this forum for helping me grow and expand and become more understanding of others. As always Cassie. I've always been open to learning new view points and in some ways trying to show off others. It's how we all learn and can reach the same page! Like the classical approach that you love often sounds to me as clinical, robotic, less humanizing. But I understand why it works for some An interesting point you raise IS the background in theater. I too have a background in theater which is why I might be more accepting of QAL than some. Some Queen fans come strictly from a rock and roll background - My background in theater allows some of that to seep in without too much concern! Though I stlll have a heavy rock background too...it's an interesting vantage point! I don't know one single Glambert that thinks Adam's Queen "legacy" comes close to Freddie's! IMO, that is ridiculous & to equate all or most Glamberts with that viewpoint is not fair. Also, let's not lose sight that this is an Adam Lambert fan site. , just speaking for me here, but I in no way felt that you were intimating that "all or most Glamberts" had that viewpoint. There was nothing I found in your post that I considered ridiculous. I have always found your posts to be reasoned, fair and non-confrontational. I find them thoughtful, thought provoking and informative. You never name call or denigrate. You clearly define your words as your own opinion. Please know that I am grateful for what you have brought to this board, and this Adam Lambert fan can read opinions differing from my own without rancor, especially ones so carefully and eloquently expressed. example of how I think talon is trying to see both sides Thank you!!!! Thank you for your wise words...IMHO I kind of wish we had a special Adamtopia section for Freddie so I wouldn't have to scroll so often. I come here to read about Adam.. the comparison stuff is tiresome to me. Like some others,I got interested in Queen and Mercury because of Adam. That doesn't mean that I don't think Freddie was a musical Renaissance man. I just prefer to live in the present and to enjoy Queen music with Adam in this decade. I generally scroll as well. I love Queen with Adam fronting and see no need to go back so many years to see if someone did it better. Some who saw Freddie are lucky to have those memories. But I love Adam's sexy rock persona, style and voice and that works for me today. Nothing will compare to that in my eyes. See to me and others that can come off as disrespectful TO the legacy of the band. Perhaps you don't mean that, but that's how it can be interpreted. Whether or not you prefer QAL or nothing will compare..QAL could not exist without the history of Queen. It's not a case of who can do it better...it's about respecting where it came from.... Talon - thank you for being willing to pull a Frank and knock down some of the walls of our little echo chamber. A little self reflection and exploration of the thoughts and ideas of others is sometimes painful but always enlightening. Anytime! My time here does the same to me and it's good to see other sides as well! Lots of discussion this morning! My takeaway is thank you, Talon, for supporting Adam's solo career by buying his music even though it is not really to your taste. Least I can do for what he's given me Talon - thank you for being willing to pull a Frank and knock down some of the walls of our little echo chamber. A little self reflection and exploration of the thoughts and ideas of others is sometimes painful but always enlightening. Thank you Talon from me also...right behind you on this, graciejane. All the learning I have done on this site is as big a reason as any for why I keep coming here all the time. If all we did here was re-iterate the love we feel for our man, I would likely move on, slowly. Again - my pleasure. |
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 12:04:08 GMT -5
I don't know one single Glambert that thinks Adam's Queen "legacy" comes close to Freddie's! IMO, that is ridiculous & to equate all or most Glamberts with that viewpoint is not fair. Also, let's not lose sight that this is an Adam Lambert fan site. I never lose sight of that. I didn't necessarily mean this site and I'm NOT in any way shape or form equating ALL out even most Glamberts with that view. There is a vocal segment though. Just like not ALL Queen fans are anti Adam but they are vocal enough to get under people's skins... |
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 11:01:21 GMT -5
Oh and so it doesn't get lost in the above sea of words:
I REALLY appreciate what Adam brings to the table...I really appreciate after all these years the chance to see my favorite band again sung with a voice that can tackle any portion of the catalogue. It's an amazing thing to watch and I can't wait for Boston!
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 10:59:13 GMT -5
col -
Thank you! I certainly still will enjoy the gigs. I appreciate the thoughts on Adam as well.
cassie -
It might very well be a gender thing. I will say though I wanted to post an interview from Freddie that I think will show you a side of Freddie that might be more in line with what you feel on Adam. He's playful in this interview though there is definitely still a bit of a harder edge...of course it's a different time back then:
yum might like this to as Freddie is in a nice form (even if he wasn't fond of the press at this point):
Regardless, I wanted to say that after I wrote my piece and read a few things I had another long piece to write. Something of an aha! moment. Of course I sat back and wondered how to write it without ruffling too many feathers and I think I have it...Even more so because one piece of the discussion is to show how I actually have been in the Adam fan's shoes and can empathize...in a very rare and unique perspective. The first part will be the possibly sensitive part. You may want to skip to the section below the ***********s As that will give you more context to where I am coming from and how I can be on both sides of the fence.
What I want to say in our discussions here it's been generally Adam vs Freddie as far as what we like, don't like, why we would as fans choose one over the other.
BUT that's only one part of the argument. I think I finally realized the problem some Queen fans have. And it has little to do with Adam, but more the zealousness of Adam fans. Adam's fan base is POWERFUL. No doubt. They are committed to him like no other and that is worthy of respect. But I was trying to see if I could dig in and see what some of the issues might be. And I read sometimes about how there is a significant portion of Adam fans who never knew Queen before Adam...TO them Queen is QAL. Not their fault, I can't blame them for that. There are plenty of things I never experienced, etc. (and again some of this will make sense post ***).
Now I've also seen some posts here trying to figure out and they posit that perhaps Queen fans are worried about Adam being so good that Freddie is in some way threatened. I don't think that's it.
I think it more has to do with the legacy of Queen itself.
Now whether this is true or not or whether this is perception - I could honestly see it either way, but there is a significant portion of the fan base that comes off as Adam's contribution to Queen's legacy at the end of the day is much higher than it actually is which can offend some Queen fans. I'm not trying to dismiss Adam from the legacy. He's there now. He has a definite slot in it. But if you can try and sit back and take things from afar you might get a different view point. It almost comes across that Freddie's Queen is like 60% of the legacy or even 50-50. Queen with Freddie and Queen post Freddie...or whatever. But let's fast forward 30 years. I'm in a rocking chair, Brian and Roger have most likely joined Freddie - (MAYBE NOT!). We look back at Queen's legacy if say this were the last tour they did.
To be honest, to assign percentages to the importance behind Queen's legacy. Queen (1971-1991) is 90% of the legacy. Queen (1992-2004) is 5% given the Freddie Tribute Concert, the final Freddie album, and No-One But You the last true Queen song. Then it's up to Paul and Adam for the last 5%. Seem low? I can understand why it seems so low because to you (those who are much more Adam fans) this era is THE most important to you.
Quick Adam vs Paul (and the differences in how the fanbase perceive it) points if you care - or you can skip to the next part:
The argument between Paul and Adam.. as to who gets 3 and who gets 2 are as follows quickly. Adam is by far the final frontman so the last concerts in mind will have Adam in front, AND he definitely FITS the band far better than Paul did. Paul's pros are - HE finally got the band touring again. Without Paul Queen might never have gotten off the bench and never got to tour with Adam...AND more importantly they did an album together. WHether it was good or bad is not relevant....there is an entry place on the shelf for a Queen + PR album. Now if QAL do an album I say Adam definitely outweighs....Now why did Paul get more of a pass? Paul's fanbase and Queen's fanbase often overlapped so it was easier to accept. Paul had his own legacy to be involved with that it never felt his fans needed Paul to be a big part of Queen's legacy...whereas Adam who doesn't quite have that same legacy and background may be looked at trying to latch onto Queen's legacy - maybe? I don't know on that one). BUT I digress back to the original point.
Is that harsh? See I don't think it is. I know I wouldn't mean for it to be. To have even 3% of legacy of a band that legendary is amazing and worth being excited over. But I don't know how some Adam fans would take that and I feel some would be extremely offended by that.
But if you seriously look back. Queen will be remembered for what happened during Freddie's time. Everything after will be mostly a blip....even if it is your favorite blip. All the albums, initial songs, initial tourings etc. They all happened awhile ago. The band was hungry and wanted to take over the world and did. Now at this point it is a different band and maybe that's what cassie and others see with B&R now. B&R might be enjoying themselves more now partially because of Adam but at least equally as important? They don't NEED it as much. They aren't as hungry. They know they've done all they are going to do. They know they aren't going to light up the charts again, they aren't going to be breaking new ground (besides maybe visiting a country they never did). But they don't have the same ambition. They can rest and relax and just play music comfortable in their legacy, their surroundings, etc. It's the fun time they've earned.
They aren't in legacy defining moments anymore. Their legacy is already established and unless something monumental happens, nothing QAL does will shift it either direction. This is more about keeping the music alive...and do not doubt I believe that's a worthy goal to have.
So when the Adam fans who are very vocal about their love for Adam and how good he is and of course how he's better than Freddie (to them) it almost seems that *TO SOME QUEEN FANS* arrogantly they are saying that Adam's importance to the Queen legacy is as important or even close to importance than Freddie's.
I'm not saying that's how you feel - I'm saying that's how it can come off and is interpreted at times. And while I'd say that it's no-one's fault it can open up a divide.
I will also fully admit though that the Queen fan's should just feel comfortable with Freddie's legacy - it ain't going anywhere - Nothing Adam does with Queen will ever interfere with it. They really do not and should not feel the need to verbally bitchslap Adam or his fanbase due to some overzealousness. I will never do so. Even as I critique or try to point out where some people can err, I will always try to respect the differing opinions.
NOW
***********************
How can Talon being from the other side of the equation here possibly understand/empathize with what the Glamberts are feeling.
Two words. Van Halen.
Everyone here knows that Queen is my absolute all time fav and Freddie is by far my fav vocalist. My second favorite I've mentioned before is Extreme and their frontman Gary Cherone. You might remember him from Extreme's classic "More Than Words" and the followup "Hole Hearted" but they never reached chart heights again.
Now let's see if this sounds familiar.
Band with classic status, breaks up. Second singer comes in, is divisive with original fans but maybe tours a bit and wins some over.
Band splits again. Third singer comes in and both the fans of the first singer only and fans of the second singer turn against the new guy and lambaste him time and again so it seems he never gets a full chance despite what the famous guitarist says about him.
Van Halen's classic lineup with David Lee Roth went until 1984 until he left. Sammy Hagar joined (and unlike Paul Rodgers) he developed to be as important - as many albums and tours. But some VH fans were David or nothing. When Sammy left there was a tease to return to David but instead they went with a third lead singer...Gary Cherone.
Now Gary had insurmountable odds. Both David fans and Sammy fans hated it...and were against it from the start. What? Pussy boy Gary Cherone who had the wimp hit More Than Words. Even worse, Gary was from the school of Freddie Mercury - a camp lead vocalist who performed sometimes less than Macho...especially less macho than the Male Rock, Girl worshipping Van Halen types. I heard everything. Gary's a fag, a gay Freddie wannabe who has no place in Van Halen.
Now Gary did one album with VH and a tour. Many didn't buy it, many didn't go despite Eddie Van Halen calling Gary a musical brother...saying he looked more like Alex Van Halen than Eddie did. Called him a musical soulmate who wrote a song together 45 minutes after meeting. Eddie praised him as a gift from god...hmmm....
On tour the band for the first time did songs from BOTH eras of VH, which did appeal to some of the hardcore fans, but Gary never really won them over and after the tour, and after pressure from the record company, Gary left VH.
Now I knew VH before Gary. I was somewhat of a fan. I had seen the with Sammy and I knew the history with Dave. But by far my fav VH era is VH III - I saw that tour and while the album is flawed it is one of my fav VH albums. BUT I know that in the VH legacy? Gary is a footnote. He isnt in the Hall of Fame with Van Halen like David and Sammy - although bless bassist MIchael Anthony's heart, MIchael did thank him in the induction speech for Gary's contribution. But while I love David's swagger and I appreciate Sammy's attitude and vocals, Gary will always be MY favorite VH even though his contribution to VH's legacy is about 5% if that.
SO I *CAN* empathize. I *DO* understand. I am a rare person that can see both sides of the equation. I wrote this whole thing up not to attack Adam or his fans...but as a way to once again try to show where some of the divide can be between the fanbases.
So sorry if this was extremely long but I think figuring this out shows me where some of the sticking points can be....and if I know that, I can do a small part in trying to bridge those gaps on both sides...since I'm a fan of Queen, QPR, and QAL. Just as I'm a fan of Freddie, Paul, and Adam.
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talon
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 5:35:23 GMT -5
 Tiptoeing in to make a comment Freddie devotees will want to shoot me for.I don't get this repeated comment about Adam not having the charismatic presence that Freddie had. Granted, I never saw Freddie live in person, in concert. I've only seen the videos. But I don't get the magnitude of magnetism he supposedly had. Yes, he owned the stage. Yes, he could strut around it like no one but perhaps Mick Jagger could equal. He had the audience wrapped around his little finger for the call and response sections. He was very, very good.
I find Adam's stage presence charming and warm: something I cannot say about Freddie. I find Adam's persona more varied. He can do pompous as well as Freddie could, but he can also do sweet, silly, vulnerable, sincere, collaborative, and enraptured by the act of singing, which I don't get from Freddie. Adam's image is sensual, sexual, and has a dancer's grace, while Freddie's moves are more quirky. Freddie had to spend a significant portion of the performance shackled to the piano, which limited his direct connection with the audience, whereas, Adam can be front and center, moving out into the audience on the catwalk, covering the stage front to back, left to right the whole time.
And when it comes to being camp and outrageous, Adam can hold his own with the master of camp, Freddie.
This is just my opinion, and it comes with the caveat that I am besotted with Adam in many ways. But, Adam, to me, is nothing if not charismatic in concert. And very connected with the audience. Go figure.There are so many things factoring into these comparisons, and I think a lot of them are working on the premise that somebody really loved Freddie and can't imagine somebody else being just as good at something as he was. For me they feel like two different energies, Freddie more forceful, more emotional, taking charge, leaving you no choice but to follow him. Adam seducing, charming, enticing you in. I listened to Queen all night last night while travelling and I was blown away again by the sheer brilliance of Freddie. The way in which he phrases the songs, interpreting the different feelings in the lyrics. Of course the songs and lyrics themselves. The absolute creative and wild talent in making things that hadn't been done before in any shape. And doing it so good!! Giving words to thoughts I didn't even know I had before he did it. I think that and the way in which Brian lets his guitar sing is what brought me to Queen in the first place. And then my new love, the amazing unbelievable funny sexy Adam, who blows away all the defenses around my heart with just his voice. Singing with them. Killing it. They are bringing eachother and us so much joy. It is a dream come true for me. Life is still not easy this year, but every time I think about how I am going to see them in November I smile. I'll bring this over from yesterday - I hesitated here but figure - it's kind of my role here - to provide the alternate perspective. So please note, I will try to be respectful about this, and keep in mind what I read here and DON'T comment on. And furthermore, note that despite some of the things I say, I fully support AL in his QAL role. I think there are few singers out there that could legitimately approach the full Queen catalogue. I've gone to 3 QAL dates in the past, going to at least 2 in the future and have even bought each AL album as a measure of support, when in reality FYE was the only music that was really up my alley. The others has a few selections I like but overall, the dancey EDM thing is not for me, but out of thanks for not only allowing me to see B&R again, providing me with an awesome time that I have and do look forward to. I am obviously as noted above a Freddie devotee...and no cassie I'm not going to shoot you for your opinion, just as I hope I don't get drawn and quartered for mine  I think Adam has an awesome voice...especially when he sings the power ballads. My favorite Adam moments of the past 5 years was The Show Must Go On in Hammersmith 2012 2nd day, and his take on Who Wants To Live Forever (which has been one of the only time any vocalist singing a Queen song has approached Freddie in my eye), Save Me, and Somebody To Love (from 2014 on). But when I read here about his amazing charisma and how people can't understand why people think Freddie is so charismatic in comparison, I find myself shaking MY head with shock and confusion...and saying to myself, the same things I read here, just the opposite direction. *** I just don't get it... I don't see it.*** I mean I've seen Adam in person, and just a video of Freddie to me, let alone having never seen him in concert makes it no contest in my eyes. And maybe the difference...is exactly what cassie said - the niceness, the Adam being one of you kind of thing, inviting you along, alluring, playful. I get that. TO me Freddie was more of a general. And to me that made him much more charismatic as a frontman. You went where he told you to go. Freddie commanded you. He got up in front of a non-Queen crowd at Live Aid and MADE the audience do the Radio Ga Ga claps. He made people from Elton John, to Bob Geldof the organizer, and pretty much everyone there say "Damn it man you just completely stole the show". You might want to hang out with Adam at a party more and have a great time with him, and with Freddie you'd want to be AT the party with him, but perhaps you would be intimidated to try and talk with him...but you'd still be mesmerized by whatever he did. (which would be a fallacy anyways since from all accounts, off stage Freddie was a *COMPLETELY* different person, full of laughter, mischievousness and wanting to make everyone feel special and at ease). Adam is your extremely talented friend who you cheer on when he's tackling a big undertaking and feel so proud of him and you love watching him succeed as you know he will. Freddie was someone you watch because you don't know what he's going to do next. You're afraid to miss it. Now earlier on in his career, he was more shackled to the piano, yes it's true - which made his charisma even MORE amazing. He could sit at a piano and yet still people to this day would talk about he commanded an audience. And maybe partially it's the composing aspect...the fact that he could write a #1 hit in 10 minutes while sitting in his bathtub (Crazy Little Thing), that kind of creative spark of music where his songs become immediately timeless and here we are 25 years after his death and his songs are still well known overall, even if it's only subconscious. That has to add to his charisma I think. And I'm not trying to say Adam needs to write songs to have charisma - but I do think he needs a song of his own to really make it that way. I mean as a musician in thirty years, will the general public have any idea what he sang? They might remember Adam as a great singer, but you're not going to have a young amazing singer touring Adam's songs in the same way...at least at this point....(I would love to see it if only to see you all on the other side of the spectrum, lol) If he gets THAT song or a few, he has his own standard set for anyone else to try and reach. Now granted he's such a good vocalist that he actually can take songs that aren't his and reach new heights for a lot of songs, but when approaching a legend's songs it can be different. Now I'm not like the troll Queen fans who will say Adam has no stage presence or charisma. Or that he has no business being up there with B&R. I think he is a great vocalist, and he handles the frontman role well AND he has improved with time...I think he's far more comfortable today than he was five years ago certainly. He knows his own audience very well and knows what works with them. QAL is very successful in large part to Adam's contribution. It's the Queen catalogue, and B&R & team are consummate professionals, but you need a strong vocalist, frontman to pull it off. But I don't see what you guys see. I see a good frontman. Not a legendary one - at least not yet. I know a lot of people I would consider a good frontman though. There are even some who could front Queen and I'd probably enjoy it quite a bit. B&R chose Adam so it's who they want and I'm certainly not upset with the choice obviously....He makes them happy so that makes me happy. He does a damn good job, and I have highly enjoyed my time with Adam as frontman. But who knows...maybe the missing ingredient for me is the sex-appeal- thing. Lord knows as a straight male, I don't care about sex appeal at a Queen concert, lol. I don't think either are sexy This may have been a tough read for some and for that I do apologize, but I'm always trying to be truthful - respectful but truthful. Obviously this is only my opinion and I've read quite a few opinions here the last few days about how Adam is superior to Freddie in people's eyes. I'll never call you wrong because it is something that is quite subjective. I will simply be confused and not understand it, but still hope you all are enjoying your time with Adam and with B&R now...and that you'll remain patient at least with the good intentioned Queen/Freddie fans that just love Freddie the way you love Adam. With that said...bring on San Jose (one step closer to getting a chance to witness him in person myself again in Boston!) |
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talon
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Post by talon on Jun 28, 2017 1:09:45 GMT -5
Glad to hear SYW returned. Hopefully it stays put now. So basically back to Vegas playlist then.
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talon
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Posts: 2,933
Location:
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Post by talon on Jun 27, 2017 23:31:17 GMT -5
Thanks Usually all I see in here are updates about what's being played when - I got spoiled |
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Just answering some questions I've seen regarding reviewers, and non fans. Whenever there is even a semi-critical tone to a review it's dismissed as having had an agenda or being anti-Adam. I don't think that's the case. Maybe some. But some just didn't get out of it what a Glambert might have gotten out of it. THere are some reviews that attack Brian's guitar solo or Roger's drum battle...no agenda. It doesn't fit their wants. But most of the reviews have been that QAL is a good time out. NO reason to dismiss a view that isn't just 100% positive!
