QUEEN
Nottingham Concert Hall Review 5th October 2007
Mercury’s Show at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham on 5th October 2007
Memories of Wembley 1986 came alive at the Concert Hall, Nottingham when Mercury made their debut performance there on Friday night. It wasn’t long before the Queen fans were on their feet, rocking along to numbers like “Tie Your Mother Down” and the all-time favourite “A Kind Of Magic”. This was followed by “I Want to Break Free” with “Freddie” coming on stage with the wig and vacuum cleaner! The audience were in high spirits with all the wonderful 1970’s Queen numbers, but an explosive roar of approval heralded the opening bars of “Bohemian Rhapsody!” This unique half opera/half rock number incorporates harmonies few other groups could accomplish, but Mercury have got this down to a fine art and only Queen themselves could perform “Bo-Rap” so practically perfect in every way!! The audience were ecstatic. They could not get enough of this group who were bringing the legend alive!
The two-hour show rocked with one hit after another and included all our favourite ballads too. The Queen fans were thrilled to hear “Love of My Life”, “Las Palabras De Amor” and “39” but Lee’s depth of feeling in the poignant “These Are the Days of Our Lives” touched everyone’s hearts, since this was the number Freddie chose to say Goodbye to the world. Glenn delighted the fans with a wonderful version of Brian May’s “Last Horizon” which was heard on the world tour with Paul Rodgers.
The second half of the show brought forth the much loved Innuendo! This number was often thought of as the “Bohemian Rhapsody” of the 90’s with its dramatic opening of rolling drums and full throttle rhythmic guitar work. Containing many synthesised melodies and intricate arrangements, Innuendo includes several diverse styles. The number would intimidate even the bravest of musicians today, but Lee’s epic vocals soar brilliantly through this grandiose composition, while Steve, Mike and Glenn deliver a magnificent guitar ensemble, the highlight of which is the haunting sound of the “wandering minstrel guitar!” Pat and Lee (on keyboards) are more than capable of doing justice to this intensive and often demanding piece of music. Although accredited to Queen, the composition of Innuendo was largely down to Roger Taylor and it became the title track of the album of the same name. The number was released as a single in January 1991 and entered the charts at No. 1, going down in history as one of Freddie’s best remembered hits. It is now destined to become one of Mercury’s finest numbers and holds audiences spellbound at all their concerts. The applause reflects the quality of Mercury’s splendid performance.
The audience went quite wild to the never-to-be-forgotten “Radio Ga-Ga” and the atmosphere in the concert hall was reminiscent of Freddie’s biggest and best appearances. This continued with the title track of the now famous musical: “We Will Rock You” when Lee bounced on stage wearing Freddie’s trade-mark Union flag around his shoulders! Finally, this wonderful, memorable concert drew to its close with the haunting harmonies of the world famous anthem “We are the Champions”. When Lee took his final encore, complete with legendary crown and cape, it was as if Freddie himself had been resurrected! Indeed, if he was looking down from rock heaven, he would have been suitably impressed!
There are many Queen Tribute bands around and some of them are pretty good at what they do, but if you had to choose just one, that would have to be Mercury. Since their beginnings in 1998, this group have proved themselves to be the finest Queen tribute band in the country. It does not take much imagination when seeing Mercury, to believe you are actually watching Queen, as they were when Freddie himself was there. Lee Jackson has an uncanny likeness to the great man, not just in appearance, but in his performance itself. The amazing thing is that he does it all without really trying! Let us not forget the boys in the band, whose definitive harmonies help to make this unique group what it is. The skills of lead guitarist Glenn could not be upstaged by Brian May himself and Mike’s 6/12 string twin-necked guitar and ukulele are an enormous asset to the group. Pat’s excellence on the drums has to be seen (and heard) to be believed! Steve, on bass guitar brings out the very heart of the band and Lee Harvey on keyboards has a rare and incredible talent for one so young.
Those who were unfortunate enough not to have seen Queen live, can make up for their loss by seeing Mercury! Their impeccable sound and incredible harmonies are so close to the real thing, it is virtually impossible to tell the difference.
LYNDA AND TERRY CUMBERLAND
Mercury's first gig was played in humble surroundings at the George and Dragon pub in Derbyshire on 19th February 1999. Tolo Pomar of Romantic Corporation in Spain was in England searching for a Queen Tribute Act to play a summer season in Mallorca -so in stepped Mercury.
Mercury were catapulted into the limelight and won "Best show in Spain Award 1999", returning to Mallorca for two further seasons gaining 100's of loyal fans who now follow them across the UK.
Mercury's performances have been televised live from Holland to Hungary. A New Years Eve concert in Dubai was broadcast live by MTV Asia to millions of homes. But perhaps Mercury's most memorable moment was being invited to perform a live gig for Roger Taylor and his friends.
Today, Mercury are enjoying success worldwide, filling large venues and leaving audiences feeling fully entertained by the kind of show Queen themselves would have been proud to deliver.
Heyyyyyyyyyy! Well you guys were awesome last night! Thank you so much for the amazing show! loved it as always! And thank you so much for the signed cymbols cover! And for chatting to us outside! Hope to see you all gain soon Love Jo x x x x x
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Category: Music
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