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| Queen - Queen On Fire – Live At The Bowl |
 Released: 2004 Label: Hollywood Records Cat. No.: 2061-62479-2 Total Time: 54:35 / 47:33 | |
Reviewed by: David Cisco, November 2004 Maybe it’s because they haven’t released any "new" product since 1995, I don’t know; but it’s always bothered me that there are no Queen reviews here at PW. Given Queen’s obvious influence on progressive rock artists, it just seems like an unfortunate oversight. Well, let’s set that right by puking huge buckets of superlatives all over what should be this year’s must-have Christmas gift, Queen On Fire - Live At The Bowl. Recorded on the last night of the Hot Space tour at Milton Keynes in June of 1982, this live set documents Queen at the height of their powers. If you ever doubted that Queen knew how to rock, put those doubts to rest now. Queen On Fire-– Live At The Bowl rocks from start to finish, with just a couple of respites to let you catch your breath. The only way to describe Queen On Fire - Live At The Bowl is inspired; the band were in top form for this show, and the audience was just as enthusiastic, singing along at every opportunity. The performances were sterling, especially that of Freddie Mercury, whose strong, distinctive vocals soared over the tightly rocking ensemble of May, Deacon, Taylor, and guest keyboardist Morgan Fisher. Give the band their due, too, for playing like this was going to be the very last show on earth and making the absolute best of it. May gets big points for his powerful chords and fiery solos, Deacon surprises with some amazing runs (check out "Dragon Attack") and Taylor displays his powerful, spot-on dexterity (that, for some reason, reminds me of Carl Palmer). The keyboards of Freddie and Fisher are equally adroit, supporting the dramatic Queen "sound" and delivering some sweet, unexpected surprises ("Bohemian Rhapsody"). And what a set-list! Frankly, I don’t think Queen could’ve picked better; every song fits perfectly, like fine diamonds in a Cartier bracelet, designed to set and maintain a rocking pace from start to finish. On disc 1, "Flash" and "The Hero" get things off to a good start, but things really get going with the "fast" version of "We Will Rock You". I’d never heard this one before, and let me tell you, It Rocks! The rock doesn’t stop until "Love Of My Life," when the audience takes over the vocal duties for Freddie. "Save Me" and "Back Chat" close out the disc on a good rocking note. Disc 2 kicks in with an abbreviated "Get Down Make Love" that segues into the solo segment by May, who gives a fine account of his skills by drawing some sexy and spacey sounds from his guitar. The 1-2-3 combination of "Under Pressure," "Fat Bottomed Girls" (always a favorite of mine!), and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" get the audience’s blood pumped and sets up the knockout punch, "Bohemian Rhapsody," which is delivered with inspired, rocking power. No quarter is given, though, as "Tie Your Mother Down" amps up the audience for the finale of "We Will Rock You," "We Are The Champions," and May’s electric arrangement of the traditional "God Save The Queen" (nope, no Sex Pistols here, gang). Great stuff! So there you have it - me getting sick all over what may just become my most favorite Queen album of all time. Freddie may be gone and the material may be dated, but the Queen sound is as just as powerful and entertaining today as it was in 1982. I don’t like telling people what they need to do (okay, yes I do!), but I’m telling you now that you need to add Queen On Fire - Live At The Bowl to your collection ASAP - there’s no excuse for missing out on a release this good. Period. Rating: 6/5 More about Queen On Fire – Live At The Bowl: Track Listing: Disc 1: Flash / The Hero / We Will Rock You (Fast) / Action This Day / Play The Game / Staying Power / Somebody To Love / Now I’m Here / Dragon Attack / Now I’m Here (Reprise) / Love Of My Life / Save Me / Back Chat Musicians: Contact: Website: www.queenonline.com Discography
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