I can count on one hand the number of musicians/artists whose deaths have affected me beyond a cursory "Gee, that sucks" exclamation, but one of them was Freddie Mercury. The news that he'd kicked was like a punch in the gut to a guy who'd been a Queen fan since their News of the World days.
When he died in 1991, the BBC aired a tribute. I ran across Pt. 1 on MetaFilter. Normally it wouldn't warrant an individual post, but I ran across it the same day I saw this story on the BBC about George Michael playing the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium:
Singer George Michael is to play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium, it has been announced.
The pop star will perform at the 90,000 capacity venue on 9 June as part of his British and European stadium tour.
Michael, 43, played several key gigs at the old stadium, including Live Aid in 1985 and Wham's farewell concert in 1986 with ex-bandmate Andrew Ridgeley.
Bully for him, but for this particular non-Briton who never got a chance to actually visit the place, the ultimate old Wembley gig was Queen in1986. To this day, I regret never getting to see them live.
I won't make the same mistake when Iron Maiden comes through here again.
so true…….I watch that Live Aid performance weekly. Mercury was amazing
omg…been on a maiden kick lately. they’re touring in india and some european cities this june and september.
they…need…to…come…to…houston!!!!
My wife mocks me on a semi-daily basis for my deeply closeted love of Queen. I, on the other hand, find that a few poorly-sung strains of just about any Queen song pisses her off enough to throw off her dart-throwing ability just enough to give me a chance at beating her. I just copied that box-set with the first 8 albums, and I can’t even listen to it in the house. It’s good to know some of you are out there. I’ve felt so alone.
I hate Queen. I recognize your sadness over the loss, but really. SO many sins committed… Hate ‘em.
But I guess they do conjure up enough emotion to make me hate. That’s something.
Joni — I was on a business trip to Montpellier, France, many years ago. As I’m checking in at the front desk of the hotel, I look over and the members of Maiden are standing next to me. They apparently were playing one of the local clubs and were staying at the same hotel. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to watch them play.
Basslady — Find me somebody to looove, find me somebody to loooove, find me somebody, find me somebody, can anybody find meeeeee, somebody to loooove :-)
they…need…to…come…to…houston!!!!
Since I have - unbeknownst to you - declared you my Heavy Metal Wife, I have already decided we will be making the arudous trek to (probably) the Woodlands to endure the (most likely) August heat and pump our fists to “The Trooper.”
But I guess they do conjure up enough emotion to make me hate. That’s something.
Hey Basshole, I’m guessing the line “Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me” has special meaning for someone in your particular…marital situation.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to watch them play.
Unless you were a) having surgery or b) in prison, this sentence doesn’t compute.
mike - YOU LUCKY DOG! =)
pete - YOU’RE ON!!!
my maiden obsession right now is so deep, i’m *this* close to joining the freakin’ fan club. i’ve got them as #3 friend on myspace and check daily to see if steve harris has approved me as a friend.
i need help. or a maiden concert. either or. *grin*
Speaking of unfortunate, untimely deaths of rock stars, I’m sure everyone’s heard that Boston’s (both the band’s and the region’s) Brad Delp died yesterday.
Tim, the ‘Mudge and I are mesmerized by Freddie’s total owning of the Wembley crowd during “Radio Ga Ga” during Live Aid. It is the single greatest performance of all time.
That said, George “Hey is that you under the stall?” Michael’s cover of Freddie with the remaining members of Queen backing him during the Wembley tribute was awesome. Not that anyone could fill Freddie’s shoes, but GM did a helluva job.
Thanks for finding the BBC pieces!