In Part I of Under-Appreciated: Hate/Love of Artists, I shared thoughts about critics, one in particular, John Rockwell of the New York Times who critiqued a Queen concert on the Jazz Tour in 1978. I saw a concert on this tour in Lakeland, Florida two weeks before he did in New York City.
More Recent Judgements of Queen
While I have not seen a Queen concert live since 1978, I have watched as many as exist on YouTube showing the Queen + Paul Rodgers tours beginning in 2005, continuing with the Queen + Adam Lambert tours beginning in 2011.
Being a Queenie, of course I love the following reviews, most taken during a Queen + Adam Lambert tour, and I agree with them wholeheartedly.
Amsterdam
“The show at the Ziggo Dome was nothing short of majestic and overwhelming.”
‘”…a setlist that goes from climax to climax.”
Cologne
“… in the sold-out Lanxess Arena in Cologne, the 51-year-old Queen presented itself breathtakingly vital, and it did not seem that this rocking monarchy with masterfully staged theatricality and glitter pomp is anywhere near its end.”
Berlin
“Champions, that’s what Queen were on that night…the show must go on, and that for years to come, it certainly wouldn’t be a mistake.”
“One could literally see their joy to play in May and Taylor’s eyes.”
“Queen anthems such as ‘Another One Bites The Dust’, ‘Crazy Little Things Called Love’ and ‘Love Of My Life’ all sounded really fresh…and May happily demonstrated again and again with impressive, but never too long, solos why he and his guitar have created a sound for eternity.”
Birmingham
“Brian and Roger put on an energetic display that would put most younger bands to shame. Cracking gig!! 5 Stars.”
“A wonderful night and a wonderful show. Queen still rock.”
“…an emotional universe and beyond.” 5 Stars
Belfast
“For any Queen fan, this will be the closest thing to a religious experience.”
“Two and a half hours of jaw-dropping spectacle and euphoria.”
“The rock icons blew the roof off the SSE Arena with a simply electrifying performance.”
What I Love
Knowing the critics can see the joy and love in Bri and Rog’s eyes while they perform propels my continuing to read reviews at all. Queenies can’t be the only ones who get why Queen still performs.
If you have not watched or listened to Queen in awhile, it’s time you do.
Start with the last album they completed before Freddie died, Innuendo. It has become my absolute favorite. I still love Made in Heaven, of course, but Innuendo is incredible.
Enjoy!
Navelgazing Writer 