The Queen Extravaganza

[Triple S]

Imagine performing 'Bohemian Rhapsody' in front of members of Queen or belting out 'We Are The Champions' in front of a packed-out venue… it could just happen.

This is the real life, not just fantasy.

The names Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon are synonymous with rock ‘n' roll. And now you too could add your name to that list…

As part of this year’s celebration of Queen’s 40th anniversary, Queen drummer/songwriter/singer Roger Taylor is launching an American talent search that will offer “s**t hot vocalists and musicians” the opportunity to star in the Queen Extravaganza Live Tour. Auditions begin September 19th here at www.queenextravaganza.com and the tour, booked by powerhouse agency CAA, launches in 2012.

“The Queen Extravaganza will not be a traditional tribute show,” says Taylor. “It’s a brand-new show specially designed to enable fans to celebrate the music of Queen in a heart-stopping event.”

The Queen Extravaganza will bring the glorious music and live experience of Queen to a new generation of fans in cities across America in 2012.

“It’s going to be spectacular” says Taylor. “It’s going to be very visual, there are going to be some shocks and some tremendous surprises. It will be a rock celebration in the royal tradition. ”

Beginning September 19th, Taylor will launch an American talent search via this site, www.queenextravaganza.com, to find players for a 5-piece band and three vocalists who will carry the tour. Taylor is fully hands-on in the creation of The Extravaganza, taking the role of producer and music director.

Coming on board to ensure the touring show will match the design and excitement of Queen at its best will be such rock tour heavyweights as stage designer Mark Fisher (U2, AC/DC, Muse, The Rolling Stones, Cirque de Soleil) and lighting designer Rob Sinclair (Adele, Vampire Weekend, Goldfrapp, Peter Gabriel), and for the auditions, Roger Taylor and a panel of renowned musicians.

The audition process involves two video audition rounds to be judged by both a panel of appointed judges and the public. Taylor will be present to judge the final audition round, which will be held live in Los Angeles in early December. In addition, VEVO, the world’s leading music video and entertainment platform, will unveil exclusive content from each audition round as well as The Queen Extravaganza finals.

Auditions are open to vocalists, guitarists, drummers, bass players and keyboard players.

Taylor, a man whose drum skills and songwriting talents have contributed to over 300 million record sales and over 700 live concerts in every part of the world, says: “There are great musicians everywhere, and this is a really exciting challenge for us to try and unearth some of those musicians from the US.”

Check out this guy's audition - not bad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREKkAk628I

[Andrew]

Bullshit idea sadly.

[Andrew]

Wow that guy can sing

[Triple S]

Agreed on both counts.

I just finished watching the Queen Days of Our Lives bio on the Biography Channel - excellent, by the way.

[Argus]

Excellent job~~

[AR]

Just another example of the horrible influence that American Idol has on the music industry. Sad really.

I remember when karaoke used to be fun. Now all the people that run those things have their own ringers who they showcase several times a night.

Tommy DeCarlo is Satan.

[Pelata]

Gene $immon$ is sitting somewhere pissed off that he didn't jump on this idea first...

[conversationpc]

What a completely horrible idea. Roger Taylor should be executed immediately.

[Pelata]

Compared to other forms of music, Rock & Roll is in it's infancy still. There's no precedent. It's perfectly fine for people who did not write the music to perform the works of Bach & Beethoven...or even jazz & bluegrass bands playing music they did not write...it's only natural that Rock & Roll will follow suit. Bnads like Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin & other iconic pioneers will have their music endure and one way is to make sure it stays within the live arena long after the original artists are gone.

[conversationpc]

Compared to other forms of music, Rock & Roll is in it's infancy still. There's no precedent. It's perfectly fine for people who did not write the music to perform the works of Bach & Beethoven...or even jazz & bluegrass bands playing music they did not write...it's only natural that Rock & Roll will follow suit. Bnads like Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin & other iconic pioneers will have their music endure and one way is to make sure it stays within the live arena long after the original artists are gone.

You're right to a degree...It also makes me laugh when critics of rock & roll will defend their own chosen musical form by saying that it's longer-lasting than rock & roll. Well, duh, if you're into classical music, it's been around for HUNDREDS OF YEARS. Rock & roll has been around for only slightly over 50 years. Duhhhh!!!

[AR]

Compared to other forms of music, Rock & Roll is in it's infancy still. There's no precedent. It's perfectly fine for people who did not write the music to perform the works of Bach & Beethoven...or even jazz & bluegrass bands playing music they did not write...it's only natural that Rock & Roll will follow suit. Bnads like Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin & other iconic pioneers will have their music endure and one way is to make sure it stays within the live arena long after the original artists are gone.

Yeah, but rock (especially hard rock) used to be dangerous - now its becoming nauseating karaoke. Not to put a subliminal thought into any unstable people that might be reading here, but I seriously hope a serial killer starts targeting A.I. contestants and cast members of Glee.

[Pelata]

Compared to other forms of music, Rock & Roll is in it's infancy still. There's no precedent. It's perfectly fine for people who did not write the music to perform the works of Bach & Beethoven...or even jazz & bluegrass bands playing music they did not write...it's only natural that Rock & Roll will follow suit. Bnads like Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin & other iconic pioneers will have their music endure and one way is to make sure it stays within the live arena long after the original artists are gone.

Yeah, but rock (especially hard rock) used to be dangerous - now its becoming nauseating karaoke. Not to put a subliminal thought into any unstable people that might be reading here, but I seriously hope a serial killer starts targeting A.I. contestants and cast members of Glee.

Some Rock was considered "dangerous" only beacuse it was new and caused a stir...once anything stays around long enough to be accepted, it will lose it's danger. Elvis used to be considered dangerous...as did Marylin Manson, Sex Pistols and Eminem...they're all culturally accepted norms now. Queen was never dangerous...trailblazing, but not dangerous.

[AR]

Compared to other forms of music, Rock & Roll is in it's infancy still. There's no precedent. It's perfectly fine for people who did not write the music to perform the works of Bach & Beethoven...or even jazz & bluegrass bands playing music they did not write...it's only natural that Rock & Roll will follow suit. Bnads like Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin & other iconic pioneers will have their music endure and one way is to make sure it stays within the live arena long after the original artists are gone.

Yeah, but rock (especially hard rock) used to be dangerous - now its becoming nauseating karaoke. Not to put a subliminal thought into any unstable people that might be reading here, but I seriously hope a serial killer starts targeting A.I. contestants and cast members of Glee.

Some Rock was considered "dangerous" only beacuse it was new and caused a stir...once anything stays around long enough to be accepted, it will lose it's danger. Elvis used to be considered dangerous...as did Marylin Manson, Sex Pistols and Eminem...they're all culturally accepted norms now. Queen was never dangerous...trailblazing, but not dangerous.

Point taken. I'll stick with my memories and recordings though.

And yes Gene $immon$ is still planning on a KISS with no original members. The last sign of the Apocolypse.

[conversationpc]

Compared to other forms of music, Rock & Roll is in it's infancy still. There's no precedent. It's perfectly fine for people who did not write the music to perform the works of Bach & Beethoven...or even jazz & bluegrass bands playing music they did not write...it's only natural that Rock & Roll will follow suit. Bnads like Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin & other iconic pioneers will have their music endure and one way is to make sure it stays within the live arena long after the original artists are gone.

Yeah, but rock (especially hard rock) used to be dangerous - now its becoming nauseating karaoke. Not to put a subliminal thought into any unstable people that might be reading here, but I seriously hope a serial killer starts targeting A.I. contestants and cast members of Glee.

Some Rock was considered "dangerous" only beacuse it was new and caused a stir...once anything stays around long enough to be accepted, it will lose it's danger. Elvis used to be considered dangerous...as did Marylin Manson, Sex Pistols and Eminem...they're all culturally accepted norms now. Queen was never dangerous...trailblazing, but not dangerous.

Point taken. I'll stick with my memories and recordings though.

And yes Gene $immon$ is still planning on a KISS with no original members. The last sign of the Apocolypse.

Seriously...No Paul, either? Sorry but in order for them to be KISS, they have to have both of those guys. I'm not a big fan, but come on!

[AR]

Seriously...No Paul, either? Sorry but in order for them to be KISS, they have to have both of those guys. I'm not a big fan, but come on!

At least it's not happening anytime soon. New album and tour in 2012 with the current lineup.

[Michigan Girl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREKkAk628I
I love him ^^^, would love to hear him sing something
else, as well!! He's got that whole Freddie jawline thing
going on ...good showman!!


re: KISS~
I thought the whole idea is to brand the band beyond the identity of it’s
members for future generations...which will basically be a cover band.
I have no interest in KISS beyond Paul and Gene, but I think it's a brilliant
idea for those up and comers who really aren't concerned w/original members.
They can't do it forever and someone is going to be covering KISS, why shouldn't
they control it ...G$N$ $IMMON$ is !!

[Pelata]

I remember telling my buddy 10+ years ago that Gene would eventually replace himself and Paul...as long as the make-up, show and songs are performed at the level they are now, he'll do it. Put 4 guys in makeup, teach them the routine, and put them on the road.

Remember Gene's sports team analogy...the Green Bay Packers will always be the Green Bay Packers no matter who's under the helmets.

[Triple S]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREKkAk628I
I love him ^^^, would love to hear him sing something
else, as well!! He's got that whole Freddie jawline thing
going on ...good showman!!

MG - He sings in a Christian band called Downhere (there are lots of YT's of them). Their music is not my cup of tea but he does have a fabulous voice.

[Michigan Girl]

I remember telling my buddy 10+ years ago that Gene would eventually replace himself and Paul...as long as the make-up, show and songs are performed at the level they are now, he'll do it. Put 4 guys in makeup, teach them the routine, and put them on the road.

Remember Gene's sports team analogy...the Green Bay Packers will always be the Green Bay Packers no matter who's under the helmets.

lol ...I must say I'm enthralled by his acute business sense!!
Have you read his books?!? Very entertaining!!


THANKS "SSS" ...I want to check out his style/voice outside
of the Queen material!!

[tammy]

Somebody commented on the youtube clip that he is using the autotune micro...is that true?

[Triple S]

Somebody commented on the youtube clip that he is using the autotune micro...is that true?

I don't know much about that, but I don't think so. Here he is singing one of his own songs - he just has a great voice. Too bad I just don't have any interest in this kind of music - I've watched several of the clips and although I love his voice, the music's just not my thing. He also has quite a physical resemblance to Freddie, I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O0BfTOk ... ure=relmfu

Edit - found him singing Bohemian Rhapsody

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPPEHxq19CE

[Rick]

I remember telling my buddy 10+ years ago that Gene would eventually replace himself and Paul...as long as the make-up, show and songs are performed at the level they are now, he'll do it. Put 4 guys in makeup, teach them the routine, and put them on the road.

Remember Gene's sports team analogy...the Green Bay Packers will always be the Green Bay Packers no matter who's under the helmets.

Interesting notion.

[AR]

I hope this guy in the youtube video is on shitter and the NASA satellite that is falling from the sky hits his place in mid dump and that's the end of the clone singers.



And hopefully Tommy DeCarlo from Boston is blowing him at that exact second. Just sick of it.

[Rick]

I hope this guy in the youtube video is on shitter and the NASA satellite that is falling from the sky hits him in mid dump and that's the end of the clone singers.



And hopefully Tommy DeCarlo from Boston is blowing him at that exact second. Just sick of it.

Is Tommy the Home Depot dude?

[AR]

I hope this guy in the youtube video is on shitter and the NASA satellite that is falling from the sky hits him in mid dump and that's the end of the clone singers.



And hopefully Tommy DeCarlo from Boston is blowing him at that exact second. Just sick of it.

Is Tommy the Home Depot dude?

Yes. He is also the anti-Christ.

[AR]

I had my issues with Arnel. Still do in some cases, but the guy can sing anything and WAS in bands, not doing some stupid karaoke thing in a mirror and sending it out to be seen. He had to be found on the other side of the earth - more power to him. And I don't consider him a clone - never have - but don't like when others say he is (like they did with Augeri) shows how stupid people can be.

Kelly Hansen isn't a clone either and has been a real working musician for 25+ years.

DeCarlo and this fucknut piss me off to no end. It's a slap in the face what Boston did hiring this parrot who has no business on stage fronting a band.

[Rick]

I hope this guy in the youtube video is on shitter and the NASA satellite that is falling from the sky hits him in mid dump and that's the end of the clone singers.



And hopefully Tommy DeCarlo from Boston is blowing him at that exact second. Just sick of it.

Is Tommy the Home Depot dude?

Yes. He is also the anti-Christ.

Have I told you lately that I'm glad you're back?

[Saint John]

I remember telling my buddy 10+ years ago that Gene would eventually replace himself and Paul...as long as the make-up, show and songs are performed at the level they are now, he'll do it. Put 4 guys in makeup, teach them the routine, and put them on the road.

Remember Gene's sports team analogy...the Green Bay Packers will always be the Green Bay Packers no matter who's under the helmets.

Interesting notion.

Yes and no. There's a built-in assumption that sports teams are going to have different members at some point in time, but not so much with music. Gene really shit his pants with that comment. Try commemorating the Cowboys back-to-back Super Bowl winning teams by running out the 2010 Cowboys during haftime and see how his "no matter who's under the helmets" comment goes over with the folks in Dallas. He's comparing apples and oranges, really.

[Rick]

I remember telling my buddy 10+ years ago that Gene would eventually replace himself and Paul...as long as the make-up, show and songs are performed at the level they are now, he'll do it. Put 4 guys in makeup, teach them the routine, and put them on the road.

Remember Gene's sports team analogy...the Green Bay Packers will always be the Green Bay Packers no matter who's under the helmets.

Interesting notion.

Yes and no. There's a built-in assumption that sports teams are going to have different members at some point in time, but not so much with music. Gene really shit his pants with that comment. Try commemorating the Cowboys back-to-back Super Bowl winning teams by running out the 2010 Cowboys during haftime and see how his "no matter who's under the helmets" comment goes over with the folks in Dallas. He's comparing apples and oranges, really.

Your debating skills are tremendous. Where the hell are you now days? Last I heard was near KC?

[AR]

I remember telling my buddy 10+ years ago that Gene would eventually replace himself and Paul...as long as the make-up, show and songs are performed at the level they are now, he'll do it. Put 4 guys in makeup, teach them the routine, and put them on the road.

Remember Gene's sports team analogy...the Green Bay Packers will always be the Green Bay Packers no matter who's under the helmets.

Interesting notion.

Yes and no. There's a built-in assumption that sports teams are going to have different members at some point in time, but not so much with music. Gene really shit his pants with that comment. Try commemorating the Cowboys back-to-back Super Bowl winning teams by running out the 2010 Cowboys during haftime and see how his "no matter who's under the helmets" comment goes over with the folks in Dallas. He's comparing apples and oranges, really.

Gene is full of shit. I should know.