When I saw a Facebook ad promoting a Queen concert in Nashville, I immediately opened it.
There are three bands I’d like to see live before I’m too old to hear: AC/DC, KISS, and Queen.
AC/DC doesn’t tour as far as I know although there are always rumors. KISS is on yet another farewell tour so I might get to catch them eventually.
Queen is another story.
Freddie Mercury WAS Queen. When he passed away in 1991, I figured my opportunity was gone.
But, 10 years ago, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert signed on as lead singer. Queen began to tour again. I knew he had the voice, but Freddie Mercury was more than just a voice. I had to see for myself, so I quickly purchased two tickets to see Queen at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. My wife didn’t seem too enthused and suggested I ask our daughter Allison to go instead. Allison’s a fan of all genres of music and she quickly agreed.
On the day of the concert, I wrapped up some work on a client site and met her in west Nashville and we drove downtown.
I don’t know if you’ve ever been downtown on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. If you’re a drunken bachelorette party, it’s the happiest place on earth. If you’re a TN resident, you look at Lower Broadway much like New Yorkers see Times Square. A dirty, loud, over-priced tourist trap.
Allison and I navigated our way through the crowd and found a place to grab some food. Around 7:15, we walked across the street to the arena.
The first thing I noticed was the age of the crowd. Mostly my age and older. Allison commented she felt a little out of place. I told her now she knows how I felt when I took her to see One Direction when she was in Middle School. And her older sister Krystal to see NSYNC in 2000. I just remember being one of many uncomfortable dads trying to look as invisible as possible as our daughters squealed at the gyrating lads on stage.
Our seats were up high, but we had a clear view of the stage. Queen was supposed to start at 8. At 8:05 people began to clap. The lights would adjust a bit and the crowd would yell. Some of the people around me began to complain. I told Allison it’s because they were timing out their bedtime and this was throwing off their sequence.
At 8:15 the lights went down, and it was on! Machines (Or ‘Back to Humans”) morphed into the more familiar Radio Ga Ga and then the group powered through all my favorites. Brian May, lead guitarist and drummer Roger Taylor looked older but played agelessly. May came out to do an acoustic version of Love of My Life. A hologram-looking image of Freddy Mercury came out to finish the song with him. I have goosebumps now just writing about it. Roger Taylor did a long drum solo, then sang David Bowie’s part of Under Pressure with Adam Lambert.
Which brings we to Adam Lambert. It wasn’t like watching an Elvis impersonator. He clearly was not trying to be Freddie Mercury. And yet he has all the charisma and maybe even a stronger voice and range and OWNED those songs. But because Taylor and May played the songs as we remembered them, Lambert’s voice was a perfect match and yet showcased his talent and yet each time the crowd cheered, he paid a quick homage to Freddie.
All too soon the concert ended and after a 3-song encore and a rendition of God Save the Queen (or is it King now?) we headed for the exits. The lines moved very slow. No surprise here.
We got home around midnight and agreed we had a great time. And as you might expect, I have some things I learned.
Be in the Moment. I wanted to take a bunch of selfies of us to brag to all of my Facebook friends but only did one. The rest of the time, I left my phone in my pocket. I noticed people videotaping the entire concert. I wouldn’t dare. I’d be recording my singing voice which isn’t a good thing. But honestly, I don’t think I’d watch it. It’s like listening to a live album. My best memories were just being there and taking it all in.
Maybe next time try this when tempted to record something. Be in the moment instead.
Give the People What They Want. I can imagine that true artists tire of what people expect. Playing a song, the same way for years can probably drive you crazy. I’m sure every member of Queen thought about a new way to do a classic, but they’re smart enough to know that the audiences want to hear the song the way THEY remember. The songs I heard when I was 12 sounded just like they did at the concert. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes lean back into what’s familiar.
Innovation is great. Change is exciting. But in some ways, rolling with the current level of satisfaction is your best bet.
Art is Timeless. It represents the current period in that it’s where it was created, but then it reflects beyond. Just as I was moved when I saw the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, I felt the same way hearing those old Queen songs. I thought about where I was when I first heard the song and of course could sing the lyrics to all of them as I’ve listened for many years. I think creating something beautiful is therapeutic to the artist and the audience.
What have you created lately? Do you do anything artistic? The art world is a very forgiving one. Create something and put it out there. You will find an audience.
Music is an Anchor. We hear that a song is considered “the summer song of 2023” and it will forever be tied to that year. Music is how we process our fears. I remember trying to play happy songs on the radio when I feared something. When getting amped up for a football game, I’d have loud music playing on a cassette in my truck on the way to the field. When I was sad or broken-hearted, there was music. And of course, I associate songs with people. Hearing my brother’s favorite songs make me think of him. I felt so many of those anchors at that concert, but the best one is a new one: seeing Queen with my daughter!
Have you ever thought about your life soundtrack? I wonder if that might be an interesting playlist for you to create.
Recognize Your People. The concert highlighted each member of the band. Almost throughout. As charismatic as Adam Lambert was, he never out showed the rest of the band. Having Brian May and Roger Taylor do some solos was great and let us all appreciate their talents solo and even acoustically. Both then acknowledged the other musicians in the band. Everyone got credit.
What are you doing to recognize your team? They work hard too. Don’t forget about them.
