25th September 2015
QueenOnline on Tour: Notes From The Road South America Part 7
http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-arch ... ca-part-7/
Porto Alegre: Worst weather, best show.
I make no apologies for that assessment Sao Paulo or Rio; it's just how I saw it. A leaner and meaner set was played at this show, with the removal of ‘Save Me’, '39’, ‘The Show Must Go On’ and ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ and a little re-jigging of the set list - some will disagree, but less is more sometimes. Another thing, this was the best I have ever seen Adam perform, he was on it from the word go. The impression I got, was he pushed back the 'pea cocking' as he calls it, and just went for a high-energy performance, he really seemed ‘in the zone’.
It's funny how some songs are received differently from gig to gig. One of the biggest roars of the night in Porto Alegre was for 'Seven Seas Of Rhye', not the most obvious choice, but I like a little twist to things. My personal favourite part of the show was Adam's call and response after 'Tie Your Mother Down’ that segued into a cool little jam.
I have new thing too. If I can, I like to give out set lists to people at the end of the shows. I pick a few people out and I just love seeing those faces light up. I think it's because I'm a dad.
So, thanks Brazil, it's been a blast, short but sweet and I will return. One cool little fact for you; my older sister lives in Brazil and she text me to say in the wake of Rock In Rio, A Tarde FM Radio have not stopped playing 'Love Of My Life', she said it’s on multiple times EVERYDAY. Well, let's remember what Brian said, "It's your song Brazil..."
To Buenos Aires then…the flight was rather unspectacular and turbulence free this time, but a couple of funny things did occur...
1) We skipped our bags being scanned and checked at Argentinean customs because we were 'with Queen'. Not sure that was completely responsible behaviour by the staff, but we did appreciate it - nothing like a name drop though eh?
2) The same customs staff asked if I was Queen's manager. Wasn't sure how to take that one, but I did laugh.
3) Some baggage handlers asked to have their photo taken with Nigel, Roger's drum technician.
4) But the best was Pete Malandrone's boarding pass. It was printed as thus - 'Peter Guitar Malandrone'. He is currently not answering to his first name, only 'Guitar'.
All that and we had not even got out of the airport terminal. 'Queen Crew Mania', anyone?
Two days off in Buenos Aires then.
Some stay in their rooms and watch films, others venture out and visit graveyards. Some prefer room service, others have lunch and whilst watching live Tango dancing. Some went out drinking and were not heard of for 24 hours, I went for a massage. Everyone is different in what they do, but rest was needed, the schedule had been quite brutal, especially with the late stage times. I caught up with some work, checked in the Queen Productions London and spoke to home.
For one of my days off I was lucky to have a guide and managed to see a bit of the city. I have known Wilki (or Pablo as I found out) several years now, he translates all the news and copy into Spanish for QueenOnline, as well as few other jobs down here for us. We met up and he insisted on showing me around and I am glad he did, I got a history lesson, a politics lecture and a walking tour of Downtown. I summarised it as thus; the part of Buenos Aires I saw was like New York with a Barcelona attitude.
Is Lenny Kravitz big here by the way? I just seemed to hear his tunes everywhere I go here. It's not a bad thing, as long as you only stick to his first four albums.
The crew party was on Wednesday - what goes on tour stays on tour and all that! Not really. We went out to a really nice pizza restaurant, band and management included, and had jolly old time, super food, some amazing red wine and cocktails and a great laugh. Roger led the "Cheers!" and the downing of a shot of tequila and Brian's declared us as...(rude word coming up) "The best f*cking crew in the world!" - I'll take that, I have only ever been in one crew, so a 100% record for me!
Yesterday's pre-show load in squally conditions at the Geba venue was not the most pleasant of afternoons and I say that from a guy who sits in a portacabin most of the time and not constructing a stage outside - there was some quite 'colourful' language to be heard, but the crew smashed through for quite an early finish at 10.30pm. The grey weather did make me feel at home, however...
...Today, we have bright sunshine! Although still a bit windy, coats have been retired for now, the shades are on and 'Guitar' has just given us a short medley of AC/DC riffs as he tests out BM's Red Special.
Soundcheck is imminent, in fact, I have just heard over the radio..."Are you ready for Rog to come and make some noise? Over."
I have been told that not only does an Argentinean crowd sing every word, but also it has been known that they sing Brian's solos!
Come rain or shine, I am expecting great things Buenos Aires.
Nick
(Photo: Steve 'Baby Jesus' Price)
