Return Of The Champions - Queen + Paul Rodgers DVD Review

Photo:link

DVD Review

Past masters shake-off the cobwebs unifying in majestic style- it's time for leather pants, sneakers, big hair and equally big music.

Fifty percent of the original Queen line-up (Brian May / Roger Taylor), several musical chums, and legendary ex-Free frontman revive their collective repertoires at Hallam FM Arena Sheffield on May 9 this year. A daring concept from the outset, they successfully pull it off.

Purists from both rock camps might spurn this one when there's the Queen Hits DVD, Queen Live at Wembley et al, already on offer. They shouldn't.

Using the unique combination of a 'super-group' and 'rock god' might seem absurd. In reality, it works because of the respect fans have for what's on offer - a scintillating night of some of the greatest audio moments in history, and the personalities involved. It could have turned into a tribute band: it became a tribute to the music instead.

Filmed in front of a packed house, the 'band' thrills fans who remember Queen and Rodgers the first time around (like me) and ones who weren't even born during their collective heydays. Ok, Freddie Mercury was always going to be a tough act (that could never be) followed, and George Michael's attempt in the early 90's proved it. Sufficient time has elapsed for a marked credibility to be re-established for the idea, and the timing couldn't have been better - nearly 20 years since Queen last performed live.

Of all the singers available, Rodgers is the one who fits the bill perfectly as he adds a rough edged Blues style to the combined anthems.

For a man in his 50's, Rodgers looks in great shape. May, complete with trademark curls never seems to age. Drummer Taylor looks a bit podgy. Nevertheless, all the heroes have what it takes.

This, the visual companion to the CD of the same title, allows us to get to grips with the show. Live albums rarely do the job, as it's invariably the sight of our gods we actually enjoy the most: this is no exception.

Using multi-angled shots (18 cameras), 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo we get a good earful of the night's rocking. May postures as normal while he rips into his custom made guitar, Taylor does his usual stylish job on the sticks while Rodgers makes no attempt to go rampant ah la Freddie - it's straight down the middle for him. A perma-smiling Rodgers seems to be enjoying it more than the others, as his face beams even more as they let rip into All Right Now. The crowd go nuts. When Brian May tackles a solo Love Of My Life, it brings a high emotional reaction from the guitarist.

The setlist contains other biggies and more, including Taylor's thought provoking Say It's Not True written to help Nelson Mandela's 46664 Aids campaign. There's also a chance to hear material never heard before live - like The Show Must Go On. Overall, it's a dazzling display of musicianship and technique-few could match them today. More importantly, this night is all about the songs which still resonate. Like all Queen performances, (which I saw at Maine Road Manchester 1986) no attempt was made to replicate the operetta section of Bohemian Rhapsody. This time there's extended video montage of band - original video '75 - and live Freddie snippets.

The music still sounds great; the reaction is still the same. They were champions' way back and they're champions today.

This DVD is at number 1 in the Music DVD charts week commencing Nov 7 2005.

Elly Roberts