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| NOVEMBER 2007 |
Contains some Industry, General and UNOFFICIAL News from 'OUT THERE' ©brianmay.com |
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Who is the BEST rock band of all-time? **Fri 30 Nov 07** Roger Taylor will be on SKY NEWS channel 501 "Sunday Live" with Adam Boulton on Sunday 2 December, due to go on the programme live at 11:15am. (The programme itself runs from 10am - noon.) We will endeavour to let you know if any further interviews planned. ©brianmay.com |
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**Fri 30 Nov 07**
Watch video HERE ©brianmay.com |
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**Fri 30 Nov 07** 08:38 - 08:44 this morning on the BBC Breakfast programme, our own Roger Taylor was on the sofa with Bill Turnbull and Susannah Reid, for a chat and premiered part of the new video for 'Say It's Not True'... talked about 46664, the MPT, and making the new album... and that Roger might have been in another supergroup!! QUICK TRANSCRIPT (E&OE)... BILL TURNBULL: And now on Breakfast, a World Exclusive - the first studio recording by Queen for 10 years. 'Say It's True' was written as a gift to Nelson Mandela back in 2003, and now Roger Taylor, Brian May and Paul Rodgers have been back into the studio and recorded it for a benefit concert in Johannesburg for World AIDS Day tomorrow. SUSANNAH REID: Now the track will be available to download FREE, from tomorrow, but we're very pleased to say that Roger Taylor has joined us this morning to tell us about it. A very good morning to you. ROGER TAYLOR: Good morning. SR: And I think we're going to talk to you in just a moment but first we're all going to have an exclusive at the video? RT: Yes. I haven't seen this yet, so... It was put together in Johannesburg yesterday. We finished the record the night before, so this is all new to me. BT: Here we go... VIDEO PLAYS BT: Well there we are Roger. First look. What do you think? RT: It looks interesting.. you know. Shots there from the concert in Capetown, which was about 3 years ago now. BT: It's got a very distinctive Queen sound. It couldn't be anybody else, could it, really. RT: Yeah. Hopefully we've been doing a new album with Paul Rodgers in the studio and it does still sound like us. Yes. (laughs) SR: Now that's an exclusive look at the video and an exclusive listen to the song as well, but you're making this available to download for NOTHING. This isn't a money spinner for you. RT: No, it's certainly not. It's available I think on Queenline [sic], and the 46664 website from tomorrow, World AIDS Day, onwards. The song was written for that. You know, it's about that. BT: Just tell me. 46664, what's that name come from? RT: It's Nelson Mandela's prison number when he was in prison and he has got this, his Foundation are very concerned with AIDS and obviously in South Africa, one in four people have it and you know, and it's a tremendous problem there, and that's what it's about. SR: And how did you get involved with that campaign. RT: By accident really. With Dave Stewart we came in and helped organise the concert in South Africa for that, and I think in June - 27th - we'll be helping to organise his [Nelson Mandela's] 90th birthday celebration, Hyde Park, which should be quite fun, I think. BT: .... (indistinct) has become a situation in South Africa, very particular problem, big problem, but at the same time they have the denial problem up to a Government level. RT: Well the problem is, yeah, it's at that level as well. I mean it's a sort of educational problem and a sort of problem of ignorance really and you know the drugs not freely available enough and it's just a tremendous problem there and several other countries, but you know, we've got it more under control here but... SR: Yeah, I mean, do you do a lot of travelling around meeting people involved, trying, sort of you know finding out how this is affecting people. RT: Well I mean, the figures are sort of there for you. I mean I don't actually. I mean we're better off doing what we sort of do, which is things like this, make a piece of music, you know, about it, but... BT: You're going back into the studio then for the new album... RT: Yeah. BT: ... what was that like. Do you feel a bit rusty? RT: It's fantastic actually. It's been a magical experience. We seemed to have a tremendous rapport with Paul Rodgers, Brian and myself, and the three of us have done everything, and it's been fantastic.... BT: Enjoyed it? RT: ... and look forward to finishing it. SR: And of course all of you were affected by the results of AIDS? RT: Well of course you know we are sort of inextricably involved with that after losing Freddie, you know, and that's something which will never go away and so you know we have our AIDS Mercury Phoenix Trust and so that's our sort of cause really. BT: Gotta ask you one other question. You know we've got Genesis coming on later in the programme. RT: Yes, yes, yes. BT: ...(indistinct) the book, I was looking at it last night, and apparently, when they were casting around for a drummer before they landed with Phil Collins, your name had come up. Were you aware of it at the time? RT: I was sort of vaguely aware of it at the time, yeah, and you know history is a strange... BT: You never actually auditioned for them, did you? RT: No - no, no, but I knew them personally then and even stranger I had dinner with Mike last night at somebody's birthday party. BT: How was it? RT: ... Nick, Nick's birthday party and I just saw him this morning. BT: So, had things turned out differently, you might you might have ended up being drummer for another supergroup. RT: Yeah but they've got a good drummer there. (laughs) No, he's all right. BT: He's all right. RT: (indistinct) You haven't seen him drumming. (laughter) BT: OK. LP: Lovely to see you. BT: Thank you very much. LP: Thank you very much for coming indeed. RT: Thanks a lot. My pleasure. RT: Thanks a lot. ©brianmay.com |
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**Thu 29 Nov 07**
QUEEN are to release their first single with new frontman PAUL RODGERS. And it’ll be a free download for NELSON MANDELA’s AIDS charity. It’s only the second track the pomp-rock champs have recorded since frontman FREDDIE MERCURY’s death in 1991. And Say It’s Not True is the first time new frontman Paul will share vocal duties. Guitarist BRIAN MAY and drummer ROGER TAYLOR will also sing. The group are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to the single which will appear as a free download on December 1. Roger said: “By making the song available for free we hope to help Nelson Mandela with his campaign to get across the message that no-one is safe from infection. We have to be aware, we have to protect ourselves and those we love. The song follows the line of Mr Mandela’s personal message. It’s in our own hands to bring a stop to this.” Tub-thumper Rog wrote the song as a gift to former South African premier Nelson. The record-breaking rockers’ last new studio recording was in November 1997 when they reunited to record Freddie Mercury tribute track No-one But You. ©brianmay.com |
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**Thu 29 Nov 07**
News Announcement QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS: Click image for larger It has not been that closely a guarded secret that rock legends Queen and Paul Rodgers have been in the recording studio for their first sessions together following their successful world tour of 2005/2006. Indeed, both singer/songwriter and founding member of Free/Bad Company Paul Rodgers and Brian May have been quoted on their websites [www.paulrodgers.com and www.brianmay.com] as being "quietly excited" about the music that has been produced from this creative union. ----------------- ©brianmay.com |
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**Wed 28 Nov 07**
QUEEN Network Queen (Rare original 1986 UK 7" housed in a unique & elaborate fold-out picture sleeve which constructs into a 3-D stage. This particular item has attained mythical status among collectors and this is the ONLY copy ever to have surfaced onto the market. It was commissioned by UK TV company Channel 4 as a promotional tool to help sell advertising during the broadcast) For full details and detailed description on this item or to buy,
The 7" is a standard UK issue with QUEEN7 catalogue number. It is in a generic black die-cut sleeve with 'Manufacturers Property Not For Sale' sticker on. The sleeve is unique. It was commissioned by Channel 4, a UK TV channel as a promotional tool to help sell advertising time during a proposed broadcast of the highly successful concerts that were held at Wembley Stadium in July 1986. The broadcast was on Saturday October 10th 1986, between 11pm and 12:30am. The broadcast was done simultaneously with in dependant UK radio. This item was obtained via an ex-employee of Channel 4. We have been informed by them that fewer than 50 of these were produced, but given that this is the first time one has appeared for sale, we think that there are far fewer than that around. Also given that this was a promotional item, many were probably read and disposed of at the time. Lastly there is the fact that this item is quite fragile, some have probably been damaged over the years, making this copy in particular of greater importance as it remains in perfect mint condition. The design The front of the sleeve has an outline image of Freddie with the words 'Network Queen' in bold red lettering across the top. At the bottom the text 'Pictures By Channel Four - Stereo Sound By ILR' in blue. The sleeve has fold-out flaps to the left and right. On the back of the right hand flap, there are details on the cost and length of adverts available for purchase, with contact details of the relevant people. When opened out the sleeve measures 21" across the top. The bottom of the sleeve also folds down - twice in fact, forming a giant 'T' shape. Printed on this part are the terms and conditions of purchasing the proposed advertising time. Top to bottom the sleeve measures 17" Now the cool bit - Once the sleeve has been fully opened out the top three parts of the sleeve contain an illustration of the band on stage, while the bottom part of the sleeve features an illustration of the cheering crowd. There are tabs in the bottom part of the sleeve which affix to the sides. When the thing is constructed it makes an elaborate three dimensional stage area. This particular copy has never been fully constructed so remains in perfect mint condition. Because of this we are unable to provide pictures of the stage constructed and hope the pictures we have provided (along with a little imagination) are enough. We are delighted to be the first to offer this wonderful item for sale and this will no doubt make you the envy of every other Queen collector in the world! © brianmay.com |
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**Tue 27 Nov 07** There is a wonderful opportunity to visit a Mick Rock exhibition in Berlin/Germany. Hermes the link for the Berlin Rock Photo Gallery. www.rockphotogallery.com Its amazing to see these marvellous Queen pictures (together with Bowie and Syd Barnett pictures) nicely framed. You can by them for an really affordable price, less than you normally have to pay for Mick Rock's pictures. Thanks to Igor © brianmay.com |
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**Mon 26 Nov 07**
Now Play It’s debut DVD featuring tutorials from the likes of KT Tunstall, Gaz from Supergrass, Graham Coxon and many more is released today. Click here for the Queen Now Play It page. ‘Love Of My Life’ is currently the No.1 Lite Download. The DVD features over three hours worth of content cherry picked from some of its finest tutorials plus extra features for its first guitar focused DVD release.The DVD has been designed to ensure no house has a quiet Christmas this year… Click here to order now from amazon.co.uk Click here for Trailer. Full tutorials featured on DVD KT Tunstall Suddenly I See Lite tutorials featured on DVD Queen – A Kind of Magic Check out www.nowplayit.com for all our latest tutorials also. © brianmay.com |
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**Fri 23 Nov 07** In a poll conducted by Australia's best selling newspaper, The Herald Sun, Freddie has been voted top rock legend of all time, ahead of Elvis Presley (2nd) and Jimi Hendrix (3rd place). Top 10 Rock Legends of All Time 1. Freddie Mercury And ..... Top 10 guitar Riffs/rock intro of all time: 1. Layla - Derek & the Dominoes/Eric Clapton HERALD SUN BRITS have dubbed Queen front man Freddy [sic] Mercury the greatest rock legend of all time in a new survey out today. Elvis Presley narrowly missed out on the rock n' roll crown coming in second, while Woodstock veteran Jimi Hendrix was hot on his heels in third place. Other contenders include Brit rockers Slash, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton. The research commissioned to coincide with the launch of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, also reveals the most memorable moment in rock history is Ozzy Osbourne biting off a bat's head on stage. Slash's handiwork in Sweet Child of Mine ranked as the top guitar solo of all time. Top guitar riff/intro went to The Dominoes and Eric Clapton who created the classic tune Layla. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a video game that allows players to strum along to rock hits. © brianmay.com |
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**Fri 23 Nov 07** GALLERY
Yesterday, Brian May, Roger Taylor and Ben Elton flew to Vienna to hold a Press Conference for the forthcoming production which comes to Vienna in 2008, opening 24 January. After the presentation, Ben Elton gave a short presentation, and then questions were invited, one of which from Thomas Zeidler, addressed the new Queen CD, currently in progress, and possible tour.... Brian and Roger didn't say much except that they are working on tracks, and they MIGHT do some dates next year ... in Europe ..
THOMAS ZEIDLER: There's one more for Brian. We will have the Musical here from January on. When will we see the band Queen, live in the Stadthalle again? BRIAN MAY: Ooh, that's a very good question. I don't know. We've been having a very good time in the studio with Paul Rodgers and we've done 3 sessions so far, each of them about a month in length and we have a lot of songs - not finished, but very well on and we're very happy with them. We haven't told anybody this yet. And we have entertained the idea of doing some shows next year. I don't think I'm going to say any more than that but we're definitely looking at some live shows and probably we would start around Europe, probably not too far from Vienna. [audience laughter] I can't say for definite, but it's definitely on our minds. Am I right? ROGER TAYLOR: Yep... as usual. [audience laughter] ... as far as I know. That's what we're still thinking of. The record is coming fantastically well and we're very excited about actually doing something new. It's been a very long time since Queen, this grand, have done something which is new product and it's thrilling to be sort of creatively active in that sense again. We hope to see you maybe some time next year. --- Austrian Newspaper "Kronen zeitung" has a 10-min video online about the WWRY Press Conference in Vienna! It´s great! (German voice-over) - take a look HERE. With thanks to Gabi © brianmay.com |
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**Thu 22 Nov 07** The 24th of November 2007 sees the 16th year since Freddie Mercury's passing. Last year as part of the celebrations of what would have been Freddie's 60th birthday a special website was launched called www.loveroflifesingerofsongs.com. The site contains the 'Sponsor A Star' campaign mechanic that allows you to sponsor your own personal star and post a message for Freddie in one of two virtual online constellations. Funds raised from the sponsored stars go to the Mercury Phoenix Trust. If you have not yet sponsored a star, join not only Queen fans from across the globe, but many of Freddie's celebrity friends and fans including Annie Lennox, Dave Grohl, Robert De Niro, Diana Ross and Paul Rodgers in helping Fight AIDS Worldwide with the Mercury Phoenix Trust. Thanks to all who have done so over the past year. Click here to 'Sponsor A Star' www.loveroflifesingerofsongs.com © brianmay.com | |||||
**Thu 22 Nov 07**
BLOOMBERG.COM
Nov. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Maurice Bejart, who has died at age 80, was one of France's most significant choreographers of the last three centuries. He will be remembered as much for his showmanship and deliberate attempts to shock audiences as for the erotic qualities of his best work. Bejart introduced a revolutionary strain of modern ballet to French-speaking Europe -- France, Switzerland, Belgium -- that was almost entirely unrelated to what went on in the wider world of ballet in the U.S. and U.K. His use of music was innovative, sometimes quirky. He was the first choreographer to use electronic scores as accompaniment. He was also the first to take a traditional story ballet and throw out, not only the movements, but the characters and philosophy too, leaving only the score. Bejart was impressive to meet. With his mane of hair, large head and barrel chest, he had a flair for presenting his dancer's body in the most flattering light. He was physically self-aware, and dominant. His presence in a rehearsal room was unmistakable, and he understood the value of his leadership to the dancers. Bejart company dancers did much more than dance. He insisted that they act and sing, speak dialogue he wrote or adapted, tumble and contort, and give an erotic, often homoerotic, tone to works he made for them. Bejart was born Maurice Jean Berger in Marseille on 55ew Year's Day, 1927, son of Gaston Berger, a philosopher and university professor. An exceptional, almost obsessive student at his Marseille lycee, he studied so hard that his mother sent him to dance class to ensure that he got some exercise. Article continues HERE BBC - QUEEN BALLET A HIT Les créations de Maurice Béjart © brianmay.com |
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Now Play It DVD Out Today!
French choreographer Maurice Bejart looks on during