Almost Queen is a tribute band that plays the music of the legendary rock group Queen. Formed in 2004, Almost Queen has gained a devoted following for their authentic re-creation of the Queen experience in concert. But how good are they really? Let’s take a look at the key factors that make up an excellent tribute band and see how Almost Queen measures up.
Musicianship
Any great tribute band needs top-notch musicians to faithfully capture the sound and style of the original artists. Almost Queen features a talented lineup of seasoned musicians with impressive credentials. Lead vocalist Joseph Russo has incredible vocal range and mimics Freddie Mercury’s unique delivery flawlessly. Drummer John Cappadona lays down powerful beats just like Roger Taylor. Steve Leonard nails Brian May’s iconic guitar tones and solos note-for-note. Randy Gregg completes the band with his spot-on bass playing channeling John Deacon’s grooves.
These four musicians work together seamlessly to recreate Queen’s layered studio recordings and high-energy live performances. Their technical skills and musical chemistry are on full display whether they’re rocking through anthems like “We Will Rock You” or poignant ballads like “Love of My Life.” Overall, Almost Queen has the chops to meet the demanding musicianship required to pay tribute to rock legends.
Sound
Nailing the sound of a band like Queen is no easy task. Their albums featured extensive overdubs and processing to achieve the band’s signature grand, lush productions. Almost Queen puts in the work to faithfully capture those elements in their live show. Through meticulous gear selection and professional sound reinforcement, they achieve rich guitar tones, dense vocal harmonies, and hard-hitting drums just like Queen in concert.
Attention to detail is evident in the way John Cappadona’s drums ring out just right or how Steve Leonard recreates Brian May’s timing and phrasing effects on solos like “Killer Queen.” Vocalist Russo knows how to layer his vocals to achieve that trademark Queen choral effect. The band works closely with their sound engineers to constantly refine their live sound, resulting in an authentic audio experience that transports audiences back to Queen’s heyday.
Stage Presence
In addition to impeccable musicianship, Queen was renowned for their charismatic and theatrical live performances. Freddie Mercury in particular was one of the most captivating frontmen in rock history. While no one can truly match his one-of-a-kind stage presence, Russo does an admirable job embodiment Mercury’s energy, flamboyance, and connection with audiences.
From his vocal inflections to his strutting moves across the stage, Russo strives to channel Mercury’s spirit on stage. The whole band is clearly having fun during their shows, rocking out in authentic costumes and interacting playfully with each other and the crowd. Overall, Almost Queen puts on an enjoyable concert experience with enough showmanship and spectacle to live up to Queen’s dynamic reputation.
Setlist
A great tribute band needs to strike the right balance with their setlist, pleasing both casual fans and diehard enthusiasts. Almost Queen structures their shows to include all of Queen’s biggest hits that audiences expect to hear. Songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” are concert staples and singalong highlights.
At the same time, Almost Queen works in less obvious cuts for true Queen aficionados, digging deep into albums like A Night at the Opera and The Game. Live rarities like “It’s Late” and “Sail Away Sweet Sister” make occasional appearances too. The sets also include selections representing different eras of Queen, from early glam rockers to later synth-driven hits, providing a full career overview.
Authenticity
While some tribute acts aim for an exaggerated caricature approach, Almost Queen keeps the focus on faithfully recreating Queen’s music with authenticity and sincerity. From their vintage equipment and stage setup to the live mixing process to their performance style and costumes, attention to detail is evident. Seeing Almost Queen in concert is truly like going back in time to experience Queen themselves on tour in their prime.
Beyond the music and looks, the band members clearly have knowledge, passion, and respect for Queen evident in every aspect of their performance. Their concerts feel like a loving tribute to Queen rather than just going through the motions, which audiences pick up on and appreciate.
Feedback
Perhaps the clearest sign of a tribute act’s quality is the feedback they receive from audiences and music critics. Based on concert reviews and fan testimonials, Almost Queen has been hugely successful at captivating audiences and earning new fans. Their shows routinely garner praise for achieving that difficult balance of replicating Queen’s sound and style while still retaining a distinct identity of their own.
While no one can replace the real Queen, Almost Queen has won over scores of appreciative audiences looking to relive the band’s glory days. Their professionalism and persistence in constantly improving has allowed them to stand out as one of the most respected Queen tribute acts performing today.
Conclusion
After examining the key criteria that make up a compelling tribute band, Almost Queen clearly delivers on all fronts. From their top-tier musicianship and meticulous attention to detail to their engaging stage presence and diverse setlists, Almost Queen checks every box.
Of course, the band has its critics and detractors like any group. But the overwhelmingly positive critical and fan reception, not to mention their longevity over nearly two decades, demonstrates their excellence as Queen tribute act. For listeners craving the chance to experience Queen live in concert again, Almost Queen is likely the closest they can get to that euphoric feeling short of a reunion with the real band’s remaining members. If seeing Brian May or Roger Taylor live with Adam Lambert proves too difficult, Almost Queen is the obvious next best choice for diehard Queen fans.
So after evaluating the evidence, the verdict on Almost Queen is clear – they are an extremely talented tribute band who deliver an authentic, quality Queen concert experience for old and new fans alike. Their attention to detail and obvious passion for the music makes them a cut above the typical imitation acts out there. For anyone seeking the energy, excitement, and soundtrack of a prime-era Queen performance, Almost Queen is a truly rewarding concert pick.
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Based on the analysis so far, it is clear that Almost Queen does an impressive job of capturing the essence of Queen’s live performances. However, there are always opportunities for improvement, even for talented tribute acts. Here are a few areas where Almost Queen could potentially fine-tune their show even further:
– Expanding their setlists by learning some very deep album cuts and rare live tracks would demonstrate their command of Queen’s full catalog. This would delight hardcore Queen fans hoping to hear overlooked songs.
– Recreating some of Queen’s iconic stage productions like their massive lighting rigs and hydraulic staging would increase the spectacle, though may not be feasible for all venues.
– Occasionally performing songs in medleys or mashups like Queen did on tour would showcase their ability to improvise and rearrange material.
But overall these are minor enhancements. The source of Almost Queen’s success is their meticulous musicality and commitment to capturing the spirit of Queen. A few stage production embellishments would only complement their already excellent tribute show. They have set the bar high for Queen authenticity
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Of course, Almost Queen is just one of many Queen tribute bands performing today. Others like Queen Nation, Queen Extravaganza, and Killer Queen also aim to keep Queen’s music alive for new generations of listeners. Here is an overview of how some of these other groups compare:
Queen Nation
– Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, Queen Nation also delivers an authentic concert experience thanks to experienced musicians and attention to detail. Their vocalist reminds many fans of a young Freddie Mercury. Queen Nation focus on hits and fan favorites in their sets rather than deeper cuts.
Queen Extravaganza
– This official Queen tribute band was formed through auditions organized by Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. They focus on recreating Queen’s studio recordings and complex arrangements live. With backing from Queen members, they have access to gear and insights for maximum authenticity.
Killer Queen
– One of the longest running Queen tribute bands, Killer Queen formed in London in 1993. They are beloved in the UK tribute scene for their energetic shows and precise recreations of Queen’s harmonies and instrumentation. Like Almost Queen, they dig into lesser-known cuts at times.
Overall, Almost Queen holds their own against the top Queen tribute bands out there today. Their versatility, experience, and painstaking accuracy when it comes to emulating Queen in concert make them one of the premier options for fans to relive the magic.
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Here are some key facts about Almost Queen in table form to summarize their attributes as a tribute act:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Year Formed | 2004 |
Hometown | New York/New Jersey |
Key Members |
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Albums Covered | Songs drawn from Queen’s entire catalog from the 1970s-1980s |
Notable Performances |
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Website | www.almostqueen.com |
This table summarizes key facts like formation details, lineup, discography, performances, and online presence – giving a quick overview of Almost Queen’s background.
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In closing, Almost Queen remains one of the elite Queen tribute bands keeping the music and memory of the legendary rock group alive. They have earned their reputation through skill, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to faithfully capturing the Queen experience. Their attention to detail spans all aspects of the concert – from the gear and costume choices to song selections and stage presence.
Of course, no tribute band can ever replace seeing those four brilliant musicians who created the music performing it themselves at their peak in the 1970s and 80s. But for fans who never had the chance to witness Freddie Mercury’s inimitable voice and stage presence live or Brian May’s ripping guitar solos in person, Almost Queen provides the next best thing. There are Queen fans who have seen Almost Queen dozens of times or more because of how much the band’s performances mean to them.
For those yearning to celebrate Queen’s lasting legacy, sing along to anthems burned into memory, or introduce new listeners to the magic of Queen in concert, Almost Queen delivers an amazing live tribute experience. They have more than earned their status as one of the premier Queen tribute acts working today.