QUEEN Replacement Singers - Who Did It Better? Freddie Mercury - Adam Lambert - Paul Rodgers

[@hremaddox]

Freddie is irreplaceable. It wasn't just the voice. It was his presence, creativity and showmanship.

[@LuisaRodriguez0212]

I will always miss Freddie. I never liked Adam's voice as a replacement for Freddie. I enjoyed Paul, and he came closer to Freddie, but he was still no Freddie. I just love Freddie. ❤

[@philfitnesspt6139]

@@LuisaRodriguez0212 yeah i agree can't stand Lamberts voice but is ok but it just sounds like a mix of bad company and queen but not really one or the other. I like the album they did 👍

[@elainevine1045]

Freddie was fantastic but Adam Lambert is on a whole new level. He never wanted to copy Freddie and always stressed that point, he is also a fan of Freddies. He works well with Brian and Roger and is keeping the classics current for the die hard fans and the younger generation to enjoy. He has a phenomenal, powerful voice and can cover all their songs brilliantly…..rock on Adam 👏😀

[@donnafox8885]

@@elainevine1045 I agree he never wanted to sound like Freddie not that he couldnt sing the songs close to how freddie sang them, if anyone knew adam they would know he always changed up how he sang songs that were other peoples songs.

[@spacebound7597]

@@elainevine1045 those clips were a bit unfair. Adam was very entertaining on American idol. Its kinda hard for anyone to sound as good as the original, of course.

[@TheDestructodave520]

I dont care what Paul Rodgers sings. One of my favorite voices of all time. He might not be a direct replacement for Freddy in Queen, but he sang his butt off on those songs. They sounded amazing.

[@Theanswerisblowinginthewind]

I concur.

[@katepanthera7265]

And let's not forget George Michael singing at the Freddie tribute concert. Amazing.

[@eugeneferguson9199]

I absolutely agree. Paul Rodgers is phenomenal 👏.

[@Lorenzo-cp7qs]

I sounded Paul with Queen- it introduced me to Free and Bad Company.

[@livingstones1196]

I can't get enough of Paul Rogers! I just love his voice!

[@michelledavis7333]

I watched a documentary on Freddy, He was ill at the time. His doctors told him he should not sing at the time, but he did anyway. He did a lot of what you are talking about to save his voice from over reaching the notes and saving his breath for hitting the high notes he wanted to hold. He did an awesome performance though even being ill at time.

[@denisemiron1341]

You are absolutely right…Freddie was ill at the time which the world was not aware of yet! Freddie was true to his craft….right to the end!

[@end-is-near]

Exactly, his illness aside his throat muscles were injured and doctors said he needed to rest his singing muscles and if not he may lose his voice to sing, Freddie and his muscles needed recovery , but somehow he knew he hasn't much time left so he bravely did what he did best. RIP

[@arturoalmazan5262]

there's no comparison. Freddie Mercury was and is still is Queen his unique singing voice is one of the best in Rock

[@Mylittlenebula]

No one can ever replace Freddie ever!!!! The most beautiful man ever!!!!

[@danielcastillo4537]

Trick question: none of them. Freddie is irreplaceable. He is more than a voice but rather a spirit, a force of nature and a visionary. By the same token Paul was born for Free and Bad Company. He is steeped in blues rock, also a fantastic vocalist btw.

[@kentamplin]

Haha, that's fair!

[@kimlock9440]

Well said 🙂

[@ЮрийКазанцев-л1с]

Роджерс один из лучших вокалистов планеты, где бы он не пел.

[@johnafirth]

I saw them live with Paul Rodgers, and his best performances were on his own songs. He did a good job on the Queen songs, but they weren't really right for his voice. I would have been fine with Brian May taking the lead vocals on full time, although he clearly didn't want to do it. Keep the mic away from Roger though.

[@defender7624]

I’ve been arguing with this buffoon on a other video who said Adam is the beat singer of all times including better then Freddie 😂😂😂.

[@norwoodlk2002]

Nobody is better than Freddie

[@KennyChesney-u8z]

RIP Freddie.

[@fredrikjelkefors9336]

No.. Its so stupid to compare Freddie with Paul Rogers and the young brat

[@dreamer1928]

Paul Rogers is a fucking LEGEND!!! I actually like a lot of Paul's renditions more than Freddie's. There's also the personality aspect. I've met Adam twice, and he is an arrogant ass DIVA. We played a series of shows opening for Paul and he is just an awesome guy. Extremely nice, respectful, and was always eager to help us out. He would come out and energize the crowd during our performances. Just an awesome guy.

[@DeneaDeboy]

Freddie, Paul, and then Adam. They all bring their unique take on each song. But neither of them will ever take Freddies place. He was truly one of a kind. I really enjoyed this video!

[@AN77811]

Freddie Mercury every day , all day and night long . Some lead singers just can not be replaced . Only the original will do .

[@lisajohnson7467]

Someone has probably said this below somewhere, but reportedly, Freddie was fighting a throat problem just before this performance. Maybe this contributed to his voice sounding a little "sketchy" at times. And, as you acknowledged, this was just one of Freddie's performances. He was the whole package!

[@Problembeing]

It’s like asking, ‘which is better, the ceiling of the Sisteen Chapel or the ceiling of your grandmother’s rather pleasant living room ceiling?’ Not doubting the technicality or charisma of the others, both of them are extremely talented and great choices, but there is something of the ‘divine spark’ and the ‘dramatic operatic’ within Mercury that makes him too unique. Was he flawless? No, but he WAS Freddie Mercury, and there’s only one of those every million years or so :) “Who did it better?” - first you have to define what ‘it’ is. They all bring something different to the table, but I it’s not comparable. I would take Freddie and all his flaws and his mastery of performance over anyone who steps into his shoes. I also think timbre plays a vital role here too. I’d rather watch ‘Queen’ than ‘ Glee’, put it that way ;)

[@tracystyles8678]

I lOVE this statement Freddie just DID IT ! I cant think of a better comparison. NOW if you ask me if someone can step into Pauls shoes and do a better Bad Company .. Well my opinion would be different. P.S.. I still love Fred more then Paul in Bad company , and I am a bad company fan

[@brandonlakeofficial_cht]

I also asked myself which one would Freddie choose? Well, if he had a lover already and wasn't "on the prowl" I believe Martel would be the choice.

[@bruzerbites1318]

@@brandonlakeofficial_cht I definitely get what your saying. Martel sounds most like Freddie but in my mind I heard Freddie say " I would pick no one, I don't like copycats darling" and he says it rather irritated. IDK lol

[@raymondgradecki2370]

Interesting thought- I would think Bruce Springsteen could do Bad Company. Just listening to Paul sing Queen made me think Bruce has the same tone and vocal riff as Paul.

[@jodyfletcher4311]

You can’t beat Freddie. He’s just too unique . But, my God!, I love Paul Rogers!! Totally different spin but I would have loved to have seen it live for myself!

[@tigioma3761]

I saw Queen+PR several times....get the DVD Paul did a great job.

[@celosemnexo]

I did.

[@lynannbowling]

Freddie was told by his doctor to not perform at Live Aid due to nodules on his throat, so that makes his performance even more amazing.

[@coolnegative]

George Michael did an amazing job on the tribute album with "Somebody to Love."

[@Lorenzo-cp7qs]

Best version of the song since Freddie. Class act was George.

[@BC08]

I was shocked how good that cover was. Didn’t think George Michael had it in him TBH

[@SingingLessonsINC]

I agree!!!

[@jeffschielka7845]

George rocked it!😎

[@DANCEDWAT]

Yep man, best Freddie Fill-In I've heard, because he had the showmanship, whereas someone like Marc Martel has the voice without the X-Factor imo.

[@susancerchiori2715]

The fact that Freddie was older and sick and he accomplished this awesomeness at Live Aid is what makes this performance spectacular and historic.

[@babooshka7601]

Freddie was only 39 at Live Aid.

[@jelly-baby]

@@babooshka7601 he was advised not to sing by his Dr that day, but went out there and gave it his all.

[@clarkcraig6959]

The Movie took liberties with the timeline Live aid was in 1985 Freddie was first diagnosed in 1987. there was not a long break between their last tour and Live aid they only were off between them for 3 months. Freddie was still in great shape for live aid .

[@Romans1.24-27]

Thomas Crane of Bohemian Rhapsody tribute band ..hands down the best Freddie out there now

[@joegaul3589]

Maybe I’m in the minority but I absolutely adore all 3. They’re different. Freddie was the peak of operatic, grandiose, over the top singing. Paul, to me, might just have the greatest natural rock and roll voice ever. And while Adam may not have the bass of a Freddie or the smoothness of a Paul, I saw him live in Atlanta a few years ago and was blown away by his performance. He brings his own unique touch to the songs.

[@Corsina]

If it's a competition with Freddie, he wins every time, no matter who else is there. That being said, it doesn't mean other versions aren't enjoyable. Freddie is just best.

[@kentamplin]

Good point!

[@aryinc]

for queen he is. He is the voice of that band. The other singers also are really good.

[@shelbyherring92]

Yeah, like I love Adam's and Roger's vocals. But in terms of showmanship, presence, and giving the crowds their money's worth: Freddie hands down every time.

[@williambergman3840]

@@kentamplin Paul Rogers was fabulous and it was a tribute to Freddy Mercury 👍

[@gayamax]

I am a Bad Company fan since the 70s. I did not know that Paul Rogers sang for Queen. I was going to quit mid way watching this until Paul Rogers performed. He is definitely impressive and deserves high praise. Well done for this review.

[@elizabethsamways7624]

No matter how hard they try Freddie was one of a kind, totally unique and loved by all.

[@daisyperegrino6380]

Rami Malek said no one can replace Freddie.. that's very true

[@mattmurphy6262]

Freddie had the ability to do the job of many people, he just knew how to do it. Only Freddie can be Freddie

[@celosemnexo]

I disagree that Paul Rodgers didn't contribute creatively, from a songwriting standpoint, with Queen. Their 2008 collaborative record "The Cosmo's Rocks" kicks ass and has amazing songs, some of them, I believe, written by Paul Rogers along with Brian and Roger.

[@blackribbon3818]

Paul Rogers is just plain amazing... Man, what a voice!

[@martinmeade2860]

Rodgers class

[@nancyadcock4899]

Absolutely agree with you about Paul Rodgers. He did justice to the songs and didn’t try to be Freddie. He is a freak of nature and sounds just as good as he did back in the day, no one like him exists💕

[@markfelkins5162]

I AGREE there will never be another Freddie !

[@sharontalley2155]

Freddie is one of a kind. I love Freddie. But my all time favorite singer is Paul Rodgers. What a voice, what a presence, what a good-looking guy!

[@shannonferguson4810]

Without a doubt, Paul Rodgers is a vocal powerhouse who has his own signature sound. That said, I just can't connect emotionally to Queen's songs being sung by anyone other than Freddie.

[@nancyreese4216]

Agree, Freddie was the song.

[@kingsxkids]

Take a peek at marc Martel In action 🙂

[@tinasally379]

@@kingsxkids Marc Martel is AWESOME.... I saw him live too 😍

[@davidsuchy9319]

Paul did them differently. It wasn't a copy anymore than Brian's leads on Paul's music. Paul was Paul. Lambert will never be more than a replacement.

[@ericcurry9941]

I know it ain't Freddie......but FUCK!!! That was a bad-ass sounding concert! Those are awesome covers.

[@rubyfirefly2582]

Really enjoyed your analysis and presentation. I think it boils down to the fact that Freddie was legend and he wrote and sang from his heart and soul. Everything he created was from his gut and being. It was expression from deep inside, not just songwriting in a technical sense. Any performance of his work by anyone else is going to be just that - performance. Which is not the same by any stretch. Being technically accurate and hitting notes with quality is wonderful and an incredible skill. But what Freddie had and gave was more than that. I can't believe that Brian May and Roger Taylor are doing shows like that with Adam Lambert. No wonder they are playing like they are phoning it in. That's not rock and roll. That's off-Broadway camp. Paul Rodgers on the other hand, that's real rock and roll from the heart. Makes me realize what's missing from music today. That from-the-gut honesty. That communion with the crowd, not as a calculated performance but as an organic, joyous celebration of life.

[@queenrocks2696]

They aren't phoning it in, far from it, I've seen them live. This was one of the worst examples and you can't gauge a show from tiny clips like that, they wouldn't be still selling out shows if they really were playing like that.

[@jennyfrizzell5068]

I get that Marc Martell is not a replacement but I do think he should be on this list. He was picked by Queen to be the front man of their official tribute band.

[@queenrocks2696]

This is about people who've toured as frontmen for the band not their tribute band.

[@LynnMarieC-dl3fi]

Freddie's vocals, passion and love of the audience was the very Breath of Queen. Also, at live Aid he wasn't feeling well, his voice wasn't at 100%

[@lisedixon]

Paul oh Paul. To me he seems to have married what he's heard of Freddie and added his own soulfulness. So he kept the key elements and embellished with his own amazing style. For those of us who go way back to the Free days, what a treat!

[@quikn9704]

That’s a good way of describing what Paul did. I’m absolutely obsessed with his voice. He’s a little bit before my time but I recently started watching early videos of Bad Company and can’t get enough of him!

[@citternboy]

Paul Rodgers without a doubt, he has the rock voice, stage presence and range. Killer singer

[@genovevaugarte1312]

Paul Rogers is Paul Rogers, a powerhouse when it comes to singing, enough said. Freddy Mercury is Queen, irreplaceable. No-one could sing his songs so sexily and full emotion as he did. My favourite is "Don't stop me now", it always lifts me up.

[@jaerobinson7152]

I have seen all three live and also rated Paul as an amazing 'rocker' from both Free & Bad Company, I believe that the Queen songs gave him something extra because he stretched himself in order to sing some of the Queen songs. He is still one of the greatest Rock singers but in truth failed to 'perform' a Queen song which was a big part of the Queen show. Adam is a performer so really found the performance element easier than Paul. Another great singer with a background in showmanship did in my point of view add to Queen whilst still remaining true he did fit the replacement role better than Paul. In truth nobody can match Freddie, a natural performer untrained, instinctive and undoubtedly brilliant.

[@jessieharless590]

That's actually scientifically proven to be top 3 happiest song ever

[@rayquintal403]

I ran into Paul in an airport as we both had delayed flights. He just did a interview with a few local radio stations in Arizona. Spent almost an hour just shooting the breeze about music and musicians over the years. Hands down one of the most coolest people I’ve ever met. He didn’t want to mimic Freddie but give the fans a great show still. I can understand why Paul took on this role of big shoes to fill. Tie for me Freddie and Paul.

[@kentamplin]

Very cool!

[@dannydorko7075]

@@kentamplin I wish you could interview Paul for this channel Ken

[@altabox1]

I think what makes Freddie unique is his versatility talent. You can find some genius in the rock history, pop industry like John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, but Freddie is not only a genius but he is the... I am looking for the right word...he is the SOUL. His special unique charisma, the touch of God...no human words for Mercury.

[@sheilaamell7719]

Freddie was the best showman in rock history, he made Queen what it is with great musicians. Adam Lambert is more like Broadway singer. I prefer Rodgers to Lambert because I’m more into rock music.

[@papabearM3]

@@shirabetty8483 Except he can’t. He is shite at about any style other than pop and mus theater.

[@danomite22]

@@papabearM3 you are wrong! Adam can sing any style! I went to see Queen with an accomplished musician who made a living playing in live bands. He saw Queen twice with Freddie. He said Freddie is a better showman but said I don't think he is a better singer. I have seen tons of live music and Adam with Queen was spectacular! He was singing some parts a full octave higher than Freddie. There styles are totally different but to call Adam shyte is just foolishness. He is an amazing vocalist!

[@ShyAnn291]

@@papabearM3 Adam is great at singing rock!

[@PickettMusic]

Adam is phenomenal...

[@14mhart]

@@papabearM3 Wrong...... have you heard Adam do Cher’s Believe?

[@betsyhuggett2429]

Who does Freddy Mercury better than Freddy Mercury? Nobody... Queen with other frontmen are still great because they are talented musicians. Paul and Adam are talented singers. There is no comparison to Freddy. He's a true original.

[@TheMacattack71]

Paul rodgers is a original singer , they call him the voice. Free.. bad company. Freddie was brilliant however so is Paul and they have different styles.

[@bramos2394]

I love Freddy. And I love Bad Company!!! But that Adam Lambert does not sound right with Queen. No disrespect.

[@stephaniedockery7284]

I have to agree and yes I love Adam Lambert but Freddie IS the author... Nuff said. 👻

[@mattmurphy6262]

AMEN! Betsy, I so much agree. The replacements are great, but Freddie will always be in my heart!

[@rosiemorgan7573]

Paul Paul Paul

[@theofilossidiropoulos8345]

Ken you are so right about Adam Lambert i mean he is ok for his generation but not to become a Queen singer i mean what in the world he was doing singing "Killer Queen" not even Freddie Mercury wouldn't do that...maybe i'm wrong i mean Freddie had his way to saw you who he was too but you didn't care because he had such a charisma that make you listen to the man and his music 🎶

[@matthewweng8483]

Personally, I think Freddie Mercury was the number one guy for so many reasons, but Paul Rodgers was fantastic as well. Paul might not have the same range, but he’s just so damn vocally powerful. Paul Rogers has the Pipes of the Gods. I agree with you though, Robert Plant, Paul Rogers, Roger Daltry, and Freddie Mercury were all killer frontmen for many reasons.

[@janetherring2344]

The band seemed much more engaged with Paul Rogers than with Adam Lambert! There was a whole different kind of energy with Paul. Amazing singer!

[@queenrocks2696]

They don't really, I've seen them live and they are loving working with Adam, this was a bad example of their shows, they play around on stage together and have fun, Brian & Adam are like a double act.

[@belindacox8330]

Actually he took some of the bad performance of Freddie and Adam and then took great performance of Paul. I've heard Freddie better and I heard Adam better. Everyone has bad days. All these guys can sang their buts off. Different styles and different range are tones. But all equally as good my opinion. Don't ever try to dim someone's shine. As the saying goes everyone wants to take your spot till they see what it takes to play your position.

[@SuperTROOPER469]

Marc Martel is the only one in my opinion that ever sang queen covers authentically. As a matter of fact, he's the only one who sang queen songs that could be mistaken for Freddy's love child lol. Those two cover singers have nothing on Marc Martel. I don't understand why he wasn't one of the comparisons. In any case, in my opinion, no one does it better than Freddy, but Marc Martel came the closest.

[@queenrocks2696]

The vid is about singers who've toured with the band, Marc hasn't.

[@ricglass14]

Yes, I listened to Marc and agree. What happened to Marc? I liked Marc better than Adam.

[@Missony74]

It is not - at least, a bit of a place - to compare any replacement singer with Marc Martel - in my opinion, that is the most rational reason! Love your comment - I agree 100% - but I totally disagree with the creator - especially with the Freddie part!

[@queenrocks2696]

@@ricglass14 Marc was in their tribute band and now has his own tribute band, he was never with Brian & Roger so not sure what you mean by "what happened to him"?

[@lynannbowling]

I've seen Queen with Adam in person as well as Marc with Queen Extravaganza. They are both amazing. Neither tries to be Freddie, which is good.

[@JuleeBeth2U]

Freddie.....the answer will always be Freddie. Some people have an iconic voice and style that just can't be replaced.

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

Freddie Mercury did it best!! No ways around it. Freddie is Queen even after all these years since his passing almost 30 years ago. No one comes close to Freddie. Adam Lambert is doing a great job he’s not trying to be Freddie.

[@cliffkolinger395]

Paul Rodgers killed it!!!

[@GhostGuitars]

Paul absolutely KILLING it here tho!

[@Mattwbw]

To your point about Queen + Paul Rodgers not lasting that long. They did do 2 world tours and released a brand new studio album. So it wasn’t like it fizzled out or anything. They collaborated for as long as they wanted to and it was a success. Also, I just have to say but I saw them live twice. Never in my life did I think I’d ever see Queen (I was born in ‘86). But Paul was a revelation. I knew of All Right Now, but it didn’t click for me until they performed it and I realised it was the same guy. After that first concert I became an instant fan of his, discovering his back catalogue. Both Free and Bad Company had some great songs. And great albums. I’m forever grateful that they collaborated and that I saw them perform together. Twice no less. Once per tour.

[@nil4307]

I like adam voice. His range is out of the world 💀

[@papabearM3]

His range is pretty average, 3 octaves 2 semitones.

[@ag423rpi]

Still he sounds like a whiny little mice.

[@mirela8122]

@@papabearM3 Adam range is 5 octaves .

[@billkilbourne6409]

Paul Rogers, like Freddie, stands at the top of the class

[@gailpeterson3747]

Freddie's voice was cracking a little and he was "ducking" out of some of the high notes during Live Aid for the following reasons: 1) Freddie had vocal cord nodules which would limit his ability to hit the high notes during live performances. The band practiced quite a bit leading up to Live Aid, so his vocal cords did not have a lot of recovery time. 2) He was performing with a rather severe throat infection that day, yet he was still able to pull off the performance of his lifetime. Like one poster already said, while the replacement singers for Queen weren't enjoyable in their own right, Freddie was just the best.

[@melissak1521]

Yes! Ken probably should have mentioned that at the beginning of the video. It’s remarkable that, even while sick, Freddie gives arguably the best live performance in Rock history!

[@thadinjasaveer8092]

Absolutely!

[@truthseeking1st]

He was fearful that he would have no voice prior to go time. He certainly pulled it off.

[@robinfineman9894]

Can you watch the band God Save the Queen live and let me know what you think? Tnx

Freddie often used to crack live and had trouble with excessive tension. He was a studio animal though.

[@Algabatz]

Being on my laptop, one minute into Adam singing, I reached for my phone. Freddie's irreplaceable, I saw Queen back in 1982, that was a fantastic gig. Paul Rogers is so great, just see the difference in how fun everyone in the band had. Claim to fame: I once held Paul Kossoffs guitar in my bare hands!

[@Katenric]

That Paul Rogers!!! Not a replacement for Freddie but more an amazing substitute. What a voice, crisp tones with such power and control! Felt like he brought the appropriate gravitas to the material.

[@2039marl]

Great - but limited in style - reason apparently why they parted ways -

[@ts31966]

I totally agree with you!!! I never thought I would ever think this way in a million years. But I like several Queen songs better with Paul Rodgers singing them. With Paul Rogers singing, the guitar is heavier and thicker in the mix. The drums are very punchy. Queen with Paul Rogers is a full on heavy rock band. With Freddie they were more artistic and operatic. With Rogers singing it is a rock band with balls. I like Brian Mays guitar in these video clips better than I ever have. It is so sad that this collaboration did not last longer. I would have loved to see a Queen/Rogers anthem song!

[@1l1ja]

I never thought I could enjoy Queen songs again after Freddie. But, when I went to a concert in 2009. Queen + Paul Rodgers. The amount of class, emotion and energy I felt from Paul was amazing. When he started singing Show must go on, I could not stop the tears man, he blew me away. So, in my humble opinion he did Freddie credit and I respect him for that. Peace to all of you music lovers!

[@javapua]

Paul Rodgers is just pure rock 'n roll voice. His voice comes out on top over those musical instruments. Dominance!

[@philipmulcahy7234]

Paul Rodgers is an amazing singer, I watched this live show several times, it must have been incredible to witness it live.

[@PGGMusic]

Thanks to Adam my wife began to listen to Queen, so I'm thankful to him.

[@JJ-bs5bo]

You can't compare anyone with Freddie, his voice is phenomenal!

[@wallabumba]

No doubt in my mind--Paul Rodgers is the better of the two after Freddie. I understand why they wanted to go with Adam Lambert, but Paul is the consummate rock vocalist.

[@ProfQuartzoGameplay]

Ken, i LOVE your opinion on this, on every level. The critique to Adam Lambert is ON POINT: is he a showman? Yeah, for television, and you can feel that in every second of every performance he ever made. Everything is too much, exaggerated. On the other hand, Paul Rodgers freaking rocks, he has a big, strong voice, and he sings Queens like they are supposed to be sung. Thanks for the video !

[@danielfrench753]

No one can replace Freddie, he was one of a kind. But overall I do prefer Paul with Queen rather than Adam, I just feel that with Paul the songs have a bit more depth and sounds layered. Having said that there are songs where I don't think Paul's voice (as epic as it is!) suits them, for example: Killer Queen. But I feel the same as you Ken, you just get shivers down your spine when Paul belts out those opening lines of Tie Your Mother Down!!

[@pauldiggin4004]

Love this review. I've seen Queen with Freddie (awesome!) and Bad Company and Paul Rodgers, many times (fantastic). I've also seen Queen + Paul Rodgers. It is two amazing singers (Freddie & Paul) kicking ass. I really like how Paul didn't try to be anyone but himself and how they did some of his songs as well. Adam is talented but he isn't in the same conversation as these two legends. Just my opinion.

[@nancyreese4216]

So much to say. I saw Queen 7x from 1975 through 1982. Recorded live performances give the feel, but there was nothing like seeing Freddie live. I was captivated, in awe and couldn't take my eyes off him--vocal range, timbre, stage presence, etc. He could sing, changing his voice to fit each song, e.g., White Queen, Tie Your Mother Down, March of the Black Queen, Somebody To Love, Melancholy Blues, Love of My Life, etc. Totally agree with your assessment of Adam. Adam probably seems rather lackluster because Freddie sang from his soul--he became the music. Adam is "singing" the songs Queen made famous. I do really like Adam's voice just not singing Queen--see Adam singing an incredible cover of "Believe" at Kennedy Center Honors, and cover of "Mad World". Saw Bad Company in concert too--love Paul Rogers' voice and their songs. Paul brought a masculine vibe, although some of Queen's songs needed a more delicate touch. I forgot to mention Freddie's gig with Montserrat--love "The Golden Boy". No one like Freddie.

[@queenrocks2696]

Queen with Adam live are incredible, he definitely isn't just singing the songs, have you seen him do TSMGO or WWTLF? Of course he doesn't feel what the person who created the songs did but he feels his own connection to them, especially after touring them for the last nine years.

[@nancyreese4216]

@@queenrocks2696 You prefer Adam and I prefer Freddie singing Queen songs--no problem. For the past year, I've said listen to whomever you prefer, just enjoy the songs of Queen. BTW--Have you listened to Freddie singing TSMGO (vocals only)? Worth a listen.

[@queenrocks2696]

@@nancyreese4216 I've never said I prefer Adam, I'm a Queen fan and have been since they started out, but Freddie's gone and Adam is doing an amazing job letting people hear the music live with two original members. I don't compare because they aren't alike in the slightest, I appreciate Queen with both Freddie and Adam.

[@shotgun4257]

I am going to venture a guess that somewhere, Freddie is smiling and honored at the Job Paul did. Knowing there could never be another Freddie. But Paul did such a masterful job at honoring the man.

[@johnmilam691]

Freddie was sick and been out of singing for a little bit when this concert happened. I’m their prime, Freddie was definitely the best. Adam Lambert has an amazing voice too and is a pretty good showman as well.

[@papabearM3]

What are you talking about? Queen had just returned from a tour of Japan in May of 1985, 2 months prior to the Live Aid. And Freddie wasn’t sick, he had vocal nodules. He downed some vodka and went on to muse the crowds.

[@nancyreese4216]

@@papabearM3 Vocal nodules do affect your voice.

[@philfitnesspt6139]

Freddie wasn't sick and as someone said they had just completed the works tour however Freddie did have issues with his voice (the works tour is considered one of his worse vocally basically he didn't rest his voice enough as he was also recording vocals for his mr bad guy album either during touring or immediately prior can't remember. I think he had a minor op on his voice prior to live aid and his doctor advised him not to do it for risk of losing his voice so he was also recovering from that and prob didn't wanna push his voice to maximum. Really they should have chosen his live vocals form 1980 /82 as this period is considered his best vocally live.

[@ricatoni2]

Yeah i wasgon a bring up that point too dont know if queenss fans knew it yet but freddie sensed this may be one a his last good concerts before he goes to heaven..

[@leebassa1545]

@@ricatoni2 Freddie didn’t even know he was dying/had AIDS yet. And they did Live at Wimbley after Live Aid

[@Blackjacksnapper]

Paul brings 2 concerts for the price of one!! Get to hear both queen and bad company.

[@shanakarlsen3952]

Freddie's worst was still better than most peoples best!!!!! He didn't just perform, he commanded the performance

[@jastrebok]

Paul Rodgers act aged so well! At the time I was very disappointed with it. Now I can truly appreciate his take on the songs.

[@AndySaenz]

All 3 of them are fantastic singers, but Freddie for me will always be the essence of Queen.

[@ethangarcia854]

I saw queen live in 2019 with Adam. I was really enjoying the show and then Adam performed who wants to live forever and the entire audience was floored. I looked around me and everyone was crying. I’ve never seen anything like that and from that moment on I realized that Adam was one of the best singers of all time. I do understand however how people think there isn’t as much “rock” in Adam and the reason that is is because his range and singing is so good that these queen songs are lower in his range and he isn’t screaming to reach the notes like Freddie and Paul were, so naturally it sounds less rock and more “boring” if u want to call it because his voice just glides across the notes so easily. That being said, if u listen to “time for miracles” from Adam Lambert, he has insane power cause it’s a better song for his range. If u listen to that song I think it will change many minds on people that don’t like adam

[@sharonclark979]

I love Adam!

[@artemisappollo1491]

​@@sharonclark979I do too 👍💯

[@jeffschielka7845]

Freddie definitely could command an audience. The crowd at Live Aid wasn't even a Queen audience and he wrapped them around his finger. Very few frontmen have the ability to do that. Fantastic musician in every sense of the word. Sad that we lost him way too soon!

[@ev1448]

This also was his last concert I believe.

[@evehosgood]

@@ev1448 No, Knebworth 1986 was his last

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@evehosgood 😎

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@amitm7555 😎

[@larsnilsson8949]

@@ev1448 They did Knebworth in August of ´86, that was his last performance.

[@evilcowboy]

Freddie obviously did it better, the second person on Earth who sang the song (not a Queen replacement so he don't really count) Marc Martel. When it comes to Freddie, it was his flamboyancy that added to his performances and made it memorable, the chemistry between him and his band mates and his ability to be very charismatic. So its why most performances fall flat when it comes to his music. It would be the same as someone trying to do a performance like Liberace while not being flamboyant. As far as Queen is concerned, Freddie will always be the person who did it better. Funny little thing about the song "Somebody to Love" Freddie totally does a Matt Bellamy style breathing thing into the mic, they are just hidden when the whole music is playing over the top, but the deep breaths are still very much there. Good comparison of singers and I appreciate how you broke it down, but I still can only hear Freddie doing Queen songs.

[@papabearM3]

Freddie does a Mart Bellamy style? LOL Isn’t it the other way around?

[@bongfulgencio2046]

First time hearing Paul Rodgers. AMazing

[@kentamplin]

Enjoy!

[@Love-kj1so]

How can anyone do let alone say who does Queen better? That's like saying who took the biggest breathe? Freddie was and is Queen and nobody can do him better! Adam is theatrical, he is trying to be Freddie or should I say playing Freddie! Ok, okay Paul was pretty awesome in most of the examples,q but I still vote Freddie!!! Thx really enjoyed your take!!

[@cfire99]

Yeah I agree! There's not better than Freddie_ he not only set the bar high he invented it. Absouletly no comparison....Adam does a great job. Marc Martell is even better

[@taveiraadriano]

Man.. I got to tell you...I agree 100% of all your point and remarks in the entire viddo. Thanks for posting it man! Let's rock !!!

[@daniakh7850]

People are biased and programmed. Honestly and with zero bias Adam Lambert has the best most controlled and versatile voice ever existed. He can sing easily and effortlessly hitting high and low beautifully. A voice that can pierce straight into the heart ❤️

[@robertmigchelbrink1131]

No disrespect to Paul Rogers or Adam Lambert but Freddie mercury is the greatest front man and rock ‘n’ roll vocalist to ever walk the earth. Nobody could replace him.

[@jumpingonly3386]

Nobody can compete with Freddie Mercury.

[@Markothunder]

True. Also, people cannot compete with Brad Delp and Tommy DeCarlo can only sing like himself

[@ProMediaLLC]

Paul Rogers fronting Queen is so counterintuitive, but it works! He didn't try to be someone else, he didn't try to mimic Freddy or compete with Freddy, he just did Paul Rogers and it was really really good. The machismo and style reminded me of Tom Jones. No shortage of testosterone there! The band seemed to be having a blast breaking out of the same old playlist they've been strapped to for nearly 50 years. Loved it. Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@SamanthaGuttesen]

Ah Paul Rodgers and Tom Jones. About the only two, of that generation who still can sing. I wonder what a duet would sound like?

[@sandraworrell]

This was my first time on this channel. Enjoyed the whole thing. I agree there will only ever be one Freddie Mercury. I can't say who did what better. I enjoy Adam Lambert, but he is, odd to say too flamboyant. I couldn't sing along with him. I also agree that his back up isn't really much to brag about. They are Queen minus Freddie, but they act like they are bored. Paul Rodgers sounds totally different than Freddie. I really enjoyed watching, listening and singing along with Paul Rodgers. I would rather listen to Paul Rodgers sing Freddie's songs than Adam Lambert. It's just impossible to put anyone in Freddies shoes but Freddie. R.I.P.

[@queenrocks2696]

They don't act like they're bored at all, this is just one clip from a show that had sound issues etc, far from the best example and it was their first tour together.

[@seancooper779]

I saw Queen with Paul Rodgers live at Nottingham FM Arena and they were sensational. I was a massive Queen fan as a kid and Freddie was out of this world, but for me, Paul Rodgers is the greatest rock vocalist of all time. There are others with greater ranges, of course, but nobody has the soul in their voice that Paul has. I still get chills down my spine when I remember him singing the opening lines to "The Show Must Go On"

[@maverickmac1797]

Joe Perry of Aerosmith (supposedly) said that Paul Rodgers is the greatest (rock) vocalist of all time. Note: I heard/read that through an online rock source a few years ago but I cannot find any confirmation, now.

[@cloudrain3186]

Think it is more the real experience of a Bad Company concert than theoretical knowledge. They are really a great live band. According to the video when Rogers is singing: the energetic level of the whole output of the band goes up when they perform Songs of Bad Company. (Queen composed the music according to their singer and Bad Company did it the same way. Queen became a band that made only records, Bad Company ever was - and is - at first a live band.)

[@babooshka7601]

@@cloudrain3186 Bad Company was a support act for Queen in 1986. Without Paul unfortunately.

[@mickeystanic4750]

Amin to that.

[@kayleeriley3591]

I think my favorite part of this video is just listening to how pumped Ken gets listening to Paul Rogers lol

[@LIVEMANMUSIC]

I feel so gutted I never got to see Paul rogors and queen, but I did see queen and adam Lambert live, I personally prefer paul rogors ,as a big freddie fan Freddie delivered a epic rock show and with his edgy powerhouse voice that draws me in ,adam Lambert is a pop singer trying to do Rock it dont work there no edge no grit and I think with queen songs you need the drive in your voice .when I seen adam l and queen it felt like a musical performance, my opinion adam has a great voice but not for rock anthems now paul rogors what can I say epic vocal ,epic style and epic delivery with that voice and that grit you feel like you watching a rock band the whole vibe just gives it that drive so would have loved Paul rogors to still be touring with queen ,my 3 greats mercury, coverdale and rogors 🤘

[@RodrigoWerneck1]

Fantastic and corageous review, I love it. Great analysis about Freddie, and I absolutely love that you were brave enough to adequately compare Adam Lambert and Paul Rodgers.

[@jodidavis6595]

Man do I agree

[@Markothunder]

I know that Adam Lambert and Paul Rodgers are great singers for the band, even Marc Martel (who is not in the band), but it doesn't mean they can take away Freddie Mercury's greatness and singing style. Like @Heather Estes said, even John Deacon said it, Freddie is irreplaceable.

[@rockchic65]

No one takes away from Freddie, his place is secure, no one's replaced him they just tour the Queen music for fans who still want to see a live show with two original members. Their show is awesome but it's not meant to be a recreation of their original one's.

[@richardselby1711]

What's cool to me is Paul Rogers was true to form and did his thing and it worked. Freddie will never be replaced, never duplicated or bettered, he's truly one of a kind.

[@Romans1.24-27]

Thomas Crane

[@jbmann5317]

I'll take Freddie's live performances, with all the vocal imperfections, and all the shortcuts he might take to preserve his voice or establish timing. You feel his heart and soul in those performances. Adam definitely has a great singing voice, but he feels like he's playing a character on stage. I'd rather see what he can do singing his own songs in front of Adam Lambert fans, not Queen fans.

[@willdwyer6782]

Freddie Mercury almost always ducked the high notes in concert, because they were touring so much that most of the time he had a case of laryngitis from the punishment his vocal cords took. We know for a fact that just before Live Aid, Freddie was diagnosed with laryngitis by a doctor.

[@ThorSuzuki1]

laryngitis is a inflammation/infection, you dont get that from touring. Freddies problem was vocal nodules. and no, he did not dodge the high notes as much as people say. Montreal and Milton Keynes has him nailing most of the notes. But listening to bootlegs you can really hear him at his best.

[@harrispage7000]

Chuck Norris is the man!!!

[@nancyreese4216]

Their tour schedule was brutal. Was just listening to one of the concerts I attended in '78. He hit every high note in Somebody To Love and BoRhap in that concert, but have heard others where he modified the song. Surprisingly, this concert was deep into the the Jazz tour and he reportedly sounds better than earlier shows. You're right, probably dependent upon the tour schedule.

[@TheOtherTrunk]

I remember back when Paul Rodgers was touring with Queen. At the time I remember thinking ..he's not Freddie so the songs just don't work. Mind you I was a huge Paul Rodgers fan, but at the time I just didn't think it worked. Looking back...HOLY CRAP. WTF was I thinking...those concerts were incredible. It wasn't about replacing Freddie...it was about going out there and blowing the roof off the place. I think that I or maybe other people weren't really ready for a Freddie replacement, even though it had to be. You are correct that those concerts were full of energy while with Adam (no disrespect to him as a singer and performer) there isn't the same feeling. While watching Adams concerts I feel like I'm watching some amateur Americas Got Talent crap.

[@barbarahamlin3284]

Queen was a band made of four unique men who combined talents to create the wonder of Queen. When Freddie died you also lost John.The essence & interactions of the band isn't the same, who plays bass? Or piano, they never show them, do they care? Fans care. Paul was Paul, true to himself and a great singer. He doesn't have Freddie's projection. With Adam you're spot on. I missed the mic deal had to go back to watch. Freddie was the real deal, and Paul. Adam's a stage play. .Thought provoking video.

[@queenrocks2696]

Neil Fairclough on bass, Spike Edney on keys (all the way back to the days with Freddie) and Tyler Warren is on percussion and yes the fans are interested in those as well, they're a very tight band, in fact those three are currently touring with Roger on his solo tour, they're like one big family. Freddie did similar with the mic as well, he was hardly an angel on or off stage.

[@barbarahamlin3284]

@@queenrocks2696 I don't follow Queen presently, not a fan of Adam. Maybe I'm just old school not willing to accept changes. Yes, I agree Freddie was provocative in many ways, movements, outfits, and with the mic.

[@barbarahamlin3284]

@@queenrocks2696 I don't keep up with Queen and Adam, as far as watching videos. I catch some interviews, articles and such. I suppose just not willing to change.

[@nancyreese4216]

Actually Spike played piano in the later years and played specific songs when Freddie was still alive and with the band.

[@friendsofdanadaherd8250]

These singers are good, but Freddie had a certain sound that is unique and blended perfectly with the rest of Queen’s vocals, maybe that’s why the rest of Queen seems so lackluster. Freddie had power and that operatic influence in his voice that no one else has, that’s why Freddie stands out above all of them and all rock singers!

[@TheMacattack71]

Not all sorry

[@denisepittman1228]

Freddie was a showman also!! He was all over that stage and loving it!! There hasn't been another Freddie and most likely there never will be!! The rest of the band and Freddie were loyal to each other.. His band mates never told anyone that Freddie was sick.. They all did music until Freddie wasn't able to do anymore.. They also knew that Freddie was in pain and they tried to get him to take a day off but he wouldn't do it.. He wanted to sing until he couldn't and thats what they did..

[@nancyreese4216]

Freddie didn't sing the music, he was the music.

[@andrewn4695]

Freddie will always be awesome, just because he was who he was. Paul did an wonderful job, not like Freddie, but in his own way. I like it! Really cool to see and hear.

[@quistunes]

I love them all. 😻 There is no replacing Freddie. I like that both Paul & Adam are being themselves in very different ways. Paul brought so much of his own brilliant legacy to the music. I think Adam's voice is beautiful in it's own way, including his bright high range.

[@rayquintal403]

Paul Rodgers has performed with Four successful bands. He knows how to give a great performance and do it his way.

[@ellengassett180]

Freddie was one of a kind as a singer and a front man. He definitely had it all. No one can replace him.

[@tonyvandroiysulas4297]

Paul been incredible in Queen I have cosmo rocks And I love that CD A fusion of Queen and Bad Company Gorgeous Wish Paul still with Queen

[@ryo2722]

I'm more of a casual fan of Queen(my personal favorite being Bon Jovi), so I really enjoyed this video! I didn't know Paul Rodgers sang these songs really well. Wow.

[@geneferguson1163]

Paul Rodgers sings everything really well. He's perfect. And I mean that literally.

[@jenniedrake700]

One of my biggest regrets is never having the opportunity to see Queen with Freddie but I did see them with Paul Rodgers. I t was a long time ago and I didn't appreciate it at the time because I kept missing Freddie and not appreciating Paul for the artist he was. That's not to say I didn't love Bad Company, I did. Thank you for your critique.

[@michaeljohnson2470]

I had the pleasure of seeing Paul Rodgers front Queen in Barcelona somewhere around 08. As Ken said, he brings a power and presence that does not diminish or detract from what Freddie did. This is another great analysis, thanks Ken!

[@kentamplin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christinanavarre8389]

I'm 64....1st time here..... Bad Company...Queen.... Stones......Aerosmith.....BTO all my favorite bands. Still are.... Enjoyed this thanks so much, thanks man.....still listen to these and now some polar opposite others.....Soundtracks such as....City of Angels....Gone in 60 Seconds(Nic Cage)....8 Mile. And then there is Josh Groban. YES I'm varied......

[@chicagof40phakahenry19]

No one can replace Freddie Mercury

[@Skirmisher4234]

Very nice. Yes I stayed for the entire 40 minutes. Queen and Free/Bad Company/Paul Rodgers were big influences on me. Just in my humble opinion, Paul Rodgers has the best voice and pitch of any singer I have heard. His range is not as great as some but is tone is immaculate.