The Greatest Performer of our times? [Archive]

Leon

14-07-2004, 22:13

Well, I've just watched yet another program about Freddie Mercury, who I reckon is without a doubt the Greatest Performer of our times.

Bowie and Jagger have been going longer, Marilyn Manson in more shocking, but Mercury seems to have the most amazing power even after all these years...

And the program showed a clip of "These are the days..." and I almost cried (as I always do) - there's nothing left of him in that video...

So, do you agree with me? Is Mercury the best blend of writer, singer and consumate performer? Or do you have another challenger for the crown?

14-07-2004, 22:19

Leon

14-07-2004, 22:26

Went to see Queen at Wembley Stadium in '86. Was a fantastic evening, the guy was a real showman and entertainer. Such a shame his life was cut short, but one suspects he wouldn't have had it any other way.

:notworthy

I would have given anything to be able to see Queen live. The prog on C5 tongiht showed some footage from Live Aid - jeez that man was on form.
Most other people I like (with the exception of Janis of course :( ) I can still see. Even if Queen reformed with another frontman (as was mooted I think a while back) it wouldn't be the same....

I think you're right. I don't think that Mercury would have wanted to get old. But, what do I know.

"The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long" So true :(

Mark

14-07-2004, 22:26

I think there are a few that are better and both Bowie and Jagger are there. Also Steven Tyler, Ozzie Osborne, Meatloaf, Robert Plant and Jimi Hendrix :notworthy

Aitch

14-07-2004, 22:27

I always regret the fact that I never saw Queen perform live :(

Freddie :notworthy

Leon

14-07-2004, 22:30

I think there are a few that are better and both Bowie and Jagger are there. Also Steven Tyler, Ozzie Osborne, Meatloaf, Robert Plant and Jimi Hendrix :notworthy

Having seen Meatloaf live, I can faithfully say that, IMHO, he doesn't put out half of that "something" that oozes from every single one of Mercury's videos. Nor has he got the vocal range...

haven't seen Bowie or jagger yet... They're both fantastic - but not the same...

Brutus

14-07-2004, 22:30

I think there are a few that are better and both Bowie and Jagger are there. Also Steven Tyler, Ozzie Osborne, Meatloaf, Robert Plant and Jimi Hendrix :notworthyI've got All the Stones albums from '63, but they're cr@p live :wack: I've watched Queen 3 times and they've no equals, sound just the same as on record :nod:

14-07-2004, 22:31

Mark

14-07-2004, 22:33

Also dont forget Milli Vanilli :notworthy

Ken

14-07-2004, 22:34

I think there are a few that are better and both Bowie and Jagger are there. Also Steven Tyler, Ozzie Osborne, Meatloaf, Robert Plant and Jimi Hendrix :notworthy

Think you could put Roger Daltery in with that lot too

14-07-2004, 22:35

Chris De Burgh's bloody charismatic as well :nod: :thumbs: :wack:

Leon

14-07-2004, 22:38

Meatloaf is bloody good on stage, but you definately get the impression that it's just an act. Whereas Mercury was as he appeared probably. Bowie and Jagger are good as well.

They are probably all as good as each other at the end of the day, just have different ways of going about it.

they've all got talent at the end of the day - and that extra "something".

And, lets face it, A Rembrandt will never be a Van Gogh or a Hirst...
(not keen on the first two - just trying to illustrate the point about differences of talent)

14-07-2004, 22:55

Are there any new generation artists with the charisma of the old? Makes me sad what the youth of today are missing.

Leon

14-07-2004, 23:09

Are there any new generation artists with the charisma of the old? Makes me sad what the youth of today are missing.

do you mean people new to the scene? or people who've been around, say, under 10 years?

Aitch

14-07-2004, 23:11

Busted :thumbs: It's what they went to school for. Apparently :wack:

Rude Dog

14-07-2004, 23:15

Makes me sad what the youth of today are missing.
Thing is they wouldnt appreciate it anyway if it wasnt churned out on a computer and they probably wouldnt understand the lyrics either as the English language seems to be degenerating into slang mostly :rolleyes:

Leon

14-07-2004, 23:20

Thing is they wouldnt appreciate it anyway if it wasnt churned out on a computer and they probably wouldnt understand the lyrics either as the English language seems to be degenerating into slang mostly :rolleyes:

very true...

The other problem is that the industry (or at least, the popular side of it) is controlled by the buying habits of 12 year old girls...

I'm desperately trying to think of anyone that has "superstar" status that has emerged in the past decade or so.

And so far, I've come up with no one. None of the britpop pack cut it, no real mainstream artists have such charisma... Plus the songs aren't as well crafted...

Is this why we're always looking back?

Rude Dog

14-07-2004, 23:28

Is this why we're always looking back?
I don't. I must admit, being so young and young at heart I tend to keep up with most of the modern music. Probably as much to do with having the radio on all day too, always listening to the mainstream stuff and cant be bothered to take CD's out coz of the muck at work.
Every above mentioned artist I like, but to a lesser degree than most of todays "performers". Being tone deaf also has a bearing on this :wack:

GmasterT

14-07-2004, 23:39

Leon

14-07-2004, 23:47

Evening all...

They way things are going (if you notice) there are alot more 'guitary' bands on the scene because to alot of 'kids' who have been brought up on synthesizers its a 'new' sound...

Freddie is the best, Jag & Bow do nowt for me (not enough passion imo) but how about Reg Dwight & Paul McCartney?

Others that come to mind are groups and when in there prime I reckon you cant beat oasis, or the manics for sheer passion, if only from the audience. :nod: :)

Elton John - yes - he's another special one...

personally I wish that Oasis would jsut feck off. it all sounds the same, and they take the "laddish" thing to the point of being yobs. It isn't funny or clever. Manics... yes... ok... just still too "thin" for my liking. OK music but no real drive behind it... IMHO only

mickstreet

14-07-2004, 23:50

Evening all...

Others that come to mind are groups and when in there prime I reckon you cant beat oasis, or the manics for sheer passion, if only from the audience. :nod: :)

I'd agree with that, also with The Verve had carried on, saw one of there last gigs in the UK and was blown away. I think The Darkness could be up there in years to come too if the can carry on too. I think thats a lot of the problem nowadays, bands seem to give up after a few years, look how long the Stones etc have been going together...

Grazor

14-07-2004, 23:52

Sadly I never got to see Queen before Freddie's death but IMO he was a top performer, a great showman with an outstanding voice. However I did go to the tribute concert at Wembley, an amazing day that I will never forget.

GmasterT

14-07-2004, 23:53

. look how long the Stones etc have been going together...

I personally reckon thats the problem, they imo have lost the sheer passion & are in it for the money...

unfortunatly ledgends tend to be dead... :wack:

Leon

14-07-2004, 23:56

I personally reckon thats the problem, they imo have lost the sheer passion & are in it for the money...

unfortunatly ledgends tend to be dead... :wack:

In it for the money? The Stones almost certainly have more money than even they could spend. Like Bowie, Elton John, Tina Turner et al - why do it for the money when they could continue to live in the style to which they are accustomed?
Or is it the addiction to the adrenaline of playing to 40k+ people?

GmasterT

15-07-2004, 00:01

In it for the money? The Stones almost certainly have more money than even they could spend. Like Bowie, Elton John, Tina Turner et al - why do it for the money when they could continue to live in the style to which they are accustomed?
Or is it the addiction to the adrenaline of playing to 40k+ people?

Or... what else they gonna do??? (cue stella st. :wack: )

Aitch

15-07-2004, 00:05

Stella Street rocked :notworthy

MarkH

15-07-2004, 01:34

Stella Street rocked :notworthy

Stella st did rock!

james brown in his younger days was the best performer I have ever seen!

Seen Bowie Queen and Robert Plant they don't don't beat james :wave:

amnesia

15-07-2004, 08:10

I saw Pink Floyd at Knebworth a few years ago.
I also saw Roger Waters at the NEC last year - both were bloody awesome.

For someone who doesn't like being in the limelight he was amazing - played for almost 3 hours too.

:notworthy

docwra

15-07-2004, 09:59

For sheer performerancyiness, James Brown (who I saw the other day) is a fcuking leg end :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy If you need convincing, watch the church scene in the Blues Brothers :eek:

Other bands that can put a turn in these days IMHO include Muse, RHCP, Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl - Metal Freddy Mercury?), The Strokes - there are loads of bands putting out decent music, with a stage show that is actually worth seeing.

More mainstream stuff is a bit soft for anyone to be stand out nowadays I think - Robbie Williams springs to mind, and although he is quite entertaining, he aint ever gonna be Freddy :no:

Offstage, you cant knock what P Diddy, Pharrell, Snoop and The Snakemeister are up to, and onstage there are plenty of massive shows - Britney Spears, U2, Slipknot are all doing something a bit different.

I think a lot of the "But the oldies were better" is simply nostalgia - in 20 years time, Ill be talking about all of the above and how they are better than what my kids listen to (well, maybe not Britney :wack: )

Vez

15-07-2004, 10:04

Mark is spot on with saying Steven Tyler is one of the best frontmen ever, such presence, power, agility, ambition and energy, seeing him running round on stage for 2 hours with only a 5 minute break is something to behold....plus backflips :D

Kravitz has an awsome stage pressence also, the visuals of Elvis with the skill of hendrix, awsome!

30PSI

15-07-2004, 10:24

I saw James Brown at the Royal Albert hall last year. Goddamn he's good! I've seen Kravtiz & the Rolling Stones and it felt too rehearsed.

I've also seen Paul McCartney, and he made a good watch.

I taped the Freddie Mercury tribute concert of 1991 and that occasiocally come out for a viewing as it shows some of his videos and live perfomances.

I've also seen Prince and he's a good entertainer. Also seen Santana, and he's got great passion.

Nearly all of the new stuff feels over produced and too manufactured. They don't actually have any feel for the music as its mostly controlled by the record companies now. The system only sees these new bands as a product, and as such the new stuff is what I'd call 'plastic'.

I'm just waiting to see Stevie Wonder now....

docwra

15-07-2004, 10:29

I'm just waiting to see Stevie Wonder now....

Its not like he is going to see you, is it?? :D :D :wack:

/tumbleweed

/coat

(:notworthy to Prince and Santana on the way out)

gaz.thomas

15-07-2004, 10:31

I'd have loved to see the stones circa 'exile' but they've turned into some kinda weird parody of themselves of late :wack: The chilis were great when I last saw them (95)- i'm not a huge fan of the new stuff (and I screwed up the comps for the hyde park gig...) but I've heard they still put on a pretty good show...

There aren't too many bands that spring to mind as having a really charismatic frontman at the moment, DG is great for the Foo Fighters, as is Kiedis for the aforementioned rhcp but I'm struggling after that...
INXS were great live and Hutchence was a great frontman but I'm still inclined to agree with Ponyboy - Freddie Mercury was one of a kind and certainly the best showman I've ever seen

Gaz
-x-

(ditto the :notworthy for Prince, Carlos and Stevie)

200sxcraig200sx

15-07-2004, 10:36

1. Queen - St James Park Newcastle 86
2. Rage Against the Machine - The Mayfair Newcastle 92
3. GnR/Soundgarden/Faith No More - Gateshead Stadium 91
4. Metallica - Milton Keynes Bowl 92
5. Beastie Boys - Manchester Academy 96

You cannot beat the all roundness of Queen raw, no frills, passion, belief, professionalism, staying power, set list, presence, crowd interaction ........ basically the all round package, others beat them is different areas but not as an all round show with everything

30PSI

15-07-2004, 10:37

Not into Elvis, but he prob ranks quite high.....

I think there is a catch here, most of the best entertainers are dead or nealy dead...

Ken

15-07-2004, 11:27

Saw Tom Jones a couple of years ago, he was brilliant :)

15-07-2004, 11:28

Yeah I've been dragged along to see TJ a few times. He's not my cup of tea but you can't deny that he's a great entertainer.

gaz.thomas

15-07-2004, 11:31

Yeah I've been dragged along to see TJ a few times. He's not my cup of tea but you can't deny that he's a great entertainer.

There aren't many people who can fill an empty stage*. He's certainly got presence, regardless of what you think of him musically :nod:

Gaz
-x-

* obviously Deathstar can physically fill several, I'm talking about stage presence here people...

RICHIEM

15-07-2004, 11:33

Got to say the best live gigs I've been to are always by The Cure. Robert Smith put's his all into his performances even if he's doesn't move about alot... Michael Stipe is also a great performer once he get's going.

wokeye

15-07-2004, 11:42

Angus Young from AC/DC brilliant guitarist and performer :nod:

Sorry never liked Queen or Elton John :no:

15-07-2004, 13:45

I wonder if Elvis was a great stage performer or whether he'd have been a let down in reality?

Grim

15-07-2004, 14:23

seen genesis and dire straits live. phil collins is good with an audience.

lisa stansfield did a really good job on support to.

madona anyone? wacko jacko? (saw him wembly, in his black days. again a good performer)

clapton. eurithmics. that woman with the really distinctive voice, you know the one, latest vide has her driving a merc. umm, whatserface? :wack:

but my vote would go with dear old freddie. Gaga, the queen tribute are very good if you missed the original, which i did :cry: worst thing imo their albums were getting better and better. inuendo is never out of my car....

sleeka

15-07-2004, 14:29

Would have loved to see Queen too.
Saw bon jovi at wembley stadium a few years ago and they were pretty awesome.

Grim

15-07-2004, 14:43

--Lorien--

15-07-2004, 14:47

Anyone mention Bob Dylan yet? Prefer his earlier stuff though. :)

Grim

15-07-2004, 14:51

u2 of course

robbie williams is probably the nearest thing we have to a new superstar. :eek:

Parker

15-07-2004, 15:01

GnR I've got the DVD and Slash can be things with the guitar that don't look possible :notworthy

wokeye

15-07-2004, 15:50

u2 of course

robbie williams is probably the nearest thing we have to a new superstar. :eek:

You are joking he is a complete :censored: I also get the feeling he swings both ways from what I have read :ghey:

gaz.thomas

15-07-2004, 16:09

Not entirely sure that's relevant tbh wokeye - bearing in mind the concensus on the best performer so far...

Moving on: U2 do put on a great show ( :o at forgetting) as do Jamie Cullum, muse and the fun lovin' criminals. Bowie was pretty good when I saw him but I've never really rated Bob Dylan as a performer. Or a singer for that matter - he's one hell of a songwriter though. Lyrically and melodically he's one of the all time greats :)

Gaz
-x-

docwra

15-07-2004, 16:11

You are joking he is a complete :censored: I also get the feeling he swings both ways from what I have read :ghey:

And we neatly return to Freddy Mercury ......... ;)

Leon

15-07-2004, 19:11

u2 of course

yes.... maybe... saw them on Popmart... yes they were good.... and I do love their music.... but I still don't think Bono can top Mercury for sheer... well... whatever it was that Mercury had...

Leon

15-07-2004, 19:17

You are joking he is a complete :censored: I also get the feeling he swings both ways from what I have read :ghey:

and this matters why?

I also feel that I sound add Janis Joplin to this list... Man, her live performances make the hair on the back of my neck stand up...

Dylan - has it as folk singer/writer but I've never seen a live performance that leaves me wondering how the hell he keeps it up

sroberts

15-07-2004, 20:17

U2 :nod:

Si :)

Vez

15-07-2004, 22:53

Awww, look leon, Si was returning your compliment by saying you too...how nice :wack:

Leon

15-07-2004, 22:59

PMSL Vez.
You've been eating too many of your own crisps again, haven't you?

U2 were good, I won't deny that. Tina Turner was also great live... Meatloafd was pretty good.

Can't think of that many mind blowing people i've seen. Actually, the Levellers. Oh man was that good!

wokeye

15-07-2004, 23:04

and this matters why?

I also feel that I sound add Janis Joplin to this list... Man, her live performances make the hair on the back of my neck stand up...

Dylan - has it as folk singer/writer but I've never seen a live performance that leaves me wondering how the hell he keeps it up

No I have nothing against gay people or bisexuals or whatever I just do not like Robbie Williams sorry for the comments. Just think he is way overrated and has a massive ego and at the end of the day he is just singing drivel somebody else wrote for him. The charts are that bad that I guess he used to stand out, maybe losing it a touch now though!

I'll get my coat :rolleyes:

ferretca18

15-07-2004, 23:29

Ill vote for Queen, and freddie just wont be bettered :notworthy all the stuff he did on his own and with queen are absolutley timeless:) i cried when he died, (was about 7 at the time tho) doesnt mean i dont know good music whan i hear it tho :nod:

alfa23

16-07-2004, 00:11

this is gonna be cheesy but......... enimem? :whip: his entertainment techniques are good, + they are very original unlike most artists who just try to copy each oyhers styles,

Billy

16-07-2004, 00:47

Alice Cooper and Frank Zappa spring to mind. I thought Dave Lee Roth was up there untill his ego outgrew Van Halen. Then there's Iggy Pop, Peter Gabriel, Ian Anderson....but they're oldies one and all.

Trouble is, the only band I've heard in the last few years that I really liked were Mansun, and stage charisma wasn't their strong point.

Looks like it's Justin Hawkins then! :eek: :cry:

John Bennett

16-07-2004, 08:58

Trouble is, the only band I've heard in the last few years that I really liked were Mansun, and stage charisma wasn't their strong point.

Looks like it's Justin Hawkins then! :eek: :cry:

I did like Mansun. Pity they're pretty much forgotton now (like half the 90's bands) .

But as for the Darkness :no: :annoyed: :annoyed: :annoyed: . Death to all deliberate "piss-take" music :smash: . I was never sure if Queen knew they were a piss-take or not :indiff: .
I liked U2 best in the 90's (when their fans didn't ) :wack: .
But seeing as I've only ever seen a couple of proper bands live, I'll shut up :D

Angry Paul

16-07-2004, 09:30

I can't believe Prince hasn't been mentioned so far.
I saw him at Wembley in the late '80's (Alphabet St era) and he was superb. The show was incredible and he'd been around long enough to fill a complete set with fantastic songs.
And talk about stage presence...he is right up there with the best of them!