No Singer? No Problem! Bands Carry On With Replacement Frontmen
The frontman is quite literally the voice of the band, so when a group loses its iconic lead singer you'd think it would be time to pack it in. Well, that's not the strategy the following bands took: Some found a sound-alike (or even a sound-nothing-alike); others promoted someone from within its ranks. However, none of them fooled anyone, except themselves -- and surely not their longtime fans.
Old Singer: Freddie Mercury
New Singer: Paul Rodgers
It'd be hard to imagine a band more tied to the personality of its lead singer – right down to its name – than Queen. For years, Mercury's comrades allowed him to rest in peace, until Brian May and company hired the uber-macho Rodgers, ex of Bad Company, to fill their fallen comrade's unitard. Fortunately, Rodgers hasn't taken that mandate literally, having so far sworn off the spandex.
Old Singer: Freddie MercuryNew Singer: Paul Rodgers
It'd be hard to imagine a band more tied to the personality of its lead singer – right down to its name – than Queen. For years, Mercury's comrades allowed him to rest in peace, until Brian May and company hired the uber-macho Rodgers, ex of Bad Company, to fill their fallen comrade's unitard. Fortunately, Rodgers hasn't taken that mandate literally, having so far sworn off the spandex.
Posted by Spinner Staff
Filed under: The Hit List
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
daveat 4-02-2008
Paul Rodger singing Queen?!?! What are you shittin'me?!?!?
Paul belongs to Bad Co. Sing the damned songs we love hearing you sing!
Iva Bigunat 4-02-2008
You mean there is STILL A MARKET FOR QUEEN?
I thought the 80's were in the past.... Dang..
JohnQat 4-02-2008
Paul Rodgers is one of the best voices in Rock N Roll and he's paid enough dues to be allowed to make his own decisions. But on the whole, when the original Lead singer leaves (no matter the cause) the Band's name needs to be left behind.
seleeat 4-02-2008
Have u guys heard that Paul ever appeared on the hot millionaire&celebs dating club S E E K R I C H. C O M? I heard of it around that site when hooking up with hot girls there recently. That sounds amazing, I know.
Donnaat 4-02-2008
IF YOU LOVE ANIMALS....
Kindly take a moment to read about the Canadian Seal hunt that is taking place right now. Please use the web site below from the Humane Society to write to the Prime Minister of Intl Trade (email is already written-just needs your signature). It is such a cruel and inhumane massacre of innocent baby seals. When you see the video, you won't believe that this is allowed to continue. Please help and spread the word to friends. Thanks!
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/trademinister_protectseals08
Keithat 11-03-2008
What does this have to do with Queen or Paul Rogers? This isn't a forum to promote your views of animals or their treatment. GO PAUL AND QUEEN
cardvldg1986at 5-09-2009
Spinner what the F#$% is this horse shit, It say keep comments relevant to the blog. off topic, PROMOTIONAL or otherwise inappropriate comments will be removed. What are you afraid of, afraid P.E.T.A. will get pissed?? Come on guys get a pair!!!
cardvldg1986at 5-09-2009
Your slipping Spinner, what has seals have to do with Queen or Paul Rogers, nothing, Zip, nada nil. So why post it, afraid P.E.T.A. will get pissed. Come on guys wake up and stop the insanity!!!!!
murrayat 4-02-2008
How can you not list the Temptations? How many lead singers has Otis Williams had to keep the group going.
sharonat 4-02-2008
As a die hard Queen fan from it's origins, I know that
no one can take Freddie's place. I saw them in concert
in Los Angeles every time they were here. I still miss
Freddie and his wonderful, over-the-top personality
and amazing voice. I did see Queen+Paul Rodgers when
they were at the Hollywood Bowl and I thought it was
great to hear the old songs live and thought Paul did
an admirable job doing the Queen and the Bad Co. songs.
It will be interesting to see what material they have.
I also have seen Brian May live in Los Angeles and he has an amazing voice also that didn't really get any
recognition due to Freddie's virtuosity.
So give the guys a break. God Bless Queen and God bless Freddie Mercury!
donat 4-02-2008
The closest I've seen to anyone who can sing close to freddie is Gregory Finsley of Queen For A Day you can check them out on myspace and on youtube!
don
Francescaat 8-28-2008
I think Mika can sing pretty close to Freddy too.
Vickieat 4-02-2008
I grow up in the 70's and 80's. I loved Queen then and I love Queen now. But I like the orginal Queen. Freddie Mercury was the man. No one can ever take his place. He was an unique man with that unique voice. I heard them one time with Paul Rodgers and I can tell you from where I stand, he really bites. He should go back to Bad Company where he belongs. God Bless Freddie Mercury. May he rest in peace.
sherat 4-02-2008
No offense to Paul Rodgers, but in no way does he even come close to Freddy Mercury's vocal style.
Keithat 11-03-2008
From what I have heard of the New Queen Music they didn't use the Freddie Mercury style. They could have even stamped the Bad Company name on it, which fits better than Queen by style
Assassinnekoat 4-02-2008
listen im a 19 year old man that was 4 when freddie died and there will always be a market for queen. with that being said you cant tell me that paul rogers is a good replacement for freddie. freddie was a master at playing to the crowd with his flamboyancy and his powerful voice. i only wish i couldve seen queen one time live.so yes queen will always have a place and a demographic
Hellenat 4-03-2008
I'm probably one of Queen's biggest fans, (I even saw them in concert when I was 17 in Long Beach, Ca.). That said...WHAT THE HECK are Brian May and Roger Taylor thinking???? Seems as though John Deacon may really be the smart (quiet) one of the group! This guy sucks! Freddie's voice, showmanship, style, EVERYTHING will never be matched! If you wikipedia Queen, you will see that they were even voted all-time best British band, (yes, even beating out the Beatles). That would have never happened without this new guy! Sigh....
boognishat 4-03-2008
People of All Stripes, George Michael has filled in for Freddie Mercury before, performed and sounded Fantastic. I'm still surprised that they didn't invite him to join Queen.
Lauraat 4-03-2008
I've loved Queen for 30 years, adored Freddie's voice and style, and mourned his death and the end of the band. That said, when Queen + Paul Rodgers played the Hollywood Bowl in 2005, I was skeptical ... for about 30 seconds. I was overjoyed to see/hear Brian & Roger, just as I was when Queen + PR toured in 2006. Everything's a bonus as Queen continues to make music with PR.
donat 4-03-2008
Ok QUEEN FOR A DAY leadman Gregory Finsley has been called the closest thing to Freddie Mercury since leather pants! Check em out at myspace.com/queentribute or the videos on youtube
thanks for keeping the music alive!
don