Hello is this heaven? Not far off! Recorded at last year’s Queen Convention JSS rips through a set of Queen classic ably assisted by Howie Simon (guitar), Gary Shutt (bass) and Alex Papa (drums). He has the voice, okay he’s not Freddie Mercury but then no one is. But JSS and ex-Extreme vocalist Gary Cherone are the only two vocalists really suitable to tackle the Queen back catalogue such was the vocal range of Mr Mercury.

You can’t ask for more than ‘Ogre Battle’, the beautiful ballad ‘Nevermore’, a rampant ‘n’ rocking ‘I Want It All’ and ‘Stone Cold Crazy’ - pisses on Metallica’s lame attempt! A double CD at just over two hours of Queen classics and given reverential treatment by the band (although Howie Simon does occasionally let fly with some widdly widdly moments!). The crowd seemed to have a blast as well taking over many choruses like on ‘We Are The Champions’.

I am biased I admit, but then when you’ve got the classic tunes of Queen coupled with a fine vocalist and band you just can’t go wrong. Go and buy it now!

Related>> Interview

Related>> Album review (Live at The Gods 2003)

Website

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Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly