Review
by Collectors
music
reviews
When the tape for Queen’s March 7th, 1975 show in Milwaukee
first surfaced in 2003 it immediately became the definitive live statement
of the era. Their first tour of the US the previous year has several
documents in circulation, but their second, in support of Sheer Heart
Attack, is pretty much shrouded in mystery. This is the only
almost complete show in circulation.
It is a very good audience recording taped by
some enthusiastic fans. There are some pauses between songs to
conserve tape, but all the music is present. It lacks a bit in
dynamics, sounding slightly flat. But it is very clear and
enjoyable.
It was quickly bootlegged on In
The Lap Of The Queen (GE-257), one of Gypsy
Eye’s final releases, and as a bonus disc with Pop
Spectacular (Wardour-016). Gypsy Eye was slightly more loud
and clear than Wardour and was the preferred version. Modern Times
Rock ‘N’ Roll on Godfather is the third silver pressing and is much
closer to Gypsy Eye than to Wardour. It is not as loud as Gypsy Eye,
but it is very clear and has a nice live sound.
Queen were on the same bill as Styx, Mahogany
Rush and Kansas, the headliners. A review states
the show was a sell out in the 1,700 capacity theater. “The
group’s stage presence was dynamic but the music was mundane. The
songs, which came from Queen’s latest album ‘Sheer Heart Attack,’ as
well as two other releases, were monotonous, chaotic sounding hard
rockers.” Glad does point out Queen’s strong harmonies before
praising Kansas, the headliners.
The person responsible for this tape is a
die-hard Queen fan. He brought along a friend of his to convert him to the
magic of Queen and he adds commentary throughout the show. Right at the
end of “Procession” he says, “Father To Son, isn’t it?” in
anticipation of the Queen II running order. Instead the band play
“Now I’m Here” from the new album Sheer Heart Attack,
recounting their journey supporting Mott The Hoople on their previous tour
of the States. “Thank you and good evening Milwaukee!
“Are you ready for a little rock and roll
Queen style?” are Freddie’s first words before “Ogre Battle”.
“I would like to make a toast to Milwaukee. This is a delicate little
number called ‘White Queen’” before the number described as “pure
emotion” from a well known Queen commentator.
Brian May’s ukulele in “Bring Back That
Leroy Brown” receives a great reaction as does his solo in “Son &
Daughter”.
The encores begin with the “stripper” beat
of “Big Spender” and also contain a great version of “Modern Times
Rock And Roll.” The only negative to this concert is the lack of
“Seven Seas Of Rhye” which was unfortunately not played in this show.
Godfather use rare photographs from the era on
the artwork. The tape is deserving of another release given its
rarity, sound quality, and the scorching performance Queen give that
night. Their intent was to blow the other bands off the stage and
make a big impression on Milwaukee, and they most likely did. Modern
Times Rock ‘N’ Roll is a title worth having. |
