Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
MAJESTY
(A video is at the bottom of the page – you might be in it!)
“Majesty is one of the UKs premier Queen Tribute bands. Performing all over the world, Majesty play all the hits from the 70s and 80s.”
Majesty started from when Actor Seth Daniels graduated from Drama School and decided to create his own band. At only 22 years old he was the youngest Freddie Mercury on the circuit and hit the ground running securing several contracts with a German promoter to perform at festivals in Luxemburg and Germany. Seth also wanted to portray Freddie’s younger days so his first half of the show was a dedication to the 1975 Hammersmith Apollo show, before donning the yellow jacket for some of Queen’s Greatest Hits.
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Majesty: The Band…
MAJESTY rose from the ashes of a professional touring Queen tribute band that came off the road in May 2011. Since then they have firmly made their mark on the tribute circuit both at home and abroad. The band is fronted by Seth Daniels who portrays the part of ‘Freddie Mercury’, ably supported by three seasoned musicians consisting of drums, lead and bass guitars with three part vocals.
Seth Daniels – as Freddie Mercury
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Peter Southern – as Brian May
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Chris Holland – as John Deacon
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
James Campion – as Roger Taylor
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Now, dear reader, I was lucky enough to spend some time with Queen back in 82 on the Queen Want You In ’82 tour. That was the last time I saw Queen and have some warm memories from those two nights in Edinburgh. There is a bootleg of that show kicking around on You Tube. I was keen, along with the sold out crowd at Concorde 2 to see what Majesty could do with the material…
Majesty: The Set…
The Concorde 2 smoke machine kicked into overdrive as the band came out a started things up with an ear shattering opening riff to We Will Rock You, “Good Evening Everybody” came the voice as “Freddie” bounced onto the stage clutching the legendary mic. It was uncanny, that voice! That then led us straight into Under Pressure. Now, you have to have some level of confidence to cover that one – and this was only the second song of the set. I can confirm they delivered on that! Suddenly the buzzing tempo dropped as we had a live version of Save Me.
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
It became clear for the tempo drop as Freddie sat at his mini keyboard as the opening strains of Bohemian Rhapsody filled the venue. Super. They cut that short, as Queen sometimes did, as we were led into a segue of hits including Killer Queen, Bicycle Race and Keep Yourself Alive, and Another One Bites The Dust. Freddie/Seth was up and down non-stop clutching the mic. Now, he must have spent some time in front of a mirror practising those moves and pouts! Seth would seem to have choreographed every movement and expression.
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Brighton Rocks
Everyone knows that school night gigs are not always ideal for neither us in the crowd or indeed the band. So the luxury of a Majesty gig on a Monday evening could have been tricky. But no. This was pre-Christmas – 23rd of December so us punters were out in force in search of a good time. It was fortuitous for us all as many clearly had time off and Brighton was going to rock tonight! Who Wants To Live Forever, Fat Bottom Girls and Somebody To Love were fired at us in quick succession.
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
A Kind Of Magic…
Oh boy, a crescendo of guitars from Peter/Brian for One Vision kick started the second set. Peter layered in some great guitar throughout the evening, with a solo earlier in the evening on his antique Brian May signature , but this was pure magic, and hell it was LOUD! Perfect. We then launched into another selection of live killers. Seven Seas of Rhye, Tear It Up, A kind of Magic, and Dont Sop Me Now. Majesty were giving us everything tonight. A selection of Queen classics from the 70’s and 80’s. The crowd were lapping it up as hands in the air, voices raised and much dancing with air guitars.
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Radio Ga Ga confirmed that the crowd had bought in to the evening – hands raised and chanting. Even the guys on the stage seemed taken aback with the level of engagement from the packed in crowd. Crazy Little Thing Called Love, I Want to Break Free, Friends Will Be Friends and We Are The Champions were included on the set-list.
Bohemian Rhapsody…
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
It was clear that we were fast approaching the end of the set and Seth checking his phone for requests lodged on their Facebook page set us up for an interesting mix up of songs. Seth also filmed a few clips of the crowd and him singing. Great fun and something that Freddie may have done himself if the tech was around back then. Love Of My Life – with some fine vocal work from the Brighton Choir, Hammer to Fall and an impromptu Thank God Its Christmas were up.
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Tie Your Mother Down blasted at us, I have to say the second set was a total blast of thoroughly enjoyable nostalgia. These guys nailed it with a solid show and authentic sound. I think at times there may have been slight use of a tape for backing vocals, I may be wrong. It wasn’t over used and was just as an additional tool on some of the songs. So, no complaints on that front as it added to what Majesty gave to us.
A VIDEO…
Were you there? Radio GAGA/We Will Rock You and Keep Yourself Alive
The band then picked up where they left off earlier with Bohemian Rhapsody. We lost sight of the band as smoke filled the stage. The lights and sound were in perfect harmony giving us a reall experience of that song performed live. That’s how to end your show! The band took to the front of the stage after the God Save The Queen for a bow. Well deserved fellas you worked damn hard and gave us a most enjoyable night of “Freddie” and the music of Queen.
Majesty – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Now, you are not going to see Queen live. But Majesty bring it close, real close. What we had was a stunning 2 hr show performed by what must be one of the UKs leading Queen tribute acts.I highly recommend this performance for the pure joy it brings. You are not going to be able to join Freddie and Queen any more sadly, but you can go see Majesty and join in with them to keep it alive.
The show must go on because it is a show not to be missed if you love the music of Freddie and Queen!
Check out Majesty and keep up to date on the WWW.
Well hosted Concorde 2– the sound and lighting was top notch. And as always a shout to the crew on the bar and the fine security team. Concorde 2 are on the web.
The gig was promoted by MJS, well done guys! A local promotion team and you can find them on Facebook.
We work hard with the artists, promoters, the venues and the crowd to bring you the best photos and reviews across the area. Keep Music LIVE! Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.
Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.
All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2019.
Got an event coming up? Need some gig photography, promo shots, previews or reviews? – please get in touch! See you down the front – come and say “hi!”