Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Majesty: Concorde 2 – Friday 30 July 2021 – Promoted by MJS
Get ready to Break Free with the UK’s biggest Queen Tribute band – Majesty, in a brand-new show – The Break Free Tour! We were invited to Join Freddie, Brian, Roger and John as they took us on a magical journey performing The Best of Queen, whilst celebrating the music and showmanship of the UK’s favourite rock band.
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Don’t Stop Me Now – lets meet Majesty:
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex – Freddie, Rob Lea
The worlds most iconic frontman. Freddie Mercury is loved and hugely missed around the world. Allow Majesty to introduce their very own Freddie, Rob Lea!
This gig had been rescheduled, as had many others, due to the Pandemic/Covid19. The last time we had some Brighton Rock from Majesty was December 2019. I had such a great time with these guys – I really missed them in 2020. But, tonight they were back, a sell out show at Concorde 2! There have been smaller gigs in the city, this was the first big full gig celebrating the end of lockdown I had been to. I was ready for this and so were the 600 fans ready to let Majesty entertain us! Two years of pent up energy was about to be unleashed by the crowd and Majesty!
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex: Brian, Peter Southern
One of the most accomplished musicians and loved around the world for his iconic sound and magical melodies. Introducing Majesty’s very own Brian May, Peter Southern.
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. I was keen, along with the sold out crowd at Concorde 2 to remind myself of the live Queen sound, and what Majesty could do with the material.
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex: John, Chris Holland
The man who created some of the most recognized bass lines in music. Introducing Majesty’s very own John, Chris Holland.
Thank goodness the lockdown restrictions had eased. Us punters were out in force in search of a good time. It was fortuitous for us all that the doors were open wide and it was evident that Brighton was going to rock tonight!
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex: Roger, James Campion
The backbone of Queen and the powerhouse that led the way to rock anthems such as “We will rock you”. Introducing Majesty’s very own Roger, James Campion.
One Vision: The Set
Oh boy, a crescendo of guitars from Peter/Brian for One Vision kick started the set. Peter layered in some great guitar, with various solo slots throughout the evening on his antique Brian May signature guitar, but this was a kind of magic, and hell it was LOUD! Perfect. Freddie/Rob dashed onto the stage in an authentic Freddie yellow multi buckle jacket, dressed in a Wembley live set up. He looked great! More power from guitars as Hammer To Fall was up next.
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Sat at the electric piano the opening chords of Bohemian Rhapsody filled Concorde 2, and the lungs of the packed in crowd were filled as everyone proceeded to sing their damn hearts out – we had all waited so long to do this! “Mama ooo ooo oooo” – people must have heard us for miles around! This was in fact a huge queen greatest hits segue including Killer Queen, Bicycle Race and back into Rhapsody. Brilliant Majesty.
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I remember the first time I heard the next track, when the album Queen was released, Keep Yourself Alive. The band chewed through this one with some top guitar and drum work. We then were taken into the delights of Another One Bites The Dust. This allowed Chris to really unwind and let loose with that bass line. Who Wants To Live Forever saw Freddie back at the piano. This further showed off his stylistic range on Who Wants To Live Forever, a potentially lesser known song, yet this didn’t stop Majesty as we were treated to beautifully rendered version by Rob with soaring vocal control. Then he was up on his feet for Fat Bottomed Girls. The first set ended with the song that allowed the Brighton Concorde 2 choir join in. A very impressive version of Somebody To Love.
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
To say that the first part of the show consisted of all of Queen’s hits is an understatement, and the first half brought a handful of notable favourites. What could come next?
We Will Rock You: Set Two – Live Killers!
The darkened stage burst into glorious light as Brian played the intro to We Will Rock You, which is exactly what Majesty did. With everyone on their feet in Concorde 2, arms swaying and singing as though our very lives depended upon it, a cacophony guitars, pounding drums and bass, topped off with brilliant vocals swirled around the venue.
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Dont Stop Me Now was next and clearly a huge favourite in Concorde 2. Get Down Make Love allowed the band to get down and a little dirtier with the heavy sound of that track. The crowd were waiting for it, the synths from the keyboard heralded the opening bars of Radio Ga Ga.
Going GA GA for GA GA!
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I swear every person sang along to this, 600 voices, Majesty seemed surprised by the sheer volume of the participative throng. I reckon every pair of hands of the 600 strong crowd was up in the air clapping in time with the band. Well done Brighton!
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
We Are The Champions
Set two fired along at a wanna break free speed and included Crazy Little Thing Called Love and Friends Will Be Friends. Tonight Rob achieved the right balance between respecting the material being performed and not trying to be more than just a Freddie clone. His unique style, delivery and mannerisms worked well to reflect the flamboyance of Freddie. It was brilliant theatrical showmanship. For the set closure there was only one song… there was only one song left to do; We Are The Champions. Majesty nailed it perfectly!
The Show Must Go On!
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
So dear reader, Majesty hadn’t finished with us, oh no! Rob asked if he could play one of his own compositions. The response was an overwhelming “yes”. He said he was nervous about performing it. It was a delightful piano based ballad Happy Accident. After the applause died down Rob grabbed his phone to do the request slot, getting suggestions from his phone as people had sent in requests. We had The Show Must Go On, a lovely version with a sing-a-long slot for Love Of My Life and closed with You’re My Best Friend. Rob asked “anything else?” someone shouted back “Thank God Its Christmas“. The band and crowd burst into fits of laughter. “Maybe later in the year, we will be back in Concorde 2 for Christmas 2021 – so come back and see us and we will do it”.
And Finally!
Still not finished Rob sat at his piano and again the opening strains of Bohemian Rhapsody filled the air. No cutting off this time around – we had it all from start to finish. Brilliantly delivered and so good to feel the floor of Concorde 2 bounce once again. I think there may have been slight use of a tape for operatic vocals section, but you really couldn’t hear it above the crowd. It wasn’t over used and was just as an additional tool to this final song. So, no complaints on that front as it added to what Majesty gave to us.
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Any Queen fan would be hard pressed not to like this show from Majesty. Yes, I know its not Queen themselves but it is a damn fine celebration of their music portrayed by a great outfit. They give a tribute to one of the greatest rock bands in the world. And what a rock fuelled tribute it was. Majesty continue to offer up the highest standards of a rock show that will continue to inject life into the Queen legacy. A show suitable for anyone!
TAKE A BOW MAJESTY!
Majesty: Live photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
A VIDEO:
CHRISTMAS 2021!
Go see these guys at Christmas at Concorde 2 – ticket link will be posted once we have it. What a Christmas party that is going to be! Bring your voices and air guitars! I for one cant wait.
Keep in touch with these guys, and for the Christmas Info/Tix here on the WWW
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