Posted by There were a couple girls in my graduating class, Amy & Arlynn, who both stated that Bohemian Rhapsody was their all-time favorite song which was included along with our Senior photo, a song I had never heard of! Unfortunately I wasnt really familiar with Queen or their music at the time, all I really knew was We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions from their News of the World album and a few handful of songs from their Greatest Hits Vol 1 cassette! Needless to say, I never had the opportunity to ever see them live! That all changed a few days ago! At least I can imagine they were the real deal. Patrick Myers does an incredible impersonation of Freddie Mercury; a complete package! He has all of Freddie’s nuances including stage moves, outfits, instrumentation and of course singing style! Simon Small portrays Brian May along with a couple Brian May replica guitars, completing that Queen sound. Both are joined with Brad Waissman on Bass and John Howells on Drums.
I was given the opportunity to interview Mr Myers; here are a few questions.
Long Island Sounds – How do you rise to the challenge of capturing a vocal icon/showman such as Freddie Mercury?
PATRICK – I think there’s only one Freddie. He was unique and his vocals and abilities as a performer are amazing. I’ve watched footage of him all my life and he still makes me marvel. So yes I do feel I have to rise to the challenge! I trained in acting so I use some of those skills. I’ve also had some great vocal coaches over the years and studied movement too. So all that helps. But I just love what Freddie does and how he ticks as a performer. How he responds to music. So, loving what you do and the sheer sense of fun Freddie brought to things is the biggest key for me. The music is so rich and powerful, the experience of delivering that to an audience is a pleasure. It’s a challenge. But a gloriously fun challenge.
LIS – Your vocal talent cannot be questioned while emulating the style of Freddie, but are there songs that you find more challenging than others? Are there any songs too challenging?
PATRICK – There are lots of tough songs in the set. You need a lot of stamina. You have to dig deep for Bohemian Rhapsody. Somebody to Love is a real workout too!
The song Innuendo is a fave that I’d love to introduce to the set. It’s an ambitious track vocally but such an exciting song. Wonderful album too.
LIS – Ive seen many videos, other impersonators and of course the biopic about Queen & Freddie. How do you capture not only his singing style, but his flamboyant performance style? You emulate him so perfectly, is it something that comes naturally or does his personality being portrayed take a lot of conscious effort?
PATRICK – It’s been a labour of love really. I enjoy having fun on stage and whipping an audience up. The songs are so powerful. Dynamite! That is my bedrock and where I draw energy from. The music propels you to cavort about! So I guess it’s partly natural – that I enjoy performing so much and love the songs- and partly a conscious use of skills.
I always feel like there’s more to observe, more to explore when I watch Freddie. So it doesn’t feel like a mission accomplished to me ever. It’s like climbing up a mountain. There’s always new peaks!
HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS OF KILLER QUEEN’S PERFORMANCE AT THE PARAMOUNT.
PLEASE VISIT WWW.KILLERQUEENONLINE.COM FOR TOUR INFORMATION.
THANKS TO RENEE KRIER AND JEN FARHOOD FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE.
Long Island Sounds 