Magic

Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham on Mon 13th Dec 2004

Magic are a Queen tribute band, who put emphasis on trying to sound like Queen rather than look like Queen. Magic sound almost exactly like Queen, although it is obvious that no one will ever be able to sound exactly like Queen.

Admittedly they look nothing like Queen and this can be quite deceiving at first because you think well they don't look like Queen so they are not even going to sound anything like Queen. However Magic do sound like Queen, and they can play every Queen song that you can possibly imagine. Once you have got over the shock of them not looking remotely like Queen, you begin to realise just how talented Magic are. They can do every song without any backing tapes, which is something of a rarity.

Magic's set list for this show included all the classic rock anthems such as 'We Will Rock You', 'One Vision', 'It's A Kind Of Magic', 'Now I'm Here'. They even manage to pull off a storming version of 'Innuendo'.

Magic

Over the years I have noticed one problem that Magic suffer from and tonight was no exception. They have a problem getting the audience to move during the first few songs, which is a shame because the atmosphere is brilliant when everyone is standing up and singing their hearts out. So it is normally not until later into the set when the audience actually start to enjoy themselves.

Most of the Queen back catalogue such as 'Under Pressure', 'These Are The Days Of Our Lives', 'I Want To Break Free', and 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' were played with such expertise that I imagine even Freddie himself would have been impressed.

Magic

The band members bring the show to a close with the immortal classic 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. This is performed with such passion and precision that it no matter how many times I have the pleasure of seeing Magic play perform this track- it is always amazing without exception.

The band then casually wave goodbye to the crowd and stroll off the stage, but the crowd wont let Magic go home until they have done a well deserved encore. Magic quite happily return to the stage to comply with the audiences appetite for more.

For the encore the audience are treated to 'Radio Ga Ga', It is fascinating to see everyone doing that famous 'Radio Ga Ga' clap. It looks so impressive when the audience do it in time, and thankfully tonight they are in time.

Queen used to close the show with 'We Are The Champions' and naturally Magic decide to keep the same tradition- let's be honest is there a better song to close a show with? I think not!

I don't normally sit through tribute bands as I find them boring, dull and not very entertaining, however Magic are very entertaining and they do every Queen song possible. Magic certainly give you an action packed night and you definitely get value for money. If you only ever get to see one tribute band then make sure Magic is that one band!! You won't be disappointed!

article by: Luke Seagrave

photos by: Luke Seagrave

published: 14/12/2004 11:50



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