Junior's Eyes: John Deacon

Showing posts with label John Deacon. Show all posts

September 5, 2011

Today's Tune: "A Kind Of Magic" And
"Heaven For Everyone" By Queen

Freddie Mercury was born on September 5, 1946. Since the former lead singer of Queen (my favorite band) remains my favorite singer of all time, this 'Today's Tune' will be dedicated to him.

Sadly, Freddie passed away with AIDS on November 24, 1991. If he were still alive, he would've turned 65 today, and that's being celebrated all around the world in a big way.

The last five studio albums from the Queen catalouge are being reissued on CD today. Also, 'Queen Live At Wembley Stadium 25th Anniversary Edition', which now includes both the July 11th and July 12th concerts from 1986, will be released today in a standard 2 disc DVD set and also a deluxe 2 disc DVD with 2 disc CD set. Queen and Freddie Mercury fans can visit the official Queen YouTube Channel for specialy streamed music and tribute videos until Wednesday, September 7th. There's even a Freddie Mercury Google Doodle video to view when you go to use the internet search engine (tomorrow in US).

"A Kind Of Magic", the title track from the best album ever recorded, and "Heaven For Everyone" are the double feature tracks for this special day. Both were written by Queen drummer, Roger Taylor.

Queen - "A Kind Of Magic" (1986)

Queen - "A Kind Of Magic" Live (July 1986)

Queen - "Heaven For Everyone" (1995 Version - 'Made In Heaven')

May 1, 2011

Today's Tune: "Ride The Wild Wind" By Queen

May 1, 1994 photo of Ayrton Senna by Mark Sandten / Getty Images

Like many Formula One racing fans, today I'm remembering three-time world champion Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna. Senna died on May 1, 1994, from severe head injuries sustained in a crash, while leading in the controversial 1994 Italian (San Marino) Grand Prix.

That whole weekend was pretty wierd, as many many things went wrong, before and during the actual race. During the Friday qualifying, Rubens Barrichello (also from Brazil) was involved in a bad accident, when his car flew into a stack of tires and a fence after becoming airborne. Barrichello would eventually recover from his injuries, but Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger was killed in qualifying the next day (Saturday), when he crashed into a concrete wall. Ayrton Senna, was very upset by the incidents and how things were handled at the time, but he would still race on Sunday.

Unfortunately, there was another accident and safety car issues at the start the race, then tragedy struck after the restart. Senna's car ran off the track and crashed into a concrete wall. The car broke into pieces, pieces which caused multiple and fatal head injuries to the racing legend.

BBC News coverage after fatal crash

Crash / Tribute video with music by Moby

Queen drummer Roger Taylor has a well known passion for cars and racing. He wrote the automotively inspired "Ride The Wild Wind" (1991), which serves as the 'Today's Tune' for this installment.

Queen - "Ride The Wild Wind" (1991)

April 9, 2011

Today's Tune: "Seven Seas Of Rhye" By Queen

NASA announced the selection of seven test pilots, who became known as the Mercury Seven, for duty as astronauts on April 9, 1959. They were chosen to take part in Project Mercury, which was the first human spaceflight program (1959 - 1963) of the United States.

Ultimately, the goal was to put a human in orbit around the Earth. After 20 unmanned launches and two manned suborbital trips, John Glenn, Jr. piloted the Mercury-Atlas 6 flight on February 20, 1962, achieving this goal.

There were a total of four orbital flights with astronaut pilots. Donald Slayton was unfortunately grounded during the project due to irregular heartbeat, but was reinstated later, and flew on the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. The other five who did fly during Project Mercury were Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Jr., Gordon Cooper, Jr., Alan Shepard, Jr. and Gus Grissom.

The NASA project name of Mercury Seven lead me to choosing a track called "Seven Seas Of Rhye", written by Queen's Freddie Mercury, as the 'Today's Tune' selection. There was an instrumental version on 'Queen' (1973), the first album by the regal band. However, it's the more complete version from 'Queen II' (1974) that made the cut.

Queen - "Seven Seas Of Rhye" (1974)

Queen - "Seven Seas Of Rhye" Live (July 12, 1986)
From 'Queen Live At Wembley Stadium' DVD (2003)

March 26, 2010

Today's Tune: "Don't Try Suicide" By Queen

After a long absence from this blog, today marks the official return of the 'Today's Tune' feature on Junior's Eyes. I use the word official so you know I mean business.

However, that doesn't mean we aren't in for a little bit of whimsical fun. I'm all for being lighthearted and positive, so I chose a track that isn't too terribly serious.

On this day (March 26) in 1999, a jury in the state Michigan found Dr. Jack Kevorkian guilty of second degree murder, for administering a lethal injection to a terminally ill man. Dr. Kevorkian wanted to help people end their suffering, by giving them a professional hand. Strange line of work to get into, I think.

Whilst looking for a subject to link with some music for today, and subsequently reviewing this bit of history, I couldn't help but think of all those people that try suicide totally unassisted. What if you screw it up and end up still alive, but maybe in even worse shape? It would be terribly embarrassing if you couldn't even get killing yourself right.

I think the best advice, when start thinking about snuffing yourself out, can be found in the Queen song, "Don't Try Suicide" (1980). Here it is now, in case you're feeling blue.

Queen - "Don't Try Suicide" (Audio with lyrics)

January 15, 2010

Today's Tune: "Stone Cold Crazy" By Queen

While working on my previous post, where I wished Irish actor and humanitarian James Nesbitt a happy birthday, a very cool song popped into my head. Two of my favorite television performances by Nesbitt are the five year comedy series Cold Feet (1997 Pilot, 1998 - 2003) and the deliciously frightening horror drama miniseries 'Jekyll' (2007). Loving both so much drove me to picking a track for our 'Today's Tune' that kind of combines the two, somewhat in it's title, and very much in it's content. For your musical pleasure today, I've chosen "Stone Cold Crazy" (1974) by Queen.

Queen - "Stone Cold Crazy" Music Video
(Album Audio plus Live Footage)

January 7, 2010

Junior's Reading And Viewing List:
Brian May - December 2009

Freddie Mercury statue in Edinburgh, Scotland wore a kilt for St Andrew's Day.

The following list shows some of what I (Dan, Jr. at Junior's Eyes) have been reading, viewing, skimming and reviewing. As a more economical, more manageable way of sharing my interests and general news worthy information, I've begun posting links to various items that are available via the internet.

In this second batch, we're still catching up with Queen guitarist Brian May. Here is some of the December 2009 archive for BrianMay.com . I left off links to a few of the articles for various reasons. I don't want to regurgitate every little thing I come across. There just isn't enough time for such an undertaking. Please visit Brian's site yourself, if you want to delve into more of what he's all about.

December 26, 2009

LETTERS UPDATE

December 23, 2009

AVLF REVIEW - AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE

ABSOLUTE GREATEST NARRATIVES IN 8 LANGUAGES

December 22, 2009

PRESS RELEASE - THE UNBLINKING EYE LIMITED EDITION CD RELEASE

UNBLINKING EYE NOW ON iTUNES

December 21, 2009

HAMMERSMITH TV REPEAT

BRITTANY MURPHY, RIP

December 19, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- A HUGE SLAP IN THE FACE FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE FROM THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE FOX HUNTING ISSUE
- CHRISTMAS COMPETITION !!!

December 17, 2009

QUEEN'S BRIAN MAY TO BE MADE A FREEMAN?

MUPPETS ON THE ONE SHOW

QUEEN IN BILLBOARD ALBUMS

HOTEL NEARBY HAS A SOFA PUT ASIDE FOR ME, FOR ME ..

December 16, 2009

digiLED SCREENS ROCK MILAN MUSICAL

CHRISTMAS HOME ENTERTAINMENT CHOICE

PRESS RELEASE: 3RD SET OF QUEEN VINYLS

December 15, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- OWLS ON SALE

ROCK FANS GIVE TO THE TUNE OF £10,000

December 14, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- A VILLAGE LOST AND FOUND - HARD TO FIND?!

TAKE PART IN LONGEST WE WILL ROCK YOU

JAMIE COOPER 2010 CALENDAR "THE HEAVENS"

GET THE MUPPETS + QUEEN - BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY AND VIDEO!

BRIAN ON ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW - TRANSCRIPT AND AUDIO

December 12, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- AVATAR!!!

December 11, 2009

AVATAR PREMIERE

December 10, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- MUPPETS AND QUEEN UNITE

FREDDIE 2ND IN GREATEST GAY ICON OF ALL TIME POLL

REVIEW OF "QUEEN: THE ULTIMATE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY"

CLASSIC ROCK REVIEW: QUEEN - ABSOLUTE GREATEST

ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW

December 9, 2009

EXPERTS UPDATE

December 8, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- WWRY MILAN

MAMMA, WE'VE JUST KILLED A SONG

QUEEN: KINGS OF KARAOKE

PRESS RELEASE: QUEEN + THE MUPPETS SINGLE

ANITA DOBSON LIVE ON ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW TODAY

December 6, 2009

WWRY MILAN PREMIERE "TRIUMPH" - FOOTAGE AND PHOTOS

December 5, 2009

FREDDIE IN A KILT

BRIAN AND ELENA'S V&A EVENING TALK

December 4, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- WE WILL ROCK YOU MILAN TONIGHT!

WHAT S ON STAGE AWARDS 2010 NOMINATIONS

EDINBURGH'S 'WE WILL ROCK YOU' IS THE HOTTEST THEATRE TICKET IN THE UK

December 2, 2009

HAVE A HEART FOR SCOTLAND'S SEALS SAYS QUEEN LEGEND BRIAN MAY- and - OUTCOME

December 1, 2009

MARIO VERSION "DON'T STOP ME NOW"

ROGER'S SINGLE ON CD!!

Junior's Reading And Viewing List:
Brian May - November 2009

The following list shows some of what I (Dan, Jr. at Junior's Eyes) have been reading, viewing, skimming and reviewing. As a more economical, more manageable way of sharing my interests and general news worthy information, I'm going to start posting links to various items that are available via the internet. In this first batch, we're catching up with Queen guitarist Brian May. Here is the November 2009 archive for BrianMay.com .

November 30, 2009

ROCK'N'ROLL CONFIDENTIAL - BRIAN MAY

BRIAN MAY ON ALAN TITCHMARSH SHOW (RE-SCHEDULE)

ROGER TAYLOR - RADIO SCOTLAND INTERVIEW

11 TRIVIA FACTS ABOUT WE WILL ROCK YOU

ABSOLUTE GREATEST QUEEN QUIZ - iPHONE APP

November 29, 2009

LETTERS UPDATE

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- ???

November 28, 2009

QUEEN FEST MEXICO 2009

November, 27, 2009

BRIAN'S GREATEST RIFFS

QUEEN'S ROGER TAYLOR IS MAD

November 26, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- POSTSCRIPT ON THE STEREOSOPIC SOCIETY

ONE VISION OF VICTORIAN ART

A RHAPSODY IN PICTURES FOR BRIAN

ABSOLUTE GREATEST COMMENTARY TRANSLATIONS

FREDDIE MERCURY MEMORIAL A BEACON FOR BRITISH ASIANS

November 25, 2009

LONDON STEREOSCOPIC COMPANY OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

FREDDIE MEMORIAL UNVEILING - FELTHAM

THE BOHEMIAM RHAPSODY STORY ON BBC iPLAYER

TVH1 CLASSIC RADIO REPORT QUEEN AND MUPPETS

November 23, 2009

PRESS RELEASE: QAG 1ST WEEK/1975 SHOW BROADCAST/FREDDIE MEMORIAL

November 22, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- STEROSCOPIC SOCIETY, BRITISH LIBRARY, AND ...
- JEST END

DERMOT O'LEARY ON QUEEN'S X FACTOR APPEARANCE

RAVE REVIEW! BRIAN MAY'S NEW 3-D BOOK!

THE LOST ENGLAND OF QUEEN'S BRIAN MAY

ROCK STAR'S VICTORIAN PASSION

November 21, 2009

BRIAN'S 3D DREAM

JEDWARD ARE HIT AT LAST WITH SIMON COW-ELL!

BRIAN AND OTHER ROCK STARS SIGN GUITAR AMPS FOR CHARITY

QUEEN BAND TO ROCK DUBLIN

November 20, 2009

A MOTHER'S FOND MEMORIES OF QUEEN STAR FREDDIE

November 19, 2009

BRIAN'S SOAPBOX:
- AVLF - OFFICIAL!

PRESS REPORTS - BRIAN'S VISIT TO STUTTGART

WE WILL ROCK YOU (EDINBURGH REVIEW)

FREDDIE MERCURY GETS MEMORIAL IN HOME TOWN

ROCK STAR SWAPS GUITAR FOR PHOTOGRAPHS ON VISIT TO BRADFORD

ROGER TAYLOR NEW SINGLE OUT MONDAY

RADIO 2 QUEEN DOCUMENTARY

ON THIS DAY IN MUSIC

BRIAN ON SMOOTH RADIO TODAY AND TOMORROW

November 18, 2009

ABSOLUTE GREATEST OUT NOW

December 1, 2009

Today's Tune: "You Don't Fool Me" By Queen

1996 single "You Don't Fool Me" first appeared on 1995 album 'Made In Heaven'.

The jurors of the theft trial for Baltimore, Maryland's Mayor Sheila Dixon announced their verdict on the charges against her today. Dixon was accused of stealing from the poor, via gift cards that were supposedly meant to go to the needy.

Although they did find her guilty on one count of fraudulent misappropriation, she got off lucky, I think. At first, I believe she denied using the cards. When proof that she spent them was dug up, the possibly soon to be former mayor said she thought the gift cards were a gift for her. I don't think Ms. Dixon lied about that part. I was sure from the start, they were meant for her, as a part of a much larger payoff.

It's a damn shame. Sheila Dixon seemed like she was willing to work hard for the city of Baltimore. But then, at first anyway, so did the last pratt to hold the office, Martin O'Malley. Next in line is current City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who will be interim mayor during Dixon's suspension while waiting for an official decision on her fate. Let's hope she can hold her corruption to a minimum.

Don't worry, I'm done my little rant. Now comes the good part. To pick an appropriate song (sort of close, anyway) for this December 1st 'Today's Tune', I didn't have to think very hard. Let's all get into the intoxicating and rhythmic beat of the oh so sexy jam, "You Don't Fool Me" by Queen.

Queen - "You Don't Fool Me"

November 24, 2009

I Still Love You Too, Freddie

Queen - Live in Montreal (1981)

It's been 18 years since we lost you, Freddie. I still remember you, and yes, I still love you too.

Queen - These Are The Days Of Our Lives"

Queen - "These Are The Days Of Our Lives" Live Remix

October 5, 2009

Today's Tune: "Fat Bottomed Girls" By Queen

Among those well known Americans born on an October 5th, is Ray Kroc (Born October 5, 1902 – Died January 14, 1984). Kroc was a businessman who sold milkshake mixing machines, who became a partner with the owners of the McDonald's Corporation, in the hopes of putting his mixers in multiple future locations. In 1961, he purchased the balance of the company from the McDonald's family. His vision of opening up more McDonalds fast restaurants and franchising them soon became a reality. Eventually, the fast food chain spread across the globe.

We all know that unhealthy fast food has led many people to become overweight. You might say Ray Kroc is partially responsible for millions of fat asses being served. With that in mind, this installment of 'Today's Tune' features the song appropriately titled "Fat Bottomed Girls" , by English rock band Queen.

Queen - "Fat Bottomed Girls" (Original music video)

Queen - "Fat Bottomed Girls" Live at Milton Keynes in 1982.

September 5, 2009

Today's Tune: "Mother Love" By Queen

This 'Today's Tune' is in honor of Freddie Mercury, as he was born on September 5, 1946. Mercury is best known as lead singer for one of Britain's all time greatest bands, Queen. Freddie (Farrokh Bulsara) was born on Zanzibar, an island of Tanzania, of Parsi heritage. He later went to school in India, before he and his family moved to London, England in 1964. There, he became a British citizen, went to college and in 1970, formed the band Queen with guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon. They spent many years as one of the world's top bands. Mercury was diagnosed as having AIDS in the Spring of 1987. Freddie died November 24th, 1991, less than twelve hours after publicly announcing through a prepared statement that he had AIDS.

"Mother Love" is supposed to be the last song ever recorded by Freddie Mercury. You'll notice the last verse being sung by guitarist Brian May. It is said that after having willed himself through recording several other songs, he didn't have the strength to finish the last one. However, it may have just been decided later that it needed a bit more at the end to properly finish the tune.

The song's meaning has been debated, but to me it is quite simple. "Mother Love" is not about love from Freddie's mother. The song refers to his desire to be loved with the same intensity and unyielding quality as a Mother's love of her child, the mother of of all loves. A love without fear of being left behind. There's no deviant meaning here. There is only one line that actually brings up the actual mother - "Mama, please let me back inside". This is about a frustrated, lonely and scared person wanting to hide away from the sometimes overwhelming real world. Most likely, Freddie was thinking of his (much more than) close friend Mary Austin, when he and Brian May wrote this song. He loved her as much as any gay (bisexual?) man could ever love a woman.

I browsed through several videos, and couldn't decide which was best. Therefore, here's two of the fan made YouTube videos I like.

Queen - "Mother Love"

August 28, 2009

Today's Tune: "One Vision" By Queen

Martin Luther King, Jr. addresses crowd at the Lincoln Memorial
in Washington, DC, where he gave his "I Have A Dream" speech.

On August 28, 1963, a very large group of people, including many political activists, participated in the 'March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom'. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. marched that day, and gave his "I Have A Dream" speech in Washington, DC. His speech was about his dream of all people working and living together in harmony. With that in mind, today I've chosen the Queen song - "One Vision". The song was written about King and his speech on that day, with the idea for it originally coming from drummer Roger Taylor. Obviously, Taylor and the band also dreamed of "hope and unity".

Queen - "One Vision"

August 19, 2009

Today's Tune: "Disturbing The Priest" By Black Sabbath And "Thunderbird" By Quiet Riot

Once again, I'm going to serve up two tracks for the 'Today's Tune' feature. One reason is that both videos are of the still picture variety. Secondly, I just plain felt like it. Making the cut today, we have "Disturbing The Priest" by the 1983 lineup of England's hard rockers Black Sabbath, to celebrate the birthday of former Sab singer Ian Gillan (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath). Slot number two is covered by the American heavy band Quiet Riot, and the tune is "Thunderbird" (1983), probably my favorite by them. I chose this tune because of the passing of England born actor Peter Dyneley (Thunderbirds, 'The Manster') on August 19, 1977. Dyneley is mostly known for his voiceover work in the television show Thunderbirds and the subsequent films.

Other August 19th births: 1921 - American science fiction screenwriter and producer Gene Roddenberry (Star Trek), 1939 - English drummer Ginger Baker (Cream, Blind Faith), 1946 - Former American President Bill Clinton, 1951 - English bass player and song writer John Deacon (Queen), 1963 - American actor John Stamos (Full House, ER) and 1969 - Canadian American television and film comedy actor Matthew Perry (Friends, 'The Whole Nine Yards').

Another August 19th, 1977 death would be American comedy film actor and game show host Groucho Marx ('Monkey Business', 'A Night At The Opera', You Bet Your Life).

Black Sabbath - "Disturbing The Priest"

Quiet Riot - "Thunderbird"

June 13, 2009

Queen 'The Singles Collection - Volume 2' Widget

August 19, 2008

August 19th Birthdays

It's amazing how so many famous people were born on the date of August 19th. The following are a few that have helped entertain me, develope my taste in music and affect who I am.

Ginger Baker turns 69 today. Baker is the legendary drummer that is best known for playing in the bands Cream and the short lived Blind Faith. Happy birthday to you, yah big kook.

Ian Gillan is now 63 years old. He sang on one album (Born Again) and part of a tour with Black Sabbath, and has done various other projects, including some solo work. Most of his career has been spent with Deep Purple. Gillan is currently touring Europe with Deep Purple. Hope you have a good one, Ian.

Happy 57th birthday to John Deacon. Deacon was the bass player for Queen. He also played some guitar and wrote some of their biggest hits. John is a very rich, but definitely retired musician.

Ginger Baker Drum Solo with Cream in 2005

Deep Purple, Tony Iommi, Brian May, Paul Rodgers, Bruce Dickinson, etc., etc., etc.
"Smoke On The Water"

1986 John Deacon Interview on Dutch TV