When the fans of a band put together a tribute production, you should expect microscopic detail, but when they’re also seasoned performers, you can expect fireworks. An exciting collaboration sees Europe’s best tribute show Qween team up with the renowned Dublin Gospel Choir to embark on a nationwide tour in 2024/2025. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 7, 2024 at 10AM. Tickets available from Box Office.
Qween formed in 2018, after members performed together in numerous other guises over the years. This new iteration saw them reach new heights in terms of production and adventure. With notable fans in Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Mark Shaw (Then Jerico) and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) Qween have sold out the 3000 capacity King John’s Castle in Limerick and played main stage at Electric Picnic, a first for any tribute show. Fans may also recognise lead singer Brian Keville as he portrays Freddie Mercury in the Live Aid drama ”When Harvey Met Bob” alongside Domhnall Gleeson’s Bob Geldof.
In late 2023, singer Brian was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that necessitated extensive surgery. “Performing is my life, and being so close to seeing it taken from me was one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever faced.” A fundraising show was organised that featured appearances from Tony Hadley, Mark Shaw and TV chef James Martin. “I’m grateful that fans and musical friends alike jumped on board. We had the biggest gig of our lives, and this helped me get fit again, so it was especially memorable,” said vocalist Brian Keville.
Qween have gone to extreme lengths to capture the magic of Queen, acquiring everything from a tailored lemon leather Freddie jacket (á la Queen’s legendary Slane Castle show in 1986) to guitar equipment from Brian’s May’s technician. They even play with period-correct six pence’s on the guitars. The live two hour production of Queen’s greatest hits preserves the image, sound and stage personas of classic Queen hits from ‘Radio Ga Ga’ to ‘Somebody to Love’. “Queen’s music is technically difficult, but we’re massive fans, so we were able to put in the dedication to get every detail just right. If all these things were removed fans would know it wasn’t right,” says guitarist Thomas Brunkard.
In 2022, with the aim of making their shows even more engaging for fans, Qween took their show to a new level by drafting in The Dublin Gospel Choir. This addition bridged the gap between the central four piece live band and the signature Queen sound created with a studio band. Now each shows sees the marriage of Queen’s studio arrangements played with the edge of a live band and choir. Dublin Gospel Choir has a penchant for bringing the house down. Their annual slot at Ireland’s internationally-acclaimed boutique festival Electric Picnic is now legendary. They have shared the stage with music industry heavyweights such as Rod Stewart, John Legend, Kodaline, Outkast, Take That, Damien Rice, Duran Duran and Ennio Morricone to name a few. While they are best known for their gospel, soul and RnB repertoire their creative interpretation of contemporary pop and rock numbers raise the roof and have audiences shouting for more.
Tickets €30 plus booking fee go on sale Friday, June 7, 2024 at 10AM. Tickets available from Box Office.
Upcoming Shows
October 26, 2024 – Glór, Ennis
November 8, 2024 – Theatre Royal, Waterford
January 10, 2025 – National Opera House, Wexford
January 24, 2025 – Everyman Theatre, Cork
February 1, 2025 – Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon
March 29, 2025 – Mullingar Park Hotel
