One area that is always a delight for the audience is when a classic track is presented in a completely different style – such as from the Queen + Paul Rodgers tour in 2005, with this compelling re-imagining of “Hammer To Fall.”
Written by Brian May, and released as the fourth single from 1984’s “The Works” album, “Hammer To Fall” was always a deeper song than its thrilling route-one riff implied. Interpreted as an ode to the paranoia of the Cold War era (‘For we who grew up tall and proud/In the shadow of the mushroom cloud’) and the great leveller of death (‘Rich or poor or famous/For your truth it’s all the same’), Brian gave the official explanation on his website. “’Hammer To Fall’ is really about life and death, and being aware of death as being part of life – the hammer coming down is only a symbol of the Grim Reaper doing his job!”
Performing a carbon copy of “Hammer To Fall” each night could never satisfy this creatively fearless band.
In this week’s episode, the song is slowed to a stately pace and stripped to its aching soul, with Brian leading in the song amidst a waterfall of harmonies worthy of a gospel choir, before noughties-era frontman Paul Rodgers joins him for a touching duo performance.
But of course, Queen would never send the hardcore rockers in the crowd home disappointed, and as the glistening chords of the reimagined song curdle into a squeal of feedback, Brian rises from his stool to fire the revved-up riff on all cylinders.
Add some Queen for your collection here.
See also:
Queen adapt to new technology on The Greatest Live
Queen will rock you on The Greatest Live
hennemusic Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 7: QUEEN
Queen salute friends on The Greatest Live
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