“Paul Rodgers – Live In Glasgow” Blu-ray Review
Paul Rodger’s has perhaps one of the most impressive resumes when it comes to the music world. His list of associated bands ranges from FREE to QUEEN and his solo efforts continue to impress fans worldwide. With his 2007 performance of Live in Glasgow, Rodger’s performed seventeen songs that invigorated the audience and further proved his talent in not only singing but also with a wide array of instruments. With fans only able to witness it in DVD and on CD previously, Eagle Rock brings it to Blu-ray for the first time in stunning high-definition clarity.
Synopsis
His resume reads like a rock fan’s wildest dream: frontman and main songwriter for FREE (founded with the late guitarist Paul Kossoff), BAD COMPANY, THE FIRM, SOLO & QUEEN. Paul Rodgers has been electrifying audiences since he hit #1 with his worldwide hit “All Right Now” co-written with Free. After six years with FREE, Rodgers formed BAD COMPANY with Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs. As the main songwriters they wrote all of the platinum records and #1 hits. While moving forward as a solo artist he took a slight detour and formed THE FIRM with LED ZEPPELIN guitarist Jimmy Page. He then continued as a solo artist and received a Grammy Nomination for his “Muddy Water Blues” CD on which he wrote the title track. In 2005 he joined forces with QUEEN and toured worldwide at QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS performing songs from both of their catalogues. He is currently proceeding on two fronts with QUEEN and as a solo artist.
I’m rather musically challenged when it comes to pre-90s musicians, so Paul Rodger’s musical physique on the cover of Live In Glasglow threw me for a loop (though I later realized while watching him that he was probably the inspiration for the musician on the second season of Californication…for better or worse) and I honestly had no real recollection on whether or not I’d heard his music before. Watching the concert, however, I discovered that while he’s an incredibly talented musician in many ways, he is not someone t hat I immediately notice.
By that I mean I watched this entire concert and didn’t really pick out a single song that really stood out to me. I’ve had a similar thing happen to me before when I listen to a band for the first time, but usually there’s at least one or two songs that stand out and warrant a second listen, but here…I guess you just have to be an existing fan, as nothing in Live In Glasgow really stood out. Not to say it wasn’t entertaining, but there was nothing that really stood out.
Of course fans of Rodger will no doubt be entertained by the set list, which includes:
1. I’ll Be Creepin’
2. The Stealer
3. Ride On A Pony
4. Radioactive
5. Be My Friend
6. Warboys
7. Feel Like Makin’ Love
8. Bad Company
9. (I Just Wanna) See You Smile
10. Louisiana Blues
11. Fire And Water
12. Wishing Well
13. All Right Now
14. I’m A Mover
15. The Hunter
16. Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love
17. Seagull
Overall it’s a fine concert, but one strictly Recommended for fans.
The Blu-ray
Eagle Rock brings Paul Rodgers – Live In Glasgow to Blu-ray in a fantastic 1080i high definition transfer that really is quite impressive. The 1.78:1 aspect ratio absolutely fills the screen and the amount of detail shown throughout is stunning from beginning to end. From sweat drops to detail of the crowd and stage, Live in Glasgow really looks great. The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is enveloping, with great surround dispersion for each of the songs and a loud and clear center channel voice from Rodgers. Bass is strong as well, while not being overbearing.
Extras here are limited and tend to dwell on Rodgers career (which his as impressive as he himself is, really). Included are:
Interview with Paul Rodgers
Interviews with the Band
Interviews with the Fans
Bonus Track – Sunshine
They’re all pretty standard extras, but between Rodgers himself to the fans that are stoked to see him live, the set offers a decent glimpse into the world that Paul Rodgers has constructed for himself in the 40 year long career.
Overall like the concert this is Recommended for fans only. The visuals and audio upgrades are nice, so if you really enjoyed the concert on DVD or on CD, then you’ll really enjoy it here.
Paul Rodgers – Live In Glasgow arrives on Blu-ray on March 31st.