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Paul Rodgers: Classic Rocker Talks 'All Right Now,' Adam Lambert and Becoming Canadian
- Posted on Apr 10th 2012 1:00PM by Lonny Knapp
Gareth Davies, Getty Images
Platinum selling singer-songwriter Paul Rodgers has one of the most distinctive voices on classic rock radio. His unique timbre earned him the nickname "the Voice." It's a fitting handle; as frontman for English blues band Free, '70's supergroup Bad Company, Jimmy Page's post-Led Zeppelin project the Firm, and more recently a revamped version of Queen, he has voiced some of rock's most memorable tracks.
Rodgers has released 30 albums, sold over 90 million records, and is a rock radio staple. In fact, BMI, an organization that collects royalties for songwriters, reports that Free's 1972 single "All Right Now," has logged a staggering four million spins in the U.S. alone.
As part of the recent Canadian Music Week, Rodgers sat for a celebrity interview and dropped in for an impromptu set with Canadian classic rock revivalists the Sheepdogs.
During the festival Rodgers also chatted with Spinner about his recent Canadian citizenship, the incredible staying power of a simple song, and why Adam Lambert might not be ready for a full-time gig fronting Queen.
"All Right Now" has played over four million times in the U.S. alone. I did the math. On repeat the track would run non-stop for 31.5 years. Do you ever get sick of hearing it?
I didn't play "All Right Now" for more than 20 years, and I didn't think I missed it. A few years ago, I was doing a blues tour with Jason Bonham (son of Led Zeppelin drummer, John). He kept shouting from behind his kit, "Let's do 'All Right Now,'" and the audience picked up on it. We went into it and blew the doors off the place. I've kept it in the set ever since.
When you wrote it, did you know you were creating a rock radio anthem?
At the time Free was doing an all-original set except for a cover of (Albert King's blues staple) "The Hunter." We didn't have a song that was more popular than that. So, I said, "We have to write a song that is really simple, and that people can sing along to." I started singing, "All Right Now." It's a simple song, but it does have a certain magic. I wish they all came that easy. (laughs)
Your vocal prowess has earned you the nickname "the Voice." Do you like that handle?
That's not something I'd call myself, but I take it as a compliment. However, I feel like I'm more than just a voice. I put a lot of energy into forming all the bands I've been in.
In 2003, you teamed up with the surviving members of Queen. Despite your reputation, stepping in for the late Freddy Mercury must have been intimidating. How did that collaboration come about?
If Brian May had called me and asked if I wanted to be their singer, I would have been reluctant. (laughs)
But, we had played together for a broadcast celebrating (Island Records founder and record producer) Chris Blackwell. Chris had asked me if I'd close the show with "All Right Now." Queen was appearing on the same show, and Brain said Queen would back me up if I'd sing "We Will Rock You" and "We are the Champions." Those songs are right up my street, so I agreed.
A couple of days later, Brian called me up and asked if I'd fancy doing some dates in Europe, just for fun. All of a sudden, it just expanded into four years.
Queen and Paul Rodgers sold out arenas around the world. It was a lucrative and enviable gig, so why did you opt out? And can you imagine getting back together?
We parted the best of friends and I wish them every success. We'll do a couple of gigs in the future. That's where we left it.
Being in a band is all-consuming and I like to have a life. After leaving Queen I decided to stop doing those mega-four-month tours. I go out for a month and my dog recognizes me when I come home.
I met the Sheepdogs yesterday and we had a little jam session. Those guys live on the road. I've been there, and frankly, I'm too long in the tooth.
American Idol runner up Adam Lambert was set to front Queen at the band's appearance for the now-cancelled 2012 Sonisphere festival at Knebworth. Do you think his stint on a televised talent show has prepared him for that high profile gig?
It's probably a dream come true for Adam, but I wonder if he has the groundwork to see him through a big tour with those guys.
In 2010, after a 30-year absence, Bad Company reformed to tour the UK. Can fans expect more tours and perhaps new material?
There are a couple of thing coming up, but honestly, I don't like reunions that much. It's just so many people want it and I get talked into it. Who am I to stand in the way? (laughs)
As a solo artist, you've worked with Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Slash, and Joe Walsh and many more of the world's top guitarists. You formed and fronted Free and Bad Company, and later stepped in to help Queen. You've even popped up on a record from Eminem. Looking at your bio, it seems you've worked with just about everyone. What attracts you to these collaborations?
I collaborate with people that intrigue and excite me musically. They don't have to be big famous stars, though often they are.
Last year you sang the Canadian anthem at your citizenship ceremony. Why did you decide to become a Canuck?
My wife Cynthia (Kereluk, Miss Canada 1984) is Canadian. I've lived here for 14 years, and it seemed about time. I sent the paperwork, and thankfully it came through. If they let me in, apparently, they will let anyone in. (laughs)
Watch Paul Rodgers and Queen performing "All Right Now"
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Around The Web:
Paul Rodgers - Official Website
Paul Rodgers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bad Company - Free | Bad Company | Paul Rodgers Fan Website
Rescuing animals is part of Rodgers' rock 'n' roll reality
Paul Rodgers Reveals Untold Stories of Rock
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Adam is so grateful for this opportunity and will do a great job with Queen. We Glamberts are excited. Paul Rodgers is a decent singer who has a great history. Adam has incredible vocals (even if you don't like him, admit it). I'd like to see Adam do well, but he could never have the "groundwork" like Paul who came from such a different era. It is so hard to make it in the music world compared to Paul's time. That's my opinion. Adam will never have it that easy plus his sexuality affects his success. Freddie had to hide his. This collab is good for everyone as Adam breaks barriers. Please people give him a chance. I'm from Paul's era and a huge Queen fan. No one I can think of has Adam's voice, stage presence, or can sing so many genres of music. I am so appreciative to Queen for giving this great vocalist the opportunity.
April 12 2012 at 1:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI think Paul Rogers has some sour grapes here maybe...maybe a little jealous that a new "The Voice," has emerged and Queen has taken him under their wing for a few concerts. Paul needs to check his facts...first...Adam is not a new front man permanently for Queen...they are doing a few concerts this summer...Second Adam is experienced in terms of being ready for a concert tour...Hello Paul...Glam Tour...US and Worldwide success...70 shows in US that were sold out...sold out shows overseas on Glam Tour...Some major gigs in there (over 60K in attendance)...not to mention his touring with American Idol...sold out that year too do to Adam's huge impact on that show...Adam also has a lot of Broadway experience...which means more that two or three shows a week for months ...WOW jealous much!
April 11 2012 at 9:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
celtcwrtr
well, Lambert had a bit of groundwork w/ his Glam Nation - it went international, had a gig every 2-3 days for six months, and he never missed a date.
sure it is a dream to front for his idols (but) he doesn't appear to have any intention of it being a permanent gig. he has his own 21st century music to worry about.
chris
LOL! did anyone other than Glamberts read this article? I wouldn't have read this article if not for the Adam reference in my Google Alerts. Which is not to say, Mr Knapp, that you should continue to reference Adam in your articles just to get hits IF you HAVEN'T done your homework on this much loved man. We Glamberts are very good at boycotting writers who don't do their homework.
I loved Bad Company and but didn't quite get on board with Queen + Paul Rodgers. I felt there was a difference in style. I can't WAIT to see Adam perform again with Queen.
Paul Rogers is more of a Blues singer and not was not an exciting fit with Queen. I guess he was just safe for all fans. No over the top praise to vie with Freddie!! Here comes Adam Lambert who has the greatest vocals and rang as well as rock sensibility and is the most charismatic, exciting performer in today's music world. Why is everyone so scared of his talent. Embrace it. As far as the inane remark by Paul Rogers. Adam is doing 4 show, 4 shows, he is not going on a years worth of concerts. He has a 6 month tour and 100 performance under his belt (not missing one date), forget the length of the performance. If that is all Paul Rogers has to say, you will have to ask the questions Why did he even need to go there. Instead of wishing Adam success, he had to put a ? Shows no character and no respect for his fellow artist. Adam is more like Freddie than Rogers could ever hope to be. Freddie and Adam are showman and theatrical and with voices that are beyond understanding. Both their ranges are endless. If anyone can do justice to Queen's music it is Adam. Adam will bring his own style and make it his own. There will never be another Freddie and I know Adam admires Freddie and does not want to be a clone, but be an original. I will leave the cloning to the Queen tour front men!! Adam and Queen were an out of this world collaboration at the EMAs! So exciting and brought Queen's music alive!! If you did not see it and hear it, it is a pity. It was real and so out of this world!! Can't wait for more!!
April 10 2012 at 10:33 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply
Sylvia Taylor
@euroubi As an Adam Lambert fan, we often discuss Adam's place on the list of all time great vocalist. Everyone you mention has been compared. Nobody wants to put Paul Rogers on that list but Adam is. It is not the number of tours that Adam did, but his talent that is exceptional. Adam Lambert is one of the best vocalist of all time. Roger Taylor calls him one in a hundred million. I was in a standing room only audience of about 6 thousand at the Hard Rock in Sunrise and many venues were bigger than that. For what reason do you attempt to diminish Adam's talent and achievements? Why don't you take the trash you spill and go stuff it?
April 10 2012 at 8:05 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down ReplyI've never heard of Paul Rodgers.
April 10 2012 at 5:48 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply
euroubi
4 replies to euroubi's comment
I'm not a massive Paul Rodgers fan. But I don't really understand why should someone who is in the music business more than 40 years ago and released 30 albums and sold over 90 million record know Adam Lambert?
I wonder how many great singers on the following list are glamberts familiar with: Freddie Mercury, Rob Halford, Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, Ian Gillan, Robert Plant, Tony Martin, David Coverdale. Not to mention their extensive catalog.
So, please, do your homework, know them and then you can place Adam in music history.
Yes, Adam Lambert did two 6 month tours, which contained more than hundred 50-60 minutes long performances in front of a 2000-4000 audience, each. So what?
The only reason I clicked on this article was to read what Paul Rodgers had to say about Adam Lambert. As an amazing singer and entertainer himself, I was very interested in what Paul Rodgers had to say.
What I found was one subversive and very leading question about Adam Lambert, obviously designed to elicit some type of negative response from Mr. Rodgers. Obviously Paul Rodgers knows very little about Adam Lambert's history and performance credentials, so he remained relatively non-committal while still answering the question.
Paul Rodgers certainly has a lot more class than the interviwer, who didn't hesitate to use Adam Lambert's name in the title of his article despite very little relevant comment within the article. Not cool. Using Adam Lambert's name to get hits while attempting to undermine him.
Personally, I am very much looking forward to Adam Lambert's performances with Queen and I have no doubt that he can handle it.
Okay, don't have time to read all other comments, but must say Adam has been preparing for this gig since he was 18, including his 120 venue tour last year. He is not doing a full time tour with Queen because he has his own album to promote TRESPASSING, but the four dates he will share the stage with them should be mind-blowing. Dismissing Adam as any old American Idol contestant is laughable. I'm not saying Adam doesn't have his work cut out for him, but the man is a huge talent and has limitless charisma. I'd put Adam's performance skills against ANYONE'S, cough, cough, and think a neutral audience would respond with a resounding..... NO ONE CAN TOUCH HIM LIVE ON STAGE !!
JMHO :)
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