Blog: One vision, many Freddies

The story of Queen, like so many in rock music, is one of unlikely glories. A bucktoothed fellow of Middle Eastern descent became one of the Western world's greatest pop showmen. A distinctive guitarist also went on to become a respected astrophysicist. The task of impersonating Freddie Mercury, however daunting, should therefore be met with a "Why not?" attitude. This evening at the High Noon Saloon, Freddie wannabes are invited to take the stage during the Good To Be Queen impersonation contest, with The Gomers as their live backing band. ("Contestants will be judged on vocals, theatricality, and appearance," the High Noon's website notes.) Wondering how contestants can best nail Mercury's mix of high camp and high drama, or just hysterically butcher it, Decider took a look at a few international Queen tribute acts.

Kween
Claiming Japan is "the country that first recognized Queen as super rock band," Kween launched its career not long after Mercury's death. Leader Yohei Eto channels Mercury's hairy-chested sexuality through a stumpy, compact frame. On the band's version of the gloriously heartbroken "Somebody To Love,"Eto certainly grasps the song's balance of sadness and determination.

Body language: Sure, make Freddie's body language your own, whatever shape or size you are. But if you're that short, standing up on the drum riser won't make you look bigger. It'll just accentuate the shortness. Also, if your accent trips up the elocution, just power through it. And don't be a pussy about showing chest hair.

Gueen
What do you give the country that's got every crazy-ass thing imaginable? Another Queen tribute band, apparently. If Kween was a bit campy, Gueen's performance of "We Are The Champions" is both downright uproarious and terrifying. Hey, what if Freddie Mercury had the body of a crazed heroin addict? Here's the answer.

Keep yourself alive: Seriously, Freddie impersonators: Eat something and try to look graceful and healthy. On that note, the mustache has got to be full and bushy, or else it's only going to creep people out.

Mercury
This British outfit's stand-in, Joseph Lee Jackson, has a bit more of that manly presence in his approach. Syncing his moves with the lights and putting an extra growl in his vocals, Jackson turns "Radio Ga Ga" into a fleshed-out live experience.

Play the game: There's more to it than the songs and the looks. Don't forget to look up some of Freddie's brash stage banter and playful strutting. Work the crowd before the tune and between verses. Have fun with your audience, but not just by making an ass of yourself.