The Festival Theatre is soon to be bathed in candlelight as two huge shows head to Adelaide. On Friday February 17 Queen By Candlelight will be performed for one night only, as will Meat Loaf By Candlelight on Saturday February 18.
In these two remarkable productions, the iconic music of cult sensations Queen and Meat Loaf will be celebrated and showcased on an epic scale, with an incredible band and cast of singers against a magnificent backdrop of candles.
Australian expat Simon Gordon, who has been performing over on London’s West End for the past several years, is joining the cast as it sets off on its Australian tour. Ahead of their opening performance of their tour in Brisbane, I spoke with Simon about the show, what it is about the music of Queen and Meat Loaf that people love, and what drew him to pursue the performing arts as a career path.
“I started performing when I was a kid, but then I got ‘too cool’ for it. Then I realised girls fancy singers, and suddenly I was singing again. As I grew up, I developed a love for the work and being on stage and have fallen more and more in love with it ever since. It’s a part of who I am now – I feel most at home on stage.”
Queen’s and Meat Loaf’s music still resonate as strongly with people today as it did when both were at their peak. Simon shared with me why he feels their music has stood the test of time.
“Music back then came from a different place than it does now. With Queen, they were breaking barriers, bringing a new sound to the world, and with a front man like Freddie they were always going to be stratospheric. Meat Loaf had the legendary genius Jim Steinman writing their hits for them. It’s 10-minute songs like Bat Out Of Hell that grabbed the music world and gave it a good shake.
“The thing they both have in common is the emotion behind the songs. When people listen to the music of Queen and Meat Loaf, it evokes emotion in them. The energy of these songs is undeniable; it’s different for everyone, but you can’t help feeling something when you hear this music. The nostalgia people feel when they hear songs like Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody or Meat Loaf’s Anything For Love brings their youth rushing back to them – they feel young and energetic and rebellious again.”
Queen and Meat Loaf By Candlelight promise to be a very unique and memorable experience.
“Foremost, these are epic live rock shows with iconic music, performed by some of the most fantastic voices you’ll ever hear. Coupled with beautiful venues bathed in candlelight, these are truly unforgettable nights for people.”
After performing on London’s West End for so many years, Simon is returning home and performing in front of Aussie audiences again. I asked how he feels about this homecoming.
“I’ve spent the last 8 years of my life performing in London’s West End, so it’s going to be a real moment for me to be able to perform for all of my family in Australia for the first time, on such beautiful and iconic stages. And as an Aussie citizen, Australia is my second home, so it’s always good to be back in the sun!”
Both productions will be performed at the Festival Theatre on separate nights. Queen by Candlelight will be on February 17 at 7.30pm with further information and tickets available here: https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/queen-by-candlelight .
Meat Loaf by Candlelight will be on February 18 at 7.30pm with further information and tickets available here: https://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/meat-loaf-by-candlelight .
Interviewed by Ben Stefanoff
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