In the beautiful regal and grandeur setting of Hampton Court palace we had the privilege to witness one of the world’s greatest guitarists accompanied by one of the finest stage voices. Yes this was the much anticipated show by Kerry Ellis and Brian May.
Upon arriving we were greeted by the vast green grounds and sweeping gardens of the palace. People everywhere were taking in the sumptuous surrounding whilst enjoying a Jamie Oliver picnic or sampling a glass of Champagne thanks to the Moet bar. Despite the raining conditions earlier in the day the rain withdrew and kept itself hidden for all those attending allowing them to unwind and enjoy the summer sun before the anticipated event. As dusk began to draw near we were invited to take our seats in the court yard of the palace. The seating and arrangement reassembling a cross between a west end production and a small intimate gig.
Before long the due struck the stage, looking as though they had been performing for many years they undertook many of their new songs. Each track had the Drama and strength of a true stage performer thanks to Kerry’s Voice with the excellence of Brian Mays unchallenged skill on the guitar. Each track could have been a classic queen hit with Ballad status.
It wasn’t long before the first Queen song drew its head with the track Somebody to Love. At first a bit apprehensive that it wouldn’t do the original justice but it was quite the opposite. Not only did the performance do the original justice it was sung and played with such uniqueness comparisons where not needed. More queen songs followed with Crazy Little Thing called Love and Save Me.
After many more anthems the show come to its end. However not a disappointed head was left in the house. The beautiful surroundings of Hampton Court Palace had played host to two fantastic artists. Kerry proved that she was not just a stage voice while Brian May showed he can still cut a solo through the hearts of an audience conjuring those early memories of queen but always delivering something new. The pair together makes a match unrivalled by most of today’s artists with an offering like no other.
Published on 13 June 2011 by Ben Robinson
Hampton Court Palace Festival 2011 Kerry Ellis and Brian May
