Cessy Newmon
This Friday (10/18), Jacksonville rock fans are going to get a special treat. THE ULTIMATE QUEEN CELEBRATION is coming to our city for one performance only. This is not a typical tribute or impersonation show, nor is it a story about Freddy Mercury and the original group. This is a group of musicians with a lead singer hand-picked by Brian May (original Queen guitar/vocals) and Roger Taylor (original Queen drums/vocals).
I had the pleasure of speaking with Yvon Pedneault, who has lead vocals for the group. From the start, the members were asked to honor the work of the original group, but they were never asked to be anything other than themselves in doing so. You can expect a high-energy rock concert that brings the level of energy and shares their passion for the works of Queen.
Raised in a small town outside of Quebec, Canada, when he graduated with a degree in musical theater, Mr. Pedneault’s first thought was that he might be a comedian. His roommate saw an open casting call for We Will Rock You in Toronto. Mr. Pedneault was terrified, as he did not speak English at the time, but he went anyway. He was given a callback for the next day, for which he had to learn four songs and four scenes in English. He felt like he failed miserably, but to his surprise, he was asked to the final callbacks in two weeks. He immediately started working with an English tutor and an acting coach.
At the final callback, Mr. Pedneault thought he might get ensemble. That was the day May and Taylor were at the auditions. The director thought he would be good as the understudy. The feedback Mr. Pedneault got was, “He’s the lead. You can teach Yvon to speak English. You can’t teach others to sing like Yvon.” That kicked off his 788 performance run and Best Lead Actor nomination in We Will Rock You.
When putting together THE ULTIMATE QUEEN CELEBRATION in 2017, May and Taylor tapped Mr. Pedneault once again. All of the band members are currently working on multiple projects, with Mr. Pedneault in 3-4 different shows at any given time.
On guitar is Angus Clark, who is also on tour with Trans-Siberian, Daredevil Squadron and Rock of Ages.
Nico Sleator is keyboard/piano and music director for the team. He is a New York based pianist, producer, composer, DJ, musical director, and educator.
Steve Renko on drums is a Cleveland-based, award-winning drummer and percussionist and a widely-sought sideman with Jazz, Blues, Rock and Funk outfits.
Ray Cetta (bass) has performed from Carnegie Hall to renowned clubs including The Bitter End and Le Poisson Rouge. He is an in-demand sousaphone player and holds the tuba chair in the widely acclaimed High and Mighty Brass Band. He is an accomplished composer and has written for a huge variety of groups, such as the NBC Sports 2012 Summer Olympic broadcast.
The group keeps in touch via group text in between shows, and it’s always nice when they are back performing together. And they are excited to be together again in Jacksonville!
THE ULTIMATE QUEEN CELEBRATION is at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts October 18th ONLY. Runtime is about 90 minutes. Ticket prices vary based on show and seating. For tickets, go to fscjartistseries.org or call (904) 632-5000.
by Cessy Newmon
Follow FOLIO!