On March 19, 2019 the musical performance of Radek Brzobohatý Theater,
Freddie, was played for the last time in the completely full theater in Jablonec
nad Nisou.
Under Karel Janák direction, a rather sharp script turned into a remarkable
work of art, mainly thanks to the superb interpretation of the legendary
band‘s songs, which were played live by Queenie, one of the world's most
renowned Queen tribute bands. Their frontman, Michael Kluch, starred as Freddie
Mercury, and together with the band, Jiří Korn (band
manager’s representative), and other protagonists they presented a
fascinating, breathtaking performance full of emotions. The artists on the
packed stage were rewarded with a thunderous final applause including a standing
ovation. This last performance of the musical, organized outside of Prague, was
a somewhat secret but very pompous farewell to the audience.
We have asked Michael Kluch, who plays the lead role as Freddie
Mercury: What was behind such an unexpected end?
“I'm very sad about it, both for myself and the band and for the other
artists who spent a lot of time and energy preparing this performance and
expected the result of their effort to last. It is obvious that none of the
performers can influence the copyright factors. That is purely a matter of
production.”
Am I to understand that the theater‘s copyright ended with this
performance?
“We don't even know exactly how it was done with the copyright. We know
only that there was some conflict regarding an infringement of the copyright in
this performance, which is why today it was probably the last time we played it.
A new version is being prepared. The new script’s concept would not need the
approval of the Queen group copyright holders, but for now it does not seem
promising.
Is the script not good?
“I don't want to evaluate the script as such, but Queen without Queen?!
That's nonsense to me. Culture is supposed to entertain and enrich people, not
to look for ways to bypass some rules – that's not how we want to be. With
the band, we perform all over the world and we do care how people abroad see us
and what they say about us. If we want to be a proud nation, we can't just
constantly work around things in some cunning ways.”
So will you and Queenie not take part in the next
version?
“I don’t think so at the moment. We are proud of our previous work on
the musical, we enjoyed doing it and we would be glad to continue with the
original version. However, if it‘s true that the authors‘ consent has never
been issued at all, our efforts to carry on with this project would most likely
be pointless. As I have already mentioned, we cannot, and indeed do not want
to, participate in something that infringes copyright.”
What’s the situation with the copyright and Queenie?
“For organizing concerts, the consent of the authors is not necessary –
only the organizer of each event where we play pays the authors royalties
according to the rules. We do not need to handle that part.”
What are you preparing in the near future?
“We are planning a lot of concerts both in our country and around the
world, even though, unfortunately, we cannot be everywhere. In April we will
play in Sweden and Costa Rica, but Prague fans can enjoy our show on April 16,
from 19:00, at Retro Music Hall. In May, besides Denmark and Prague, we will
bring our Queen Relived show to Olomouc, Pilsen and České Budějovice, where
the concert tickets are already sold out. I can't remember all the concerts
we've arranged, but we will also play in other cities, so hopefully there will
be something for every fan. We are also preparing one special pearl, but that
one is still a secret.”
Which concert are you looking forward to most?
“We look forward to all our concerts, and we enjoy them to the fullest. If
I should name just one though, I am thinking of our most recent addition –
we have been invited to the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, with Sir Elton
John as its main star this year.