We Will Rock You
Las Vegas Band

WWRY VEGAS, THE BAND - BRIAN MAY (05/04/2004)

Well, here's my "Unofficial" list of band members for Las Vegas ... I'm told the names have been published by our
partner Michael Gill's office, and the 'runners up' notified with our thanks. The talent really was great ... it was very
uncomfortable having not enough jobs for all the excellent players ..

Here's the WWRY BAND we chose....

MD/Keys 1 - Keith Thompson
Asst MD/Keys 2 - Phillip Fortenberry
Keys 3 - D. Gause-Snelson (she’s called “Dee” )

Guitar 1 - Paul Crook
Guitar 2 - David Hornbeck

Drums - John Micelli
Percussion - Jim Belk

Bass - Oliver Hofer

The titles "Guitar 1" and "Guitar 2" do not imply any preference or seniority - they just specify which "chair" they
occupy. The two guitar parts are complimentary and they share the soloing, depending on which song ....

John Micelli is an old friend - I played with him when I guested with Meat Loaf a few years ago in London Wembley
Arena. He's a truly magnificent drummer, quite reminiscent of Cozy to me in style, although he's very much an
individual. Also a total gentleman, and inspiring to be around. I actually can't believe our luck in getting him! The rest
of the band are all new discoveries for me, except for Paul Crook, whom I bumped into a few years ago when he was in
ANTHRAX - we were on the same bill in Chicago. He's hugely fluid and juicy as a player (hope those are suitable
epithets!) very tasteful and very modest as a person. The other axeman David Hornbeck just walked in and laid the
parts down like he'd been doing it for months already - very incisive, rhythmic with a touch of danger! The two guys
instantly complemented each other in the room, so I have very good feelings about this. Keith came highly
recommended by more than one source, and he's very experienced at doing the MD job, as well as being a fine player
himself. Philip quickly impressed us with his technique - a fine musician. And Dee (or is it"D" ??) just brought joy into
the room - her playing matches her ebullience as a person - injecting much life into the score. Oliver comes originally
from Germany, and, among a very fine collection of bass players who turned up to audition for us, he still managed to
stand out - high precision, great style, and a natural blend with the drums. This leaves Jim Belk on percussion - we
picked him for his range and sensitivity - and Roger was impressed by the tightness of his playing.

So there you have it - we have a band!

I'm very much hoping that some of the great musicians we weren't able topick for the job will stay around and dep, and
maybe eventually play in Toronto or elsewhere. .. it really was a great bunch of guys ...we're very privileged.

And for the WWRY VEGAS BAND - we are off and running. This show will be shorter than its English counterpart (due
to Union restrictions) - but it sure will Rock just as hard!

Cheers

bri

(this was posted on Brian May's website.)