Qween and Dublin Gospel Choir line up Mullingar date

The tribute show Qween are teaming up with the Dublin Gospel Choir for a nationwide tour that brings them to Mullingar in March.

Qween formed in 2018, after members performed together in numerous other guises over the years, and in the new iteration, they reached new heights in terms of production and adventure. With notable fans in Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Mark Shaw (Then Jerico) and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Qween have sold out the 3000 capacity King John’s Castle in Limerick and played main stage at Electric Picnic, a first for any tribute show.

Fans may also recognise lead singer Brian Keville as he portrays Freddie Mercury in the Live Aid drama ‘When Harvey Met Bob’ alongside Domhnall Gleeson as Bob Geldof.

In late 2023, Brian was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that necessitated extensive surgery. “Performing is my life, and being so close to seeing it taken from me was one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever faced,” he said.

A fundraising show was organised that featured appearances from Tony Hadley, Mark Shaw and TV chef James Martin. “I’m grateful that fans and musical friends alike jumped on board. We had the biggest gig of our lives, and this helped me get fit again, so it was especially memorable,” said Brian.

Qween have gone to extreme lengths to capture the magic of Queen, acquiring everything from a tailored lemon leather Freddie jacket (from Queen’s legendary Slane Castle show in 1986) to guitar equipment from Brian’s May’s technician. They even play with period-correct sixpences on the guitars.

The live two-hour production of Queen’s greatest hits preserves the image, sound and stage personas of classic Queen hits from ‘Radio Ga Ga’ to ‘Somebody to Love’.

“Queen’s music is technically difficult, but we’re massive fans, so we were able to put in the dedication to get every detail just right,” says guitarist Thomas Brunkard. “If all those were removed, fans would know it wasn’t right.”

In 2022, with the aim of making their shows even more engaging for fans, Qween drafted in The Dublin Gospel Choir, which bridged the gap between the central four-piece live band and the signature Queen sound created with a studio band.

The Dublin Gospel Choir slot at Electric Picnic is now legendary. They have shared the stage with music industry heavyweights such as Rod Stewart, John Legend, Kodaline, Outkast, Take That, Damien Rice, Duran Duran and Ennio Morricone, and while they are best known for their gospel, soul and RnB repertoire, their creative interpretation of contemporary pop and rock numbers have audiences shouting for more.

The show is coming to the Mullingar Park Hotel on March 29. Tickets €30 plus booking fee.