Brian May Slams BBC Show The Voice: "I Hope It Dies Very Soon"
Wednesday, 22 May 2013
Written by Elliott Batte
Hating on reality contest shows such as The X Factor seems to be a popular sport amongst accomplished musicians at the moment - and Queen guitarist Brian May is the latest to join in, this time slamming BBC One show The Voice!
The star didn’t hold back in his outburst, describing it as ‘the dullest, dumbest, most depressing programme on TV’ - and even ‘the ultimate insult to music and to performers’. You can check it out below.
May wrote:
“Sorry – hate to be negative – but I have to say this. In my opinion, ‘The Voice’ is absolutely the dullest, dumbest, most depressing programme on TV. It's also the ultimate insult to music and to performers. Every time I catch a glimpse of young singers busting their guts trying to win somebody's attention, who is rudely sitting with their back to the singer … I feel sick. It brings singing down to the level of a stupid obstacle course on 'It's A Knockout'. This is not – NOT – what music is about.
“When we sing, or play, for real, we are NOT screaming at the top of our lungs trying to persuade someone to notice us. We have messages, we have subtle emotions, we have beauty, which can only be shared by a performer in front of an audience whose whole attention is already freely given. The performance is all about EVERYTHING the performer gives … in voice, in sound, in body language, in facial expression, in intimate eye contact. This stupid, stupid idea that someone can JUDGE a singer by turning his back on him, and missing out on proper contact, is, to me, a fatuous nonsense. And actually poisonous to the growth of young performers.”
He added finally:
“I hate seeing the great Tom Jones shoehorned into this scenario … it seems to deprive everyone who takes part of their dignity. I hope this vile programme dies a natural death very soon.”
Though he’s taken his time to have a dig at The Voice, May is currently rehearsing for his up and coming UK tour alongside Kerry Ellis. If you’re a fan and want to get to one of the gigs, check the dates and links below to find tickets through Stereoboard.
Tue June 18th 2013 - BOURNEMOUTH Pavilion
Wed June 19th 2013 - BASINGSTOKE Anvil
Fri June 21st 2013 - NORTHAMPTON Derngate
Sun June 23rd 2013 - LIVERPOOL Philharmonic
Mon June 24th 2013 - BIRMINGHAM Town Hall
Tue June 25th 2013 - SALFORD Lowry
Wed June 26th 2013 - GATESHEAD Sage
Fri June 28th 2013 - WORCESTER Malvern Theatre
Sat June 29th 2013 - LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru
Sun June 30th 2013 - DUBLIN Olympia
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