My love affair with Queen started with Sheer Heart Attack back in the 70's, and having waited over 30 years to see them live, I was desperate not to be diappointed, but who could possibly replace the most legendary front-man of our time?

I needn't have worried, former Free and Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers took up the mantle..and ran.

The intention was not to 'replace' Freddie but to find a kindred spirit who, along with Brian May and Roger Taylor could take the band forward.

In Rodgers they have found their perfect foil, completely at ease with the crowd-pleasing numbers such as Another One Bites the Dust, Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic and We Will Rock You, he is equally at ease turning it down with some of his own back catalogue, Seagull and Bad Company to name just two..

Whilst this world tour is in support of their first studio album since the Freddie Mercury sessions, it's clear that preserving his legacy is still paramount.

Brian May (or should I say the audience!) pay him an emotional tribute with, Love of My Life, and the whole evening is interspersed with video footage and recorded excerpts... let's face it, Bohemian Rhapsody belongs to one man and one man only!

Whilst May and Taylor took turns on vocals,it was their trademark instrumental solos that sealed their performances. Extravagant, ostentatious, maybe even overblown, but exactly what the crowd wanted.

This is certainly a new Queen... but still Champions?...Undoubtedly!