Home » NZ’s Danny Rascal and Queensryche clash over Billy Idol cover
KIWI artist Danny Rascal and Seattle prog metal mainstays Queensryche have clashed on Hot Metal‘s Facebook page over the latter’s cover of a Billy Idol song.
The “Silent Lucidity” rockers took exception to Rascal’s criticism of their version of “Rebel Yell”, writing it was “kind of surprising a ‘fellow musician’ wouldn’t have recognized and known … before trying to insult us.
“You would think a guy touring and in this profession would understand the value of not bashing another band’s work online because you never know what paths will cross and in what context.”
The brouhaha began when we posted the video for the cover (see below) and asked readers what they thought.
Rascal, who as well as being a former member of Human Eyes and Monkey Puzzle also organises burlesque shows and plays in an eighties tribute act under the name Danny Dangerously, commented: “Auto Tune = Auto Fail…
“The vocals aren’t quite saturated in it, but it’s very audible, so that instantly gets a thumbs down from me.
“Guitar solo is ok… at least they didn’t completely change it… there are some solos which are so iconic, any change is like changing lyrics and melody lines.”
Queensryche’s official account responded: “First off Queensryche doesn’t use ‘Autotune’, period. Whatever you think you’re hearing certainly isn’t what you’re claiming.
“Second of all, the solo and all guitar solos from bands doing a cover are always a subjective thing. We kept some parts true while also changing some things as a Queensryche thing.
“If we did it note for note people would say where is your stamp on this song? If we stray too far people say it resembles nothing like the song.”
The Todd La Torre-fronted band then made the comment about Rascal being a fellow musician and the Kiwi responded: “Music is entirely subjective.. I gave my personal opinion on this cover.
“My apologies regarding the auto tune, but there is some effect on the vocals which is giving it that pinched tone that sounds like an auto tune.
“Not everybody is going to like every single track you release.., I’d think a band with your extensive history would be well aware that there will be people who aren’t super fans and may be less than impressed by each and every release you make.
“It’s nice that you take the time to reply to people, but please remember that as a ‘fellow musician’ I am allowed to have a personal opinion on a piece of music.”
Queensryche then chimed back in after further comments from Rascal in his post, saying: “We have been in this business for decades and clearly understand that not everyone will be pleased with everything. That being said, we reply to countless comments whether they are good, bad, or indifferent.
“Words like “AUTO FAIL” certainly fall within the scope of insulting. And while your blunt point of view is in no way deemed threatening on our end, it does however lack professionalism and courtesy, particularly within a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone.
“All the best to you and your endeavors.
“PS – are we living in a world where people have forgotten how to express an opinion respectfully?”
