Gregory Finsley stood on stage and looked out at the nearly 10,000 fans that had gathered for an evening concert at Central Park in Santa Clarita, Calif. The show, which featured a tribute to the legendary rock band Queen, had just broken attendance records for the venue.
“It was fantastic!” said Finsley who delivers a dead-on portrayal of Queen’s late lead singer Freddie Mercury in concert. “Absolutely one of the best nights ever.”
That was August of last year. The previous year, he performed in front of thousands of fans at the International Queen Fan Festival in England.
Now the drummer, keyboard player and singer from New Orleans is branching out. While still very much a part of the Queen tribute show, Finsley is also now showcasing his vocal range in a new rock ’n’ roll variety show that is coming to Ardmore this month.
“We Will Rock You” features Finsley and his band performing the music of many well-known rock legends such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Eagles, Elton John, Foreigner, Grand Funk, ZZ Top, and of course, Queen. But there are also a few surprises.
“We’ve got a few songs in the show that are classics, but not something you normally hear performed live,” Finsley said “It is really a mixture of great songs from the ’60s, ’70s and ’60s, including a few softer pop hits and others that just really rock.”
This show is the latest in a string of classic rock ’n’ roll tribute shows at the Washington Theatre, including “Buddy and Beyond” starring Johnny Rogers, The Beatles Tribute Liverpool Legends and the sold-out Elvis Presley show starring Kraig Parker, who is returning to perform again on Aug. 15 this year.
“We have had a great response to these kinds of shows,” said Rosemary Fisher, who, along with her husband Dave, own and operate the theater. “You won’t see better shows in Branson or Las Vegas, especially not at this price.”
The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Washington Theatre, 221 N. Washington St. Reserved-seat tickets for the event are $25 for VIP and $20 for regular, and $12 for children 12 and younger. Children 3 and younger will be admitted free. Tickets are available now at DaCapo Music, Main Street Coffee and Radio Shack in Ardmore. Reservations can also be made by phone by calling the theater at (580) 223-5821.
