Over the years, we’ve encountered numerous Queen tribute bands, each bringing their own flair to the legendary band’s music. However, Queen Extravaganza, the official tribute band sanctioned by Queen itself, truly stands out by striking all the right chords.
Canadian Marc Martel, the band’s lead singer, is known for his work in Christian rock music since 1976. His vocal resemblance to Freddie Mercury is uncanny, earning him admiration worldwide, including accolades from Céline Dion herself.
Marc’s acclaimed rendition of ‘Somebody to Love’ has made the legendary Celine Dion a huge fan. She and many more viewers have lavished praise on this performance, with many suggesting that Freddie Mercury himself would have been thrilled with Marc’s tribute. The above video has attracted over 30,000 likes on YouTube, with comments celebrating Marc’s faithful interpretation of the classic hit.
Initiated in May 2012, Queen Extravaganza was assembled by none other than Queen’s legendary drummer, Roger Taylor himself. Alongside guitarist Brian May, Taylor sought to unite fans through a celebration of Queen’s enduring legacy. Notably, instead of simply donning the costume and mimicking the vibe, the band distinguishes itself from other tribute acts by focusing on their musical prowess, much to Roger Taylor’s pride.
Queen Extravaganza has made notable appearances on television, including a memorable debut on American Idol in 2012. This performance, which featured special appearances by Taylor and May themselves, reached over 22 million viewers. The band has enjoyed sold-out concerts in venues like the Grand Théâtre de Québec, Plaza Live in Orlando, and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
In 2017, Marc embarked on a new venture with the Ultimate Queen Celebration, touring across Australia, New Zealand, and North America. With many upcoming shows this year, Marc continues his quest to bring the essence of Queen’s rock legacy to fans across the globe. You can learn more about Marc Martel and Queen Extravaganza’s journey through their YouTube channel and Facebook page.