Not only is he one of the greatest bass players ever, he is a true gentleman, a genuine human being and one of the greatest rock stars I've ever had the honor of knowing! I've always been the kind of person that tries to shut my mouth and open my ears while being around people like that. I wouldn't say that I picked up on his style of playing as much as I have picked up on some of the business teachings and life lessons he has offered. I must say, I was always treated with complete respect and have also gotten some of the greatest compliments from him. KCM: Your current project, the amazingly accurate Queen tribute band, Almost Queen is making quite an impression on the rabid Queen fan-base of which I am a member. Queen has all but been forgotten by the American media except for their very commercial songs such as Crazy Little Thing. What other countries has Almost Queen played? Is Queen’s music more popular outside of the USA? Randy: In the States, I feel QUEEN holds the respect as some of the bigger classic rock bands do, but due to American radio it only goes so far. Outside of the country, they are absolutely massive. I have heard songs overseas that have not only never charted here, but have never even been aired on American radio. I've heard a QUEEN song played in probably every country I've ever been in! ALMOST QUEEN has had opportunities to perform in England, Europe and South America, but unfortunately has not been able to commit due to the financial constraints that bestow when you're not proposing a full tour. Outside of the continental US, we've played several shows in Mexico and a few cites in Central America. KCM: You went on tour with Lauren Harris for about 4 years AFTER the year you joined Almost Queen. How did you manage being on tour with Lauren Harris AND being in Almost Queen concurrently? That must have been quite a stylistic and logistic challenge. Randy: Yes, it was a challenge, but the band knew as well as I did, I couldn't pass up the opportunities the LAUREN HARRIS BAND had been given opening and touring with IRON MAIDEN. So we had to find a substitute for me, actually, we had find a few substitutes to yield to my touring schedule so ALMOST QUEEN would not have to postpone or detain any commitments. It was hard on all of us, especially the subs. It's a lot to learn and retain, musically and vocally. KCM:
What is your favorite Queen song that the band currently performs?
Randy: There are so many songs that are unbelievably gratifying to play, musically and vocally. "Bohemian", "Somebody To Love", "We Are The Champions", I can go on and on, "Under Pressure" to this day still gives me the chills. But I have to say "The Millionaire Waltz", hands down. I've been wanting to play that song since the first day I joined the band. KCM:
What Queen song would you love the band to learn?
Randy: I am an immense QUEEN fan. They have been one of my favorite bands my whole life so I like a lot of the deep cuts. I truly love the whole catalog but prefer the earlier albums like "Queen II" and "Sheer Heart Attack". More than anything, I would love to perform "March Of The Black Queen". After that, maybe "Flick Of The Wrist" and "The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke". KCM: Almost Queen plays larger venues such as BB King’s and House of Blues, and does not saturate any given area; you’re not the band that plays at