It's just another ordinary day in the studio for Yellow Magic Orchestra. They just got back from their tour and they're having a meeting today. "Hey, did you know that Queen is in Japan?" Ryuichi shared the news. "Really?". "I heard they're visiting the country again." Said Yukihiro after Haruomi. "I heard they come to Japan quite frequently." Said Ryuichi.
Yukihiro then wondered if Yellow Magic Orchestra can meet Queen someday. "And maybe they can give us a shout out?". "Yuki, we work our way up by our own efforts. Not being carried by others." Haru scolded Yuki which Ryuichi countered, "Yeah, says the man who always carries other artists.". "Stop it you two. We just got back and I don't want another fight from the both of you." Yuki had to be the middleman again as he always been.
The studio door was opened and the three men turned their attention when a voice said, "Oh, sorry! We thought the room was empty." It was none other than Freddie Mercury. "Oh no! We weren't really using the room much either." Said Haru and lets Queen to come in. Freddie was the first then followed by Brian, Roger, then John.
"What an honor and a surprise to have you here." Haru spoke in behalf of the band. "We are Yellow Magic Orchestra. I'm sure that you've heard of us.". "Yellow Magic Orchestra? I remember! You three held a concert in the Hammersmith, didn't you?" Brian pointed out and Yukihiro confirmed. The two bands introduced themselves along with their roles to each other. "It is an honor to meet the pioneers of electronic music." Freddie spoke in behalf on Queen and complimented on their talent in synthesizer.
The two bands then told each other about themselves, mostly about how each band was formed and their individual genres. "Hosono, was it?". "Yes. Harry is also fine." Haru responded to Freddie and Freddie complimented on Haru's bassline of Tong Poo back in their Trans-Atlantic concert in LA. Roger added his compliment after Freddie. "It was nothing. I was just doing my part." Haru was being modest.
"Can you play the song again? What's it called?". "It's Tong Poo." Ryuichi answered Brian's question and Yukihiro explained the English translation of the title. "Are you sure you want us to play?" asked Haru and Freddie said yes. "We haven't seen the three of you perform and in return, we'll play a song." The three men agreed with the bargain and went to their instruments. "You got it?" the three men nodded at each other and started playing.
They played the song exactly like back in LA but without the guitar and good thing they have a backup segment recorded to fill Akiko's part. When they got to the middle part, Haru was confused why his bass suddenly sounded louder. He suspected that someone must've messed with the setting or he actually left it like that. After the part passed, the bass volume went back to normal. He was sure that someone was messing with him. A short while later, the song ended and Queen gave an applause.
"That was amazing!". "You really shred the bass!" Roger and Brian gave their compliment. "Thank you! Now who messed with my setting?" Haru glared at Yuki and Ryuichi which both of them let out innocent whistling. Freddie and Roger laughed at the antic while Brian shook his head and John giggled. "As promised, it's our turn to play. May we?". "Please do." YMO gave their permission and Queen went to their instruments except Freddie. "Aren't you going to sing, Fred?" asked Brian. "No, darling. I'm the judge of both bands." Said Freddie in his flamboyant attitude.
Queen played an instrumental version of Another One Bites The Dust and it was Ryuichi and Yukihiro who were tampering with the speakers. "You two..." Haru wanted to punish the two kids but he didn't and enjoyed the performance. Freddie was heard humming the melody of the song and the song ended. YMO also gave their applause.
"What do you think, Fred?" asked Brian. "Both bands performed beautifully! It was an experience how technology can be made to music." Freddie gave his opinion. "You three earned yourselves to be called legends." Added Roger. "No, the four of you are legends." Yukihiro answered back. "I think we can say that both Queen and YMO are legends in our own perspective." Said Haru and Ryuichi pointed, "Perspective? Hey, that's a nice idea for a title."
A.N : This is how I would imagine if Queen really did met YMO back in the day. It would be so great if they did. I have asked some people but I haven't got any confirmations yet... *sigh* anyway, the link I put is the version of Tong Poo in the LA concert and boy that bassline is super satisfying without the guitar (I'm sorry Kazumi Watanabe-san). Hope you guys enjoy and I'll see you in the next one! RD out!! Boi!!!
