HE is rock royalty from one of the most successful bands of all time and now Queen drummer Roger Taylor is bringing his latest musical venture to Bournemouth.

Queen Extravaganza is the official Queen tribute act that he put together with fellow band member Brian May.

The touring concert is designed to take the music and live experience of the legendary rock band and bring it to generations of fans. The show runs at the Old Fire Station tonight.

The production at the intimate venue will be enhanced with rare video footage from Queen’s extensive archives and newly-created imagery. Roger hand-picked the band members from thousands of auditions during a unique online talent search.

Speaking to Daily Echo, he said the idea to form the tribute act came when he was fed up with seeing mediocre tribute acts.

“I wanted a band to represent our music brilliantly, not someone trying to be Freddie Mercury and Queen but have their own identity and character.

“We found these amazingly talented guys. The singer Marc Martel is an absolute ringer for Freddie’s voice. It was as if Freddie was in the room. It was uncanny.”

Roger added: “When Freddie died, we were in shock. But I think he’d love the shows. I think he would have been really flattered he would have loved the idea of keeping our musical flag flying.”

Roger was spotted in the crowd when The Queen Extravaganza recently kicked off their UK tour with a show in Southampton.

“I get a real kick when I see them. I come along every now and again to support them, I’m like their naughty uncle.”

Canadian singer Marc Martel told the Daily Echo that he’s relishing the chance to perform with The Queen Extravaganza.

“We don’t feel like we’re impersonating anyone. We inject our own artistry and personality on to the show, while being faithful to the music.

“Fans are very sensitive about Freddie, as he holds a special part in their hearts. He’s one of the greatest frontmen of all time and a voice like no other. We’re not there to imitate and we want to do the music justice.”