Main Services
Shane’s Queen Site, found at www.shanesqueensite.com, stands as my pride and joy as it is a comprehensive and highly personalized digital tribute to the legendary rock band Queen. Established way back in 2002, the site has evolved into a long-standing and detailed resource, offering standard fan information alongside unique, creator-driven content. The website’s core mission is to celebrate the history, music, and legacy of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, but it distinguishes itself by being curated only by me, Shane McDonald, an active, professional musician. I am a Queen keyboardist and Musical Director for the internationally touring Queen tribute band, Celebrating Queen. My professional background and my 32 year journey learning the music of Queen are most important factors that sets the website apart. Most fan sites compile information from various sources; Shane’s Queen Site, however, offers a perspective deeply rooted in the practical performance and study of Queen’s music. My role as an active keyboardist—one who has mastered and recreates the complex musical arrangements of the band—lends immediate authority and credibility to the site’s musical content, transforming it from a general fan hub into a specialist resource for musicians and dedicated enthusiasts alike. I also share insights and behind-the-scenes content related to our Queen show experiences on my associated social media channels, specifically my YouTube Channel, further bridging the gap between fan content and professional performance. SITE FEATURES The site covers the basics exceptionally well, providing detailed Queen member bios (Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon), a full Discography of mainstream albums, detailed Videography information, and an A-Z of Queen songs that includes which member wrote which track. It also features a dedicated Queen News section that updates users on current events related to the band, as well as listings for Queen Books and other related links. Personally Transcribed Queen Chords and Tabs: This is the site's centerpiece for musicians. I personally transcribed the chords and tabs for numerous Queen songs. This is a significant point, as the accuracy and interpretation come directly from a working keyboardist who plays this music professionally. This section is a treasure trove for aspiring musicians, featuring popular transcriptions like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Killer Queen," "Don't Stop Me Now," and "Love of My Life." Queen Piano Tutorials: Complementing the transcriptions, the site offers video piano tutorials, hosted by me, and specking directly to the audience ; similar to how a piano lesson might go. This elevates the content from static sheet music to dynamic, educational instruction, showing users exactly how to play Queen’s complex keyboard parts, adding immense value for those seeking to learn the music. The Champions of Queen League and Queen Polls: For the casual, interactive fan, the site runs engaging Queen Polls and hosts the Champions of Queen League. This ongoing system is set up to determine the ultimate "Best Queen Songs," creating a fun, competitive environment for fans to debate and rank the band's extensive catalog. This constant engagement keeps the community involved and the site content fresh. Interactive Map of Queen Locations in London: A practical and unique resource for travelers, the site provides an interactive map charting various Queen-related locations across London. This allows fans to create their own personal pilgrimage or tour, connecting them physically to the band’s history, studios, and former residences. What truly differentiates Shane’s Queen Site from other general fan websites is the successful integration of deep fan passion with professional musical expertise. The site has been active since 2002 (although it was on 3 different domains during this time), but th concept and the content demonstrates a long-term commitment to the Queen community. Musician-Authored Content: The transcription and tutorial offerings are created by a keyboardist who is actively performing the music, providing an unparalleled level of authenticity and practical guidance. Community and Tribute Support: The site offers a valuable service to the tribute community by allowing other Queen Tribute Bands to list a free profile and their gig dates, positioning the site as a central clearinghouse for the global Queen performance scene. In essence, Shane’s Queen Site is not just a collection of facts; it is a continuously extending, personal project dedicated to preserving and teaching the artistry of Queen's music. The site is updated at least every 3-4 days. My professional life as a working Queen tribute musician permeates the content, making it a distinct and highly valuable resource for everyone from casual listeners to serious musicians.