Queen - Queen Slammed Over Rome Gig

Reformed rock group QUEEN has faced a barrage of criticism in Italy for failing to cancel their Rome concert last night (04APR05), as the nation mourns the death of POPE JOHN PAUL II.

Civil Protection Chief GUIDO BERTOLASO, who has been appointed to oversee the Italian capital's arrangements for the late pontiff's funeral on Friday (08APR05), believed organisers should have postponed the gig in respect to the Polish-born pope, who died on Saturday (02APR05).

Bertolaso said yesterday (04APR05), hours before the concert was due to take place, "The decision of not postponing the Queen concert scheduled this evening in Rome was made in bad taste.

"I wish the concert had been cancelled to respect what happened. I think that in this moment of pain and prayer a concert should not be held in our capital - with all due respect to what others believe."

Despite admitting he was a fan of the WE WILL ROCK YOU stars, Bertolaso was disappointed with the band's decision.

Original Queen members ROGER TAYLOR and BRIAN MAY have embarked on a European comeback tour with former FREE rocker PAUL RODGERS replacing late frontman FREDDIE MERCURY.