Maria Barbieri Blog

We Will Rock You in Denmark

My Journey as the Guitarist

Nearly five months in Denmark as the guitarist for the official We Will Rock You musical — written by Queen and Ben Elton — for 88 shows on the best stages in the country.

We Will Rock You 2025 – My Journey Through Denmark

On February 16th, 2025, I landed in a snow-covered Denmark to begin an exciting new adventure: rehearsals for the official We Will Rock You musical tour. I was welcomed by frosty air, friendly local faces, and a beautiful apartment in Copenhagen reserved just for me — my home for the first two months of this journey before we hit the road across Denmark.
From the start, I was struck by the production's incredibly high level: the team was warm, organized, and clearly passionate about bringing Queen’s music to life in a truly theatrical way.

Free Time – My Journey Through Denmark

One of my first evenings in the city was truly unforgettable: I reunited with my dear friend and drummer Larry Crowe, who is featured on my upcoming album and played on both of my released singles. He invited me to an incredible Toto concert at the Royal Arena, where I had the chance to meet and take a photo with the legendary Steve Lukather. A perfect way to kick off my Danish adventure.

Rehearsals: Building the Band and the World

Our first rehearsals focused on the music — getting tight as a band, finding the groove, and of course, tackling some of Brian May’s legendary solos. As the days passed, the energy grew. Soon after, we began working with the cast: some of the finest musical theatre talent in Denmark. At Tivoli, surrounded by an incredible rotating stage set, we faced new challenges — syncing musical precision with dramatic staging and movement. Every day was a mix of excitement, problem-solving, and artistic growth.

Becoming Part of the Story

This wasn't just a rock concert — it was full-on musical theatre. That meant stepping into the show not only as a musician, but also as a character.
There were wig fittings, theatrical notes from the director, and plenty of guidance to help us blend the energy of Queen’s music with the emotional world of the story.
It was both thrilling and humbling — especially when working on iconic moments like the guitar solos in Bohemian Rhapsody or We Will Rock You itself.

Photo 1 by Morten Rygaard

Curtains Up: Showtime in Copenhagen

On stage in Denmark

Then came the premiere: excitement, celebration, and a new rhythm to life in central Copenhagen. Days were now split between rehearsals, evening performances, nature walks, and quiet moments of reflection.
We soon faced the double show challenge — performing twice a day on certain dates. It required full focus, energy management, and a new level of physical and mental discipline. Every show was different, and every audience brought new energy. Maria's interview.

Hitting the Road: Touring Denmark

As spring warmed up, we said goodbye to the Copenhagen apartment and hit the road. Every week brought a new city, new hotel, and new audiences. Between travel days and shows, we made time to return to Copenhagen whenever possible, balancing the chaos of touring with moments of calm.
The journey across Denmark became a beautiful mix of performance, travel, and artistic immersion. It wasn’t always easy — but it was absolutely worth it.

Free Time: Band, Travel, and Beer

Working with this incredible band and team was one of the highlights of the tour — we became more than just colleagues; we became a tight-knit musical family. I even celebrated my birthday surrounded by warm wishes from the entire We Will Rock You crew and a special surprise from the band — a truly memorable moment!
Between gigs and rehearsals, the road brought us to amazing cities, and after long days on stage, there was nothing better than unwinding together over a cold beer. Those moments of laughter, travel stories, and shared experiences made the tour unforgettable beyond the music. <3 Thank you!

Looking Back

We Will Rock You 2025 has been one of the most enriching musical and personal experiences of my career. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, brought me into a new theatrical world, and allowed me to live inside some of the greatest rock music ever written.
I’m grateful for every note, every challenge, and every ovation. After performing 88 shows — sometimes squeezing in up to seven performances within just four days — the physical and mental toll was immense. The relentless pace pushed me to develop new levels of stamina and resilience, mastering the demanding rhythm of life on tour. It was an intense journey that tested my limits but also made me stronger as a musician and performer. Despite the intensity, I loved every single day and feel that I’ve grown a lot as a professional. Plus, I gained a whole new experience in musical theatre—not just as a performer. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and incredibly proud!

See You Again, Denmark

Grazie! The final show!