Murcia, Spain – A powerful tribute to the legendary band Queen is returning to the stage this June. Unrisen Queen, a band from Murcia known for their authentic recreation of Queen’s music, will perform a special concert in Santomera to mark their 15th anniversary.
The group has been praised by those who knew Freddie Mercury personally. They were chosen to perform at official tribute events in Montreux, Switzerland, including the Freddie Mercury Memorial Day and Birthday Party. Their shows have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, which fights AIDS globally.
Murcia Today caught up with lead guitarist and musical director Pasku Frutos as the band prepared for their upcoming tour. As a bonus, two pairs of free tickets to the Santomera concert are up for grabs through a contest on the publication’s website.
The Band Behind the Magic
Unrisen Queen is composed of:
Rubén Sabater – Lead vocals
Pasku Frutos – Guitar and musical director
Emanuel Menta – Drums and backing vocals
Frankchesco Di Napoli – Bass
Chimi – Drums
Each member brings not only musical talent but also a deep emotional connection to Queen’s legacy. Their goal is not to imitate but to embody the essence of Queen with their own personality and style.
From Jam Sessions to International Fame
The band originally formed in 2002. Only Rubén Sabater and Pasku Frutos remain from that first lineup. Back then, their musical styles varied greatly—Pasku leaned toward hard rock, while Rubén preferred glam. Everything changed when they casually performed a Queen song during rehearsal. Rubén’s voice, eerily similar to Freddie Mercury’s, sparked the idea of creating a tribute band.
Though they pursued other projects for a time, Rubén and Pasku stayed in touch. In 2009, they revisited the tribute idea and debuted in 2010 at the Víctor Villegas Regional Auditorium in Murcia, to a sold-out crowd.
Their journey quickly gained momentum. In 2013, they performed at the Freddie Mercury Memorial Day in Montreux. Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury’s personal assistant, called their performance “the resurrection of Freddie’s voice.” They were invited back in 2015, where they helped raise over $56,000 for AIDS research.
Not Just a Tribute
The band avoids being just another cover act. Their motto sums up their mission:
“Unrisen Queen, breaking the mould… Not a carnival masquerade, nor puppeteer’s imitation to behold… Not a tribute charade, just Pure Rock and Gold. Unrisen Queen, a true Rock Band bold.”
The name Unrisen Queen reflects their identity—a band that honors Queen without trying to become them. The name also nods to Princess Diana, the “people’s princess” who never became queen.
Performing Queen’s Complex Music
Queen’s music might sound effortless, but it’s technically demanding. According to Pasku, the band has spent countless hours mastering the intricate compositions.
“Queen sounds easy to the ear, but it’s incredibly complex to perform. Sometimes we thought it was impossible. But we pushed through.”
Their dedication paid off, earning praise from Queen’s own manager, Jim Beach, who was visibly moved during one of their shows.
Original Music and Modern Releases
While best known for Queen covers, Unrisen Queen also produces original music. They have released singles like “Rock It”—a Eurovision pre-candidate—and “Just a Believer Man.” These tracks are available on all major digital platforms. Although traditional albums are less common today, the band plans to compile their singles into an album eventually.
Diverse and Dynamic Setlists
To date, Unrisen Queen has performed over 110 different Queen songs, adapting their setlists based on the audience and location. This ensures no two shows are ever the same.
They include lesser-known tracks and even Queen songs never performed live by the original band. For example, at shows attended mostly by British or European fans—such as those in San Javier or Bolnuevo—they dive deep into Queen’s rarities.
What to Expect in Santomera
The concert on June 14 will be held at the Auditorio Municipal “Ginés Abellán” in Santomera. The venue has space for 1,000 attendees, including 300 seated spots and the rest outdoors. There will be a bar, merchandise stand, and a carefully selected setlist full of surprises.
Pasku promises an unforgettable show:
“It’ll be beautiful. We’re preparing something very special.”
Still Rocking, 15 Years Later
Since their breakout in Montreux, Unrisen Queen has played for more than 400,000 people worldwide. Even after 15 years, the band remains full of passion.
“We’re as enthusiastic now as we were on day one. It’s a privilege to help keep Queen’s legacy alive, especially as it connects with new generations.”
Win Free Tickets
Unrisen Queen’s concert in Santomera starts at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14. To win one of two pairs of free tickets, visit Murcia Today and answer this question:
“More than how many different Queen songs have Unrisen Queen played in their live shows?”
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