Jukebox the Ghost

On Halloween, piano-pop trio Jukebox the Ghost puts on a particular kind of costume: a

‘musical costume’

. Dubbing it “HalloQueen”

, Jukebox the Ghost has turned their admiration of

Queen into a holiday spectacular and a music festival in miniature. They perform two sets: one

full set of Jukebox the Ghost originals (followed by brief intermission with a costume contest),

and a second set of Queen’s greatest hits, complete with Queen regalia and an arena-sized

performance to match. Since they started the annual tradition in 2015, HalloQueen has

ballooned into a perennially sold out traveling festival that fans fly to attend from all around the

world, often dressing in homemade DIY costumes related to Jukebox the Ghost extensive song

catalogue or band-related inside jokes.

Ben Thornewill’s (piano/vocals) Freddie Mercury impression is an impressive homage without

devolving into a caricature, and he throws in plenty of his own piano flourishes as a

classically-trained pianist. Since Jukebox the Ghost is just a trio trying to emulate the massive

sound of Queen, guitarist/singer Tommy Siegel is tasked with emulating both John Deacon and

Brian May, sometimes in the same song — and succeeds in delivering both, particularly May’s

grandiose shredding interludes and playful guitar solos. Jesse Kristin (drums/vocals) does a

thunderous take on Roger Taylor, and the band breaks form to have him lead the crowd in a

rowdy take on “Fat Bottomed Girls”

. It’s not a true ‘cover band’ performance, but in a refreshing

way — it’s Jukebox the Ghost taking Queen classics out for a lap, with a sly wink.

Piano-rock trio Jukebox the Ghost formed in 2006 and has been a steadily growing cult favorite

and a globally touring band ever since. Composed of Ben Thornewill (piano/vocals), Tommy

Siegel (guitar/bass/vocals) and Jesse Kristin (drums/vocals), they have played over 1,000

shows around the world over the course of their career. In addition to countless headlining tours,

they have also toured as openers alongside Ingrid Michaelson, Ben Folds, Guster, Motion City

Soundtrack, A Great Big World and Jack’s Mannequin, among others. In addition to festivals like

Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Bonnaroo, and Bottlerock, Jukebox the Ghost has also performed

on The Late Show with David Letterman and Conan.