For over a decade, Innuendo has been honouring the legacy of Queen in Asunción with passion, precision, and powerful performances. The cover band, fronted by lead singer Julio Franco, shares their love for the iconic British rock band formed in London in 1970.
Julio holds a deep appreciation for the music of Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar), Roger Taylor (drums), and later John Deacon (bass).
“I started listening to Queen when I was around 13 years old. My uncle lent me the Live at Wembley double cassette. Cassettes, that was back in the days”, Julio says with a smile, realizing the years fly by. “I realised that Queen was much more intense live, than in the studio. I’ve always found their live performances far more captivating.”
The Show Must Go On
“My favourite song? That will always be The Show Must Go On. Because it was their final studio legacy, and I can really feel the raw emotion in Freddie’s voice. His last breath is captured in that incredible track, which, on top of everything, speaks about how life must carry on whether you’re here or not.”
Queen’s sound was a groundbreaking fusion of rock, opera, glam, and theatrical performance – resulting in timeless anthems such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t Stop Me Now, We Will Rock You, and Somebody to Love. Beyond their musical innovation, Queen became icons of live performance, pushing boundaries and inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
The birth of Queen Tribute Band Innuendo
Like many great projects, Innuendo’s story began with a shared love for music and a simple idea that grew into something much bigger. What started as friends crossing paths in a rehearsal room in 2014, soon evolved into a tribute band; dedicated not only to recreating Queen’s iconic sound, but also to capturing its heart and theatrical spirit.
“Every time one of us came in or out the rehearsal room, we would end up sticking around for a chat, and that’s how the idea of starting a Queen tribute came up. Danfer Ciudad, our guitarist, told me I had the right tone of voice to pull off the songs, so we gave it a shot. and here we are,” says Franco.
“Top level musicians”
Julio doesn’t merely sing Freddie’s parts – he lives them. There’s a raw energy in his voice that makes the audience feel as though they’re witnessing something timeless. Danfer’s guitar solos echo Brian May with uncanny precision; each riff is both faithful and fiercely his own.
Fernando Sequeira is steady and soulful on bass, anchoring every performance with groove and power.Then there is Alejandro Garcete on keyboards, layering the music with depth and elegance, and Javier Vera on drums, whose rhythmic drive gives the band its pulse.
“They are all top-level session musicians, teachers, and singer-songwriters. Playing with Innuendo is a blast”, Julio states. “I always say I am just a music fanatic, and getting to play alongside such incredible musicians is a real privilege.”
Why ‘Innuendo’?
Innuendois formed as a living tribute to the Queen legacy. They don’t merely perform the band’s music, they recreate the entire experience. From their musical precision to their onstage energy, every show is a celebration of Queen’s spirit, charisma, and enduring influence. Even the band’s name, Innuendo, is a nod to Queen’s 1991 album, one of the last recorded by Freddie Mercury before his passing. Serving both as a tribute and a symbol of lasting admiration.
“I’ve always held on to the message Freddie conveyed through his songs: that when people, fans, or audiences listen to your music, they should forget about the ordinary, routine world they live in. And feel a bit of magic and fantasy, even if just for a moment.”
Catch the band live
Innuendo’s performances are not mere imitations, but heartfelt homages driven by genuine passion and respect for the original band. For them, it’s not just about covering songs. It is about honouring a legacy that changed the face of music forever and sharing it with new generations of fans who still believe that the show must go on.
Catch them live at venues in Asunción like Rockero, Die Mannschaft, Rock 66, Jazz Cube, and more. For upcoming performance dates follow Innuendo on Instagram.
