After playing a number of shows around Europe, including a real whopper in Ukraine in front of a reported 345,000 punters, Queen + Paul Rodgers hit Blighty tomorrow night (10th October) for their first home-soil show of their Cosmos Rocks European Tour 2008, at Nottingham's Trent FM Arena.

The full list of dates can be found here and if you can find any spare tickets, we suggest you go along and witness one of the greatest live rock bands ever doing their thing.

Back in September, Guitarist was fortunate enough to go along to full production rehearsals for the tour, which took place at Elstree Studios after time spent both at Music Bank in London and drummer Roger Taylor's own studio.

The whole stage, PA system and backline had been set-up for the band to fine-tune various performance considerations plus possible additions to the set, and we were there with a our photography and video crews to document proceedings.

In our November issue we'll be featuring some exclusive stage shots plus an interview with the man himself, Brian May. It will be on sale 28th October.

Also, on that issue's regular covermounted CD, we'll have video footage which will include a stage tour plus a wholly accurate and authentic run-down of the gear Brian has been using on the tour, courtesy of his right-hand man Pete Malandrone.

Here are a couple of shots to give an idea of how great the access was and don't miss the next issue of Guitarist.

(C) Amanda Thomas

(C) Amanda Thomas

The November issue of Guitarist is on sale 28th October priced £5.50.