I do not like that song at all. Can't listen to it. BUT, if you put on that video, I will watch it every single time. There is no better example of a singer leading an audience.
I love Freddy’s crisp diction. He never mumbled like so many current artists who think that makes their singing “artistic” or “emotional”. Freddy was artistic and emotional and still enunciated. What a legend!❤
That high note at 39:55 was sung by Roger Taylor, just like the Galileo part. I absolutely love his vocals and, of course, his drumming. Brilliant, just like his fellow musicians.
There’s a funny scene in the movie Bohemian Rhapsody where they’re in the studio recording the song and the other three band members keep urging Roger to go higher.
Love & miss Freddie. Queen #1 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I remember Freddie talking about having the $ to get his teeth corrected but said if he did, it might change his sound and who cares at this point, he said, not me. Wonder if Liz would do comparison between Adam Lambert and Freddie? I mean nothing against Adam and he was a big fan of Freddie. It would be interesting though.
@@fabricioassismg5622 He’s a renaissance astronomer who invented the telescope, discovered the moons of Jupiter, and then was imprisoned for the rest of his life by the Catholic Church for supporting a sun centric model of the solar system (Copernican) instead of the church supported Earth centric view.
I was in a Queen tribute band back in my much younger days and I can tell you, playing drums is challenging enough, but pulling off Roger's vocals was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I was very fortunate that I was able to reach notes in his range from show to show. The good news was that live, they really cut back on the harmonies so we weren't trying to replicate that layered battalion of vocals they employed in the studio. That would have been impossible with just four musicians and no backing singers or other "help". Roger was the band's secret weapon in my opinion. Go back and listen to the catalog and mark all the moments where Roger's soaring and piercing vocals really took their material to another level. This is a band of four master musicians and artists. It is just that simple.
Please do The Show Must Go On. You should know Freddie was very, very ill at this point. The other band members were worried if he could actually sing the song. Then he drank a tall glass of vodka and aced it in just one take. I have so much respect for this lovely, and extremely talented man. He left us way too soon. He passed away when I was 8 years old. My parents, my brother and I cried for days. Possibly even weeks. And I still miss him every day.
He only did the high note in one take, which was the first the he recorded. He sang the rest of the song after that. He actually recorded the whole song one 2 hour session, including the layering. That was normally a 8 hour process per song. It was one of the last 3 songs he ever recorded. Brian may didn't want him pushing himself too hard because he was legit dying in front of them. So he drank a full glass and the rest of the bottle throughout the 2 hours and told Brian before he went in," don't worry darling, I'll crush like I always do" .
This song was even sadder knowing that he was dying. They also produced the album which would become the unofficial soundtrack to Highlander at the same time. Imagine writing songs about people who were immortal when your mortality has been sealed. He really was gifted in many ways
G&R Civil War - please upvote this. I don’t see any way Elizabeth doesn’t fall in love with the subject matter, the tempo changes, the vocals, the solos, and the piano! It has it all. Dying to see her reaction.
One thing this song showcases is the relative sophistication of the _audience._ The fact that a song that industry insiders thought would sink without a trace would then became such a huge worldwide hit shows that the average music consumer was more discerning and intelligent in their musical choices than recording executives gave them credit for.
The way Queen did their Harmonies is, ALL 3 of the singers Freddy, Brian & Roger sang all 3 parts of the 3 part harmony, so there’s 9 background vocal tracks. The really high note in the opera part is Roger.
10CC's song, Not In Love, had several hundred tracks of vocals. ....tape loops, playing the mixing board faders are a keyboard would be played... There are good youtubes of 'the making of' that song. That is a superior song, superior production, superior concept.
The moment at Live Aid 1985 when Freddy launches into the start of "We are the champions" to finish out Queen''s set is one moment in time I would have liked to be there. It is one of the greatest single emotional moments caught on camera ever. They were amazing that day, that moment.
The movie has several inaccurate moments done "for dramatic effect" - for example the movie suggests they left the record label over the B.R. fight. In reality, the band didn’t quit EMI until 2010.
Innuendo! Innuendo!! Innuendo!! It has to be one of my all-time favourite tracks, and moves my heart every time I hear it. Thank you soooooo much for this analysis.. I've adored Queen since being a small child, and it still catches my throat that Freddie Mercury isn't with us anymore. An utter legend. ❤
Another reactor (Wings of Pegasus) analyzed the live performance from a guitar player’s point of view. He commented that the first thing Queen did when they got in stage was a quick two second sound check by playing a few notes on their instruments. Just to make sure everything was working. Freddie did those couple notes on his piano, then adjusted either its volume or monitor volume. Everything in that performance was rehearsed and timed to the second. Even the audience interaction. In a 20 minute performance they only went over time by 20 seconds.
I might be wrong, but I think Freddie was adjusting the preamp EO on his piano pickup. The tone of it changed just a bit (not as bright) after he fiddled with it.
I was an primary (elementary) school child in the 70's and remember hearing this (I was very young) on Top of the Pops. Everyone was silent (especially me) and at the end my Dad said "That was very good I have to say!". What a British understatement! 😂 It's just stellar.
I'd love to know your journey with this song Elizabeth. I remember hearing it over and over on UK radio growing, I've just double checked in 1975, when I was 3! I guess it coloured what I thought music could be as I love many genres and "world" music as well
@@chelliebellie4443 I was 8yo at the time (Bohemian Rhapsody) but yeah it had a massive impact on me too. Dad introduced me to Decameron, Steeleye Span, Lindisfarne and Renaissance as a kid, my friend's Dad introduced me to Jethro Tull and my godfather introduced me to the Moody Blues around 11yo (also when I was introduced to Rush, Deep Purple, Rainbow, ELO and similar bands by friends). What a terrific time to grow up in terms of music!
It's from an album called "A Night At The Opera". The whole point of this song (and this was told to me by none other than Brian May at a guitar masterclass) was that it's a whole opera in one (BBC radio playable) pop song. And when you think about it, a crazy over dramatic story with the main character in conflict, a chorus of singers, a few solo hi-lights, the "sing-a-long" bit that you remember, then the musical return to the original theme and yeah it works EXACTLY like a miniature Italian tragic opera, which is very Freddie Mercury… Also, Real music. Real talent. Real artistry. Nobody like what Queen was. RIP Freddie Mercury!
It's a crazy over dramatic story because, and I didn't realise this until watching a documentary maybe 10 years ago about the song, it isn't really a story, unless by this you mean it was the story of Freddie accepting who he was, killing the old Freddie that his family and society in general thought he should be, and coming out as being gay. It seems obvious now looking at the song, but it could also be interpreted as being a story set in Bohemia in medieval times which is why I think it is a great song. If I remember rightly Freddie and his fellow band members were very tight lipped about the song was actually about because in those days being openly gay as a pop star wasn't acceptable to a large section of the public and wasn't advisable for pop stars to openly admit to being.
I sang this as a soprano in a choir. and it actually doesn't feel overly dramatic to me. it always gives me the impression of someone who is about to throw themselves in front of a train, having their last big inner blow up on the way to the tracks. it goes from pain and pleading, through anger ending in apathy (maybe acceptance). at least to me (stages of grief?). it always just feels befitting to me. big emotions need big music. "the prophet's song" is redicioulus. and I love it. basicly the story of Moses in a rock opera? yes please!
I could be wrong, but I think that high note at the end of the opera section, was Roger Taylor, the drummer, who btw, is a fantastic singer in his own right.
I am not one to participate in the silly "most underrated" conversations, but Roger as a vocalist backing one of the best singers in rock is that very definition. He carried Freddy when his voice was partied out, not up to par, sick, whatever. They would even rearrange songs for live performances so Freddy had a long show in him because Roger could pick up the slack. Insanely good, and the LA show solidified that.
@@Tripoutski Roger was a good singer, but he also had his own vocal problems. He lost his high falsetto in 1979. The Bb5 note that Roger sings in Bohemian Rhapsody is a note that Freddie still sings at Wembley 1986 for example.
I'll make a short comment for once. As a lifelong music lover having some training, tnis is by far the best analysis you've ever done. Of course, what you had to work with helps.
Your ability to take a mega-classic like this, which everyone knows by heart, and deconstruct it to make your audience learn something new about it, is amazing to watch !
It's so sad that we seem to lose some of the greatest artists of all time, so very young. But we are lucky in that we have lived in a time where we have those artists recorded forever. Imagine being alive in times before recording was possible. Imagine trying to describe and share the absolute perfection of voices and music like this with someone, without being able to play it. We are so fortunate, even if we only had these artists for a short time ❤
I'll do the obligatory promotion for "Somebody to Love" from Queen's '81 "The Game" tour recored at the Montreal Forum and later remastered and released as "Rock Montreal" Absolutely epic
@@simianinc One of my favorite reviews of Rock Montréal was by a guy who was already blown away by Freddy's performance "And they got John Legend on drums too?!?"
The fact that this song is still so great so many years late is unbelievable. You just have to watch the video of the Green Day at Hyde Park for the reaction from the crowd when this song came on. 65,000 people singing along to the song just brings a chill to your spine and signifies how loved Freddy is. In Australia, there are a number of songs by Australian bands that, when they are played on the juke box in a pub, will get everyone singing along. Bohemian Rhapsody will get a stadium singing.
Elizabeth's charismatic portrayal in Marten Aller Arten is legendary. She really owns it.. Everyone should watch how she dominates opera on YT. Truly amazing.
Thanks for this analysis. I’ve never been able to explain why I love Freddie Mercury’s voice so much. I just do. The way he sang with such expressiveness and emotion is enthralling. His talking voice sounds much like his singing voice. That is amazing too! Include his natural ear for music, voracious interest in all types of music, and his charisma; and, you have the rock god that makes him legendary and so pleasing to listeners of all kinds.
I never knew Freddie had the ability to play songs by ear on piano after hearing them for the first time on the radio! It doesn't surprise me at all, though. I have that same gift and I cannot imagine living without it at this point, haha. Always a treat to see your analyses, Elizabeth!
I started doing the same at home from the age of 3. My parents thought that they had a child prodigy and I learnt classical piano for many years, until I discovered boys 😂
Yes! The press was asking the other band members about their instruments. When they came to Freddie someone asked “What instrument do you play?” His reply: “The audience, darling.” Perfect.
And we felt it, he * was * singing to each us, even over the radio, on the TV, on a vinyl, on a cassette. He saved my life a few time with his voice alone.
Did I really just watch a 1 hour+ analysis of a song? Even if I have no idea of music or singing, I find it fascinatiing to see how passionate nerds can get.
Elizabeth! Great reaction. Thank you. Now you should hear the audience waiting for a Green Day show, sing along when Bohemian Rhapsody came on during pre show. Beautiful tribute to Freddie. You can feel him there.
I heard the 5.1 mix of Bohemian Rhapsody at Studio At The Palms in 2006 right after Brian May finished it. To hear Galileo Figaro, magnifico spinning around my head was a revelation. But hearing it the first time on my AM radio that night in 1975 changed my life.
I know Brian has mentioned in the past that Freddie's timing and technique was so good at multitracking that his voice would phase and flange against his harmonies (where a sound that's increasingly out of time with itself will first phase, then flange, then chorus and then echo). It's a remarkable vision and performance from the man, ably supported by the brilliance of Brian, John and Roger.. Freddie's genius in mashing three different songs together also made this as wild a proposition to throw at the record company as anything they ever did - I always find it remarkable that it managed to keep its integrity in the face of everything against it. I remember it so well, that four year old me seeing it at the time of its release, sat about two feet away from the TV being amazed at what I was watching and hearing. I think it fair to say that whilst other bands could've recorded this song in some measure, only Queen could have made the song that we all know. As an aside Elizabeth I don't know if you've ever seen it but there's a You Tube video "Inside the Rhapsody" - Brian and an engineer colleague went back to the original recording and spent half an hour teasing apart the song, including a lot of Freddie's overdubs.. I believe it first appeared on the supplementary DVD for the 30th Anniversary release of "A Night At The Opera" but it's found its way onto You Tube.. it's an amazing watch. If you want a good suggestion for control and dynamics, I would recommend the studio version of "You Take My Breath Away" and/or "Teo Torriatte" from the follow up album A DAY AT THE RACES. I think they're my personal favourites of a handful of times we get songs that feature a close and personal recorded Freddie.
There's a Queen tribute with George Michael singing "Somebody to Love", live and you notice the rest of Queen kinda going through the motions, but as George Michael gets the crowd into the song, the rest of Queen becomes more and more engaged. A must listen to.
This is absolutely my favorites song! I love how some folks have called him a siren. That no matter who you are, you just seem to know the words and HAVE to sing along.
49:15 What Freddie was adjusting was the mic gain for the piano. Somewhere in the chain, there was just a touch of clipping, and he brought it below the clipping threshold. The difference in gain was almost unnoticeable, but the clipping goes away. Sorry I missed this one!
The truly fascinating part of all of this is how Elizabeth can breakdown the most minute and subtle parts of singers voices and explain mentally and physically what is happening with the singer but more than likely especially in the rock genre even more so in the earlier days (60s and 70s) like this recording wasn't planned!! I think Freddie and the band had an idea of what they wanted the songs to sound like and of course made changes through the process but for all intent and purpose these people went in the studio and just did what they were capable of doing and put it on tape!!!!
Live Aid was such an amazing experience, even having to watch it on a Japanese TV channel (NHK?) with static-y reception it was still amazing. I probably sat 2-3 feet from the screen and tried to take it all in. I wish I had a DVD copy of it and could watch it on a huge screen with an amazing sound system and go back to being a teenager…
A friend got me the DVD set a long time ago for Christmas. I still play it and Pink Floyd's The Wall fairly often. I'm always in the minority (usually the only one) but my opinion is the most dynamic performance at live aid was Boomtown Rats I Don't Like Mondays.
You should check out May's song The Prophet Song, which is by far Mercury' s best vocal performance for Queen. In the mid 70s they used to do a combined medley in concert of two May songs, White Man and The Prophet Song, which you would have to find on a bootleg.😮
Brian May has a phenomenal voice as well. It's just there was an even more phenomenal voice in the band. It's wild how much artistry and talent and skill was in this one band. Definitely unmatched.
I've followed you for years and have waited for a Freddy Mercury/Queen analysis video for years. Thank you for all the years of hard work you've put in for our entertainment and education.
Excited to for your reaction to this, hoping to get to tomorrow's Premiere. Loved the immersion of listening through a whole new Queen album back in the day.
When we first heard this on the radio in the seventies, we were amazed! Yet we had been primed by the experimentation happening in pop music at the time. Progressive rock had bands like Yes, Emerson , Lake and Palmer, and more. Plus what the Beatles had been doing, along with artists like Paul Simon, Elton John and David Bowie! The list really is endless. We took the complexity of the pop music of the time for granted, something missing in much of pop music today. Plus Melodyne and Autotune did not exist, so we were hearing their true vocals, with much less manipulation. It is wonderful to go back and have someone knowledgable analyze the music we loved back then. Another great creator who does this is Rick Beato (I would love to hear the two of you in conversation!). Also, the way you explain how voice works is super interesting and helpful! I love singing and even in my late sixties, have a pretty decent voice. Your videos give me ideas of how to use it. Even more interesting is the understanding of my voice in altering my sound for male to female transition. I think the work you are involved in studying the vocal tract has tremendous value in MTF voice training. Keep up the great work! ❤🌹
"so we were hearing their true vocals" Not really. LESS, yes. But in the 60s we had manufactured bands like The Monkeys, but later on we had Millie Vanillie, who were fake and just dancers and never singers, and it took a loooong time to find them out.
In the 70s record companies were run by guys like John Hammond, Ahmet Ertegun (spelling?), Jerry Wexler, Clive Davis, and Herb Alpert. People who absolutely loved music and were just trying to make a little money from it. Now they are ran by people who love money and don't care whether they are creating anything memorable, artistic, or historical or not.
@@markhackett2302 Good observation. Artists and producers have always been looking for ways to enhance performances, and there have always been con men in show business. Now the technology is so ubiquitous producers pitch correct voices that would arguably sound better without it. If Freddy Mercury was alive today, someone would run his voice through Melodyne, and we would lose out on the imperfections that made his voice so memorable.
Oooh! You should analyze "Dragon Attack", both studio and live! It's probably my most-listened-to Queen song, and such a funky jam. Freddie's vocals are razor-edge fire, Brian's guitar is gritty, Roger's drumming is delicious, John's bass (solo!) is perfection. The whole thing is marvelous and fun. Better yet, check out "You Take My Breath Away", and compare the studio to the Hyde Park performance from Freddie. He plays piano and sings, and that's it. It's pretty incredible. EDIT: If you haven't listened to a cappella snippets from "Bo Rhap", you really need to. You'll be even more in love with Freddie's voice. And you are correct; the intro is all Freddie. The big operatic section has all three singing Queens; multiple layers, of course. Their approach to that vocal wall of sound was unmatched.
I can't believe it has taken Elizabeth so long to review one of the greatest songs of all time, from one of the greatest bands of all time with THE greatest front-man of all time! Love Freddy, Queen and Bohemian Rhapsody! Thanks for the analysis!
I was born in 1980. When I was in 6th grade, this song went onto the Wayne's World soundtrack, effectively rereleasing the song as a contemporary single from my youth. It was on the radio multiple times a day. So it was a 90s song as well. People my age and over might be the only ones who recall.
As a child of the 60s and 70s I grew up with Queen. They were quite an eclectic band. They have some real rockers and some beautiful songs as well. Check out "Death on Two Legs" which also is full of harmony. Then, for more of the dramatic touch check out "The Prophet's Song". Then, the beautiful "You're My Best Friend" and " '39". I feel so lucky to have grown up with this music!!
What's really impressive about 1970s bands is they delivered like this with such limited technology. Looking forward to some Peter Gabriel era Genesis next
The '70s is when tech rally took off in music! The synthesizer almost defined the next decade. Some of the best electric guitars and tube amps were made in the '70s. Audio studios were incredibly simple, but worked. You can still compare vinyl copies from the '70s to digital music today and a lot think the record sounds better. Just an old-head here. have a great day!
@@joegillam1497 Freddie knew his voice so intimately. He knew exactly how far he could push it without damage and where to hold back a bit, but he did so with clever stylistic changes that simply sounded fresh, not lacking!
Elizabeth, please do an in depth analysis of Queen's Who Wants to Live Forever, official video version. Also, if you haven't already, the acapella version or Under Pressure with David Bowie.
Queen’s It’s A Hard Life (Studio versus Live in Rio) or Who Wants To Live Forever (Studio versus Live in Budapest) which shows off Freddie’s Operatic Approach to singing in an even clearer way
I loved your analysis soooo much! I loved all the nerding, but above all, I loved how much love for Freddy you poured during the whole video. Thank you so much for this and for showing me even more things to admire this man even more.
Freddy Mercury is one of a kind so incredible... One that came close and is one of my favorite covers is 'George Michael' performing 'Somebody To Love' at the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert. Epic...
Thanks for explaining even better why Freddie was such a legend! The whole band was/is absolutely fantastic, but Freddie just had something, not just his amazing and unique voice but that perfect symbiosis with his audience. He took energy from them and gave it back a thousandfold. Fantastic analysis!
Thank you so much for this analysis ! "Save me" shows also to mastery of Freddie Mercury's voice and I'd love you to shine some light on all things we don't see (though we may intuitively sense)
@@kantpredict Nah thats not true and often a misinterpretation. He recorded the iconic high note part in one take "I'm never giving in, on with the show" No shade to Freddie since he's still a great singer, but he was often strained live and the live version of songs typically didn't compare to the studio
My two earliest memories of music involve Freddie Mercury: this video and the opening of the Barcelona Olympics. I was too young to understand what stardom was, or to know anything musically beyond children's songs and nursery rhymes, but the music and visuals were so incredibly striking and left such an impression that I get goosebumps every time I hear that voice!
A great analysis of this song and Freddie's vocals, Elizabeth. What you might not know is that Freddie was ill and had a cold when he did the Live Aid. I suggest that you compare, "Somebody to Love" by Queen live in Montreal 1981 and of course the studio version.
oh the way the piano comes back in to turn everything just amazingly GRAND at 43:38 I love this song a lot but out of everything that section, just the way they bring the tempo down 'slightly' before bringing the finale in it's just perfection
I always thought it was very brave of the rest of the band to have so much confidence in Freddie when he presented them with this crazy Bohemian Rhapsody idea. If you ever hear the 70,000 strong Green Day audience singing this from start to finish (including the guitar solos,) you would hear that they even replicate Freddie's He-ah (here). Live aid - Freddie had throat problems that day so this is him singing under par!!!! The whole set is remarkable when you realise that they could not even hear one another. (Brian May said this afterwards.) They sang all the songs in the set a little bit faster than the studio versions so that they could fit them all in to the strict 20 minute time slot . There are a lot of good close ups of Freddie singing at the piano in the "Somebody to Love" live in Montreal video which I think you would love with a lot of scatting at the end. Again, a comparison with the studio version would be great as they are both very different. I love them both but the complex harmonies couldn't be done live on stage so it's arranged differently. Freddie made a point of never singing a song exactly the same way live because it would be boring. Brian May said when they went on stage they only knew which songs they were going to sing and in what order and everything else was just how it played out. Loved the analysis. RIP Freddie 💔
I don’t know about bravery…Trust more likely. They had already made some pretty crazy songs before this, so they were probably already used to understanding that a song would come together.
Should I do more comparison analyses like this one, where I'm taking a look at the studio version AND a live version?
Yes definitely that would be amazing!!
Yes, for some songs it is very interesting to see the differences.
Yes, please!
Yes. Some bands are better live, others better in the studio. The differences are fun to listen to.
Better run it by Amy first 😅❤
Honestly a full breakdown of the entire Queen Live Aid performance is absolutely required now!
Even if Elizabeth doesn’t do an analysis of the Live Aid set, she should at least go watch it for her own enjoyment and entertainment.
I agree with this. The set is 20-odd minutes.
We’d be here for 5 hours
Not really, no.
Freddie could work a crowd like nobody else.
I gotta request the Live Aid version of "Radio Gaga" it's the perfect display of how Freddie had the entire crowd in the very palm of his hand
YES! Such a great performance
Yeeeeeeesss!!❤
Yeah, I’d love to see her analyse that, and the rest of the Live Aid set from a performance standpoint!
Yes!> Dah Ohh!!!
I do not like that song at all. Can't listen to it. BUT, if you put on that video, I will watch it every single time. There is no better example of a singer leading an audience.
I love Freddy’s crisp diction. He never mumbled like so many current artists who think that makes their singing “artistic” or “emotional”. Freddy was artistic and emotional and still enunciated. What a legend!❤
Mumbling goes way back; Kurt Cobain was a master at doing it...
QUEEN - Somebody To Love (Live Montreal 1981) ❤
Somebody to love is my favorite Queen song ever! However, I personally think no live version compares to the studio one. Not even close.
@@aaradiaThis is a perfect song for companion analysis...studio and live versions.
@@aaradiaYes. This one needs live and studio
Definitely do the Live Montreal set, Elizabeth. It's really well done.
Really
That high note at 39:55 was sung by Roger Taylor, just like the Galileo part. I absolutely love his vocals and, of course, his drumming. Brilliant, just like his fellow musicians.
...and doubled by Brian May on guitar. Something Queen often did was to double the highest note of the choir with the singing/sustaining guitar tone.
There’s a funny scene in the movie Bohemian Rhapsody where they’re in the studio recording the song and the other three band members keep urging Roger to go higher.
Love & miss Freddie. Queen #1 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I remember Freddie talking about having the $ to get his teeth corrected but said if he did, it might change his sound and who cares at this point, he said, not me. Wonder if Liz would do comparison between Adam Lambert and Freddie? I mean nothing against Adam and he was a big fan of Freddie. It would be interesting though.
"Who's Galileo?"
@@fabricioassismg5622 He’s a renaissance astronomer who invented the telescope, discovered the moons of Jupiter, and then was imprisoned for the rest of his life by the Catholic Church for supporting a sun centric model of the solar system (Copernican) instead of the church supported Earth centric view.
I was in a Queen tribute band back in my much younger days and I can tell you, playing drums is challenging enough, but pulling off Roger's vocals was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I was very fortunate that I was able to reach notes in his range from show to show. The good news was that live, they really cut back on the harmonies so we weren't trying to replicate that layered battalion of vocals they employed in the studio. That would have been impossible with just four musicians and no backing singers or other "help".
Roger was the band's secret weapon in my opinion. Go back and listen to the catalog and mark all the moments where Roger's soaring and piercing vocals really took their material to another level.
This is a band of four master musicians and artists. It is just that simple.
Please do The Show Must Go On. You should know Freddie was very, very ill at this point. The other band members were worried if he could actually sing the song. Then he drank a tall glass of vodka and aced it in just one take.
I have so much respect for this lovely, and extremely talented man. He left us way too soon.
He passed away when I was 8 years old. My parents, my brother and I cried for days. Possibly even weeks. And I still miss him every day.
He only did the high note in one take, which was the first the he recorded. He sang the rest of the song after that. He actually recorded the whole song one 2 hour session, including the layering. That was normally a 8 hour process per song. It was one of the last 3 songs he ever recorded. Brian may didn't want him pushing himself too hard because he was legit dying in front of them. So he drank a full glass and the rest of the bottle throughout the 2 hours and told Brian before he went in," don't worry darling, I'll crush like I always do" .
@@uzazil He was dying when they did Show Must Go On, not Live Aid. I assume you're talking about that not Live Aid.
@@shingodzilla7855 I'm replying to the op comment so yes, both the original post and my reply have nothing to do with liveaid
This song was even sadder knowing that he was dying. They also produced the album which would become the unofficial soundtrack to Highlander at the same time. Imagine writing songs about people who were immortal when your mortality has been sealed. He really was gifted in many ways
Every time I hear: Show must go on, gives shivers down my spine, 'cause Freddie was so ill and yet gave so powerfull perfomance.
G&R Civil War - please upvote this. I don’t see any way Elizabeth doesn’t fall in love with the subject matter, the tempo changes, the vocals, the solos, and the piano! It has it all. Dying to see her reaction.
One thing this song showcases is the relative sophistication of the _audience._ The fact that a song that industry insiders thought would sink without a trace would then became such a huge worldwide hit shows that the average music consumer was more discerning and intelligent in their musical choices than recording executives gave them credit for.
The way Queen did their Harmonies is, ALL 3 of the singers Freddy, Brian & Roger sang all 3 parts of the 3 part harmony, so there’s 9 background vocal tracks.
The really high note in the opera part is Roger.
Both R oger ,and Brian,have exceiient voices,which have their own characters.
Yes, Roger and Brian are too often overlooked. Roger was a lead singer while playing drums before he joined up with Brian.
Yep, anybody that wants a deep explanation should watch Rick Beato's interview with Brian May.
10CC's song, Not In Love, had several hundred tracks of vocals. ....tape loops, playing the mixing board faders are a keyboard would be played...
There are good youtubes of 'the making of' that song.
That is a superior song, superior production, superior concept.
It depends where, e.g. in all harmonies besides operatic section it's just only Freddie multi-tracking himself.
The moment at Live Aid 1985 when Freddy launches into the start of "We are the champions" to finish out Queen''s set is one moment in time I would have liked to be there. It is one of the greatest single emotional moments caught on camera ever. They were amazing that day, that moment.
A song that is put into the masterpiece category. Thankfully Freddie didn't back down to the record company's request to shorten the song.
The movie has several inaccurate moments done "for dramatic effect" - for example the movie suggests they left the record label over the B.R. fight. In reality, the band didn’t quit EMI until 2010.
Innuendo! Innuendo!! Innuendo!! It has to be one of my all-time favourite tracks, and moves my heart every time I hear it. Thank you soooooo much for this analysis.. I've adored Queen since being a small child, and it still catches my throat that Freddie Mercury isn't with us anymore. An utter legend. ❤
Yes, Innuendo please!!
Another reactor (Wings of Pegasus) analyzed the live performance from a guitar player’s point of view. He commented that the first thing Queen did when they got in stage was a quick two second sound check by playing a few notes on their instruments. Just to make sure everything was working. Freddie did those couple notes on his piano, then adjusted either its volume or monitor volume. Everything in that performance was rehearsed and timed to the second. Even the audience interaction. In a 20 minute performance they only went over time by 20 seconds.
I might be wrong, but I think Freddie was adjusting the preamp EO on his piano pickup. The tone of it changed just a bit (not as bright) after he fiddled with it.
I was an primary (elementary) school child in the 70's and remember hearing this (I was very young) on Top of the Pops. Everyone was silent (especially me) and at the end my Dad said "That was very good I have to say!". What a British understatement! 😂 It's just stellar.
I can hear your dad in 1945, while picking his way through the rubble of London..."That was quite the little fight, I must say!"
@andychisarick6879 Yup, that's Dad - understated 🤣
I'd love to know your journey with this song Elizabeth. I remember hearing it over and over on UK radio growing, I've just double checked in 1975, when I was 3! I guess it coloured what I thought music could be as I love many genres and "world" music as well
@@chelliebellie4443 I was 8yo at the time (Bohemian Rhapsody) but yeah it had a massive impact on me too. Dad introduced me to Decameron, Steeleye Span, Lindisfarne and Renaissance as a kid, my friend's Dad introduced me to Jethro Tull and my godfather introduced me to the Moody Blues around 11yo (also when I was introduced to Rush, Deep Purple, Rainbow, ELO and similar bands by friends). What a terrific time to grow up in terms of music!
It's from an album called "A Night At The Opera". The whole point of this song (and this was told to me by none other than Brian May at a guitar masterclass) was that it's a whole opera in one (BBC radio playable) pop song. And when you think about it, a crazy over dramatic story with the main character in conflict, a chorus of singers, a few solo hi-lights, the "sing-a-long" bit that you remember, then the musical return to the original theme and yeah it works EXACTLY like a miniature Italian tragic opera, which is very Freddie Mercury…
Also, Real music. Real talent. Real artistry. Nobody like what Queen was. RIP Freddie Mercury!
It's a crazy over dramatic story because, and I didn't realise this until watching a documentary maybe 10 years ago about the song, it isn't really a story, unless by this you mean it was the story of Freddie accepting who he was, killing the old Freddie that his family and society in general thought he should be, and coming out as being gay. It seems obvious now looking at the song, but it could also be interpreted as being a story set in Bohemia in medieval times which is why I think it is a great song. If I remember rightly Freddie and his fellow band members were very tight lipped about the song was actually about because in those days being openly gay as a pop star wasn't acceptable to a large section of the public and wasn't advisable for pop stars to openly admit to being.
a pop/rock opera. a popera
I sang this as a soprano in a choir. and it actually doesn't feel overly dramatic to me. it always gives me the impression of someone who is about to throw themselves in front of a train, having their last big inner blow up on the way to the tracks. it goes from pain and pleading, through anger ending in apathy (maybe acceptance). at least to me (stages of grief?). it always just feels befitting to me. big emotions need big music.
"the prophet's song" is redicioulus. and I love it. basicly the story of Moses in a rock opera? yes please!
I could be wrong, but I think that high note at the end of the opera section, was Roger Taylor, the drummer, who btw, is a fantastic singer in his own right.
I am not one to participate in the silly "most underrated" conversations, but Roger as a vocalist backing one of the best singers in rock is that very definition. He carried Freddy when his voice was partied out, not up to par, sick, whatever. They would even rearrange songs for live performances so Freddy had a long show in him because Roger could pick up the slack. Insanely good, and the LA show solidified that.
I'm in love with my car🤘
You are not wrong! And I agree, Roger is fantastic!
@@Tripoutski Roger was a good singer, but he also had his own vocal problems. He lost his high falsetto in 1979. The Bb5 note that Roger sings in Bohemian Rhapsody is a note that Freddie still sings at Wembley 1986 for example.
@@BROU-bb2ucThe live in Montreal version is fantastic!
About time Elizabeth!! 🙂
I'll make a short comment for once. As a lifelong music lover having some training, tnis is by far the best analysis you've ever done. Of course, what you had to work with helps.
I was so very fortunate to see this band in concert twice. Freddie made it seem like he was singing just for you. Awesome greatness 🎉🎉
You’ve GOT to do Barcelona. Freddy sings with Montserrat and it’s absolutely amazing
Agreed, so amazing!
Your ability to take a mega-classic like this, which everyone knows by heart, and deconstruct it to make your audience learn something new about it, is amazing to watch !
Congratulations! The moment we've all been waiting for 💜
Queen - Somebody to love
Freddie is my music hero! Got him tattooed on my arm. Thank you for covering this, Elizabeth!
It's so sad that we seem to lose some of the greatest artists of all time, so very young. But we are lucky in that we have lived in a time where we have those artists recorded forever. Imagine being alive in times before recording was possible. Imagine trying to describe and share the absolute perfection of voices and music like this with someone, without being able to play it. We are so fortunate, even if we only had these artists for a short time ❤
Beautifully put, couldn't agree more ❤
A must analysis is Freddy Mercurys' duet with Montserrat Caballe singing Barcelona. Freddy is amazing in that song.
I'll do the obligatory promotion for "Somebody to Love" from Queen's '81 "The Game" tour recored at the Montreal Forum and later remastered and released as "Rock Montreal"
Absolutely epic
And Roger Taylor's vocals! A drummer with his voice would normally be the lead
YES YES YES!!!!!!
That is my absolute favorite version of my favorite song. As someone said about that performance, "Freddy took us to CHURCH." Chills, every time.
@@simianinc One of my favorite reviews of Rock Montréal was by a guy who was already blown away by Freddy's performance "And they got John Legend on drums too?!?"
I've always personally preferred STL live at the Milton Keynes Bowl in 1982. I overall think that concert always gets overshadowed by Montreal 81
The fact that this song is still so great so many years late is unbelievable. You just have to watch the video of the Green Day at Hyde Park for the reaction from the crowd when this song came on. 65,000 people singing along to the song just brings a chill to your spine and signifies how loved Freddy is. In Australia, there are a number of songs by Australian bands that, when they are played on the juke box in a pub, will get everyone singing along. Bohemian Rhapsody will get a stadium singing.
What an amazing analysis. As always you point out things I hadn’t noticed. He was an amazing artist and will live on forever
Elizabeth's charismatic portrayal in Marten Aller Arten is legendary. She really owns it.. Everyone should watch how she dominates opera on YT. Truly amazing.
Music and lyrics by guys that have been dead for 200 years, no I'm good.
I been waiting for this for at least 5 years
Yes any of the wonderful queen suggestions already mentioned. But also you need to check out Barcelona by Freddie & Montserrat Caballe
Thanks for this analysis. I’ve never been able to explain why I love Freddie Mercury’s voice so much. I just do. The way he sang with such expressiveness and emotion is enthralling. His talking voice sounds much like his singing voice. That is amazing too! Include his natural ear for music, voracious interest in all types of music, and his charisma; and, you have the rock god that makes him legendary and so pleasing to listeners of all kinds.
Audience engagement < No cell phone📱🤳
Freddie = goosebumps steal the show!!
They did not exist. We relied on pay phones away from home.
I never knew Freddie had the ability to play songs by ear on piano after hearing them for the first time on the radio! It doesn't surprise me at all, though. I have that same gift and I cannot imagine living without it at this point, haha. Always a treat to see your analyses, Elizabeth!
Elton could as well! Not a common gift though, my friend!❤
I started doing the same at home from the age of 3. My parents thought that they had a child prodigy and I learnt classical piano for many years, until I discovered boys 😂
The audience signing along was just amazing. People loved them so much.
Freddie always said that his favourite instrument was the audience. He made you feel like he was only singing to you.
Yes! The press was asking the other band members about their instruments. When they came to Freddie someone asked “What instrument do you play?” His reply: “The audience, darling.” Perfect.
And we felt it, he * was * singing to each us, even over the radio, on the TV, on a vinyl, on a cassette. He saved my life a few time with his voice alone.
Did I really just watch a 1 hour+ analysis of a song? Even if I have no idea of music or singing, I find it fascinatiing to see how passionate nerds can get.
There are so many layered tracks of vocals on the studio recording, that the original tape is nearly transparent…. Masterpiece.
Elizabeth! Great reaction. Thank you. Now you should hear the audience waiting for a Green Day show, sing along when Bohemian Rhapsody came on during pre show. Beautiful tribute to Freddie. You can feel him there.
I heard the 5.1 mix of Bohemian Rhapsody at Studio At The Palms in 2006 right after Brian May finished it. To hear Galileo Figaro, magnifico spinning around my head was a revelation. But hearing it the first time on my AM radio that night in 1975 changed my life.
I know Brian has mentioned in the past that Freddie's timing and technique was so good at multitracking that his voice would phase and flange against his harmonies (where a sound that's increasingly out of time with itself will first phase, then flange, then chorus and then echo). It's a remarkable vision and performance from the man, ably supported by the brilliance of Brian, John and Roger.. Freddie's genius in mashing three different songs together also made this as wild a proposition to throw at the record company as anything they ever did - I always find it remarkable that it managed to keep its integrity in the face of everything against it. I remember it so well, that four year old me seeing it at the time of its release, sat about two feet away from the TV being amazed at what I was watching and hearing. I think it fair to say that whilst other bands could've recorded this song in some measure, only Queen could have made the song that we all know. As an aside Elizabeth I don't know if you've ever seen it but there's a You Tube video "Inside the Rhapsody" - Brian and an engineer colleague went back to the original recording and spent half an hour teasing apart the song, including a lot of Freddie's overdubs.. I believe it first appeared on the supplementary DVD for the 30th Anniversary release of "A Night At The Opera" but it's found its way onto You Tube.. it's an amazing watch.
If you want a good suggestion for control and dynamics, I would recommend the studio version of "You Take My Breath Away" and/or "Teo Torriatte" from the follow up album A DAY AT THE RACES. I think they're my personal favourites of a handful of times we get songs that feature a close and personal recorded Freddie.
Muppets cover of Bohemian Rhapsody has to be next.
Gonzo is incredible in that version!!
@@One_Proud_Papa the best part is the end when it turns out it was supposed to be a conference call
And the michael rosen ytp
Meep!
Lol...😊
There's a Queen tribute with George Michael singing "Somebody to Love", live and you notice the rest of Queen kinda going through the motions, but as George Michael gets the crowd into the song, the rest of Queen becomes more and more engaged. A must listen to.
Brilliant!!! Fantastic!!! The greatest song of all time!!! Looking forward to seeing this.
Napokon najveci od svih...Freddie❤ Ovo cekam kako sam otkrila tvoj kanal. Hvala😊❤
Spoiled by an extra long version, thank you! It was great to hear about so many technical aspects as well as have so much fun enjoying the sillyness.
I recently watched the video of Brian May and Andrea Bocelli doing "Who Wants to Live Forever?" and it was AWESOME!!!!
Queen- Who Wants To Live Forever
Yes! Came here to say this
The budapest version!!!
Yes!!
Yes! Brilliant song
Not even the music video, taken directly from Highlander.
Omg I have been waiting soo long for you to do Queen. Thank you for this ❤
This is absolutely my favorites song! I love how some folks have called him a siren. That no matter who you are, you just seem to know the words and HAVE to sing along.
49:15 What Freddie was adjusting was the mic gain for the piano. Somewhere in the chain, there was just a touch of clipping, and he brought it below the clipping threshold. The difference in gain was almost unnoticeable, but the clipping goes away. Sorry I missed this one!
The truly fascinating part of all of this is how Elizabeth can breakdown the most minute and subtle parts of singers voices and explain mentally and physically what is happening with the singer but more than likely especially in the rock genre even more so in the earlier days (60s and 70s) like this recording wasn't planned!! I think Freddie and the band had an idea of what they wanted the songs to sound like and of course made changes through the process but for all intent and purpose these people went in the studio and just did what they were capable of doing and put it on tape!!!!
Saw them at the "A Kind of Magic" tour, so glad I got to see him perform live. It really was a kind of magic.
I’ve always loved this performance. I also love just how the entire audience is with him. They know the song they are singing it.!
Live Aid was such an amazing experience, even having to watch it on a Japanese TV channel (NHK?) with static-y reception it was still amazing. I probably sat 2-3 feet from the screen and tried to take it all in. I wish I had a DVD copy of it and could watch it on a huge screen with an amazing sound system and go back to being a teenager…
A friend got me the DVD set a long time ago for Christmas. I still play it and Pink Floyd's The Wall fairly often. I'm always in the minority (usually the only one) but my opinion is the most dynamic performance at live aid was Boomtown Rats I Don't Like Mondays.
You should check out May's song The Prophet Song, which is by far Mercury' s best vocal performance for Queen. In the mid 70s they used to do a combined medley in concert of two May songs, White Man and The Prophet Song, which you would have to find on a bootleg.😮
The Prophet Song is my favorite song to listen to with headphones. The channels are so clear and the separate vocals are awesome.
Brian May has a phenomenal voice as well. It's just there was an even more phenomenal voice in the band. It's wild how much artistry and talent and skill was in this one band. Definitely unmatched.
I've followed you for years and have waited for a Freddy Mercury/Queen analysis video for years. Thank you for all the years of hard work you've put in for our entertainment and education.
Excited to for your reaction to this, hoping to get to tomorrow's Premiere. Loved the immersion of listening through a whole new Queen album back in the day.
When we first heard this on the radio in the seventies, we were amazed! Yet we had been primed by the experimentation happening in pop music at the time. Progressive rock had bands like Yes, Emerson , Lake and Palmer, and more. Plus what the Beatles had been doing, along with artists like Paul Simon, Elton John and David Bowie! The list really is endless. We took the complexity of the pop music of the time for granted, something missing in much of pop music today. Plus Melodyne and Autotune did not exist, so we were hearing their true vocals, with much less manipulation. It is wonderful to go back and have someone knowledgable analyze the music we loved back then. Another great creator who does this is Rick Beato (I would love to hear the two of you in conversation!). Also, the way you explain how voice works is super interesting and helpful! I love singing and even in my late sixties, have a pretty decent voice. Your videos give me ideas of how to use it. Even more interesting is the understanding of my voice in altering my sound for male to female transition. I think the work you are involved in studying the vocal tract has tremendous value in MTF voice training. Keep up the great work! ❤🌹
"so we were hearing their true vocals"
Not really. LESS, yes. But in the 60s we had manufactured bands like The Monkeys, but later on we had Millie Vanillie, who were fake and just dancers and never singers, and it took a loooong time to find them out.
In the 70s record companies were run by guys like John Hammond, Ahmet Ertegun (spelling?), Jerry Wexler, Clive Davis, and Herb Alpert. People who absolutely loved music and were just trying to make a little money from it. Now they are ran by people who love money and don't care whether they are creating anything memorable, artistic, or historical or not.
Great observation. Just listening to Elizabeth's explanations can help you become a better singer! The lady is magic!
Great comment! Elisabeth and Rick Beato need to do a tea time interview.
@@markhackett2302 Good observation. Artists and producers have always been looking for ways to enhance performances, and there have always been con men in show business. Now the technology is so ubiquitous producers pitch correct voices that would arguably sound better without it. If Freddy Mercury was alive today, someone would run his voice through Melodyne, and we would lose out on the imperfections that made his voice so memorable.
Oooh! You should analyze "Dragon Attack", both studio and live! It's probably my most-listened-to Queen song, and such a funky jam. Freddie's vocals are razor-edge fire, Brian's guitar is gritty, Roger's drumming is delicious, John's bass (solo!) is perfection. The whole thing is marvelous and fun. Better yet, check out "You Take My Breath Away", and compare the studio to the Hyde Park performance from Freddie. He plays piano and sings, and that's it. It's pretty incredible.
EDIT: If you haven't listened to a cappella snippets from "Bo Rhap", you really need to. You'll be even more in love with Freddie's voice. And you are correct; the intro is all Freddie. The big operatic section has all three singing Queens; multiple layers, of course. Their approach to that vocal wall of sound was unmatched.
I can't believe it has taken Elizabeth so long to review one of the greatest songs of all time, from one of the greatest bands of all time with THE greatest front-man of all time! Love Freddy, Queen and Bohemian Rhapsody! Thanks for the analysis!
I am 45 now. The same age Freddie died. I was 12 back then. It was a hard loss for the world of music.
I was born in 1980. When I was in 6th grade, this song went onto the Wayne's World soundtrack, effectively rereleasing the song as a contemporary single from my youth. It was on the radio multiple times a day. So it was a 90s song as well. People my age and over might be the only ones who recall.
Thank you Elizabeth! It's so wonderful to get your in-depth analysis of this most legendary piece of musical art!
As a child of the 60s and 70s I grew up with Queen. They were quite an eclectic band. They have some real rockers and some beautiful songs as well. Check out "Death on Two Legs" which also is full of harmony. Then, for more of the dramatic touch check out "The Prophet's Song". Then, the beautiful "You're My Best Friend" and " '39". I feel so lucky to have grown up with this music!!
What's really impressive about 1970s bands is they delivered like this with such limited technology.
Looking forward to some Peter Gabriel era Genesis next
Yeah,tape,literaiiy stuck together ,and how few tracks,compared to today.
The '70s is when tech rally took off in music! The synthesizer almost defined the next decade. Some of the best electric guitars and tube amps were made in the '70s. Audio studios were incredibly simple, but worked. You can still compare vinyl copies from the '70s to digital music today and a lot think the record sounds better. Just an old-head here. have a great day!
The fact that Freddie was ill during the live aid performance was astounding to me, because he sounded absolutely incredible!!!!!
Raging throat infection. His Doctor told him not perform. He was an absolute beast!
@@joegillam1497 Freddie knew his voice so intimately. He knew exactly how far he could push it without damage and where to hold back a bit, but he did so with clever stylistic changes that simply sounded fresh, not lacking!
Elizabeth, please do an in depth analysis of Queen's Who Wants to Live Forever, official video version. Also, if you haven't already, the acapella version or Under Pressure with David Bowie.
" acapella version " - there is just the album version of them together. Never together in concert.
i love that song
Chiming in again. Freddy had about 60,000 backup singers at the start of Bohemian Rhapsody at Live Aid.
Epic.
Agreed! 72,000 audience members that Freddie had in the palm of his hands. He always said his favorite instrument to play was the audience.😊
Now you have to watch Wayne's World. 😂
In the Top Ten Most Epic Movie Opening Scenes ever!
Awesome reaction!!! More Queen please🙏
Thank you for your wonderful analysis. So much goodness, and you just scratched the surface.
Queen’s It’s A Hard Life (Studio versus Live in Rio) or Who Wants To Live Forever (Studio versus Live in Budapest) which shows off Freddie’s Operatic Approach to singing in an even clearer way
This is literally my favourite song OF ALL TIME! CHRISTMAS IS HERE, THANKS ELIZABETH ❤
Looking forward to it. Kisses from Argentina
I loved your analysis soooo much! I loved all the nerding, but above all, I loved how much love for Freddy you poured during the whole video. Thank you so much for this and for showing me even more things to admire this man even more.
Freddy Mercury is one of a kind so incredible... One that came close and is one of my favorite covers is 'George Michael' performing 'Somebody To Love' at the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert. Epic...
And the duet with Elton John doing dont let the sun go down on me, ill never forget watching not only that concert, but that song in particular.
Have i already said i love ur videos? I always keep waiting for them
A suggestion for one of the lesser-played Queen songs: Now I'm Here. The studio version sounds amazing in headphones.
I saw the length of this video and immediately thought "This lady will make every second worthwhile!"
So true! If everyone "over delivered" like Elizabeth I'd like i was. in heaven on earth!
Would have preferred not having an ad every five minutes.
That was delightful! I ❤ 70s Freddie and Queen
OM goodness, what a fantastic review Elizabeth, I don’t understand half of the technical bits but you explain it so well - awesome
Loved it
The music vídeo is incredible too! The mosaic fits so perfectly
Way to slay that fear! Awesome vid, thanks for sharing!
Finally! Finally! Finally! Thank you so much!!!!
Thanks for explaining even better why Freddie was such a legend! The whole band was/is absolutely fantastic, but Freddie just had something, not just his amazing and unique voice but that perfect symbiosis with his audience. He took energy from them and gave it back a thousandfold.
Fantastic analysis!
Can you imagine having to follow them after their 20 minute set at Live AID?
But, you know, it was Bowie. (smart move by the organizers :) )
It was David Bowie and was heard saying "How the f**k do I follow that?"
I read somewhere that Elton John was waiting to go on, and as Freddie came off stage Elton said "You Bastards! You stole the show!"
Thank you so much for this analysis ! "Save me" shows also to mastery of Freddie Mercury's voice and I'd love you to shine some light on all things we don't see (though we may intuitively sense)
Freddie on a bad day with a throat infection is still better than all the autotune-reliant singers today.
That was beautifully said.
Freddie dying of AIDS, on a big shot of vodka belted out The Show Must Go On in one take so yeah
@@kantpredict Nah thats not true and often a misinterpretation. He recorded the iconic high note part in one take "I'm never giving in, on with the show"
No shade to Freddie since he's still a great singer, but he was often strained live and the live version of songs typically didn't compare to the studio
The famous singers today are so heavily autotuned because they are pushed based on looks over ability
He had severe vocal nodules not an infection. But yes you’re 100% right about the crap of todays music
I have thoroughly enjoyed this! More of the live aid breakdowns would be cool!
Can't wait for the day when Elizabeth discovers Nick Cave's voice. Such a beautiful voice.
My two earliest memories of music involve Freddie Mercury: this video and the opening of the Barcelona Olympics. I was too young to understand what stardom was, or to know anything musically beyond children's songs and nursery rhymes, but the music and visuals were so incredibly striking and left such an impression that I get goosebumps every time I hear that voice!
A great analysis of this song and Freddie's vocals, Elizabeth. What you might not know is that Freddie was ill and had a cold when he did the Live Aid.
I suggest that you compare, "Somebody to Love" by Queen live in Montreal 1981 and of course the studio version.
oh the way the piano comes back in to turn everything just amazingly GRAND at 43:38 I love this song a lot but out of everything that section, just the way they bring the tempo down 'slightly' before bringing the finale in it's just perfection
It is not just Freddie singing. Roger Taylor provided the excellent high's in the backing.
Brian as well:)
Not during the intro. She was referring to the piano and voice section at the start, wherein it is all Freddy, multitracked.
Not in the first section
This channel at its best. The best videos are actually vocal analyses. Superb. More like this, please.
I always thought it was very brave of the rest of the band to have so much confidence in Freddie when he presented them with this crazy Bohemian Rhapsody idea. If you ever hear the 70,000 strong Green Day audience singing this from start to finish (including the guitar solos,) you would hear that they even replicate Freddie's He-ah (here). Live aid - Freddie had throat problems that day so this is him singing under par!!!! The whole set is remarkable when you realise that they could not even hear one another. (Brian May said this afterwards.) They sang all the songs in the set a little bit faster than the studio versions so that they could fit them all in to the strict 20 minute time slot . There are a lot of good close ups of Freddie singing at the piano in the "Somebody to Love" live in Montreal video which I think you would love with a lot of scatting at the end. Again, a comparison with the studio version would be great as they are both very different. I love them both but the complex harmonies couldn't be done live on stage so it's arranged differently. Freddie made a point of never singing a song exactly the same way live because it would be boring. Brian May said when they went on stage they only knew which songs they were going to sing and in what order and everything else was just how it played out. Loved the analysis. RIP Freddie 💔
I don’t know about bravery…Trust more likely. They had already made some pretty crazy songs before this, so they were probably already used to understanding that a song would come together.
I literally went through your videos last week searching for Queen and found nothing, so am very much looking forward to watching this