I Want To Break Free had nothing to do with Freddie's lifestyle. It was written by the bassist, John Deacon and was about women escaping the "housewife" role. The video wasn't about cross-dressing but it was a parody of a British soap opera, Coronation Street.
Fun fact: Brian May, Queen's guitarist, has a Ph.D. in astrophysics. What makes Queen such an iconic band is that all 4 members are brilliant people and they are utter perfectionists. Their audience always got their best possible work, as songwriters and performers. This is how great musicians respect their fans.
I WAS THERE!! Montreal, 1981. I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!! There are simply NO WORDS to describe it. Queen is an incredibly mesmerizing band to see LIVE...their concerts were EXHILERATING...they captured you and brought you to a wonderful, beautiful place. Freddie was soooo engaging - held you in the palm of his OUTSTRETCHED hand - what a performer! What an entertainer with a voice that is to this day UNMATCHABLE. In this song, Freddie was channeling ARETHA FRANKLIN, who he adored - can you hear that soulful sound, those soulful words? But, when Freddie was asked who he would like to meet but hadn't had the chance to meet, he always said JOHN LENNON. And, as every member of Queen has said in interviews,, the BEATLES were Queen's BIBLE. I can see that and I can HEAR that. Do yourself a favor and throw a dart at any song from this concert and react to it - believe me, you will NOT be disappointed. Best concert ever and that's saying something because I saw all the greats - Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac. Eagles, Aerosmith, Elton, etc etc - all absolutely fantastic - but, imo. no one was like QUEEN - and, unfortunately, I doubt any band will be like them ever again. These 4 incredible musicians worked HARD, were PERFECTIONISTS and they stayed together for 20+ years - their camaraderie was genuine and their music is a testament to what is means to be a LEGEND in their own lifetime and FOR ALL TIME.
I was there too. What a fantastic show! They were my favourite band since I heard the first album. Tbh I am still amazed that not only did my parents allow my brother and I to attend, we were 17 and 14, but they attended with us. Some of the moments were cringy with the parents around, but we all had a blast. When playing albums at home, my mom would call up the stairs for us to open our doors and turn it up. Black P, I know you will relate to how strict my parents could be. Dad was career army. Cheers.
When Freddie gets up from the piano the second time and the drums kick in and Freddie is interacting with the crowd singing Find me somebody to love, Find me somebody to love over again, you’d never realize that Sir Brian May (guitar) was off replacing a guitar string. From the view of the piano, you can see Freddie looking back at Brian to see how long he’d be and then he joined right in and Freddie went back to the piano. The rest of the band was able to improvise while Brian was indisposed… that’s the mark of a great live band. The best live band ever in my opinion.
I think he was just tuning it because he knew he had a bit of time in that section. It's about the same length of time in other live performances. Love how Freddie was so aware and watching while never missing a beat of the performance.
Rather interesting, I like to see these things during performances when something is going on and band has to adjust on the fly. I went back and watched again.
That is not true. If you watch any live version of the song, that's how it goes. If you want to see where May had to replace his guitar mid-song because a string broke, watch Dragon Attack at Milton Keynes. While he is switching, John Deacon goes into an impromptu bass solo until May starts up again.
@@barbmorrill4930 Yes, that’s how ithe song goes, but Brian was at the back of the stage with his back to the audience and Freddie kept looking back and then Brian came up to the forefront again
@@Tara_S125 Yes, I'm saying Brian does that during that section of Somebody to Love every time it's performed live. It's not because his string broke. When he breaks a string -- like he did in Dragon Attack at Milton Keynes -- he switches guitars.
OK , perfect time to introduce you to one of Freddie's absolute idols: operatic great, Monserrat Caballe! Freddie was enamored of opera abd had such great admiration for her, that he decided he just had to meet her & proposed that they perform together. He wrote some operatic selections specifically for them as a duo and as crazy as it sounds, the blend of his rock vouce and her operatic soprano is AMAZING. He wrote "Barcelona" for the upcoming Olympics but knew he would be too sick by the time of the ceremony to perform it; however they did a live percormance with full orchestration that was videotaped, and it's astonishing. Monserrat just adored Freddie too and was very enthusiastic to collaborate with him. Must watch!! It's everything you wouldnt expect-- shows you the genius and greatness of both of them. You asked about his inspiration....this will blow your mind.
Freddie was engaged to a neighbour of mine, Mary Austin. We grew up in Fulham, London together, although she is older than me. Mary was his soul mate, they adored one another, and he left his home and majority of his fortune to her. She’s a lovely woman, Freddie was a lovely man. A genius, and a beautiful soul. She’s never got over Freddie’s death, and has never really been able to move on with her life, he was such a huge character. No one could replace him.
@@karencrookshank4971 she deserves a hug every day of her life. She was the woman behind the man personified. I've always had huge respect for Ms Austin.
Remember watching an amazing documentary about queen many years ago and the sections with her stood out so much to me, truly an angel on a shoulders of an otherwise quite tortured soul.
I don't blame her at all for finally auctioning off Freddie's belongings. Imagine having to be the custodian of his legacy for so many years. As much as she loved him, it must have been a unbearable burden. She couldn't move on with her life. I hope she feels a little freer now.
Yes! I’m 68 now- I believe we grew up with the absolute best music ever. 1991 Freddie died of AIDS - something most had never heard of until then. 😢 Absolutely devastating.
This song was like an homage to Aretha Franklin, if you listen to the studio version you will "hear" it. Freddie dreamed of having Aretha singing this and then she sang that (absolute banger) song "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" with his good friend George Michael. I was 13 when this song came out, want to say Thank You for a wonderful reaction.
Can't recall who, but someone in or close to the band once talked about how Freddie was given an Aretha album and seemed to play it nonstop for about a year.
Yes, the drummer Roger Taylor has an amazing voice. He also wrote some of their really cool songs like Radio Gaga. If you want to hear him sing lead check out the live or studio version of I’m in Love With My Car. It’s on the same album as Bohemian Rhapsody.
My thoughts exactly 💯! 'I'm in Love with my car' definitely one BP needs to react to. Also, for Brian May I suggest '39' live. I've always loved that song and Brian sings it beautifully. He couples it with his vocal of 'Love of my life'.
Roger was very happy to dress in drag for Freddie. He was in at least three videos in drag (Freddie was in drag in two of them). And one GORGEOUS woman he made!
That’s a great point, because Freddie does it so flawlessly that we often forget how difficult it actually is to do what he does, especially onstage live. Also, his band members said Freddie’s rhythm was always so perfect that he was the metronome. Truly amazing!!!
The wristbands were just to wipe sweat away. Lights were super hot before LEDs. And yes most people talk about Freddie, rightly so, but this was 4 elite musicians. The only band to have all members write a #1 hit song! That's ELITE ❤
Four fabulous musicians totally in the zone, individually and collectively. Such a tight, professional band. No earpieces or autotune. You may not have noticed that the second time Freddie gets up from the piano, Brian has had some kind of problem with his guitar and goes to the back of the stage. You can see Freddie looking behind him to see what's happening and he even says "keep it going" until Brian comes back, gives a nod and the song carries on. Absolutely seamless. This song was his tribute to Aretha Franklin.
4 of the most talented, highly educated, decent human beings to be in such a successful rock band. The drummer and guitarist are still performing in their 70's. The guitarist is also a astrophysicist, the drummer has a biology degree and the bassist mechanical engineering I believe.
The bassist John Deacon studied (and got First Class Honours degree) in Electronics /Electronic Engineering - and at least began to study for his Masters degree in Acoustics and Vibration Technology (although it is unclear whether he completed the Master’s program before Queen rocketed to superstardom)
@@imweakfordeaky //No, John had to quit his Master's degree program, as the band took off and he had no time to finish..He did build the band the 'Deacy Amp' and both him and Brian used it throughout their recording sessions in studio.....Also, don't forget Freddie had a degree in Graphic art/ fashion design/ Illustration.... He designed the Queen logo... All educated and multi-talented in music, composition, etc.
There was a "5th member" of Queen for their tours. Spike Edney toured with Queen for years. Whenever you see Freddie leave the piano - Spike Edney takes over playing the piano. At times, Edney plays keyboards, Guitars, etc., whatever is needed in the song. Edney was never an "offictial" member of the band, and he rarely play on studio albums - but he was essential to tours to keep the integrity of Queen's sound. When your frontman plays piano - you have to compromise somewhere - either use backing tracks on tours, or have a session musician play live. Edney played Piano while Freddie performed elsewhere. Edney played guitars on tracks in which Brian May played multiple guitar parts on the studio version, Edney would play keyboards on the handful of tracks Queen used synths. Edney is a multi-instrumentalist who was integral to Queen's live shows - keeping the live shows truly live.
Freddie wrote a great tribute song to Elvis called "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"! The video is great! Freddie was a genius frontman of a crazy great band!
Every member penned a hit, they were the first band to be inducted into the songwriters Hall of Fame. It's why they have so many hits, standards don't drop when all of the band is writing to get on the album.
Once you 'Get' Queen...They become part of your soul and mental wallpaper. Although now in this 21st century there is so much mystique surrounding Queen, and particularly Freddie's legendary status...We who were privileged to see Queen perform live, knew instinctively that we were witnessing inimitable greatness. I was so very fortunate to attend several of their concerts in different parts of the world in the mid 80's...This band were the perfect storm, and Freddie was the God with pockets full of fairy dust, who ensured each and every ticket holder experienced the absolute time of their lives. Dear Freddie showed us inside his heart...and we will love him forever for it.❤
Loved your reaction to this truly iconic performance by Freddie and the band……. Whenever someone would refer to Freddie as being the leader of the band…..he would correct them and say that they were all 4 equal members of Queen. You absolutely must react to the Highlander song “Who Wants to Live Forever” live in Budapest, it is perfection! Another song from Highlander is “One Year of Love” written by John Deacon, it’s a lyric video that shows just how great Freddie could sing. The Queen rabbit hole is quite deep ….with 300 recorded songs spread over 20 years of iconic hits… you will recognize more songs that you didn’t know were by Queen. I really love your honest reactions ….. More Queen Please 😊. Thank you.
Another version of "Who wants to live forever" is from 2006 - with Brian and Roger as Queen - and a bass, a drummer and a keyboard player - and Adam Lambert as the singer. Adam has toured with them for 12 years - all over the world keeping the music alive and giving the younger generations an opportunity to witness them live. At that concert Adam - who is gay himself - dedicated the song to the victims of a mass shooting in a gay-bar the night before. Roger and Brian Both said that they have never heard it song like that before - heartbreaking. Adam is a great singer at does his own version of the songs - does not try to copy Freddie. You can find it here on YT. There is no close-ups - but back then Roberts son Rufus Tiger Taylor played the drums in the back. He is really talented as well.
This is one of the greatest live performances ever. Freddie's musical taste was really eclectic, he was a huge fan of the rock heroes like Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Elvis, Led Zeppelin, but he also loved Aretha Franklin, Shirley Bassey, Liza Minnelli, from the opera world Pavarotti, later Montserrat Caballé, he loved ballet, disco, The Music. Freddie was an untrained singer, but a born musician.
when you love diss tracks you will be astonished about the to me hardest diss track ever that‘s written by….guess who….queen! the song is named „death on two legs“ and is dedicated to their manager back then who stole money from them as felt by mercury. you will be amazed how they‘ve created so many songs for so many situations in life. this group is second to none.
Queen was musical perfection. Leaving one in awe. There harmonies were beautiful. I never tire of their music. Yhey were good people too and wow, incredibly intelligent.
All their lives are epic ❤ Freddie Mercury is a freaking genius.. Freddie was inspired heavily from Elvis, Aretha and of course none other than James Brown He loved Opera and you should hear his solo projects ❤
He was a big fan of Aretha, and apparently she gave him the idea to bring Gospel elements into Somebody To Love. He also liked opera and was thrilled to have the chance to sing with Montserrat Caballe.
Somebody to Love is my favorite Queen song. You have to watch George Michael performance of the song at the Freddy Mercury’s tribute concert. George’s version is true to the studio version, which you might want to listen to first and then George’s just to compare. 😊
The only band in history in which every member has written at least one #1 hit single. Musicians of the highest caliber, all - great choice, great reaction as always!
You are Correct, The Band is QUEEN and they are all Great at what they do, I SAW THEM LIVE in 1980 in Toronto, Canada. The Best Live performance of any Band in my Life! They engage the Audience and were simply the Best from 1972 until just before Freddie passed.
If you watch closely, you'll see Brian walk off stage as Freddie begins working the crowd. He has a problem with his guitar. Freddie kept the audience engaged until Brian came back. They were so in tune with one another.
This group is the GOAT!! They were all fabulous musicians and it is very much our incredible luck that they came together and made such wonderful music. I have been a Queen fan since the beginning...Some of my best memories are of listening with friends and family. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
One of my absolute favorite Queen songs!!❤ It's such an excellent song. I love so many of their songs and listened to them all the years I was growing up.
I had the GREAT fortune to see Queen twice in my life with Freddie. The first time was on the same tour as this video, but in April 1982 in Stockholm, Sweden. The second time was also in Stockholm after they made their fantastic perfomance at Live Aid in 1985 - they got a second big boom in their carerre and went on a world tour in 1986. So I saw them in 1986 for the second time. Freddie Mercury or Farrokh Bulsara, his real name, was born to Parsi parents who had emigrated from India to Zanzibar. Freddie first heard Elvis Presley when he was at boarding school near Bombay in the 50s and became a lifelong fan of Elvis. Whe growing up in England he started listening to bands like Cream and Jimi Hendrix and was infuenced by that style. Some other great influences to Freddie was - in no particular order: - David Bowie, whom Freddie deeply admired - Liza Minelli, after he saw the movie Cabaret. He has said "I absolutely adore Liza Minnelli, she’s a total wow. The way she delivers her songs - the sheer energy.” - John Lennon, Mercury was a huge fan of The Beatles’ singer and songwriter - Aretha Franklin - Joni Mitchell
Freddie loved Jimi Hendrix and painted many portraits of him which he sold at the market he and Roger ran in the days before Queen. He went to all Jimi's concerts in Europe and cried his eyes out when he died. And a few others. I would like to suggest LIAR, from Live at the Rainbow '74, DREAMER'S BALL, Live in Paris '79, and MODERN TIMES ROCK 'N' ROLL, live at the Rainbow MARCH '74 (a real banger by Roger which is his best work IMO). I'm really enjoying your Queen reactions. Please keep going!
I graduated around this time and have LOVED all of your reactions. Queen was/is a fabulous group. Didn’t know at the time that all of the music from this time was so great! Realize it now!
We all thought that great music would just keep coming through the years/generations. I think it started going downhill when the computer tricks and fixes came on the scene and no one had to work on their skills for long periods of time. So they didn't get better and improve over time.
Thanks, guys - this is one of their most iconic live performances.. but not just THIS song.. .check out the entire concert when you have time & inclination.. every member of this band was incredible... !! appreciate your listen & reaction... (p.s. Freddie was inspired by Aretha Franklin to write this -- gospel, call-backs & all - yep, he took us to church).. Queen were crazy-awesome live.. I was privileged to see them a few times while Freddie was still with them... BTW, each of the four members has written at LEAST one #1 hit song.. unparalleled to date... and John Deacon wrote "I want to break free".. see comment below - lol
Queen wrote songs that can not be outdone and happen once every 100 years. No one can write another " We Are The Champions" that has as much musical intensity and meaning in the lyrics , especially for sports fans. It has not been replaced in the public arena at any sporting event since it came out in 1977. Maybe in 2077, there will be a new sports style popular hard -hitting and meaningful song for the world or there could be a reincarnation ( it's possible) of Freddie Mercury, who will update the world with a new blockbusting hit song that will also last for 100 years. Queen brought a timeless quality to several of their songs and every band leader and orchestra director is astounded at the musical composition of each piece of music that was put together so impactfully as to become a masterpiece. Thanks for reviewing Queen. A music suggestion that will draw lots of attention to you and will surprise you: Please see a live version of " I Go Crazy" by Paul Davis. The hit single, "I Go Crazy" spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, which at the time set the record for most weeks on the chart. Find out why this song set a record. Can't wait to see your reaction.
I love Queen! Every single song touches me in one way or another. But a song that stands out, also in terms of style are "These are the days of our lives " You should make a react to the official music video. Freddie's last...
“I Want to Break Free” was written by the Bassist John Deacon (so not “Freddie’s song”) and the drag in that video was the idea of Roger and his then-girlfriend. John also wrote another song about breaking free of other’s expectations -“Spread Your Wings”
Freddie admired Little Richard and Aretha Franklyn. But above all, he idolized a spanish opera singer called Monserrat Caballé. In fact he was able to achieve his life dream: an entire album with her. The most famous is Barcelona but if you listen to The Golden Boy you will hear a perfect blend between gospel and opera
You absolutely must react to White Queen live at Hammersmith Odeon 1975. An epic performance and will become a favorite of yours! Here is a list of epic performances: Now I’m Here and Under Pressure live at Wembley 1986. Tie Your Mother Down live at Wembley the July 12th show where you will be amazed by the audience as well. Dragon Attack, Keep,Yourself Alive and Save Me live at Montreal.
This is my favorite Queen song. And as great as this live version is , I love the studio version more. Recorded when his voice was at it's peak . I'll always be in awe.
Queen was amazing. They were my first concert at the age of 13. It was at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA. I feel so fortunate to have seen this incredible band!
The song you are referring to is I Want to Break Free. That song was written by bassist John Deacon about woman back in the day wanting more independence but not wanting to give up everything they have to get it. The video was a pastiche to Coronation Street which was a soap opera on British television. They were dressed as four of the characters on the show. Freddie looked up to Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin as well as a few others.
All four members of Queen wrote number 1 songs and they all had University Degrees in subjects that were not music. I believe when he was engaging the audience it was because Brian's guitar string had broken and he was replacing it which is why Freddie looked behind him to see if he had finished.
Saw Freddie, Brian, Roger and John back in 1978 or 79 in Atlanta, Ga at the Omni (no longer in existence). So grateful! Such a once in a lifetime experience!!❤😊
I feel I am betraying my love for, and The Beatles themselves as I agree with you...but agree with you I must. I miss Freddie too. If anyone died too soon it was Freddie, (& I lost baby twins in January 1992, Philip lived 6 hours, his younger sister by 6 minutes, Marianne lived 12 hours... After we lost Freddie...💔💔💔 Late 1991, and early1992 were very sad years for me). R.I.P. Freddie Mercury, Philip & Marianne.
I'm nostalgic. How I wish I could go back & truly appreciate him/them to the depth they deserve bc, as we all know, taking for granted what we love today can be taken from us tomorrow, which is exactly what happened. There never has been, and never will be again, one with the greatness that is Freddie Mercury!
I first heard this song in Ella Enchanted. She sings it in the bar with the giants and I remember thinking, “this sounds like a Queen song”. I was in my 40s and grew up with Queen. Couldn’t believe it.
Watching you guys hear all these songs for the fist time takes us all back to the first time we heard them. Queen really had it all: incredible musical talent, the amazing showmanship of Freddie, the wonderful vocal harmonies, and those inimitable guitar solos of Brian May. You asked about the red wristband: back in the '80s, a lot of people were wearing red ribbons and such for AIDS awareness. Do "Dreamers' Ball" next!
Soulful musicians really pass on the energy everyone can connect & relate to emotionally. Pure Bliss they are pure givers of energy,bring us to highest vibrations cosmos connection.
I always fancied Freddie then I found out he was in the other bus 😢 He was influenced by many artists particularly Hendrix, Elvis, Led Zeppelin and The Who. But he had a great love of opera including Pavarotti and Monserrat Caballe who he did a duet with called Barcelona. He actually wanted to impress Aretha Franklin with Somebody To Love, he loved her too.
If you are going to watch any of the great documentaries about Freddie/Queen be prepared to cry .a very famous interview where Freddie states that he doesnt expect to make old bones before he was ill always gets me
This was Freddie’s tribute to Aretha Franklin, he also did Crazy little thing called love as an Elvis tribute. More talented than so many who have come since
Also he was inspired by Led Zeppelin,Elvis the Beatles especially John Lennon and many others. These are the days of our lives documentary is the best thing to watch about Queen xx
Roger Taylor's drumming and background vocals are epic. And NO AUTOTUNE or electronic trickery. Just 4 lads playing their soul out.
There is definitely mixing in this video... so there is some 'trickery'.
@@redzwestisbest They were playing live. The only 'trickery' is pulling together the various camera angles.
@@redzwestisbest There was no auto tune at that time and it’s not easy to add it after the fact. This was all of their rare talent.
Roger and Brian are both very good vocally.
@@margaretnicol3423 LOL - definitely trickery in mixing the audio ...at minimum they alter the volumes post concert.
I Want To Break Free had nothing to do with Freddie's lifestyle. It was written by the bassist, John Deacon and was about women escaping the "housewife" role. The video wasn't about cross-dressing but it was a parody of a British soap opera, Coronation Street.
I wish reactors would at least read up on simple facts like that, it doesnt take much effort instead of making assumptions that are way off base.
@@trueblu-f2r 'cause that's supposed to be a "blind" reaction.....this is the business !.
BP is always judgey and mostly wrong about his assumptions --like this one.
But because of the cross-dressing in the video, and the actual censorship here in the US, it was banned from radio here for many years. Unfortunate.
Fun fact: Brian May, Queen's guitarist, has a Ph.D. in astrophysics. What makes Queen such an iconic band is that all 4 members are brilliant people and they are utter perfectionists. Their audience always got their best possible work, as songwriters and performers. This is how great musicians respect their fans.
Yup he had influence in helping NASA land the Probe on the asteroid a few years back
@@marcwright8395
Wasn't that the 'New Horizons' exploratory expedition, which
Sir Professor Brian May was involved in?
@@brigidsingleton1596 that too
Brian's Dad made his guitar, the red special
@@klz4377
Brian _and_ his Dad...
interesting fact queen is the only band that every member has written a number one for the band
Did not know that ...x
That insight is GOLD
I WAS THERE!! Montreal, 1981. I WILL NEVER FORGET IT!! There are simply NO WORDS to describe it. Queen is an incredibly mesmerizing band to see LIVE...their concerts were EXHILERATING...they captured you and brought you to a wonderful, beautiful place. Freddie was soooo engaging - held you in the palm of his OUTSTRETCHED hand - what a performer! What an entertainer with a voice that is to this day UNMATCHABLE. In this song, Freddie was channeling ARETHA FRANKLIN, who he adored - can you hear that soulful sound, those soulful words? But, when Freddie was asked who he would like to meet but hadn't had the chance to meet, he always said JOHN LENNON. And, as every member of Queen has said in interviews,, the BEATLES were Queen's BIBLE. I can see that and I can HEAR that. Do yourself a favor and throw a dart at any song from this concert and react to it - believe me, you will NOT be disappointed. Best concert ever and that's saying something because I saw all the greats - Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac. Eagles, Aerosmith, Elton, etc etc - all absolutely fantastic - but, imo. no one was like QUEEN - and, unfortunately, I doubt any band will be like them ever again. These 4 incredible musicians worked HARD, were PERFECTIONISTS and they stayed together for 20+ years - their camaraderie was genuine and their music is a testament to what is means to be a LEGEND in their own lifetime and FOR ALL TIME.
Lucky ! God I miss the concerts at the Forum. (Donald K Donald? 😉) Better acoustics than the Bell Centre by a long shot.
That's freaking awesome!!😅
@@lindamaclellan4899 thank you for sharing ❤️
I was there too. What a fantastic show! They were my favourite band since I heard the first album. Tbh I am still amazed that not only did my parents allow my brother and I to attend, we were 17 and 14, but they attended with us. Some of the moments were cringy with the parents around, but we all had a blast. When playing albums at home, my mom would call up the stairs for us to open our doors and turn it up. Black P, I know you will relate to how strict my parents could be. Dad was career army. Cheers.
Incredible!
When Freddie gets up from the piano the second time and the drums kick in and Freddie is interacting with the crowd singing Find me somebody to love, Find me somebody to love over again, you’d never realize that Sir Brian May (guitar) was off replacing a guitar string. From the view of the piano, you can see Freddie looking back at Brian to see how long he’d be and then he joined right in and Freddie went back to the piano. The rest of the band was able to improvise while Brian was indisposed… that’s the mark of a great live band. The best live band ever in my opinion.
I think he was just tuning it because he knew he had a bit of time in that section. It's about the same length of time in other live performances. Love how Freddie was so aware and watching while never missing a beat of the performance.
Rather interesting, I like to see these things during performances when something is going on and band has to adjust on the fly. I went back and watched again.
That is not true. If you watch any live version of the song, that's how it goes. If you want to see where May had to replace his guitar mid-song because a string broke, watch Dragon Attack at Milton Keynes. While he is switching, John Deacon goes into an impromptu bass solo until May starts up again.
@@barbmorrill4930 Yes, that’s how ithe song goes, but Brian was at the back of the stage with his back to the audience and Freddie kept looking back and then Brian came up to the forefront again
@@Tara_S125 Yes, I'm saying Brian does that during that section of Somebody to Love every time it's performed live. It's not because his string broke. When he breaks a string -- like he did in Dragon Attack at Milton Keynes -- he switches guitars.
The DRUMMER. My God, the drummer.
Roger Taylor is amazingly talented, as are the entire band.
yes roger taylor.such a high voice
It was Roger who hit the high notes in Bohemian Rhapsody
@@JuliaDaw-tq4oj yes it was!
@@jomc6734 In any other band, Taylor would have been the star.
OK , perfect time to introduce you to one of Freddie's absolute idols: operatic great, Monserrat Caballe! Freddie was enamored of opera abd had such great admiration for her, that he decided he just had to meet her & proposed that they perform together. He wrote some operatic selections specifically for them as a duo and as crazy as it sounds, the blend of his rock vouce and her operatic soprano is AMAZING. He wrote "Barcelona" for the upcoming Olympics but knew he would be too sick by the time of the ceremony to perform it; however they did a live percormance with full orchestration that was videotaped, and it's astonishing. Monserrat just adored Freddie too and was very enthusiastic to collaborate with him. Must watch!! It's everything you wouldnt expect-- shows you the genius and greatness of both of them. You asked about his inspiration....this will blow your mind.
I have the album he did with her, absolutely genius
PURE. GENIUS.
@@OutsideTheBoxAZ It is one of my favorites albums. It is really a great album.
Freddie was engaged to a neighbour of mine, Mary Austin. We grew up in Fulham, London together, although she is older than me. Mary was his soul mate, they adored one another, and he left his home and majority of his fortune to her. She’s a lovely woman, Freddie was a lovely man. A genius, and a beautiful soul. She’s never got over Freddie’s death, and has never really been able to move on with her life, he was such a huge character. No one could replace him.
@@karencrookshank4971 she deserves a hug every day of her life. She was the woman behind the man personified. I've always had huge respect for Ms Austin.
Fantastic you know her, thanks for sharing.
Remember watching an amazing documentary about queen many years ago and the sections with her stood out so much to me, truly an angel on a shoulders of an otherwise quite tortured soul.
I don't blame her at all for finally auctioning off Freddie's belongings. Imagine having to be the custodian of his legacy for so many years. As much as she loved him, it must have been a unbearable burden. She couldn't move on with her life. I hope she feels a little freer now.
That’s awesome for you. Especially if you got to meet Freddie as a neighbour before his death. I can’t even imagine that scenario.
Freddie Mercury was musical genius. Always loved Queen. ❤
Brian May is also a genius. A rock god with a PhD in astrophysics is literal genius
Yes! I’m 68 now- I believe we grew up with the absolute best music ever. 1991 Freddie died of AIDS - something most had never heard of until then. 😢 Absolutely devastating.
And luckily for him he met other musical geniuses.
The Greatest Showman personified. He is missed
George Michael does an amazing tribute for Freddie with Queen
at the tribute concert in 92.the year after we lost him.
i will never know how they kept it together to perform.esp their own songs.
George’s version at the Tribute to Freddie is spectacular.
I agree ❤
Your next Queen reaction should be "Fat Bottomed Girls", absolute banger!
Don't forget to include Ride My Bicycle, they should be done together.
@@williammelaniegappmayer2655 absolutely
@@williammelaniegappmayer2655that song is titled “Bicycle Race”
Can't forget crazy little thing called love. Written within mins for the king elvis himself ❤
@@williammelaniegappmayer2655 , Bicycle Race
This song was like an homage to Aretha Franklin, if you listen to the studio version you will "hear" it. Freddie dreamed of having Aretha singing this and then she sang that (absolute banger) song "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" with his good friend George Michael. I was 13 when this song came out, want to say Thank You for a wonderful reaction.
Can't recall who, but someone in or close to the band once talked about how Freddie was given an Aretha album and seemed to play it nonstop for about a year.
@@wallyran I remember hearing about that also, Freddie really looked up to her.
Yes, the drummer Roger Taylor has an amazing voice. He also wrote some of their really cool songs like Radio Gaga. If you want to hear him sing lead check out the live or studio version of I’m in Love With My Car. It’s on the same album as Bohemian Rhapsody.
My thoughts exactly 💯! 'I'm in Love with my car' definitely one BP needs to react to.
Also, for Brian May I suggest '39' live. I've always loved that song and Brian sings it beautifully. He couples it with his vocal of 'Love of my life'.
Mad mad backing vocals by Roger Taylor
Roger was very happy to dress in drag for Freddie. He was in at least three videos in drag (Freddie was in drag in two of them). And one GORGEOUS woman he made!
I love how Freddie seamlessly gets up from the piano, mid-song, grabs the mic, and continues without missing a beat. that's a stone cold killer.
That’s a great point, because Freddie does it so flawlessly that we often forget how difficult it actually is to do what he does, especially onstage live. Also, his band members said Freddie’s rhythm was always so perfect that he was the metronome. Truly amazing!!!
Thank you for respect to all Members of Queen! Masters of Musicianship.
The wristbands were just to wipe sweat away. Lights were super hot before LEDs. And yes most people talk about Freddie, rightly so, but this was 4 elite musicians. The only band to have all members write a #1 hit song! That's ELITE ❤
They've each had a number 1
@@JoeBlanton-wq3sm yes thanks that's what I meant. I've edited it.
Four fabulous musicians totally in the zone, individually and collectively. Such a tight, professional band. No earpieces or autotune. You may not have noticed that the second time Freddie gets up from the piano, Brian has had some kind of problem with his guitar and goes to the back of the stage. You can see Freddie looking behind him to see what's happening and he even says "keep it going" until Brian comes back, gives a nod and the song carries on. Absolutely seamless. This song was his tribute to Aretha Franklin.
4 of the most talented, highly educated, decent human beings to be in such a successful rock band. The drummer and guitarist are still performing in their 70's. The guitarist is also a astrophysicist, the drummer has a biology degree and the bassist mechanical engineering I believe.
The bassist John Deacon studied (and got First Class Honours degree) in Electronics /Electronic Engineering - and at least began to study for his Masters degree in Acoustics and Vibration Technology (although it is unclear whether he completed the Master’s program before Queen rocketed to superstardom)
@@imweakfordeaky //No, John had to quit his Master's degree program, as the band took off and he had no time to finish..He did build the band the 'Deacy Amp' and both him and Brian used it throughout their recording sessions in studio.....Also, don't forget Freddie had a degree in Graphic art/ fashion design/ Illustration.... He designed the Queen logo... All educated and multi-talented in music, composition, etc.
@@susanp.7954Those 4 guys had skills and not just in music. And it showed.
There was a "5th member" of Queen for their tours. Spike Edney toured with Queen for years. Whenever you see Freddie leave the piano - Spike Edney takes over playing the piano. At times, Edney plays keyboards, Guitars, etc., whatever is needed in the song.
Edney was never an "offictial" member of the band, and he rarely play on studio albums - but he was essential to tours to keep the integrity of Queen's sound.
When your frontman plays piano - you have to compromise somewhere - either use backing tracks on tours, or have a session musician play live. Edney played Piano while Freddie performed elsewhere. Edney played guitars on tracks in which Brian May played multiple guitar parts on the studio version, Edney would play keyboards on the handful of tracks Queen used synths. Edney is a multi-instrumentalist who was integral to Queen's live shows - keeping the live shows truly live.
Spike Edney was not hired until after 1981.He played piano during the Live Aid performance and probably a year or 2 before Live Aid
Freddie wrote a great tribute song to Elvis called "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"! The video is great! Freddie was a genius frontman of a crazy great band!
Might be my favorite Queen track!!❤❤❤
Freddie sang with one of his heroes.
Check out 'Barcelona' - Freddie and Monserrat Caballe. Absolutely awesome! ❤🔥
Every member penned a hit, they were the first band to be inducted into the songwriters Hall of Fame.
It's why they have so many hits, standards don't drop when all of the band is writing to get on the album.
Once you 'Get' Queen...They become part of your soul and mental wallpaper. Although now in this 21st century there is so much mystique surrounding Queen, and particularly Freddie's legendary status...We who were privileged to see Queen perform live, knew instinctively that we were witnessing inimitable greatness. I was so very fortunate to attend several of their concerts in different parts of the world in the mid 80's...This band were the perfect storm, and Freddie was the God with pockets full of fairy dust, who ensured each and every ticket holder experienced the absolute time of their lives. Dear Freddie showed us inside his heart...and we will love him forever for it.❤
I love Roger the guy that played the drums and sang so beautifully.
Freddie is 1 of 1,there will never be another like him
I went to many concerts when I was a teenager, & nothing compares to QUEEN! Freddie Mercury IMO, is the best front man, never to be duplicated!!!
Love Queen...and my favorite song is "Killer Queen"...early Freddie in a fur coat...so glam!!
Loved your reaction to this truly iconic performance by Freddie and the band……. Whenever someone would refer to Freddie as being the leader of the band…..he would correct them and say that they were all 4 equal members of Queen. You absolutely must react to the Highlander song “Who Wants to Live Forever” live in Budapest, it is perfection! Another song from Highlander is “One Year of Love” written by John Deacon, it’s a lyric video that shows just how great Freddie could sing. The Queen rabbit hole is quite deep ….with 300 recorded songs spread over 20 years of iconic hits… you will recognize more songs that you didn’t know were by Queen. I really love your honest reactions ….. More Queen Please 😊. Thank you.
Another version of "Who wants to live forever" is from 2006 - with Brian and Roger as Queen - and a bass, a drummer and a keyboard player - and Adam Lambert as the singer. Adam has toured with them for 12 years - all over the world keeping the music alive and giving the younger generations an opportunity to witness them live. At that concert Adam - who is gay himself - dedicated the song to the victims of a mass shooting in a gay-bar the night before. Roger and Brian Both said that they have never heard it song like that before - heartbreaking. Adam is a great singer at does his own version of the songs - does not try to copy Freddie. You can find it here on YT. There is no close-ups - but back then Roberts son Rufus Tiger Taylor played the drums in the back. He is really talented as well.
Queen never gets old ✨👏
No. They are OLD.
Never.
These guys were/are incredibly smart people. Destined for greatness. Still get emotional watching them.
Love of my life .. rock in Rio will show you what crowd control is all about
This is one of the greatest live performances ever.
Freddie's musical taste was really eclectic, he was a huge fan of the rock heroes like Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Elvis, Led Zeppelin, but he also loved Aretha Franklin, Shirley Bassey, Liza Minnelli, from the opera world Pavarotti, later Montserrat Caballé, he loved ballet, disco, The Music. Freddie was an untrained singer, but a born musician.
Freddie was a special dude. He was so good that you do sometimes forget that one of the greatest guitarist ever is playing right behind him
when you love diss tracks you will be astonished about the to me hardest diss track ever that‘s written by….guess who….queen! the song is named „death on two legs“ and is dedicated to their manager back then who stole money from them as felt by mercury. you will be amazed how they‘ve created so many songs for so many situations in life. this group is second to none.
Queen was musical perfection. Leaving one in awe. There harmonies were beautiful. I never tire of their music. Yhey were good people too and wow, incredibly intelligent.
"I want to break free" was written by John Deacon, the bassist. All Queen members have written huge hits, not just Freddie
"i want to break free"
All their lives are epic ❤
Freddie Mercury is a freaking genius..
Freddie was inspired heavily from Elvis, Aretha and of course none other than James Brown
He loved Opera and you should hear his solo projects ❤
He was a big fan of Aretha, and apparently she gave him the idea to bring Gospel elements into Somebody To Love.
He also liked opera and was thrilled to have the chance to sing with Montserrat Caballe.
And Liza Minnelli.
I agree that his performances with Montserrat Caballé were so fabulous live. I really like Barcelona.
Most of the greats brought in black music elements. They were not racist.
Ny favourite part is Roger singing at the end🫶
Somebody to Love is my favorite Queen song. You have to watch George Michael performance of the song at the Freddy Mercury’s tribute concert. George’s version is true to the studio version, which you might want to listen to first and then George’s just to compare. 😊
Came here to say the same thing. That performance was amazing.
Freddie is considered for many the Greatest vocalist of all time
The only band in history in which every member has written at least one #1 hit single. Musicians of the highest caliber, all - great choice, great reaction as always!
You are Correct, The Band is QUEEN and they are all Great at what they do, I SAW THEM LIVE in 1980 in Toronto, Canada. The Best Live performance of any Band in my Life! They engage the Audience and were simply the Best from 1972 until just before Freddie passed.
Best frontman ever. Along with best vocalist.
If you watch closely, you'll see Brian walk off stage as Freddie begins working the crowd. He has a problem with his guitar. Freddie kept the audience engaged until Brian came back. They were so in tune with one another.
This group is the GOAT!! They were all fabulous musicians and it is very much our incredible luck that they came together and made such wonderful music. I have been a Queen fan since the beginning...Some of my best memories are of listening with friends and family. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
One of my absolute favorite Queen songs!!❤ It's such an excellent song. I love so many of their songs and listened to them all the years I was growing up.
🌸 one of my very favorite Queen performances
I had the GREAT fortune to see Queen twice in my life with Freddie. The first time was on the same tour as this video, but in April 1982 in Stockholm, Sweden. The second time was also in Stockholm after they made their fantastic perfomance at Live Aid in 1985 - they got a second big boom in their carerre and went on a world tour in 1986. So I saw them in 1986 for the second time.
Freddie Mercury or Farrokh Bulsara, his real name, was born to Parsi parents who had emigrated from India to Zanzibar. Freddie first heard Elvis Presley when he was at boarding school near Bombay in the 50s and became a lifelong fan of Elvis.
Whe growing up in England he started listening to bands like Cream and Jimi Hendrix and was infuenced by that style.
Some other great influences to Freddie was - in no particular order:
- David Bowie, whom Freddie deeply admired
- Liza Minelli, after he saw the movie Cabaret. He has said "I absolutely adore Liza Minnelli, she’s a total wow. The way she delivers her songs - the sheer energy.”
- John Lennon, Mercury was a huge fan of The Beatles’ singer and songwriter
- Aretha Franklin
- Joni Mitchell
Freddie loved Jimi Hendrix and painted many portraits of him which he sold at the market he and Roger ran in the days before Queen. He went to all Jimi's concerts in Europe and cried his eyes out when he died. And a few others.
I would like to suggest LIAR, from Live at the Rainbow '74, DREAMER'S BALL, Live in Paris '79, and MODERN TIMES ROCK 'N' ROLL, live at the Rainbow MARCH '74 (a real banger by Roger which is his best work IMO).
I'm really enjoying your Queen reactions. Please keep going!
Queen fan from the start here, such outstanding talent, and this is such a great performance, glad you have discovered it.
Queen’s songs are Anthems, songs that swell, songs you can sing on the top of your lungs!😊
I graduated around this time and have LOVED all of your reactions. Queen was/is a fabulous group. Didn’t know at the time that all of the music from this time was so great! Realize it now!
We all thought that great music would just keep coming through the years/generations. I think it started going downhill when the computer tricks and fixes came on the scene and no one had to work on their skills for long periods of time. So they didn't get better and improve over time.
The best singer and front man of all time.....legend
Queen is the only band where each member has been inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Thanks, guys - this is one of their most iconic live performances.. but not just THIS song.. .check out the entire concert when you have time & inclination.. every member of this band was incredible... !! appreciate your listen & reaction... (p.s. Freddie was inspired by Aretha Franklin to write this -- gospel, call-backs & all - yep, he took us to church).. Queen were crazy-awesome live.. I was privileged to see them a few times while Freddie was still with them... BTW, each of the four members has written at LEAST one #1 hit song.. unparalleled to date... and John Deacon wrote "I want to break free".. see comment below - lol
This was one epic performance Freddie was so amazing Queen is my favourite Thank you for doing this one 💜
The drummer is a fantastic backing singer & really compliments Freddy
Queen wrote songs that can not be outdone and happen once every 100 years. No one can write another " We Are The Champions" that has as much musical intensity and meaning in the lyrics , especially for sports fans. It has not been replaced in the public arena at any sporting event since it came out in 1977. Maybe in 2077, there will be a new sports style popular hard -hitting and meaningful song for the world or there could be a reincarnation ( it's possible) of Freddie Mercury, who will update the world with a new blockbusting hit song that will also last for 100 years. Queen brought a timeless quality to several of their songs and every band leader and orchestra director is astounded at the musical composition of each piece of music that was put together so impactfully as to become a masterpiece. Thanks for reviewing Queen.
A music suggestion that will draw lots of attention to you and will surprise you: Please see a live version of " I Go Crazy" by Paul Davis. The hit single, "I Go Crazy" spent 40 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, which at the time set the record for most weeks on the chart. Find out why this song set a record. Can't wait to see your reaction.
Can't you smile while queen is amazing!
I love Queen! Every single song touches me in one way or another. But a song that stands out, also in terms of style are "These are the days of our lives " You should make a react to the official music video. Freddie's last...
last song was mother love where brian had to finish the last verse after freddies death
His talent, in my opinion, remains unmatched. I think at this point it's safe to say that I'll never not miss Freddie.
“I Want to Break Free” was written by the Bassist John Deacon (so not “Freddie’s song”) and the drag in that video was the idea of Roger and his then-girlfriend.
John also wrote another song about breaking free of other’s expectations -“Spread Your Wings”
Freddie admired Little Richard and Aretha Franklyn. But above all, he idolized a spanish opera singer called Monserrat Caballé. In fact he was able to achieve his life dream: an entire album with her. The most famous is Barcelona but if you listen to The Golden Boy you will hear a perfect blend between gospel and opera
Freddie: “I won’t be remembered as being Freddie, I’ll be remembered as a LEGEND”
You absolutely must react to White Queen live at Hammersmith Odeon 1975. An epic performance and will become a favorite of yours! Here is a list of epic performances: Now I’m Here and Under Pressure live at Wembley 1986. Tie Your Mother Down live at Wembley the July 12th show where you will be amazed by the audience as well. Dragon Attack, Keep,Yourself Alive and Save Me live at Montreal.
This is my favorite Queen song. And as great as this live version is , I love the studio version more. Recorded when his voice was at it's peak . I'll always be in awe.
Queen was amazing. They were my first concert at the age of 13. It was at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA. I feel so fortunate to have seen this incredible band!
The song you are referring to is I Want to Break Free. That song was written by bassist John Deacon about woman back in the day wanting more independence but not wanting to give up everything they have to get it. The video was a pastiche to Coronation Street which was a soap opera on British television. They were dressed as four of the characters on the show. Freddie looked up to Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin as well as a few others.
All four members of Queen wrote number 1 songs and they all had University Degrees in subjects that were not music. I believe when he was engaging the audience it was because Brian's guitar string had broken and he was replacing it which is why Freddie looked behind him to see if he had finished.
You've got to hear the studio version now. It's beautiful with an actual Gospel choir toward the end. Hello from sunny Florida 🌞🌴
Saw Freddie, Brian, Roger and John back in 1978 or 79 in Atlanta, Ga at the Omni (no longer in existence). So grateful! Such a once in a lifetime experience!!❤😊
Queen are my fav band EVER !!! But this performance on Montreal was and Will be PERFECT 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Doesn’t get any better than Queen
I feel I am betraying my love for, and
The Beatles themselves as I agree with you...but agree with you I must.
I miss Freddie too.
If anyone died too soon it was Freddie,
(& I lost baby twins in January 1992, Philip lived 6 hours, his younger sister by 6 minutes, Marianne lived 12 hours...
After we lost Freddie...💔💔💔
Late 1991, and early1992 were very sad years for me).
R.I.P. Freddie Mercury, Philip & Marianne.
@@brigidsingleton1596 I’m so sorry for your losses
@@bamagirl218
Thank-you m'Lady.
I'm nostalgic. How I wish I could go back & truly appreciate him/them to the depth they deserve bc, as we all know, taking for granted what we love today can be taken from us tomorrow, which is exactly what happened. There never has been, and never will be again, one with the greatness that is Freddie Mercury!
No auto-tune, no ear piece, what you see is what you got, pure talent
Their Greatest Hits collection is 3 volumes. Huge. Iconic and Freddie was the cherry on top. 🍻
Freddie is probably the person who looks the most comfortable preforming i have ever seen.
I first heard this song in Ella Enchanted. She sings it in the bar with the giants and I remember thinking, “this sounds like a Queen song”. I was in my 40s and grew up with Queen. Couldn’t believe it.
Saw Queen in 1978. What a privilege 🙇♂️
Watching you guys hear all these songs for the fist time takes us all back to the first time we heard them. Queen really had it all: incredible musical talent, the amazing showmanship of Freddie, the wonderful vocal harmonies, and those inimitable guitar solos of Brian May. You asked about the red wristband: back in the '80s, a lot of people were wearing red ribbons and such for AIDS awareness. Do "Dreamers' Ball" next!
You just watched possibly the greatest live performance of all time
One of the best live performances ever..... without any doubts
Soulful musicians really pass on the energy everyone can connect & relate to emotionally. Pure Bliss they are pure givers of energy,bring us to highest vibrations cosmos connection.
Nobody can sing like Freddie! ❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥
Look at Freddie great musician singing playing piano and no earpiece in his ear. Truly Amazing band and front man!!!
I always fancied Freddie then I found out he was in the other bus 😢
He was influenced by many artists particularly Hendrix, Elvis, Led Zeppelin and The Who. But he had a great love of opera including Pavarotti and Monserrat Caballe who he did a duet with called Barcelona. He actually wanted to impress Aretha Franklin with Somebody To Love, he loved her too.
If you are going to watch any of the great documentaries about Freddie/Queen be prepared to cry .a very famous interview where Freddie states that he doesnt expect to make old bones before he was ill always gets me
@@tonibaker3823 I know that interview. It never gets easier to watch it. RIP Freddie
This was Freddie’s tribute to Aretha Franklin, he also did Crazy little thing called love as an Elvis tribute. More talented than so many who have come since
❤lenda❤de valor mais nada Queen 😍🤪 voz dele linda e única King ❤❤❤❤❤.
Also he was inspired by Led Zeppelin,Elvis the Beatles especially John Lennon and many others.
These are the days of our lives documentary is the best thing to watch about Queen xx
My faves too ,Elvis not so much...
did you know Freddie loved Paul Rodgers' voice!? 😊
Freddie Mercury, and Queen, 'There can be only one'!
Queen were brilliant live, saw them several times and always top notch
They released this full Montreal concert earlier this year in IMAX!!! It was awesome!!!
Freddie was such an incredible singer and performer i miss him so much 🙏😁
I saw queen in 1976 , wow what a great concert
My favorite Queen song of all time.
Every member of Queen is in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame