50 years of QUEEN - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction of Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona

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  • Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
  • #queen #freddiemercury #brianmay #johndeacon #rogertaylor
    This special song was saved for a special moment in my Virgin Rock journey. It marks the beginning of my chronological “Queen 50” series, an exploration of Queen’s music from their beginning and throughout their carrier. It’s Freddie’s end and my beginning.
    Here’s the link to the original song by Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé:
    • Freddie Mercury & Mont...
    _________________________
    If you want me to do a First Listen and In-depth Analysis of YOUR song of choice, or if you want an exclusive 1:1 session where I can answer your questions, dig deeper into a topic, or even coach you in your musical experience, such as a music theory, piano, or harp lesson, singing, music reading, etc, follow this link: ko-fi.com/amys...
    If you want more, join my Patreon: / virginrock
    Twitter: / virginrockmusic
    Instagram: / virginrockchannel
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    Special thanks to those who are keeping my ko-fi cup supplied:
    I’ve formed the habit of publishing all the names of my supporters simply because I appreciate your appreciation of my work, and I want to recognize each one of you personally. But, unfortunately, UA-cam allows a limited number of characters for the description, and I cannot fit all names anymore. So, this is my message to each one of my supporters personally:
    THANK YOU!
    _________________________
    Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
    _________________________
    Credits: Music written and performed by Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé
    This video may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. VirginRock is using this material for educational, critical, research, and commentary purposes in our effort to promote musical literacy and understanding. We believe that this constitutes a “fair use” of the copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, which provides allowance for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 794

  • @VirginRock
    @VirginRock  Рік тому +54

    Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to help me reach 100k before August 3rd, and we’ll make one BIG Celebration together here, at VirginRock! And if you have any questions, please write them here as a reply. BUT, please, questions ONLY! Thank you!

    • @Stephen-nd1sx
      @Stephen-nd1sx Рік тому +3

      Have you considered doing something classical, something in your wheelhouse?
      I would be curious to see what you would choose and your interpretation.

    • @LaserRockShow
      @LaserRockShow Рік тому +2

      glad your finally on the queen journey. hope vlad choose the millionaire waltz for you as well as spread your wings, my favorite queen song. ah yes and one thing, there is no live version of barcelona. what you saw was just a live performance but with a tape which sadly even run to fast.

    • @lorddaver5729
      @lorddaver5729 Рік тому +1

      You are talking TOO much. Listen more.

    • @Stephen-nd1sx
      @Stephen-nd1sx Рік тому +8

      @@lorddaver5729 not the point of the channel.

    • @chiquitabigotes8139
      @chiquitabigotes8139 Рік тому +3

      Are you going to do more from the Barcelona album? I think you should do the whole album! With the original instrumentation. Mike Moran has said Freddie liked the original and wouldn't re-do it. Every song is different and interesting

  • @bigfrankfraser1391
    @bigfrankfraser1391 Рік тому +146

    i met freddie once, i was 20 at the time, he looked at me and said "ive only i was younger, i would be all over a handsome boy such as yourself, oh who am i kidding id still be all over you" and then we talked for about 10 minutes about the gay scene and how to cope with the prejudice then as he walked off he leant over and kissed me on the cheek and said "the secret to coping is to simply not give a shit, be yourself and , MAKE everyone around you love you for it", it was because of freddie i gained the confidence to come out as gay to my family, they were disgusted at first, but i kept being me, i worked hard at the local steel mill, and played darts with the lads down the pub, and my family came to realise that i was still me, i just liked men

    • @sfkeepay
      @sfkeepay 9 місяців тому +4

      I was oblivious to Freddy and Queen back when I should have been paying attention, and wouldn’t have given him a second look even if I had been as mind bendingly fortunate as you were to just run into him at a club. But I’m glad you had that experience, I thank you most sincerely for sharing it, and rest assured, I am terminally envious. And, if I could magically transport myself into your spot, I would, of course, take him up on whatever he had in mind.

    • @bigfrankfraser1391
      @bigfrankfraser1391 9 місяців тому +11

      @@sfkeepay the least amazing thing is that i was a guy freddie kissed, hes probably kissed hundreds of men, but that one on my cheek felt reasuring, like he was showing that its ok to be gay

    • @jubbbtube
      @jubbbtube 9 місяців тому +4

      I enjoyed watching your analysis. One error mentioned was that the performance was live. It was the vocal recording with all singers including back up singers miming, with the instruments played live.

    • @oldtastic6G
      @oldtastic6G 9 місяців тому +12

      Freddie touched us all in such personal ways. You don't have to be be gay to feel that you are hiding your true self. He opened himself up to the world to let us all know that none of us should be afraid to show who we really are.

    • @Bullbotha
      @Bullbotha 8 місяців тому

      @@sfkeepayso you’re a little poefter too? Stick to the music and forget about arseholes and the smell of turds which turn you on.

  • @jonnylumberjack6223
    @jonnylumberjack6223 Рік тому +174

    Strange to see someone mourn the loss of Freddie after such a long time. I mean, we all miss him but to witness the realisation of the loss for the first time is quite moving.

    • @anne-mariesindruprix4792
      @anne-mariesindruprix4792 Рік тому +3

      There are new fans all the time - my self included who do the same - but I am glad that Adam Lambert was able to step up.

    • @emileewooten3874
      @emileewooten3874 Рік тому

      Fauci killed Freddie Mercury

    • @treetopjones737
      @treetopjones737 Рік тому +8

      @@anne-mariesindruprix4792 That's fine for young people to experience, and Brian & Roger want to do that, but to us older people who saw Freddie perform, it just isn't the same. And John Deacon said no to going on with the band after Freddie passed.

    • @anne-mariesindruprix4792
      @anne-mariesindruprix4792 Рік тому +6

      @@treetopjones737 Well I am 72 - and I'm not (yet) familiar with Adam's solo stuff but he can sing all the songs - his voice is powerful and he does not try to be Freddie - so we can watch UA-cam and enjoy Freddie - and go to concerts with Adam as lead singer.Freddie is brought alive on a screen - singing and interacting with the audience. It is also fair that they want to sing their own songs - Brian wrote 46 songs - + those they wrote as a group in the end The last three albums were not credited to a single person but to the group . Roger also wrote many songs - but he had a solo carrier too - so perhaps it was easier to compose for himself?? Btw. Brian is 76, Roger is 74 - and they enjoy that all generations come along.

    • @jonnylumberjack6223
      @jonnylumberjack6223 Рік тому +6

      @@anne-mariesindruprix4792 I agree about Adam. Brian and Roger clearly still want to be out there playing to huge audiences and Adam allows them to do that. And he's very clear that he knows he's not a replacement, such a thing is impossible. But he is a respectful stand in and I'm ok with that. Still, "Queen", to me, will always be Freddie, John, Brian and Roger. I appreciate most everything about Adam but I don't think I'd pay for a ticket to see him with Queen. If I had the chance to travel back in time and see Queen with Freddie, I'd pay with body parts, if necessary 😂.

  • @adrianwebster3249
    @adrianwebster3249 Рік тому +43

    He held a microphone in one hand, and the entire world in the other.

  • @Paul-pc2le
    @Paul-pc2le Рік тому +157

    On this day in 1985, Queen performed one the best live shows in history at Live aid.

    • @hozzer68
      @hozzer68 Рік тому +18

      Only bested by Queen live at Wembley one year later, a whole concert to themselves.

    • @davidfinnell1660
      @davidfinnell1660 Рік тому +7

      I hope at some point she sees it!

    • @headrushindi
      @headrushindi Рік тому +6

      YES OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • @davidfinnell1660
      @davidfinnell1660 Рік тому +3

      @@headrushindi I second this 👌

    • @kozlorf
      @kozlorf Рік тому +4

      @@hozzer68 I think that the one from Budapest was even better. And the 8mm filming was superb there - at the Wembley they only had a few TV cameras on stage...

  • @jca111
    @jca111 Рік тому +17

    @20:50 "He has quite a stage presence"
    Understatement!

  • @PeterBuwen
    @PeterBuwen Рік тому +22

    Freddie was so unique. It's so sad he had to go so early.😪

  • @garylagstrom3864
    @garylagstrom3864 Рік тому +14

    FREDDIE MERCURY BEST SINGER EVER 🎤🎤🎤🎼🎼🎼 RIP FREDDIE

  • @joepollard3228
    @joepollard3228 2 місяці тому +8

    Freddie did not have stage presence. Freddie OWNED the stage.

  • @soundofnellody262
    @soundofnellody262 Рік тому +41

    OMG .. I am in heaven.. 50 Queen songs 🥰

  • @happycactus
    @happycactus Рік тому +15

    Freddy was born to be a performer.

  • @madelefanni749
    @madelefanni749 Рік тому +42

    Today is the anniversary of the live aid, the concert of artists for Ethiopia in 1985. The Queen stole the show and for 20 minutes "another queen rules the world". Take a look to see how Freddie mastered the scene making sing 80.000 people all together😉

  • @stevemann6528
    @stevemann6528 7 місяців тому +7

    This song is simply magical

  • @janhauck3833
    @janhauck3833 Рік тому +41

    I’ve been crying throughout the entire video. Thank you for your appreciation and insight. What an emotional ride.

  • @papercup2517
    @papercup2517 Рік тому +27

    On this day - July 13th, 1973 - exactly 50 years ago, Queen's first album was released, launching their recording career.

    • @IwasInThe60s
      @IwasInThe60s Рік тому +7

      And then all hell broke loose! 😆

    • @papercup2517
      @papercup2517 Рік тому +1

      @@IwasInThe60s 😀
      Heaven and hell, perhaps...

    • @papercup2517
      @papercup2517 Рік тому +1

      @@callumbruce4154 Yes, it was! In fact, Brian just posted a nice little video about it, on his YT channel, including lots of rehearsal footage. 🙂

  • @andreakormosnekacso4804
    @andreakormosnekacso4804 Рік тому +19

    Freddie Mercury was born to music. He was a passionate man, full of emotions and he could deliver his feelings by his own very special way. His greatness lies therein that he didn't play an opera singer, he was completely aware of his abilities and admired the workload of the trained opera singers that they had to put into their vocals. Freddie said to Brian's later wife Anita "I'm going to die when I can't sing anymore, darling." And he really gave up the fight against his illness when he couldn't sing anymore.

  • @w.geoffreyspaulding6588
    @w.geoffreyspaulding6588 Рік тому +68

    I am certain (right, Vlad…RIGHT?) that at some point in your Queen journey, Vlad intends for you to watch a fair amount of live Queen. You must see his charisma and the control of an audience Freddie had, and how wonderful the four members worked together. Live at Montreal and Live Aid are musts…

    • @treetopjones737
      @treetopjones737 Рік тому +2

      Freddie was getting over something with Live Aid, he wasn't in his top singing form.

    • @davidellinsworth3299
      @davidellinsworth3299 27 днів тому

      ​@@treetopjones737yes, Laryngitis. He was advised by his Dr not to perform

  • @stevenmonte7397
    @stevenmonte7397 Рік тому +9

    Freddie was so beautiful! I wish he was still here.

  • @chergui77
    @chergui77 Рік тому +65

    Oh Amy, where to begin!
    1. You’re analysis was absolutely spine-tingling. It was wonderful to have someone with your expertise critique this song. Barcelona is a work of genius! Interestingly, John Deacon (Queen’s bassist) was featured in the track How Can I Go On.
    2. I’ve been a Queen fan since 1974 whilst in college. It was love at first hearing.
    Queen is a group who wasn’t afraid to step out of the box and give us a plethora of genres showcasing Freddie’s amazing voice…rock( glam, psychedelic, hard, prog, punk), blues, gospel, disco, anthems, pop, country, soul, ragtime. As time went on, Freddie became one of the greatest frontmen of all time.
    3. Liking Queen as a group, I still say my favorite album is Barcelona, which showcases Freddie’s voice and composing talents from start to finish. I hope you will take the time to listen to the full album. La Japonaise was written predominantly by Freddie, even the Japanese lyrics. How talented is that. The album is bittersweet as many of the songs are a foreshadowing of his final years.
    4. I agree with you, and I’ve always said that Freddie sings every song with a passion coming from his inner most being…body, mind, and soul. When you see live performances, his passion just exudes from him. He and his audience become one.
    5. If you watch live performances, you will find that Freddie was quite gifted as a pianist. He received several years of classical piano lessons.
    6. As you go through Queen’s history, you will find a metamorphosis of Freddie’s voice. I read somewhere (can’t remember where or I’d cite it) that Freddie’s voice was the best and clearest between 1979-1982. Drinking and smoking eventually gave him that more punching voice.
    7. I know you said that you were going to critique Queen from Queen I to Barcelona. May I suggest that you include Freddie’s final video with Queen as they perform These Are Days Of Our Lives. It’s heartbreaking yet shows Freddie’s passion for music to continue to perpetuity despite his physical pain.
    Thank you again, Amy, for an inspiring, insightful, and brilliant commentary ❤

  • @liveinaweorg
    @liveinaweorg 4 місяці тому +8

    The live version made me cry.
    I am glad to have had the honour of being one of Freddie's 'instruments' at Knebworth in 1986 along with the other 125000 'instruments'. He was one of a kind.
    Thanks Amy.

  • @steelheadplayer
    @steelheadplayer Рік тому +24

    Freddie and Queen ended up beyond normal classifications, they swapped styles and genres effortlessly and yet remained distinctively themselves at all times, they were and will remain unique.

  • @lorenzabelletti1610
    @lorenzabelletti1610 Рік тому +13

    I think You just Fell 😂 in love with Freddie and Queen. Welcome in THE Club.❤

    • @user-pi1nk3ye4z
      @user-pi1nk3ye4z 2 місяці тому

      You nailed it, that is for sure.Another one joint Club and another and another yeah yeah.😊

  • @brianswift2706
    @brianswift2706 Рік тому +29

    Great reaction to one of the best.
    Can't wait to see your Queen journey. Freddie was an absolute genius, his loss was the world's loss.
    To my mind, Queen are probably the best band of all time

  • @robbiebonham
    @robbiebonham 6 місяців тому +8

    I'm really enjoying your Queen journey, and it would appear Vlad is too. They were my band growing up. I regard myself as 'brought up by Queen, married to Radiohead'. This is such a good way for your viewers to dip back into the magic of Freddie and co. I'm doing the full Queen marathon here right now. Thank you for these.

  • @andyplowright9985
    @andyplowright9985 Рік тому +11

    A beautiful voice, a beautiful man. Missed so much. The joy in his face as he performs with his heroine has brought me to tears in the office today.

  • @EstherRoda
    @EstherRoda Рік тому +35

    wonderful analysis, just a point, the language is Spanish, not Italian. As a Barcelonian, I was moved and amazed by this performance as much as I was disappointed that it was not reproduced on video at the opening of the Olympic Games as a tribute to Freddy Mercury, who had passed away shortly before, just on my 17th birthday.😢

  • @TR4zest
    @TR4zest Рік тому +24

    A part of the back story here was about AIDS and the massive ignorance and fear around the disease. AIDS victims were shunned by many like lepers. Montserrat, retrospectively, like Lady Diana, showed so much compassion and fearlessness, they both greatly helped foster a better understanding of the disease.

  • @Canucklehead557
    @Canucklehead557 Рік тому +7

    Happy belated birthday Freddie. Queen will always be legendary as will you.

  • @elisifuentes6551
    @elisifuentes6551 Рік тому +7

    Freddie… Montserrat… Barcelona 💕💕💕 Always been giving me Gershwin vibes

  • @sandrahilton3239
    @sandrahilton3239 Рік тому +5

    Queen is the classical music of the future. It is quality and timeless.

  • @markoliver630
    @markoliver630 Рік тому +5

    Love Queen and have since the beginning. R.I.P. Freddy

  • @waynejones5635
    @waynejones5635 10 місяців тому +6

    Incredible piece. The duet of these two amazing singers performing together left me in awe. I have been a Freddie fan my whole life and this might be my favorite song he performed. Freddie's interest and appreciation of classical music shone through in this song. Such a powerful performance. Bravo Freddie.

  • @profeh3346
    @profeh3346 5 місяців тому +7

    I just love listening to QUEEN and Freddie - major fan. But I love even more when my love for their/hus music is validated by someone who really has an expertise. I can see Freddie in heaven listening to this grinning and laughing that we are still loving his music. He wrote for the best reason - that we would enjoy it and would take us out of our daily problems for a bit. No doubt God blessed him with talent but I believe sent him with that mission. I can’t wait t hear what he’s written in heaven! Thank you for this video - and I will be so sad when this series is over!

  • @DianneRoberts-d5d
    @DianneRoberts-d5d Рік тому +6

    Somebody to Love, live from Montreal. A masterpiece.

  • @joanmayfield4791
    @joanmayfield4791 Рік тому +7

    I can guarantee that there will be tears in your eyes by the time you get to How Can I Go On.

  • @albin2232
    @albin2232 Рік тому +5

    Freddie was so special.

  • @jiriuher635
    @jiriuher635 4 місяці тому +8

    Freddie did not think one-time, thematically...he took music as a link between different genres of music and wanted to make people listen to classical music as well. Which he succeeded perfectly. The album "Bacelona" is very timeless and will be fully appreciated only by the next generation and probably already you.The "Barcelona" album is Freddie's cry..."People this is ME, this is what will stay behind me and I'm proud of it"

  • @annecraycroft9989
    @annecraycroft9989 Рік тому +10

    A life well lived; filled with love for his fans and in return, a love for Freddie. This is our opportunity to celebrate our affection. Thank you, Freddie, for all you shared with us.

  • @dropzone9639
    @dropzone9639 Рік тому +42

    Freddie and Monserrat were definitely forerunners. One particular song, "How Can I Go On" is very personal to Freddie as to what was going on in his life and his illness. Monserrat took hold of his hand, and gave him the courage to go on in this beautiful video of them singing this together. They truly loved one another. It's magical ❤

  • @SamLovesMovies25
    @SamLovesMovies25 Місяць тому +2

    Yeah, Freddie was very well known for his incredible, dynamic, electrifying stage presence and showmanship in Queen's live performances. He really connected with the audience; an example demonstrating that would be in his famous vocal exchanges with the audience, or when he would let the audience do some of the singing for Love of My Life.

  • @Asheanae
    @Asheanae Рік тому +28

    I suggest 'White Queen at the Odeon' as one of the best ever live songs to react to, with heavy classical influences, and some of the best piano work that Freddie ever delivered.

    • @imweakfordeaky
      @imweakfordeaky Рік тому +5

      Totally agree !

    • @dianecourtney2724
      @dianecourtney2724 Рік тому +3

      YES ✌🏼🥰

    • @Fionabarn123
      @Fionabarn123 Рік тому +3

      Absolutely ... please react to live Queen, White Queen at Hammersmith Odeon. Somebody to Love live at Montreal. Great examples of how amazing they are live. Happy to join you on your Queen journey. Thank you.

  • @speedfinder1
    @speedfinder1 5 місяців тому +4

    Freddie Mercury as a young college student, studied fashion design. He was a person, clearly consumed by creativity in many forms. The musical kaleidoscope that was Queen's output, over twenty years, is truly multifaceted. It would have been fascinating to see how his creative energies would have progressed, had his life not been cut short.

  • @lcbcreative
    @lcbcreative Рік тому +51

    I hope your Queen journey will include live performances. They earned their reputation as one of (if not THE) best live band of all time. All four musicians are powerhouses.

    • @headrushindi
      @headrushindi Рік тому +4

      AAAAAmen and Hell yes

    • @geter9345
      @geter9345 Рік тому +6

      Yes queen live is the only way to go, for me innuendo is the only studio album I enjoy, but live, they could do no wrong!!

  • @markstevenson1646
    @markstevenson1646 8 місяців тому +4

    It's one of the only songs that tingles every part of my being every time I hear it, truly exceptional

  • @antifax8434
    @antifax8434 Рік тому +5

    Wonderful song for a Wonderful city....!!!!! ❤❤

  • @alunjones2550
    @alunjones2550 Рік тому +8

    Only the genius that was Freddie could create such theatre and passion. RIP

  • @user-vn8kz1ct8p
    @user-vn8kz1ct8p 5 місяців тому +4

    I cried when i first heard that production. Nothing has changed.

  • @HT-io1eg
    @HT-io1eg Рік тому +3

    9th August 1986, Knebworth, nobody knew then it would be the last ever live Queen performance. I was there. A long hot day. Vivid memories. I was 21

  • @EddieKennedy-xr4nh
    @EddieKennedy-xr4nh 3 місяці тому +4

    These are the days of our lives. It's a must listen. He's last ever single

  • @naomisanderson8223
    @naomisanderson8223 7 місяців тому +4

    Whenever I hear this rendition, my posture improves immeasurably. Spine tingling ❤

  • @entropia1405
    @entropia1405 4 місяці тому +13

    They sing in english and spanish, no italian. Montserrat Caballe born and died in Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. I was there, I saw them.

  • @crystalc.515
    @crystalc.515 Рік тому +12

    I’m so glad that you are helping everyone to appreciate the true genius that was Freddie Mercury.

  • @deniseh8932
    @deniseh8932 Рік тому +5

    no matter how many times i see this i always get goosebumps

  • @crazy1234573
    @crazy1234573 Рік тому +2

    Freddie Mercury left such an incredible legacy of all genres of music. We are so lucky to still have them and listen again and again. He found 3 other incredible musicians to compliment and grow together. ❤

  • @modernclics
    @modernclics Рік тому +9

    You'll have to listen to "Exercises in Free Love"; it's a demo sang in falsetto by Freddie so Montserrat could learn it later, then it finally turned into a duet called "Ensueño" for the Barcelona album where Freddie sings in a lower tone. The whole Barcelona album and the demos that Freddie recorded are gold. Thanks for this beautiful analysis.

  • @Galantus1964
    @Galantus1964 Рік тому +6

    Thank you so much for doing this...

  • @c128stuff
    @c128stuff Рік тому +9

    Freddie was one of the very few rock singers who could do something like this, and not just 'get away with it', but master it, while also keeping his very recognizable style.

  • @sandrahilton3239
    @sandrahilton3239 Рік тому +6

    Monseratt said that his voice covered from baritone to tenor to falcetto. What a range. No one could outsing Freddie. Mike Moran said Freddie told him he would have to tone down his act. Mike laughed and said She is a world class opera dive.

  • @kubabonga
    @kubabonga 3 місяці тому +2

    freddie was the personification of music...it's impossible to listen to him an not cry...the best male voice in the rock history!

  • @kizunadragon9
    @kizunadragon9 Рік тому +5

    They were such dear friends. In fact Monsty was the first to know of Freddie's diagnosis of Aids, he trusted her that much, maybe even more than Mary. When he kisses her hand he tears up because he told her that he won't be there in 92 to sing the song for the opening of the games.

  • @davidellinsworth3299
    @davidellinsworth3299 Рік тому +8

    You will never find a bigger stage presence than Freddie. He was a one-off in so many ways. A genius

  • @joanmayfield4791
    @joanmayfield4791 Рік тому +24

    Powerful and ethereal. I am so glad both of them got to create this magic together before they passed. And, thank you for your respect and admiration for this partnership and the music they left us. Wait til you hear the rest of it! Especially Golden Boy.

    • @joanmayfield4791
      @joanmayfield4791 Рік тому +2

      The looks of joy and love on Montserrat's face really touch me. Freddie opened her world.

  • @robertcampbell8084
    @robertcampbell8084 Рік тому +16

    This is by far the best analysis of this song and masterpiece (collaboration, creation from God above) that I have ever seen. I watched this performance many times and am still in awe, not only from Freddie Mercury but also from Montserrat Cabelle (she was so fantastically beautiful and so very, very talented). This performance should be watched by generations to show that music can reach all people no matter the form and also the incredible legacy that both performers had. They both were beyond belief and I am so glad that two worlds (and many worlds) could be bridged by this. Your analysis of this is perfect. His voice, simply perfect! Her voice simply perfect! Both strengthening each other especially when we hear them together almost brings me to tears. I have heard many other singers out today like Dimash Qudaibergen as an example but he nor any others hold a single candle to this. Excited to see what the future has to hold to bring all of this together in collaboration but I will say that for this to have occurred at this time in history is simply monumental and I think I might call this my most favorite song and performance at this time even given other relative newer performers (including Whitney Huston, Ceolin Dion, Josh Groban, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Dimash Qudaibergen, Ed Sheeran, Billy Eilish, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Adelle, Linkin Park, etc. - too many that I listen to and love to report here from all genres). To see them both together with this magnificent performance come together at the end holding hands, showing the clear love and appreciation for each other even with totally different backgrounds. Wow. It is a message that all of us should follow. Speechless.

  • @MichaelBerthelsen
    @MichaelBerthelsen Рік тому +3

    I'm hoping All Dead will be on the list. It's hauntingly beautiful.❤

  • @margarethirsche126
    @margarethirsche126 2 місяці тому +2

    Thanks for recognizing the greatness of Freddie

  • @AliT0555
    @AliT0555 Рік тому +24

    The story goes that Freddie went to a performance of Pavarotti and Montserrat was performing with him. The minute he heard Montserrat he forgot about Pavarotti and became enthralled with Montserrat’s voice. Your commented about Freddie composing Barcelona. You can appreciate Freddie musical genius when you consider his musical education. He said, “When I was about 7 years old, I did piano lessons and I did up to grade 4 classical, practical and theory. Then I gave it up, as I basically play by ear really and I can't sight read at all. So I gave that up and all my playing is done by ear.” So someone who can’t read was able to compose this. You really need to do Golden Boy. Freddie fuses opera with rock/gospel/soul. Love your analysis.

  • @jonlight670
    @jonlight670 Рік тому +3

    Freddie grew up in Feltham once his family moved to the UK. The town is next to my hometown.
    Brian May went to my school. (Years before me) plus I once served him a pint of beer!

  • @luisrocha8779
    @luisrocha8779 24 дні тому +2

    Freddie was music. embodied

  • @paulos9900
    @paulos9900 Рік тому +5

    Wish we'd had him around a few more years. Not sure anyone else has matched that stage presence and charisma. So much music left in that man that could never be realised.

  • @chiquitabigotes8139
    @chiquitabigotes8139 Рік тому +26

    I've been waiting for you to do more from Freddie since day 1 😭 so glad you're going on a Queen journey. You have to do The Millionaire Waltz, and My Melancholy Blues ❤❤❤❤

  • @janetschulman8998
    @janetschulman8998 Рік тому +4

    His rawness is what makes him special

  • @povilzem
    @povilzem Рік тому +5

    My music history and conducting teacher used to say that Freddie Mercury was his favourite singer of all time and this song was the example he gave.

  • @ralph17p
    @ralph17p Рік тому +7

    One of my all-time favourite songs - I get goosebumps every time I listen to it.

  • @mik9124
    @mik9124 Рік тому +3

    His dream came true ..💖

  • @generichuman2044
    @generichuman2044 Місяць тому +2

    Queen are one of the biggest reasons that I have developed a recent interest in classical music. I guess my journey is sort of the opposite to yours.
    I'm in my late twenties and as far back as I remember I only listened to rock and metal. It's what grabbed my attention and connected with how I felt, especially as a teenager. Hearing musicians like Freddie talking about classical music and how it influenced them got me listening and I am now hooked

  • @DLife10
    @DLife10 8 місяців тому +3

    200 years from now people still sing “we are the champions” and “we will rock you” thanx Freddy

  • @joegillam1497
    @joegillam1497 Рік тому +51

    If you go to Queen's deep cuts you will find they did classical, opera, jazz, rag-time, blues, music hall, vaudeville, funk, disco, electronica, rock n' roll, and heavy metal. Just incredible variety.

    • @kowen5323
      @kowen5323 9 місяців тому

      You left out rockabilly and probably some others.

  • @andrewcarr5923
    @andrewcarr5923 Рік тому +7

    Please consider "You Take My Breath Away" Queen live at Hyde Park 1976 as part of your queen odyssey.

  • @molestandoalaoscuridad
    @molestandoalaoscuridad Рік тому +14

    I've been a Queen fan for more than 30 years and I heard this song a thousand times and it always give me goosebumps, every time. Greetings from Argentina, love your videos and your passion for music

  • @mik9124
    @mik9124 Рік тому +3

    RIP Loved Freddy, the one soul of humanity

  • @jovana_r
    @jovana_r Рік тому +30

    I have never seen Amy so thrilled about a song she listened to. Great to see it. 😊
    Btw, this song was my first introduction to Freddie, when I was around 8 years old. My mom loved him so much.

    • @LeeKennison
      @LeeKennison Рік тому +3

      Hey Jovana! Great to see you here. I'm glad this song brought back memories. I also noticed how much Amy really enjoyed it.

    • @jovana_r
      @jovana_r Рік тому +5

      @@LeeKennison Hey Lee! Yeah, it was a joy watching her. 😊
      Btw, hope you are doing fine.

    • @LeeKennison
      @LeeKennison Рік тому +2

      @@jovana_r Doing fine thanks. I have been without internet for 3 days, I finally got it fixed a few hours ago. So I was reminded a bit what life was like before the internet. Sort of anyway, since I did use my phone for email and a few small things, but since I have a very small data plan I really couldn't do much else. I use my computer for almost all internet related stuff. I hope you are doing well.

    • @jovana_r
      @jovana_r Рік тому +2

      @@LeeKennison Damn, isn't it weird how we got used to all this technology. I remember really enjoying the time before smartphones, even without computers, although they were very useful for me to explore the music. But now I cannot live without my phone. I do everything on it and when it's not near me I feel kinda uncomfortable. It's a global disease. But well, it is what it is.
      I am struggling, but I'm still alive. Don't know if it's good or bad, though. 😂

    • @LeeKennison
      @LeeKennison Рік тому +3

      @@jovana_r I am not nearly as addicted to my phone as most people are, but that is only because I am addicted to my computer instead. I really only use my phone for voice conversations and text messages, unless I am out on the road and need to look something up or check a map, which is why I went with an inexpensive data plan. Although it would have been nice to have that extra data in my plan this week when my home internet was down. Sorry that you continue to struggle with your condition. I can't even begin to imagine what you have to deal with, and I know my words won't help. Hopefully something will come along that will help.

  • @kristineschneider9322
    @kristineschneider9322 Місяць тому +2

    I don't think you could find a performance where Montsy looked that happy!

  • @deboraclark5791
    @deboraclark5791 Рік тому +15

    You must hear Ensueno from the Barcelona album, it's absolutely beautiful and Freddie sings completely in Opera vocals, baretone/tenor. Freddie did a demo for Montserrat all in falsettos it's working name was Exercises in free Love which became Ensueno. Thank you for your review.

  • @bluebell3720
    @bluebell3720 Рік тому +12

    she said Freddie taught her to sing in a way she hadn't before and to just really enjoy herself she explained how rigid and disoplined being an opera singeer is and the enjoyment isn't there in the same way
    a male opera singer did a video about finding out about freddie he was proffessional and sang perfectly but he didn't enjoy it and wanted to sing with the passion Freddie did and enjoy it again

    • @betseyclark2832
      @betseyclark2832 Рік тому +6

      That was Alfie Boe. it was "Freddie Mercury Saved My Life".

  • @ulrikealtmann4655
    @ulrikealtmann4655 Рік тому +22

    Oh Amy, what a wonderful reaction! ❤
    Love to go on the Queen journey with you.
    Please, please if you want to get the full picture of Queen you NEED to see some of their live performances. You will instantly recognize how great, charismatc, adorable and passionate Freddie as a performer was. You also will see the perfection and interaction between all the bandmembers and how in tune they were with eachother. You can only love them.

  • @michaeltuohy4010
    @michaeltuohy4010 Рік тому +9

    Roared a massive CHEER inside my mind when you mentioned his stage presence!!!!!!
    This is probably Freddie's finest trait. It's what drew everyone in! I can't wait for you to see their Live Aid performance!

    • @fryke
      @fryke Рік тому

      Of course it's completely different with a _really_ live show instead of this playback one.

  • @hyzenthlay7151
    @hyzenthlay7151 Місяць тому +3

    These 2 artists had a very beautiful platonic relationship. Monserrat Caballé was totally enamoured with Freddie and his voice, and he treated her like a proper lady to look up to which she of course loved. You can see it in her eyes when she looks at him, she had this special glow just for him

  • @davidsweet9163
    @davidsweet9163 Рік тому +13

    Love the program.
    You should consider reaching out to Brian May he has done other interviews with people who do reactions.
    I think he would enjoy talking to you.
    He does watch reaction videos.

  • @dougcobbokc
    @dougcobbokc Рік тому +5

    Man I feel old now. I've been a fan for almost as long as they've existed. I saw them live in 1977 on the Day at the Races tour (with Thin Lizzy as opening act, no less). Great show.

  • @Jaxy451
    @Jaxy451 Рік тому +17

    There are very few bands were every band member is an accomplished songwriter - even the drummer. That's why Queen were so versatile.

    • @mirandak3273
      @mirandak3273 Рік тому +1

      Roger has a great voice too and a powerful falsetto.

    • @Jaxy451
      @Jaxy451 Рік тому +1

      @@mirandak3273 Roger Tayloy, yes he does.

    • @Jaxy451
      @Jaxy451 Рік тому +1

      Roger Taylor

    • @Jaxy451
      @Jaxy451 Рік тому +2

      And Brian May is considered one of the finest guitarists ever. The bass player was superb too. He came up with the riff for both Under Pressure and Another One Bites The Dust. It would be a mistake to think that Freddie Mercury was all there was to Queen. Everyone in that band had enormous talent.

  • @mhelouTube
    @mhelouTube Рік тому +18

    54:27 "had he lived longer I wonder what we would have had. And it's painful to think that we will never be able to find out"
    My thoughts exactly.

    • @kendallneason3645
      @kendallneason3645 Рік тому +1

      Made me weep to think about. Mercury was unique. ❤

    • @terrybarton3697
      @terrybarton3697 7 місяців тому

      Totally agree. Buuut, although not the same, as there will never be another Freddie, have a listen to Marc Martel. He’s not Freddie, sounds like Freddie and is doing some of the things that, should he have lived longer, I think Freddie would have done. Too much love will kill you with Jonathon Cilia Faro

  • @dianecourtney2724
    @dianecourtney2724 Рік тому +6

    Hi Amy. I laughed with you when You showed the video of Freddie saying ‘ forget rock n roll now I’m into opera’ 😂 Freddie adored opera and he especially loved Montserrat . He had a dream of writing music for her and he sent her his voice singing Exercises in Free Love The test is history. They became very close friends and he told her his secrets RE his battle with aids. There is an audio of them singing and having fun around his piano in London at his home Garden Lodge. It was an all nighter of fun✌🏼😂 On the album there is a fabulous song The Golden Boy . I believe and so do most Queen fans believe that the golden boy is Freddie! I also particularly like La Japonaise. I got very emotional at the end of your video when you talked about the music Freddie would have written had he lived. It was only a couple of years later that there were treatments for the dreaded virus. For me Freddie was an amazing composer. I have always thought Killer Queen which was written in 1974 when Freddie was in his mid twenties was strangely advanced musically for a kid raised in a boarding school in India . Brian May said in an interview that it was a ‘ perfect song’
    Can’t wait to see what you do next 😂♥️……… ps Freddie called Montserrat ‘ Montsy’ and of course we Queen fans do as well 😊

    • @betseyclark2832
      @betseyclark2832 Рік тому +1

      I love La Japonaise and almost no one has reacted to it.

  • @adamclark6756
    @adamclark6756 Рік тому +7

    Queen was the first band that i really got into when i was 13 and i heard their first album. They are still a go to in any situation because in their catalogue you can find a piece of music to suit any mood. I admit that i cried when i heard Freddy had passed away. We all lost a genius that day. I can't wait to watch you discover all that Queen brings.

  • @squidkid2
    @squidkid2 Рік тому +7

    This SO rock. If Freddy is singing rock is being performed. In the live performance although Monsserat is singing in a purely operatic voice she is deferring to Mercury knowing this is his swan song and his night to shine. This shows what a consummate performer she is. It's like she knows Mercury is giving the performance of his life and she does whatever is necessary to let Freddy's performance shine brightest. I thought your story about how you didn't know who Freddy Mercury was was priceless. I love what you said about picking 50 Queen songs and listening to them in chronological order so you can observe the evolution of a band. This is critical for new listeners especially with the Beatles so I love watching your Beatles reactions. I listened to all the Beatles music in chronological order since I was there when the stuff first came out in '64 in the states. It's great to watch you reacting to the Beatles in the order the stuff was released. It gives me a chance to listen to those same songs 50 years later and see how your reactions compare with what I thought some 50 years ago. Also as I look back at the Beatles I began to realize that their musical evolution was what really made them the force of nature they were. So it will also be great for me to rewatch that evolution and also your reaction to it. I think you will come away in awe when you reach 150! And lastly my generation lived their lives to the music of Freddy Mercury and Queen so when he passed it was like we had lost a friend. RIP FREDDY!!

  • @Asheanae
    @Asheanae Рік тому +14

    Please make sure you keep reacting to the live versions as well as the studio versions, Queen are without a doubt THE BEST live band of all time.

  • @FreddieHg37
    @FreddieHg37 Рік тому +4

    Just a quick comment Amy, which I forgot to do back when I first watched this video of yours, the language spoken all throughout Barcelona, not only the song but album, is in fact Spanish.
    I know Spanish being a Romance language and descending from Latin as same as Italian, it sounds quite similar and it has many similar words, phrasings, etc but I just wantaed to comment on that, it's a song about and a singer from Barcelona, Spain, so that's why Spanish was featured so prominently alongside English, as well as a sprinkle of at least another language but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you if you're planning on reacting to and analyzing more of this amazing album.
    Great reaction as always! Thank you for the amazing commentary and analysis!!!

  • @SuperDiamondMind
    @SuperDiamondMind Рік тому +4

    I wept! Thank you!

  • @alanrickett2537
    @alanrickett2537 2 місяці тому +1

    I think Freddie would be very happy that someone with your musical depth is looking at his music and finding it interesting.

  • @JkcBoo
    @JkcBoo 5 місяців тому +5

    the mark he left on the music word was remarkable

  • @pauljohn17
    @pauljohn17 Рік тому +10

    Wonderful reaction to a masterpiece of music by a rock singer, the whole Barcelona album is really worth a listen to. I am also glad you are starting with Queen right from the beginning but do listen to the whole albums not just selected tracks, you will also hear Brian and Roger doing their solo tracks on the albums which will be another treat for your ears.
    Freddie was truly a one of a kind and there will never be anyone like him again.