(Photo credit: YouTube)
As the latest wave of acclamations for the Bohemian Rhapsody film come flooding in, it’s clear that these four men were more than a band, they were a veritable supergroup of phenomenal talent and presence – arguably unmatched ever since.
Queen’s official Youtube channel released this collection of greatest moments from a band who never gave a less-than-stellar performance; in other words, here is entertainment at its absolute, top-shelf, very finest.
Freddie Mercury is mesmerizing as the master of ceremonies - his sheer confidence is as vast and fascinating as his talent. Energy, joy and charisma radiate from him in every second of this video, leaving no doubt as to why this legendary performer, 30 years on, has captured the world’s imagination once again.
“To actually sing something that’s an integral part of what’s going on, you know, and the song [We Are The Champions] seems to convey that anyway, without us thinking about it. That’s what’s magical, and I think that’s going to probably bring tears to my eyes, I tell you, when I do it.” – Freddie Mercury
The showreel kicks off with “Stone Cold Crazy” (live at the Rainbow, 1974), and takes us right back to the origins of glam. Freddie stalks the stage in his open chest, black satin jumpsuit, black lipstick and jewelled glove, managing to steal the spotlight in spite of Brian May’s impressive white satin batwings.
“Under Pressure” (live at Wembley Stadium, 1986) is definitely a highlight among highlights. John Deacon sets the scene with the infamous slinky bassline, as Freddie makes an entrance in his signature yellow leather jacket, seemingly oblivious to the river of sweat pouring from him. His ability to balance a calculated performance with spontaneous, natural flair is captured perfectly in this moment where warmth and compassion emanate from him, despite the stadium setting.
And, how could they not end with history’s all-time greatest rock opera, “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Starting with Freddie solo behind the piano, easily playing the parts of three, Brian May steps forward in his full-length satin cape, curly mullet blowing in the wind and the 90,000 strong crowd move as an ocean, helpless passengers on this theatrical anomaly.
After watching this collection, I’m completely blown away by the precision of these performances and a little less surprised that Brian May is now an astrophysicist at NASA. These four men we call Queen truly were masters.
Tis the season, get into all that glitters with our GLAM! playlist - Queen, nestled amongst peers like David Bowie and The Sweet, who altogether made the world shine brighter.
