Friday afternoon I was searching for some nonsensical thing or another on-line when I ran across a clip on Youtube of David Bowie and Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox backed by members of Queen doing Under Pressure. So fantastic! But “Where was Freddie?” I wondered. Well, it turned out the clip was from the tribute concert staged in Freddie’s memory at Wembley Stadium in early 1992, a few months after his death. I remembered that they held such a concert. I don’t remember ever seeing the Under Pressure clip or any other from the concert. And so, down that rabbit hole I went and saw some amazing performances. Check out some of my faves…
Bohemian Rhapsody: It starts innocently enough with Sir Elton at the piano subbing for Freddie. As the song progresses, Elton walks to center stage where he continues to sing until the “operatic” portion begins using the original recording. But then, HOLY MOSES IN DIAPER! The “headbanging” section of the song kicks in (3:20) and Axl Rose flies across the stage like a whirling dervish after a Red Bull enema. It’s like watching the Warner Brothers’ cartoon Tasmanian Devil being sprung from a cage. It may be my new favorite moment in the history of rock n roll!
Under Pressure: The aforementioned clip of Annie Lennox and David Bowie. During his life, a lot of women (and men) wanted to get in David’s pants. But toward the end of their performance, Annie looks like she trying to get IN his face. Literally, it looks like she’s trying to climb in his mouth.
All the Young Dudes: In addition to covering Queen songs at the tribute, many did one our two of their own tunes that felt appropriate. Here’s Bowie (who wrote the song) joined by his old guitarist for the first time in years; Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople (who sang the hit version) and aided by Phil Collen and Joe Elliot of Def Leppard and, of course, backed by Queen. Legendary!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrICTM_49gs
Tie Your Mother Down: Def Lep’s Joe Elliot and G’n’R’s Slash join forces with the band to rip it up on this early Queen tune.
We Will Rock You: Axl returns in his best tighty-whities to lead the band on We Will Rock You.
We Will Rock You: And after all these great rock acts, who do they call upon to close the show? Liza Minnelli…WTF? To be honest, she does a decent job. However, the best reason to watch this clip is to see all the other performers come out to join her. Some seem absolutely giddy to be performing with her. It will probably be the only time you will ever Metallica share a stage with Liza.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwpneSCFts4
Hope you enjoyed the clips as much as I did! -Rick-
