Bohemian Rhapsody – My Top 3

June 20, 2014 No Comment

Exactly three years ago, June 20th, 2011, I was presenting my very own version of the opera part from Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen’s supreme anthem. I wanted to take a shot at it for years, but when I found out there was an International Queen Tribute Album in the making, I used that momentum and I did it. This is the final result:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR5EcqzAJLs

So, in this third mini anniversary of my own rendition, I wanted to share some live renditions OTHER people did.

This doesn’t mean these are the 3 BEST versions, these are just my 3 favourite ones right now. Who knows? Maybe next week a new one appears and it blows my mind, but today, these 3 are the podium. Hope you enjoy them 😉

My Top 3 Favourite Live Versions

#3. Marc Martel & Renaissance Church, 2008

Marc Martel is Downhere’s lead vocalist, who earned public reconognition thanks to his amazing Queen Extravaganza’s audition, Queen’s official tribute band, handpicked by the band itself. This audition got him the main vocals role in this new tribute band.

Martel was chosen not only because of his physical resemblance, but because of his astonishing Freddie-vocal-alike. Not only he knows all of his vocal mannerisms (and they adapt just perfectly to his own voice), but he has the song down to the smallest detail, inflection and subtlety.

While his voice is not identical, one could very easily close his eyes and imagine it’s Freddie singing. I recommend watching all of Marc Martel’s videos with Queen Extravaganza to get familiar with his voice. Any Queen fan will appreciat it (much more than Alam Lambert or Paul Rodgers, in my humble opinion).

#2. Pink, Funhouse Tour, 2009

Pink’s live versions from her Funhouse tour grabbed my attention from the very first time I heard them. In fact, first time I watched it on YouTube I almost fell off my chair, flat on my ass. Unbelievable. Amazing stuff. I was well-aware of Pink’s vocal prowess, but the sheer power of her Bohemian Rhapsody rendition, her impeccable pitch, her trademark raspiness and the nice detail of the yellow Wembley jacket sold me completely.

First time I heard it, my first thought was “This is the finest Bohemian Rhapsody live version I’ve ever heard in my life”. And I’m not exaggerating. Pink has an amazing voice, and the fact that she played 150 spotless shows in 11 months is a testament of this lady’s talent.

I apologize for the low video quality. The whole Funhouse Tour: Live in Australia used to be on YouTube, but it was taken down. Here’s a better audio version of this gem.

And here we are. The grand finale. The #1 spot. My favourite live version of Bohemian Rhapsody is…..

#1. Queen – Montreal, November 1981.

No surprises here. No one was worthy to get the top spot, other than the very same Freddie Mercury. And from all of the live versions I’ve seen from him, this is the one that impresses me the most. There’s a DVD named “We Will Rock You” from these shows, right out of the The Game tour.

1979 to 1982 was Mercury’s live vocals prime and peak. Barely any falsetto use, had no fear on belting out those big big high notes, singing with uber power and clarity without needing to lower the original key. Absolutely amazing. For those who haven’t listened to it, I URGE you to do so. It’s an unbelievable DVD.

There are thousands of Bohemian Rhapsody versions wandering around. These are my honorable mentions, those version so crazy and wacky that deserved to be recognized.

Molotov – Rap Soda y Bohemia

Molotov sent their own version for the Tribute To Queen In Spanish album. And it was obviously in Molotov-style. Let me assure you, this is unlike any other version you may have heard in the past! By the way, drummer Randy Ebright, who sings the chorus and the rock part in the end, has an excellent voice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrYfDrV87FA

And of course, I’ll give you the one and only: the infernal madness I can’t stop listening even if I wanted to. Absolutely genius.