| Gregsynth 25.01.2010 16:29 |
Any thoughts? This is assuming he didn't get sick from AIDS. |
| beautifulsoup 25.01.2010 18:00 |
Even if Freddie had lived, his voice was going to shit. (Sorry!). BUT - I think he could've sung "Ensueno." |
| Gregsynth 25.01.2010 18:36 |
Are you kidding me? His voice "was going to shit?" Sure it was grittier, darker, more hoarse, and lost the 70s sweetness, but to say "his voice was going to shit" is just plain ridiculous! Now Ensueno was one of few songs that Freddie sang in which he sang in his speaking register (baritone), so regardless of shape, he would be fine. |
| mike hunt 25.01.2010 19:20 |
i think freddie would have been better than ever if he had lived....going to shit?...lol. He sang Innuendo when he was dying for gods sake, and the voice was still amazing. He learned some things from cabelle. I don't think Barcelona was any harder to sing than the stuff from Queen, so yea, on a good night he could have sang that stuff. |
| Gregsynth 25.01.2010 19:55 |
You nailed it, Mike: Just listen to Innuendo then get back on me about Freddie's voice going to shit! LMFAO! I think as long as his voice was in good shape, he'd be just fine. |
| Micrówave 26.01.2010 01:36 |
No. He would have gotten sick from something else. |
| beautifulsoup 26.01.2010 07:37 |
Gregsynth wrote: Are you kidding me? His voice "was going to shit?" Sure it was grittier, darker, more hoarse, and lost the 70s sweetness, but to say "his voice was going to shit" is just plain ridiculous! Now Ensueno was one of few songs that Freddie sang in which he sang in his speaking register (baritone), so regardless of shape, he would be fine. ************************************************************* That's why I noted Ensueno. (That would be the least troublesome to sing "live.") Mine was a hastily worded reply; as I was preparing to go out the door at the time. So let me put it this way: his singing was "going to shit." Or, put in a better way: deteriorating. (Loss of range, shouting, etc.) Ill or not, Innuendo or not. Nodes, etc., and his technique in later years (ill or not) suggest to me that his singing would have steadily deteriorated had he a) lived, and b) continued on with no surgery nor change in his singing habits. Sure, the voice itself was awesome and distinctive - and he of course sang with plenty of heart and intestinal fortitude near "the end"...but (and isn't this all conjecture anyway?), you need more than that for vocal longevity. Trust me; it doesn't give me great happiness to say that, but alas, it is my opinion. And that's all it is. So - as far as singing Barcelona "live" - I still would have my doubts. I could be wrong. Acknowledged! |
| mike hunt 26.01.2010 10:45 |
beautifulsoup wrote: Gregsynth wrote: Are you kidding me? His voice "was going to shit?" Sure it was grittier, darker, more hoarse, and lost the 70s sweetness, but to say "his voice was going to shit" is just plain ridiculous! Now Ensueno was one of few songs that Freddie sang in which he sang in his speaking register (baritone), so regardless of shape, he would be fine. ************************************************************* That's why I noted Ensueno. (That would be the least troublesome to sing "live.") Mine was a hastily worded reply; as I was preparing to go out the door at the time. So let me put it this way: his singing was "going to shit." Or, put in a better way: deteriorating. (Loss of range, shouting, etc.) Ill or not, Innuendo or not. Nodes, etc., and his technique in later years (ill or not) suggest to me that his singing would have steadily deteriorated had he a) lived, and b) continued on with no surgery nor change in his singing habits. Sure, the voice itself was awesome and distinctive - and he of course sang with plenty of heart and intestinal fortitude near "the end"...but (and isn't this all conjecture anyway?), you need more than that for vocal longevity. Trust me; it doesn't give me great happiness to say that, but alas, it is my opinion. And that's all it is. So - as far as singing Barcelona "live" - I still would have my doubts. I could be wrong. Acknowledged! Much better post |
| Gregsynth 26.01.2010 12:15 |
I respectfully disagree, I think his voice would still be intact, because if you listen to The Works/Magic era, then compare it to his later 80s/Innuendo era, his voice started getting back that sweetness he had in the 70s. He stopped touring, plus he cut down, then gave up smoking! Listen to the whole Innuendo album: He's got the 80s power, yet the 70s clarity was returning! Freddie could've tour with Cabelle; she's a professional soprano and she could help define his technique, and prevent him from wasting his voice on tour (partying, abusive singing, etc). Even if it was one-off concert, he'd be just fine! Look at Live AID: He went for just about all the high notes (and hit them), he also was AMAZING at Montreal (after a month break), and he sang REALLY well the first few gigs on the Magic tour (hitting B4's and C5's in songs), so I see no problem with Freddie doing a whole Barcelona concert for a concert or two! If he was on a world tour, then he'd have to be careful with his voice--but for a single concert? No problem. Fred could do it. |
| beachj 26.01.2010 14:37 |
He most certainly could have sung those songs live.A lot of the parts were recorded in one take.Freddie put a lot in to that project,maybe he would have had second thoughts if he knew that his voice had 'gone to shit' ,mind. |
| mike hunt 26.01.2010 15:32 |
Actually some of his best vocal work was on Barcelona and Innuendo, not bad for a guy who's voice was going to shit. I think his heavy partying days were over, and would taken better care of his voice in his older age. Of course we'll never know. |
| Major Tom 26.01.2010 17:08 |
mike hunt wrote: Actually some of his best vocal work was on Barcelona and Innuendo, not bad for a guy who's voice was going to shit. I think his heavy partying days were over, and would taken better care of his voice in his older age. Of course we'll never know.Yep. Well rested and healthy(apart from the aids), he most likely would have been able to pull it off. Just listen to the "in my defence" live recording. Dear oh dear... |
| mike hunt 26.01.2010 19:56 |
yea, that live recording found him in a very strong voice.....In my defense and especially "everyone of us" with cliff. He pulls off some "golden boy" type notes. brilliant!....i wish it was on the freddie solo box. Another reason i think he could have sang the barcelona album live is because most of it is sung in freddie's natural (bariton) voice. |
| Gregsynth 26.01.2010 20:59 |
Hmmm, I thought only one song Ensueno was sung "baritone?" The rest I think is done in tenor voice. |
| Gregsynth 26.01.2010 21:00 |
Also, the 1988 shows with Cliff Richard hear him in great voice, showing everyone that he still had a great live voice/range! |
| mike hunt 27.01.2010 09:08 |
I think parts of the golden boy is in bariton, though I'm no expert on the subject. |
| kosimodo 27.01.2010 10:49 |
If he continued not smoking... |
| Back2TheLight 27.01.2010 12:08 |
Freddie's voice going to shit? I beg to differ...how about The Show Must Go On? Or for that matter, the middle eight in 'Mother Love'? Yeah, he really was losing his voice, wasn't he? LMAO ;) |
| mantomen 27.01.2010 16:14 |
I'm sure he could sing Barcelona songs. Did you noticed that his voice was getting better in years - after he was developed the illness? Just listen "Don't Try So Hard" or "A Winter Tale" from the last period of his life or, before, "Scandal" and others. His voice was bocoming crystal towards his sad end. |
| mike hunt 28.01.2010 11:43 |
He wasn't partying anymore, and think he even quite smoking the last few years of his life. A rested voice from not touring, and working with cabelle all helped his voice in those last few years. Sadly, it took an illness to make him wiser.... |
| Gregsynth 28.01.2010 12:09 |
I agree with the previous 3 comments--Freddie's voice was improving since 1987 (laid off the touring, etc), so I see no problem with doing the Barcelona songs live. Note: Beautifulsoup meant "going to shit" as in "his voice would lose range as he got older" not "he sounded bad." |
| EnglanE 31.01.2010 13:22 |
What a great thread! [img=/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif][/img] I would have loved to have seen/heard him perform songs from the 'Barcelona' album live! It's such a shame that he didn't do it when he got the chance, although I do understand his reasons why (that it/they would have taken "weeks and weeks of rehearsals") which he didn't have time for! And I agree, I most definitely think that he would have been able to perform them live in a one-off gig! On another note, where can I see his live performances from the 'Time' musical? They were officially his last ever live performances, right? |
| Gregsynth 01.02.2010 00:50 |
Correct. You can find them On Youtube. Just type "Freddie Mercury, Cliff Richard" in the search bar. |
| EnglanE 01.02.2010 04:35 |
Thank you very much, GregSynth! I've just favourited them... Bit disappointed at the lack of actual video footage and the poor quality audio, but hey, I guess you can't have everything! Hehe. |
| Gregsynth 01.02.2010 10:39 |
It's a shame that that was his last time "live" singing. His voice was in MUCH better shape than most of the Magic Tour gigs. |
| EnglanE 01.02.2010 11:30 |
Indeed!! [img=/images/smiley/msn/sad_smile.gif][/img] |
| BradJarre 02.02.2010 15:47 |
Is there ANY video footage of freddie singing with Cliff? |
| Gregsynth 03.02.2010 13:27 |
The Wiz wrote: Is there ANY video footage of freddie singing with Cliff?I do not believe so. |
| Thistle 19.02.2010 20:57 |
Hey, I know it's not exactly answering the question, but I'd just like to say I saw Gary Mullen performing Barcelona live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and he was absolutely amazing. He had a soprano (Ruth Kerr?) with him and it was just magic. It's the closest we're going to get to hearing what Freddie may have sounded like doing it live (and believe it or not her voice does not drown out his!). Please watch at link |
| Gregsynth 19.02.2010 22:57 |
Gary Mullen is amazing! He hits the highs effortlessly! I've talked to him several times on Facebook: Super nice guy. |
| Dusta 20.02.2010 02:36 |
Such a shame that there isn't more footage or audio recording of Freddie's live performances at various events in that last year, as, from what little I've gleened from youtube, he really was in fine voice. I'll guess it was a combination of no touring and working with Ms. Caballe which helped his voice. I would have loved to have heard him perform bits of Barcelona live. Hell...there is so much I would have liked to have seen from Freddie. Just love his voice, and I think he was still filled with music when he left. |
| emrabt 20.02.2010 06:10 |
Thistleboy 1980 wrote: Hey, I know it's not exactly answering the question, but I'd just like to say I saw Gary Mullen performing Barcelona live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and he was absolutely amazing. He had a soprano (Ruth Kerr?) with him and it was just magic. It's the closest we're going to get to hearing what Freddie may have sounded like doing it live (and believe it or not her voice does not drown out his!). Please watch at[url=http://www.onenightofqueen.com:80/media.htm%5B/url][url=http://www.onenightofqueen.com:80/media.htm%5B/url%5B/url][url=http://www.onenightofqueen.com:80/media.htm%5B/url%5B/url%5B/url] http://www.onenightofqueen.com/media.htm[/url[/url[/url]]] You know someone should write to Brian and ask his opinion of tribute bands, or more specifically ask Brian if there is any hope that he’d have Mullen as a surprise / guest vocalist at one of his performances. Obviously not in the band, but like other performers have done with tribute bands, invite them on for a one off song. I bet that’ll be a dream come true for Mullen. Something like this: Hey Dr Brian May OBE (ANATO PTO WOW etc) I was reading a village lost and found, while outside looking at some stereo photography under the stars and I wondered if there is ever a chance that you would get Gary Mullen on vocals for a song at one of your many one off performances. thanks |
| Soundfreak 20.02.2010 09:33 |
Mr Mullen certainly does a great job impersonating Freddie. But I doubt that any member of Queen would feel good performing on stage with someone trying to copy Freddie, who was not only "a band member" but also part of their life, part of their family.....a close friend. |
| emrabt 20.02.2010 10:04 |
Soundfreak wrote: Mr Mullen certainly does a great job impersonating Freddie. But I doubt that any member of Queen would feel good performing on stage with someone trying to copy Freddie, who was not only "a band member" but also part of their life, part of their family.....a close friend. you misunderstand me, first it wasn’t serious and second I didn't say Freddie was "only a band member". I did say it would be cool If someone would ask Brian if he would THINK about performing one song, maybe hammer to full with Mullen, at something like the 4664 concerts or children in need. you know like as guest vocals, Solo Brian + band, a bit like when al Murray appeared at the 02, but with no connection to Queen. It won’t happen, but I’d like to see Brian’s response to the letter. I'd hate for them to do a tour with a sound alike, god, that would be insulting for everyone involed, But i don't see the harm in a one off. |
| EnglanE 20.02.2010 18:17 |
I find the very thought of Gary Mullen insulting... Especially singing Barcelona, eurgh! FUCK OFF! |
| Thistle 20.02.2010 22:14 |
EnglanE wrote: I find the very thought of Gary Mullen insulting... Especially singing Barcelona, eurgh! FUCK OFF! a lot of Queen fans do. And then again, a lot don't - he's like the marmite of the Queen world, you either love the idea or hate it. Personally, I think he's great. He is a nice guy, I've met him a few times at the shop I work in and he takes a lot of time to chat away. Anyway, that's nothing to do with the discussion....what I'd propse to you is to actually listen to him, or watch one of his videos, and then come back with an informed opinion. Even if it is just to tell him to fuck off again, lol! |
| emrabt 21.02.2010 01:08 |
EnglanE wrote: I find the very thought of Gary Mullen insulting... Especially singing Barcelona, eurgh! FUCK OFF! Gary puts on a VERY loving tribute, and it shows that he respects not only the queen fans but also Freddie himself, everyone who has seen or met him seems to say the same, Have you seen any footage of him, or do you just hate him because he's a tribute act? It’s just a character he’s playing, you thought the we will rock you musical had someone playing Freddie mercury, what makes Gary Mullen any different? Brian May gave Gary Mullen free back stage passes to a couple of Queen + Paul Rodgers gigs and during the live final of “stars in their eyes”, Freddie’s mother gave Gary her blessing. Of course you may still find it insulting, but he has as much right to perform Freddies songs as anyone else and he has permission from Freddies family to play him on stage, you can't be more respectful than that. Anyway back on track, I think Freddie could have performed the songs, if the demos and bits are anything to go by. But when it came to it he lacked confidence, and chose to mime, he knew his capabilities, so maybe not. |
| Thistle 21.02.2010 14:45 |
emrabt wrote:
Gary puts on a VERY loving tribute, and it shows that he respects not only the queen fans but also Freddie himself, everyone who has seen or met him seems to say the same. Brian May gave Gary Mullen free back stage passes to a couple of Queen + Paul Rodgers gigs and during the live final of “stars in their eyes”, Freddie’s mother gave Gary her blessing. Of course you may still find it insulting, but he has as much right to perform Freddies songs as anyone else and he has permission from Freddies family to play him on stage, you can't be more respectful than that.
Very, very well put, emrabt. Couldn't have said it any better myself. |
| mooghead 21.02.2010 15:17 |
... too easy... not biting... |
| emrabt 24.02.2010 08:25 |
Bumping up this great topic, as there is some interesting stuff in it. (also waiting for Englane to reply.) |