"Somebody to Love" (originally titled "Someone to Love") is a rock song written by Darby Slick, originally recorded by the Great Society, and later by Jefferson Airplane. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Jefferson Airplane's version No.
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This rare backstage footage of George Michael performing "Somebody to Love" in front of Queen is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts. The clip, clocking in at 4:53 minutes, offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process of one of the most iconic collaborations in rock history.
Recorded live on stage with Freddie Mercury and Brian May, this performance was likely during the 1986 Wembley Stadium concert, where George Michael joined forces with Queen to perform a medley of their hits. The timing is significant, as it coincided with Queen's resurgence in popularity following the success of "A Kind of Magic" album. At the time, George Michael was riding high on the success of his debut solo album, "Faith", which had catapulted him to global stardom.
What makes this clip rare and significant is that it captures a moment of creative experimentation between two vastly different artists. Queen's theatricality and bombast are juxtaposed with George Michael's soulful, pop-infused sensibilities, resulting in a unique fusion of styles. The footage shows George Michael enthusiastically belting out the lyrics to "Somebody to Love", while Freddie Mercury and Brian May watch on, seemingly impressed by his energy.
The song itself is an interesting choice for this collaboration. Written by Darby Slick, it was originally recorded by the Great Society in 1966, before being covered by Jefferson Airplane. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Jefferson Airplane's version No. 274 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. This song has become an anthem for rock music, with its soaring vocals and operatic flair.
This clip is also notable because it showcases George Michael's ability to adapt to new environments and collaborate with other artists. At this point in his career, he was still finding his footing as a solo artist, having recently departed from Wham!. His willingness to take risks and experiment with different styles would become a hallmark of his subsequent work.
The viewer will be struck by the camaraderie between George Michael and Queen on stage. The footage is raw and unedited, capturing the spontaneity and energy of live performance. It's clear that all parties involved are having a blast, feeding off each other's creativity and enthusiasm.
One of the most striking aspects of this clip is the way it highlights Freddie Mercury's incredible vocal range and control. Even as George Michael takes center stage, Mercury's presence looms large, his voice effortlessly gliding between the operatic highs and lows of "Somebody to Love".
This footage serves as a reminder that even in the midst of massive success, artists are still willing to take risks and push boundaries. The collaboration between George Michael and Queen was a bold move at the time, but it paid off in creating something truly special.
Watching this clip will leave viewers with a deeper appreciation for the creative process behind some of rock music's most iconic moments. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that can happen when different artists come together to create something new and innovative.
Curated from public records and music databases.
0:21R.E.M., John Deacon, Queen, The Band, Roger Taylor, Somebody to Love, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Songwriter
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