This video & song was recorded only a few months after the 1986 Wembley concert. To me, it's incredible how his voice in Wembley was very aggressive, alittle cracky ,and deep cause of his constant soar throats due to the aids starting to affect him. But then comes back months later and sings like this!!!! Best singer ever by the FAR and will never be beaten
Thank you so much David for honouring Freddie on his anniversary, especially when you haven't been well. I absolutely adore Freddie doing this song. He never did covers but this is an old Platters song, they were even before my time! It suits Freddie so well. It was his good friend Peter Straker with Roger dressed in drag. I was waiting for your reaction to his big finish note, gives me chills every time. Thanks again lovie for giving Freddie this tribute.
This was an homage to Queen's greatest hits music videos and the "disguises" Freddie wore in them as the "great pretender". All the roles he's played. Some - but I don't know about all - of the sets were completely rebuilt. The song is a cover, but Freddie knew the lyrics represented his own experience and expressed how he felt as someone who always projected confidence, energy, and extroversion but who was actually quite sensitive, emotional, and shy in other aspects of his personal life. He said once that he didn't always feel like being "Freddie Mercury" at the start of the day.
This song was first recorded in the fifties by a group called The Platters. Freddie could sing a nursery rhyme and it would be fantastic!! I've listened to Queen for fifty years and I intend to keep on listening for the rest of my days!! Their music will live on forever!!
I'ts been 30 years since Freddie left us and flew to Heaven!!!❤We all miss him, the one and only true legend,simply the greatest of all time, unique,the most perfect voice!!!❤👑❤Freddie you're the most beautiful man, forever in our hearts,your legacy lives on,you're truly loved by the world and never forgotten!!
Freddie Mercury is Mr. Magic. There is nothing he can't sing and make it his own. He is magical beyond belief. His delivery is so magnificent....I am spell bound. I am so pleased with your reaction to Freddie's music. Yes, I respect the Queen band,yet Freddie was the ❤️ heart.
Something of an oddity in the Queen catalogue - this is actually a cover version of a 1955 single by the Platters (I can't think of another cover version in the Queen catalogue until Brian covered "Woman" last year, and Roger's "Clapping song" on the new album). Freddie took this, made it his own, and had his first solo top 5 UK single (and his highest charting solo single during his lifetime) RIP Mr Mercury - we miss you even though you haven't - and never will - leave our lives.
Real music. Natural and so uplifting. Freddie and Queen are endless musicians and legends of our time. Thanks for that great reaction! It was good and professional.
Apologies if this has been said, pretty sure it has. I'm 53, I picked up on Queen late- my first single was A Kind of Magic. But the transformation that the music of Queen and Freddie Mercury has brought is beyond words- now I have a safe place, sat at the PC watching Queen vids when life leaves a taste of shit in your mouth. My point- how is it that I miss a man so dearly daily for 30 years who I've never met? My only consolation on this sad anniversary is that there's tens of millions going through the same thing as me.
The Great Pretender was originally done by the Platters!! And their record label was …. Wait for it 👉 Mercury Records 👈 This video cost a pretty penny having to recreate past Queen videos. That makes this video absolutely amazing!! I would give anything to have one of those Freddie cut-out boards!! 💗
There is an extended version and even Freddie talking about this in the rare interview, Freddie did all his own engineering on the records, and solo career he used local musicians in Montreux, John Deacon left the public eye in 1997 after they made the final record together Only The Good Die Young, John didn't want too go on after his best friend died, the other two have had quite a few solo albums out
R.I.P. Freddie. We will never forget you. Freddie said he did this song because he really was "The Great Pretender." This is an old song from back around the 40s I think. I believe the redhead in drag is Freddie. Someone will correct me if I am wrong I am sure. I hope you feel better soon! Brian did say that every member of Queen was an amazing talent on their own but that there was something very special about Queen that took it all to a different level of greatness. I really do agree with that statement.
Just a little while and you'll find out that it's a complete blast of music. When we were 13 and there was no internet, it was very clear from the selection that it was something out of the ordinary. It was a mystery then that a lot of people who listened to music didn't listen to it at all. It's too rich and beautiful music.
Love this song. Freddie did a great cover. He had wanted to do this and finally did it. I think i like it better than the original. But I am partial to Freddie. I hope you feel better soon. Sending love. 💜💜💙💙🌞🌹😊
Feel much better soon David! Great reaction, I can't believe it's been 30 years! It's hard not to miss him🥺 but he didn't leave us empty, we still have his voice and music💕
Hi David...This is your 'Alien Australian'. Had a feeling you would pop in on such a momentous day, so very sorry to hear that you have been unwell. Totally been loving your Queen & Dear Freddie journey thus far. Now that you are an official 'Queenie' there is no going back.....you will be one for life. Be well my friend.
Thanks so much for honoring Freddie. I've read that although Queen decided never to record covers, this song was one Freddie wanted to cover because he thought it fit him so well and of course he killed it! We love you Freddie!
Thanks David, great reaction. Food poisoning is awful! In one of his last interviews Freddie said that this video was the most expensive to make and took the longest time , as they recreated the scenes from the old videos. The third “girl” backup singer is Peter Straker, longtime friend and West End star. I think Freddie produced at least one of his albums.
Brian once said, "Queen is greater than the sum of its parts." As great as they all are, the combination was magic. Feel better David. Love watching your videos.
Thank you David from the bottom of my heart. That was so Awesome of you . And once again , you haven’t missed a thing . Right on with everything you said. Your Amazing. Take care and feel better 💕💕💕
I reckon the sentiment of the original song really resonated with Freddie.💛💛💛 Great cover by him as you would expect, and great reaction by you 😊👏👏 Hope you feel better soon. 🤗
Thanks for doing this special reaction & hope you're over your food poisoning. Such an intricate video with not just clips but recreating many Queen and Freddie videos. Yes it's Roger in the video with also Peter Straker. I know it was produced by Mike Moran (piano on Time Waits For No One) so I'm sure he would be on keys. Not sure who else is on backing track.
Absolutely love your reactions. This is one of my favorite Freddie solo numbers. Although it’s a very old song, you would almost think it was about Freddie. Looking forward to when you get things sorted out and are back.
I just found your channel and it´s amazing. You´re obviously a massive Queen / Freddie fan and i love it. You have heard him sing "Love of my Life" and "Is this the world we created" right? If not you absolutely have to. Such great performances. Would love to hear from you. Cheers
Produced by Freddie,richards and mike (time.defence.barcalona.God's people) Freddie Mercury: lead vocals and backing vocals Mike Moran: synth? Alan Jones: bass Harold Fisher: drums Roger and peter backing vocals
Its a compilation of many of their videos and it is what we saw when this was released. The crowd was Radio gaga The great pretender was originally sang by the Platters.
Hi David sorry to hear you’re not well hope you feel better soon 🤗 Thank you for this tribute to Freddie you picked a good one ❤️ Roger often helped Freddie with his solo work doing backing vocals ❤️ there is a video of the making of this you can see how much fun they had ❤️ as has been said it is a cover of The Platters 50’s song but the words definitely apply to Freddie the song with the hands up is Radio GaGa x
Ah David so sorry to hear you have been poorly hope your on the mend this was a cover version of an old song you did an amazing and very respectful reaction of our beloved Freddie you need to watch the making of this song they had so much fun thank you David take care x x
Much to do around here getting ready for Thanksgiving Thursday - can't let go of Freddie, tho'. Hooray you did this. Take care of yourself. And, thanks!.
Thank you David for this tribute to Freddie, I just shared Who wants to live forever on my Facebook page and saw you had another reaction. I miss him terribly. Sharing his music will keep future generations interested in him and Queen forever.
Good to see you! Thank you for sharing this even though you are still healing. 😊 You highlighted an important point that in their solo work each band member was able to showcase their interests and musical tastes. It shows the strength of the band together as a unit that they brought so much diversity and divergent ideas to the table to be threshed out.
Spot on Lindsay. Each video clip is a recreation of a number of classic Queen video clips, as they used to say! plus, I seem to have lost my previous msg but Mike Moran was an integral partner with some of Freddie's later material, Barcelona the album for one!!
Great seeing you tonight David! You picked a perfect video for your Freddie tribute. You really warmed up and gave the kind of reaction that keeps us coming back for more! So much work went into the making of this video. Freddie actually had many of his old video sets recreated, dug out his old costumes and gave an over the top performance just to poke fun at himself. I compare this performance to two lines from the video These Are the Days of Our Lives: "Sometimes it seems like lately - I just don't know, The rest of my life's been - just a show (big grin). He's telling us not to take him too seriously, it's all for fun.
There's an anime great pretender and they play Freddie singing this as the ending song And they replaced them with animated cats based on Freddies actual cats! Its worth a look it starts off with them singing on stage then Freddie cat wonders off...and gets home safely I started getting upset watching it!
A beautiful tribute song called No Ond But You (Only The Good Die Young). Its the last song bevore John Deacon leaved the band. [Sorry for the bad english]
Nice to see you back David. Was wondering where you had gotten to. Enjoy your reactions to Queen. Sorry to hear you've been ill. Hope you feel better soon!
I've really been enjoying your channel and your passion for great music, especially Queen! I'm at home with a vodka, the volume cranked up and listening to Fred on this day. I'm so grateful that you have noted this moment in time. Sadly, I was 18 and destroyed emotionally this day back in '91 but as with the passing of all dear friends, it's the memories that keep them alive in spirit. thank you for your energy and soul, my brother :) Sophie McCulloch...
I've missed seeing your videos, great song to check out on today of all days. BTW, Freddie Mercury passed away on my 11th birthday . Sad sad day. This is especially meaningful to me, David. Thank you for memorializing the great Freddie Mercury ❤ 😀 ♥ 😘
Good to see you reacting again and looking well.. Another reaction request would be Teo Torriate , another track where Freddie shows off his multi lingual singing skills 👌
Awesome reaction! 😎 David, i think I saw you have other channels... and ways to support you? Please let us all know. Your a fantastic reactor, and a fantastic singer. I would like to support more 💜 thxs.
Had this on shaped picture disc when it came out , great cover version this . Hope you get your self sorted though , remember you owe us nothing look after number 1 first
Not on an album just a single released feb 87 no 4 uk (He found out he had aids April 87) this was the only cover he wanted to do,mike had agreed to do the album with him so he did this first B side to this was excersises in free love
Please consider donating if you can, it really, REALLY helps me. Link is in description, thank you.
Freddie was The Greatest Pretender! ♥
Great cover of a Platters tune from the 50s. But Freddie makes it fit him so well. RIP Freddie.
So missed!!!
A great and emotional song. Love Queen. Love hearing you ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hands in the air video clip is from Radio Gaga
That's it! Couldn't put my finger on it. Thanks!
Pure brilliance🥰😢😊😁💔
Hopefully "The Golden boy " is next. To me everything he did was Golden
This video & song was recorded only a few months after the 1986 Wembley concert. To me, it's incredible how his voice in Wembley was very aggressive, alittle cracky ,and deep cause of his constant soar throats due to the aids starting to affect him. But then comes back months later and sings like this!!!! Best singer ever by the FAR and will never be beaten
Thank you so much David for honouring Freddie on his anniversary, especially when you haven't been well. I absolutely adore Freddie doing this song. He never did covers but this is an old Platters song, they were even before my time! It suits Freddie so well. It was his good friend Peter Straker with Roger dressed in drag. I was waiting for your reaction to his big finish note, gives me chills every time. Thanks again lovie for giving Freddie this tribute.
One of my faves! It’s just makes me emotionally sink into a bygone era. 🙋🏽♀️👑✌🏾
Good evening to you my friend thanks for Honoring our loved FREDDIE MERCURY 🥇💯🔥💕❣️💖🌹👑♾️💋🤘☮️💙⚡💫🍻
It's a cover of a song by the Platters from around 1955. One of the best cover versions ever
❤️ Freddie ❤️
Love this Platters song, Freddie does it beautifully.
Freddie looks so cute in that red dress with the red hair
Great reaction
This was an homage to Queen's greatest hits music videos and the "disguises" Freddie wore in them as the "great pretender". All the roles he's played. Some - but I don't know about all - of the sets were completely rebuilt. The song is a cover, but Freddie knew the lyrics represented his own experience and expressed how he felt as someone who always projected confidence, energy, and extroversion but who was actually quite sensitive, emotional, and shy in other aspects of his personal life. He said once that he didn't always feel like being "Freddie Mercury" at the start of the day.
Thanks for the info! I didn't know it was a cover, but it really does seem to describe Freddie so well. Thanks!
This song was first recorded in the fifties by a group called The Platters. Freddie could sing a nursery rhyme and it would be fantastic!! I've listened to Queen for fifty years and I intend to keep on listening for the rest of my days!! Their music will live on forever!!
30 yrs ago our beloved Freddie went ..Home.
The world has missed out on so much since hes gone. I love you forever Freddie!
Thx for this. Watching all day Freddie memories. Missed for 30 years 😪😪😪
I'ts been 30 years since Freddie left us and flew to Heaven!!!❤We all
miss him, the one and only true legend,simply the greatest of all
time, unique,the most perfect voice!!!❤👑❤Freddie you're the most
beautiful man, forever in our hearts,your legacy lives on,you're truly
loved by the world and never forgotten!!
Freddie Mercury is Mr. Magic. There is nothing he can't sing and make it his own. He is magical beyond belief. His delivery is so magnificent....I am spell bound. I am so pleased with your reaction to Freddie's music. Yes, I respect the Queen band,yet Freddie was the ❤️ heart.
Something of an oddity in the Queen catalogue - this is actually a cover version of a 1955 single by the Platters (I can't think of another cover version in the Queen catalogue until Brian covered "Woman" last year, and Roger's "Clapping song" on the new album). Freddie took this, made it his own, and had his first solo top 5 UK single (and his highest charting solo single during his lifetime)
RIP Mr Mercury - we miss you even though you haven't - and never will - leave our lives.
Real music. Natural and so uplifting. Freddie and Queen are endless musicians and legends of our time.
Thanks for that great reaction! It was good and professional.
Apologies if this has been said, pretty sure it has. I'm 53, I picked up on Queen late- my first single was A Kind of Magic. But the transformation that the music of Queen and Freddie Mercury has brought is beyond words- now I have a safe place, sat at the PC watching Queen vids when life leaves a taste of shit in your mouth. My point- how is it that I miss a man so dearly daily for 30 years who I've never met? My only consolation on this sad anniversary is that there's tens of millions going through the same thing as me.
The Great Pretender was originally done by the Platters!! And their record label was …. Wait for it 👉 Mercury Records 👈 This video cost a pretty penny having to recreate past Queen videos. That makes this video absolutely amazing!! I would give anything to have one of those Freddie cut-out boards!! 💗
Hi this was the first song a cover by the platters I heard the day he died, still can't believe its been 30 years Rip Freddie
RIP Freddie♡♡♡ 30 Years but never forgotten.. still around every day♡☆♡☆ best ever
Freddie in the arms of an Angel💛💛
Awesome performance and video. Massively expensive as Freddie re-created all the sets from his and Queen's videos for this video
RIP Freddie
𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑀𝑟. 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑑🤟💛
You're a trip, but you know your stuff and appreciate his craft. I ❤ love your commentaries.
There is an extended version and even Freddie talking about this in the rare interview, Freddie did all his own engineering on the records, and solo career he used local musicians in Montreux, John Deacon left the public eye in 1997 after they made the final record together Only The Good Die Young, John didn't want too go on after his best friend died, the other two have had quite a few solo albums out
Freddie Mercury, 👑😍, Thank you David!
It's the greatest choice to remember this brilliant musician, singer, performer and human, thanks David.
Hello David and thanks for this. Great Pretender is a glittering masterpiece cover.
R.I.P. Freddie. We will never forget you. Freddie said he did this song because he really was "The Great Pretender." This is an old song from back around the 40s I think. I believe the redhead in drag is Freddie. Someone will correct me if I am wrong I am sure. I hope you feel better soon! Brian did say that every member of Queen was an amazing talent on their own but that there was something very special about Queen that took it all to a different level of greatness. I really do agree with that statement.
This song is from the 50s.
If anyone can cure you, even for a few minutes, it's Freddie! (RIP) Hope you're feeling better soon.
❤️❤️
Just a little while and you'll find out that it's a complete blast of music. When we were 13 and there was no internet, it was very clear from the selection that it was something out of the ordinary.
It was a mystery then that a lot of people who listened to music didn't listen to it at all.
It's too rich and beautiful music.
Thanks David.
Freddie always in our hearts and we will always love him forever ❤️
Great reaction. Thank you for that. ❤️
Love this song. Freddie did a great cover. He had wanted to do this and finally did it. I think i like it better than the original. But I am partial to Freddie.
I hope you feel better soon. Sending love. 💜💜💙💙🌞🌹😊
Thanks David - wanted to see you react to this for AGES !!!
There’s an anime on Netflix called "Great Pretender" which uses this song in the end credits. It also uses cats to sing it in homage to him
Feel much better soon David! Great reaction, I can't believe it's been 30 years! It's hard not to miss him🥺 but he didn't leave us empty, we still have his voice and music💕
Freddie didnt write this is was originally done by a group called the Platters and Freddie always equated this song to how his life was
Hi David...This is your 'Alien Australian'. Had a feeling you would pop in on such a momentous day, so very sorry to hear that you have been unwell. Totally been loving your Queen & Dear Freddie journey thus far. Now that you are an official 'Queenie' there is no going back.....you will be one for life. Be well my friend.
Thanks so much for honoring Freddie. I've read that although Queen decided never to record covers, this song was one Freddie wanted to cover because he thought it fit him so well and of course he killed it! We love you Freddie!
Welcome back David!!!
Great reaction, hope you feel better soon, Freddie will live forever 💙 his music will never die, thanks David, peace ✌
Great to see you, David, and thank you for doing this! 👍
Thanks for doing this David, especially as you weren't feeling very well. RIP Freddie
Thanks David, great reaction. Food poisoning is awful! In one of his last interviews Freddie said that this video was the most expensive to make and took the longest time , as they recreated the scenes from the old videos. The third “girl” backup singer is Peter Straker, longtime friend and West End star. I think Freddie produced at least one of his albums.
Hey there David!
Brian once said, "Queen is greater than the sum of its parts." As great as they all are, the combination was magic. Feel better David. Love watching your videos.
Thanks hope you feel better soon
Respect David 👏 hope you feel better soon mate 🙏
Enjoyed your video. Hope you feel better soon.
Thank you David from the bottom of my heart. That was so Awesome of you .
And once again , you haven’t missed a thing . Right on with everything you said.
Your Amazing. Take care and feel better 💕💕💕
It's one of the few which isn't one of his or Queen songs
Please watch the making of this. Getting into their costumes in drag. They had a ball.
Thanks for doing this David esp while you are not well. Lovely tribute to Freddie ♥️
at 8.30, you said yooooo-hooo! just a couple seconds before Freddie did the same :))
I reckon the sentiment of the original song really resonated with Freddie.💛💛💛 Great cover by him as you would expect, and great reaction by you 😊👏👏 Hope you feel better soon. 🤗
Thanks for doing this special reaction & hope you're over your food poisoning. Such an intricate video with not just clips but recreating many Queen and Freddie videos. Yes it's Roger in the video with also Peter Straker. I know it was produced by Mike Moran (piano on Time Waits For No One) so I'm sure he would be on keys. Not sure who else is on backing track.
Absolutely love your reactions. This is one of my favorite Freddie solo numbers. Although it’s a very old song, you would almost think it was about Freddie. Looking forward to when you get things sorted out and are back.
I just found your channel and it´s amazing. You´re obviously a massive Queen / Freddie fan and i love it. You have heard him sing "Love of my Life" and "Is this the world we created" right? If not you absolutely have to. Such great performances. Would love to hear from you. Cheers
Produced by Freddie,richards and mike (time.defence.barcalona.God's people)
Freddie Mercury: lead vocals and backing vocals
Mike Moran: synth?
Alan Jones: bass
Harold Fisher: drums
Roger and peter backing vocals
The extended version is worth checking out as it gives you lots of behind the scenes shenanigans. It's really funny!
Its a compilation of many of their videos and it is what we saw when this was released. The crowd was Radio gaga The great pretender was originally sang by the Platters.
Hi David sorry to hear you’re not well hope you feel better soon 🤗 Thank you for this tribute to Freddie you picked a good one ❤️ Roger often helped Freddie with his solo work doing backing vocals ❤️ there is a video of the making of this you can see how much fun they had ❤️ as has been said it is a cover of The Platters 50’s song but the words definitely apply to Freddie the song with the hands up is Radio GaGa x
Ah David so sorry to hear you have been poorly hope your on the mend this was a cover version of an old song you did an amazing and very respectful reaction of our beloved Freddie you need to watch the making of this song they had so much fun thank you David take care x x
Watch "Barcelona" with Monserrat Cabellia (spelled her last name wrong), she was an opera singer. It is Epic. Chills.
And "it's a hard life" when? I recommend live in Rio you will love it!
Much to do around here getting ready for Thanksgiving Thursday - can't let go of Freddie, tho'. Hooray you did this. Take care of yourself. And, thanks!.
Thank you David for this tribute to Freddie, I just shared Who wants to live forever on my Facebook page and saw you had another reaction. I miss him terribly. Sharing his music will keep future generations interested in him and Queen forever.
Good to see you! Thank you for sharing this even though you are still healing. 😊 You highlighted an important point that in their solo work each band member was able to showcase their interests and musical tastes. It shows the strength of the band together as a unit that they brought so much diversity and divergent ideas to the table to be threshed out.
Please listen to How Can I go on along with Guide me HOme. Freddie and Montserrat together…you’ll love the power of his voice.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video, despite not being well. It's a great tribute to a great man🌟.
Spot on Lindsay.
Each video clip is a recreation of a number of classic Queen video clips, as they used to say! plus, I seem to have lost my previous msg but Mike Moran was an integral partner with some of Freddie's later material, Barcelona the album for one!!
Great seeing you tonight David! You picked a perfect video for your Freddie tribute. You really warmed up and gave the kind of reaction that keeps us coming back for more! So much work went into the making of this video. Freddie actually had many of his old video sets recreated, dug out his old costumes and gave an over the top performance just to poke fun at himself. I compare this performance to two lines from the video These Are the Days of Our Lives: "Sometimes it seems like lately - I just don't know, The rest of my life's been - just a show (big grin). He's telling us not to take him too seriously, it's all for fun.
There's an anime great pretender and they play Freddie singing this as the ending song
And they replaced them with animated cats based on Freddies actual cats!
Its worth a look it starts off with them singing on stage then Freddie cat wonders off...and gets home safely
I started getting upset watching it!
A beautiful tribute song called No Ond But You (Only The Good Die Young). Its the last song bevore John Deacon leaved the band. [Sorry for the bad english]
Nice to see you back David. Was wondering where you had gotten to. Enjoy your reactions to Queen. Sorry to hear you've been ill. Hope you feel better soon!
I've really been enjoying your channel and your passion for great music, especially Queen! I'm at home with a vodka, the volume cranked up and listening to Fred on this day. I'm so grateful that you have noted this moment in time. Sadly, I was 18 and destroyed emotionally this day back in '91 but as with the passing of all dear friends, it's the memories that keep them alive in spirit. thank you for your energy and soul, my brother :) Sophie McCulloch...
💖💖💖💞💞💞🌹🌹🌹
I've missed seeing your videos, great song to check out on today of all days. BTW, Freddie Mercury passed away on my 11th birthday . Sad sad day. This is especially meaningful to me, David. Thank you for memorializing the great Freddie Mercury ❤ 😀 ♥ 😘
No problem Elizabeth & happy birthday!
Good to see you reacting again and looking well..
Another reaction request would be Teo Torriate , another track where Freddie shows off his multi lingual singing skills 👌
the videos in questions were 1.radio gaga, 2. it's a hard life, 3 i want to break free
30 anni senza freddie 😢
Awesome reaction! 😎
David, i think I saw you have other channels... and ways to support you? Please let us all know. Your a fantastic reactor, and a fantastic singer. I would like to support more 💜 thxs.
Seems like a minute ago. Take care.
Had this on shaped picture disc when it came out , great cover version this . Hope you get your self sorted though , remember you owe us nothing look after number 1 first
Not on an album just a single released feb 87 no 4 uk
(He found out he had aids April 87)
this was the only cover he wanted to do,mike had agreed to do the album with him so he did this first
B side to this was excersises in free love
cover of a Platters
Today is his 30th anniversary of passing.... RIP
The lyrics do seem personal though Freddie didn't write it.