More than four years after Freddie Mercury’s death, David Bowie appeared on a Dutch TV talk show to sing his and Queen’s 1981 single “Under Pressure” alongside bassist and vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey.
This flashback footage has racked up more than nine million views, and rock fans are remembering the magic of Freddie Mercury and the loss of David Bowie a decade after his death. Curious to see how Bowie handled singing this duet with Gail Ann Dorsey? Music Man readers can watch the moment unfold in the video below…
As Bowie’s band plays the Queen-Bowie single, fans are instantly stunned as female vocalist and bassist Gail Ann Dorsey bravely takes on Freddie Mercury’s ad-libs and lyrics in a heartwarming performance. Stepping into the boots of such a beloved and world-famous icon is no easy task, but when it comes to Gail’s performance, Queen fans are simply blown away.
Online commenters have praised Gail Ann Dorsey’s voice and her take on Freddie Mercury’s part.
But it’s David Bowie who steals the limelight as he sings the upbeat hit with an unmissable, melancholic edge. He gazes downwards, singing softly before building to a powerful chorus that epitomises the raw emotional impact and catharsis of rock music.
This rare, unearthed video has also become a way of celebrating Bowie himself, by the way. Uploaded on January 10, 2019, TopPop published this old performance to mark the third anniversary of the star’s death in 2016. Now, a decade after Bowie’s death, the footage is still drawing fans.
Fans have also celebrated Bowie’s voice, charm and charisma, with some recalling how lucky they felt to have seen him live.