Brian May introduced the song with a heartfelt tribute: “We’d like to sing you a song written by probably the best rockstar of all time, next to Freddie” and then he started strumming the instantly recognisable intro on his 12 string guitar. Paul Rodgers took center stage and produced a spine tingling vocal that left the audience in awe.
They took turns singing the verses. May’s masterful strumming on the 12-string acoustic guitar accompanied the vocals, while Taylor’s rhythmic drumming provided a solid foundation. Halfway through the performance, the backing band joined in, adding layers of depth and emotion to Lennon’s poignant lyrics.
The recording of this remarkable performance has since amassed over 25 million views and garnered 217K likes on YouTube. It is interesting to know that this momentous occasion not only showcased the timeless appeal of Queen’s music but also laid the groundwork for the band to carry on their legacy following the tragic loss of Freddie Mercury.
Watch their collaboration in the video below:
Scrolling through the comments, we clearly see an abundance of compliments. One wrote, “It’s crazy cuz Brian and Roger are actually very gifted singers. Then Paul comes in and it’s really clear he’s almost in a league of his own.” Another added, “Man, Paul Rodgers just gets better with age – I cannot believe he is still singing with such tone even as he ages – man is born to sing!”
