Alfie Boe sings "O Sole Mio/ It's Now Or Never" live at Diamond Jubilee

[@Sealive]

Alfie perfectly reflected the fun of the whole evening. Well done that man!

[@Mommaduck1]

You GO, Alfie!! That was an amazing performance. Just faBOElous!!

[@CWEK1]

Alfie Boe, I am in love!!! You stole the show! ♥♥♥

[@gemeyes2]

Just got my new Alfie Boe cd and dvd in mail today... Great! Yes, we love him here in Ohio

[@barkmuffin]

Take notice of that World. You have just seen and heard the best tenor to ever sing.

[@Auramystica]

Go Alfie!! now more people will know just how wonderful you are! and you were the only one that I saw bowing to the Royal Box!

[@Blib9]

Utterly fabulous performance by him!! I love his voice.

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Love Alfie in that ❤

[@eubie527]

He is AWESOME!! Just Boe'd the world. Way to go ALFIE!! Thanks for posting tnlew

[@Paulol100]

Bravo Alfie.... Best tenor of the whole world... I love it when he plays the drums and Rocks!! Cheers Ann

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Best voice in the world ❤

[@gnsp545]

This man is so versatile, any song, any style........ he has my vote. :))

[@LindaWellington]

What a fantastic performance, well done Alfie you stole the show ....xxx

[@lizreynolds4554]

Splendid indeed 💖🍀

[@nikki2fin]

What a wonderful singer, what a wonderful surprise....is it ok to say that i simply love him !!!!

[@naturelover9716]

I love that operatic flare at the end of the Elvis song.

[@nurz33]

Love his voice. Alfie dancing omg sooooo cuteeeee!!!

[@hecate235]

That was fun! Thank you! 'Cause who knows if we'd ever see this in the States?

[@hecate235]

You must be fun at parties. I loved this.

[@sarah_e_l22]

Awwww I love Alfie!

[@clairyboo13]

His voice, his dancing, his talent ... his hair ... he's just perfect!

[@joannewsome5202]

So happy I found this

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Fabulous❤❤❤❤🎉🎉 ❤❤

[@gemeyes2]

ALFIE BOE..COME TO OHIO, USA....LOVE YOU!

[@suzie106]

The performance that makes me sure that Alfie Boe will be considered one of the greats is when he sings 'Nessun Dorma' to a karaoke track in Matt Lucas's kitchen. This is good, but that is great! Goose bumps every time!

[@hecate235]

(...cont'd) Every word, phrase, line has nuance and emotion. Even if the tone suffers, the MEANING is always clear. He sang "Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz" at Proms last summer. You didn't need to know a word of German to know it's a love song, and to get every drop of love and longing. I think that's what draws his fans. That glorious voice, and the heart in every syllable. He puts the emotion of a song first and last. And that's what we hear. It's quite a combination.

[@ceebeecee56]

He performed this in Kansas City in May. He is touring the US in October - Look to PBS station pledge drives airing this month.

[@hyhy430]

ALFIE BOE IS THE BEST

[@luvtap65]

Amazing Alfie---His new CD just went on sale here in the US today. Mine is on its way! Thanks for sharing this.

[@57Strudel]

I do believe you are misunderstanding what I claim for Alfie. What I have said, from the very beginning, is that his performances move ME in a way that nobody other than Pavarotti did. I do believe that many of his performances, including Jean Valjean, *are* of that same incredible caliber. But if your post below suggests that I'm one of his "handlers" then wow! What a compliment! :) I've only known about him since last fall and I have been simply blown away by his talent.

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Love this performance ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@saddaddrummer]

WOW ....Alfie you were great love your Rock n Roll amazing

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Very good performance ❤

[@mukageegee]

At last a guy who dares to stare tradition in the face. He is big and will be the most powerful singer in the world. Was much nicer listening to him in private at work all those years ago though!

[@jaredvanblankenstein7966]

Is he Mormon? or is his wife Mormon? Just curious. I am.

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Best voice in the world ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Great voice ❤❤❤❤❤

[@dorothyfowler9887]

The singing is fantastic great artists ❤❤❤❤😂🎉❤❤

[@Mani26031981]

I watched this from Hyde Park in 2012. Beautiful memories. WHAT a performance!! 😍❤🙏👍💪🇬🇧

[@MissMiffed]

Could I love him any more than I do right now? Nope. Thought not.

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Love this rebdition❤a Lgii

[@dorothyfowler9887]

Lovr this presetation🎉❤

[@WaddlingWithTheWallaces]

Yes!!! Ohioans love Alfie :)

[@hecate235]

UK houses too often ignored Alfie, and some opera blogs just hate him. God knows why. Yes, there are things Pavarotti did vocally Alfie can't, may never do. But then Alfie can act (really, Luciano couldn't) and he can sing so much more. While the songs now may not be as acrobatic, they have beauty, emotion and real power. And Alfie's right: most of the walls between genres are only in our heads. Yeah, I'd love to hear him sing opera again. But to the exclusion of the songs now? Never.

[@WaddlingWithTheWallaces]

He's so beautiful.....

[@mariasonia501]

Alfie Boe, maravilhoso dançando It´s now or never...mspauferro, brasil.

[@57Strudel]

I will listen to Alfie sing anything. At all. But we have plenty of people in the world who can do Elvis, and only a few who can kill "O Sole Mio" like that! :) (and even fewer who look that great in black jeans ;) )

[@elguapospjute]

ALFIE IS A BOSS

[@brendalawson5012]

AB the most magnificent

[@MissMiffed]

I just want to hug him.

[@vivianalunaflores543]

Lo amo!!!

[@DocEsquire]

They are two different types of tenors and have accomplished much that can be compared. Your point on their passionate deliveries is right on point and I agree 100%. There's just that unexplainable "listening" factor that troubles me with Alfie. I can listen to Luciano literally for days without stopping. But after a few hours, I get tired of hearing Alfie Boe's (and anyone not named Pavarotti's) voice. Do I think Boe is one of the best singers alive? Yep. *Better* than Pavarotti? Not a chance.

[@ELVISIA]

Great performance......Alfie waqs great, thanks for the video........sound could´ve been better though.

[@SJR71193]

now that is what you call a voice and a half

[@no9967]

yes

[@francaeletto6823]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@NikkiLewisPhotos]

You must be so proud Pauline. I have plenty of live videos from concerts in the UK and US if you want to see them? I'm honoured to be a supporter!

[@hairyeahyeah]

[@bradybleedsblue]

Love his voice. The crazy thing is, Bocelli and Pavoratti do it in a higher key.

[@57Strudel]

Agreed!

[@WaddlingWithTheWallaces]

Haven't gotten it yet..But I'll try :)

[@paulineboelauder6463]

He's my Brother x

[@raniamedhat9224]

💜

[@mukageegee]

AND .....Arise Sir Alfred!

[@Klente]

Me too:-)

[@AverageAufa]

damn his dancing

[@GermanProudly]

The aria I mentioned was only and example of many, many pieces that Pavarotti sang in his long career that Mr. Boe would simply never be able to touch. Furthermore, Pavarotti never screamed his high notes, as you suggest. I can't say that for some of what I have heard Mr. Boe attempt. These two men are both talented, but Pavarotti occupies a completely unique place in the history of singing. No living tenor approaches the majesty and complete mastery of operatic singing of Pavarotti.

[@GermanProudly]

Yes, it's fine to agree to disagree. I think that Mr. Boe is just now receiving some just attention for all of his years of hard work and I think that's terrific. However, he would need 40 years of doing this in the public eye with many landmark performances (as Pavarotti had) to enter the echelon you seem to want Mr. Boe to occupy somewhat prematurely. No one is perfect, I'll grant you that. It is the track record over time and under pressure that matters. In this way, Pavarotti is legend.

[@05smaugthegolden]

I didn't mean it according to time but to repertoire. As far as I know he has sung only the "lighter" operas, read it in his book. Other tenors of his generation have sung much more and different operas. What about Carmen and Tosca, Werther, Faust and not speaking of Wagner?

[@dorothyfowler9887]

He is th gates ❤ 3:53

[@57Strudel]

While I loved Pavarotti as much as you obviously did, I truly believe Alfie Boe is his equal. Their voices, their passion in delivery, their downright FUN and their being "in" the character are what sets each of them far and away above all the rest.

[@57Strudel]

I'm not mistaking popularity for prowess. I'm also a trained singer, and I've listened to opera for well over fifty years. I do not remember anywhere reading that singing that particular piece is a requirement for being an outstanding tenor. Very, very few people have ever sung that piece as well as Pavarotti, who loved passionately during his life. I still think Alfie is one of a handful of outstanding living tenors. Nobody has to scream nine high C's to prove their worth to me.

[@GermanProudly]

Although he's been working as a professional singer for many years, Mr. Boe has only very recently come under the sort of public scrutiny that Pavarotti faced. That sort of pressure can be wearing and crushing. If some of Pavarotti's performances seemed a little stale, I think that is human. Let us see how dynamic Mr. Boe after 40 years of intense performance. If his handlers want to claim Pavarotti's lofty mantle, he will have to do better than a couple of years of popularity.

[@monkey9798]

anyone know the name of the session drummer (2.56) as ive seen him work with alot of artists & think hes great

[@05smaugthegolden]

very well sung, but best tenor ever? Please don't forget Pavarotti, f.e. Luciano Pavarotti - O Sole Mio - Pavarotti Plus - 1989 here on youtube that is a level Mr. Boe has not reached, yet...

[@57Strudel]

That's ok, because if you'll look at what I wrote, I never said he was *better* than Pavarotti. I said that in MY opinion he's Pavarotti's equal in that whenever either of them performs a song (of any sort), every fiber of their being goes into it. Both of them had/have that true love of performance that infuses the music with life. And you really don't have to agree with me, but please don't misquote me. I retain equal admiration for both of them.

[@57Strudel]

That doesn't read right. I meant to type "Pavarotti, who *I* loved..." The alternate reading is probably correct too :) but it wasn't what I was getting at.

[@57Strudel]

You've not heard some of his classical performances, then. I'm waiting on my copy of Eternal Light to show -- it's seriously magical and Mr. Boe's voice is heavenly. I have to say, though, that I think that Elvis is a little beneath him. Not that he's not awesome at it, but... if you have a voice that can sing pieces only a few hundred people have ever been able to sing well, DO THOSE. When the voice darkens and deepens with age, then do Elvis!

[@cameronnies7000]

Lefty Bass player, nice!

[@hecate235]

I think you're both missing something. GermanProudly wants to judge Alfie solely by operatic standards. What he's sung. and where. Unless houses invite him, he can never "catch up." And Alfie has put himself in another league. Pavarotti was an opera singer thru and thru. Tone, vowel, technique was all important. Nothing interfered w that. While Alfie has the training and technique to hit (and hold) any note he aims at, his emphasis is the lyrics, the story of the song. (cont'd)

[@sirelore2539]

Why didn't he sing with the three tenors?

[@GermanProudly]

Yes, my problem is with you placing Mr. Boe on the same level with Pavarotti. They are NOT equals.

[@BonseBalm]

A little disappointed we didn't get just one chorus of "Just one Cornetto"...

[@sallyplumb4834]

This man is as delicious as his voice

[@05smaugthegolden]

Please don't misunderstand me, I like him as a singer very much and also do own his classical cd's. His voice has a special very agreeable quality in the high ranges, he has stamina and a great musicality. But he hasn't performed enough to be a real classical tenor like f.e. Jonas Kaufmann. It is a bit of a pity that his path seems to lead him away from classical music.

[@57Strudel]

Oh I'd find ANYONE tiresome after a few hours. Even our beloved Pavarotti. And seriously, I adored him from the first note I heard out of his mouth.

[@sallyplumb4834]

I’m 83 and you jangle my hormones …hahaha? …I didn’t think I had any left.

[@Hayseus712]

Filmed on the best toaster oven money can but

[@damothepianist]

What a performance. What a man! Sex on legs! I wish he'd caress me like he does his mike stand.

[@ChrisFowCohen]

*swoon*

[@GermanProudly]

When Alfie Boe sings "Ah, mes amis" from Donizetti's "La fille du regiment" even half as well as Pavarotti did, I will consider your statement. Mr. Boe's voice is pleasant enough, but his vibrato speeds when he sings higher to the point that it becomes a bleat. This is followed with an annoying twang that becomes tiresome after awhile. His lower voice is more balanced. He's having a great career, but you must not mistake popularity for the vocal prowess of a legend like Pavarotti.

[@57Strudel]

My opinions are simply opinions, as are yours, even though you state them as facts ("they are not equals!" -- perhaps not in your view. Mine differs.). They are educated opinions, based on training and scrutiny -- as I sense yours are as well -- but they are still only opinions, not facts. There were many singers from the first half of the 20th century whose voices probably surpassed Pavarotti's, but we aren't as familiar with them and their recordings are awful. Still just opinion.

[@ReacherFan1912]

Boe was much too young and got his training much later life than any of the 3 tenors. Heis also a less dedicated to opera. Pavarotti caught a break when Joan Sutherland wanted a tenor tall enough to sing the male lead in Daughter of the Regiment. I was Sutherland who trained him in the classic bel canto style, but he was a lousy actor. His voice has to carry the role as he no gift for acting the parts. Sutherland's husband was quite dismissive of him as a having a 'sweet voice and tone', good skills, but no depth or great projection and sloppy in his language, but he did have those amazing high 'C's' that few ever matched. By the time the 3 Tenors sang concerts all were past their prime and Pavarotti and Domingo had to carry their friend Carreras because he'd ruined his lyric voice singing dramatic roles then the chemo he went through did more damage. But watching the 3 live or even here on youtube you can tell their highest notes were gone, a natural progression of age, but their skills, especially Pavarotti and Domingo, were as good as ever. Plus the just has fun. Their 94 LA concert is a delight to watch. Boe is a better actor, but you can't expect full on dramatic performances in recitals or variety shows Boe has never made any bones about the fact he does NOT want to be pigeonholed as an opera singer, so JVJ was a perfect lead role for him. He has a Tony for the Broadway version of La Boheme. I wish he'd done Phantom as well. I dislike his hurried rendition on Music of the Night on his CD. John Owen Jones is great in that role and his voice, not opera level, is just fine. Opera purists/snobs will never be happy with Boe, but that's OK. He's his own man and never felt the pull of opera as the 'greatest' music form as Pavarotti did. To quote a line from Bring Him Home - "let him be."

[@hecate235]

lol True enough. Pavarotti couldn't act his way out of the proverbial wet paper bag. Mostly, he just turned the volume up or down. What people forget is that Alfie was a drummer first. Got his first set at 12, and played in bands in Blackpool and Fleetwood. There are a couple of clips on yt of him drumming during sound checks before concerts. I'm not sure how good he is, but he's obviously having a wonderful time. I recommend taking a look at the Classic Quadrophenia clips from the 2015 RAH concert on yt. I defy any traditional opera singer to do that: sing such emotionally charged songs, for almost 2 hrs solid, at the top of their range -- and still pump out that last "...love..." at full volume. Amazing.

[@57Strudel]

And that is your opinion, which you are entitled to. Pavarotti didn't sing perfectly all the time; I heard him flub lots of notes over the years. Sometimes he seemed to be phoning in his performances. I agree he has a special place in the history of music, but he was hardly a god. And as to that particular aria you mentioned below - I just re-listened to it for the heck of it. He sounded like he was bleating, to my ear. It's just not a pretty piece. Let's just agree to disagree, ok?

[@DocEsquire]

I love Alfie as much as the next guy, but he's absoultely nowhere near Luciano Pavarotti. No one is.

[@57Strudel]

How odd. I would consider 20 years of professional singing "performing enough." That's nearly ready-to-retire status in pretty much any other profession.

[@toregarke]

False, Jussi Björling is the greatest!

[@Hayseus712]

Buy*. I hate my life.

[@sofiaamparano3118]

Don't ever sing Elvis. You are good at O SOLE MIO though.

[@csalvano]

the tenor-rock thing is an abomination, to both rock and opera.

[@dorothyfowler9887]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤