IMPROVISED 80s DUET in Separate Booths WITHOUT Hearing Each Other…Became #1 Smash!-Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest DUET of the rock era?

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

Dialogue by Chicago

[@MrCallenl]

Lita Ford and Ozzy - Close my Eyes forever. Meatloaf and Cheer - Deadringer for love... many more!!

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate ... "Say, Say, Say" by Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson.

[@surlechapeau]

1.Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough; 2.Tina Turner/Rod Stewart- It Takes Two; 3.Olivia Newton/John/John Travolta- You’re The One That I Want; 4. Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty&Heartbreakers- Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around; 5. Elton John/Kiki Dee- Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.

[@DC8091]

Candy - Iggy & Kate Under Pressure Close My Eyes Forever - Lita😍& Ozzy Picture - Bobby & Sheryl Crow Anything with Johnny & June

[@josephcazier7588]

I love David Bowie. Anybody who could pull off singing duets with Freddie Mercury and Bing Crosby was in a class by himself.

[@bruceharlick3322]

‘It’s been a long time since I was the new anything”

[@patryk6242]

You can also add duets with Mick Jagger and Tina Turner. Both song are absolute classics.

[@bostonvair]

As a bass player myself, I'd like to take a moment to show appreciation for the shy, introverted, and unassuming John Deacon, who has given us two of rock and roll's most iconic bass lines (both of which were the catalyst for creating their respective songs): Under Pressure and Another One Bites the Dust.

[@lennychorn147]

'Another one bites the dust' was a major turn-off for myself and just about everyone I knew. The song in my and many others' opinions was the beginning of the end for Queen as a major musical influence. I never bought another one of their albums.

[@kittenisageek]

@@lennychorn147 "Another one bites the dust" was the first Queen song I ever heard and got me interested in the group.

[@lennychorn147]

@@kittenisageek I'm guessing you're probably much younger than myself. Folks in my age range felt betrayed by the drastic switch in genre.

[@kittenisageek]

@@lennychorn147 IDK. *shrug* I grew up in the 80s. I've got a very broad range of musical interest and I don't believe that an artist must be faithful to a single genre. If they make good music, then I'll enjoy it. Besides, it was a perfect track to listen to while playing "Into the Eagles Nest" on the Amiga.

[@lennychorn147]

@kittenisageek We called the style New Wave. To musical purists, New Wave was kiddy music. It didn't take any talent to create or perform. Every song was just like the next, simple repetitive lyrics and lots of bass. Sort of a punk meets techno in some cases, which also wasn't popular until later in the decade. When you look at the level of genius that went into Queen's music prior to Another One Bites the Dust, and after. You might then understand why long-time fans were put off by the new material.

[@karaokekraziness3891]

My favorite part of this song is when Freddie hits one of the highest notes in musical history while Bowie's voice echoes the word love leading up to the crescendo.

[@Hollylivengood]

If you google Isolated tracks of the voices for Under Pressure it's really spooky to hear the two of them mesh so perfectly when you consider how they put it together. But Freddy hitting that high note, and then just keeps going. Not falsetto, that's his regular fecking voice hitting first soprano notes.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That is the best part of the song, easily.

[@heidichristensen7919]

Freddie’s isolated vocal is otherworldly. That alone qualifies this song as the best duet of all time.

[@christianworship9223]

"Love!" "Why can't we give ourselves one more chance?"... I don't know what has more impact for me...either the music video or their performance during Live Aid!

[@Hollylivengood]

@heidichristensen7919 When he keeps rising...and then, why not, a few notes higher. Wow, my heart beats faster every time. You want to ask the question with him. Amazing.

[@DC8091]

Fav memory of this song is when I saw Bowie live in 2006, one the MANY hysterical things he said was “Sorry Freddie couldn’t be here tonight, as he is, otherwise occupied”🤣. Bowies one of my all time favorites,& best show I’ve seen. Thanks for this one Prof! “Let’s just write one”-priceless

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed! Amazing artist!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish we could resurrect both of them just to hear them sing Under Pressure live.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I wish we could resurrect both of them because they were bloody brilliant, and current music needs some help!

[@ericharmon7163]

I love the high note, but when Freddie hits the break down with "why cant we give love one more chance" that part is magic. It gives me chills everytime I hear it.

[@landsea7332]

Yes , the tension slowly continues to build right up to this point , and then "why can't we give love ... " is the release . .

[@patrickdiggines7192]

Adam…. So many times you are so amazing when you talk with such passion….. today you made me cry… under pressure is unique and has been a major part of my life. you are a daily joy for me Thank you

[@WomanNextDoor]

I will keep on saying this till my last days, us 80s kids were truly spoiled for music. While the threat of nuclear war, AIDS, unemployment etc hung over our heads thankfully we had some of the best music of all time to take us away from all the "pressure, no man asked for".

[@bonniebottcher4303]

When this first came out I considered it the PERFECT song...my favorite band with my absolute favorite singer. It couldn't get much better in my opinion.

[@lampyman101]

I was there at the Freddy Mercury tribute. That Lennox/Bowie duet was bloody epic. Such a fantastic day overall, George Michael really stood out that night as well.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish I came.

[@doktormcnasty]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Just use your hand that's all I do.

[@carlkermode899]

Georges performance of Somebody to Love was absolutely stellar that night. I would have liked to have seen him step into Freddies shoes full time, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. I think he's the only one that could have done it.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

Wish I could have been there, but I was still in my early teens, and stuck in Canada. But my sister and I, being budding rockers, spent the day glued to the TV watching the whole thing from start to finish. I already loved Queen, and that was the day I fell in love with David Bowie too.

[@TransoceanicOutreach]

The best part of that was when she was trying to be really intimate and close to him, staring at him, and he just completely ignored her. It was hilarious.

[@Gladtobemom]

when those first notes play . . . EVERYONE perks up and starts to get ready to sing along. This song never ceases to bring on the energy.

[@Jg-be7it]

Yea, but they perk up because they think it's Ice Ice Baby 😂😂

[@baoxidiaoyu]

Now stop, collaborate and listen...

[@jennyjenny4501]

It’s mind boggling how a song by Queen and David Bowie wasn’t number one.

[@Jims_Camera_at_dawn]

It rated high on my list. Soon as Ice Ice Baby started, I thought it was Under Pressure. Next thought this is going to be one huge law suit. "Sampling" as they say, is paying homage to someone. At the worst, it's theft. At best, it shows a lack of talent.

[@jonathansparks3386]

The record companies and the music rags wouldn’t know a good song if it bit them in the ass

[@chaipup7045]

It was in the UK

[@Khyranleander]

Agreed -- & how few knew the original! C'mon, in 1990, who didn't know Bowie or Queen's top songs? Even recall where I was 1st hearing VI's song & my outrage at his "theft". (Now, to be fair, not a bad song & he wasn't 1st rapper sampling older songs... he just got the brunt of the generation clash over issue.)

[@LadyAspenHaven]

Yeah, learning that really threw me. Under Pressure was one of my top favorites since I was a kid with a cassette tape and a one speaker radio/tape player.

[@marcello234]

@ProfessorofRock I can't thank you enough for keeping that spirit alive we had back then...... back when we were going to change the world with rock music & blue jean diplomacy. When the Politicians did nothing for Africa our generation came up with LiveAid and we all rallied to the call and we made music that shook the world !

[@williamsanders2439]

Have to thank Vanilla Ice for me and others for discovering this gem. Sadly never saw the Thin White Duke or Freddie live, but in two weeks, I'll see Brian and Roger in Dallas!

[@beyonderbill3409]

Congrats! I wish I could have had the chance to see them on their North American Rerun! I got to see them when they came with Paul Rogers in Detroit, and then again in Pittsburgh A couple years ago with Lambert. Ended up getting an autographed Red Special too. Great show!

[@d1specdrifter]

I have seen them all live

[@dukesublime4178]

Gorgeous words from you Professor. Thanks for another great video

[@rabby-u]

The song is so inspirational, especially when Bowie toward the end wraps up his singing with a rising vocal. Gives you chills!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My favorite part of the song.

[@googlyeyedcat]

Spine tingling

[@Hollylivengood]

That's not Bowie, that's Freddy. Bowie was a baritone.

[@Hollylivengood]

I tried to share a link for a site with the isolated vocals, because I figured you'd like it, it's just amazing. But for some reason that isn't allowed on KZbin. But if you google it you can find it.

[@BrandyStaples-d8l]

I fell in love with Bowie when I first saw the video for Let's Dance. I got to see him in concert in the early 2000s and you could tell how much he loved performing, he just glowed.

[@gioknows]

David Bowie and Freddie Mercury could have sang "I Scream You Scream We All Scream For Ice Cream" and it would have been great. These two have arguably the greatest voices in rock history and are in everyone's top 10. What a magical, iconic bass riff. Even Vanilla Ice couldn't ruin this song LOL...he actually did a fine job with it. Great story behind the song as well. They don't make them like these guys anymore. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I don’t understand the undue hate for Ice Ice Baby either. Give it credit for popularizing Under Pressure for a new audience.

[@kellyrhoads1067]

I cuss you cuss we all cuss for asparagus

[@googlyeyedcat]

Definitely agree

[@seanbaines]

LOL. You remember it being a hit in 1981, too, right? I'm from the GTA, and I definitely remember it. Yet in the US it wasn't a big deal at first. Another example of a big British hit catching fire in Canada but without making big noise in the US until many years later.

[@easyenetwork2023]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980Ice Ice Baby sucks compared to Queen.

[@magneto7930]

My favorite line of the song is the exchange between the two of them: Freddie: Why can't we give love that one more chance? Bowie: Because love's such an old fashioned word... The song even gets better towards the end, building to a dramatic height with both of them singing like they are pleading!

[@sharonmattox]

I love this song SO MUCH!!! It's a crime that it didn't make it up the charts higher than it did. Every part of this song is great, but I always have to add my own accompaniment at the end of the song, with the finger snaps. 😁

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The little piano runs and the bass riff always perks my ears up.

[@chrisseed4643]

It got to number one. In the days where people actually had to go out to a shop and physical buy it. It couldn't have got any higher in the charts. I don't understand your comment?

[@helenelston9930]

Greatest ever band meets one of the greatest solo artists ever, a recipe for greatness.

[@wishingb5859]

This was a fabulous story. David Bowie is so underrated nowadays but I always loved him. Never knew how much he brought to this song. Freddie is probably my favorite voice but David Bowie was a force all his own. Put two strong forces in a room and it is not surprising that they would end up with a song about being under pressure.

[@cmm170526]

This was an amazing analysis! Thank you, sincerely, for taking the time to share this with us.

[@KCnLex]

"No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted" Aesop. Is my favorite quote and etched on a small block of metal center stage in every home for over 30 years. I always thought if Aesop lived today he might add: No act of unkindness, no matter how small, will always cause pain. Great song, one of my favorites.

[@brianangell8106]

Without a doubt, my favorite part of this song is John Deacon's iconic bass line. In high school, when I first learned to play bass, THIS was one of the first songs that I made a priority to learn and play in its entirety. This was shortly after Freddie passed away, and a few months later, the surviving members of Queen came together in England to give him, as Brian May called it, the biggest sendoff in history. While watching the Concert for Life, I became curious about what made this band tick, and how they inspired so many incredible musicians to come together in tribute to their fallen vocalist. Within a year, I had become a hardcore Queen fan, and I still am to this day.

[@bryanjacobs7828]

This is your BEST episode ever. Great song and great tribute to the song and writers

[@KennethBartholomew-fb4cb]

Number One in my heart, for sure. My favorite moment of the song is Bowie’s smooth baritone coming in with “…coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn”.

[@vincentini1]

This song was definitely part of the soundtrack of my high school years. Your passion for this song in this episode was palpable. Not sure anything more can be added.

[@clinthall9011]

I was 11 when Ice Ice Baby came out. I heard it before Under Pressure. It's embarrassing, but I'm glad I wasn't the only one.

[@vincentini1]

@@clinthall9011 oh did I lose my s@!t in 1990 when Ice Ice Baby came out. I was not pleased with Mr . Van Winkle. But, as the video said, if it introduced people to Under Pressure, that might be the good that came out of it.

[@ibsnafu1]

Bowie is my number one male artist and I absolutely adored this song. "Watching some good friends scream 'Let me out!'" Always hit hard as these guys both had lost so many friends who died from bad choices. It's one of my favorites.

[@lfd_eng9219]

Loved this song the first time I heard back in college. It is on most of my play lists...and I used to burn it on many CDs when traveling on business (that way if I left it in the rental car: 1) I didn't lose my original...and 2) the recipient had an awesome set of tunes to listen to). Crazy that this song has been so underrated for so long. Crazier that it was all improv!!! Magic happens when legends get together. And that scene in Gross Pointe Blank...as you stated...just a perfect combination!!! Great video about one of my favorites!!!

[@eyedigressmusic1116]

Always like looking at the albums in the background…..HSAS! C’mon! Who else is gonna put that up there on display!!!? That’s why the Professor rocks!

[@nataliecombs8147]

Two musical geniuses in one room! Two very different personality types making a beautiful masterpiece. It's just an amazing experience every time you hear it. I can not pick out a favorite part because it's all the layers make it what it is. Thank you Professor for putting out this information for the next generation of musicians and helping them to be inspired by greatest musicians of our time.🎉

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And they fit in comfortably together on this one!

[@rjh6037]

Yes it certainly was amazing to get Deacon and Bowie together!

[@jbcoker]

There were actually 5 musical geniuses in one room.

[@michaelgeisdorf6641]

Professor Thank you! In so many ways, your comments about love and life, compassion and forgiveness at the end, were a sermon to our hardening hearts. We can and should do better to our fellow man.

[@quietman71]

They just tossed off a song, ad libbing the whole thing... and it became one of the greatest rock songs of all time. THIS is talent you can't find anymore.

[@christineml1476]

I remember hearing this on the radio, catchy as all heck. I don't understand how this could've flown under anyone's radar.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me neither. I thought it was a #1 hit for weeks!

[@sueosborne533]

Because the album was so unpopular 😢

[@DJGRoc]

@@sueosborne533 That's true. Hot Space didn't go over so well in the U.S. Great album though. I guess some things are just ahead of their time.

[@screwyootube1]

It actually was #1 in the UK.

[@bryana1942]

Two of my all time favorite artists, together. What more could I ask for? A huge fan from the time it initially came out.

[@catserver8577]

It was a hit with me, I remember waiting with my tape recorder to tape it off the radio. Once I had the chance, I bought Queen's greatest hits, it has always been a favorite.

[@logansfury]

This has long been one of my favorite Rock & Roll collaborations. David and Freddie's voices really compliment each other, and this is an absolutely beautiful piece. I think my second favorite Queen + guest performance had to be with Elton John and the tremendous track "The Show Must Go On". They may not have written it together but they performed it masterfully.

[@woodelfm.2462]

I remember it playing a lot on the radio here in the US, and I remember it being featured in what I believe was Star Hits magazine, with all the lyrics printed out. It was one of the songs my mom would always say 'turn it up' when we were in the car together. It definitely felt like a hit, regardless of where it placed in the charts. Interesting to hear how it was made; the song's structure was certainly unusual, but it worked. Bowie and Freddie were such vocal powerhouses that it was just such a pleasure to listen to them play off of each other.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You can feel the chemistry between them in the song.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤ This song was so underrated. Being both David Bowie and Freddie Mercury were hugely eccentric, this song almost wasn't to be. And of course Vanilla Ice stole the bass line........ and people finally gave Under Pressure its due. Have a great Tuesday Professor.

[@RealJohnnyGuillotine]

But...but Vanilla Ice had the "Tsk" in it... "cOmPlEtElY" changed the instrumental. Hahahaha

[@rogerdeahl9629]

​@@RealJohnnyGuillotine 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@aaronnoel7859]

In a crazy weird way, Vanilla Ice deserves some credit for turning more people on to this song. This was not a huge hit in the US. It seemed that people's hate for all things Vanilla Ice made people appreciate the original even more. I was 12 years old when "Ice Ice Baby" came out, and I remember local pop and rock stations putting Under Pressure heavily into their rotations.

[@RealJohnnyGuillotine]

@@aaronnoel7859 I was 11... No. He doesn't deserve credit, Sampling has been happening before Vanilla Ice, he literally tried to claim in interviews that his is vastly different from "Under Pressure". Plus, "Under Pressure" was played... And it was Queen & David Bowie it got air time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Vanilla Ice was how I learned about Under Pressure!

[@BSGNZ]

I saw David Bowie live in Wellington New Zealand. It was POURING with rain. He was still the consummate professional. He performed Under Pressure with one of his female back up singers singing Freddie's part. Awesome. He WAS such a tease throughout that concert - he would play the first few bars of Space Oddity before going onto something else. He did it all night the bastard! He was laughing his arse off every time he changed songs. Brilliant.

[@scottburton9701]

Completely shocked that "Under Pressure" never reached # 1 stateside-It's an outstanding song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s crazy, right?

[@donaldsalkovick396]

Ice ice baby DID

[@easyenetwork2023]

@@donaldsalkovick396Against weaker competition. They did not have to compete with Queen, Fleetwood Mac, MJ, or Bowie.

[@vinsgraphics]

Two legends made entire ALBUMS on the spot, while recording … Jon Anderson (Yes) & Vangelis, as “Jon & Vangelis”. Oftentimes Vangelis would start playing and Jon would come in with vocals he made up on the spot. “I’ll Find My Way Home” was written and recorded in one session, primarily to satisfy the record company’s request for a single to release. Vangelis was well known for his ability to improvise on the spot. For example, the first track on his 1988 album “Direct”, “The Motion of Stars,” was composed, played and recorded on the spot. Vangelis is gone (d. May 17, 2022). He didn’t care for any attention, but he deserves it.

[@tedbecker4051]

Awesome song. One of my favorites. Blows my mind that it only went to #29 in America. It definitely should have been #1.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree. Better than Physical in every way.

[@tedbecker4051]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 - Definitely!

[@marktait2371]

same was telling other viewers couldnt believe was at least top.ten

[@pcno2832]

I remember hearing it pretty regularly when it came out, but a number of tracks that get a lot of air play don't chart well on the Billboard Hot 100, which is heavily biased in favor of the sales of singles.

[@perkins1439]

Great narration Casey Kasem would be proud of you

[@Catherinewelter-z6d]

Two of the best musicians making one of the best songs ever, and if you want more Bowie watch Labyrinth, love him as The Goblin Kin

[@xaviermacdonald1477]

From Freddie's soaring wail through to the repeated plaintive demand to "Give Love!", I am enraptured every time. It is the very best of songs and this is the very best of interpretations. A thousand thank-yous, Professor Adam.

[@nunyafunyuns]

Love Under Pressure. It holds a special place in my heart because I was 12 at the time, and feeling very much under pressure as I tried to find myself going into my tumultuous teen years. I found the song tremendously comforting to my angst ridden self.

[@JoanieBC]

It was a hit with me the moment I heard it. I was addicted to music from the time I was born (my grandfather was a musician). Good music is good music wherever you find it. My grandfather loved big band music, watched Lawrence Welk AND Hee Haw with equal enthusiasm. And he absolutely loved and appreciated David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Debbie Harry, and whatever other music my sister and I brought into his life. When he was in the car, he'd listen to pop and rock. Under Pressure was the song he loved most of that era.

[@Fregulus5]

Wonderful song to play on bass! I remember the controversy surrounding Vanilla Ice's sampling, but I wanted to hear what the fuss was all about, so I gave "Hot Space" a listen, and have loved Queen ever since. Just like Wayne's World with "Bohemian Rhapsody" and Metallica with "Stone Cold Crazy", the later re-workings of their songs bred a whole new generation of Queen fans!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All I can say is thank God for Wayne’s World.

[@mattharsha]

This is my all time favorite song. It's amazing. Thank-you for this video.

[@lonelyheroine]

The spell-binding live tribute to this song and Freddie Mercury, by the surviving members of Queen, Bowie and Annie Lennox was magic. If you haven't watched the video, you can easily find it here on YT.

[@youknow2469MitakuyeOyasin]

Absolutely!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Will do!

[@j2kinflarc768]

The thing I love most about your channel is that it reminds me how incredible music is, and how much it affects our lives.

[@thewebstylist]

EPIC classic! And I remember listening on my Walkman every day walking back from school

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a masterpiece of rock.

[@barbaram7844]

One of those perfect songs where everything about it is just satisfying…loved it from the first time I heard it in the 80’s. I never grow tired of this song

[@homerjneil]

Great story! I loved this from its initial release. So creative.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree.

[@PeterStawicki]

You are absolutely right, the use in grosse pointe blank is absolutely fantastic when they get to that portion and the baby is staring up at him and John is staring down at him That is absolute perfection The timing could not be better.

[@erickrupa1748]

This is my favorite duet of all time. Bowie and Freddie going at it was amazing. And then there is that riff.. that I never knew about if it was not for Vanilla Ice. Another great interview of yours.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Vanilla Ice also brought me to this song.

[@jorr1334]

A couple of extra bits : It was also played in Step Mom in the opening scene. A point of interest - Reinhold Mac said that David Bowie actually cheated, and he was eavesdropping on Freddie while he recorded his improv, and Freddie wasn't too happy about it when he was told. Thanks for this excellent video. Under Pressure is one of my favorite songs of all time!

[@paulsorensen5996]

About the only thing that can compete with the beauty of this song, is your analysis of it! Way to go, you nearly moved me to tears!

[@EricSchenkelberg]

Favorite thing? David humming the melody of his verse under Freddie's, before he sings his own. It's brilliant. This has been a favorite since Hot Space was released and it's just criminal that it didn't do better here in the States. I was a preteen that year and remember both this and Physical vividly. Under Pressure seemed to be absolutely the more weighty track at the time and I think the passage of time has borne that out. ugh, the 80s. lol so, so, so good

[@Ajrockin66]

First time hearing this masterpiece in the mid eighties was so enchanted the melody and harmonies and those vocals from such rock icons just music genius.😍

[@KidIndigo1]

Thank you, Professor, for this wonderful interview/commentary! Epic masterpiece from two iconic masters (and also the rest of Queen). Awesome!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

They really should have performed Under Pressure at Live Aid. People would have been talking about it to this day. Such a missed opportunity!

[@lonelyheroine]

Queen unexpectedly stole the show at Live Aid. Freddie was on top of his game, with talent and charisma up the yin yang. What a performance!!.

[@aaronnoel7859]

People are still talking about Live Aid to this day, even without Under Pressure. It's widely regarded as one of the best performances in rock music history! I get what you're saying though - The performance would have been extra-extraordinary

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@aaronnoel7859 The meaning of my comment is that people would have been talking about a performance of Under Pressure to this day if it had happened. Self explanatory. I know people are still talking about Live Aid to this day. Long may they continue to do so.

[@86crud]

@@eightiesmusic1984He did acknowledge that.

[@Hollylivengood]

They couldn't. They couldn't perform together. They didn't in the video, there was a video of Bowie, and then a video of Mercury, and put the two together. They had ego issues and couldn't perform together.

[@tracyhue23]

This song is actually so accurate to society. Even now it’s so relevant and relatable. It is just beautiful. I suppose I will give vanilla ice for the controversy that lead to me discovering this song.

[@lindamcfarland9656]

Amazing backstory, as always, Professor! Isn't astonishing how people of musical talent can spread unexpected joy just doing what they do almost casually? I didn't realize it was never a hit since I always loved it when I heard it, so that was a real surprise. But I heard it more in the mid-80's on our local rock station so it was a few years after the initial release and, I assume, the dj's had time to realize what an fantastic song it actually was.👏

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I was surprised that it didn’t even make it to the top 10!

[@KaiPonte]

I absolutely loved this song back in the early 80's and was thrilled when they were each playing at Live Aid. I so hoped to see this song played live.

[@tinaheadrick536]

LOVE THIS!! Epic song created and performed by insanely talented visionaries❤❤❤

[@-mattwood]

As a creative myself, there are far too many times that operate WITHIN my comfort zone... I don't push myself out into areas where I have no idea what will come of the experiment. Bowie speaks about this, saying when you push yourself beyond that point, you are about to make the best work of your life - or what you are trying won't work. This episode reminded me of those words... I feel like maybe it's time to push myself out and beyond... see what is there... just dive in... no pressure. Thank you, Prof. for reminding us of the goldmine of inspiration we've all inherited... and thank you to those musicians whose work makes our lives all the richer.

[@stingraystingray4766]

100% my favorite episode so far. Love this song and was totally with you on the Gross Point Blank scene followed up a few scenes later with Akroyd and Cusac both saying “Either this guys got a new found respect on life or he’s in love with this guy’s daughter” absolutely classic line deliveries. Cusac of course delivers his in first person context. I’m a huge fan of Bowie and enjoy Queen and this song is amazing. Loved learning about how it was developed. Thank you for this excellent episode!

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

The well placed piano part was what sold it for me.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And the bass riff, of course!

[@cv5916]

Well said good sir. Was 17 and already a huge Queen and Bowie fan and to hear this as a teenager I can clearly remember my thoughts and how love truly is the answer. Not to steal from Todd Rundgren but so true.

[@Meditech509]

I remember when it came out as a young man. Never appreciated it until in my 30s. I believe the song would be bigger hit now then back then.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I hope Stranger Things puts it in Season 5 so it can enter the charts just like Running Up That Hill.

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

I can’t believe this song wasn’t higher in the charts. I was enraptured the moment it came out in 1981.

[@gerrylambert5225]

Humour When David Bowie died They took a blood test They found traces of Mercury

[@mountednoble]

In 1996 I did an English presentation on this song and when I pushed play on the cassette and that familiar riff played, most of my classmates started giggling, thinking it was Vanilla Ice’s song (he had passed into obscurity by then). I brought several of my classmates to tears with it. What a song! What a message! GD I miss music like this!!!

[@wrapper2]

Actually, Under Pressure (in the US) appeared on their greatest hits compilation a few months before Hot Space came out.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Thanks for clarifying.

[@raymondwiggins354]

One of the greatest underappreciated songs at the time of its release. A song so brilliant, that even snippets can stand boldly in their own. I was reintroduced to it about 10 years ago when the TV show "Sing Off" did a really nice cover of it.

[@howardosden3112]

My favorite rendition of the song was the version performed by the cast of "The Magicians." The best line being the rising "why, why, why" by Eliot (Hale Appleman) as the ship he and Margo (Summer Bishil) are prisoners on plummets over the waterfall. 🚢 😊

[@kathume724]

The Magicians was an amazing show

[@dakotamouse]

This duet can bring me to tears. But for me the best use of a song in a film was Baby Blue at the end of Breaking Bad. Perfection! Life without music would never, could never, be as sweet.

[@RC32Smiths01]

What a bizarre twist of events for such an objectively amazing song. The means in which it was resurrected to popular status is just as bizarre. In many ways, this song is a gift that keeps on giving.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love the story behind it!

[@susiwebster7068]

Adam, this has overtaken all other episodes as my personal "Professor of Rock" favorite. Thank you for bringing us joy and knowledge!

[@georgeharris6851]

The Freddie Mercury tribute version with Queen, Annie Lennox, and Bowie is an excellent version. Also, if you haven't heard the isolated vocals version, give yourself a treat and have a listen.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I should take a listen! Thanks.

[@bandersnatch2874]

One of our local radio stations played the isolated vocals a few years ago and I was blown away. Freddie's voice was so good, even without all the mixing, it gave me chills.

[@isthiswherewecamein6130]

To me, my favorite of Bowies Collaborations had to be when he walked on stage with David Gilmour. And did Arnold Layne, and Comfortably Numb. And as a hard core floyd fan, I have to say, I don't usually like when anyone outside of the band sing their songs. BUT, boy was I wrong, the 2 Dave's absolutely KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!! Both versions have made it into my daily Playlist and I enjoy both as much as the originals. I learned a valuable lesson that day about putting myself in a box and not opening myself off to different things. And boy am I glad I dud that. So, thank you to BOTH Dave's, and thank you, Professor for keeping the music alive and well.

[@marciabee]

I was in high school when Vanilla Ice exploded. I remember the controversy about the unauthorized sampling of "Under Pressure" and it was a scandal at the time. I had no idea "Under Pressure" even existed, so... thanks Vanilla Ice! 😅😂

[@briankeith2205]

Yes remember the controversy

[@marciabee]

​@@briankeith2205Right?! It was HUGE!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Were there lawsuits involved?

[@getlostwithjay]

Thanks for keeping Rock alive! The last 20 years in music has been rather pathetic when it comes to real Rock 'n Roll. We all need more Queen in our lives!

[@treehuggingbuddhist]

I can’t get enough of rock musicians doing scat. From Janis to Jim Morrison, JT and Freddie…for me a sign of a true vocal talent!

[@86crud]

Are you familiar with the song Feeling Love by Paula Cole? I always wondered what to call her vocal performance toward the end. And Great Gig in the Sky? Are these performances called scat?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ve always scatted along with them!

[@Val.Kyrie.]

My kids love scat 😂 my toddler buzzes his lips with his fingers to try and imitate the sound 😊

[@scottwallace3450]

I have no "favorite part of this song," because the song is a masterpiece of structure, making the fact of its impromptu genesis all the more amazing. From the beginning of Deacy's earworm riff, through the scatting, to the almost shocking first true word lyric, and on through the swells and crescendos, to the fade out of the finger snapping, it is an astounding piece of art. Love it!

[@stephenbrown4211]

Always loved this song and so glad they played it on their last tour with Freddie. It was a shoe in but still great to hear with Roger on vocals with Freddie. I always remember how controversial the video was though. Think the BBC banned it at one stage

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What about the video were there complaints about?

[@stephenbrown4211]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 there was a bomb explosion in the video and what with the Troubles in Northern Ireland the BBC thought it shouldn’t be shown

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@stephenbrown4211 Oh, I’m sure that was harmless to most viewers. Nothing wrong with that, in my view at least.

[@stephenbrown4211]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 those were the times though

[@corbydaniel4256]

I love this track. I love how their vocals clash with each other, Bowie presenting a pessimistic perspective and Freddie coming back with hope like the devil and angel on your shoulders.

[@JimmyRamone-jc2ou]

That's one of those songs that shouldn't exist. There is a cool version of this song, here on KZbin, with Bowie and Annie Lennox.

[@lauriesolonka2477]

The Freddie Mercury Concert, great performance 😁

[@JimmyRamone-jc2ou]

​@@lauriesolonka2477yes, plus I wrote this before the video was over. I didn't think he would mention it.

[@jerryfritz374]

Once again you do well Professor. Liked the Queen Bowie Original version when it came out. Loved Bowie singing Putting Out Fire With Gasoline. Theme from Cat People. China Girl and Let's Dance also good to hear. Thanks for the Memories

[@raulnistor9197]

I listened to this song a lot in the final months of my mom's battle with cancer. The verse "And love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night" always struck me differently , especially the phrase "on the edge of the night" ... I was thinking of her, I was thinking of my dad, I was thinking of myself. I was thinking of all the friends and family that were there for us ... on the edge of the night. And how, when the day comes, I will be there for them on the edge of night. Whenever I hear this song now, I think of her ... I really miss my mom

[@sunrisings292]

Freddy was one of the best vocalists in Rock and Pop. He could sing the phone book and would sound amazing. "Under Pressure" was instant classic, released in the dying days of disco. It sounds better everyday...

[@justingurley836]

Your take on the cohesion between the two vocalists is very unique and very interesting. One of your best. Keep up the great work.

[@W0lfmoonster]

Let's not forget Roger Taylor's distinctive voice singing "This is our last dance" For some reason people tend to think that only Freddie and Bowie sang on this song, but the Queen fans know Taylor's voice. 😉

[@michaelmartinez8902]

This video, this shit here, is the reason why I subscribed to your channel. This is inspired! The way you tell these true stories is captivating. Your undeniable expertise, musical erudition, outstanding enunciation and diction, your unusual yet undeniably cool screen presence. Keep on rocking, Prof & keep the faith. Three chords and the truth.

[@gbmoves7902]

Such an awesome song can't pick a part over another. It's all great!

[@WhoDoctor-u2e]

Every time I hear Under Pressure such an emotional experience. It was and is such the classic it deserves to be. Queen and David never sang it on stage live together.

[@wishingb5859]

You asked our favorite part of the song and it is a tie between Freddie's playfulness, the magical riff, and when David Bowie sings, "'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word And love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves" Currently, I am doing a night shift caring for a 91-year-old with aphasia and even hearing those words is like a challenge to my soul and I accept the challenge, even though it has increased the pressure in my life. Let the pressure challenged by love create a pearl or a diamond or whatever the right analogy is.