Reaction to Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé "The Golden Boy"

This is our second time listening to Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé, with the highly recommended "The Golden Boy" Live at La Nit 1988. The choir in this one stole the show, they were fantastic.
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[@lyna4873]

Freddie Mercury wasn't just a fantastic vocalist and rock front man--he was a very talented musician, song writer and composer--he was the main music composer for this album. He was also very innovative and creative as this was the first time such a collaboration had been done between these music genres.

[@Bls0456]

I might have said this last time, but Montsy was quoted as saying that the year she worked with Freddie was the happiest of her life.

[@andreakormosnekacso4804]

Inteview with Sir Tim Rice: “Freddie got in touch with me. I knew he was very into opera, I mean you could tell that from some of his work, but he was really into it. He knew the major melodies, he knew the divas and Montserrat was one of his favourites. We got on very well and then out of the blue he said to me one time: ‘Would you be interested in writing a couple of lyrics for me for the Barcelona album?’ And I was, very flattered and very enthusiastic but also surprised because he writes such good lyrics himself and I thought, why would he want someone else? But perhaps he just wanted a slightly different look to one or two of the tracks. He played me the basic tracks of two of the songs. I think by then he had recorded a lot of the album already. And I said yes and I ended up doing lyrics for two of the songs for him and Montserrat. Freddie said, you could more or less do what you want. It can be dramatic. I think he emphasized the fact that he didn’t want ‘I love you, please be true’, even though down that he might have been quite happy with it, I don’t know. I find it quite an exciting challenge for the two tracks which Freddie gave me and they were quite complex, they weren’t simple songs. ‘The Golden Boy’ and ‘The Fallen Priest’. And they were theatrical, so I kind of wrote stories around them. Freddie wasn’t very critical of my work, making it quite the speedy process.” Freddie was so proud of this album, his dream came true.

[@CoachCastTV]

That's awesome!

[@pamelatriffon4408]

Thanks so much for this reaction! So glad you enjoyed it! I loved watching the expression on your faces as the music kept changing. Just as a side note, people told Monserrat not to collaborate with Freddie that it might ruin her opera career. But she said that the experience gave her a freedom she had never experienced before in her opera career.

[@CoachCastTV]

She definitely appeared to be enjoying it. Plus, it allowed a lot more people to know who she was, which is great.

[@user-qb1sm3rk9r]

Montserrat Caballe met Freddie in London in 1987 and just jokingly remarked that they should record an album together. According to his assistant he nearly fell off his chair in surprise and then composed himself with a feigned nonchalant "oh why not darling...."

[@thedreamer1723]

Remeber people...this duet was made many age before pavarotti and friends....freddie created mix rock opera!!

[@philmordecai]

Despite his well documented 4 octave range and the fact that much of his time was spent in the upper range, Caballe was convinced he was a natural baritone (lower than his normal performing range - and you can't argue with a vocal expert like her) and so the opening section, along with the repeat at the end you'll notice Freddie singing somewhat lower than you'd normally expect of him.

[@CoachCastTV]

He does sound nice when he goes into that lower tone.

[@hkynuts11]

How Can I Go On continues these two.

[@dianecourtney2724]

Freddie was a great composer even for operas 🌷

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

Hi folks! Yeah, you might wanna check those lyrics before you decide that a song is "yours"! This album was just grand. It was really something to see somebody like Freddie still have dreams at that late date, not to mention making it come true. He would have been happy with a song, but she wanted to do more. He said, "Let's make an album!" Her face lit up and she said, "What's an album?" True story. Thirty years on and I still keep one of these albums in the house and one in the car. And yeah, I can sing along-as long as I'm alone! And who could pull this off beside Freddie? Nobody. To paraphrase Roy Thomas Baker quoting Freddie, "Now dears, this is where the *gospel* section comes in!" Glad you liked this-the whole album is awesome. Love you guys!

[@CoachCastTV]

It's something you think initially "How can that work?" but it does. Good to see you!

[@juliannetomlinson]

Montserrat adored Freddie it was a great collaboration.

[@sherryheim5504]

This really was a first time for this kind of collaboration. Freddie loved opera and Montserrat was his favorite singer. He said once that he would love to do one of his songs with her or at least have a recording of her singing one of his songs. Somehow Montserrat got the message and her people contacted Freddie's people and they arranged to meet in Barcelona which is where she lived. Once they did one song together Montserrat suggested they do an entire album. Freddie said it kind of caught him off guard and he had to scramble to get the songs written so they could record them while she was not touring, which meant short times in the studio and then she would be back on tour again. The whole Barcelona album is amazing. Freddie learned a lot about singing from Montserrat who was classically trained. She encouraged Freddie to sing from his chest voice and not just his upper range and falsetto and Freddie taught her a lot about recording music which she knew nothing about. She would just go into the studio, lay down the tracks she was supposed to and leave but Freddie didn't work that way so they were very good for each other and they really liked one another, both very appreciative of the other's talents. Thank you for your reactions, I was afraid Coach would hate this one but I was glad to see that he got into it.

[@CoachCastTV]

Yeah, this was excellent. The whole choir sound added a lot to it.

[@leonprofessional600]

In 1991, Montserrat came to London to work in a recording studio and called Freddie. The disease progressed. "He wasn't feeling well, but I really wanted to see him." Freddie replied, "No, no. Don't come, I don't look very presentable right now." Then, especially for him, Montserrat recorded the aria of the Ghost Wishing You Were Somewhere Here Again ("Oh, if you could be here again") from The Phantom of the Opera. Hearing her magical voice from the studio speakers, Freddie said, "It was wonderful. That's how I wanted you to perform the aria. Will you send me the recording?" That was their last conversation. At the end of the song, a shrill voice sounds: "Help me say goodbye"...

[@CoachCastTV]

Wow...so sad. He passed way too soon.

[@leonprofessional600]

Thank you for introducing people to such wonderful music. ​@@CoachCastTV

[@CoachCastTV]

It is our pleasure!

[@janettesinclair6279]

Heart-breaking story - they really cared deeply for one another.

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

It is great story of course. This really slightly off topic. I would just like to clarify that anything from Phantom of the opera is not an aria, because Phantom is the opera is not an opera, it is a music theatre show or play. Here is an example of someone trying add some real opera to Phantom of opera, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn-ygmSprJegp7csi=tEHyB29zl8ybHEoh

[@lindawallace3065]

How can I go on….great song from the pair!!🎼❤️🎼🇬🇧

[@janetschulman8998]

Don’t you just love his natural baritone?

[@marvalstith2749]

Freddie inspires forever. His 'Barcelona' project is major evidence of why. I'm impressed with him not giving up as long as he was able. As one creates, keep an open mind to possibilities.

[@marlainalindsey3279]

I love the respect and admiration between them❤❤❤I also love the gospel feel to the song. Freddie took her out of her element

[@CoachCastTV]

Agreed. Great comment, very well said.

[@sheilapurcell515]

Im sure they are both entertaining the angles right now. I so happy he was still wel enough to do this it was one of his dreams,he said in an interview " i can die happy now ive captured her voice" bless them both xx

[@CoachCastTV]

Wow, that's so cool he got to do that since it meant so much to him.

[@rkw2917]

Freddie looked so nervous at the beginning She really pulled him through to this beautiful performance

[@hkynuts11]

Hope you will review Who Wants to Live Forever in Budapest. It’s electric.

[@CarlosDG77]

You can see his love for her in his eyes, specially that last look he gives her at 9:21 ... it speaks volumes!!!!

[@CoachCastTV]

Agreed!

[@DonnaleaSpencer]

Freddie had such talent. He could really sing beautifully in many, many different types of music. I'm amazed by how varied he could sound. Yes, Montsy & Freddie were true friends and it shows in how they look at each other.

[@CoachCastTV]

Agreed...you can see the respect and admiration.

[@BarbaraRosen-uc4dl]

Two of the greatest talents from two opposite genres coming together to perform a multi faceted collaboration. I don’t believe we’ll ever see anything like this ever again. They truly loved each other, Freddy thought she had the best operatic voice in the world. I agree.

[@CarlosDG77]

37 years!!! Wow, congrats!!!

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you!

[@tommullenix9493]

Hey team‼️a good time again with y’all. I got a couple requests still on the books 💥💥but another great one from this duo is “how can I go on”💗 I’ll check in with you on the next one ☝️

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you, sir!

[@suemayo9972]

Love your passion. Please, please do them both singing how can I go on.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you!

[@purdieallblue]

How can i go on is another masterpiece by these two , when you get round to it.

[@karenj3611]

Who but Freddie Mercury can combine rock, opera and gospel! Amazing

[@hahatoldyouso]

A spectacular track!

[@jome7382]

This is sooo fine, the joy on their faces says it all... What a pairing ❤❤ Thank you for your reaction.

[@alexandergavilan9032]

How can i go on ... Dear coach, that should be the next one ❤

[@sandrabutler8483]

They had a lot of artists taking part in this live concert, if you notice behind it says Barcelona 92, they had won the bid for the Olympics in the mid 80's hence the song Barcelona, which also includes parts of how the two met with Fred love of Opera and Ballet. He wrote the album so ten songs I think, some input from Mike Moran who'll crop up in what you watch at some point, and Sir Tim Rice. There is a recording somewhere at Garden Lodge with Freddie and Montsy singing until 6am and talking, you hear some of it on I think Freddie The Untold Story Documentary, which features Mary Austin, Freddie mum and sister, along with Sir Brian and Roger, possibly clips of John, as he'd retired when the documentary was made and released. If you want to hear what he could do live impromptu two different versions on two different nights at Wembley 1986 and Exercises In Free Love, which Mike Moran plays piano, he told Mike just play anything and I'll join in. The whole group never thought music wasn't for all, and they loved different types of music themselves, which is why they would try out new music, some better than others, and Freddie, Sir Brian and Roger released solo albums all very different from Queen and each others

[@CoachCastTV]

They definitely wanted to see what was possible in their music, and were not cookie-cutter artists.

[@sandrabutler8483]

@@CoachCastTV Freddie didn't work with the other three on Mr Bad Guy, and I don't think the other two involved each other in their solo careers and albums, they all had very different interests outside the group, John was very busy with his wife and six children alongside Queen and took over the business side of things which he still has a hand in these days and he would work with others, he has two boys, well young men now who've followed their dad into music

[@tammyjackson3113]

Montsy was at the dedication of Freddie's statue in Montreux with his parents and band after he died😢

[@janicelsutton9437]

Hooray! I'm so happy you got around to this performance! It's a big beautiful bowl of musical potpurri, and my favorite song performed by Freddie and Montserrat. Thank you, Mr and Mrs Coach!

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@debramoore7513]

This is my favorite song off the Barcelona album. Sir Tim Rice wrote the lyrics stating Freddie is The Golden Boy. Rice also wrote the lyrics for The Fallen Priest, check that out!! 💐💐

[@DianeSmith0946]

I am so glad you reacted to this one. It is my favorite from the Barcelona album. It is an absolutely amazing performance from the greatest of rock and roll and opera!! And, sorry, Coach...I think the Golden Boy is Freddie...but you are right up there 😅 great reaction!!

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL...I'll take that. Thanks!

[@Gillie51-bl8su]

This was a very fun song, but Freddie and Montsy were clearly having even more fun than we were! This is a much overlooked song, which is a shame, because it's brilliant! I never realised it before, but Freddie didn't write the lyrics, he asked Tim Rice to write them!

[@ellet6560]

The story the lyrics tell about the obstacles of fame is every bit as powerful as this performance. “How Can I Go On” is a must, please add it to your list. Thanks.

[@lornapaningbatan711]

Rock star! Opera Singer,, different worlds combined... Phenomenal!!❤BTW, one of Freddie Mercury's favorite singers is Aretha Franklin, who inspired him to create the song "Somebody to Love". Thank you for your great reaction Mr. and Mrs. Coach🥰

[@CoachCastTV]

"Somebody to Love" is fantastic. Thanks for watching!

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Coachies... what a great song... such a feature for them both.. and when it switches to a "gospel" sound, you can see what fun she had that Freddie actually "taught her".. she said herself.. how to have fun and not be so "perfect"... appreciate your reaction!

[@CoachCastTV]

They all did a great job on this one.

[@unoquedicecosas1625]

Qué divertido estará el cielo cuando vaya. Dos genios que se fueron muy pronto, lo que entiendo, seguro ahora estarán pasándolo genial en algún coro de ángeles. How fun the sky will be when I go. Two geniuses who left very soon, which I understand, I’m sure now they’ll be having a great time in some choir of angels

[@denisepallin5316]

Freddie loved Aretha Franklin, the Blues, funk and soul music. And how wonderful for Montsy to experience a different style of singing! 💛

[@CoachCastTV]

She looked like she was having a great time.

[@iris67si]

​@@CoachCastTVshe was. She was just overwhelmed with Freddie's voice as he was with hers. They became really good friends. One time she came to Freddie's London home and they spent the whole afternoon, evening and night (till 5 in the morning) together just singing and enjoying music. You can find recordings of that occasion on YT.

[@anima6780]

So glad you reacted to Freddie with Montserrat ! Freddie was much more than a rock superstar. The Barcelona album is a masterpiece. My favorite songs are La Japonaise (Freddie wrote even the japanese lyrics) and Ensueno. I read that this was unfortunately lip-sync because Freddie didn't have the strength anymore to do it live. It doesn't take away from the greatness of course.

[@barriehull7076]

37 years and counting!

[@CoachCastTV]

😁👍

[@janettesinclair6279]

I know it is part of the "story" but I am not too keen on the slow bit at the start. Apart from that, the song and performance is magnificent. Freddie and Montserrat are superb singing together and it is wonderful that Freddie had this opportunity to live his dream of singing with his favourite opera singer. The backing group also added that extra dimension to the song. "How can I go on" is another beautiful piece from Freddie and Montsy.

[@monicaandmindy]

Please react to How can I go on Freddie and Montserrat I would really appreciate it 😊 thanks for your reaction 😊

[@NativC2ndChannel]

They also worked together in the studio for around 6 months, and she learned a lot about how to recored and use her voice in a different way. She mentioned that Freddie got out of her the best preformances she ever did vocally. So Freddie being a proffesional was a big part of this. She came to do this album with him, came to work and had great respect for him.

[@basstian]

They blended not two but three worlds. I'm glad you've done this one. It's my favourite.

[@CoachCastTV]

That's very understandable, it's fantastic.

[@lindawallace3065]

I have a request please 2 actually…Is this the world we created Freddie & Brian & say it’s not true by Roger & Jeff beck….thank you 🎼❤️🎼🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@karenj3611]

I see many requests for “ How Can I go on” but if you do decide to react to it, please do the lyric version that starts out with “Guide Me Home” and then transitions into How Can I go on. It is so very beautiful

[@astraboots352]

What a pleasure listening to that . How can I go on next next? X

[@radasvidea5909]

the whole album is awesome you cannot go wrong with any of the songs, this album is a masterpiece and one of my favorites with freddie mercury

[@user-hk8mg4nf7p]

The B-side to this had an instrumental version, so you could hear the gospel choir more clearer. Worth chasing down on here if someone's uploaded it.

[@keithgiblin2636]

Something totally splendid and new was being created here! True visionaries show us possibilities of the way the world should be...

[@hans-jurgenraser9501]

Bestes Duett das es gab....es gibt nichts besseres.....❤❤❤❤❤

[@hans-jurgenraser9501]

Danke danke....Traumhaft ❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-lo1zc7gr1d]

FANTASTIC, loved it

[@stuartrobertson3773]

Great song, but in this performance they didn't sing live. They were going to but Freddie decided to mime to it as he felt his voice wasn't up to it due to his illness. So they all mimed including the musicians and backing choir to the album recording.

[@HealthAtAnyCost]

I came here to say this, but you got to it first! No matter, it is still amazing!

[@kuntumlaleanqueezer]

Funtastic 💕

[@ederss7]

Guys, it's not live. The same applies for the other videos both sing together.

[@ginafragata2947]

Soooou a 😂❤

[@hdebard]

he would have been able to write a Gershwin style Musical, if he had had the time

[@alanberesford7900]

If you can, or haven’t already done so, could you please react to how can I carry on by these two. It is recorded at the same time as this video.

[@incitatuscaligula375]

You named "Caballé" well

[@artchainak-ln7nh]

B🖤L🩷A🖤C🩷K🖤P🩷I🖤N🩷K…🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@braxious]

You want gospel then listen to "All Gods People" a Queen track

[@NativC2ndChannel]

They did it just to present the songs to the Spanish audiance

[@ginafragata2947]

Your muito see inueedo

[@NativC2ndChannel]

So, a new genre? Opera-gospel

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL...whatever works!

[@NativC2ndChannel]

All these perfomances are miming, there is a playback in all the shows Fred and Montsi did. So not trully a show.. more like an on stage acting with a playback.

[@ianjones6107]

Not live. They were on stage bu not singing. Freddie was gutted

[@sigcola]

Well, it was the first Opera-Rock collaboration. This kind of collaboration, the very first of this kind, have had a continious with the Pavarotti & Friends annual show started at in 1995 till the deat of the Tenor. And exactly as Freddie saied in an 1987 interwiew regard the risk to a flop of this 'unusual collaboration', this became a 'normality' during the passing of the years. This explicit very well the 'loungimirance' of the artist Freddie Mercury..