Posted on 02/04/2012 3:25:29 PM PST by mom4kittys
Freddie Mercury. There really was no one like him. As the front man of the iconic band Queen, he was the voice, the face, and the master showman, blazing a melodic trail of music and unity on a worldwide scale. Together with Queen, the late, great Mercury blessed us with songs that have become sporting anthems (“We Are the Champions”) and satirical riffs in films like “Wayne’s World” (“Bohemian Rhapsody”). This week, Roger Taylor of Queen launched a North American talent search offering vocalists and musicians alike an opportunity to star in “The Queen Extravaganza” – a live touring band that will pay tribute to the songs and vision of the original band. Of course, tribute bands are a dime a dozen – you can find them in any bar on a Tuesday night across America – but rarely are they backed by the original group. Thus far, uploaded auditions have been sparse – as of this writing there were no more than 20 in all categories – lead vocals, drums, etc. Some may see this as just the karaoke version of “America’s Got Talent.” That is, until they click on the audition of Marc Martel. To date, Martel’s audition video hovers around 476,000 views and here’s why: His voice is probably the closest thing to Freddie Mercury next to Freddie Mercury. Shot in his disheveled studio (which many readers have already commented on), the 34-year-old, newly married Martel (sorry, ladies) recorded his rendition of “Somebody to Love.” (Those auditioning have the choice of the aforementioned song, “Killer Queen,” “I Want to Break Free” or “Seven Seas of Rhye”) His voice is that of a seasoned, trained, almost operatic professional but in reality, that’s the furthest thing from the truth.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.wsj.com ...
Somebody to Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREKkAk628I
Crazy little thing called Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qmFEh5zsBY
He is the singer for a Christian rock band called Downhere--has anyone seen them live?
Here is Bohemian Rhapsody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGcDpnxtqsc&feature=related
better links
crazy little thing called love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qmFEh5zsBY
somebody to love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREKkAk628I
“but rarely are they backed by the original group. “
Well, this works for the Dead. They even get their lead guitarists from tribute bands.
But can the new guy be as outrageous as Freddie?
WOW!!! That guy is amazing! I thought he was lip-syncing Mercury for a minute.
not outrageous but this guy has a great voice.
be sure to watch the crazy little thing called love video—its my favorite—close your eyes and you can hardly tell the difference.
Simply astonishing!
“Party on, Garth!” (or Garthette!)
:)
As does "Yes" with its lead vocalist. And they breed their keyboardists ;-)
Mark
Amazing ! Freddie is Back!!!!!! in a way =)
I saw them last fall. Not just a good singer, he spent time after the show talking to folks, he seems like a really nice guy.
I’ve known of him for a good while now. The first video of him I ever saw was him performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” with a church praise and worship team.....and was completely blown away by him.
If he wasn’t chosen for this role as Mercury, then there is NO justice in this world. Kid’s amazing.
That is good to know, I’m glad good things are happening for him. I will be sure to watch for them on tour. (Downhere and the Queen Extravaganza)
Same teeth, too.
What? That kid’s teeth are straight.
Good call, mom4kittys. He’s definitely good. As a minor diversion, have you heard Valensia? One man act from the Netherlands. Guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. Oh, and sings like Freddie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6h49_5VjRA
Bohemian Rhapsody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf98R7UfNFU&feature=related
A deliberately slower Killer Queen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rcJCIdOI6A&feature=related
Fairy King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXrkVca1oy4&feature=related
You Take My Breath Away
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEZ75gg7BLk&feature=related
Love Of My Life
To get back on topic, though I wish Mr. Martel good luck. If they ever head toward the wilds of western OH, I’d happily go see them.
I hope he can sing like that and put some passion into it when he's on stage.
Thanks for the links—wow he’s a one man show?
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