It's amazing that Amy can describe the scenes visually so accurately just from the music. This is my favourite Queen song. I found Queen through Highlander and this was the high point to the film. Moves me to tears even in this setting.
I’m so glad you chose the album version of this song because it has this beautiful, beautiful ending, instead of the single version which fades out on the chorus. Thank you for this wonderful reaction. You did the song the justice it deserves. ❤❤❤ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Brian and BB King have that in common. Their genius isn't in how complex or fast they can play but in knowing exactly what needs to be played in a given spot, playing only that, and playing it perfectly.
To understand the context of this song from the actiom movie "Highlander", it's about an immortal man named Connor McCloud, who watches his wife grow old and die while he stays young. The pain of that loss shows that this supposed gift is really a curse, because it forces him to never get into relationships again.
@@SCHHHa It still is! It's definitely a product of its time, the crazy 80's where anything seemed possible. It is cheesy, the effects are at times cheesy even for that time. But the story is great, the settings are great and the cinematography is more than great. The transitions between different time eras still marvel me, it's beautifully done. And the actors are all on point! They are fully embracing the cheesiness. Christopher Lambert, a Frenchman plays a Scottish highlander and Sean Connery, a born Scotsman plays a Spaniard. Hearing them in the movie it makes no sense, but at the same time it does make sense 🤣. The relationship between Connery and Lamber's characters is great. The loneliness of Lambert's character is very palpable. His doomed relationship with Heather is heartbreaking. The secret revealed at the end fight makes it even worse. And that end fight.....the Kurgan!!! What a brilliant, fun, over the top and glorious portrayal by Clancey Brown....'I have something to say: it's better to burn out than to fade away!'. One of film's best villains ever! And his final goodbye to Rachel hurts again...a different kind of love but very sad too. And Queen's music elevates the timelessness of the movie even more and especially 'Who wants to live forever' has its place, one of THE examples where movie and film compliment each other perfectly! But on its own it's a heartbreaking song already. Queen had a knack for being featured in cheesy movies, as they did it before in another glorious 80's movie FLASH GORDON! And I love that movie too, saw it in the cinema when I was 11, having lived to that moment for months! Played the Queen song, read the black and white movie comic book again and again, with great artwork by Al Williamson....it was an insert in a weekly comic book magazine I was subscribed to. I still have it, together with the poster that was featured in the magazine.
Saw it as a kid , Heather death hit me hard. Specially when she ask him to light a candle each years for her birthday to remember her (and he did). He never stop loving Heather. Being mortal and meeting Brenda allowed him to do what humans do : to move forward and appreciated the time he has left with her. Now i'm 44 and i can't hear this music without my eyes getting watery. Nothing last forever.
Good to see somebody finallly reacting to the full version, most people react to the video edit that cuts off the outro which is a gem of rare beauty, and no many people know we need to thank Micheal Kamen for it.
new years eve 1991... well actually new years day already 1992 cause it was past midnight. freddy had died a a bit over a month ago... i was 16 years old. the wildest party moments were over and this song started playing... me and 2 others guys i never met before in this small town party singing our hearts out to this song. there have been many parties, new years and sing along in the years to come... but somehow this moment was memorable and i cant explain why but this was one of the moments i still remember so intensely. i know the smell of beer and drinks, the scenery, the t.shirt i wore... there is few music moments that can burn into your very soul like this one.
It’s beautiful to see such passionate appreciation for my favorite Queen song. This is a song that makes me cry every single time I hear it, yet I’ve never known anyone else to feel much emotion from it. I’ve always thought that understanding it on an emotional level required one to have seen it in its proper context in the movie Highlander. But I guess not.
Probably my favorite Queen song, hits me in the feels every time. Also makes me want to go see the movie again...also one of my favorite movies of all time, perfect blend of science fiction and drama.
I love this orchestral version but I also love it when Freddie sings it live. He sings with such passion which I find incredibly moving. You were not too far away with the sweeping vistas. This part of the film was set in the highlands of Scotland.
I have really enjoyed this Queen series. I would suggest doing live performances next. I went to several Queen concerts in the 70s, and they were truly great. I went to a lot of concerts back then, and Queen was the very best. They even sounded better live, because you saw the and felt their passion.
I think she said previously that she had enquired about meet up with Bri but no joy! Fingers crossed they can get together as I think he’ll love talking to her 🤞🏻
I really enjoy these reaction / reviews, as someone without any musical ability myself but a deep appreciation for music in my life it's really interesting and refreshing to see someone erudite and acomplished in classical music give her opinions on some of the music I have been enjoying for so long.
Queen has been my favorite band since I was a kid, but thank you for this video. I'm now seeing all kinds of things in this song I never noticed before, and that brings me so much joy. I love Queen and my respect for them and their musical abilities only grows over time.
I absolutely love this one, Freddie's powerful voice, Brian's soft voice and the orchestra. Beautiful! I don't know why but this song always makes me tear up😊 I was waiting for you to react to this one. Great reaction
Oh man, we better not forget to mention the quality of this video too. The way she described the music words by words.. I just love it. Yeah and you better hit those buttons now if you felt the same. This kind of arrangement between a good music and a good musician is just ridiculously INCREDIBLE! Well what the f*** did I'm saying, have a lovely time, folks!
Brian got inspiration for the song when Queen were invited to see 20 minutes clip from the movie and agreed to do music. Manager drove him home and Brian hummed a melody to his tape recorder like he did many times. He said that he was very touched by the scene where Heather, a woman that Connor loved, was dying in his arms (she was old and he was immortal) and the melody just appeared in his mind. Brian is very sensitive and he just hears music in his head (or in his dreams or waking up) and he composed mostly on the keyboards first not on his Red Special because he said his fingers fell different on the keyboard than on a 🎸.
If anyone other than Amy claimed they had never seen the scene this piece was inspired by, and then so precisely described the scenery, the emotions evoked and the meditations on mortality that result from that scene, I'd be skeptical. I think we can all agree her mastery of the deeper meaning of music the subconscious language it represents is on full display here. Excellent job! The music plays a crucial role in the scene and the scene influences the entire movie. MacLeod chooses to hold on to humanity by remaining with Heather until the end, and his humanity in turn makes him see the prize as something that can benefit all of mankind. It's his faithfulness to his promise that leads to the confrontation with the Kurgan in the cathedral, and the conversation about Heather that shows us MacLeod has become the equal to the Kurgan.
This song is an Absolute Masterpiece. And making justice to it, it appears in one of the most sentimental, sad, emotional, lovely, unforgettable, scene in cinema's history: " -Connor, I never really known... why you stayed". "-Because I love you as much now as the first day we met". No words.
Beautiful! As I've said million times, it is a pure joy watching you enjoying a song. I can tell you loved this one and I was waiting for you to say that it instantly goes to the top of your favourite songs you've listened on this Virgin Rock journey, I was almost sure you'd say that, but now I don't know. I gaven't watched all your Queen reactions, but still I'm sure this one goes to the top. It is very obvious when you get enthusiastic and excited. 😊 Anyway, my point is - I loved it. 🖤 Kisses and hugs for all three of you! 🖤
Please after the Queen 50, you should listen to more of Queen, even on your own time, just for your listening pleasure. There are a LOT of songs that got skipped over that are absolutely incredible, like most of the Queen I, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack and A Night At The Opera, as well as A Day at The Races, News of The World and Jazz. The first 7 albums are packed full of incredible compositions that are nothing like what you've heard from Queen. They express more of their classical influence and more of their masterful songwriting and landscape building. Queen isnt my favorite music artist for no reason, its because I have never in my life heard an artist who hasnt made a bad song, and I have also never heard an artist craft so many masterpieces, more than just 50 songs even. I could argue more than 100 Queen songs are masterpieces. I come from a very classically influenced childhood, along with classic rock, modern rock, some jazz, and a little bit of everything. And through all genres and artists i have discovered and listened to, nobody at all, has come close to what Queen was able to bring to music. I wish their time wasn't cut short because the music they couldve produced into the 90's and 2000's would have been immaculate. And with all this said, I know you are a lover of great music and are able to connect with the music, that is why i recommend listening to Queen even in your own time, its all genuinely great music, composition, and performance.
I was waiting for the day you got to this one. It’s so much more than a rock song. Thank you for sharing your first listen with us. I always love seeing people discover this band.
Thank you so much Amy! 🙌 I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction and analysis of this most epic and memorable musical masterpiece! I very much appreciate your insight, your expertise, and your keen ability to articulate the many fine and compelling musical details.
Their music is from the heart and soul they have inspired so many generations and this song proves it how beautiful and how touchy this song is queen will live forever.
Under what stone did you live before? You don't look that young that this masterpiece could have missed you... Glad you finally found it and start understanding it as millions of us have before... - good luck and all the best for the rest of your long jouney... :-) I was where you are 30+ years back but I'm still coming back to it, like visiting an old good friend. All I can wish you is that you come to this same understanding of what music can achieve.... - and never forget.
A magnificent piece of music deserves a magnificent review and you came through like always. I had forgotten how good this is. Thanks for being awesome and bringing enlightenment. There's something hiding, waiting in the 150 series that I am anticipating so much the only way I can describe it is it didn't just change music forever it changed the fabric of reality during a decade when it should not have been possible. Maybe they had a time machine.
Great, detailed and very touching breakdown. You saw right through the core of it. It made me cry, because I love both Queen and Michael Kamen dearly...and I miss both Freddie and Michael so much, both were geniuses in their own right, and beautiful humans... Please give a listen to "Training Montage" from the same film, "The Highlander", by Michael Kamen, it is a perfect companion piece to this song, and uses one of the motives used here only as a hint that it is the main character living through these words and thoughts.
Great reaction! Such a beautiful song, and in the context of the movie, it will make you cry! Brian really found the emotion necessary for this piece - and yes, the addition of the orchestra is perfection for conveying that emotion! Michael Kamen (RIP) was on the same page as Brian here. 'Goodnight my bonny Heather'...that line says it all.
This is a goosebumps song for me, every single time I hear it. It is perfect. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful. One of the best guitar solos ever, every note is there for a reason and are so well placed and played with different dynamics. Also it got a new meaning for what happened to Freddie in the tragic last years of his life. Also I love the Bohemian Raphsody movie and how the use this song in it is just chilling and great, especially how they use the unexpected major chord in the outro.
I love watching your knowledgeable reactions to Queen! I've gotten invested! I'm sure your playlist is full, but I can't help suggesting some live tracks and just some ones I love; plus Freddie Live is beyond. > In the lap of the god's revisited >white queen, as it began > mother love > The video for these are the days of our lives > You take my breath away live > '39, Liar, Innuendo, Show must go on. There are just so many gems and it's hard to fully understand Queen if you don't see some live footage. There's always the 81' monteral somebody to love, but that's one already established as the best, but it wouldn't hurt to confim it.
Incredible song! But one word......HIGHLANDER!!!! A must see movie that will put this song in perspective.....Aye Blossom! No matter how many times I've seen that movie....and it is MANY times.....that scene breaks me. And the Kurgan played by Clancey Brown is one of THE best (and hilarious) villains ever! Got my son, born 1998, very much into this movie too....and blew his brain telling him Kurgan/Clancey is the voice of Mr. Krabbs from Spongebob. THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!
Once one hears Queen it’s hard to limit yourself to just 50 isn’t it? They all wrote such beautiful songs! Freddie Mercury’s voice was so unique it’s addictive too! This song is amazing to hear and watch live as you can see how talented they are and how much energy Mercury is putting into his voice and pouring out! A sensitive song by Brian and the video includes a full orchestra and choir! ❤
The thing with Queen is the popular songs, great as they are are not necessarily the best songs. The Deep Cuts albums feels like Queen self acknowledged this.
When I first heard it it took me a while for me to recognise that it wasn't Freddie singing. That's how well Brian took on the job. I think it's a love song
It is different for me. No auto tune and just one of the greatest voices. As a kid in the 80s i was called alot of names. Tool and Queen. Chef kiss darling
Thanks... such a sweet song from Brian... starting on keys.. but when Freddie takes over vocals, it's stunning... (sometime I hope you see the "official" video) appreciate your reaction, as always... (of course, it IS a film score... lol)
In the video of this song the bass player John Deacon is playing the orchestral double bass. He learned to play it when Brian May jokingly asked him to play the double bass for his song ‘39. A few days later John showed up to the studio having learned to play it. The other band members were reportedly impressed. Many reactors don’t even notice or recognize him in the Who Want To Live Forever video as he is playing the double bass with the other orchestral musicians. He was multi -talented and could play many types of instruments including the guitars, piano, double bass, synthesizers and a Wurlitzer organ. He and Freddie created the song Cool Cat in which Freddie sings and John plays the instruments. It’s a funky tune! The song John wrote for the movie Highlander is the only Queen song that doesn’t feature a guitar solo as John wanted his song ,One Year Of Love to sound more R&B than their usual songs. He had a saxophone player play in the song to give it a more R&B feel. It’s a beautiful song and Freddie sings it perfectly! Check it out! "One Year of Love" is a song by John Deacon. The album version features him playing Yamaha DX7 synth, a string orchestra conducted by Lynton Naiff and a saxophone played by Steve Gregory. Vocals by Freddie Mercury. ❤
This song along with the movie made such a great impression on me as a young teen 😍 Beautiful and heartwrenching at the same time. When I hear the song, I see images of this movie.
Excellent commentary as always, Amy. I would recommend you also listen to the longer version (5'16"), because in the final instrumental coda you will find a harmonic progression unfortunately omitted from the common version, which you will surely appreciate. It is a simple sequence of descending chords for minor thirds supported by strings, organ and french horn that begins at 3'50 with an E minor (which you have heard), but continues with C minor, A minor, F minor, D minor, B minor, G minor, and then returns to E minor. This is a solution as simple as it is ingenious, creating an exceptional gloomy and sepulchral atmosphere, where you can experience a descent into the underworld, into the realm of the dead...
The older I get, the more I believe that Brian has been touched by the divine. Which might be an odd thing to say because I don't know what his views are on the possibility of something other than the material. He taps into the essence of our humanity better than virtually any other popular music writer I can think of. When I was younger I certainly didn't appreciate this about his writing; he wrote good songs but I left it there. Only now am I starting to appreciate the talent, bravery and insight of his writing. Who Wants To Live Forever is yet another wonderful example of his work.
I have listened to this so many times, and yes, I love the instrumental at least as much as I love the singing, that is why I think this album version is essential listening
Even though I know this song was made for the film Highlander about a character that is doomed to live forever and watch his partners get old and die, I still feel it gets another meaning knowing how Freddy's life ended. 😥
This is one piece that I really wish Vlad would have had Amy watch a live performance. Without the orchestra the song takes on a different feel. Of course it’s Queen and especially Freddie, it’s just as passionate. I really like the Budapest version. Maybe because it’s 1986 and Freddie might be starting to feel the effects of his illness and the song might have a personal meaning to him. He sings it with so much passion. Oh, and although I really like Friends will be Friends I was hoping John’s bluesy One Year of Love would be included. It’s almost a counterpoint to Who Wants to Live Forever.
I’ve listened to this beautiful song so many times since watching Highlander (video rental from Blockbuster) in the 1980s but I learned so much from watching this commentary. So interesting. This was the part of the film that had my mum in tears. Not bad for a sci-fi but I always thought it was so much more. ⚔️
It has to be a 60 Queen series! So many great songs and piano songs are missed...My Fairy King, White Queen, The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke, Nevermore, The March Of The Black Queen, In The Lap Of The Gods ( both versions), '39, Teo Torriate...
I agree with every song you mentioned. I was gutted when those were were missed on the first pass. Hopefully now she has a taste for Queen she will get to them in the future.
@@andrewsheppard1940 Hope so...and some live videos as with Somebody To Love and some video clips for Miracle and Innuendo albums would be great! Also some of Brians, Freddies and Rogers solo albums songs...alot to react only within Queen)))
I also think that Queen are the one band (so far) that managed to integrate successfully between classical and popular music. In fact it’s so seamless and convincing, very few really noticed what they achieved. They certainly never got fully credited with this.
You heard of the Beatles and ELO right?? lol 20 and 15 years before this song lol Beatles has #/ hits with rock and strings in 65 . Moody blues was all rock and orchestra songs like ELO in 1967 ELO stands for electric light Orchestra even lol
@@michaelforsythe8682 @michaelforsythe8682 I wasn't saying it hasn't been done successfully; I said "seamless and convincing," meaning truly integrating classical and popular music in a meaningful way. Take ELO, for instance. While their music is great, it essentially remains rock with a rock sensibility, albeit with classical instruments skillfully incorporated. Jeff Lynne, (and Roy Wood who deserves a mention) in my view, were primarily rock artists who cleverly blended classical instruments into rock music, its really repetitive rock "riffs" played on cellos and violins. He did it well, but most attempts to fuse these genres are far less graceful. On the other hand, Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Who Wants to Live Forever' show a much deeper understanding of classical music. The complexity of the harmonies and sophisticated use of modulation in these songs seem to show a better grasp of classical principles. The Beatles, of course, opened up an entirely new realm of music that most artists have yet to approach.
How powerful when Freddy's voice came in. Brian did a fine job to capture the sadness and desparity in this song. Yeah you are totally right the orchetrial choice was superb.
Hoping "The Show Must Go On" is on the Queen 50. Also, speaking of songs to play at a funeral, Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding" fits.
You need to do another QUEEN series and do the deep cuts - especially the old stuff. You can even keep the same theme. Listening to QUEEN albums is like listening to the radio - their variety is endless.
Er, just a gentle reminder ... ...this is 'Virgin Rock'.... ....NOT 'Virgin Queen'.....!!! (...or..Elizabeth the first, if you're into English history....!!)
@@andymccabe6712 don't be ridiculous 😅. It is obvious that her reactions won't end when she finishes Queen's 50 series. Queen had 300+ songs in their catalogue (or even more if you add also Freddie's, Brian's and Roger's solo work) so it is unlikely she will stop at 50. If you don't want to listen, that is really up to you. Queen fans are enjoying every second because she feels the music.
Absolutely! If only because ‘The Prophet’s Song’ was inexplicably skipped, even though most of ‘A Night at the Opera’ was covered. I honestly still cannot understand why.
The film score composer Michael Kamen has worked with some of the biggest artists in music history. He is seen conducting the orchestra in the Guns N Roses video November Rain. You need to watch the film Highlander to get the real understanding of this song by Queen.
Excellent analysis, Amy. I loved how you commented on whether or not Who Wants To Live Forever? is a funeral song or not, based on the drumbeats (an aspect I'd never thought of); a bit left-field, but Brian has recently integrated his guitar-playing (as a non-classical instrument) superbly into a rendition of Dvorak's New World symphony, if you may want to investigate that.
One of my favourite songs. Beautiful. Eloquent. Everything about it tells the story of deep, profound love, yearning, loss, grief, memory, and what to treasure.
If it's orchestration you're after then I can but highly recommend a good listen to the Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe album 'Barcelona'. The blend between Freddie and Montsy's voice is just mind blowing. Just a suggestion for you after you finish Queen 50 (assuming you're not covering the best Queen album of them all; Queen II), I guarantee you will not regret it in the slightest!
There are more Queen songs to check out… And there are live versions of many of their songs that might be worth checking out too… While their studio stuff has it’s advantages in terms of allowing them more creativity through multitracking and such, there’s something about them performing live, especially Freddie, that is also extra special… You also get slightly different arrangements and such… If you haven’t checked them out live yet, it’s a good excuse to react to some of the songs again lol.
Queen may be the best rock band of all time! Those four were magical! Good video as usual! Oh the scenery is supposed to be the Scottish highlands, though I do not know where Highlander was actually filmed.
Primarily it was filmed around Eilean Donan castle and also in the general areas around Glen Coe, Glen Nevis, Loch Shiel, Torridon and Skye. All areas I love greatly.
This is much better - restraint and power, light and shade. A gorgeous arrangement. To me it has an element of Dire Straits in the little guitar touches, although with Brian's unmistakable tone. The shared vocals are beautifully judged too.
Brian didn't often write on guitar, especially ballads: he'd try out ideas first (melodies, lyrics and mantras), then go to the piano and only incorporate the guitar once he had the basic framework.
As with One Vision here is the single-version. The album version is longer, with more orchestral music at the end. To me this is a missed opportunity for Amy to hear the full version which is 5:17 (single-version is 4:56). Cheers to you both.
Hola Amy, como siempre un analisis extraordinario de una cancion extraordinaria. Hiciste mencion del gran Michael Kamen que participa en esta cancion y vale la pena rescatar su contribucion al mundo del rock, trabajo antes con Pink Floyd en The Wall, y a finales de los noventa realizo junto a Metallica el S&m (Simphony and Metallica), dirigiendo el mismo a la Orquesta Sinfonica de San Francisco. Cuando se acerco a Metallica para proponerles esa colaboracion y un disco tan osado, la banda tuvo muchas dudas de que funcionara pero el estaba convencido y ese disco doble se convirtio en un verdadero clasico. Lamentablemente fallecio muy joven a la edad de 55 años. Hello Amy, as always an extraordinary analysis of an extraordinary song. You mentioned the great Michael Kamen who participates in this song and it is worth rescuing his contribution to the world of rock, he previously worked with Pink Floyd in The Wall, and at the end of the nineties he performed with Metallica on S&m (Simphony and Metallica), directing himself to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. When he approached Metallica to propose this collaboration and such a daring album, the band had many doubts that it would work but he was convinced and that double album became a true classic. Unfortunately he died very young at the age of 55.
It blows me away how many times Amy has given a visual depiction of a song without realising that she is describing the music video, or (as in this case) a scene from the movie it is from. As someone who almost always sees the video before just listening to the song, the mental images I get are mostly memories of that first viewing. It's truly eye opening how visually expressive music can be all by itself.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
It's amazing that Amy can describe the scenes visually so accurately just from the music. This is my favourite Queen song. I found Queen through Highlander and this was the high point to the film. Moves me to tears even in this setting.
I’m so glad you chose the album version of this song because it has this beautiful, beautiful ending, instead of the single version which fades out on the chorus. Thank you for this wonderful reaction. You did the song the justice it deserves. ❤❤❤ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I always get chills when Freddie starts singing his part on this track
A L W A Y S
Same here ❤ Brian's voice is great, but when Freddie comes in it's something else 😭
The same here
The version of the song used in the film features Freddie singing the first verse.
@@FreddyKurganNimmo okay
I expected this to make you cry, given it's another of Brian's bittersweet heart-breakers. This is a magnificent piece of music.
An absolute classic song. Genius.
Brian May is such a brilliant guitarist. His touches here are perfect. And, he shows how important it is to sometimes NOT play. He never intrudes.
I have always thought that Brian's solos are perfectly balanced in every song.
Brian and BB King have that in common. Their genius isn't in how complex or fast they can play but in knowing exactly what needs to be played in a given spot, playing only that, and playing it perfectly.
To understand the context of this song from the actiom movie "Highlander", it's about an immortal man named Connor McCloud, who watches his wife grow old and die while he stays young. The pain of that loss shows that this supposed gift is really a curse, because it forces him to never get into relationships again.
But at the same point we see the love between them that never fades. It's bittersweet.
exactly... did you see the movie? it was so incredible at that time..
@@SCHHHa It still is! It's definitely a product of its time, the crazy 80's where anything seemed possible. It is cheesy, the effects are at times cheesy even for that time. But the story is great, the settings are great and the cinematography is more than great. The transitions between different time eras still marvel me, it's beautifully done. And the actors are all on point! They are fully embracing the cheesiness. Christopher Lambert, a Frenchman plays a Scottish highlander and Sean Connery, a born Scotsman plays a Spaniard. Hearing them in the movie it makes no sense, but at the same time it does make sense 🤣.
The relationship between Connery and Lamber's characters is great. The loneliness of Lambert's character is very palpable. His doomed relationship with Heather is heartbreaking. The secret revealed at the end fight makes it even worse. And that end fight.....the Kurgan!!! What a brilliant, fun, over the top and glorious portrayal by Clancey Brown....'I have something to say: it's better to burn out than to fade away!'. One of film's best villains ever!
And his final goodbye to Rachel hurts again...a different kind of love but very sad too.
And Queen's music elevates the timelessness of the movie even more and especially 'Who wants to live forever' has its place, one of THE examples where movie and film compliment each other perfectly! But on its own it's a heartbreaking song already.
Queen had a knack for being featured in cheesy movies, as they did it before in another glorious 80's movie FLASH GORDON! And I love that movie too, saw it in the cinema when I was 11, having lived to that moment for months! Played the Queen song, read the black and white movie comic book again and again, with great artwork by Al Williamson....it was an insert in a weekly comic book magazine I was subscribed to. I still have it, together with the poster that was featured in the magazine.
Saw it as a kid , Heather death hit me hard. Specially when she ask him to light a candle each years for her birthday to remember her (and he did).
He never stop loving Heather. Being mortal and meeting Brenda allowed him to do what humans do : to move forward and appreciated the time he has left with her.
Now i'm 44 and i can't hear this music without my eyes getting watery. Nothing last forever.
Yeah, context adds a lot to this song.
Good to see somebody finallly reacting to the full version, most people react to the video edit that cuts off the outro which is a gem of rare beauty, and no many people know we need to thank Micheal Kamen for it.
new years eve 1991... well actually new years day already 1992 cause it was past midnight. freddy had died a a bit over a month ago... i was 16 years old. the wildest party moments were over and this song started playing... me and 2 others guys i never met before in this small town party singing our hearts out to this song.
there have been many parties, new years and sing along in the years to come... but somehow this moment was memorable and i cant explain why but this was one of the moments i still remember so intensely. i know the smell of beer and drinks, the scenery, the t.shirt i wore... there is few music moments that can burn into your very soul like this one.
What a lovely memory ❤
This song always gives me shivers, it is so beautiful ❤
It’s beautiful to see such passionate appreciation for my favorite Queen song. This is a song that makes me cry every single time I hear it, yet I’ve never known anyone else to feel much emotion from it. I’ve always thought that understanding it on an emotional level required one to have seen it in its proper context in the movie Highlander. But I guess not.
Probably my favorite Queen song, hits me in the feels every time. Also makes me want to go see the movie again...also one of my favorite movies of all time, perfect blend of science fiction and drama.
There can be only one. Love from Scotland.
I love this orchestral version but I also love it when Freddie sings it live. He sings with such passion which I find incredibly moving. You were not too far away with the sweeping vistas. This part of the film was set in the highlands of Scotland.
I have really enjoyed this Queen series. I would suggest doing live performances next. I went to several Queen concerts in the 70s, and they were truly great. I went to a lot of concerts back then, and Queen was the very best. They even sounded better live, because you saw the and felt their passion.
Brian May’s guitar solo is one of the most beautiful pieces of music
as always
Brian May is one of my favorite musicians of all time. He can do it all and is amazing in everything he does.
You really must have an interview with Brian May. I would love to see that.
I'm so enjoying watching you fall more in love with Queen
I think she said previously that she had enquired about meet up with Bri but no joy! Fingers crossed they can get together as I think he’ll love talking to her 🤞🏻
@@cerijenkins8564 I do recall that. After this analysis I got excited at the prospect all over again 😁
I really enjoy these reaction / reviews, as someone without any musical ability myself but a deep appreciation for music in my life it's really interesting and refreshing to see someone erudite and acomplished in classical music give her opinions on some of the music I have been enjoying for so long.
Queen has been my favorite band since I was a kid, but thank you for this video. I'm now seeing all kinds of things in this song I never noticed before, and that brings me so much joy. I love Queen and my respect for them and their musical abilities only grows over time.
I absolutely love this one, Freddie's powerful voice, Brian's soft voice and the orchestra. Beautiful! I don't know why but this song always makes me tear up😊 I was waiting for you to react to this one. Great reaction
I think the drum beat is a heart beat, and living for eternity all these thoughts are thought between each beat of Connors heart.
Oh man, we better not forget to mention the quality of this video too. The way she described the music words by words.. I just love it. Yeah and you better hit those buttons now if you felt the same. This kind of arrangement between a good music and a good musician is just ridiculously INCREDIBLE! Well what the f*** did I'm saying, have a lovely time, folks!
This is in my top 5 queen songs. Some brilliant vocals from Brian May and Freddie is his usual, incredible self
Brian got inspiration for the song when Queen were invited to see 20 minutes clip from the movie and agreed to do music. Manager drove him home and Brian hummed a melody to his tape recorder like he did many times. He said that he was very touched by the scene where Heather, a woman that Connor loved, was dying in his arms (she was old and he was immortal) and the melody just appeared in his mind.
Brian is very sensitive and he just hears music in his head (or in his dreams or waking up) and he composed mostly on the keyboards first not on his Red Special because he said his fingers fell different on the keyboard than on a 🎸.
he travels down and up his own timeline fyi ...i do too
I think she was called Heather.
@@MarkStock you're right.. I'll correct the name. Thnx
If anyone other than Amy claimed they had never seen the scene this piece was inspired by, and then so precisely described the scenery, the emotions evoked and the meditations on mortality that result from that scene, I'd be skeptical. I think we can all agree her mastery of the deeper meaning of music the subconscious language it represents is on full display here. Excellent job!
The music plays a crucial role in the scene and the scene influences the entire movie. MacLeod chooses to hold on to humanity by remaining with Heather until the end, and his humanity in turn makes him see the prize as something that can benefit all of mankind. It's his faithfulness to his promise that leads to the confrontation with the Kurgan in the cathedral, and the conversation about Heather that shows us MacLeod has become the equal to the Kurgan.
A genuine classic... Forever.💛
The end of the song always makes me think of a sunrise, and for this character life continues whether he wants it or not.
"it left an impression on him....." that scene with this song left an impression on my generation.
This song is an Absolute Masterpiece. And making justice to it, it appears in one of the most sentimental, sad, emotional, lovely, unforgettable, scene in cinema's history:
" -Connor, I never really known... why you stayed".
"-Because I love you as much now as the first day we met".
No words.
Beautiful! As I've said million times, it is a pure joy watching you enjoying a song. I can tell you loved this one and I was waiting for you to say that it instantly goes to the top of your favourite songs you've listened on this Virgin Rock journey, I was almost sure you'd say that, but now I don't know. I gaven't watched all your Queen reactions, but still I'm sure this one goes to the top. It is very obvious when you get enthusiastic and excited. 😊
Anyway, my point is - I loved it. 🖤
Kisses and hugs for all three of you! 🖤
hearing you describe these songs is like hearing them for the first time again, always a nice experience
immortal song so beautiful
Please after the Queen 50, you should listen to more of Queen, even on your own time, just for your listening pleasure. There are a LOT of songs that got skipped over that are absolutely incredible, like most of the Queen I, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack and A Night At The Opera, as well as A Day at The Races, News of The World and Jazz. The first 7 albums are packed full of incredible compositions that are nothing like what you've heard from Queen. They express more of their classical influence and more of their masterful songwriting and landscape building. Queen isnt my favorite music artist for no reason, its because I have never in my life heard an artist who hasnt made a bad song, and I have also never heard an artist craft so many masterpieces, more than just 50 songs even. I could argue more than 100 Queen songs are masterpieces. I come from a very classically influenced childhood, along with classic rock, modern rock, some jazz, and a little bit of everything. And through all genres and artists i have discovered and listened to, nobody at all, has come close to what Queen was able to bring to music. I wish their time wasn't cut short because the music they couldve produced into the 90's and 2000's would have been immaculate. And with all this said, I know you are a lover of great music and are able to connect with the music, that is why i recommend listening to Queen even in your own time, its all genuinely great music, composition, and performance.
And: Queen - White Queen (Live at The Hammersmith Odeon 1975) It's phenomenal !
I was waiting for the day you got to this one. It’s so much more than a rock song. Thank you for sharing your first listen with us. I always love seeing people discover this band.
Lyrically beautiful , musically beautiful and given Freddies illness , deeply poignant . His live sing of this on `Live in Budapest is awesomeness .
Thank you so much Amy! 🙌 I thoroughly enjoyed your reaction and analysis of this most epic and memorable musical masterpiece! I very much appreciate your insight, your expertise, and your keen ability to articulate the many fine and compelling musical details.
Their music is from the heart and soul they have inspired so many generations and this song proves it how beautiful and how touchy this song is queen will live forever.
Freddie will do that to people, he makes you love him because of his sweet nature and the fact that he himself was such a very loving person.
Under what stone did you live before? You don't look that young that this masterpiece could have missed you...
Glad you finally found it and start understanding it as millions of us have before... - good luck and all the best for the rest of your long jouney... :-)
I was where you are 30+ years back but I'm still coming back to it, like visiting an old good friend.
All I can wish you is that you come to this same understanding of what music can achieve.... - and never forget.
A magnificent piece of music deserves a magnificent review and you came through like always. I had forgotten how good this is. Thanks for being awesome and bringing enlightenment. There's something hiding, waiting in the 150 series that I am anticipating so much the only way I can describe it is it didn't just change music forever it changed the fabric of reality during a decade when it should not have been possible. Maybe they had a time machine.
Great, detailed and very touching breakdown. You saw right through the core of it. It made me cry, because I love both Queen and Michael Kamen dearly...and I miss both Freddie and Michael so much, both were geniuses in their own right, and beautiful humans... Please give a listen to "Training Montage" from the same film, "The Highlander", by Michael Kamen, it is a perfect companion piece to this song, and uses one of the motives used here only as a hint that it is the main character living through these words and thoughts.
I wish Freddy and Queen could live forever.
Their music will stay with us forever.
Sadly, "The Show Must Go On."
Und wieder hatte ich Tränen in den Augen......was für ein Meisterwerk ❤❤❤❤❤
Great reaction! Such a beautiful song, and in the context of the movie, it will make you cry! Brian really found the emotion necessary for this piece - and yes, the addition of the orchestra is perfection for conveying that emotion! Michael Kamen (RIP) was on the same page as Brian here.
'Goodnight my bonny Heather'...that line says it all.
If you saw the music video of the song you would love it even more. And if you saw the movie, you'd understand the greatness of the lyrics.
Song gives me chills every time. Live version is even better.
This is a goosebumps song for me, every single time I hear it. It is perfect. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful. One of the best guitar solos ever, every note is there for a reason and are so well placed and played with different dynamics. Also it got a new meaning for what happened to Freddie in the tragic last years of his life. Also I love the Bohemian Raphsody movie and how the use this song in it is just chilling and great, especially how they use the unexpected major chord in the outro.
I love watching your knowledgeable reactions to Queen! I've gotten invested! I'm sure your playlist is full, but I can't help suggesting some live tracks and just some ones I love; plus Freddie Live is beyond. > In the lap of the god's revisited >white queen, as it began > mother love > The video for these are the days of our lives > You take my breath away live > '39, Liar, Innuendo, Show must go on. There are just so many gems and it's hard to fully understand Queen if you don't see some live footage. There's always the 81' monteral somebody to love, but that's one already established as the best, but it wouldn't hurt to confim it.
When you get into the Innuendo album it can be very emotional knowing his health situation but really great music.
You made the point perfectly with the analogy between a wide-ranging film sequence and the use of the orchestra here.
Please do not stop listening to Queen.
This is very beautiful but Freddie singing it by himself LIVE will bring tears to your eyes 😓
Freddie mercury *NEVER* sang it live by himself - he sang it with the band.....
Although I prefer Freddie, of course, Adam Lambert sings this song gorgeously as well!
Incredible song! But one word......HIGHLANDER!!!!
A must see movie that will put this song in perspective.....Aye Blossom!
No matter how many times I've seen that movie....and it is MANY times.....that scene breaks me.
And the Kurgan played by Clancey Brown is one of THE best (and hilarious) villains ever! Got my son, born 1998, very much into this movie too....and blew his brain telling him Kurgan/Clancey is the voice of Mr. Krabbs from Spongebob.
THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!
*being hustled away*
...."Another time, Highlander".
Such a beautiful song… ❤
They were, are, masters of their craft
Once one hears Queen it’s hard to limit yourself to just 50 isn’t it? They all wrote such beautiful songs! Freddie Mercury’s voice was so unique it’s addictive too! This song is amazing to hear and watch live as you can see how talented they are and how much energy Mercury is putting into his voice and pouring out! A sensitive song by Brian and the video includes a full orchestra and choir! ❤
The thing with Queen is the popular songs, great as they are are not necessarily the best songs. The Deep Cuts albums feels like Queen self acknowledged this.
I agree. I’d love for Amy to review the deep cuts of some Queen music!
So many years since I've heard this song and it still triggers a memory cascade of that scene in the film.
Thank you for that brilliant, insightful journey through one of my lifelong companion songs ❤
When I first heard it it took me a while for me to recognise that it wasn't Freddie singing. That's how well Brian took on the job. I think it's a love song
What a song!
It is different for me. No auto tune and just one of the greatest voices. As a kid in the 80s i was called alot of names. Tool and Queen. Chef kiss darling
Thanks... such a sweet song from Brian... starting on keys.. but when Freddie takes over vocals, it's stunning... (sometime I hope you see the "official" video) appreciate your reaction, as always... (of course, it IS a film score... lol)
In the video of this song the bass player John Deacon is playing the orchestral double bass. He learned to play it when Brian May jokingly asked him to play the double bass for his song ‘39. A few days later John showed up to the studio having learned to play it. The other band members were reportedly impressed. Many reactors don’t even notice or recognize him in the Who Want To Live Forever video as he is playing the double bass with the other orchestral musicians. He was multi -talented and could play many types of instruments including the guitars, piano, double bass, synthesizers and a Wurlitzer organ. He and Freddie created the song Cool Cat in which Freddie sings and John plays the instruments. It’s a funky tune! The song John wrote for the movie Highlander is the only Queen song that doesn’t feature a guitar solo as John wanted his song ,One Year Of Love to sound more R&B than their usual songs. He had a saxophone player play in the song to give it a more R&B feel. It’s a beautiful song and Freddie sings it perfectly! Check it out!
"One Year of Love" is a song by John Deacon. The album version features him playing Yamaha DX7 synth, a string orchestra conducted by Lynton Naiff and a saxophone played by Steve Gregory. Vocals by Freddie Mercury. ❤
Yep, the scenery is the Scottish Highlands - watch the movie👍👍
Queen a band where 3 super bands would have been happy to have such singers!
beautiful song, beautiful video clip and reaction. 🇦🇷
This song along with the movie made such a great impression on me as a young teen 😍 Beautiful and heartwrenching at the same time. When I hear the song, I see images of this movie.
This is a masterpiece by Brian May, just a masterpiece.
Amy, Vlad and little one, lots of greetings 👋✌️😉
When you see the video and the light behind Freddie made the look of Angel wings, and then the children's choir was so beautiful.
Excellent commentary as always, Amy.
I would recommend you also listen to the longer version (5'16"), because in the final instrumental coda you will find a harmonic progression unfortunately omitted from the common version, which you will surely appreciate. It is a simple sequence of descending chords for minor thirds supported by strings, organ and french horn that begins at 3'50 with an E minor (which you have heard), but continues with C minor, A minor, F minor, D minor, B minor, G minor, and then returns to E minor. This is a solution as simple as it is ingenious, creating an exceptional gloomy and sepulchral atmosphere, where you can experience a descent into the underworld, into the realm of the dead...
You can really hear how much Freddy loves singing these big operatic songs. Just like his solo project with Barcelona and Montserrat Caballe....
The older I get, the more I believe that Brian has been touched by the divine. Which might be an odd thing to say because I don't know what his views are on the possibility of something other than the material. He taps into the essence of our humanity better than virtually any other popular music writer I can think of. When I was younger I certainly didn't appreciate this about his writing; he wrote good songs but I left it there. Only now am I starting to appreciate the talent, bravery and insight of his writing. Who Wants To Live Forever is yet another wonderful example of his work.
Listen to and watch the video for "All Dead, All Dead," that Brian wrote for his childhood cat.
Brian is touched by the Divine, Live at the Odeon proves that with "White Queen"
I have listened to this so many times, and yes, I love the instrumental at least as much as I love the singing, that is why I think this album version is essential listening
Even though I know this song was made for the film Highlander about a character that is doomed to live forever and watch his partners get old and die, I still feel it gets another meaning knowing how Freddy's life ended. 😥
Not only Freddie but also the composer Michael Kamen who also died fairly young at only 55 years old.
This is one piece that I really wish Vlad would have had Amy watch a live performance. Without the orchestra the song takes on a different feel. Of course it’s Queen and especially Freddie, it’s just as passionate. I really like the Budapest version. Maybe because it’s 1986 and Freddie might be starting to feel the effects of his illness and the song might have a personal meaning to him. He sings it with so much passion. Oh, and although I really like Friends will be Friends I was hoping John’s bluesy One Year of Love would be included. It’s almost a counterpoint to Who Wants to Live Forever.
I’ve listened to this beautiful song so many times since watching Highlander (video rental from Blockbuster) in the 1980s but I learned so much from watching this commentary. So interesting. This was the part of the film that had my mum in tears. Not bad for a sci-fi but I always thought it was so much more. ⚔️
It has to be a 60 Queen series! So many great songs and piano songs are missed...My Fairy King, White Queen, The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke, Nevermore, The March Of The Black Queen, In The Lap Of The Gods ( both versions), '39, Teo Torriate...
It really has to be the Queen 150 series. No less...❤
I agree with every song you mentioned. I was gutted when those were were missed on the first pass. Hopefully now she has a taste for Queen she will get to them in the future.
@@andrewsheppard1940 Hope so...and some live videos as with Somebody To Love and some video clips for Miracle and Innuendo albums would be great! Also some of Brians, Freddies and Rogers solo albums songs...alot to react only within Queen)))
Yeah, lets make it a Queen tribute channel, screw all the other music
@@JacobHolda Actually I follow some other reactions on this chanel and not only Queen!...
when i think about the tragedy of freddie's untimely death, i listen 2 this song, & remember 2 treasure each moment, with or w/o such beautiful music
It's a beautiful song for a tragic film moment. Perfect.
I also think that Queen are the one band (so far) that managed to integrate successfully between classical and popular music. In fact it’s so seamless and convincing, very few really noticed what they achieved. They certainly never got fully credited with this.
Another great example is "Was it all worth it".
In studio yes, but Queen as a great live band is an entirely different matter.
You heard of the Beatles and ELO right?? lol 20 and 15 years before this song lol
Beatles has #/ hits with rock and strings in 65 .
Moody blues was all rock and orchestra songs like ELO in 1967
ELO stands for electric light Orchestra even lol
@@michaelforsythe8682 Yes. And?
@@michaelforsythe8682 @michaelforsythe8682 I wasn't saying it hasn't been done successfully; I said "seamless and convincing," meaning truly integrating classical and popular music in a meaningful way.
Take ELO, for instance. While their music is great, it essentially remains rock with a rock sensibility, albeit with classical instruments skillfully incorporated. Jeff Lynne, (and Roy Wood who deserves a mention) in my view, were primarily rock artists who cleverly blended classical instruments into rock music, its really repetitive rock "riffs" played on cellos and violins. He did it well, but most attempts to fuse these genres are far less graceful.
On the other hand, Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'Who Wants to Live Forever' show a much deeper understanding of classical music. The complexity of the harmonies and sophisticated use of modulation in these songs seem to show a better grasp of classical principles. The Beatles, of course, opened up an entirely new realm of music that most artists have yet to approach.
How powerful when Freddy's voice came in. Brian did a fine job to capture the sadness and desparity in this song. Yeah you are totally right the orchetrial choice was superb.
There is a piano instrumental version, simply titled Forever, played on piano by Brain May. Last track on the album.
Hoping "The Show Must Go On" is on the Queen 50. Also, speaking of songs to play at a funeral, Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding" fits.
Another wonderful piece featuring the tonal and dynamic range of the amazing and wonderful Hammond B3 organ.
You need to do another QUEEN series and do the deep cuts - especially the old stuff. You can even keep the same theme. Listening to QUEEN albums is like listening to the radio - their variety is endless.
Er, just a gentle reminder ...
...this is 'Virgin Rock'....
....NOT 'Virgin Queen'.....!!!
(...or..Elizabeth the first, if you're into English history....!!)
@@andymccabe6712 don't be ridiculous 😅. It is obvious that her reactions won't end when she finishes Queen's 50 series.
Queen had 300+ songs in their catalogue (or even more if you add also Freddie's, Brian's and Roger's solo work) so it is unlikely she will stop at 50.
If you don't want to listen, that is really up to you.
Queen fans are enjoying every second because she feels the music.
Live performances!
Absolutely! If only because ‘The Prophet’s Song’ was inexplicably skipped, even though most of ‘A Night at the Opera’ was covered. I honestly still cannot understand why.
@@Godbluffer...one of Brian's best, early compositions. I'll play that track when I'm wanting to escape! Brilliant!
The film score composer Michael Kamen has worked with some of the biggest artists in music history. He is seen conducting the orchestra in the Guns N Roses video November Rain. You need to watch the film Highlander to get the real understanding of this song by Queen.
Never found a soundtrack to this film (other than the Queen songs), I’d be interested to hear it.
Kamen also did the arrangements for the first Metallica S&M concert/album.
And Comfortably Numb!
Excellent analysis, Amy. I loved how you commented on whether or not Who Wants To Live Forever? is a funeral song or not, based on the drumbeats (an aspect I'd never thought of); a bit left-field, but Brian has recently integrated his guitar-playing (as a non-classical instrument) superbly into a rendition of Dvorak's New World symphony, if you may want to investigate that.
Michael Kamen did the arrangement in this song. Like much of his work, epic dynamics and emotion.
This is still probably my favorite song of all time. :)
One of my favourite songs. Beautiful. Eloquent. Everything about it tells the story of deep, profound love, yearning, loss, grief, memory, and what to treasure.
If it's orchestration you're after then I can but highly recommend a good listen to the Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe album 'Barcelona'. The blend between Freddie and Montsy's voice is just mind blowing. Just a suggestion for you after you finish Queen 50 (assuming you're not covering the best Queen album of them all; Queen II), I guarantee you will not regret it in the slightest!
There are more Queen songs to check out… And there are live versions of many of their songs that might be worth checking out too… While their studio stuff has it’s advantages in terms of allowing them more creativity through multitracking and such, there’s something about them performing live, especially Freddie, that is also extra special… You also get slightly different arrangements and such… If you haven’t checked them out live yet, it’s a good excuse to react to some of the songs again lol.
Excellent analysis
What a piece of art!!!
Queen may be the best rock band of all time! Those four were magical! Good video as usual! Oh the scenery is supposed to be the Scottish highlands, though I do not know where Highlander was actually filmed.
lt is the Scottish highlands where the Highlander was filmed, l may be biased but one of the most beautiful corners of the globe.
Primarily it was filmed around Eilean Donan castle and also in the general areas around Glen Coe, Glen Nevis, Loch Shiel, Torridon and Skye. All areas I love greatly.
This is much better - restraint and power, light and shade. A gorgeous arrangement. To me it has an element of Dire Straits in the little guitar touches, although with Brian's unmistakable tone. The shared vocals are beautifully judged too.
Something's reminiscent of Telegraph Road imo
Brian didn't often write on guitar, especially ballads: he'd try out ideas first (melodies, lyrics and mantras), then go to the piano and only incorporate the guitar once he had the basic framework.
As with One Vision here is the single-version. The album version is longer, with more orchestral music at the end.
To me this is a missed opportunity for Amy to hear the full version which is 5:17 (single-version is 4:56).
Cheers to you both.
Hola Amy, como siempre un analisis extraordinario de una cancion extraordinaria.
Hiciste mencion del gran Michael Kamen que participa en esta cancion y vale la pena rescatar su contribucion al mundo del rock, trabajo antes con Pink Floyd en The Wall, y a finales de los noventa realizo junto a Metallica el S&m (Simphony and Metallica), dirigiendo el mismo a la Orquesta Sinfonica de San Francisco.
Cuando se acerco a Metallica para proponerles esa colaboracion y un disco tan osado, la banda tuvo muchas dudas de que funcionara pero el estaba convencido y ese disco doble se convirtio en un verdadero clasico. Lamentablemente fallecio muy joven a la edad de 55 años.
Hello Amy, as always an extraordinary analysis of an extraordinary song.
You mentioned the great Michael Kamen who participates in this song and it is worth rescuing his contribution to the world of rock, he previously worked with Pink Floyd in The Wall, and at the end of the nineties he performed with Metallica on S&m (Simphony and Metallica), directing himself to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
When he approached Metallica to propose this collaboration and such a daring album, the band had many doubts that it would work but he was convinced and that double album became a true classic. Unfortunately he died very young at the age of 55.
It blows me away how many times Amy has given a visual depiction of a song without realising that she is describing the music video, or (as in this case) a scene from the movie it is from. As someone who almost always sees the video before just listening to the song, the mental images I get are mostly memories of that first viewing. It's truly eye opening how visually expressive music can be all by itself.