The Queen & George Michael rendition of “Somebody to Love” is a live performance that took place during the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert on April 20, 1992, at Wembley Stadium in London. This concert was organized to honor the late Freddie Mercury, Queen’s legendary frontman, who passed away in 1991 due to complications from AIDS. George Michael’s performance of “Somebody to Love” became one of the highlights of the event and is widely regarded as one of the best live tributes to Mercury.
“Somebody to Love” was originally written by Freddie Mercury and released by Queen in 1976 on their album A Day at the Races. It is a gospel-influenced rock anthem that reflects Mercury’s quest for companionship and love, delivered with powerful emotion. The song showcases Queen’s signature harmonies and Mercury’s incredible vocal range, along with a passionate blend of rock and soul.
At the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, George Michael was one of the many high-profile artists who performed with the surviving members of Queen (Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon). When Michael took on “Somebody to Love,” his vocal performance stood out for its emotional intensity and technical brilliance. His ability to hit the high notes and match Mercury’s energy impressed both the audience and Queen’s band members. Michael’s soulful voice perfectly suited the song’s gospel-inspired arrangement, and he delivered it with the kind of passion and charisma that Mercury was known for.
The live performance was received with widespread acclaim, both from fans and critics. George Michael’s rendition is often considered one of the greatest live vocal performances of the 1990s, and his ability to channel the spirit of Freddie Mercury left a lasting impression.
Due to the overwhelming positive reception of Michael’s performance, this live version of “Somebody to Love” was later released as a single in 1993, with proceeds going to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity set up in Mercury’s memory to fight AIDS worldwide. The track reached No. 1 on the charts in several countries, including the UK.
Michael’s performance of “Somebody to Love” remains one of the defining moments of the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. It not only highlighted George Michael’s exceptional vocal talent but also his ability to honor Mercury’s legacy with grace and respect. The performance is frequently praised as one of the best live renditions of a Queen song, and even Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor have acknowledged that Michael’s performance was among the best versions of the song ever performed.
Michael’s connection to Queen and Mercury became a significant moment in his career, and this performance continues to be celebrated as a perfect tribute to Freddie Mercury’s incomparable legacy.