The end of 2011 means the coming of 2012. Depending on who you are, that may just mean the end of the world. If you’re me, it means the MJ/Freddie Mercury duets. For a long time, I’ve felt it was only appropriate to write a blog about Freddie and Michael, seeing as they’re two of the biggest influences of my life, but I never got the chance. I took some time tonight to really try to pay tribute to both, so hopefully I did it well.
When I was about 11 years old, I discovered Queen for the first time. I’d heard We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions on classic rock radio before, but I’d never actually heard Queen. I mean really, truly heard and understood them. And I remember that first time, it was like getting hit with a brick wall. To this day it feels like a brick wall. My admiration for Freddie goes beyond talent or showmanship but to everything that he is and was. Similarly to, guess who…
Michael Jackson. I don’t think I need to explain my love for Michael Jackson to you guys. I mean, I’m here, but I do often wonder how it is two of the world’s greatest talents also ended up being two of the strongest, most inspirational people I can think of. Before I get into why they each mean so much to me in their own way, I’d like to revel in the similarities.
Both of these men were unparalleled singers. Though the world-wide-web can’t seem to come to a definite conclusion on their vocal ranges, it does agree that both were above 3.5 octaves and that, in itself, is amazing.
Both Michael and Freddie were unparalleled entertainers to the point that they are easily recognized from just a few signature poses.
Both are Bad.
They are both Statues.
Both had amazing taste in jackets.
But beyond all that, on stage, both were magic. Plain and simple. Both had a sense of command over the crowd that seemed impossible. Both had a stage presence that was both over the top and natural. Above all else, when watching either of them on stage, there is that feeling that they were meant to do this, that it is important, and that it is right.
Beyond just being inspiring entertainers, both of these men have had a huge influence on my life. Freddie Mercury is a personal hero of mine. Growing up, I took the confidence I saw in him and looked for that confidence within myself. He was boldly and unapologetically himself in every way possible, and that had a huge impact on me while I was growing up. To this day, I make sure not to compromise myself for the sake of Freddie. On the other hand, I didn’t truly discover Michael until a few years ago, and as you can all see, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with him. In Michael, however, I can’t say that I see a personal hero. I guess it is because Michael’s life is so far from anything that I can imagine that I just can’t relate. When I look at Michael, rather than a hero on a personal level, I see a not-so-personal example. The example is not only through his good deeds and philanthropy, but his strength and grace throughout situations and an entire life that I cannot begin to imagine are inspiring at the absolute least. That strength in awful circumstances is another trait shared by the two of them, as exampled by the grace with which Freddie bowed out of this life.
I guess, to summarize, In Freddie Mercury, I know how to be and who I am. In Michael, I see what I should aspire to be beyond myself.
And in both of them, I see some of the greatest talents, the greatest musicians, the greatest entertainers, and the greatest role models we’ll ever know.
This article was originally published in blog: Freddie and Michael: A Comparative Tribute started by larth2thnik
