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By Juan Navarrete / COO Disluv
In the vast landscape of rock music history, tales of collaboration often hold a special allure. Among them, the story behind the creation of “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie stands out as one of the most captivating and amusing narratives. Let’s journey through the twists and turns of this iconic collaboration, enriched with anecdotes and insights from those involved.
The recording of “Under Pressure” between Queen and David Bowie is one of the most amusing stories in the global rock scene. David Richards, the sound engineer at Mountain Studios who was working on Yes’ album at the time, had previously assisted producer Tony Visconti in Berlin during the recording of David Bowie’s “Heroes” album in 1977. Bowie had a session booked with Richards at Mountain Studios to record the song “Cat People (Putting Out the Fire)”. He arrived at the studio after spending some time at the pub and stumbled upon Queen in the midst of a session.
–“It was a very long night”, recalls Brian.
“We were playing songs by other artists just for fun, simply improvising”, adds Roger.
In the end, David said, “What nonsense, why don’t we just write a song ourselves?”.
The result was “Under Pressure,” the song co-produced by Queen and Bowie, initially titled “People On Streets.”
“It happened purely by chance, darlings,” later explained Freddie. “We started tinkering together with an idea, and the song came out very spontaneously and very quickly. We were both excited about the result.”
Reflecting on the recording, Brian recollects a different perspective: “It was very challenging because we were already four precocious boys, plus David, who was already precocious enough for all of us. The passions were running high […] I couldn’t get much attention. But David had a true vision, and he took charge of the song from a lyrical point of view.”
“Under Pressure” turned out to be one of the most problematic recordings both musicians had ever encountered. The mixing console collapsed, Bowie wanted to start the song from scratch, and tensions ran high. At one point, Bowie refused to authorize the release of the song, but later recanted.
The collaboration between Queen and David Bowie for “Under Pressure” proved to be a masterstroke in reaching new audiences and boosting sales for both artists. At the time of its release, Queen and Bowie were already established acts with dedicated fan bases. However, “Under Pressure” provided a unique opportunity for cross-promotion and exposure to a wider audience.
“In my opinion, ‘Under Pressure’ was a game-changer for both Queen and David [Bowie]. It showcased their versatility as artists and introduced their music to a whole new generation of fans,” remarks music historian and author Sheila Davis in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
The song’s fusion of Queen’s rock sensibilities with Bowie’s avant-garde style appealed to a diverse range of listeners, drawing in fans from both camps and beyond. As a result, “Under Pressure” enjoyed immense commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and propelling album sales for both Queen and David Bowie.
Upon its release in 1981, “Under Pressure” quickly ascended the charts, reaching the top spot in multiple countries and cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its poignant lyrics, powerful vocals, and infectious rhythm struck a chord with audiences, transcending generations and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
“Whenever I hear ‘Under Pressure,’ I’m reminded of the power of collaboration and the magic that can happen when artists come together with a shared vision. It’s a song that will always hold a special place in my heart,” reflects musician and actor Jared Leto in an interview with NPR.
One of the most enduring aspects of “Under Pressure” is its universal message of empathy and compassion. The song’s exploration of themes such as pressure, alienation, and the human condition resonates as strongly today as it did over four decades ago, serving as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity.
In the annals of music history, few collaborations can rival the sheer brilliance of Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” From its serendipitous beginnings to its lasting impact on generations of listeners, this legendary track continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the globe. As we celebrate the enduring legacy of “Under Pressure,” we are reminded of the transformative power of music to unite, uplift, and transcend the pressures of everyday life.
Collaborations and featurings are a powerful tool to reach new audiences and better performance in streaming platforms.