Freddie Mercury vs Steve Perry: The Great Rock Vocalist Debate Explained
One of the most intriguing questions in the rock music enthusiast community is whether Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of Queen, ever suggested that Steve Perry, the lead singer of Journey, is the greatest rock vocalist of all time. Let's delve into the facts and explore the nuances of Freddie Mercury's admiration for other artists.
Freddie Mercury's Admiration for Steve Perry
There is no doubt that Freddie Mercury was a man of taste and often expressed admiration for other vocalists. In a 1985 interview, he praised Steve Perry as one of the best rock vocalists, highlighting his talent and vocal prowess. Mercury was well-known for his ability to recognize and appreciate exceptional talent, often acknowledging those who stood out in their craft. Let's break down the pieces of evidence that support this claim:
Quote and Interview Evidence
In a 1985 interview, Freddie Mercury referred to Steve Perry as one of the best rock vocalists. He appreciated Perry's vocal abilities and how he brought out the lyrics in music."I really like Steve Perry... a lot... but Freddie does have different ways of how to bring out his lyrics in his music... many ways..."
This statement, while not directly attributing Perry to being the best, does indicate a high level of respect and admiration from Mercury.
Did Freddie Refer to Steve Perry as the Best Singer of All Time?
A common claim on various Facebook fan groups is that Freddie Mercury once said, "I don't know, go ask Steve Perry" when asked about being the greatest rock singer. No source for this quote has been provided, and this statement is likely a fabrication. Let's analyze why:
Upon close examination of Freddie Mercury's interviews, it is clear that he never directly referred to Steve Perry or any other singer as the best of all time:
“I have never heard Freddie refer to Steve Perry or anyone else as being the best singer of all time. Freddie may have said that but I've never heard that in all the interviews I've listened to, here and on YouTube."
Freddie Mercury was profoundly knowledgeable about music and vocalists, and he likely had a deep appreciation for Steve Perry's work, but he never explicitly claimed him to be the greatest.
The True Beliefs and Applause of Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury's true belief was that Montserrat Caballé, the renowned opera soprano, had the greatest voice in the world. This is supported by accounts from close associates, including Freddie's personal assistant:
"According to Freestone, watching Caballé was the most emotional he'd seen the usually reserved singer: 'When Montserrat sang 'Barcelona' after her first take was the nearest I ever saw Freddie to tears.' He grabbed my hand and said: 'I have the greatest voice in the world singing my music!' He was so elated."
This account demonstrates that Caballé's singing had a profound emotional impact on Freddie Mercury, setting a high standard in his mind. Caballé's artistry and technique were recognized and appreciated by Mercury, reflecting his belief in the richness of emotional and technical elements in vocal performance.
Appreciation of Steve Perry's Vocal Abilities
Steve Perry was known for his exceptional vocal abilities, particularly his ability to sing high and strong. This is why fan groups often try to position him as the best. However, as mentioned, there is no direct evidence that Freddie Mercury considered him to be the greatest. While Mercury did admire Perry, it was within the context of rock vocalists and not in comparison to the likes of Montserrat Caballé or other classical vocalists:
“There are people who think vocalists should be rated as the greatest merely for how high their voices can go but there is an artistry to singing that is much richer than that... This is why everyone—including the extraordinary Steve Perry—is compared to Freddie and not the other way around.”
Both Freddie Mercury and Steve Perry brought their unique styles and artistry to rock music, but their vocal techniques and styles were different. Mercury was known for his versatility and the ability to excel in all vocal ranges and styles, making him a more comprehensive and celebrated vocalist in the hearts of fans and critics alike.
In conclusion, while Freddie Mercury did express admiration for Steve Perry and even other vocalists, he never explicitly claimed anyone, including Perry, to be the best singer of all time. The true legacy of Freddie Mercury lies in his unparalleled ability to sing and express himself through his music, setting a new standard in the rock genre.