What happened today in history?
What happened
today in history?
Oct 26
Back

The Collaboration Behind 'Under Pressure'

The Collaboration Behind 'Under Pressure'

The Magic of Collaboration: Queen and David Bowie

Queen and David Bowie's Historic Partnership

The year 1981 marked a significant moment in rock music history with the release of "Under Pressure," a powerful collaboration between the British rock band Queen and the legendary David Bowie. The song emerged from a serendipitous jam session where the two musical titans came together, blending Queen's operatic rock style with Bowie's distinctive voice and artistic flair.

How 'Under Pressure' Was Born

Initially, the collaboration began as an informal jam at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland. The chemistry between Bowie and the members of Queen was undeniable, leading to the creation of a song that addressed themes of love and compassion amidst a backdrop of societal pressures. This blend of creativity resulted in the timeless hit still celebrated today.

The Enduring Legacy of 'Under Pressure'

The Impact of 'Under Pressure' on Rock Music

Upon its release, "Under Pressure" quickly climbed the charts, becoming a defining track for both Queen and Bowie. Its innovative combination of rock and funk introduced a new era of sound in the music industry, influencing countless artists. The song's iconic bassline, created by Queen's bassist John Deacon, is often cited as one of the best ever recorded.

Cover Versions and Cultural References

"Under Pressure" has inspired myriad cover versions and cultural references in various media. Most notably, Vanilla Ice’s 1990 hit "Ice Ice Baby" sampled the song's legendary bassline, bringing it back into the limelight and introducing it to a new generation of listeners. This lasting influence showcases the song's resilience and relevance in popular culture.

Fun Fact

Behind the Scenes of 'Under Pressure'

Interestingly, during the recording of "Under Pressure," tensions ran high as the musicians navigated their creative differences. Despite this, the collaborative effort ultimately resulted in a song that beautifully captures the essence of both Queen and Bowie, a true testament to the magic that can happen when artistic minds unite.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Queen and David Bowie

For those interested in exploring more about this historic collaboration, consider reading "Queen: As It Began" by Jim Jenkins and "Bowie: A Biography" by Marc Spitz. These books provide insight into the lives and careers of these legendary musicians.