Today In History with The Retrospectors
Making ‘Under Pressure’
Oct 26, 2021
In a fascinating discussion, David Bowie, the legendary British musician, and Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead singer of Queen, explore the chaotic creation of the classic track 'Under Pressure.' They reminisce about their infamous recording session fueled by wine and creativity, while the exact origin of its unforgettable bassline remains a mystery. The duo never performed it live together, and their unique collaboration sparked debates over musical authorship and its unforeseen influence on later artists like Vanilla Ice.
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Quick takeaways
- The spontaneous collaboration between Queen and David Bowie for 'Under Pressure' highlights the unpredictable nature of creativity fueled by a chaotic recording environment.
- The ambiguous authorship of the song's iconic bass line reflects Queen's collaborative ethos, with contributions acknowledged yet often contested among the musicians.
Deep dives
The Birth of Under Pressure
Under Pressure was created during a spontaneous jam session between Queen and David Bowie in a Swiss recording studio. The collaboration arose from an informal encounter rather than a planned project, showcasing the unpredictable nature of creativity. Initially, Bowie was in Switzerland for unrelated recording sessions, and the two parties began to doodle musically, which led to the conception of the iconic bass line. The dynamic atmosphere, enhanced by wine and cocaine, contributed to a chaotic but fruitful environment that sparked the collaborative spirit behind the song.
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