Marc Martel - Love of My Life (Queen Cover)

Before I began performing the music of Queen in 2012 - incredibly - I had never heard this song. After a few shows with the Queen Extravaganza, though, and absorbing the song’s cadence, it quickly became one of my favorites to perform - not only because of its breathtaking classical intricacy, but also for the way it arrests the audience’s attention every. single. time. in a way that no other Queen song seems to do. The song recently took on new meaning for me when someone (and I regrettably forget who) told me that Fred wrote it from the perspective of Mary Austin, as an empathetic love letter, fully aware of the toll their relationship had on her. I don’t know if that’s true, but it makes the lyric so much heavier for me.

When I picture the quintessential “young Freddie,” this is the voice I hear in my head. The fragility and vulnerability he displayed in the original recording of “Love Of My Life” is astounding. He was truly fearless in displaying his feminine side, which is maybe the most important thing I learned from him as a singer. As a musical product of early 90s grunge, I came up with the impression that masculinity must always sound deep and guttural, something my vocal cords never allowed me to do very convincingly. I cringe a bit when I listen to my early recordings! I was always a little shy about the fact that I could sing very softly and breathy - almost like a girl. I guess you could say Freddie gave me permission to let that side of my voice out into the open, and to embrace it.

I always dedicate this one to his memory because it feels like the appropriate thing to do. It always seems like the perfect moment in a set list of bombastic anthems to pause, and truly take into account the singular talent that was Freddie Mercury.

(S/O to Brandon Ethridge for the inspiration behind incorporating the guitar parts into the piano arrangement. Brilliant! Check out his hilarious music-geek YouTube series "WHERE'S THE F-ing BEAT?!?")

[bossfrog]

Petition for Marc to go on tour with Queen

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[Dylanoct]

FINALLY someone that can play my favorite instrument...Freddie Mercury's voice.

[mecchadofc]

Dude, his voice is frighteningly like Freddie's

[johnpettit]

*Freddie to an angel*

“This one, darling. The world will love him because they love me.”

[shimmentakezo]

I think Freddie would be highly impressed by your talent. Please never stop singing

[cyber]

*The way he says, “love of my life” in **0:30** is soooo identical. Creepy.*

[mistymamas]

His voice brings tears to my eyes. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.

[JosephineAlexandra]

It's difficult to play the piano and sing simultaneously with such great skills at both of them... we're lucky to have you, marc!!

[masquerade]

It's okay Freddie, you can take off your mask now.

[jezwaters]

My mate another mad Queen fan (sadly died last month 61) sent me a utube link to Marc a couple of years ago. Couldn't believe what i was hearing. Saw queen in the 70s and 80s. This guys the best yet.

[aliettebelver]

I can't talk. He takes my breath away. I'm crying right now

[CymruEmergencyResponder]

Freddie, wherever you are, don’t worry. Your music is in good hands.

[Freefire-ztjg]

Who is batter?

Marc =like
Adam=coment

[johnwhiff]

You did it great, Darling!


-Freddie Mercury

[missblackwhitemissblackwhi]

Omg Marc...do you even know what you are doin' to us? ! ❤❤❤❤❤

[Mr.NorrisYOU_TWO]

Whether your Freddie or not, you have an amazing voice. His music is continuing even after 32 years of his passing, just shows how good he/Queen was

[bencemedgyesi]

Us: please bring Freddie back

Universe: here you go

[kristinad]

My mum literally walked into the room and said “oh you are listening to Freddie Mercury”
I think this says a lot

[brianhope]

How can Marc so quickly announce “Love of my Life” and so casually sing and play this beautiful song to perfection ?.

[monkabuda]

After 4 years of this video being posted I still come back to listen and smile!