Did Freddie Mercury Ever Sing Barcelona Live?

By Michael Ferguson

Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of the rock band Queen, is known for his powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence. One of his most iconic performances is the duet “Barcelona,” which he recorded with opera singer Montserrat Caballé in 1987. The song was written as an ode to the city where the Olympic Games were held that year, and it quickly became a fan favorite.

However, many fans have wondered whether Freddie ever sang “Barcelona” live. The answer to this question is both yes and no.

On one hand, Freddie did perform “Barcelona” live on a few occasions. One of the most notable performances was at the Ku Club in Ibiza in 1987.

Freddie and Montserrat were reportedly on vacation together when they decided to perform an impromptu set at the club. The audience was stunned when they launched into “Barcelona,” and their performance received rave reviews.

Additionally, Freddie also performed “Barcelona” at a charity concert in La Nit festival in Barcelona in 1988. This performance was particularly special because it marked the first time that Freddie and Montserrat sang together live on stage.

Despite these memorable performances, it’s important to note that Freddie did not sing “Barcelona” live during Queen’s concerts. This is because the song was specifically written as a duet with Montserrat Caballé, and it would have been difficult to replicate her operatic vocals without her presence.

In conclusion, while Freddie Mercury did perform “Barcelona” live on a few occasions, he did not sing it during Queen’s concerts due to its duet nature with Montserrat Caballé. Nevertheless, these rare performances serve as a testament to Freddie’s versatility as a performer and his ability to captivate audiences with his incredible voice.