The Song “Under Pressure,” Almost Wasn’t, and Here’s Why
November 3, 2021 10:00AM CDT

NEWPORT, ENGLAND – JUNE 13: David Bowie performs on stage on the third and final day of “The Nokia Isle of Wight Festival 2004” at Seaclose Park, on June 13, 2004 in Newport, UK. The third annual rock festival takes place during the Isle of Wight Festival which runs from June 4-19. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** David Bowie
Queen Says Things Got Tense During The ‘Under Pressure’ Sessions Queen’s “Under Pressure” is one of the great duets in rock history, with Freddie Mercury and David Bowie at the top of their game. But the band says the song nearly didn’t happen. Brian May says things got tense during the sessions, when Bowie and bassist John Deacon – who wrote the song’s iconic riff – had a disagreement. He said “Deacy did not take kindly to being told what to do”, and that things “could have gone either way”. Fortunately, they put their differences aside and created a masterpiece. What are some other great rock duets?