In 2019, celebrated Canadian vocalist Marc Martel was honored with an invitation to the Golden Wave Award ceremony in Georgia, held at the opulent Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater. This prestigious music award gala decided to salute the legendary band Queen that year, making Martel, known for his uncanny vocal resemblance to Queen’s late frontman Freddie Mercury, the ideal guest performer for the event..
Martel, who first gained prominence as a member of the Christian rock band Downhere, delivered a breathtaking performance of Queen classics at the ceremony. The climax of his set was a stirring rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” one of Queen’s most famous songs.
Martel’s Bohemian Rhapsody cover was made even more memorable by the accompaniment of the Tbilisi Children’s Capella choir, who joined in for THAT epic song sequence. Martel’s powerful vocals, paired with the choir’s heavenly harmonies, crafted an unforgettable auditory experience for those in attendance.
Martel took the stage in a formal suit, which was covered in sweat by the middle of the performance. Meanwhile, the Tbilsi Children’s Capella choir, hailing from Georgia’s capital, stood in sharp contrast, their traditional white military uniforms immaculate. Seated at the piano, Martel was joined by the choir’s choreographed dance, adding an extra layer of spectacle to the show.
Martel played a thirty-minute set, performing Queen’s biggest hits, including “Radio Ga Ga”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, “I Want To Break Free”, and “We Will Rock You”. He collaborated with different choirs and musicians throughout the set before bringing on the Tbilisi Children’s Capella choir for the finale. After playing “Bohemian Rhapsody”, they then finished on a stirring version of the classic “We Are the Champions”.
Besides “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the vocalist also covered a set of Queen’s most iconic tracks such as “Radio Ga Ga”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, “I Want To Break Free”, and “We Will Rock You”. Throughout, Martel was joined by various choirs and musicians, culminating in a grand finale with the Tbilisi Children’s Capella choir. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was the grand finale of Martel’s epic performance, followed by an emotional performance of “We Are the Champions”. You can watch his entire display here.
With Freddie Mercury no longer with us, Marc Martel’s performances offer a glimpse into what Queen in their prime might have felt like. His work with young talents like the Tbilsi Children’s Capella choir once again reminds us of the timeless appeal of Queen’s music, ensuring it will be cherished and celebrated by generations to come.
