Whether you’re a fan of Queen or not, the name Freddie Mercury is instantly recognizable. Known for his unique style, unmatched stage presence, and incredible vocal range, Mercury led Queen through most of their career, captivating audiences and holding massive crowds in the palm of his hand. Although he passed away in 1991, his legacy as a rock and pop icon remains strong.
Tributes to Mercury are frequent, but one that went viral in 2016 came from Russian actor Vitaliy Gogunskiy, who performed as Mercury on the popular TV show *One to One*. Wearing black and white trousers similar to Mercury’s famous harlequin outfit, along with a broad-shouldered blazer and mustache, Gogunskiy closely resembled the legendary singer.
Even his vocals were reminiscent of Mercury! Gogunskiy performed Queen’s 1984 hit “I Want To Break Free,” delivering an impressive version of Mercury’s dramatic vocal style, despite his noticeable Russian accent. He also nailed Mercury’s iconic onstage moves, raising his fist in the air and mimicking the singer’s flamboyant gestures as he strutted across the stage.
For those who are fans of Mercury, Gogunskiy’s tribute is a fun nod to the real thing, but it might leave you craving some true Freddie magic. If so, you can always revisit Queen’s legendary 1986 performance of “I Want To Break Free” at Wembley, where Mercury, alongside bandmates Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor, dominated the stage with his signature showmanship.
While no tribute can ever fully match the brilliance of the real Freddie Mercury, Vitaliy Gogunskiy’s performance stands out. He clearly studied Mercury’s every move and gave an impressive tribute that stands above many others.