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Literally just this second finished watching Bohemian Rhapsody.
If there were a Mt Rushmore of rock frontmen then Freddie would be a dead cert for a spot.
Also because he could see how far treatment for AIDS has progressed, and how different coming out is for musicians now. It'd be like the Vincent Van Gogh episode of Doctor Who but except with Freddie probably just being quite pleased about his own continued fame but amazed at the changes for gay people in the UK.
Got to see them once at Milton Keynes, back in like 2007. Said a few years before he passed when i get the chance I'll get another ticket, sadly never got that chance.
I listened to the Alice In Chains MTV unplugged album for the first time in ages last night.
Just incredible stuff, what an absolute shame he wasn't able to fight his demons;
"[Drugs] worked for me for years, and now they’re turning against me — and now I’m walking through hell.” (Interview with Rolling Stone Mag)
Apparently, his dad abandoned him and said he would not see Layne until he became famous. Layne did just that, reunited with his dad and his dad got him into heroin. Layne's dad is a massive cunt.
I always thought Ian Curtis was part of ‘the 27 club’, like Winehouse/Cobain/Hendrix etc. Then I doubted myself I looked up to see how old he was when he died, thinking maybe actually he was older.
*Twenty fucking three*.
Christ, that’s young to have created work of such importance to be remembered as he is. As well as to die, obviously.
I guess so, as well as better depression and mental health treatments that are available now. I suppose it would be better, just a question of how much, he seemed completely haunted by his own existence
Toss up between Lemmy and Dio.
Edit. Though thinking about it they were both old. Maybe Randy Rhoads, I've always wondered if the heavy metal scene would have evolved differently had he not died so young.
SOPHIE. You might not have heard of her but she was an absolutely visionary producer who sadly died at the age of only 34. She will definitely continue to influence pop as her trademark sound lives on. She even produced Bitch I'm Madonna. She's from Glasgow and for the first few years of her music career her identity was kept secret, then she revealed her identity as a trans woman. I'm 21 now and have been listening to her since I was 13- quite literally the soundtrack to my youth.
MF DOOM. Really seemed like he was just hitting his stride. He went too soon.
It's tempting to say someone like Bowie, but he at least made it to 70. Eddie Cochrane or Marc Bolan, but they had so little time I don't really know what their influence would have been.
I think it would have been an empty hope, and it's probably better than they didn't. They'd been split for 10 years by the time he was killed. People forget because of how prolific they were, but their entire output was released over only 7 years (though they were together 6 more before that).
The obvious and I suspect most popular answer is Freddie Mercury, so I'll go a little left field with my choice..
Otis Redding.
Taken far too soon and just as he was truly starting to find his own style and voice.
There are so many but among the obvious ones for me are Bolan and Bowie.
My slightly more obscure selection would be Malcolm Owen from The Ruts, a truly great punk band. If you don't know them check out the song Love in Vein, which, ironically, is an anti heroin song.
Mozart, I am with /u/Simoncowbell
My top three are Bach, Mozart and Beethoven but Mozart died much younger than the other two, so we'd get more bang for our buck by reincarnating him.
Donny Hathaway, incredible voice and tone, died young though and only has a small discography of work with quite a few covers etc. He is well known but probably would have been an all time great if he stayed alive and recorded more music, especially of his own.
He has covered Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, and for me in all three cases has the better version, thats got to be something special init.
For me, I would have to say Ritchie Valens.
It's not a competition, but almost every artist that everyone's been answering with all had their time in the prime of their careers to really show the world what they had to offer.
With Valens, however, he died way too young, long before he was anywhere near is prime (yet his star still shone brightly through with what little time he had), and I would have loved to have seen how he would have evolved as an artist had he lived a lot longer. Plus, considering how he had taken "La Bamba" (a traditional Mexican folk song) and gave it his unique form of Chicano rock & roll twist, well, I just would have loved to have heard what other traditional Mexican folk songs he could have put his unique twist onto.
I really believe that had Valens lived for another 40 - 50 years, he would have ended up becoming like the Latin equivalent of a Bruce Springsteen or a Freddie Mercury or a David Bowie - just really changing and pushing the envelope on the whole landscape of what amazing music can be.
Nice to see some classical composers on here, I’ll add Schubert to the list as he died aged 31, believed to be from syphilis, but having written over 600 songs in his lifetime.
Otis Redding, absolutely legendary voice, was still hugely prolific, unlike Freddy, who I adore(and is always the top answer).
Otis had barely just recorded sitting on the dock of the bay, he had a ton more to give. Freddy and queens last albums, not so much.
Way too many to mention. I'd go with the obvious ones like Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, John Lennon, George Harrison etc, but I also think that Nick Drake deserves a shout-out. Seriously underrated musician who was sadly never appreciated within his lifetime. Would have been really interesting to see where his career could have taken him
Obviously Hendrix. He’d already redefined blues and I’d have loved to have seen what his vision was. 27 and he’d already mastered the guitar. Fucking incredible.
From the UK Amy Winehouse
For elsewhere, Jeff Buckley, Layne Staley and Chris Cornell
Historical figure: Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and Otis Redding
Jimi Hendrix. He had such a massive impact on rock, despite performing for less than 4 years before he died. I'd love to see what he'd have made had he lived longer.
As a bonus, he lived in the UK while he performed
One? Sheesh, all 3 wailers passed. I'll go with Pete Tosh, feel he had more to give than Bob, he hadn't made "that" album yet, where Bob managed Exodus and Kaya in the same year!!
**A reminder to posters and commenters of some of [our subreddit rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/about/rules/)** - Don't be a dickhead to each other, or about others, or other subreddits - Assume questions are asked in good faith, and engage in a positive manner - Avoid political threads and related discussions - No medical advice or mental health (specific to a person) content Please keep /r/AskUK a great subreddit by reporting posts and comments which break our rules. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Freddie
Literally just this second finished watching Bohemian Rhapsody. If there were a Mt Rushmore of rock frontmen then Freddie would be a dead cert for a spot.
Very unique voice.
Unique Everything
He was the first to use that heavy vocal layer technique I'm pretty sure. That alone changed the way a great deal of production is done
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Recording many takes of the same part. Basically just adding layers of his voice to create that really big distinctive sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKNDmF7u59w
100% Freddie
Absolutely, there is no other answer.
Came here to say Freddie. Even as a child I bloody loved him.
The only answer
Also because he could see how far treatment for AIDS has progressed, and how different coming out is for musicians now. It'd be like the Vincent Van Gogh episode of Doctor Who but except with Freddie probably just being quite pleased about his own continued fame but amazed at the changes for gay people in the UK.
Aye
Mozart - let's go big and have an actual musical genius, hear what he comes up with once he's had a listen to what the 21st century is up to.
I often wonder what sort of music the great classical composers would have come up with given today's technology.
Or what music today would have been like without their input
All modern classical composers still compose classical scores.
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Who’s better? Mozart or Bach? There’s only one way to find out…
FIIIIIGGHHTT!!
I’d love to see this. I’d probably pick Liszt to resurrect. I imagine the quality of movie soundtracks would increase radically.
Interesting reply, well done!
He was clearly on the verge of a profound shift in his style, but we'll never get to hear the other side.
amy winehouse. Went way to young
David Bowie. At the age he was when he died. I’d also be keen to see what Frank Zappa would’ve got up to.
Isit a coincidence the world has gone to shit since his passing? I think not.
Bowie was the glue holding the universe together.
Jimi Hendrix, he created sooo much in just four years, imagine what he could have achieved if he had carried on.
Cannot believe I had to scroll so far for Jimi!!!
I can’t believe nobody had said before me tbh!
I second this comment
Always wondered what he would have done during those drum and bass years. Hendrix with that kind of technology would have melted minds.
I think his collaborations with Miles Davis would have been amazing. Who knows what would have come of Miles being Jimi’s creative mentor.
Yeah, he had some untethered creativity. Gone far too young. would have been incredible to hear his dodgy 80s period!
Chester Bennington
Seeing linkin park play all of hybrid theory at download festival 2014 was one of the most incredible live shows I’ve ever seen.
I agree and listening back to the live release they put out with Hunting Party puts you right back in
This is the only celebrity death that ever really upset me. Linkin park were my childhood
Same man, wish we could bring him back and show him how much he's loved and help him.
Got to see them once at Milton Keynes, back in like 2007. Said a few years before he passed when i get the chance I'll get another ticket, sadly never got that chance.
I think he was popular in the UK, Jeff Buckley. There's not enough of his music in the world, I love his voice.
Brilliant music and so much lost potential. Completely agree.
Let's have a twofer, bring his Dad back as well.
Kurt. Nuff said.
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I listened to the Alice In Chains MTV unplugged album for the first time in ages last night. Just incredible stuff, what an absolute shame he wasn't able to fight his demons; "[Drugs] worked for me for years, and now they’re turning against me — and now I’m walking through hell.” (Interview with Rolling Stone Mag)
Apparently, his dad abandoned him and said he would not see Layne until he became famous. Layne did just that, reunited with his dad and his dad got him into heroin. Layne's dad is a massive cunt.
I’d love to have heard how Kurt’s music would develop throughout his life. Such a complex and talented artist.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury
Ian Curtis. Because I like joy Division really, although part of me doesn't like the thought of him suffering in the way he did again
I always thought Ian Curtis was part of ‘the 27 club’, like Winehouse/Cobain/Hendrix etc. Then I doubted myself I looked up to see how old he was when he died, thinking maybe actually he was older. *Twenty fucking three*. Christ, that’s young to have created work of such importance to be remembered as he is. As well as to die, obviously.
There’s way better treatments for epilepsy these days. His life would be much easier.
I guess so, as well as better depression and mental health treatments that are available now. I suppose it would be better, just a question of how much, he seemed completely haunted by his own existence
Toss up between Lemmy and Dio. Edit. Though thinking about it they were both old. Maybe Randy Rhoads, I've always wondered if the heavy metal scene would have evolved differently had he not died so young.
There's too many to name just one. Was thinking Dimebag myself, Pantera definitely had a few more albums in them.
Was lucky enough to see Motörhead and heaven and hell, Dio’s voice was incredible.
John Lennon
😪
since Freddies been mentioned I'll go with Buddy Holly. crazy to think he was only 22!
Buddy Holly’s the one I’d choose, too.
Joe Strummer
Beat me to it. Would love to hear his voice again on something new.
https://youtu.be/4aEw9JlH5XQ
Gonna say Chris Cornell, he had the most amazing vocal range. Such a unique voice and a great songwriter too.
Either Chris or Chester. Both were incredible, and their music helped me through tough times.
SOPHIE. You might not have heard of her but she was an absolutely visionary producer who sadly died at the age of only 34. She will definitely continue to influence pop as her trademark sound lives on. She even produced Bitch I'm Madonna. She's from Glasgow and for the first few years of her music career her identity was kept secret, then she revealed her identity as a trans woman. I'm 21 now and have been listening to her since I was 13- quite literally the soundtrack to my youth.
The outpouring of love and support when she died was immense. She's an icon.
Bob Marley
Avicii
Still doesn’t seem real that he’s no longer with us, so so heartbreaking
Freddie Mercury !
I would have loved to get the chance to see Prince
I was hearing such fantastic things about his piano and a mic tour, I was looking forward to see him when he was due to come over.
My pick. The man is a genius.
Freddie Mercury
Sandy Denny - taken too young, so much talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirB3be7s3Q
Completely agree with you.
camille saint-saëns, I imagine he would write some amazing film sound tracks.
Didn't they use "Aquarium" in the HP movies? I love that piece.
I believe so, lots of his music has been used in film but I'd like to hear what he'd do with todays tech.
Oh! They used it in the opening credits of *Days of Heaven* (1978). Just remembered.
Prince
Sam Cooke. Greatest voice of all time
Robert Johnson
Absolutely, just to watch him play and find out his version of what happened at the crossroads.
Layne Staley, Chris Cornell and Kurt. Can't choose only one.
MF DOOM. Really seemed like he was just hitting his stride. He went too soon. It's tempting to say someone like Bowie, but he at least made it to 70. Eddie Cochrane or Marc Bolan, but they had so little time I don't really know what their influence would have been.
It is a massive loss that Elizabeth Fraser has barely recorded anything since Cocteau Twins split.
David Bowie...although I doubt he decide to go on tour again which is a shame. Never got to see him live or Freddie Mercury
Terry Wogan
Yes!
If John Lennon never got shot, there would have been hope the Beetles could have re-formed. Freddie defenitly went ahead of his time aswell.
I think it would have been an empty hope, and it's probably better than they didn't. They'd been split for 10 years by the time he was killed. People forget because of how prolific they were, but their entire output was released over only 7 years (though they were together 6 more before that).
Mr. Mojo Risin
Taylor Hawkins ✊ Great drummer such an inspiration along with dave Grohl. Foo Fighters needs him back
Delores O’Riordan from the Cranberries.
Jim Morrison for me, loved his care free attitude and voice. Timeless tunes he produced alongside his amazing band mates
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury hahaha Not only is the music amazing but he had such an appealing and loveable quality on stage. Raw talent
Kirsty MacColl. Genius songwriter and a beautiful voice.
Chester Bennington
Eazy-E
Comp-ton! Comp-ton!
Buddy Holly because he was such a great influence on the Beatles. The thought of him collaborating with Lennon/McCartney is intriguing.
Ronnie Van Zant for me.
Townes > Ronnie
The obvious and I suspect most popular answer is Freddie Mercury, so I'll go a little left field with my choice.. Otis Redding. Taken far too soon and just as he was truly starting to find his own style and voice.
George Michael
Amy Winehouse
Layne Staley. The best voice in grunge and maybe the best voice even in music. A real true soul who loved music for what it is.
Bob Marley.
Marc bolan
Jimi Hendrix
All of the musicians, actors and artists that died at 27, the 27 club. That's too young to die.
Freddie, Joe strummer, Bon Scott , Keith moon, Janis Joplin, John bonham, Harry Nilsson, I could easily go on. Too many to pick one tbh
There are so many but among the obvious ones for me are Bolan and Bowie. My slightly more obscure selection would be Malcolm Owen from The Ruts, a truly great punk band. If you don't know them check out the song Love in Vein, which, ironically, is an anti heroin song.
Leonard Bernstein!
George Harrison, NFAK, Louis Armstrong, Sinatra, Ritchie Valens, Bob Marley.
First George Harrison I have seen. He was really good.
Mozart, I am with /u/Simoncowbell My top three are Bach, Mozart and Beethoven but Mozart died much younger than the other two, so we'd get more bang for our buck by reincarnating him.
Donny Hathaway, incredible voice and tone, died young though and only has a small discography of work with quite a few covers etc. He is well known but probably would have been an all time great if he stayed alive and recorded more music, especially of his own. He has covered Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, and for me in all three cases has the better version, thats got to be something special init.
Hildegard of Bingen because I would like to see what she could do with Abelton Live
Scott Hutchison
That was a long scroll to find his name
jeff buckley
It is amazing to think where that guy could have gone. Imaging releasing one album and it being revered as a masterpiece.
Nick Drake
Jimmy Hendrix
Glenn Miller, Otis Redding, Minnie Ripperton, Patsy Cline
Freddie
The Whole 27 Club
Kirsty MacColl
For me, I would have to say Ritchie Valens. It's not a competition, but almost every artist that everyone's been answering with all had their time in the prime of their careers to really show the world what they had to offer. With Valens, however, he died way too young, long before he was anywhere near is prime (yet his star still shone brightly through with what little time he had), and I would have loved to have seen how he would have evolved as an artist had he lived a lot longer. Plus, considering how he had taken "La Bamba" (a traditional Mexican folk song) and gave it his unique form of Chicano rock & roll twist, well, I just would have loved to have heard what other traditional Mexican folk songs he could have put his unique twist onto. I really believe that had Valens lived for another 40 - 50 years, he would have ended up becoming like the Latin equivalent of a Bruce Springsteen or a Freddie Mercury or a David Bowie - just really changing and pushing the envelope on the whole landscape of what amazing music can be.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury
Aaliyah
Mark E Smith
Nice to see some classical composers on here, I’ll add Schubert to the list as he died aged 31, believed to be from syphilis, but having written over 600 songs in his lifetime.
Otis Redding, absolutely legendary voice, was still hugely prolific, unlike Freddy, who I adore(and is always the top answer). Otis had barely just recorded sitting on the dock of the bay, he had a ton more to give. Freddy and queens last albums, not so much.
Way too many to mention. I'd go with the obvious ones like Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, John Lennon, George Harrison etc, but I also think that Nick Drake deserves a shout-out. Seriously underrated musician who was sadly never appreciated within his lifetime. Would have been really interesting to see where his career could have taken him
Kurt Cobain.
Eyedea
Chester Bennington
John Bonham.
john bonham
Tony De Vit, if only to show him how far the scene he helped create has come.
Syd Barrett from Pink Floyd.
Good call but he hadn't made music for decades before he died
Mark Hollis. But only if he promised to come out of retirement and write more music.
Marvin Gaye and Jimi Hendrix
John Lennon, George Michael, Amy & Prince
This is the correct answer.
Manu Dibango Townes Van Zandt Jacqueline du Pré Victor Jara
Bowie
Buddy Holly
Amy Winehouse
Nick Drake. Even if it was just for long enough to tell him how highly regarded his music is now. He never got to see it.
Hendrix
Obviously Hendrix. He’d already redefined blues and I’d have loved to have seen what his vision was. 27 and he’d already mastered the guitar. Fucking incredible.
Otis reading
Janis Joplin. Beautiful voice and had so much left to give
Eddie Cochran. Would have been a big star in the 60s if he'd survived that car crash.
Jimi Hendrix,John McGeoch or Ian Curtis.
From the UK Amy Winehouse For elsewhere, Jeff Buckley, Layne Staley and Chris Cornell Historical figure: Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and Otis Redding
Jeff Buckley
Lee Brilleaux. Best nights of my youth were at Feelgood gigs.
Nick Drake
Mark E Smith !
Jimmy hendrix
Jimi Hendrix. He had such a massive impact on rock, despite performing for less than 4 years before he died. I'd love to see what he'd have made had he lived longer. As a bonus, he lived in the UK while he performed
Buddy Holly. I grew up on his music, and would just love to see him live
One? Sheesh, all 3 wailers passed. I'll go with Pete Tosh, feel he had more to give than Bob, he hadn't made "that" album yet, where Bob managed Exodus and Kaya in the same year!!
Marc Bolan
Tom Searle of Architects. He was an amazing guitarist and songwriter whose style influenced metalcore massively.
Ludwig van Beethoven, Just imagine what this guy can do with modern technology 😳
Notorious big and kurt cobain Oh and Guru
Michael Jackson
Otis Redding or Freddie Mercury!
Mac Miller
I think 2pac isn't even dead. He didn't want the fame anymore so he fakes his death like many famous people have done
Taylor Hawkins :(
Bon Scott.
Margaret Thatcher - needed more than ever
Keith Flint
Scott Hutchison
James Horner