“What a transgression to mix opera with rock”, exclaimed Montserrat Caballé when Queen’s promoter, Pino Sagliocco, revealed in 1987 that he would love to bring the renowned soprano together with Freddie Mercury for a project to be recorded in Ibiza.
That collaboration came at very different moments in the careers of the two artists. Caballé was already one of the most respected voices on the international stage, while Mercury was fighting a silent battle with HIV and gradually reducing his public appearances. He had been part of the music scene for almost 20 years and “had never given an interview in Spain”, according to Sagliocco, who spoke on Tuesday during a talk at the Ibiza School of Hotel Management. During the event, he revealed “the true story” behind Ibiza 92, one of the most memorable concerts in history, held four years before the Queen frontman’s death.
This detail, Sagliocco explained, is significant because something changed in 1986. That year, Mercury agreed to give an interview at his promoter’s request. The British band was touring Europe and had three concerts scheduled in Spain in August: on the 1st in Barcelona, on the 3rd in Madrid and on the 5th in Marbella. It was, according to Sagliocco, “a very difficult time”, when “Madrid was absolutely deserted and there wasn’t a soul on the streets”. Everyone was on holiday at the beach, and a way had to be found to promote the concert.
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