Just Released: The Night Joe Cocker, John Deacon, Brian May & Phil Collins Lit Up the 1988 Prince’s Trust Gala
A rare gem has just surfaced from the archives. Joe Cocker’s powerhouse 1988 performance of The Letter at the Prince’s Trust Rock Gala is now officially online.
The lineup makes this clip a must watch. Alongside Cocker’s gritty soulful vocals is John Deacon of Queen with his Wal Bass, whose public performances have been few and far between since retiring from music in the late 1990s. Seeing Deacon here is a reminder of his rock solid groove and understated stage presence.
Brian May adds his unmistakable guitar tone while Phil Collins drives the band with his signature energy and precision. They are joined by other top tier musicians who each bring their own flair to this fiery arrangement.
The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala was known for bringing together some of the biggest names in music to raise funds for youth charities. This moment from 1988 captures lightning in a bottle with a veteran Joe Cocker in full voice flanked by three of rock’s most celebrated players performing a version of The Letter that is as tight as it is explosive.
For bass fans the thrill is in watching John Deacon lock in with Phil Collins. It is a rare sight that reminds the world why his playing was such a vital force behind Queen’s biggest hits.
No Treble CEO Jody Miller is a Chicago-based bassist, guitarist, engineer, and producer best known for his bass gear demo videos and as the co-host of The Bass Nerds podcast.
Amazing! John Deacon is the ultimate unsung bass hero.
John Deacon was a masterful bassist and, as anyone who saw Queen live will know, was the cornerstone of their live performances.
As Freddie once said, “It doesn’t matter what happens on stage, so long as I can hear John I know where we are.”