Alfie Boe praises Freddie Mercury, reveals new album

6 September 2013, 17:16 | Updated: 6 September 2013, 17:19

Speaking at the Mercury Phoenix Trust's annual fundraiser in celebration of what would have been the Queen frontman's 67th birthday, Alfie Boe shared how the singer inspired his performances.

Alfie Boe performed alongside soprano Laura Wright at the Freddie For a Day HIV fundraiser, held annually in celebration of the Queen singer's life and work. Speaking at the event ahead of his performance, he explained just how much influence the star had on his career.

"Freddie has influenced my performance for years; since I was a kid 'til today," he said. "Whenever I do a Queen song I always try an channel the man.

"Without a doubt he had an amazing range, an amazing range, an amazing vocal ability, and I think he had a wide interest in different types of music too, which is something I share with Freddie."

As well as performing the 1987 hit from Freddie Mercury and opera star Montserrat Caballé, Barcelona, Alfie shared a little of the inspiration behind his new album, Trust.

"This album is something special - it was a great joy to make," he said. "It's quite bluesy, it's got a bit of a Memphis vibe to it! The songs are great - there's a few covers, one original and some songs that people probably won't have heard before".

Other performers who took to the stage included Roger Daltrey and Mel C, with guests at the bash including Stephen Fry, Queen's manager Jim Beach, Eric Idle, and Julien Macdonald.