Shaquille O'Neal conducts the Boston Pops [video]

 

Shaquille O'Neal conducted the Boston Pops on Monday night, getting into the groove on the orchestra's renditions of "Sleigh Ride," the Jackson 5's "Can You Feel It" and, of course, Queen's "We Are the Champions," a tune well suited to the former Lakers star.

The Boston Celtics center gave the performance a bit of a "Gulliver's Travels" feel, towering over the musicians and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus as he, um, helmed the group. (Watch the video — he eventually gets into it!)

"I have a whole new respect for conductors," O'Neal said before his performance, ESPN reports. "I went through a rehearsal today, and my arms are shot right now."

The musician's necks probably got a workout as well as they looked to the 7-foot-1, tuxedo-clad basketball player for guidance. Their usual conductor, Keith Lockhart, measures in at a merely human 5-foot-9 and weighs around half as much as Shaq does.

Thoughts on Shaquille O'Neal's conducting debut?

RELATED:

Tony Parker files for divorce from Eva Longoria, Texas-style

Candice Crawford -- sister of Chace Crawford -- engaged to Tony Romo [poll]

LeAnn Rimes, Sheryl Lee Ralph to sing with Gay Men's Chorus of L.A. for Christmas shows

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal serves as guest conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra during a holiday concert in Boston on Dec. 20. Credit: Gretchen Ertl / Associated Press.

Comments

[Peter Bogdanoff]

I should hope I would do as well on a court with nine pro basketball players.

Great job!

[Christian S]

Back when we had to take sides, I'da bought a Team Shaq t-shirt precisely because of things like this. He was as hyper-competitive as any dominant NBA player, but had somewhat of a goofy streak; he didn't take himself quite as seriously as Kobe takes himself. It's be tough to imagine Kobe in tux and tails, looking serious but a bit out of his league conducting an the L.A. Phil, (or their Pops sub-contingent.) Much less, appearing in a commercial in a purple leotard ribbon dancing!

[The Shark]

Shaq has ZERO Classical Music experience to lead an Orcheastra. Rappers are NOT musicians, but Sample DJ's, at best. Maybe a back water town like Boston would allow a washed up Hack to lead their Orcheastra, but in LA's championship years, the LA Philmharmonic would never allow a musically talentless hack near the orcheastra. Notice the repertoire that Mr. Shaq conducted, musical garbage. IF Shaq can conduct any Bach piece, then it would be noteworthy for an Aging, Washed Up, NBA Star.

[James]

He was horrible. He needs to get his baton up and stop wriggling his fingers for no reason just to be doing things even very basically right. People think conducting is easy. Just stand there and wave your arms. Not! You have to be able to sightread many lines at once, know the music inside and out, cue entrances on any beat or off beat, indicate dynamics and articulations, etc., etc. It takes a lifetime of dedication, just like basketball.

[The Big Shaq Fan]

Three cheers for the Big Toscanini!