HOW and WHY were Queen SO good at Live Aid in 1985?

[@wingsofpegasus]

TIME STAMPS - 2:43 Checking Sound 7:36 Freddie's Vocal 12:25 Off-Stage Piano - Frees Freddie for Show 16:46 Electric Snare Trigger 17:15 Breaking Down the Invisible Wall 20:42 Timed Choreography 21:00 They were LOUDER! 26:36 Backing Vocals 29:13 Freddie's Air Guitar 32:59 Transitions and Potential Wireless System Failure 34:41 Using Visual Cues 36:05 Offstage Piano 39:48 Covering Mistakes 42:15 Seamless Instrumental Transitions 43:47 Working as a Team Vocally 47:07 Mind Blowing Timing

[@JaneRtn]

Finally someone that really drives home that Queen were one of the most disciplined and dedicated band of musicians who respected their audiences by making sure each and every show was top notch. They did not rest on their laurels nor just rock up and play a few songs like others on that day. The difference between Queen and most of the other artists was like the difference between Olympian athletes and primary school dads egg and spoon race!! Great insights ❣️👑❣️👑❣️

[@Daveyk021]

Fantastic!

[@jimmycampbell78]

Also they were still an active band at the time, unlike a couple of big name bands I could mention, who had not played together for years and were pushed into one off reformations.

[@marvalstith2749]

I've read they additionally used off-stage guitar on Hammer to Fall.

[@RichardLaurence]

@@marvalstith2749 Yes, Spike Edney played keyboards and rhythm guitar on a lot of Queen concerts

[@POMOZKI]

Fascinating analysis. I was lucky enough to be there that day, in the middle of the pitch, about 50 yards from the stage and to the left of the mixing/lighting desk! As a non-musician I'm in awe of your comments. Could I humbly suggest you glossed over the "Ey-Yo" interaction with the crowd!? It was the highlight of the set for many of us. Remember, it was 92 degrees that day - some people had even passed out and been carried off the pitch. Many of us were dehydrated plus drunk and/or stoned. Typical Brits, we were not prepared fo the blistering hot sun. I'd had a stinking headache for hours and there was no hiding place, no escape if you wanted to keep your spot (you'd never have made it back to your mates if you'd left). We were also exhausted because the music had already been going for 7 hours at that stage and we'd arrived hours before that. What Freddie did was not just put on an unforgettable show. He rejuvenated everyone, got us involved. Plenty of musicians have done that since but I'd never witnessed that before. It was one aspect of his genius for showmanship. Anyway, just my tuppence worth, thanks for a great video.

[@ppineault]

I am so envious that you got to see that performance first hand!. In a way, it's still hard to believe that Freddie Mercury has died because his life force in the stage that day was a phenomenon in itself.

[@commonsense571]

Magic!!!

[@cathybrown8334]

So happy for you. What a memorable experience.

[@louiselucilla2163]

@alan simon .. I haven't read any accounts of the people who attended the concert that day. I found yours very interesting and I wanted to hear more about the experience, from beginning to end. Maybe someone should write about the day from the point of view of the fans. Or, if there is an existing account, I'd love to hear/read about. Thanks for your comments..

[@Robinrae2010]

Great retrospective, being in the crowd. What a day that must have been, to be there, feeling the insanity of it all.

[@julieallen4486]

A microphone in one hand and the crowd in the other...absolute legend ❤️

[@helenl4619]

He fking stole the show that day!

[@willowbark5649]

Julie- what a great way to put it! 🤴🏻

[@EvelynBaron]

"The note that was heard around the world' ...

[@alansimon1354]

nicely put - did you make that up yourself?

[@julieallen4486]

@@alansimon1354 No other way to see it in my eyes 🙂

[@DaveCM]

Freddie on a bad vocal day still put on one of the most iconic performances in the history of music.

[@craftysewandsews]

Yes he had a sore throat!

[@jasonwhittle4500]

Freddie on a bad day is better than 99.9% of today's musicians

[@chocho8036]

@@jasonwhittle4500 the only way anyone can catch up to him , to catch him when he is ill

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@chocho8036 That makes no sense, he was ill when they did this concert. I take it you didn't listen when Fil said that.

[@jaimegonzalez355]

Even dead, Freddie is better than most of today’s singers. Vocal range and technique is still unmatched .

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Here I am again 2023 and I still love this performance. I have shared this with my grandson who loved the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. I needed to show him the real deal.

[@colinhollands2178]

One of the things that is most impressive about that set is......................the crowd were NOT a Queen crowd, they had come to the day to see what ever band they were a fan of, but Freddie still had them eating out of his hand, purely because he was such a showman..........that was the mark of the man and the band....

[@altosanon]

This cannot be stated often enough, it is easier to get that type of rapport with your own fans, but just over 70,000 general music fans is another level!

[@SuperPhilthyrich]

The first time my brother and I saw Queen with Freddie, we spent the first 30 minutes of their performance dumbstruck with our mouths agape. He was that riveting, that entertaining, that mesmerizing.

[@maverickstclare3756]

I was never a Queen fan but I enjoyed watching that show (which I did live on TV)

[@GravytyMusic]

Freddie carried the rest of the band. Like they're okay, May is a great guitarist, but they were replaceable, and Freddie was not.

[@muggles76]

Wow... this is an aspect I never thought of. Like who wouldn't be there to see Queen. That's the whole reason I wanted to see Live Aid but I wasn't your average 9 year old American girl.

[@susannalavallee2348]

I recently heard Roger Taylor interviewed and when asked if they were scared because of the crowd size, he said yes. He went on to the the acoustics, the sound, on the stage itself were SO bad THEY COULDN'T HEAR EACHOTHER AT ALL! Roger said that entire performance required a lot of eye contact, body language and each playing by memory. Considering that, as if each were deaf....really..flawless, timeless performance. If you watch this knowing that, you can see them communicating that way...once they huddled even. Cheerio.

[@Justicia007]

I'm sure they were incredibly nervous because of the importance of the event, but Queen played to tremendous crowds as a rule rather than an exception. The crowds they drew were staggering!

[@Annii_Oakley_]

Remarkable! Wow!! I’m sorry to my generation but… I don’t think any band of my day could even come close to performing with those limitations and slaying the way they did. Just wow…

[@JerseyLynne]

I thought you meant fear of the crowd, not fear of performing.

[@erinfraise6154]

Very interesting. I've always loved this video because you can see so much of that communication that you normally don't see. I didn't know there was trouble on stage.

[@mdurwin]

@@Justicia007true, but remember, they’d been apart for awhile at this point and were quite rusty. And Freddie already knew he had AIDS and had been very sick not long before. You could already see his hair falling out. I’m not sure if they had any idea how their comeback would be received.

[@mrk8050]

At the time of Live Aid I was serving in the British Royal Marine Commandos in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. We listened to it on the radio. We were surrounded by the full horror of the Famine, but when Queen came on the radio those poor soles who were there even reacted in a very positive way. I remember that a lot of us Royal Marine Commandos were crying watching some of the children dancing along, I'm teary eyed just remembering. I looked around at men I had fought alongside, who were tough, hardened Royal Marine Commandos who had fought a life and death war against Argentinian's in 82. By the end of Queen's set we were dancing with the children. It went along way to help build their trust in us. The famine is only one of many terrible memories I have from 34 years of active service, and over 2 years hospitalisation. But when I remember the smiles on the children's faces, and their laughter at the terrible way we danced always reminds me that humanity will always find it's way through even the worst of times. I only watched it for the first time last year, my son put it on the TV. A lot of memories came back and a lot of tears. My amazing Wife took me to see Queen at Wembley, U.K., in 1986 two weeks after I got back from Ethiopia as a surprise, we also went to the last Queen concert they ever did. I saw Queen live 8 times in all (my wife only 6 ha ha), they were incredible live. And yes, I am an old fart.

[@louiselucilla2163]

Mr K that was a very touching recollection..Thank you and your fellow Marines for all you did for those Ethiopians and for making a difference to their existance.

[@leohobbleohobb3781]

Those that died do to people killed them in war, if they could speak would not think that humanity always find it,s way.another point is the destruction our planet and all the wars started on false grounds do to corrupt leaders a humanity unable to learn from history.Stop earths destruction will humans never be able to do.Humanity has never found it,s way,But queen was a great band!

[@marymayer8160]

Thank you so so very much for sharing this experience, I am moved.

[@rubynibs]

Old fart? That's alright. Freddie would have been an old fart today.

[@Robinrae2010]

So wonderful 👏 Life can be so sad while enchanting. Bless

[@tastx3142]

I am 65 and still never get tired of watching Freddie with Queen in the Live Aid concert. Iconic performance.

[@katherinequann7190]

The kiss Freddie blew during Bohemian Rhapsody while singing the phrase "Mama"... was for his mother. He told her he would blow her a kiss during his performance.

[@philgallagher1]

Yes. It was depicted so well in the movie. He told his mum he would blow her a kiss, and then, when he had made his sexuality abundantly clear and his dad hugged him.... Not a dry eye in the house! Really moving, and a high point in a great film for me!

[@SamtheMan0508]

I watched Bohemian Rhapsody again last week. One thing I can't get over is how horrible the British press was to him.

[@joyceharkin3641]

@@SamtheMan0508 They haven't changed - still f***king awful!

[@Barbara-dq2fy]

@@philgallagher1 That was from the movie's script. Did not happen that way in real life. And we don't actually know WHY he did the kiss into the camera.

[@JohnVella1968]

​@@SamtheMan0508the way that they treated Freddie, both leading up, to and after his death, is the reason I haven't bought a newspaper for almost 33 years.

[@fuelingforthelight]

Freddie owned the stage like no other. Queen's Live Aid performance still gives me goosebumps after all these years.

[@MrFinikyfrank]

The Live Aid video is a masterclass in owning the stage/crowd.

[@russelmurphy4868]

The performer who was scheduled to follow Queen was David Bowie. He reputedly said "How the F**K am I supposed to follow that?!" And Elton John went to their caravan out back, and said to them, with a big grin, "You Bastards! You've stolen the show!!"

[@kadiummusic]

The nearest thing to Elvis. Pure charisma. Sadly no longer found in entertainment.

[@stickiedmin6508]

​@@kadiummusic You aren't looking hard enough.

[@alainduchesne9750]

Best performance of all time, no fancy light show, no back screens, pure connection.

[@TheeMissyrock]

amen!!!

[@ritabutler1951]

All the nonsense that goes on today on stage. We are there to hear the music, not see a Broadway production.

[@hauptstadtgoere]

...and no fu***** mobile phones in the audience. ;-)

[@MovieMakingMan]

But how can Queen be good without 12 half naked background dancers and autotune like all of today’s acts?

[@juanitarobinson728]

But it was stated the best 20 minute show. They nailed it.

[@CozmoNurse]

Freddie was so ahead of his time, he's been dead for 30 years and there is STILL nobody who can touch him! That my friends is why we are still talking about this performance almost forty years later!

[@jenniferdaulby5519]

Has it really been 30yrs?? Freddy will always be alive to me. I watch this live show regularly just so I can shed a tear. 😢 Best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

​@@jenniferdaulby551933 years.....

[@pedrocols]

I found the movie Bohemian Rhapsody to be an insult.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

33 years now. It seems like yesterday.

[@Amileo350]

@@dumfriesspearhead7398 I had to check 1991 unbelievable isn’t it

[@tstryker03]

This is undoubtedly the greatest 20 min in Rock and Roll history.

[@anthonyross-702]

I didn't see your comment before I posted exactly the same thing.

[@betseyr.9081]

Can only be said by someone who never saw Zeppelin live, no one ever came close to LZ and what they gave to us in the audience.

[@cynthiaforsythe8989]

@@betseyr.9081I saw Led Zeppelin live in 1970 - great show / but I’d put the Who live before LZ and this Queen performance above everyone for all time! PS Led Zeppelin bombed at Live Aid

[@p0llk4t07]

​@@betseyr.9081Prince...enough said really...if you've never been to a Prince show you have no idea...

[@ballyhoo3]

I love how you can't stop smiling at Freddie. He does that to me too, or makes me cry. He's still so alive to me

[@denasharpe2393]

For so many of us...he was a true original.....

[@michelletammydenney1417]

His soul is alive ❤️

[@Annii_Oakley_]

Bro has full scale fanboy eyes… can’t fault him… I literally do too… 😌

[@LISA75_]

THEY MANAGED to play this set with perfect timing perfect pitch and all in sync , WITH NO AUTO TUNE, NO IN-EAR MONITORS . JUST TALENT AND PRACTICE.

[@cristinagroen3516]

Freddie is just perfect & clean frontman, respectable & classy!

[@deltatango5765]

@@cristinagroen3516 So true, and his band mates would attest to that.

[@StephenButlerOne]

Just beer, vodka and cocaine. the post 90s auto tune of choice.

[@speedingpenguin]

The good ol' days...

[@MrBobDobolina]

Not to take away from Mr Mercury, who is a giant of a vocalist but, the fact that we praise singers for actually being able to sing is a sad commentary on the state of music today.

[@CoffeeOwlll]

Crying, Freddie dance walked, ran and sang all over that stage for the TOTAL performance. I saw it, because I was there. (7th row stage right). I feel so blessed.

[@kimemerson5732]

Absolutely AWESOME!!!!

[@dottester3039]

Me too, i was a few rows behind you and to the centre, absolute gobsmacking, i was in tears. Just so remarkable. A very special day in my life.

[@MBE-ib3jy]

Why were Queen so good that day? They had paid their dues over years, had experience of large stadiums, had a great well know hit list, and practiced for a week before hand. Basically they were professionals, treated the occasion seriously rather than just turn up and wing it. Add to that, Freddie decided to shine like no one had before or since, but kudos to the whole band, not just Freddie. There is unlikely to be another frontman with his charisma in our lifetime, he truly was the best frontman ever.

[@deltatango5765]

"There is unlikely to be another frontman with his charisma in our lifetime" With the absolute crap they're pumping out today, I have no doubt.

[@d1p70]

Your analysis makes it hurt all the more when I'm reminded of just how total shit one of my other top bands of all time (Led Zep) was that day. Someone needed to smack some sense into Page that day, and def not the smack his sorry ass was on.

[@Robinrae2010]

That is a fact!

[@MovieMakingMan]

We don’t even know what today’s singer’s voices sound like because they’re so doctored and manipulated with autotune and multimillion dollar effects. I believe anyone can be a ‘star’ today. My dog barks at me because my voice is so awful and my cat bops me in the mouth when I sing to her. But with autotune, a multimillion dollar stage and 20 naked background dancers I could be a world renown superstar headlining next year’s Super Bowl.

[@bobstitch6112]

@@MovieMakingMan old man doesn't like modern music, how original

[@americanpancakelive]

The shot of the sea of people (70,000) is simply ridiculous looking. Amazing. The older I get the more I appreciate Queen not only as consummate performers but incredible, INCREDIBLE songwriters and technically proficient (amazingly so) musicians.

[@alsleepr]

Loved that Freddie warmed up the keys with Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto #1. His background in the classics was not lost on me.

[@james-pierre7634]

And 100 years from now artists will be warming up with Bohemian Rhapsody!

[@garyparkinson6198]

Didn't even realise, love some Tchaikovsky and a bit more Freddie

[@clovenwizard]

Brings tears to my eyes, magnificent piece of rock history!

[@gwenna1161]

I love this man's smile. It expresses how good music is supposed to make you feel.

[@susanjane2498]

❤ yes, his face is that of an angel ☺️

[@richman360]

My favorite thing about Mercury is how he'd stick up for his band mates when interviewers would imply that he in some way over shadowed them. Stand-up fellow.

[@chocho8036]

he would say, there are four people here ... lead singer, not leader of band

[@tiffsaver]

Lead singers are SUPPOSED to do that!! Critics drive me crazy...

[@juliereminiec4937]

@@tiffsaver It wasn't the music critics as much as it was the tabloid media...

[@ross6753]

@@juliereminiec4937 There was a lot of homophobia there. They always tried to make him look like a freak. He didn't mind, but he did hate it when his fellow-Queens risked to get dragged along in the ridicule.

[@joannemagee1363]

The piano was played by Spike Edney who filled in on piano regularly while Freddy was downstage being Freddy. Spike is their piano man to this day for Queen+Adam Lambert. He’s one of the family.

[@veraruda4174]

Thank you for adding this note!

[@Cypher75]

Spike Edney also played the guitar as well. Forget which songs, but was in Wembley 86 magic tour.

[@dizzypilots2639]

Thanks for that 😎🥂

[@yep3489]

Spike was in Roger’s solo band first, then became Queen’s auxiliary piano player in 1984.

[@nessy9022]

@@Cypher75 Hammer to Fall was the song he played guitar on both at Live Aid and The Magic Tour. Backing vocals too. I read somewhere he was touring musical director for The Magic Tour, but can't find a definitive source ATM.

[@JoseRodriguez-lb3qf]

Freddie and Brian came back out later to perform "Is this the world we created". And it was absolutely beautiful. Why does no one ever cover it when doing a Live Aid video?

[@rachelpenny5165]

That is one of my favourite Queen songs, the lyrics are so powerful.

[@mariamenegalli2321]

No ONE will ever command an audience like Freddie!! The greatest front man ever, accompanied by the rest of this amazing band, are and will always be legendary!! RIP Freddie

[@manjulanilsson6011]

I know it almost looks ridiculous when others are trying to copy and command crowds bc no one could measure up to Freddie 😊

[@TGSamantha091]

As much as I love Iron Maiden and Bruce Dickinson, I agree =)

[@turbofella8305]

Metallica 1991 in Moscow and 1.6 million fans may disagree

[@CrispyRolli]

@@TGSamantha091 I agree but Bruce is right behind Freddy

[@kevinroberts7676]

Mick jagger and james brown were every bit as good as Freddie at commanding a crowd, some people are born to be on the stage

[@francoiscarrier8745]

"You're only as strong as your weakest link and with Queen there was no weak link" such an impressive group

[@richardcollejr.5121]

That's the Best performance in his life and he did it for the world

[@kathleen109]

I love the way you smile as you watch. It's clear you love Queen as much as so many of us.

[@marthahoushar5428]

Fil’s teeth, omg, the teeth. Such a fabulous smile. Terrific breakdown, a great understanding of it all.

[@fightingforfreedom5017]

Yes I notice that too. And if you watch the video when he announced in great disbelieve and horror that Queen productions auto tuned Freddie’s voice. Normally he is very calm and alway’s giving singers the benefit of the doubt, but in this video he can’t hardly control his feelings. As Queen fans, we are all very upset, with the auto tuning of Freddie’s voice. It’s outrageous!

[@helenl4619]

@@fightingforfreedom5017 I didnt watch the thing..i refuse to watch it...autotune Freddy flipping Mercury??????blasphemy i tell ya!

[@Justicia007]

@@fightingforfreedom5017 could I have a link to where this was discussed? I'd like to watch that

[@fightingforfreedom5017]

@@Justicia007 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH_MfmZ3o82qeas Here you go.

[@stanatkins]

Fantastic! There never has been or never will be another Freddie Mercury. A once in a century talent.

[@suehollar2578]

Only Freddie could strut like that and not look cheesy. It's nice to know about their dedication to minute details and how they all add up to make a unforgettable performance that the entire world was watching.

[@jimmycampbell78]

Yeah I was thinking that. Its just you know its his natural persona as a performer and his own style. Anyone else would be in danger of looking cheesy or like a poser. Freddie owns it. What can you say?

[@sdavis5001]

His "peacock strut" was his trademark. And did it so......AMAZING!!!

[@johndododoe1411]

Only half the world. Mostly those with money to donate, but another comment reports starving children listening in from Ethiopia.

[@meadowkitty26]

I cry EVERY TIME the audience claps along to Radio Gaga. I cried when I watched it when I was 10 and I still cry today. The world will never know another Freddie.

[@violetgc6049]

Same here! It takes my breath away and makes me feel so much that I get all choked-up. That enormous crowd acting as one organism, completely enthralled by Freddy. I get goosebumps every time!

[@dbvetter7485]

I remember watching this in 1985. Never thought people would be still talking about this over 30 years later. It just shows how timeless Queen and Freddie are.

[@conniethesconnie]

It's good but I never understand the fascination with this set. I've watched other old bands. The Beatles, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and other bands seemed better to me. I don't even know if this was the best set from the Live Aid event.

[@myramegill7293]

@@conniethesconnie it was, and they were. 😁

[@richardjohncrouch7617]

@@myramegill7293 so 100 Million people are wrong ...and you are right?

[@myramegill7293]

@@richardjohncrouch7617 you misunderstand my remark. The OP said they weren't sure Queen was the best set, or even the best band. I replied that it was (the best set) and they (Queen) were (one of the best bands) of the day. So I was defending Queen against the poster's negative comment. No need to insult me for the remark, but it's fine to disagree.

[@conniehackner8607]

Same here. We had no awareness of how blessed we were. It was the age of amazing Rock music and we didn't know it wouldn't last forever :)

[@stephanielane2801]

Freddie did say in an interview that his favorite instrument was the crowd

[@debatabletruths6687]

Talent is 10 a penny, but genuine charisma is very rare indeed. Freddie had both in spades.

[@FannyDash]

I heard in an Interview that once Queen decided to join Live Aid they stepped into a studio and rehearsed every second to give a perfect Performance. they gave a fantastic show to the audience and still, more than 30 years later we get shivers and are enthusiastic about this Band There is no Band like Queen. I'm so happy to grow up with them

[@calypsodream8059]

And that was the perfect performance.

[@chadlee1057]

Yeah, I believe that about Queen.

[@majvit9271]

One reason to why they really wanted to give a perfect performance can be that they did the works tour 1984-1985 and on that tour they also made concerts in South Africa .It was forbidden to play there because of apartheid and Queen was punished for it. For Live Aid Queen´s name wasn´t allowed to be in the printed program and their fans didn´t know Queen would participate.

[@adams7405]

They had got a lot of flack for doing Sun City and the wonderful gutter press were labelling them as has beens.Which back fired on them of course. ...

[@thetragicyouth]

Yeah, I believe it was the old Shaw Theatre in Euston where they rehearsed for Live Aid.

[@suecox2308]

Freddie's voice in We Are the Champions was obviously feeling the strain of that incredible set--and you're right--his bandmates step up to keep the richness and strength of the vocals. Incredible performance--and love your analysis.

[@Alfonso162008]

And even with that strain, it was still a contender for one of their best renditions of that song live.

[@hawaiianartworks6728]

You can’t have a performance without some cowbell❗️❗️

[@dob5327]

He already had AIDS He knew his days were numbered

[@sharonammirati2042]

i love that you analyze the interactions of the whole band and don't just comment on Freddie as so many reactions to this Live Aid segment do. I always learn so much from your analysis.

[@bbwers4193]

Really good analysis

[@sandeesandwich2180]

The other thing that makes this performance so amazing is that the crowd was not there for Queen. It was Live Aid, so the audience had (we assume) different bands that they were fans of. And I think (unless this is apocryphal) that Queen was a relatively late add, so most attendees would not have even booked their tickets with Queen in mind. And yet, Queen had the entire crowd in the palm of their hands.

[@DoctorQuackenbush]

Clearly there were other fans. I could see the U2 banner blocking people’s view in this video.

[@greenygreen5308]

Yes, this exactly. To have your own crowd in t.he palm of your hand is one thing. To have a charity concert stadium crowd, 6 hours in, so engaged and enthralled is amazing.

[@michaelg2478]

U2 were the hot band of the time, hence all the U2 banners and flags waving all day through every performance. They already had two number 1 albums in the UK before they played Live Aid.

[@patrickcrowther9195]

Absolutely

[@StockportJambo]

Exactly this. It wasn't their crowd - most of them weren't there to see Queen - but within a short medley and a few 'Ayyy ohhs', they were totally into it. The energy coming off the band (and especially Freddie) was 100% infectious. That back shot of the whole of Wembley (like, all of it) swaying to "We Are The Champions" with Freddie conducting at the end is *the* iconic image that will live forever.

[@janelfont8874]

Freddie being such a perfectionist that none of this is surprising. Gone too soon. What a tragic loss.

[@amandatolleson7740]

It truly is the biggest tragedy!

[@JohnnyLaps]

Well said Jan

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@amandatolleson7740 it's the worst.

[@piscesempress1978]

He was a Virgo, def, they are perfectionists. I agree the worst loss in my opinion.

[@rachelpenny5165]

It was a tragic loss. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 2 weeks before he died. I was 18, due to be 19 the next month so not a good year. The song 'The show must go on' was released around that time and helped me to come to terms with the diagnosis. So this song is special to me. Take care and best wishes

[@JediFight]

This was the single greatest performance ever. I get lost in this performance and I have seen it hundreds of times. The crowd was magical. Freddie was beyond angelical.

[@LadyJofScott]

I loved how you broke this performance down. As you mentioned, Queen was so good, many people don't realize all the hard work they put into all their performances. To be given 20 minutes to perform, and put on such a spectacular show is nothing but amazing. I've seen this clip many times. It still gives me goosebumps and makes me want to stand up and cheer, "All hail to Queen!"

[@surferdude4487]

Can we just take a minute to appreciate what the sound engineers were able to do? That has to be the best job of sound mixing I have ever heard at a live concert. The balance was perfect!

[@billslocum9819]

I know as an American Live Aid viewer who thought Queen had had their day, with low expectations going in and the tepid way other acts had performed to that point (neither the stadium nor the sound system seemed right), it was a shock just how solid and in their element Queen looked from the get-go. They clearly kicked the show up a notch or two, to a place I didn't think it could go, and the response they got from the hometown fans was felt all the way across the Ocean. Live Aid without Queen would have been a minor dud.

[@WhiteCamry]

I was at Live Aid USA in Philadelphia. Thanks to the slipshod satellite transmission, we caught the middle 12-15 minutes.

[@michaelg2478]

U2 were pretty damn good that day too, not sure why people forget this. They were the first band of the day to fire the crowd up when they started playing "Sunday Bloody Sunday", they demanded the crowds attention. Queen came on later, and stole it, and history, but U2 were the first band that day to seize the enormity of the occasion.

[@sharonallforloveandpositiv5497]

@@michaelg2478 but I think the reason Queen were seen as the better that day was because they played song after song for their whole allotted time. Not just 3 or 4 like the others. Their performance was fantastic obviously also due to Freddie's high energy and use of the whole stage and his showmanship.

[@deletebilderberg]

Yep. They had literally been written off by the media.

[@deletebilderberg]

@@michaelg2478 Debatable.

[@PleaseNThankYou]

The first time I really understood a singer like Mercury was something Shania Twain said about herself. She had jumped from country to pop and was questioned about it. She said she IS NOT a singer, she is a performer… what ever the fans want or ask for is what she will give them. I think of Mercury as a theatrical performer with a phenomenal voice. He wants only to please the fans. Until the man fell over dead he gave them his best performance possible.

[@laurameisenhelter9186]

My sister got Sheer Heart Attack as a birthday gift in 1975. I was 10. That was when I fell in love with Queen. I'm 58 now. I still love the band. My heart is aching for the loss of Freddie Mercury. Fil, I almost didn't watch this because it sometimes hurts to watch/listen Queen, because of how f'ing amazing the band was, and because of the loss of Freddie. I'm so glad I let the video play. So bittersweet. Your analysis has given a greater depth to my understanding of the band. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@danielsmith2329]

The connection with the audience is incredible but, how I can watch a recording of it on a phone screen 35 years after the event and it connects with me enough to bring me to tears time and time again, that is powerful beyond belief. Astonishing! Long live Queen and R.I.P Freddie. The greatest ♥

[@sw6188]

Freddie was a truly amazing man - and combined with the crew of Queen they were untouchable.

[@williambergman3840]

Imagine the thrill of 70,000 ppls singing n resounding yo your songs🤩🤩🤩

[@williambergman3840]

@@sw6188 yes indeed

[@williambergman3840]

Responding to your songs

[@rachelcoloradomy3kidz778]

I know. I get chills And tear up every time I watch This Amazing concert

[@chocho8036]

the audience is singing with him immediately ... they didn't need much warm up either to be completely with him i always get chills the second he starts singing, thank you for this

[@pandapeep1148]

They were the ultimate stadium band. No one ever captivated every single person in a stadium like they did.

[@marthaworc7873]

Well, Queen was in the top 3. I guess your vote clinches it. :)

[@betseyr.9081]

They NEVER came close to what Zeppelin fans were a part of at live events!

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

@@betseyr.9081 Curious how you mentioned Zeppelin here...

[@MJWPub]

Er,,, I saw them 1985. Never listened to Queen again. The stopping and starting, the change in style (although I was a fan of those songs) just broke up the momentum, Status Quo - whom I'd never heard of at the time - blew them away!

[@pennymcneela7095]

I thought Status Quo did a mighty fine job with the opening song ~ Rocking all over the World.

[@ederss7]

I love that Freddie still took time to interact with the fans despite knowing they had limited time on stage. The man knew how to put out a show. A legend.

[@googieusa123]

I've watched Queen's Live Aid performance many times but your brilliant commentary gave me an entirely new appreciation for them.

[@johnbelfiglio562]

Love the props to Roger on his timing. He’s definitely an underrated drummer. Big influence on my playing.

[@michaelp.gillis7592]

I generally like reactions where the reactor is a novice, being blown away by a great artistry and performance. I"m not fond of most reactors who try to analyze and show how smart they are. You know what you're talking about. I feel like I'm taking a master class in musical concepts and performance.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@dennisyounkin644]

Yes Fil is a true Master!!!

[@christophersmith2544]

Been a fan of fil for a while just for the stated reasons 👍

[@andrewcoyle3511]

True that. I had to stop at 3:40.

[@lilamuzik3385]

Ditto. I enjoy the teeny boppers discovery of " my" music, but always return to Fil from my education. Fil..you are the best!

[@PuertoRicanAshley]

You’re the only one who pointed out the sound check! It was so quick but amazing. 😮‍💨

[@EllieM_Travels]

The band members all knew this was for Freddie. When someone is that important to you, you give it your all plus some. They kicked super human effort into their performances…. All of them. Queen was a fine tuned machine that day. Their energy and the pure love behind it made people cry with joy. I cry every time! Impressive indeed!

[@deanbolt9375]

I can remember seeing a Documentary about this Live Aid concert where Bob Geldof mentioned that even though donations were coming in, they were slow and sporadic, then Queen went onstage and apparently the phone lines nearly melted, such was the performance and atmosphere that Queen added to this whole charity event.

[@thespursfan7564]

fact

[@mattfromthecreek]

Freddie’s gestures, walk and movements really express that he is feeling every word and with that we believe him, in turn making us want to be fully engaged and willing to go along the ride with him. Truly one of the most brilliant frontmen of all time.(probably the best)

[@StockportJambo]

Agreed, but he was unique. What I mean by that is, any aspiring frontman or singer could acknowledge that Freddie was the greatest ever, but if you studied his performances and then tried to incorporate that into your *own* performances - it wouldn't work. People will say "Oh, you're just trying to be Freddie Mercury." Only Freddie could pull off the things he did that made him so special as a live performer.

[@josiepkat]

One small thing I haven't heard mentioned yet - notice how they put Crazy Little Thing Called Love as the middle song. Freddie makes everything look effortless, but it isn't, and this middle song gives him a SLIGHTLY lower key moment to catch his breath. It's a breezy song for him vocally, fun and not super demanding while showing off the warmest part of his voice. He's got the guitar so he's not running around as much but isn't just standing there either. My bet is that he's a guy who knows you should pace yourself on stage BUT sometimes you get in the moment and don't. If you don't pace u run the risk of overtaxing yourself - particularly when you have to just go go go for 20 minutes because that's what you've got here.

[@dob5327]

He had AIDS. He knew it. His band mates did too We could all hear his voice breaks and him compensating but even compensating he is still at a level higher than the top 90 percentile of singers Outstanding voice

[@ra4auto]

Also impressive is how Brian uses 3 different guitars during this song without missing a beat.

[@iris67si]

​@@dob5327he was infected with HIV but he didn't know it then and didn't develope AIDS at that point (please, don't believe BohRap film, facts there are not correct because it's a film not a documentary). He was officially diagnosed in spring of 1987. He told their manager Jim Beach but not jet band members (they were told in 1989 but of course they knew something wasn't ok with his health). At Live Aid Freddie wasn't ill.

[@IfUfindthisURlost]

@@iris67si Glad someone else pointed this out. THAT film really took liberties with th etime line of events. More fantsy than fact.

[@iris67si]

@@IfUfindthisURlost unfortunately yes. It would be better if they didn't mess with the timeline. But the film also brought Queen to all new generations and that is something amazing. Freddie and Queen will live on through their music ... Till the end of time. 🥰

[@angeladiane5026]

You talked about their command of time, but I didn't see how the yellow light at the foot of the stage changed to red just after they played the last note. Absolutely incredible.

[@partially_discombobulated9818]

Wow I knew the set time limit but I never saw that until you pointed it out!

[@HockeyFan1972]

I was 13 years old and watching this concert in my parent's basement, in Minnesota, USA, and my mom was a Queen fan so when they came on I was familiar with the songs....BUT THE PERFORMANCE!!!!! To this day, if I hear Radio GaGa, I throw my hands up and clap at the right time(s)...sometimes at the angst of those around me....doesn't matter...SOOOOO GOOOODDD!!!

[@thespursfan7564]

SO YOUR 49 0R 50 CAUSE I WAS TEN , IM FROM ABERDEEN SCOTLAND

[@loveinthemidst5841]

I love your expression- the smile- when you are watching Freddie. I saw them live when I was 16 and I threw Freddie a long stemmed red 🌹, oh yes I did! What a night. And yes. Every show they performed as if it was their last. Glad to have found your channel. To this day I love to listen to him sing. A Persian Prince. RIP Freddie. ❤️🌹❤️.

[@pepamicro]

A Persian Queen!

[@loveinthemidst5841]

@@pepamicro what’s your point ffs yeah we know he was gay sheesh. So you took the time to respond to me with this. Oh brother really! Bigot much?

[@pennyrockysmomma4445]

He wasn't Persian. Persia is now Iran. He was Indian-Parsi, born in Zanzabar

[@loveinthemidst5841]

@@pennyrockysmomma4445 Freddie did have Persian ancestry. And he said “That’s something inbred, it’s a part of me. I will always walk around like a Persian popinjay”.

[@dont_follow5777]

Saw them when I was 15. 1982. I don't think I appreciated it as much then as I have as I've aged. I was incredibly lucky to see them. I believe that was their last American tour.

[@ciarakristos111]

Freddie's performance at Live Aid was both multi-levelled (powerful vocals, masterful instrumentation, theatricality, physical athleticism) and multi-dimensional on a spiritual level. Pure gifts, skills, flair and joy from his heart. That's what made it (and him) so special. 💙

[@MrMotorNerd]

They " Stole the show " . Pretty impressive, they were written off by most and the sheer quality of acts that day . Bravo , They were untouchable that day !

[@dianecourtney2724]

And any day !

[@worldgonemad1977]

Queen were such a success not only because they chose their most outstanding hits, they also chose those songs because they knew that the audience would participate. Queen were famous for their big stadium concerts so Live Aid didn’t phase them at all. With Freddie’s interaction with the audience, he had them in the palm of his hand, which none of the other bands achieved. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 💖

[@dantreadwell7421]

Freddy: On Stage. Audience: "USE US OH LORD!" Freddy: Heh, yall my bitches. *smiles*

[@seanjones2456]

I will never forget the fact that Freddie had a cold this day. Any singer will tell you that singing while sick just blows on so many levels. What a legend.

[@laurieyeager3489]

Freddie has a throat infection, which affected his vocal cords. His doctor advised him not to sing at Live Aid, but Freddie did it anyway.

[@williambergman3840]

And his entire body under attack with the hideous aids😭yet he still sang his heart out 👏👏👏👏👏

[@williambergman3840]

Yes it’s horrible to know that your voice is normally capable-of so much more usually👈🏻 n to exert the control of not wrecking your vocal cords is very distressing n difficult 😥 but Freddy did it❤️

[@williambergman3840]

@@laurieyeager3489 he unfortunately had much more than a sore throat then🥵look at the circles under his eyes! He felt very bad yet gave a fantastic performance and his best in these songs ❤️👍

[@helenl4619]

@@williambergman3840 He had already HIV by this point but not AIDS..yet....after this perfomance the virus will start showing its ugly face. RIP ma man Freddy....

[@def1ghi]

The set list is also awesomely thought out. Within a minute of taking stage they are launching into their most iconic song and then straight into a song whose chorus is all about "us" loving radio joining the audience participation with the lyrics.

[@ireneangelucci3733]

I would have never known he wasn't feeling 100% if you didn't tell me. This is such a fascinating analysis, thank you so much💜💜💜

[@richardchurch9709]

They had rehearsed this set to death and Roger had the timing down to perfection. They wanted to let Freddie get in with the crowd, and he would have gone on for ages given the chance, but Roger gave him the drum clue at 25:38 that his time was up, utter professionals. They were not even top billing for the show but they were undisputed champions by the end, for sure. I wasn't there but I heard it on broadcast and I could not believe how good they were. Mind you I never picked up on a fraction of the points you raised in your analysis, thank you for a great video.

[@AmandaBabyyyyy]

I love that you pointed out the drum cue! In scrolling the comments, I’ve seen several people wishing this portion of the show-this particular interaction with the audience-had been broken down a bit more in the analysis. The masterful timing of this call and response, and the purpose it served, is so interesting to me!

[@richardchurch9709]

@@AmandaBabyyyyy 😘

[@pamelayeager2083]

I watched their performance on “live” tv & was blown away having seen them twice in concert. This performance still gives me goosebumps ❤️

[@ChefClary60]

One thing often overlooked is how amazing the background vocals are. Roger and Brian were both once lead vocalists and their background vocals are truly amazing.

[@alanvaughan2937]

Freddy always gave credit to the background vocals Roger handles most of the super high notes he had a far higher range than Freddy just a different type of voice ..Freddy had range and Power ..and he was Freddy

[@andrewfinlayson1507]

I'd have to say that Queen was one of those very rare bands who actually sound better live than on an album. Freddie always seems to just put so much more into those live performances.

[@cindydlittle]

They, especially Freddie fed off of the energy of the crowd.

[@angelatheriault8855]

I’ve watched this performance at least a hundred times but I was thrilled to learn of the many nuances I had missed. Now I can appreciate it even more! Thanks so much, Fil!

[@r.d.sandman6474]

Oh, I got everything 3rd time round, I still enjoy it but lyrically it’s pretty linear, no hidden meanings. Good music.

[@DELILAHFM]

I need FREDDIE EVERY DAY TO LIVE!!!!!💋👑💋👑💋👑💋👑💋💋👑💋👑👏👑👑👑👑👑👑👑💋👑👑

[@JerseyLynne]

mee too !!!

[@deedeeduncan9347]

Same

[@lavieenrose5954]

Me too.... I’m so impressed with their masterful mini sound check - I never noticed that ...

[@kaspinet]

I always cry throughout this performance. The tightness and musicianship of the band, Freddie's beautiful voice, his charisma, seeing thousands of people clapping and reacting in euphoric enthusiasm, and the emotions and adrenaline of a great rock concert (especially a taped one). It just overwhelms me but they're good tears because how often do you get to witness such a moment and it's been recorded for generations to come to appreciate.

[@gilliantracy7991]

I always cry too. Best performance ever! I miss Freddie so much!

[@hubbsllc]

What gets me is how the performance looks like a movie was being shot, i.e., as if everything had been storyboarded.

[@madspaniel4271]

The most amazing thing for me personally, is when Freddie, John & Brian turn to face Roger on the drums, call me a sentimental old git if you want, but that for me was beautiful...that's what you call a band!.

[@markingtime1024]

@@madspaniel4271 Yes, when you really look closely at any of their live performances, going right back to the beginning, they are always, always looking at one another, listening to one another, cueing and following and intertwining - the simpatico and professionalism were always there both in-studio and onstage - integral qualities to why they're so revered. Fil here has pointed out how crucial the rhythm section is - they're the unappreciated bedrock of good bands - and when you watch closely, bassist Deacon and drummer Taylor are connected to one another at all times. It's incredibly subtle, they never made a show of it. Camera action doesn't capture this very often, because May and Mercury usually draw the camera attention - understandably, but it's a shame in terms of getting literally the full picture - but bassist and drummer are always connected. So many bands, everybody's in their own bubble onstage, but never Queen. They're always with one another both in spirit and in musicianship. The tightest of bands, the tightest of craftsmanship, the tightest of simpatico. Remarkable for four very, very distinct and unalike personalities.

[@SimbianMinistry]

I was in the crowd that day, and Queen really were in a league of their own compared to everyone else. As a huge Queen fan, I'd seen them before, but after they finished, all those around me who'd never seen Queen live before were... F***!!! How does anybody follow that??? On a hi-res recording you can make me out, just after 'Ready Freddie' during Crazy little thing - behind the girl on her b/f's shoulders, I'm the one wearing sunglasses right behind the guy waving a white t-shirt. I'd travelled down from the North-East for the weekend, while waiting to hear my degree reults (I was 21 at the time) - It was a red-hot day, and got badly sunburned, but WELL worth it.

[@fayrelightjordan2470]

Freddie always seems to be honoring Brian during the solos!! Brilliant. Transcendent

[@urthaitravel1978]

Timeless......I"ll never tire of this performance.

[@capstevepoarch]

I simply canNOT get enough of Brian May. He is simply the master of his instrument. Red Special is capable of so many sounds and tones, but beyond the capability of the guitar itself, Brian displays so many techniques and is a consummate MASTER of all of them. But nothing he does is "showing off" or going beyond the limits of good taste. Everything fits into the framework of the song. I stand in awe of the man. In addition to that, he is just genuinely a good dude.

[@markingtime1024]

The Red Special. Homemade. A teenage project with his father, who, even so, never had faith in his son's career choice until Brian persuaded his parents to come see Queen at Madison Square Garden in NYC, at that time the pinnacle of performance venues. If you played the Garden, you had Arrived. By which time the band was solidly successful. The Special is now, in modern-instrument terms, entering early middle age, a 1960s perfect confection of garage parts, hardware store small bits, and household junk, father-son labor of love and companionship. No other guitar in the world is able to sound just like it. It's a complete personality in its own right, the fifth band member of original Queen. Bassist John Deacon crafted an amp, the Deaky Amp, for the Special, which amp is still in use, albeit refurbished, at times by May today. For anyone not familiar, and who might be interested, a bit on the guitar - guitarriego.com/en-us/guitar/red-special-history-and-characteristics-of-brian-may-guitar/

[@AnotherWittyUsername.]

Dr. Brian May is also an astrophysicist when he's not being a rock star. I wonder if he's ambidextrous?

[@johngraham5996]

cap steve did you notice at the end of champions that brian walks into his mic stand as he walks back from the front of the stage? it took me years to spot that as i always looked at freddie at this point! also look at ratty just before the radio gaga intro! its around 15 seconds from the start of it and he's taping up freddie's mic stand, but of course he makes it on time 👑✊🇬🇧

[@johngraham5996]

@@markingtime1024 makes you wonder what the red special would be worth nowadays?

[@lorrainecimino8508]

@@johngraham5996 Brian has said the guitar is not insured, no one can determine a value for it. But if it's not with Brian, it's with his guitar tech Pete who has worked for Brian for the past twenty or twenty-five years. That guitar is always with somebody. I heard him say in a video "she's my baby and when I die she will be buried with me". If that's what he wants that should be the way it is, but I would think one of his kids would love to have that guitar, but they would certainly honor their father's wishes.

[@dana_brooke_27]

Roger and Brian said in an interview that they couldn't hear themselves because they were so loud and so was the audience. They didn't know how great they were sounding. Roger filled in for Freddie a lot if Freddie's voice wasn't all there at a concert.

[@floralevario5084]

It's so refreshing to listen to someone intelligent and knowledgeable talk about this performance. Great job Fil! This is my favorite music clip of all time. Thank you.

[@billswifejo]

With regards to the vocals on Bohemian Rhapsody, every member of the crowd, and millions of us at home were singling to usual melody, so Freddie was singing a harmony with us. It was brilliant, and still brings tears to my eyes. There’s never really been anyone to touch them for my money.

[@charliekane135]

I'm not sure how and why but they were breathtaking. I was there. Freddie whipped a flagging atmosphere and crowd into a joyous frenzy. Nice video

[@fayprivate7975]

As many times as I have watched Queen at Live Aid, I have never appreciated it so much until now, after watching your video. Fil, you are a master at analyzing, seeing all the details and minutia of a performance as well as knowing and understanding each member of a band. Now, I love and appreciate Queen more than ever. Thank you!

[@theresarandall7448]

Me too and I have been a fan of Queen since 1974 when I was 13

[@MagsMusicfan9]

I absolutely LOVE you for doing this and explaining how he was sick before this performance and still managed to make it the best 20 mins in rock n’ roll history! Spike Edney is on keys, which you probably already knew, but most dont. He was like the 5th member of Queen once Freddie realized he needed to be more of a front man. Queen rehearsed the timing to match the time perfectly. Ratty, Freddie’s assistant, went out and bought a bunch of clocks so they could make sure it was perfect. They were all perfectionists. Brian May and Roger Taylor were actually blown away when Freddie performed the ay oh part. Love how you noticed Freddie accenting Brian’s playing! He would do the same for Roger when he had really cool drumming parts by going up the riser and saying something like “Give it to me blondy!” You are right and wrong about one thing - Brian and John maybe be looking at Roger to kick in but Roger took all his cues from Freddie. He says in a documentary that when they even did the tribute show he had trouble because Freddie would always raise his hand or bring it down to give him the cues to start and stop. One of my fav things about Queen is that we have a lot of different versions of the same songs. Queen live for the most part was always different because Freddie knew he wasn’t gonna be able to reach all those notes for a whole tour so often times he lowered his tone. My fav version of In The Lap of Gods isn’t the album version its the one from Live at the Odeon. I LOVED watching you love them! You’re a definite Queenie! …and funny thing Ive been watching your vids a few years now and never noticed what a gorgeous smile you have. ❤ PS I love watching clips of some of the other bands that day, including Bowie and Elton John, saying they knew the min they played that they stole the whole show!

[@ladeseddy5994]

Still the best live performance I have ever seen. Live on TV or in person. Hands down. Knew it was going to be iconic when they finished. I turned to my wife and said, "I cannot believe what I just heard and saw". Freddie owned that crowd and the day.

[@lonechristensen8824]

Queen absolutely 'Stole the show' as it has been said every since...nobody remembers who came before and after the Queen :)

[@RasMajnouni]

The only thing Freddie owner were the under 18 year old boys he loved to abuse

[@erikwallbank6379]

The best thing about your critiques, besides the incisive analysis, is your smile. You love music so much it beams from your smile and off your face. Given the tough world we live in, you are a godsend. Thanks.

[@deborahallen3318]

I did notice that! He has a absolute beautiful smile, doesn't he? 😃

[@erikwallbank6379]

@@deborahallen3318 He does. Sweet man.

[@mifnp8887]

AGREED! He watches with true admiration and respect. His smile says it all ❤

[@elizabethalbert8703]

@@mifnp8887 He may have been a toddler when this concert took place at Wembley stadium.

[@pamnichols7877]

I love you Fil!!!!!! Thanks for all you do for us!!!!! Britain 🇬🇧 Rocks!

[@martinstefanov9921]

I love how Wings of Pegasus smiles when he's listening to the performance. I haven't really noticed this so far but I also smile a lot when I hear Queen at Live Aid. So this is really a measurement of how great this piece of music is, how it makes people happy so many years later. It's beautiful and unforgettable.

[@chocho8036]

i'm not smiling because i'm too busy dealing with chills up and down my spine when Freddie sings. the weird part is that i am not that much of a fan (sacrilege i know) even though i have watched their vids here repeatedly

[@Hexcaliblur83]

Freddie is absolutely up there, undisputed with the G.O.A.T's front men of all time.. his ability to engage his audience and connect with them and own and fully immerse himself in his position is next level.. have watched this performance countless times and still gives me chills.. this was a great analysis of this iconic performance by Queen, Thank you 😁👍

[@richwear5353]

Maybe the best live rock performance of all-time. Thank you Freddie Mercury!

[@fightscrimewhilesleeping4024]

Watching these old recordings of them, it's always impressive to me how well all the members of Queen play off of and support each other in live performances. They really are like a well trained pro sports team--passing back and forth, setting up shots for each other, and just generally working all of their individual strengths and abilities to the max to form a cohesive whole. They were all individually excellent, but they knew how to make each other even better, and I think THAT'S how they became the legends that they are.

[@johnsmith-es7zk]

I have always loved the way that Freddie connects with every part of the audience. He will go side to side and wave, almost on tip toe to wave at those right at the back, and of course those in front of him too. Also he constantly connects with his band showing his pride at their abilities. It's all so perfectly done by four incredibly talented individuals who blend together to become one.

[@Mozza-g2m]

That was so well put 👏 👌

[@karinturkington2455]

Your smile speaks volumes about your love for this band. lt"s lovely.

[@MLA56]

I'm an old rhythm/ lead guitarist, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee in the late 1950's and 1960s. Music was everywhere and there were many opportunities to learn from some fabulous musicians. In '73 or '74 (I forget offhand) Queen came to town, frosting for Mott the Hoople. That afternoon I met Brian May and Roger Taylor in a music shop, and we stayed in contact over the years. I met John and Freddie with the others in a Munich restaurant. I developed a good friendship with Freddie and spent more than one night at Barbara Valentin's house (with some others strewn nude around the house.... Suffice it to say that Barbara Valentin was PERFECT for me as far as looks..... But the guys in Queen, MARVELOUS gentlemen as well as beyond-belief great musicians.

[@edamnaf9265]

God Freddie had such an amazing voice (not to mention charisma and overall stage presence....) ....I miss him still..

[@PFCD]

This was by far and away the best analysis I've ever seen of their performance. Great job... thanks!!

[@lenusniq_9746]

So basically, this performance was not without mistakes and yet it was perfect.

[@raenellefisher8514]

What I would like an answer to is why do we love Freddie so much? I feel differently about Freddie than I do about other music giants. Well, I also feel this way about Johnny Cash and Jerry Garcia. But it's rare, and so many people really, really LOVE Freddie. He was also beautiful.

[@sw6188]

Freddie was a very special guy - much more so than people will ever know.

[@markingtime1024]

I think the entire band, but especially Freddie, were very open in telegraphing that they loved us, fans, audience, those who bought their records but maybe never got to a concert . . . a connection was communicated, a full exchange of mutual appreciation, not a one-way street. Beyond that, Freddie was just one of those celestial beings, a magical entity, one of those occasional humans who exist beyond all the ordinary. Yet every song he ever wrote himself connected to every one of us. We love him because he was extraordinary, because he loved us, because he was like us, all at the same time.

[@mollyhall2954]

He was so beautiful, but also powerful and vulnerable at the same time and brought out the maternal and paternal instincts in most of us, has been my opinion on the why. The prize-winning baby picture of him shows the same joy as the photos of him on stage. His bandmates emphasize his intelligence, humor, kindness, wit and musical genius. When a fan first reads about his childhood in boarding school, they're lost and can never unlove that little boy, after learning all he triumphed over.

[@sdavis5001]

Roger was a doll. He’d said, not knowing how they were going to do, a short time in he looked through his drums and thought “this is going well”. Well? I’d say…..damn baby you all nailed it!!

[@todd8688]

Brithish talent for understatement

[@james-pierre7634]

Let’s notice Freddie’s body language as Wings of Pegasus has overlooked. Freddie moves with ease but with purpose throughout the performance. He uses the entire stage to meet and engage the audience. His movements are theatrical , almost like a ballet. His sense of staging and positioning is remarkable to a point of physical intimacy. The audience is spellbound!

[@catman4471]

The real reason Queen totally stole the show that day is one that many who were not around in those days will not really understand. To Queen fans, they knew what to expect but to the world at large Queen were not exactly mainstream pop. Bohemian Rhapsody had happened 6 years earlier and prancing about with a vacuum cleaner was about all anyone who was not a keen fan knew about them. They'd more or less had their day in the pop world. But a live performance on the world stage was an incredible WTF moment for many. From Vaccuum cleaners to the real thing. The world really didn't know what hit them.

[@davidsphere]

Cat Man Well said! Very true.

[@acampbell8614]

Yes, to non-Queen fans in their teens and early 20s, Queen was bit of a relic from a bygone age by 1985. Bohemian Rhapsody was already an anthem but it was ten years old. Queen were not yet the God-like legends that they became after Live Aid.The audience may have caught the end of Punk, but the previous five years had seen Reggae, New Romantics, synth-pop and a lot of novelty short lived one hit wonders. Seeing Queen in all their strutting glory was a revelation.

[@catman4471]

@@acampbell8614 Well said.

[@jodiwood5311]

Another thing Fil, I’m sure you know this but didn’t remark on when you talked at the end at Queen’s precise timing with the clock on their 20-min set, are the “semaphore-like” lights that someone pointed out to me years ago…this astonishes me! Notice at the end of We Are the Champions, and Freddie is waiting for Brian to finish up the guitar, and at YOUR 46:52ish and he steps up onto the stage, you can see the “traffic lights” below him flash yellow, then at almost 47:00 it becomes red JUST AS HE RAISES HIS HAND and it’s over. That is impeccable timing! No wonder it’s the greatest live performance ever!!!

[@marggie4129]

Thanks, I was looking for this. The sound was cut when it turned red so bands couldn't go over....perfect timing!

[@sharonallforloveandpositiv5497]

Bob Geldof said that he told them not to turn of the sound at that precise point because Queen gave THE PERFORMANCE he wanted..he said Queen got it. So I think this allowed them to finish completely and not have the sound cut.

[@cathyshaw-kalloo237]

I read somewhere that they had rehearsed for weeks with a huge clock and similar yellow and red lights, so they were well practiced on the precise timing. They were serious about this performance; and rehearsed it like the professionals they were.

[@Octavian7771]

Another factor to consider. Before this gig, Queen had experience with playing full to capacity stadiums. When they took the stage, there was no doubt of hesitation. They killed it!!!

[@myrany8407]

Queen was very much my high school years. Sometimes I feel blessed that there was so much great music out there in my teens and early adult years.