American Reacts to Live Aid!

[@RockyBobbieBuster]

A newspaper reporter once asked Freddie "what instrument do you play?" Freddie replied"The audience darling" bloody legend.

[@StuKuhlman]

I miss him so much - the world needs a Freddy right now.

[@davidcooks5265]

Yeah that sounds like Freddy 😃🙏🌹

[@RockyBobbieBuster]

@Deacon John some myths are true

[@lucindagutierrez6509]

I love Freddie raised my boys on Queen n rock. I wish he got chance to c the love. He wasn't loved when he was alive much, but he's the best!! I love Flash Gordon, so many. I remember day he died n cried 💔⚘

[@Han_kendall]

Or when he said "I'm just a musical prostitute my dear" 🤣🤣 I love that interview

[@edwardstabletoparmies955]

I watched this from start to finish. Live Aid in the UK was dying. Then Queen came on stage. Everything changed. The whole concert was electrified. My father said, "At last someone who can sing." My father was born in 1920 and he liked Queen.

[@deborahallen3318]

That's something that my day would have said! 😅

[@jjohnston-c6i]

Aw bless your Dad. xxx

[@Retrospective.]

I was there. I was 16 years old, and 8 rows from the front, center stage where Freddie was, it was spectacular. It was voted "The best rock performance of the 20th century", and it was. I still have my live aid vest bought on the day. I was there.

[@irinichotou470]

👏👏👏💯💢💥🚀🔥 I really do wonder, how you must feel, watching the concert after all these years!!!! Greetings from Greece

[@mikeh2006]

Your very lucky have been there.

[@legend9335]

@@irinichotou470 Hello Greece, my favourite country.

[@irinichotou470]

@@legend9335 Thank you so much 🌹

[@paulbromley6687]

I saw you.

[@mrk8050]

At the time of Live Aid I was serving in the British Royal Marine Commandos in a refugee camp in Ethiopia, whilst the Bands were raising money for the people we were there to help and protect. 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 in Ethiopia is only one of many terrible memories I have from 35 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 just over a year ago, my son put it on the TV. A lot of memories came back and a lot of tears.

[@denisedavis4960]

Thanks you for all you have done. I was friends with a nurse who went to Ethiopia her telling of experiences was harrowing to listen too! yet the world nearly 40 years on still famine and wars .

[@1oo1optimus]

Thank you for sharing your story

[@sprason1963]

Bravo Zulu, mucka! Gentle-natured Jack-Booty rivalry aside, always total respect for the marines, you guys are the best! My lasting memory of training was our PTI. A marine clubswinger that led by example and inspired by sheer force of personality [and a little fear lol]. He instilled in me a self belief that still remains. As trainee Tiffs, we would have followed him [and did] anywhere, without question.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

❤❤❤ I really have no words. The world needs more of you. ✌❤

[@sarahfikry8340]

I can only imagine how you felt, reading your story bought tears to my eyes and brings the harsh reality home, thankyou for giving those kids a little happy moment in their lives and thanks for your efforts.

[@c8Lorraine1]

Each member of the group has written top selling songs. This concert includes two songs from each

[@jtfortune7968]

I am 67 yrs young and get such a kick watching young guys discover "real" music from such a great era. Theresmuch moreout there🐶

[@janicetaylor3721]

Me too 😁

[@mariekelly920]

I agree, I’m 65 and discovered Queen in 1975, A Night at the Opera album. His reactions to all of it are so sweet. Just so naive and precious. I’m so glad I grew up when I did, listinging to all the great music and bands!

[@PaulineGaulton]

I am 78yrs like you I followed them from the start, I loved them then and I still do to this day. Best band ever. They are a timeless group whose music attracts all ages. ❤️

[@bordeaux1962]

Don't underestimate where we boomers come from ...

[@joyceharkin3641]

Born to perform. I loved that he was having such a wonderful time in his natural element. RIP Freddie.

[@thebobsful]

Few things to keep in mind. This was NOT a Queen audience, these fans were here to see a whole load of different bands and some just to support the cause. Look at the control he had, it even shocked the band that he was able just to go out there and have them eating out of his hand. Also note his peacocking around the stage, it translated so well to a big arena.

[@GrandiaKnight]

This man is the very definition of charisma. No-one has ever worked an audience as well as Freddie did. He is a legend!

[@joannedarley1893]

Yes Joel, I was at the concert with my husband, Queen came on about six and a half hours after the start and people were getting a little tired and I must say that some of the artists didn't quite live up to expectations. But from the moment Queen was announced the stadium went absolutely crazy, you see they weren't on the ticket so there was a rumour they were there but nobody knew for sure. They just electrified the whole stadium, I've never seen anything like it, we sang every song, we chanted, we clapped, we swayed caught up in the magic that is Queen and more specifically Freddie, he was magnetic, charismatic, sexy and just damned beautiful. Queens set was all anyone talked about on the way home and how they blew everyone else away, if you weren't a Queen fan going into that stadium, you were when you came out.

[@janemorrow6672]

What a brilliant story.

[@dcg590]

Wow how awesome. Lucky dogs. I remember watching it on tv

[@torroberts6622]

I heard they were only supposed to do one song but Queen were feeding off the audience so just kept going even after they were told to come off

[@janejohnstone5795]

fantastic...to hear this...

[@clarafisher5697]

Great story.

[@sood9876]

Apparently, while they were onstage, word went round all the other artists backstage that Queen were absolutely killing it . A lot of bands came to the side of the stage to watch the masters at work!

[@StefanPriceUK]

DS stole the show

[@richardpoynton4026]

I’d heard that David Bowie who was on after Queen said to them ‘how the hell am I supposed t follow that?’ when they finished. I no longer remember where I heard that, so I cant swear to it…..

[@billyboy2455]

@@richardpoynton4026 that's very true its on a bbc documentary and Bowie did indeed say that

[@rhondafoy7403]

@@billyboy2455 thanks for confirming that, I heard it was Elton John, thanks for that x

[@andybinns4993]

@Deacon John are you John Deacon?.

[@charliesimon-cm2ny]

radio gaga is where lady gaga got her stage name from she loves QUEEN!

[@neilanyon4792]

Great reaction Joel. Bear in mind that this was Freddie going against medical advice and singing with a severe throat condition. As David Bowie (who was next in line at Live Aid) said, "How the f... am I supposed to follow that?"

[@sophiemitchell2545]

No Elton John said that. And Freddie said you look like the queen mother

[@neilanyon4792]

@@sophiemitchell2545 You're right. I'm getting old!

[@augustlion6645]

@@SimSim-zf9if Bowie was on earlier and sang heroes which was amazing, i think was on later when they did some mix , until queen came on that and bad by U2 were the only highlights to me

[@eclaire_x88x]

Bowie was one of the very few people who actually could follow that and he did so brilliantly. The line up was on point that day 👌

[@Ionabrodie69]

@@sophiemitchell2545 No that was David Bowie…😊🇬🇧

[@drogna3905]

You can see just why we all loved him. RIP Freddie, the ultimate performer.

[@tanjaskelac703]

Right,Freddie Mercury,,,oooo we loving you darling.Legend❤️♥️👑💖

[@carolwilcox8741]

Yes, i was there! I hadn't been a fan of Queen - but their performance absolutely stole the show. It gave me goosebumps on the day and still does every time i watch it.

[@carolwilcox8741]

@@Pupperski , hahaha, no!

[@Paul-hl8yg]

🎼 "Its a mythstery" lol 🇬🇧

[@Paul-hl8yg]

@@Pupperski 👍😆 🇬🇧

[@LMTino]

Glad stars aligned for you to be there that day....what a marvel. I'll take those goosebumps anytime from Queen - always a rush. Still waiting for virtual reality in my lifetime to get a grip on this 21 minute set!

[@matspurs1629]

was you there for Bowie ?

[@holteenderavfc375]

I was there. I was 14. In the raised area to left of stage. Even though a youngun, I remember very clearly thinking “I have just witnessed a moment that will be talked about forever.” The sound quality, the performance, the crowd. It was beyond words. All everyone could do was pour out emotions through, cheering, clapping, crying and mixtures of all 3. Queen truly rocked us all that day. And it’s still rocking us to this day.

[@luke_Boston-MA]

Queen absolutely smashed Live Aid and propelled them to immortality IMO anyway……..Freddie absolutely owned the audience

[@dorothyjones3157]

Watched this on TV live. Broadcast was nearly all day. Some artist flew from one venue to another going abroad to play to audiences there. Freddie WHAT A SHOWMAN. Charismatic even now have to stop what I'm doing send listen and bop to the beat. Might be almost 75 but in my head I am in my early 20's. Queen will never die. All brilliant intelligent musicians in the group. Fate brought them together and we keep them alive. Their music will never die. RIP Freddie.

[@79BlackRose]

@@dorothyjones3157 It was Phil Collins that performed at London and Philadelphia, with the help of Concorde.

[@kp7032]

@@dorothyjones3157 I watched this via the tv broadcast (in the days when you only owned 1 tv, and the Internet was dial-up!). It was the talk of the school for weeks afterward 😀

[@uncleoldman9639]

@@79BlackRose Freddie and Brian performed at both too

[@79BlackRose]

@@uncleoldman9639 No they didn't.

[@patriciafergus6231]

I am 74 years old and watched the whole Live Aid. It was ...... there are no words to describe it ! Freddie gave the performance of his life, knowing that he was dying of Aids...... This was the performance, not only of the whole day, but the performance of Freddies life........ He is so sadly missed.

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

I'm an old 70 (young at heart) lady and it is thrilling to watch a youngster, such as yourself, listen and enjoy the type of music we/I used to love in our/my young days too! They always give me chills and it's such a pleasure watching and enjoying vicariously through your young eyes. 72000 attended that Live Aid concert! You have so much to look forward to. TFS 👍

[@snookiebear1821]

I am 72 Yr old lady, and I still can't keep still when queen comes on, and boogy round the kitchen, much to my partners amusement.Remember watching this live, incredible.

[@DavidPaulMorgan]

what a nice thing to say 🙂 I know what you mean. I'm nearly 61, so was 24 for Live Aid etc. Seeing it all again through fresh eyes 😍 (70 is the new 60 is the new 50 is the new 40 as they say!)

[@cherylbrown8813]

Same here - I am 68 and I am beyond thrilled that a whole new generation is loving Queen.

[@shaanddarc12]

Queen will never be out dated

[@AC_RDR2_Q]

@@cherylbrown8813 I am too! I am 15 now and i grew up with Queen because my dad likes them and i happen to love most of his music and Queen is part of it. Im disappointed i was never able to watch live aid but my dad watched it live on tv :)

[@BytebroUK]

Yes, I was *in* that crowd! He utterly stole the entire show. Complete legend. Every other band came on and did "three of our famous songs". Freddie came on and did a 22 minute *show*. Pleased to see it is still being watched!

[@stevearmstrong9213]

It's even more amazing when you know that Freddie had a really bad throat infection that day and was told not to go on by his Doctor. Being Freddie, he refused to let everyone down and went on anyway and giving what a lot of people consider the performance of his life, he had the entire world in the palm of his hand - nobody could own a crowd like he could. Now you've done this, have a look at the moment a lot later in the concert when Freddie and Brian come out and do Is This The World We Created to fill a few dead minutes. It's only a short song but the words mean as much, or more now than they did then.

[@koshtie]

Adle could take a leaf out of his book & not let loads of people down, There will never be another like Freddie RIP

[@robingayle68]

Is this the world we created was sung in Philly I think. The earlier set was in England and he hopped on a plane then a helicopter to sing is this the world we created live in the US

[@RockinMamaT]

Just subbed❤Freddie had a mic in one hand and the world in the other.We watched from home with a billion people.Epic❤Much love from Canada❤🇨🇦

[@Miobambino]

Nobody can beat Freddie for showmanship! He was a natural! Genius at work who we lost too soon 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@pinkey943]

I love him. I love his face. I love his singing voice. I love his speaking voice. I love his cute teeth. I love his mind. I love his gestures. I love everything about him.Beloved Freddie

[@MemphisBrown-wy9es]

me too, for my lifetime I will always love freddie❤

[@nellinightshade3358]

And he loved cats.

[@joannagodfrey5111]

I watched the whole thing on TV, it was a boiling hot day, Freddie had the audience in the palm of his hand, he could have sung "old MacDonald had a farm" and they would have cheered

[@neilblackshaw3486]

Nobody will ever match this guy. Freddie, the ultimate performer & show man. Superb.

[@parnell76]

This is a historical moment when it comes to music. No one will ever do this ever again. I'm so glad that this is preserved and out there for the next generation to see. This is real music. Love it.

[@eclaire_x88x]

That "ay oh" moment is just breathtaking! He had that entire crowd in the palm of his hand, absolute legend, a moment in history for sure.

[@shaunhopkinson6937]

Few groups can excel at both live and studio Queen was one of the greatest at both, Freddie stage presence was second to none

[@vinniedixon1140]

This young man is what you call a real performance by the GOAT frontman & rock band. This is how it's done and has gone down in history as the greatest performance of all time. Nice to see younger people like yourself watching greatness.

[@rozhunter7645]

I wasn’t there as I had just had a baby but watched it live and still remember the feelings I had seeing this performance. Bear in mind this was not a Queen concert yet he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Phenomenal performance and definitely stole the whole event

[@margaretnicol3423]

I wonder how many babies were called Freddie around this time. :-D

[@rozhunter7645]

@@margaretnicol3423 well my son was a few weeks old at the time lol

[@nancyblumberg4612]

We all say it wasn’t a Queen crowd, well every audience is a Queen crowd. Just look at the Green Day concerts. During intermission they play Bohemian Rhapsody over the loud speaker and the whole crowd sings with it! It is a thing now for Green Day at every concert. The first time that happened the band waited for the song to finish before starting up again!

[@davidsmith8279]

This was one of those 'stars aligned' moments that occur in our history. Freddie was breathtaking, the band were out-of-this-world and the audience were electric. It was perfection and I'm so unbelievably glad I got to see it and that others still get to witness it.

[@Neil_TheShiningMile]

Live Aid was a huge event in 1985. It was put on as a massive fundraising concert to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia in 1984 / 1985. Bob Geldof (80s pop star) organised it. It was a whole day of major artists of that time playing back to back. It followed Band Aid a few months earlier (Dec 84), where a host of big artists recorded Do They Know It’s Christmas, which is still a huge song played everywhere every Christmas. Worth doing a video on Live Aid and Band Aid alone.

[@MrChris1533]

forgetting it was 3 concerts at the same time across the world and Phil Collins played London then America in the same day billions saw this performance on the day i remember seeing this live on TV as i had just been called in from playing out. It was an all day event and history was made that day and that time

[@bsmith5404]

Midge Ure from Ultravox also organised it. Perhaps he didn’t swear enough to get the same attention as BG.

[@susangamble6038]

@@bsmith5404 Bob was definitely front and centre. The 'ideas' and 'muscle' and Midge was the more creative one in the background. It's a bit annoying to those of us who were around at this time, who watched it all unfold, who knew who was doing what, when Midge gets airbrushed out of the picture. Bob and Midge deserve joint credit for both Band Aid and Live Aid. Bob was definitely the driving force behind both, mind you, especially LA. He harangued people, he got them to perform. And he made sure people didn't forget to donate (no one will ever forget his expletive-laden interruption in the studio, between bands!). Of course there were others involved in the organisation. But Bob and Midge were Band Aid and from that, Live Aid.

[@Neil_TheShiningMile]

@@bsmith5404 I knew Midge Ure was the writer of Do They Know It’s Christmas? and helped arrange Band Aid but wasn’t aware he was also behind Live Aid too. As is pointed out, it does sound like Bob was the ‘Logistics Director’, whereas Midge was the ‘Creative Director’. Producer vs Director, to use a film & theatre analogy.

[@Neil_TheShiningMile]

@@Mctrippzy Why was it a con?

[@matthewjamison]

NOBODY i mean NOBODY could have 100,000 people eating out of the palm of their hand, quite like Freddie. Genius

[@philroue]

With so many other acts performing on the day, Queen literally only had a 20 minute slot, so had to leave out a lot of their songs. And with only a few weeks notice, the band rehearsed their performance loads to get the timings down pat. Freddie apparently was having problems with his vocal chords and a doctor had told him not to perform. But yes, they nailed it. The two "policemen" at the beginning were the well known comedians Mel Smith and Griff Rhys-Jones, and they would have been keeping the crowd entertained in the few minutes that Queen were given up to set up as much as introduce the band. As for Somebody To Love, George Michael did a great job singing it at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992 in the very same Wembley Stadium (with an equally big crowd). George Michael was another incredibly talented but complicated British singer who died before his time that you might want to check out.

[@widget1005]

There's also a video of George Michael's rehearsal for the Freddie tribute concert which is astonishing and worth a look. David Bowie is in the rehearsal room too.

[@philroue]

@@widget1005 You're right, the rehearsal of George Michael with the rest of Queen is amazing and definitely worth watching. The approving looks from Brian May and David Bowie says it all.

[@jessyca1804]

And luckily for queen Brian May is an actual rocket scientist and worked how to time it perfectly

[@mezbrookscarter8289]

@@jessyca1804 Actually, his doctorate is in Astrophysics. So using science to study how the cosmos is made up rather than an aerospace engineer that designs and builds spacecraft.

[@jessyca1804]

@@mezbrookscarter8289 thanks for correcting me.

[@jjohnston-c6i]

JP ... you have NEVER been to a concert ? ... get your booty in gear boy ... I saw Zep ... I saw Skynard ... I saw Springsteen ... there is no better feeling than seeing these people live. xxx

[@jogooge6384]

We must have been at the same concerts 😂

[@imthewalrus2379]

The stories surrounding their performance at Live Aid are just as cool as the performance itself: 1) The band worked hard on choosing a setlist for the 22 minutes they had. They knew Bohemian Rhapsody had to be in. And We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions were well-known excellent set closers. They choose Radio Ga Ga, as it had been their most recent hit and Hammer to Fall was their latest single at the time. Crazy Little Thing Called Love was chosen to fill out the set as it was one of their biggest international hits (it was their first single to hit #1 in the USA). 2) Once the setlist was decided, they spent a few days rehearsing it to get it down right to fit in the allotted set time. 3) Bob Geldof, the organizer of the concert said that when asking Queen to play, he was told they had a request. He was worried that they'd want to play last, something a few other acts had asked for as the perceived headliner. Instead, they asked to go on around 6 PM, London time. This would make them the first band to be seen on the US side after the second concert began in Philadelphia. It was a request Geldof was happy to grant. 4) Such was Freddie's presence on the stage that day, that the crowd watching their set on the video screens at the Philadelphia concert were clapping along to Radio Ga Ga and singing along just like their counterparts in London. 5) As Queen was performing, Bob Geldof was heading to the BBC's production area, very upset at how laid back the station had been about trying to get people to call in to make donations. As he was heading there, he looked out into the crowd as the stadium was clapping along to Radio Ga Ga. This strengthened his resolve even more. He ended up having an outburst live on air which actually did result in an increase to donations. 6) A few other artists there that day have said it was obvious right away Queen were stealing the show. Elton John said you could feel it rippling backstage as they were performing. Tony Hadley, lead singer of the band Spandau Ballet, recalls watching them and wishing his band had a song like Radio Ga Ga that really encouraged their audience to participate.

[@bettybaby63]

So many different backstories regarding this show. My fave…when Bob Geldof, the organizer, got tired of waiting for a commitment from queen, he called Freddie. He informed Freddie, “it’s the perfect stage for you.” When Freddie asked why, Geldof replied “bc it’s the world.” FYI, Brian & Freddie do a special song later on, simply amazing.

[@nigelmoignard5348]

Hi JP, just to let you know I was in the audience on that amazing day. I was 25 on that summer hot July day 1985. So lucky to get tickets and went with 3 other friends. This performance is arguably Queens best ever live gig or part of Live Aid and I was part of that 77,000 crowd at Wembley London. Nearly all the other performers looked on backstage in awe of what was unfolding with Queens performance. David Bowie followed Queen and it’s said he said “how the fxxk do I follow that” to Freddie and he said (I was rather good wasn’t I). I’d mixed with Freddie in London’s clubland in the early to mid 80s he was a proper nutter but so funny. I was there when he and his friend Kenny Everett dragged princess Diana up as a man and sneaked her into a famous London gay bar/club. This concert was beamed around the world. Look young man this was pure magic what was unfolding right in front of our eyes and I was so lucky to have these memories.

[@janemorrow6672]

Thanks for sharing your story. 🙂

[@daviddempsey8721]

Indeed fortunate to have had those experiences, and we, for you sharing them.

[@julieenglish7282]

Though I watch your vids I missed this one until now. Love your reaction and yes I was there. It was an incredible experience. Freddie was the ultimate performer and although there were many other outstanding artists, he really DID steal the show.

[@larryd160]

You are sweet, and sooo young lol! That concert was simultaneously held WORLDWIDE! In several huge stadiums on multiple continents, plus satellite TV coverage that had never been done before. A double stage (it rotated, so one getting ready, while one performed, amazing choreography for everything!) Even seeing it live on TV (we didn't live near any of the big cities and they were sold out within days of the concert announcement, was thrilling, and Queen absolutely 100% universally agreed by all audience as well as fellow bands performing ßtole the show❣️Freddy love his audiences and performing, was fearless on stage, and we/they lived him/them. The song you were looking for the title was "Fat Bottomed Girls", btw, but they had so many awesome songs, give yourself a treat and enjoy a few of their albums, all are different and wonderful differently. Thank you for not talking and stopping all the way thru like so many do, it really ruins your experience. Look up the history behind that particular concert, it was probably one of the best moments of the 20th century

[@pilotgal6191]

After the performance, Elton John, a great friend of Freddie's, went backstage and said, "You bastatd! How the hell is anyone going to follow that?" Best live performance ever! Check out Barcelona, an album Freddie's made with Monserat Caballé, the famous Spanish opera singer of her time. Freddie adored her and he wrote an album for them to perform. It's an incredible song and it was used for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. ❤

[@rde4017]

17 minutes, 6 songs, greatest live performance of all time, 1 world conquered, job done, thank you very much. (And that was Freddie on an off day!) I was 15 but wasn't there, I watched it live on telly all day 3 miles down the road in Harrow and applauded at the end of it. Everyone in Britain still does the hand claps when they hear Radio Gaga even now, and Queen's Live Aid performance is still deeply moving all these years later x

[@ohjustwork]

That was so funny when you said “what does that mean” and Freddie answered you 😂 Great reaction as always 😊👊🏼

[@susanengland3919]

It's even more impressive when you realize that Freddie was diagnosed with laryngitis the week before he concert. His doctor advised him to cancel his appearance at the concert; he ignored the advice and went on to make history. Each group performing had only 20 minutes for their set, any long and the electricity to their mics would be turned off. They decided as a group which of their most popular hits could/should be included and could be made to fit in the time allowed. You may have noticed that a couple of the songs only included one verse in order to get more songs into the allotted time.

[@Rose.Archer]

Watching you watch it for the first time is amazing. I wish i couldnt watch it for the first time again. I watch this at least once a month and cry every time. (I"’ve got to, got to leave you all behind and face the truth” had so much meaning during this performance because he knew he was dying.) I’m 30 and raised on their music. my son is 8 and he’s raised right too. Freddie is the greatest musician ever in my mind.

[@marceatslorries5600]

I’ve watched this set so many times. I’m always smiling through tears, loving every second of the show but sad for what we lost a few short years later. Thank for reacting, enjoyed seeing it.

[@guguncube2308]

Me too

[@bonniemorrow817]

I, too, watch this over and over... through smiles and tears... and, like you, saddened that Freddie was gone a few years later. Freddie knew he was sick when he did the show and had told his bandmates just prior to the concert... what an extraordinary performance

[@catherineek9995]

Joel, I am a nearly 80 years old lady from Finland/Sweden and I must say I really love your videos. Continue doing them, and continue comparing the US and the UK, it’s very interesting as you seem so well informed. Good luck to you!

[@accidentallycreative5025]

This is bitter sweet for me…. I had tickets to go to Live Aid but had to give them to friends …. I went into early labour and had to watch it on tv!

[@rayjennings3637]

Interesting comment. I hope everything went well. Son or daughter? Co-incidentally as you were going into labour, during the afternoon, my wife and I were at the opposite end of that nine month journey. Our sofa holds some fond memories for us! We had a son, by the way!

[@accidentallycreative5025]

Ha ha. I had a beautiful daughter

[@Fairygrl_TW]

Ive been to many concerts thru the 60s, 70s, and 80s, this has got to be one of the most powerful and amazing...A true Legend...So missed RIP Freddie...You know your an amazing artist when thousands of fans are singing your music back to you with so much love. It gives you chillz and brings a tear to the eye...Thanx for awesome reaction, Peace..

[@wiskeydiamond4224]

I was here as and electronics engineer, stage support manager back in my day. interesting to see myself in your video.. brings memories flooding back.. good times...

[@helenbailey8419]

What an experience.Something to put into a diary.

[@eihcra_]

Sub earned! Simply the greatest performance of all time

[@laurenisnothere435]

My mum still remembers watching this on tv, she wasn’t the biggest fan of Queen until that set at Live Aid. She says it was all anybody would talk about afterwards. I really wish I was alive at that time to see Freddie with Queen but unfortunately he died 5 years before I was born. It’s so good to still see new people learning about Freddie and loving Queen as time goes on! This is one band that definitely makes us Brits proud to be British!

[@dawnfire1]

that moment 8:27 where the crowd is clapping along, must of been so surreal and awe inspiring. Freddie at his best

[@kingsley5522]

How can anyone NOT love Freddie It is a legend.... That is next level awesome

[@JeanneCulligan]

Each band was given 20 minutes and once the time was up,, sound was shut off. On the video as Freddie finished We are the champions, you can see the floor lights change fruit green, to yellow with blinking red. Last beat, light turns red! Timed to perfection to get the most loved songs to their fans.

[@bernardthedisappointedowl6938]

"What does that mean?" I love the way Freddie answered you across 37 years - he's that brilliant, ^oo^

[@jjohnston-c6i]

This has got to be one of the greatest performances in Rock History and to pack so much into 20 minutes is just immense ... Bless your beautiful soul Freddie. xxx

[@edithmanock9668]

I way back the crowd ,the whole concert was brilliant and we all sang along to most of the but when queen started their set it was like the whole audience kicked up another notch, you could feel the energy, I sang every song, lost my voice for two days but worth every minute, will never forget this, best concert of my life

[@krowbar2009]

To see a kid like you watch this with a tear in your eye gives me feels. Don't forget this man you might not see anything like it again. And yeah crazy little thing called love was an Elvis inspired song... Not brown eyed girl lol.

[@joannesmith3991]

very few that can hold a crowd like he could , so sorely missed but never forgotten

[@suedyment511]

Best 20 minutes in the History of Music

[@dnorfed]

Now you’ve seen queen and Freddie in action, how do you feel after watching the greatest showman ever JPS. Us here in the uk are so proud to have had Freddie as one of ours. RIP Freddie 🙏👌👌

[@RockyBobbieBuster]

8 months late to this but it's pointless asking him a question,he never ever ever replies,stay safe happy and healthy ✌️

[@AGMundy]

I enjoyed Joel's reaction and delight. Freddie Mercury had a remarkable affinity with his audience who clearly relished it all. What an incredible performance. That concert must remain a cherished memory for all those there. I can recall the day, a hot summer's day in 1985 with me travelling and listening on headphones. It was a humanity affirming event in an otherwise bleak world.

[@willstone5180]

I saw Queen live in Brighton when I was about 16, so 41 odd years ago; it has left a memory in my mind that makes me smile every time I recall it. There were amazing.

[@lisajones3273]

I love watching people reacting to this live aid. I have watched it so much and still gives me chills and goosebumps everytime. Good education for youth of today what a real performance is. Great vid buddy 😁

[@toriaj9183]

I really like that jps doesn’t pause what he is watching all the time. He just talks at quiet parts or at the end. Makes it such better to watch. Second time if suggesting this but please watch Freddie and Montserrat Caballé singing Barcelona live. It is so good.

[@gilllaing9764]

Same!!! I can’t stand the over the top and stop/ start reaction vids 🤨

[@nightowl5395]

Yes, Joel....please watch 'Barcelona' soon.... 🙏💃

[@chocoilike]

Yes I agree. Freddie loved opera, and she was his fav, not the usual Freddie song. But he can't help performing Freddie style. Love this song. Please do watch Joel.

[@turtlepower2204]

Yes, but there are others! “The Golden Boy” is my favorite, together with Montserrat Caballé. Pur fire, rock, opera, gospel in combination, It‘s so good🤘🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥 👋🇩🇪

[@dianecourtney2724]

Love Golden Boy with Freddie and Montsy 💕

[@justinspencer4472]

Planet earth was privileged to have this man. What a moment this man created.

[@janettesinclair6279]

They only had a 20 minute slot in the concert - can you imagine what a whole 2 hour Queen concert would be like! This is pure magic, what a rapport Freddie Mercury had with the audience, and whole band, as always, were so in sync with one another. A joy to watch.

[@enkisdaughter4795]

My sister and I attended the Queen and Quo concert at Maine Road (Manchester City’s old ground) on 16th July 1986 - it was absolutely fantastic ❤️

[@jamiebarnett4383]

Freddy almost called this off because he had a stinking cold ,but roger taylor said no ,this is your concert

[@simonoleary9264]

13th July 1985 - Live Aid. This was the MUST WATCH of the year/decade, 1.9 Billion people worldwide watching on TV. In Wembley Stadium, there were 72,000 people present. When Queen played, Freddie held all 72,000 in the grip of his hand. This cemented their status as one of the (if not the) best Stadium bands in the world.

[@RoverWaters]

1.9 billion is a myth 400 mill is the correct estimation

[@jennyb7745]

It's great to see young ppl now liking back on music history.Im now 68 yrs old & it makes me realize what an incredibly special time we were living in & so prvilaged to hear & see & experience it! They also did so much for Live Aid it was all for one purpose,to help our fellow man. ☺️

[@scokeatia]

About bloody time too Joel Hahaha, You've been killing me x

[@MISSYGful]

I was a kid at home watching it on the TV bouncing around on the sofa. Everyone had their windows open on the street and you could hear it coming from every house. I was only little but it made such an impression that started a lifetime of attending live gigs. When it hits right, and the audience is up for it, there is nothing quite like it.

[@johngee8019]

Freddie was advised not to do this aid concert due to throat problems that threatened his voice (you can tell at times that he is struggling somewhat), luckily for us all the advice was ignored and instead they produced possibly the greatest live 20 minutes ever!

[@shagster2555]

I think it's really evident near the end of We are the champions

[@79BlackRose]

@@shagster2555 Yeah there are a few voice cracks and he doesn't go for the highest notes at times.

[@shagster2555]

@@79BlackRose I think he does go for the ''highest of notes'' here despite his vocal condition , He basically goes for most of the high notes in the song and that might be the reason his voice disintegrate by the end

[@79BlackRose]

@@shagster2555 If you listen back to it, you will notice that he "rearranges" some parts.

[@TehyaMai]

Wow, talk about a blast from the past. 1985, I saw it playing out live on TV. I was 14 and sat up with my brother to see all of it.

[@jaynesleigh4722]

Thank you for reacting to this Joel. The performance and the reaction of the crowd was amazing. Especially as they weren’t necessarily all Queen fans. Freddie won so many people over that day

[@peterdownton6424]

Think you now realise why Freddie was called the ultimate showman. The thing with getting the audience to sing back to him was one of his traits, to make the audience part of the show. A brilliant singer, and an unmistakable voice. Was a one of a kind, and loved by all. Still greatly missed.

[@TheTruthstalker]

Broke my leg the day this happened, watched the whole concert on pethadone buzzing 😃

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

LOL. We just had sticky black hash!

[@TheTruthstalker]

@@DawnSuttonfabfour

[@janelemoon]

I love it when he just says "Alright!" and the crowd goes: "ALRIGHT!" hahah

[@jackierichardson901]

And now Joel you have witnessed the greatest performance ever and 4 geniuses at work never to be seen again look forward to your next reaction take care sending love and prayers to everyone in this troubled world take care everyone x x

[@joelclark4081]

Bless you and your Big Butts! 😁 Thanks for your reaction!

[@mikemikemick]

Loved your reaction, listening, no pausing, the words of " Hammer to fall", " In the shadow of the mushroom cloud, and what the Hell we fighting for" ring true tonight.

[@samnpoppythedog4416]

You should watch if you haven't already Queen at Live Aid - 20 Minutes That Changed Music and The Story of Queen at Live Aid. In one of these you will see the manager of Simple Minds talk about when Queen showed how powerful they were with the audience in Philadelphia during Radio Ga Ga.

[@katiecuttle7398]

At last Joel😂👍 thank you for brightening up a rainy morning. Loved your reaction to this. I often watch this as it gives such good vibes. Watch some more of the Queen concerts you still have so much more to discover❤️

[@Mark-if2oi]

You are nearly in tears mate... The best concert ever!

[@josefschiltz2192]

So nice that you included the intro by Mel Smith & Griff Rhys Jones that so many reactions neglect.

[@ziggystardust52]

We used to watch ‘Not the Nine o’clock News’ every week.

[@josefschiltz2192]

@@ziggystardust52 Sad that Mel left us so early.

[@coolmum47]

It doesn't matter how many times I watch this performance, it give me the chills every ... single ... time !!!

[@Ayns.L14A]

This was an amazing concert, I watched it live on TV along with 1.9 billion other people, little did I know my future wife was somewhere amongst the crowd.

[@RoverWaters]

1.9 billion is a myth 400 mill is the correct estimation

[@anne-mariesindruprix4792]

@@RoverWaters says who?? 72.000 at Wembley , 90.000 in Philadelphia and broadcast world wide via 13 satellites. In my home we were 5 persons - and everyone I knew was watching with their family. So of course it is an estimate - .Who claims that 400 mill. is correct??

[@RoverWaters]

@@anne-mariesindruprix4792 says the world wide broadcasters BBC

[@linm9598]

Absolutely bloody marvellous!! What a band & they are Brits!! Rare talent & such a special relationship with the crowd!! 🇬🇧👏👏👏

[@tracytabb2882]

omg i got so exctied when this video came up. me and my 3 yr old where singing away to this lol. freddie owned that crowed and stage. i remember watchin this live on tv when i was a kid. keep the queen goin. much love from scotland xx

[@davidwebley6186]

Totally agree but even more impressive because they weren't a dedicated Queen audience either.

[@Mammy427]

I came from NYC to see Freddie and Queen at Live Aid I was 17. I cannot tell you what it was like but Amazing to have been there. I had seen Queen on their first US Tour at MSG in NYC and in also in Canada. That was the best show I have ever seen. Some of the best musician I have ever seen live in my life. RIP Freddie

[@kt9156]

Joel, doesn’t matter what music you’re into, try and see them live. It’s so exciting watching you’re favourite bands or singers and it’s even more exciting going to your first concert.

[@hendrikdevries9725]

After this part of the concert, as Queen utterly stole the show, no act could surpass them anymore. He plays the audience indeed, he lived to be on stage and shine. Shine ! And now shines as a star in heaven, whatever you choose that to be.

[@carolineskipper6976]

So finally you've seen it! I watched it live on TV on the day. The thing I noticed today watching it was how the whole audience knew the words and the vocal games Freddie played with them- bearing in mind this was not a 'Queen' concert- they were just one of many acts that day. If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the video of the Green Day audience singing along to a recording of Bohemian Rhapsody while they wait for the band to come on. Word for word- the whole audience! I hope this isn't the end of your Queen reaction videos- there's plenty more around! I know many have suggested what to watch next.

[@mikechiacchia3034]

I have a shirt that says I may be old but i got to see all the greatest bands live, now that was the real thing First concert i saw cost 5 bucks and it was rush with loverboy backing them up. YA BABY!!!!

[@KimI-zp3fk]

I watched this at the time and gotta say, Queen were the best. Freddie us the ultimate entertainer ❤

[@lesleyriseam1282]

The Hammer to fall is an anti war song , about risk of Nuclear war appropriate since the risk has been ramped up in recent days . Freddie was so brilliant , that the other band members were also pretty amazing Queen were the real deal . His early death was a tragedy , not least because it was only a few years later that treatment became available for AIDs .

[@bluebell3720]

They were able to supress HIV I don't think theres much they can do if its developed to AIDS though

[@ursabobsage351]

Brian has always said that Hammer to Fall is not an anti war song but rather it is about death and how it comes to all of us whether rich, poor, famous, etc. and whether we’re ready for it or not.

[@Farbar1955]

@@ursabobsage351 Right, definitely not an anti-war song. It's a song about life and how in the end the hammer will fall on all of us. In the meantime, do life the best you can...make the bed, light the light, answer the call....

[@mollymollie6048]

I, too, always think, if Freddie could have only lasted a few more years, they would have been able to control the AIDS/HIV and he could still be here today. He is so phenomenal, no one can top him! Freddie lives with us forever. A favorite video is Brian playing at the 2012 Olympics opening (or closing, not sure) ceremony, and on these giant screens, they are playing Freddie doing the Ay-Ohs from the Wembley 86 concert, and the whole audience at the Olympics was singing along with him…he stole the show and he had been dead for 20 years. What a loss, what a gift he was to us all.

[@sanguinemde5031]

This has been voted the greatest live performance of all time. And they arent wrong.

[@cpmahon]

Freddie Mercury along with the rest of Queen were simply fantastic!!!

[@SuperDebyO]

Omg! Such good memories…I miss those days. The Live Aid concert totally captivated us all, that was the most Epic epic day!