QUEEN - LIVE AID | First Time REACTION Singer & Musician Analysis | Freddie Mercury

[@pdegan2814]

No fancy sets, no fancy lighting, no crazy costumes, no pyro. Just four guys on a stage playing their hearts out. Utter legends.

[@cypher515]

Well, five, but their touring keyboardist and guitarist is an interesting case. (As in, Spike Edney's been part of Brian May's musical life for longer than FREDDIE was at this time. Yet the camera still treats him like he's covered in soap, it just slides over him.)

[@rayjennings3637]

And no fancy electronics like Autotune and earbuds! Just pure talent and musicianship!

[@Kalby_DK]

Wasnt needed...!

[@johnbarraco5561]

Damn right 💯🤘.. god save the Queen ( the band ) R.I.P to the actual Queen 💯❤️✌️🙏🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@julianhinojosa9695]

Legends

[@DrD313]

The greatest front man in rock history backed up by three of the greatest musicians ever.

[@Ken_Dodds_Tickling_Stick]

As a 16 year old, myself and 2 friends travelled from Glasgow to Kings Cross then made our way to Wembley stadium. We paid £25 each for our tickets and £5 for a big glossy program. We were Adam Ant fans. Obviously we knew Queen and their music but after that day, we we're converted to being massive Queen fans. We were amongst 70,000 Queen fans in the stadium. Each act had an alloted time to perform. Queen had 20 minutes and they over ran. Its the most iconic 20 minutes ever. Now at 55 years old, im still devoted Queen fan. Im proud to have been part of the audience and rock history. Freddie, we love you and miss you so much ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@stephenmckee7614]

Me too mate, we left from airdrie

[@Ken_Dodds_Tickling_Stick]

@@stephenmckee7614 were from shotts mate....we had to pack the factor 50 lol

[@VonBlade]

Forty years later I'm still cross he only did Apollo 9 and not one of the early big hits.

[@cjscitcat]

I couldn't remember how much the tickets were. Although my big brother bought them for us...maybe I conveniently forgot to pay him back 😂 I did find my T-shirt and program in the loft after we lost mum and dad.

[@stephenlemon8270]

Well said I was there my self amazing day

[@markawalsh90]

Freddie actually did this performance AGAINST doctors advice (apparently his vocal chords causing problems) and yet he (together with the rest of the band) STILL blew everyone away. Elton John tells the story of how he stormed into Freddie's dressing room and screamed "what the fuck, you stole the show, we all might as well go home because no-one's gonna top that!"

[@samuel10125]

😂 gotta love Elton John

[@grunthostheflatulent9649]

While Freddie had life, he wouldn't miss this gig.

[@mycroft16]

@@samuel10125 And you know he said that as a huge compliment to them too. Elton man.

[@cjscitcat]

Although at the time of Live Aid Freddie didn't know he was infected with Aids.

[@Callsign-Blade_RunnerSG]

@@cjscitcat Not AIDS but HIV. They are different. HIV will lead to AIDS without modern medication’s intervention.

[@rmweidner7596]

I love how you commented about his crowd control at around 8:30, and then he goes and does the call-and-response with the entire stadium right after "Radio Gaga" ends. Freddy was once asked what instrument he played, to which he replied, "The audience, darling!" ...and he wasn't kidding. Watching this performance, it's completely understandable that David Bowie (who was the next artist to go onstage after Queen's set) said to the band as they came offstage: "You bastards! How is anyone supposed to follow that?"

[@BruceHoult]

One amazing thing to remember about the crowd control and participation is this was NOT a Queen concert. Queen was not even on the pre-published band list, they were a last minute addition. People went to this not knowing they were going to see Queen.

[@RichardGadsden]

If you've ever seen the Bowie set, you know it was a really good set; he gave it everything he had like the pro he always was.

[@rmweidner7596]

@@RichardGadsden Luckily, I was a teenager when this aired, so I got to watch it on cable - which I had to go to a friend's house for (as my neighborhood didn't have cable access at that point). The concert had some hits (Queen, Bowie, and Phil Collins in particular), and more than a few that I was just "meh" about. But it was absolutely worth watching.

[@JoeTheCheapskate]

@@rmweidner7596 Same. I was 18 when it aired. Those you mentioned were good, as were the beach boys. And some meh, and some that were scary bad. Zeppelin was pretty much 'well we haven't played live in 5+ years, so let's just throw drummers back there, with no rehearsal and just wing it'. Terrible.

[@kendallneason3645]

Each group had 20 minutes. Queen managed to pack a short Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga, Hammer To Fall, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, short We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions into that time by rehearsals with a time clock. True professional geniuses. ❤

[@MrPhantomYT]

And still mess with the crowd between them..

[@YanmaGong-eq9mh]

I want to see if the beatles reunited and john lennon still alive

[@bk_the_raccoon3650]

Didn't they go overtime? x3

[@kendallneason3645]

@@bk_the_raccoon3650 nope. If you listen at the beginning you can hear each member testing their instruments to make sure each is working and plugged in. After Freddie checks the piano and tunes it quickly they begin. These guys were true professionals used to singing to huge crowds. Queen rehearsed for weeks with a large time clock. There are several videos showing that Queen played almost exactly 20 minutes yet managed to include a larger variety of their hits than the other performers.

[@YanmaGong-eq9mh]

@@kendallneason3645 during that time freddie want their band to be loudest so their manager who also elton john former manager made it possible for queen to be the loudest band by bribe the sounds engineers

[@SimbianMinistry]

8:40 - I was in the crowd here - 21 at the time and fresh out of Uni - Saw them live 6 times in total (all with Freddie), this was the 3rd time. If you look carefully during 'Crazy Little Thing', right after "Ready-Freddie" when the camera goes to the crowd... Girl sitting on her b/f's choulders... I'm a little behind her, to the right as we see her - I'm the one wearing sunglasses, with a guy waving a white t-shirt right in front of me. I'm also in the music video for 'Radio Gaga', one of the crowd of clappers, wearing a white robe - Queen used Fan-Club members in their videos in those days - Also had an invite for the 'Friends Will Be Friends' video, but couldn't go because I had a holiday booked.

[@cristianloyolamartinez8880]

I really loved your video reacting to Queen, I hope to see many more videos reacting to Queen, thank you very much for such a nice video, a hug from Chile

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

There were 72,000 in Wembley Stadium in London, and another 90,000 at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. I was in the crowd in Philadelphia, and we got to watch Queen on Jumbotron video screens.... And we were *still* singing along with Freddie, even though he wasn't actually on stage in front of us. That is how much power Freddie Mercury had that day... the fact that he could control a crowd an ocean away via an electronic screen.

[@ivandelalves8827]

Thank you so much for reacting to Queen at Live Aid, @Millie! 👏👏👏

[@metalmark1214]

Freddie Mercury was one of the best showman in rock history.

[@vinniedixon1140]

One of the best? He IS the best frontman in rock history. It's not even debatable.

[@1891726]

@@vinniedixon1140 No there is only one king, one god and he is the best selling artist in the history of the world oh that is Elvis Aaron Presley one billion records sold says it all. No one will beat it. Then it doesn't mean that Freddy was bad.

[@Gumbypotty]

He was the Liberace of pop rock

[@Rumit.A]

@@1891726Elvis couldn’t sing in different genres or he could? Freddie could, and Freddie’s vocal range was way powerful and stronger than Elvis no offence to the King.

[@gracielahonig]

Happy birthday Freddie, you are the love of our lives!!!! ❤

[@purdieallblue]

I love seeing young people like yourself discover and fall in love with queens music all these years kater. As a young lad of 23 I was lucky enough to be at this concert, a 20 minute set that I am still privileged to have heard , now as a 62 year old man I still listen to queen every day and miss them so much. I intended to see them again the following year again at wembley but due to circumstances at the time missed the opportunity and regretted it ever since as it turned out to be one of their last ever live concerts before freddie fell ill. Please continue to explore their music , there is so much of it and you will love it.

[@johnnyh2385]

I saw Queen live well over 20 times ranging from large arenas to a smaller club in London in front of about 1000 people. I've seen a lot of big artists live including Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Springsteen. All great artists but trust me no one has ever come close to matching them. Freddie Mercury could get an audience of 300,000 people in the palm of his hand, the guy was from another planet. That's why Queen stole the show at Live Aid in front of a worldwide audience of over 1 billion people. They just blew everyone else away. And what people don't realise is they weren't even playing to Queen fans on the day but the crowd soon realised they were witnessing something truly exceptional. And guess what, on the day of the concert Freddie was ill, was having trouble with his voice and was advised by his doctor not to perform!!! so just imagine what he was like when he performed in good health! As he once wrote in one of their most well known songs.... 'this is a kind of magic, there can be only one!' and there never, ever will be another Freddie Mercury. I was so lucky and blessed to have watched Queen live so many times and everyone else who never saw them will never know what they missed. He was without doubt, the greatest and most talented front man and showman that has ever walked this planet and I will miss him forever.

[@alecleamus3280]

This was was THE BEST reaction to any song I’ve seen, Millie. The look of joy on your face is of pure joy, and I loved it. I grew up with his music, and his live performances were religious experiences. There will never ever be another performer like Freddie. Period.

[@krystiankedziora8349]

Thanks Millie for this emotional and true reaction! There will never be a singer like Freddie and a band like Queen. No 1 forever🤗

[@Mammy427]

True That

[@69blh]

Saw them two times in 79 and 82 in Lyon (France), it was great !

[@tasos0140]

Well..if you don't hold a phone you have free hands to clap.

[@Buddha-of8fk]

I saw Queen in Pittsburgh PA USA in 1978. It was one of those concerts that was just magical.

[@voodooacidman]

i believe this is the greatest 20 minutes of musical performance ever recorded! big love to all people :)

[@Kennymac8251]

Brian May the lead guitarist has a Phd, in Astrophysics. (In research and university circles he is referred to as Dr. May) He named a comet after Freddie after his death.

[@martinl8574]

I saw them live in 1979 at Madison Square garden in New York, it was incredible! I seen many concerts there, only Freddie and Queen had such power and crowd involvement that i was actually afraid the building would collapse during "We will rock you. Lol I still have the official concert program booklet from the night. One of my treasures! {As well as concerts programs I've seen and kept of Boston 77, ELO 78.

[@judyhausler7057]

Freddie Mercury, microphone in one hand, 70,000fans in the other! Master of crowd control!

[@ronknox3376]

"Hammer To Fall" the heavier one you didn't know as well, was written by Brian May. In fact part of the reason for their variety of songs was that all 4 wrote songs and contributed. Initially the credits and lion's share of the royalties went to the song writer(s) but later they signed off every song as written by Queen so all 4 members shared equally.

[@christophersmith2793]

History of LivAid at Wembley Stadium 1985, the live concert was a charity event to raise funds for a terrible famine in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 at that time, LiveAid twinned with a live concert in Philadelphia 🇺🇸 92 thousand at the Philadelphia concert and 72 thousand at LivAid Wembley Stadium London, both events for the first time in history televised to 2 billion people worldwide, around 20 artists performing that day each artist who performed had a 20 minute slot to perform, Queen came on stage and with their amazing flamboyant legendary performance stole the show on the day, they were by far the best artists and Freddie had the crowds in the palm of his hand, I actually attended this LiveAid concert and it was phenomenal,I also attended Queen at Wembley Stadium in 1986 , and Queen at Knebworth Park also in 1986 the crowd at Knebworth was estimated to be about 140 thousand people, this was Freddie’s very last live performance ever , great memories , great reaction thanks 🙏

[@caphowdy666]

You nailed it when you say they were not afraid to try different genres of music. You have barely scratched the surface with just how varied their style was. While at their heart they are a rock band, they were not afraid to throw in influences such as country, metal, opera and disco among other styles. Just looked at the huge differences between Bohemian rhapsody, Love of my life, Crazy little thing called love, Stone cold crazy or Under pressure. The band were incredibly versatile, but without Freddie I am not so sure they ever would have pulled this off. The man was a total diva, the ultimate showman, a great song write and had one of the most impressive vocal ranges ever. He really was the complete package. I don't care what type of rock music you listen to or if you even like Queen, if you do a top 10 vocalists list and do not include Freddie somewhere near the top, you lose all credibility.

[@paulconnett3654]

Me and my Mum watched this live on the TV. And we were bouncing around the living room. There's talent and then there is pure genius ! Also the genuine Joy on Millie's Face is beautiful..Cheer's Gorgeous.x 🇬🇧

[@maddogminecrafter8828]

i was about 8 years old and was there with my older sister and her boyfriend,it was thebest experience of my life,hard to believe he had a bad throat infection and his doctor advised him not to sing,his voice only falters once or twice that i can tell,just shows how much of a legend he was

[@VeryVocalPro]

Most people don’t know that because it was only mentioned as part of the commentary at the time, but it’s really incredible how he only sounded strained a few times, at the very beginning and the very end. Brilliant!

[@PickupthePieces76]

Fun facts: - Spike Edney was the fifth musician on stage with Queen on Live Aid. He started playing with Queen in 1984. He played keyboards/pian and guitar. You can see him, if you look closely, in the back left during "Hammer to Fall," and playing piano on "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". He kept playing with Queen after Freddie died, taking over his piano parts. - Radio GaGa was released a year prior to Live Aid and featured an epic music video. It shows, amongst other things, Queen on stage with people dressed all in white doing a synchronized clapping thing. These were fan club members invited for the video shoot. Most people in the crowd (also non-fans) would have seen that, so they knew what to do when they played the song.

[@mauk2861]

Saw them in 79 (Row2!) and 86.... broke my leg in 85 so sold my Live Aid ticket... done a few concerts in my time, but no one was as good as Queen.

[@keitmo]

I saw Queen in 1977 (their "News of the World" tour) in Fort Worth, TX. It was my first concert ever and it set the bar impossibly high for all future concerts.

[@schnarchei6572]

My first concert was seeing Queen on their "Jazz" tour. And a few times after that. Nobody has ever come close.

[@jayusrey3221]

keitmo, I grew up in Ft Worth. Where did you catch the concert.

[@keitmo]

@@jayusrey3221 Tarrant County Convention Center.

[@pumpkinmedic]

I love watching a millennial discover the music I grew up with. Her reactions are so genuine!

[@mjkjelland13]

I love to seeing people enjoy the magic the is Queen. Freddie sure did know how to work the crowd.

[@Joseph-bq4xv]

The Ultimate Showman!!! R.I.P Freddie..😢

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

Amen to THAT!!!!

[@mickmoore5840]

First saw Queen and Freddie 1982 Milton Keynes Bowl. Birmingham, Leiden , Wembley. Sheffield. An amazing band. Saw them last year with Adam Lambert . Amazing band. Freddie......we miss you!

[@caplondon]

I have seen this performance many times, but always enjoy seeing again. Awesome performance by Queen. Freddie again shows what a great vocalist and performer he was. Hard to argue against Freddie bring one of the best singers and entertainers ever. You really enjoyed this one! 😊🎉❤

[@alliswell2114]

seen them live in London Queens Silver Jubilee.... Amazing

[@kellycrook543]

Freddie is the BEST!!! NO one can work a crowd like Freddie did.....plus, no one has the range he did. He had the number 1 voice in rock and roll,....in history. Had no voice training, with the best vocals ever

[@zurnie]

This was truly an historical event. I was driving truck during that time period. The day of the concert I was hauling a truck load of oranges from southern Florida to California of all places. Cali had a bad crop that year so they had to get oranges from Florida. Every place I stopped during that run they had this concert on live broadcast TV. Billions of people world wide watched this as it happened. Very epic for the '80s. I had to physically drag my own ass back to the truck to complete the run more than once.

[@larryholmes69]

Thank you Millie, for reacting to this, it brought back so many great memories. I was at that concert, 6 rows from the stage just the left of the girl sitting on the guys shoulders. Whenever I see this vid, I still get goosebumps looking at my 32 year old self , rocking out with the rest of the crowd. Hard to believe this wasn't even a Queen concert, and although the rest of the acts where really amazing, Freddie and the boys certainly stole the show. I will look forward to more of your reactions.

[@dbradx]

The most amazing part of this is that Freddie was sick as a dog with a really bad flu, so sick that the doctor on site advised him not to perform, but he was such a showman, he went out and killed it anyway. I remember watching this whole concert live on TV, it was a huge event for us Gen Xers, and Freddie absolutely ruled, this was him and the whole band at the peak of their powers. Spine-tingling stuff for sure - awesome choice and great reaction!

[@HankD13]

This magical iconic performance is even more special than most people can appreciate. They had a 20 minuet set - hit song after hit song, re jigged for live performance, Freddie and his playing with the crowd... and they came in a few seconds of the 20 minuet mark. The crowd was the instrument that Freddie played the best. But it really was group effort - they moved and timed their music to help each other out. Roger Taylor on the drums was the master of the beat - and he kept it for the whole 20 set. It really was a phenomenal performance of perfection. Music of my teenage years - and my passing off (graduation) on joining the Army, disco was the newly released "We are the Champions"! Love the reaction, love the appreciation. RIP Freddie, keep heaven rocking.

[@peterfhere9461]

It must be remembered that Roger had a really good voice and helped Freddy. During We Are The Champions Freddy, because of his throat issue, dropped an octave on some notes ("no times for losers" twice towards the end for example) and Roger sang the higher note to keep it all sounding good.....

[@markmyers6472]

To help visualize how perfectly timed their performance was, in front of the center stage monitors are three flood lights... Green, Yellow, Red... Green goes on at 5 minutes left of your timeslot, Yellow at 1 minute left... and RED when your set is over and you are keeping the next act away from setup.... you can see they basically hit the last chord of the set when the light goes RED... they played EVERY SECOND available.....

[@Cory_Springer]

@ 8:50 i was talking about this performance with my dad today. He's not even a Queen fan, but he remembers watching this live on television in Minnesota, USA and this set kicking arse

[@stevensantiago8978]

I was fortunate enough to have seen Queen 6 times between the 70's and 80's..... they Never...EVER disappointed.... their shows and sound were always amazing!! Thank you for your reaction

[@Sidhelord]

I'm so thankfull to have seen Freddie and Queen live in 1986 in Cologne/Germany. There will be no one like him again. Like they say in the movie Highlander: There can be only one!

[@ellet6560]

The "fast" version of "We Will Rock You" live at Montreal 1981 is worth seeing. Queen opened the show with it! Also, "Somebody to Love" from the same concert will give you the goosies, as well. Happy Birthday, Freddie!👑

[@jokeith1722]

I wasn't in the crowd but watched it 'Live' on the television MTV which aired the bands in USA and Europe.

[@mikeshore5179]

Wasn’t at live aid, saw them in Manchester during the ‘Magic’ tour. Most amazing day of my life. Can’t describe it, Freddie had such an amazing presence.

[@jeffgreen8667]

Saw Queen in 1981 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Great concert. Freddie Mercury great, great singer and showman. I took pictures from the concert but I don't know if I could even find them now.

[@TheDamianvincent]

I was lucky to be a teenager in the 80's and was therefore fortunate to see many of the best stadium bands ever live, including Queen several times. However, Queen's live aid performance was without a doubt the greatest live experience of my life. To be able to completely outclass every other rock band in the world while remaining cool and humble as they always did just proves they were the best multitalented rock band ever.

[@tommarks3726]

OMG Milie your reaction was truly adorable. I could see your eyes sparkling. So genuine. You weren't just the reactor, but you looked like a real fan enjoying the show like the rest of us. Loved the reaction. Happy Birthday Freddie. RIP

[@sethlyman10]

I saw Queen live at Knebworth with Freddie on the 9th August 1986. I didn't realise at the time but it was their last live performance together. They were utterly brilliant!

[@careym3901]

I saw Queen live 4 times. They toured a ton in the late 70's & early 80's. They were a powerhouse & Freddie was always amazing! My memories of those shows is etched in my mind!

[@jkpole]

I took the time off work to watch Queen LIVE.. I will NEVER FORGET the LOVE

[@deborahdennehy9937]

'Crazy little thing called love' was written by Freddie Mercury - amazing as always. It was from the concert from Live Aid at the time (1985). At the time I was 25 & sadly didn't see them live. I'm from Liverpool (UK) & enjoyed every song from Queen & the fabulous Freddie Mercury - EXCELLENT!!!!!! 💝💝💝💝💝💝💝

[@markyncole]

They were my very first concert in 1982. It was their second show(Boston,MA) on their last US tour and Billy Squire opened for them. I paid 15 dollars to see it,no one has ever topped them and I've seen some of the best since then.

[@CharlesPhillips-no3sz]

The absolute greatest 22 minute set in the history of Rock & Roll Long Live Queen.............Freddie lives in our hearts !!! We miss you and love you so much ! RIP, Freddie ❤❤❤❤❤

[@sava9e266]

Freddie had laryngitis in that day and gave the best performance in history. GOAT 🐐

[@russcarvertruthjedi259]

I lived in Great falls Montana, so I wasn't there at Wembley stadium. I had just graduated high school, and I watched it on TV. It was an epic event. Over 1 billion people watched Queen's performance at live aid. As a side note, I've been a Phoenix Suns fan since I was a kid. Since I was a teenager, I have wanted to hear We are the champions at the end of their season. I'm 56 now and still waiting. All four of them could sing, but there is no greater voice than Freddie Mercury in all of music history. He is incredible. A side note, one of the most underrated guitarists in the history of rock music is Brian May, he is also by far the smartest guitarist in music history. Because of his day job, lead guitarist for Queen, it took him more than 30 years to earn his PhD in astrophysics. His dissertation was on cosmic dust, something that was extremely important and why the James Webb space telescope was developed. Infrared sees around space dust. One of my greatest regrets is never getting to see them in concert. By the time I was able to go regularly, they were never in my range to attend. I've seen over 150 concerts, but that list is incomplete without having seen. Freddie Mercury, Prince and journey with Steve Perry. Those three omissions break my heart. I loved watching your reaction, you always have such emotion to music. I was never talented enough to be a musician, but I wish you continued luck on your journey.

[@adamelliott18]

This was broadcast world wide on TV. Queen was almost not there but were added to the lineup. Good frickin thing! 😊

[@freddi7588]

I remember when this was beamed all over the world by t.v. , - this is an always will be the only one of worlds biggest concert's .

[@leofrsilvaSound]

This was one of the best show all the time, by the vocal GOAT, Freddie Mercury….🎸🎼

[@obangles]

yes i saw them on floor in front ,about 1980 opening a wall of white lights back of stage facing downward slowly,slowly rising from facing downward to facing directly in your face the band standing on the stage you saw their outline in the blinding white light until it was straight at you the they began to play so exciting and dramatic then the entire show amazing operators literally riding lights like on a horse in the air a fan since about age 14 im now 61 its exciting and enjoyable to watch your instant excitement,that show was incredible i've seen many shows

[@sabrinaaubret2732]

super réaction🙂! je suis une maman française qui était et est toujours super fan de Queen😍! Freddie était un showman et un performeur de talent👍! il me manque tellement 😢(RIP🙏)! dire que le groupe n'était pas prévu au programme et qu'il a littéralement happé tout le stadium rien qu'avec ses magnifiques chansons et Freddie avec ses "Eh oh" et sa voix puissante😉! Bohemian Rapsody est ma chanson préférée de Queen💖! mon seul regret est de ne pas avoir pu les voir en concert🥺! je les porterai dans mon coeur jusqu'à ma mort👏! A+ 💞

[@Timeteam-pl1si]

Milli the guitar brian may is playing him and his dad made that it has a special tone

[@grahamgresty8383]

I was 1 of the 2 billion TV audience during this charity performance! I saw them live on the 'News Of the World' tour at Wembley Empire: epic, I regularly tease my 30 year old son that I saw Freddy live!

[@riwl1]

What a great show I enjoy watching people of the younger generation's enjoying music I grew up with.. I saw Queen in 1976 in Columbus Ohio for their 'Night At The Opera' tour' I was in the 15th row main floor. It was Fantastic.!! I was 16yrs old at that time.

[@giniinthebottle5777]

I came to a concert of theirs in Budapest in the early 1980s quite by chance while on holiday. It was dope. Afterwards I was high on cloud nine three days in a row.

[@CHRISFREEMAY]

THIS IS QUEEN LITTLE LADY!! THE CHAMPIONS!!!!! ⚡👊🏻⚡

[@papercup2517]

Yes, the set was the same for Queen as for every other act in the long list of performers in this massive, global charity marathon - just 20 minutes, with (IIRC) 17 minutes actual playing time. They practised endlessly, to make sure they could fit in as many of their hits and recent releases as possible. Sadly, I never got to see them play, but did happen to meet Freddie and Roger, many years ago, before they were famous. I'd seen F around town a few times, and all 4 members of Queen once in the now famous Biba boutique in Kensington. I adored F instantly, each time I saw him, then forgot about him again until the next 'sighting'. There was just something about him, a special kind of radiance that made me want to be his friend - or lover! But, weirdly, when we did finally meet, in 1973 at the Kensington Market where he worked, and hung out for a while chatting (he was both adorably shy, and friendly and chatty, IRL), I had the most horrible premonition. In retrospect, I think I somehow saw a glimpse of the whole 1980s AIDS epidemic - something about sex (especially gay sex) and sickness all mixed up. I saw Freddie's physical decline, loss of youthful/external beauty, and death. It was so weird, and scary, I kind of panicked and couldn't think of anything more to say, and just said 'See ya" and turned and walked away.... Always intending to go back and catch up with my new 'friend', instead my life took a turn in another direction, away from London, and I forgot all about him - yet again! - until recently; and never did see him again, at least 'in the flesh'... :-) Happy Birthday, darling Freddie. Always in my heart, in spirit, and fond remembrance.

[@davidsmith8279]

Watched loads of reaction videos to this legendary set and can honestly say yours is the most enjoyable one I've seen. You looked every bit as awestruck as we all were when we first seen it. I was 8 when this happened and I remember it very clearly. Remember watching on tv with pretty much my entire neighbourhood. Was an unforgettable day remembered for this truly extraordinary once in a lifetime performance.

[@trisonancia]

Today is the birthday of the great and eternal Freddie Mercury!!! Great choice for your reaction video

[@sherryheim5504]

Happy Birthday Freddie. Legend, never forgotten. You picked the right video, there is another one that cuts off at the end which really is a buzz-kill. Yes! I have seen Queen live with Freddie way back in the early days. They were outstanding and to be honest, though I have been to more concerts than I can count or even remember, even all the Greats, there is no concert like a Queen concert, the energy the communication with the crowd and the insane talent that each member presents with. It is a wonderful memory that will be with me for my entire lifetime and beyond, I am sure. The name Queen: Okay, Brian and Roger were in a band called Smile and when their singer/bass player left for another band, Roger and Brian were thinking about just dissolving the band but Freddie who was a fan of Smile asked them to not do that and go forward with him singing. They decided to give Freddie a try and though his voice was not the best at that point, his piano skills sealed the deal since both Brian and Roger could sing, they weren't in a tight spot. Together with another bass player they made a demo. When Freddie herd that demo back he said no, he didn't want to sound like that so he really started working on his vocals. The band was talking about a name change and Freddie suggested Queen because it was regal and would make people curious about the band. Roger and Brian were unsure but eventually relented and the name Queen was chosen. After trying out about 7 bass players, John Deacon was chosen because he was a great bass player, he seemed as though he would fit in and he had a degree in electronics. Freddie had a degree in fashion/design/advertising so he dressed the band in ways that he said would make people curious even before they heard them play and he also drew the Queen logo which is based on the zodiac signs of the four members of the band. Old Wembley Stadium held 72, 000 people and it was sold out. For this show, Queen shortened some songs and sped up others to fit them into the allowed 20 minute time slot. The song Crazy Little Thing Called Love was Freddie's tribute to Elvis, it is said that he wrote it in 10 minutes while in the bath. Brian plays 3 different guitars on that song in this performance. Thank you for your fun reaction.

[@kentnottingham9635]

Saw them in Portland Oregon for the HOT SPACE tour with Billy Squire. So amazing and yes, he completely controlled us!!!

[@Melly01]

I watched this from the comfort of my parents' living room. But I did see Queen live in St. Louis, Missouri in 1981. What you see here is what you get. Pure, amazing energy and ridiculously high, electric energy. And that voice! Freddie was everything you could want in a front man and every band member is such a talented musician! Freddie did have everyone in the palm of his hand. It's weird to think now that I was living through history and didn't realize it ...

[@tomstanziola1982]

I love the sound of everyone in Wembley Stadium all singing along with one voice!!! I get chills!!! 👏👏👏👏❤️ R.I.P. Freddie Mercury!!! ❤️

[@kristiedaniels9325]

I love how you just look at him with admiration…me too sweetie me too ♥️😘

[@gordfranks6825]

Seen Queen 4 times in Toronto. Best 4 concerts I've ever seen. You're correct - nobody controlled the crowd like Freddie. I love seeing people's reactions seeing their various shows for the first time. Brings back great memories and tears to my eyes ❤

[@djhoneylove5710]

1982 Houston Tx. Hot Space tour. Freddie was charismatic and splendid.

[@ingovonderluhe2174]

One of the Greatest Perfonances in Rock History !!!!!!

[@wendtsmanwendtsman9597]

I watched this live as it was broadcast world wide. Queen took over the stage and killed it for over 20 minutes none stop.Some of the other acts were reported to have said that Queen stole the whole concert that day. I read that Freddie was fighting flu leading up the show and was not sure he could perform but as the video shows he was terrific.

[@ninino86]

Im so jealous you were able to see it live. I was born but still a baby. The best I could manage was to watch Live-eight live. Which was also great

[@peacemaker6662]

Even more incredible was they were considered 'has been' at the time, they actually had to ask to be included in the set, they weren't asked to perform. Not bad that they were best either side of the pond! They were the very best.

[@blackcountryme]

I watched till the end of Radio GaGa, and went outside to fix my BMX. it was a lovely day in West Bromwich 😂

[@paultreneary]

I still have my VHS (with the simulcast FM Hi-Fi stereo sound!) - I saw some of the later performances in the back of my car, on a portable TV, with some chums who were gigging on the same day

[@TenCapQuesada]

Great reaction, and thank you so much for not picking the "cut" version which has appeared so often in other reactions just lately. Well done, and let's have more Queen!

[@DualityofLife]

This was at the absolute peak of Live Aids watchtime, it is estimated out of the 4.85 billion people in the world, 1.9 BILLION people, so basically everyone who had access to watch it, watched it. An absolutely incredible event and Queen`s performance was, to this day, the SINGLE BEST live performance this planet has been blessed with.

[@keymack2477]

Millie, thanks for the reaction on Freddie's birthday! I was lucky enough to see Queen live three times between 1976 and 1981 and each show was EPIC! One of the greatest live bands ever, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend those shows!!

[@HitchinBaz]

You mentioned the crowd in the film. Many of the people in the crowd were at the original show and were invited to the shooting of this scene in the film. The rest was stock footage from the live show and some cgi. The close ups were actual people who were there for the original live performance. My favourite story was of a man who took his son to the shoot as his father (who took him to the live show) was no longer with us

[@thatpatrickguy3446]

Great reaction to perhaps the greatest live performance ever. I have always thought that John Deacon is a criminally underrated bassist/multi-instrumentalist and electronic innovator. Freddie always said that the instrument he played best was the audience. Truth. He has a sore throat and his doctor told him that he shouldn't perform here. His thoughts on the matter were different, obviously. Talking about Queen's willingness to experiment with musical styles, the albums Day At The Races and Night At The Opera are prime demonstrations of that willingness to experiment with different styles and concepts. Absolutely are worth a listen or sixteen. A friend of mine said that a lot of different people came for a lot of different bands but then, suddenly, EVERYONE was there for Queen. She also told me that a lot of performers were not there to do much more than to come out, play a few songs, and then leave. No spectacle, just a quick side gig to get done quickly and then go on. Once Queen hit the stage, no one wanted to have to be the next band up. For a performance where I'm told many bands just mailed in a luckluster effort, Queen came to create an energy. Obviously, they did.

[@paulawalters9639]

I was there and it was breath taking x 13th July 1985 , I was 17 years of age x

[@ianbrooke6342]

Freddie was a total god, and always will be. The audience there at Wembley was around 70,000 but it was televised live world-wide with a tv audience of almost 2 billion, and I was one of them 😃 Still annoyed I failed to get tickets!

[@MrDocninja]

I saw it on TV and was 10 years old at that time, oh the magnificent 80‘s...

[@ninino86]

Be happy you were alive

[@LincolnImp]

Saw them in Manchester in '86. Best concert I've seen, ever. Freddie was asked in Japan, I think, "What instrument he played", he responded, "The audience, darling"

[@JesseLarrian]

Cool Millie! Love this live aid moment! Next you can do Oktaf Kanis - Come On 🙏🏻🔥

[@Northumbergull]

It was nice of all the other bands to come that day and play along at the Queen concert 😉❤

[@f.murphy8340]

Saw them from the second row in 1979 - Buffalo NY. Stunning. Very heavy. Acoustic mini-set in the middle of the concert. Freddy was astounding.

[@lindasmith4171]

I took my younger sister to see them live. Amazing, fantastic concert! Threw a towel to my sister (she was on crutches)❤👑

[@leftcoaster67]

There's a lot of videos from Queen in Montreal in 1981, and live they sound as good as they are on the albums. 4 insanely talented individuals.

[@Fonpol68]

Musta had poutine 😂

[@edlargent8383]

I'm old enough to have seen Queen live with Freddie 4 times. Trust me, a Queen concert is an experience like no other. Check out White Queen live at Hammersmith Odeon and Love of My Life live at Wembley.

[@c.i.joenwi]

I agree, We Will Rock You does sound a bit faster than I remember, but they also only had about a 20 minute set from what I remember about this concert.

[@lidiavilasecaperramon6983]

I really like these faster live versions of their songs.

[@ivorwelch8446]

amazing concert and what a great reaction from you, you are so young and wonderful you appreciate this from over 35 years ago

[@qwert826Y]

The crowd in the Radio Gaga music video do that synchronised clapping thing as well, so that's how the audience at Live Aid knew to do it.

[@janethernandez724]

I'm glad you mentioned that. Had she watched the original "Radio Ga Ga" video she would know how the audience knew to clap along at the right time of the song. Many of us back at home watching this on television, we sang along with the song a clapped along with the crowd. I'm glad we got to watch this when it was televised!

[@JerryClair]

I liked the "Live Aid" version of the song. Little faster tempo. More power. Audience boosted it . Just my take

[@jorgefall]

It is important to mention that the people who participated in the recording of the video clip were all from the Queen's fan club

[@DaveE13hammer]

I remember this like it was yesterday. Still best gig ever

[@fugawiaus]

With the crowd clapping and putting their hands up during “radio ga ga”, that comes from the music video. It’s standard at their concerts. I saw them during “the works” tour in Sydney Australia. Incredible.

[@alessiopittore7203]

he had a voice he had stage presence charisma he had everything!! dear friend you are missed so much..............🥲