Queen - Live Aid Performance REACTION - DOES IT HOLD UP? (Singer reacts)

[@Phoebes1940s]

I WAS there...on the hottest day of the year...I stood, sang, danced and cried for 10 hours. It was AMAZING!!

[@BradSteele]

Now that must be a memory for the ages!

[@austenrobinson2747]

No gimmicks, auto tune, effects just the greatest live performance ever by a legendary band and the greatest front man ever.

[@karenj3611]

Does it hold up? Of course it does! It’s Queen and Freddie fricking Mercury, it will hold up 100 years from now.

[@susanengland3919]

It still puts today's performances to shame. There's only one Freddie Mercury. I've probably watched this performance a hundred times and no one has had it covered. Queen was not on the list of bands appearing since they signed on late so the crowd wasn't expecting to see them. They almost didn't since Freddie had laryngitis the week before. His doctor advised him to cancel the performance and rest his voice. Freddie ignored the advice and went onto make rock history. It wasn’t only Queen who realized they had been sensational. Paul Gambaccini, who was part of the BBC broadcasting team at Live Aid, recalled the awe among other superstar musicians watching backstage. “Everybody realized that Queen was stealing the show,” said Gambaccini. These were the very words Elton John uttered when he rushed into Mercury’s trailer after the set. “You bastards, you stole the show,” joked the charismatic star. “Queen smoked ’em. They just took everybody. They walked away being the greatest band you’d ever seen in your life, and it was unbelievable,” said Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters. “And that’s what made the band so great; that’s why they should be recognized as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, because they could connect with an audience.”

[@sharonhalliday3180]

Spike Edney was on piano. He still performs with Queen + Adam Lambert. They will be touring the U.S. this fall. He performed through the Magic tour in 1986 as well, so Freddie could spend more time in front of the audience. This is definitely holding up today, in fact it surpasses any band performance today. No autotune or prerecorded music.

[@GinMae]

Yes - Spike never got credit back in the day...:)

[@astraboots]

Amazing to think that Freddie performed at Live Aid against doctor's orders as he was suffering a throat infection. Brian and Freddie did come back later that evening and sang( is this the world we created) millions was raised for starving children in Ethiopia and the concert was watched globally by 1.9 billion people. I think what Elton John said at the time who would want to follow that, says it all.

[@bethany_dawn5222]

It’s still the best live performance of all time in my humble opinion.

[@jeanluke39]

Prince halftime show is something else too .... 😊🎉

[@clivenewman4810]

Wouldn't call it infamous, certainly legendary.

[@Potato_salad345]

No it's not. It's childish rubbish nonsense

[@Envyshipperforever]

It is

[@kendallneason3645]

Of course it holds up. My grandkids love Queen songs and have watched live aid with me. That band was composed of 4 brilliant musicians who all wrote hit songs. People who think they haven’t heard Queen usually just don’t realize the songs they have loved since kids are Queen songs. Such a tragedy Freddie was taken from us in 1991. He was so charismatic and his voice so beautiful.

[@lucentaunisage]

So much to say about this performance but this 20 minute set has been called one of the best live music performances of all time. Transitions so smooth, they owned this crowd live as well as televised and it was pure freaking magic!

[@christineirving4491pluviophile]

'Crazy Little Thing...' was indeed Freddie's tribute to Elvis. The gentleman on piano was Mr Spike Edney who the band brought in around '84 to allow Freddie the freedom to do his thing on stage ( Spike still plays with the band). As for who followed Queen on stage that day - that would be one David Bowie.

[@russellstanton7583]

Somebody To Love - Montreal 1981. Simply stunning

[@Ken_Dodds_Tickling_Stick]

As a 16 year old, myself and 2 friends travelled by train from Glasgow to Kings Cross, made our way to Wembley because we were big Adam Ant fans. It cost us £25 a ticket. Off course we knew who Queen were, but after that performance, Adam Ant was just another act on stage. To this day, im a massive Queen fan. Being 1 on the lucky 72,000 people in that stadium, I'll never ever forget that day as long as i live. Does the performance hold up......yes right at the top spot. I doubt that 25 minutes will ever be beaten. R.I.P Mr Mercury. The legend will never be forgotten. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Melissa02891]

I watched all 16 hours of Live Aid and that by far is the best 20 minutes of the entire concert. Queen wasn't even on the program so that crowd got an unexpected surprise. 👑

[@SummerRose56]

No question that this performance not only holds up, but has proven to be a timeless, iconic gem that will never be matched or surpassed. How blessed we are to be able to watch this over and over again and witness Freddie at his incomparable peak! 💖💖💖

[@sherryheim5504]

Without a doubt. What a great performance! From what I recall (it has been a long time), David Bowie followed Queen. One of the few people who could actually keep the crowd momentum going. Spike Edney, a multi-instrumentalist, often called the 5th member of Queen is on keys. The last few years of the band, Freddie wanted to stay up front so they hired Spike to do keys on songs Freddie opted out of playing piano. Spike also played other instruments for Queen on live shows and was a member of Brian May Band and also tours with Roger during his solo tours.

[@barrys1342]

Someone so small And yet larger than life Today’s artists wouldn’t dare compare or compete Instead Respect and learning about presentation, performance, artistry, musicianship and humility - is more important ❤

[@terrilabeth]

Yes, it held up at the time and it holds up to this day!! And so does the encore, which people rarely react to. And Freddie was sick….you can tell if you really listen to them often. But it was still so great. I also love their rehearsal for this performance video that is also available on YT! Shoutout to Roger on backup vocals he really filled in! And Spike on the piano when Freddie is not playing it. BTW, hello Brad! 👋🏻

[@sharonhalliday3180]

That was Is This The World We Created as an encore. It is usually blocked but you can see it performed at Wembley 1986 Magic tour

[@claudettesmith8328]

I had to see your face when Freddie plays with the audience😂.

[@cmoeller3]

This concert will be FOREVER timeless!!!

[@blastingweevil2968]

the best 25 minutes in the history of music.. the crowd was not even a queen crowd yet you can hear them singing word for word.... they sound better live than most bands that only sing in a studio.. and this is freddy with a sore throat he was advised not to perform by a doctor.

[@deborahallen3318]

Legends hold up, that's why they are Legends Darling! 👑🌈❤️ oh forgot to mention, awesome reaction Brad!👏

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

FANTASTIC REACTION, BRAD! AND FYI… There is ALSO A QUEEN ENCORE. Freddie & Brian did an acoustic song: “IS THIS THE WORLD WE CREATED?” (The video is on the Official Live Aid Channel)

[@deanmaximus9770]

If i could time travel this is one of the first places id go to, enough said.

[@josie3028]

For sure it holds up today queen songs are timeless and Freddie the legendary voice crowd control Noone since than will ever be even close to him he is unhuman talent you said it stage presence his energy ihave chills when I listen to this outstanding performance and the best ever existed thanks❤

[@lumaalessandra7535]

For me, Brad, Queen MY FAVORITE BAND STOLED THE SHOW, they DRIVE ME CRAZY, especially my BIGGEST ROCK IDOL Freddie Mercury, I love Queen's shows!!!!!!! ❤

[@AngelDawn1982]

To this day this is still the best live performance EVER!!!

[@annokrat]

I haven't scrolled through all comments, so in case somebody already answered your questions, my apologies: the piano player is Spike Edney. He was their back up musician since 84, Freddie wanted more freedom on stage. He is their piano player until today. And the line up: Dire Straits came before and the unfortunate gentleman who had to follow, was the legendary David Bowie

[@koshtie]

The late David Bowie was on next & was heard saying how the f-ck do i follow that?

[@susaneuliano7692]

Freddie and Queen will always be at the top today and forever. That's what legends do. It never gets old for me... He is like fine wine getting better with age. Let us keep him alive forever. P.S., the verbage that blocked Freddie from view was absurd.

[@Calmontheoutside]

I think it was Roger who said Freddie was like metronome. This set, especially that piano opening, is such a great example of his incredible precision in everything. Always missing him. ❤.

[@lindsaycrellin4588]

Just wish they would have shown more of Roger pounding those drums keeping the time making sure they didn’t go over the time allotted along with John’s brilliant bass playing such a fantastic rhythm section Brian with his amazing guitar playing & Freddie well what can you say ❤❤ one amazing band ❤️❤️ of course it holds up best 20 minutes of all time xx

[@michaeldecker3480]

I've seen other reactors do this with no covering and not get blocked

[@BradSteele]

Same. There’s little to no consistency from KZbin on what they will allow vs. won’t. I tried to post it unblocked and it blocked me

[@kellycrook543]

YES!!!!! THE BEST FRONTMAN/PERFORMANCE EVER!!!!

[@SummerRose56]

That was Spike Edney on keys that day, but he also played rhythm guitar and backed vocals for Queen on a number of their tours over the years. As far as rehearsal for Live Aid, Queen booked the Shaw Theater in London for the week prior just to perfect their set list. When you watch the whole event for that day, it seems apparent that most of the other bands didn't make that same effort. ETA: Despite having a throat infection and being advised by his doctor not to perform that day, Freddie absolutely slayed it, giving one of the most iconic performances of his career. RIP, legend. 🙏🌹❤

[@phild6193]

David Bowie had to follow them, think he said something along the lines of “how am I meant to fucking follow that😳”

[@anne-mariesindruprix4792]

Queen never gets blocked - they want us to hear their music - - I drop out--

[@lizzyfletcher3175]

It still holds up even more now! 💕💕

[@johnwhalen5198]

Arguably the greatest 20 minutes in rock music history. Flawless.

[@colliefalke4]

Thank you for this little moment of Queen , this is my life . Greetings from germany

[@nealfahey4328]

yep. that's the legend that is Spike Edney on piano during "crazy". and those that are eagle eyed will have seen him playing thoughout the whole set

[@marshajensen8415]

Spike Edny played piano. He still plays for Queen + Adam Lambert.

[@daveloboda1769]

Freddie is the GOAT, the best frontman of any band ever. I was at the same stadium the year after this for a gig in what was the last tour Queen did. What a night.

[@ericlennert6883]

Queen was one of a Kind

[@terridostal1348]

Their music is timeless. Thats why my 11 yr old granddaughter loves them

[@XxThePhantomFreezexX]

Queen doesnt block ppl from reacting to their vids if its from their official channel .. dey arent petty like The Eagles 💀

[@dannyboynffc87]

I literally watch this performance once a month after a few beers! i wish i was alive when this happend!

[@geek1027]

This concert was sold out before Queen was announced to be there.

[@jamesfretwell1511]

Freddie and Brian come back out and performed, is this the world we created. I dont know if anyone has mentioned the fact that Freddie's doctor pleaded with him not to do this performance, because he had a seriously bad throat. Luckily for all of us queen fans he ignored the doctors advice.

[@jimmy67G]

I love hammer to fall I even loved it when Gary Cherone and Tony Iommi for the tribute concert for Freddie which in itself was amazing xxxshanna

[@susanengland3919]

An interesting video about this performance is "The Story of Queen at Live Aid".

[@Sassypaws4927]

After Queen, David Bowie with Mick Jagger in a prerecorded video followed Queen. The piano player is Philip "Spike" Edney who Queen hired to tour with them in later concerts when Freddie did not want to play the piano as much and preferred to be out front. He also sometimes played guitar and sang backup. He still travels with the half version of Queen (Brian and Roger) with Adam Lambert. Freddie did sound bad that day since he was performing against the doctor's orders because of a throat infection. Freddie and Brian performed "Is This the World That We Created" in the closing of the Wembley venue at 9:41. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJradaJtlKyroK8 ,

[@jimmy67G]

There's no band that could touch them you can argue with me but you tell me a band that will ever touch them either live or on record God bless you Freddie 🙏 rip xxxshanna

[@trevorgoddard2278]

You're right they did rehearse the set (there are videos of them practicing), it is one of the reasons they were able to fit so many hits into the allotted 20 minutes, many others didn't bother and it shows. You commented on Freddie's great voice, but this is a Freddie recovering from laryngitis, you can just hear his voice break a bit during We are the Champions. David Bowie was up next (a good friend of the band) and it is reported that he half jokingly said "Bast**ds" to them as they came off stage.

[@evansphenomenal]

There was a crack during Bohemian Rhapsody too

[@sallycripe2697]

YES!!

[@f_rozak]

Nobody else has stage presence like that

[@hannahhester8376]

Yes, absolutely!

[@097534]

I believe local council insisted on a volume limiter be put on the P.A system but when Queen went on it was strange it got turned off, great.

[@Jon-ks3ds]

it's a big shame whoever edited this left out the last part. Another fantastic song.

[@deniseleger2683]

Greatness ❤

[@nancyblumberg4612]

Does it hold up. …. Are you kidding me? This performance is considered the best live rock show ever!

[@lunagal]

Oh yes yes YES it holds the CROWN!

[@bartonbagnes4605]

I would definitely say it holds up.

[@wotspur]

Freeddie v the crowd often went on for 5 mins or more and was great fun…. It always ended with Freddie telling the crowd to F off , with his typical laugh - greatest front man ever

[@TammyDenney]

No one ever covered their screen like this!! No one has ever been blocked . 😉

[@BradSteele]

All I can tell ya is I tried and was blocked

[@alainanash4905]

I think Freddie knew this would hold up. He wanted to be a legend.

[@imocchidoro]

Queen was the best band EVER, and Freddie was a magical being.

[@tidus2881]

Yeah Freddie and Bryan came out and did the song is this the world we created

[@Rockerlita]

The greatest

[@marshajensen8415]

David Bowie followed them on stage.

[@viviennerose6858]

Sorry to bombard you with all my comments, but you were right about being rehearsed. I believe they were possibly the only band that did. They were given a 20 minute slot - as were all others - and they overran by 20 seconds! How incredible was that. And kudos to you for pointing out the pianist, I've never paid any attention to that until now.

[@spacefanatic]

He had a bad throat and was told by a doctor not to perform. However he did and the rest is history. Freddie was the greatest front man of all time and Queen as a whole were amazing. They also all had a set time to perform and if they went over it they would be cut off. However, Queen finished exactly on time and did the most songs.

[@viviennerose6858]

Don't know if already mentioned, but following act was David Bowie, who said to Queen (cleaned up version lol) how the hell do we follow that! You have to feel some pity for Every act that had to follow this masterpiece. I always feel I'm at the concert in person, even though watched many reactions to it. Btw yours is by far my favourite, because you notice and comment on things others don't!

[@andersgranstrom7128]

Best frontman ever, for sure! 😍Fantastic concert!! Thanks Brad! I used to watch all your Dirty Loops reactions - just loved them! What happened, is the love still there? 🙂

[@BradSteele]

I literally listen to Dirty Loops constantly in my personal time 😂😂 they just haven’t released any new material to check out for the first time on the channel recently! Thanks for watching!

[@andersgranstrom7128]

@@BradSteele Ahh yeah, true! I want to thank you for those first reactions, when I got on the DL-train! Now I look forward to a concert with then on the 21st of September, here in Stockholm! 🙂

[@GinMae]

Thanks, Brad - so what do you think?? Does it "hold up"? lol P.S. encore with Freddie & Brian "is this the world we created?" -- they had sound problems at first, but they were corrected... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJradaJtlKyroK8

[@sandrahilton3239]

of course it holds up, no band can out sing or out perform Queen. They had a tribute concert after Freddie died and they needed 30 people to do what Freddie did, no one could out sing him. No, one person can sing his songs other than Adam Lambert. No one else has the stage presence or the vocal range to compete with him.

[@jwoyshnar]

Does it hold up? It's known as the greatest live performance ever

[@charlenecannon7126]

Yes!

[@viviennerose6858]

Those two were not real policemen, but a comedy duo called Smith and Jones!

[@viviennerose6858]

Btw you mentioned about the sweat on his face, but bear in mind this was in July! Yes, shocking, I know, but we do Sometimes have sun in the UK lol. Appropriate for that day in particular

[@RockinMamaT]

Freddie stole Live Aid❤😂

[@lisaargyrou1488]

Waw 😻😍 beautiful 🧁 Freddie ❤️ oh yes it most definitely does 🤩 Freddie Mercury is simply unique 🤩

[@Lightness555]

WITHOUT A SHADOW OF DOUBT MY FRIEND!!!! Freddie Mercury is and was the BEST as far as I am concerned..

[@jazzlefettie]

You’re kidding, right? 😅 Of course it still stands up. Best live rock show of all time, watched by over a billion people as it was taking place….and how many people have watched it on video since?? Another billion or so?? And to think that Freddie wasn’t feeling well and had been advised by his doctor not to sing cuz of the throat issues he was having. But Freddie ignored that advice, tossed back a couple of vodka shots before going on stage, and hit it out of the park for all time!

[@robsambosky6444]

GREETINGS EARTH GUY: Good vid. The phrase you're looking for is 'bring the house down' not "burn the house down." I always love it when people blend metaphors.

[@1996vivian]

And Freddy was under the weather when they did this!

[@nigelw7626]

Hold up to what exactly?

[@annelieskarlas3134]

Yes it does

[@viviennerose6858]

For one day in 1985 a different Queen ruled England!

[@davidmalarkey1302]

A stupid question of course it still holds up zero autotune or lipsycing just pure raw talent from all 4 members of one of the greatest live bands ever. David Bowie followed them on the day.😂

[@BLew657]

Freddie at 80% with a throat infection advised by his doctor not to perform. This performance will hold up forever 👌

[@pamelariker5525]

OMG my one regret, not being there!!!!!

[@nancyblumberg4612]

Queen never blocks anyone, the words are not necessary and ruins the video

[@terrigabriel582]

You have a Good Ear enjoyed your Reaction

[@clarenceflam]

I think it was David Bowie that followed Queen, so not bad competition!

[@WaldschratEule]

May you'll hear; Bohemian Rhapsodie from the group PENTATONIX ( there are acapella singers) .... will blow you away.

[@jimmy67G]

My partner argues with me on top guitarists my top 5 are 1 Brian May 2 Slash who are tight 3 the edge 4. Mark knophler 5.Jimi Hendrix av got to add David Gilmore, ricky valens and buddy holly please remember i am still youngish but i bet but thats my top 5 i mean i could swap the edge for dave gilmour also dave grohl is anotherxxxshanna

[@jome7382]

Daft question really, of course it does!

[@bocephus1911]

Elvis was Freddie’s idol,

[@PhantomAngelofMusic]

David Bowie followed Queen after this. Not that I know personally, I was only born in '88. But that's what google tells me. And I trust my Matrix/Skynet overlord. Anyway. Can't think of anyone else who would have been able to stand up to the crowd after Freddie like that, BUT Bowie.